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When Vangelis awoke it was brighter than normal within his room. Having had a long and excessive meeting with several of his administrators that ran late into the night, Vangelis had permitted himself the time to sleep a little later than pre-dawn. Though, given the angle of the light trailing in between the curtains over his bedroom's balcony, it wasn't likely that the sun had fully risen just yet.
A man used to sleeping on a battlefield where every half second you took to wake up was a moment in which you could lose your life, Vangelis was always quick to conscious thought, unless he was sick. Illness made him sloppy and groggy and slow. But, provided his health was well, he went from sleeping to awake with the speed of a drawn blade.
Swinging his legs from his bed, Vangelis stood and stretched naked as he worked the kinks from his neck and back. He had yet to reach the age where he was a man of cracking joints and aged muscles, but he had been a soldier for nearly two decades and it had been a life that led to a certain stiffness in old wounds. His shoulder, for example, where he had been crushed not that many months ago, was aching if slept on poorly and his skin was peppered with scars that would never fade.
Rutting his hair through with spread fingers, Vangelis ignored such marks of his career in the silver mirror across the room and, instead, headed immediately for the clothes that had been laid out for him the night before.
With more efficiency than style, more practical application than elegance, Vangelis pulled on a full-length chiton in black and affixed the gold fibulae into place upon each shoulder. Around his waist, he secured his normal belt with his weapons attached, and his arms were soon wrapped in black leather bracers that affixed around each central finger and arrowed down across the back of his hands. As was his norm, Vangelis aschewed jewellery and wore only his House and Royal signet rings, and the leather tie made by Silas. His normal necklace was tucked inside the tunic of the chiton out of sight, only a strip of leather looping around the back of his neck on show.
After washing his face and brushing back the long strands of hair from his face, Vangelis decided to tie the top layer of the locks from his face in a short tail on the back of his head and then paused over his crown.
His hand hovered over the inch thick band of gold that would depict him as crown prince and, after a moment of hesitation, decided not to wear it. Despite the formality of his plans for the day... Vangelis' gut instinct was to complete them without the visual reminder of his rank and birthright.
Once his swords were sheathed and his daggers affixed in place, Vangelis was, as far as he was concerned, ready to face the day. Not a man who worried about powders and oils or any kind of additions to his natural appearance, so long as his hair was out of his eyes and his weapons were in easy reach... he was a man prepared. And that fact didn't change despite his primary duty of the day.
Turning his mind away from such a matter and compartmentalising as he did best, Vangelis turned his attentions to the responsibilities that needed to be cared for before his own intentions and headed for his father's office in order to speak with him on several matters, the low angle of the sun through the estate windows, telling him that he had plenty of time before he needed to direct his thoughts towards Selene and his plans for today and their future.
Three hours later and the sun had reached its peak in the sky and such a time had disintegrated in a haze of administrations and princely duties. With his mother's voice in his head shaming him into being punctual for his own proposal of marriage, Vangelis finished the task he was on and then excused himself from the company of his father and the royal advisors.
With a curious look after his eldest son's back, Tython made no comment when Vangelis left the working day half way through; the sheer rarity of the occurence telling him that it had to be for a significant cause.
A cause that Vangelis had informed neither of his parents of.
Headed to the stables, Vangelis glanced through a nearby window the check upon the hour and saw himself to be on-time, a few minutes later and he would be at the stables, where he had ordered both his and Selene's rides to be tacked and ready to go by midday...
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When Vangelis awoke it was brighter than normal within his room. Having had a long and excessive meeting with several of his administrators that ran late into the night, Vangelis had permitted himself the time to sleep a little later than pre-dawn. Though, given the angle of the light trailing in between the curtains over his bedroom's balcony, it wasn't likely that the sun had fully risen just yet.
A man used to sleeping on a battlefield where every half second you took to wake up was a moment in which you could lose your life, Vangelis was always quick to conscious thought, unless he was sick. Illness made him sloppy and groggy and slow. But, provided his health was well, he went from sleeping to awake with the speed of a drawn blade.
Swinging his legs from his bed, Vangelis stood and stretched naked as he worked the kinks from his neck and back. He had yet to reach the age where he was a man of cracking joints and aged muscles, but he had been a soldier for nearly two decades and it had been a life that led to a certain stiffness in old wounds. His shoulder, for example, where he had been crushed not that many months ago, was aching if slept on poorly and his skin was peppered with scars that would never fade.
