To Lottie, a smile was a smile, and she didn't care how pretty it looked, she cared that it was sincere. Hel's was sincere, if a bit nervous. Which Lottie could totally understand. For some people, meeting new people could be intimidating. No that sh knew personally. But she'd heard.
She tried to smile back, but her sister's hand was still over her mouth. She'd sort of forgotten that as her parents were making introductions. Now, even as she tried to pull Styxie's hand away, Philotes was beaming at their guest, ready to greet her. And she didn't waste any time once she could move her lips again, even though her mouth was still partially covered.
“You're the queen? Do you have a palace? And servants? And a tiara? And are you ever even there? I mean, death is a very busy job. We have a brother who is death too, and he's never home because maybe you've met him? Thanatos? He's about this tall, and he wears these really somber robes, even though I keep telling him that people would like a little bit of lightness at the end, you know? It's scary, because it's unknown, so something bright and cheery would make it easier, don't you think? Like flowers, maybe. Flowers would be good, maybe some red ones. Not everything has to be black. Sorry, Daddy.”
Lottie paused for a breath, leaning away from Styx in order to get closer to Hel when she spoke. “But it's really wonderful that you've come to join us for dinner because making new friends is so much fun and I can't wait to learn all about you and your pantheon. Does everybody really wear helmets with horns on them and big fur capes? Do they really eat raw meat and rotting fish? Who came up with that idea? Is everybody blond like you? You have such pretty hair. It looks like silver in the firelight, just the palest shade of gold. I love it. And I really want to hug you, I'm an excellent hugger, you can ask anybody, but I'm not sure if it will hurt you, and I really don't want to do that, so if it will hurt you, I'll just hug Styx instead. She secretly likes my hugs, she just doesn't want to admit it. You see how she is actually hugging me right now, right? I have witnesses, Styx. So can I, Hel? Hug you? Is that alright?”