Persephone Grayson

@girlbimbo as Persephone Grayson

> "I have the patience of a saint, and you're testing it."
>
> - Effie towards Issac

Persephone Valeria Grayson, better known as Effie, is a Year 13 student at Camshire Institute, who joined the chatroom in Chapter 3: Stitching the Seams. She has no real relationships with any other students in Camshire besides Cara, an old childhood friend.

Effie suffers from multiple health conditions, and is seen as a very sweet person to others. She has successfully convinced meaner members of the chatroom to calm down and back off on multiple occasions, though others aren't sure of her methods. Effie has helped other members of the chatroom, such as Maverick and Merri, and is rarely seen to be miserable.

Despite preferring 'Effie,' she doesn't seem to mind others calling her Persephone, explaining that it was the name her mother gave her in the hopes it would make Effie feel powerful as she got older. The main reason she goes by Effie is that she says it's shorter, easier to remember and finger spell.

## Biography

Persephone was born to Phoebe Campbell, who carried her for her adoptive mothers, Elizabeth Grayson and Emily Night. She was born at 29 weeks- about three months premature- and miraculously survived, though was born deaf.

### Early Life

At birth, Effie suffered necrotising entercolitis, though this was resolved via surgery. Her mothers seemed to have completely opposite jobs- Elizabeth at the time was a Second Lieutenant- an Artillery Officer, whereas Emily was a sewing assistant. Her hearing loss was noted early on, as both women realised Effie gave no response to her name, their voices or any musical toys. They did, however, note that Effie was a very happy baby, though seemed to have breathing difficulties. Her peanut allergy was picked up when she was ten months old and went into anaphylaxis.

When she was five, her adoptive brother, Helios Grayson, was born. The entire family learned British Sign Language for Effie. She was diagnosed with asthma shortly afterwards when Effie had a severe asthma attack at primary school. Her mothers noted other odd behaviours, and took her to the doctors, who initially refused to refer Effie to any specialists. The two persisted until they were referred. Effie was then diagnosed with dysautonomia and POTS.

At ten, Elizabeth went into Royal Signals, becoming a Captain in the military. When Effie realised this meant Elizabeth would be away from home for longer, she struggled greatly with this. She didn't knew when her mother would come home, or if she would come home at all. Her adoptive sister, Carya, was born, and Effie was diagnosed with Restless Leg Syndrome. Effie attended a normal high school up until Year 9, whereby she switched to Camshire. She was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus beforehand.

### Joining Camshire Institute

Elizabeth switched jobs again, this time a Major in Army Intelligence, which soothed a lot of Effie's anxiety. Now being 14, Effie became depressed, feeling isolated due to her deafness and physical health. She began to date people- often people she hardly knew- in an effort to feel less lonely. This resulted in Effie being taken advantage off more often, until a rather mean incident with an ex partner. Effie began to anonymously spread rumours about this person, and was never caught about this. Persephone was diagnosed with her mental health issues around this time.

### Stitching the Seams

Effie joins the chatroom as her Elizabeth returns to Artillery as a Major. She is kindly greeted by a few students, though Maverick and Frankie try to pressure Effie into drinking despite her politely declining. They continue to try to pressure her, though she continues to decline. Maverick discusses the recent incident with Merri, and Effie offers her advice on his apology.

Talking to Trygve, Effie notices his odd behaviours relating to Mia, and manipulates him into opening up. She then manipulates Darius into giving his opinion on Mia, which sparks the closest thing to a friendship Effie has.

Following this, Effie seems to disappear- in reality, she is in a lupus flare up, her immune system attacking her brain. She initially ignores this.

### Ink Blot Stains

Effie is hospitalised due to the flare up, as she's begun having seizures. She mentions in the group chat that she's been sick for a while, though doesn't tell them she's been hospitalised, believing nobody will care. Effie is not particularly present throughout this Chapter- except in DMs, when she manipulates Mia into leaving Trygve alone, and befriending her before Mia's departure. She manages to negotiate with the hospital to allow her to attend the Spring Formal.

### Broken Bells

Lexie tries to get Darius' IP after an argument, and, unaware of who it is, Effie offers to help- however, she takes it back upon learning that Lexie is trying to harm Darius. Effie is briefly discharged, and surprises everyone by befriending Erebus.

### Falling, Flaming Stars

Effie is not really present in the chatroom during this chapter- exhausted in the nurse's wing. When August is rude to Merri, Effie manipulates him into apologising to her.

### Haunted Hearts

She hasn't been particularly present this chapter- asides from helping reunite Revna and Trygve, and coming close to losing her temper with Issac due to his disrespect regarding the situation.

## Personality

The vast majority of the time, Effie is friendly and seen with a smile on her face. She's kind-hearted, and known for being incredibly sweet towards others, having good intentions the majority of the time. Effie isn't overly confident, but doesn't have low self esteem either. The only things she's insecure about are her voice and her laugh. She's protective of others, and rarely has jealousy problems, grateful with what she has.

Arrogance is the last possible word to describe Effie. She is incredibly optimistic and always wants to cheer others up. Despite being rarely punctual, Effie is hardworking and intelligent. She is usually quite honest and very observant.

Effie has been seen to manipulate others- usually not for any bad reasons. For example, manipulating Trygve into opening up about Mia's mistreatment, convincing Darius to help her, manipulating Mia to leave Trygve alone and manipulating August into apologising to Merri. Contrary to popular belief, she feels immeasurably guilty over this, to the point where it keeps her awake at night.

It is known that Effie suffers from multiple conditions, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Dysautonomia, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Asthma, a severe peanut allergy and profound hearing loss.

## Relationships

### Carina Duke

Carina Duke, better known as Cara, is a childhood friend of Effie's. They know each other as their mothers, Elizabeth and Emma, knew each other. Cara is rather protective over Effie, and means a lot to her- for example, Cara's messages are set to go through when Effie's phone is on mute. They are each other's only friends.

### Darius Bennet

Darius is the closest person Effie considers to be a friend besides Cara. She manipulated him into helping her, and was surprised when he continued to be nice to her afterwards. When talking to him, she mimics his Regency Era way of talking in the hopes that he will like her more for it. He was ready to visit her when she was ill, though she politely declined.

### Erebus Bennet

Erebus is another one of Effie's acquaintances, to the surprise of most. She is gentle and patient with him, managing to distract him and move him away from his disturbing behaviours.

### Trygve Odinson

Effie hardly talks to Trygve, but hopes they could become friends later, particularly as she saved him from Mia. She feels awful about manipulating him.

### August Bishop

Effie originally tries to befriend August when he firsts joins, and enjoys her conversation with him, before she manipulates him into apologising to Merri. Effie apologises for "the way she spoke to him in front of everyone," and he accepts her apology- though she still feels horribly guilty.

## Trivia

* Cara and Effie's mothers knew each other due to a motorbike race. The pair hope to recreate it someday. Effie hopes to win, as Cara's mother won originally.