Rutting his hair through with spread fingers, Vangelis ignored such marks of his career in the silver mirror across the room and, instead, headed immediately for the clothes that had been laid out for him the night before.
With more efficiency than style, more practical application than elegance, Vangelis pulled on a full-length chiton in black and affixed the gold fibulae into place upon each shoulder. Around his waist, he secured his normal belt with his weapons attached, and his arms were soon wrapped in black leather bracers that affixed around each central finger and arrowed down across the back of his hands. As was his norm, Vangelis aschewed jewellery and wore only his House and Royal signet rings, and the leather tie made by Silas. His normal necklace was tucked inside the tunic of the chiton out of sight, only a strip of leather looping around the back of his neck on show.
After washing his face and brushing back the long strands of hair from his face, Vangelis decided to tie the top layer of the locks from his face in a short tail on the back of his head and then paused over his crown.
His hand hovered over the inch thick band of gold that would depict him as crown prince and, after a moment of hesitation, decided not to wear it. Despite the formality of his plans for the day... Vangelis' gut instinct was to complete them without the visual reminder of his rank and birthright.
Once his swords were sheathed and his daggers affixed in place, Vangelis was, as far as he was concerned, ready to face the day. Not a man who worried about powders and oils or any kind of additions to his natural appearance, so long as his hair was out of his eyes and his weapons were in easy reach... he was a man prepared. And that fact didn't change despite his primary duty of the day.
Turning his mind away from such a matter and compartmentalising as he did best, Vangelis turned his attentions to the responsibilities that needed to be cared for before his own intentions and headed for his father's office in order to speak with him on several matters, the low angle of the sun through the estate windows, telling him that he had plenty of time before he needed to direct his thoughts towards Selene and his plans for today and their future.
Three hours later and the sun had reached its peak in the sky and such a time had disintegrated in a haze of administrations and princely duties. With his mother's voice in his head shaming him into being punctual for his own proposal of marriage, Vangelis finished the task he was on and then excused himself from the company of his father and the royal advisors.
With a curious look after his eldest son's back, Tython made no comment when Vangelis left the working day half way through; the sheer rarity of the occurence telling him that it had to be for a significant cause.
A cause that Vangelis had informed neither of his parents of.
Headed to the stables, Vangelis glanced through a nearby window the check upon the hour and saw himself to be on-time, a few minutes later and he would be at the stables, where he had ordered both his and Selene's rides to be tacked and ready to go by midday...
When Vangelis awoke it was brighter than normal within his room. Having had a long and excessive meeting with several of his administrators that ran late into the night, Vangelis had permitted himself the time to sleep a little later than pre-dawn. Though, given the angle of the light trailing in between the curtains over his bedroom's balcony, it wasn't likely that the sun had fully risen just yet.
A man used to sleeping on a battlefield where every half second you took to wake up was a moment in which you could lose your life, Vangelis was always quick to conscious thought, unless he was sick. Illness made him sloppy and groggy and slow. But, provided his health was well, he went from sleeping to awake with the speed of a drawn blade.
Swinging his legs from his bed, Vangelis stood and stretched naked as he worked the kinks from his neck and back. He had yet to reach the age where he was a man of cracking joints and aged muscles, but he had been a soldier for nearly two decades and it had been a life that led to a certain stiffness in old wounds. His shoulder, for example, where he had been crushed not that many months ago, was aching if slept on poorly and his skin was peppered with scars that would never fade.
Rutting his hair through with spread fingers, Vangelis ignored such marks of his career in the silver mirror across the room and, instead, headed immediately for the clothes that had been laid out for him the night before.
With more efficiency than style, more practical application than elegance, Vangelis pulled on a full-length chiton in black and affixed the gold fibulae into place upon each shoulder. Around his waist, he secured his normal belt with his weapons attached, and his arms were soon wrapped in black leather bracers that affixed around each central finger and arrowed down across the back of his hands. As was his norm, Vangelis aschewed jewellery and wore only his House and Royal signet rings, and the leather tie made by Silas. His normal necklace was tucked inside the tunic of the chiton out of sight, only a strip of leather looping around the back of his neck on show.
After washing his face and brushing back the long strands of hair from his face, Vangelis decided to tie the top layer of the locks from his face in a short tail on the back of his head and then paused over his crown.
His hand hovered over the inch thick band of gold that would depict him as crown prince and, after a moment of hesitation, decided not to wear it. Despite the formality of his plans for the day... Vangelis' gut instinct was to complete them without the visual reminder of his rank and birthright.
Once his swords were sheathed and his daggers affixed in place, Vangelis was, as far as he was concerned, ready to face the day. Not a man who worried about powders and oils or any kind of additions to his natural appearance, so long as his hair was out of his eyes and his weapons were in easy reach... he was a man prepared. And that fact didn't change despite his primary duty of the day.
Turning his mind away from such a matter and compartmentalising as he did best, Vangelis turned his attentions to the responsibilities that needed to be cared for before his own intentions and headed for his father's office in order to speak with him on several matters, the low angle of the sun through the estate windows, telling him that he had plenty of time before he needed to direct his thoughts towards Selene and his plans for today and their future.
Three hours later and the sun had reached its peak in the sky and such a time had disintegrated in a haze of administrations and princely duties. With his mother's voice in his head shaming him into being punctual for his own proposal of marriage, Vangelis finished the task he was on and then excused himself from the company of his father and the royal advisors.
With a curious look after his eldest son's back, Tython made no comment when Vangelis left the working day half way through; the sheer rarity of the occurence telling him that it had to be for a significant cause.
A cause that Vangelis had informed neither of his parents of.
Headed to the stables, Vangelis glanced through a nearby window the check upon the hour and saw himself to be on-time, a few minutes later and he would be at the stables, where he had ordered both his and Selene's rides to be tacked and ready to go by midday...
To say she was anxious was an understatement. And the worse part of it was that she couldn’t exactly say why. There was little reason for her to be-- she had been on rides with Vangelis before. But this was the first time his invitation was met with such a formal tone. And he seemed to be in the know about her intentions of leaving, even though she had only casually mentioned it. Why would he care if she was leaving? Did it have to do with the tensions in Egypt? Was he concerned that she might not make it home?
It had kept her up most of the night. And it shouldn’t have.
Perhaps he just wished to go for one more ride before she left.
When she finally allowed herself to accept that as a reason, she slept more peacefully. But having spent so long tossing and turning, she didn’t wake until after her usually breakfast. There would be no time for her to take her usual morning ride, but Ambrosia would forgive her since they would ride that afternoon. Jo had let her sleep, so it was no surprise that her riding chitons were already laid out for her to choose from, with a small meal of fruits and nuts on the table for her to eat.
She was glad she bathed the night before, her hair tightly braided to create simple waves when lose. She took her time eating, going over the note, again and again, to try and find any hit of his tone. She finally had to give up, knowing that there was little chance of her figuring it out. Instead, she began to dress. Selene hadn’t been sure which one to choose. She wasn’t vain, but she did get some joy out of looking nice. And if he thought her beauty was one of her best features, then she might as well pay close attention to it.
She settled for one of the palest blue, deciding that she liked the way it brought out her eyes. The details of the dress were black, curls of thread dancing along the hems. The midsection has a similar pattern, broken apart by a gold braided belt. A navy blue himation would be wrapped around her shoulders to keep her warm on the ride. Her Leventi cuff was the only jewels she wore, save for a pair of sapphire baubles that hung from her ears. It was once she had finished dressing that jo came back into the room. Setting her hair into a simple braided headband, letting the rest hang loose at her shoulders.
There was a need to go to the temples, and with time to kill, before they were set to meet, Selene found herself enjoying the quiet walk from the manor. She was trying to keep her mind clear, knowing that worrying as much as she had been would only make her more frazzled. She may not have any idea as to his intentions, she reasoned with herself, but she was not going to have an epiphany and suddenly understand. It would just have to become clear when it did.
For Selene, her visits to the temple always had a purpose. Today, she spent time with Aphrodite, praying for the grace to be able to enjoy this last ride. Ares was included for more time before any battles may be fought. Oddly enough, it was Athena that she spent the most time praying to. She asked for patience, for understanding and for the courage to say goodbye. On a day like today, she was certain that she was going to need it all.
By the time she was done, it was getting close to their meeting time. By the time she reached the manor, and the stables in kind, he was making his way inside as well. She paused for a moment, letting him have the room while she double-checked her own appearance. Straightening out her folds, realigning the belt within the pattern and resorting her himation, Selene took a deep calming breath before she entered into the stables as well.
”Good afternoon, Prince Vangelis” She said brightly, her attention immediately on her horse. Ambrosia gave her a look of irritation, and Selene let out a soft giggle. ”It appears that she is upset with me for missing our usual morning ride.” Stepping up to her mare, she double-checked the work of those who had set her tack. A hand on the long white neck of her horse, she found his gaze on hers. ”Are we waiting for anyone else?” She asked, noticing just the two horses, both prepared for a bit of a journey.
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Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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To say she was anxious was an understatement. And the worse part of it was that she couldn’t exactly say why. There was little reason for her to be-- she had been on rides with Vangelis before. But this was the first time his invitation was met with such a formal tone. And he seemed to be in the know about her intentions of leaving, even though she had only casually mentioned it. Why would he care if she was leaving? Did it have to do with the tensions in Egypt? Was he concerned that she might not make it home?
It had kept her up most of the night. And it shouldn’t have.
Perhaps he just wished to go for one more ride before she left.
When she finally allowed herself to accept that as a reason, she slept more peacefully. But having spent so long tossing and turning, she didn’t wake until after her usually breakfast. There would be no time for her to take her usual morning ride, but Ambrosia would forgive her since they would ride that afternoon. Jo had let her sleep, so it was no surprise that her riding chitons were already laid out for her to choose from, with a small meal of fruits and nuts on the table for her to eat.
She was glad she bathed the night before, her hair tightly braided to create simple waves when lose. She took her time eating, going over the note, again and again, to try and find any hit of his tone. She finally had to give up, knowing that there was little chance of her figuring it out. Instead, she began to dress. Selene hadn’t been sure which one to choose. She wasn’t vain, but she did get some joy out of looking nice. And if he thought her beauty was one of her best features, then she might as well pay close attention to it.
She settled for one of the palest blue, deciding that she liked the way it brought out her eyes. The details of the dress were black, curls of thread dancing along the hems. The midsection has a similar pattern, broken apart by a gold braided belt. A navy blue himation would be wrapped around her shoulders to keep her warm on the ride. Her Leventi cuff was the only jewels she wore, save for a pair of sapphire baubles that hung from her ears. It was once she had finished dressing that jo came back into the room. Setting her hair into a simple braided headband, letting the rest hang loose at her shoulders.
There was a need to go to the temples, and with time to kill, before they were set to meet, Selene found herself enjoying the quiet walk from the manor. She was trying to keep her mind clear, knowing that worrying as much as she had been would only make her more frazzled. She may not have any idea as to his intentions, she reasoned with herself, but she was not going to have an epiphany and suddenly understand. It would just have to become clear when it did.
For Selene, her visits to the temple always had a purpose. Today, she spent time with Aphrodite, praying for the grace to be able to enjoy this last ride. Ares was included for more time before any battles may be fought. Oddly enough, it was Athena that she spent the most time praying to. She asked for patience, for understanding and for the courage to say goodbye. On a day like today, she was certain that she was going to need it all.
By the time she was done, it was getting close to their meeting time. By the time she reached the manor, and the stables in kind, he was making his way inside as well. She paused for a moment, letting him have the room while she double-checked her own appearance. Straightening out her folds, realigning the belt within the pattern and resorting her himation, Selene took a deep calming breath before she entered into the stables as well.
”Good afternoon, Prince Vangelis” She said brightly, her attention immediately on her horse. Ambrosia gave her a look of irritation, and Selene let out a soft giggle. ”It appears that she is upset with me for missing our usual morning ride.” Stepping up to her mare, she double-checked the work of those who had set her tack. A hand on the long white neck of her horse, she found his gaze on hers. ”Are we waiting for anyone else?” She asked, noticing just the two horses, both prepared for a bit of a journey.
To say she was anxious was an understatement. And the worse part of it was that she couldn’t exactly say why. There was little reason for her to be-- she had been on rides with Vangelis before. But this was the first time his invitation was met with such a formal tone. And he seemed to be in the know about her intentions of leaving, even though she had only casually mentioned it. Why would he care if she was leaving? Did it have to do with the tensions in Egypt? Was he concerned that she might not make it home?
It had kept her up most of the night. And it shouldn’t have.
Perhaps he just wished to go for one more ride before she left.
When she finally allowed herself to accept that as a reason, she slept more peacefully. But having spent so long tossing and turning, she didn’t wake until after her usually breakfast. There would be no time for her to take her usual morning ride, but Ambrosia would forgive her since they would ride that afternoon. Jo had let her sleep, so it was no surprise that her riding chitons were already laid out for her to choose from, with a small meal of fruits and nuts on the table for her to eat.
She was glad she bathed the night before, her hair tightly braided to create simple waves when lose. She took her time eating, going over the note, again and again, to try and find any hit of his tone. She finally had to give up, knowing that there was little chance of her figuring it out. Instead, she began to dress. Selene hadn’t been sure which one to choose. She wasn’t vain, but she did get some joy out of looking nice. And if he thought her beauty was one of her best features, then she might as well pay close attention to it.
She settled for one of the palest blue, deciding that she liked the way it brought out her eyes. The details of the dress were black, curls of thread dancing along the hems. The midsection has a similar pattern, broken apart by a gold braided belt. A navy blue himation would be wrapped around her shoulders to keep her warm on the ride. Her Leventi cuff was the only jewels she wore, save for a pair of sapphire baubles that hung from her ears. It was once she had finished dressing that jo came back into the room. Setting her hair into a simple braided headband, letting the rest hang loose at her shoulders.
There was a need to go to the temples, and with time to kill, before they were set to meet, Selene found herself enjoying the quiet walk from the manor. She was trying to keep her mind clear, knowing that worrying as much as she had been would only make her more frazzled. She may not have any idea as to his intentions, she reasoned with herself, but she was not going to have an epiphany and suddenly understand. It would just have to become clear when it did.
For Selene, her visits to the temple always had a purpose. Today, she spent time with Aphrodite, praying for the grace to be able to enjoy this last ride. Ares was included for more time before any battles may be fought. Oddly enough, it was Athena that she spent the most time praying to. She asked for patience, for understanding and for the courage to say goodbye. On a day like today, she was certain that she was going to need it all.
By the time she was done, it was getting close to their meeting time. By the time she reached the manor, and the stables in kind, he was making his way inside as well. She paused for a moment, letting him have the room while she double-checked her own appearance. Straightening out her folds, realigning the belt within the pattern and resorting her himation, Selene took a deep calming breath before she entered into the stables as well.
”Good afternoon, Prince Vangelis” She said brightly, her attention immediately on her horse. Ambrosia gave her a look of irritation, and Selene let out a soft giggle. ”It appears that she is upset with me for missing our usual morning ride.” Stepping up to her mare, she double-checked the work of those who had set her tack. A hand on the long white neck of her horse, she found his gaze on hers. ”Are we waiting for anyone else?” She asked, noticing just the two horses, both prepared for a bit of a journey.
Vangelis checked over the tack and equipment on each horse himself, not because he distrusted the stable hands that had done the job before his arrival but because he had already been raised to understand and believe that if anything went wrong in his life - even if it was due to the poor standards of someone else's duties - then he was to blame. That was what it meant to be a leader. A General or a King, it didn't matter. You were responsible for the quality of the efforts of those who followed you. And, in his experience, it was far easier and safer to assess such performances as he went, than it was to wait for one of them to be severe enough to cause issue.
When Selene entered the stables, he was already settled with her mare and readying Windrunner to be mounted. Phobos stepped impatiently within his stall, but he was not yet ready to be ridden along rocky and potentially dangerous terrain. It had been nearly a week of morning sessions with the stallion since he had spoken with Selene in the paddock and he was no longer being tossed from the creatures back. He could control him and command him within the space given but the following of such instructions was still delayed by a spirit of rebellion that had to be quashed on a regular basis, and he had yet to take the animal outside of the paddock. For this particular ride, he needed an animal he could trust not to throw him to his death over the cliffside.
At the young woman's greeting, Vangelis nodded his head in return.
"Good Morning, Selene." His words were calm and polite and, thankfully, due to his normal stoic nature, not particularly different from his normal serious tone. He then answered her clear query about other attendants. "No. It'll be just ourselves. Unless you feel the need to request a maid to come along?"
It wasn't unusual for Vangelis to ride out on his own and despite the fact that the ride would take them several hours just to reach the cliff-face he had in mind, that time was mostly spent moving up. Meaning that the destination in question was still very much a part of the Kotas lands. As long as it would take them time-wise, he would not be journeying outside of his family's backyard. For her, on the other hand... young women often liked the reliance of another witness in attendance when they were alone with a man. And Vangelis had little issue with Selene calling her preferred handmaiden - a young girl that he had never learnt the name of but could now recognise by sight - to come along with them if she wished it.
Beyond establishing whether it would just be the two of them riding, Vangelis spoke of nothing else as they mounted and then rode from the stables and out into the land of the Kotas manor. The strip of greenland - rare to Colchis - was wide yet far longer and curved around the column of the Kirakles mountains. The grassy plain, the two of them were able to ride across with speed, allowing the animals to stretch their legs and feel the breeze in their faces, the salty air coming off the sea spray far below, but at the opposing end of the estate's grounds, the flat lands petering out into a series of small branch pathways. These walkways curved into the side and face of the cliffside, stretching up in sharp inclines or curling passages that zigzagged up the side of the cliff.
Whilst any drop or fall would assuredly be fatal, the path was wide enough for a confident rider to traverse easily and with minimal risk. During a hurricane or serious rain, the pathway was treacherous, but in open sunshine like today, it was perfectly safe. And the view was as spectacular as it was terrifying.
Vangelis took the lead up the path, Windrunner confident and knowing his way without a moment's hesitation. It also meant that he could watch for any wear or damage along the path that might turn a casual walk into a deadly situation.
Some of the paths open to them would lead them to dead ends, to chasms or to a cliff face that stretched up above them, to sheer to be walked on horse-back. Only a few led all the way to the top. And, having explored the area time and again as a child, Vangelis knew all of them.
As he had predicted, it took the two of them several hours to come to an open plateau near the top of this section of the Kos mountains. And, given they had started after lunch and the year was passing now into fall, the sky had started to shift from blue to the pink-y orange of a setting sun that hadn't yet touched down upon the oceanic horizon.
As Windrunner brought himself cleanly to the top of the cliffside and swished his tail at the achievement of the high ground, Vangelis gave him his head and allowed the creature to wander a few steps in search of the little greenery that was present between the dull grey and brown of the plateau. The grass that covered the nearby area was brown from the heat of a too-close sun and the rocks of the Kirakles isles had been burnt to a similar bronze. The cliff face stretched out to one side, umber meeting the aquamarine of the sea. In the distance was a particular river that ran straight over the precipice and down to where it rushed past the capital city below and met the sea at its foot.
If one looked down over the edge of the cliff, a bird's eye view of Midas stretched out beneath. And out to the west were Samos and Naxos. To the south lay the isle of Milos. All of Colchis was to be seen if you squinted towards the horizon enough.
Pulling Windrunner back around, Vangelis turned so that he could witness Selene and her reaction to what was both his home and sovereignty. His love and his duty.
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Vangelis checked over the tack and equipment on each horse himself, not because he distrusted the stable hands that had done the job before his arrival but because he had already been raised to understand and believe that if anything went wrong in his life - even if it was due to the poor standards of someone else's duties - then he was to blame. That was what it meant to be a leader. A General or a King, it didn't matter. You were responsible for the quality of the efforts of those who followed you. And, in his experience, it was far easier and safer to assess such performances as he went, than it was to wait for one of them to be severe enough to cause issue.
When Selene entered the stables, he was already settled with her mare and readying Windrunner to be mounted. Phobos stepped impatiently within his stall, but he was not yet ready to be ridden along rocky and potentially dangerous terrain. It had been nearly a week of morning sessions with the stallion since he had spoken with Selene in the paddock and he was no longer being tossed from the creatures back. He could control him and command him within the space given but the following of such instructions was still delayed by a spirit of rebellion that had to be quashed on a regular basis, and he had yet to take the animal outside of the paddock. For this particular ride, he needed an animal he could trust not to throw him to his death over the cliffside.
At the young woman's greeting, Vangelis nodded his head in return.
"Good Morning, Selene." His words were calm and polite and, thankfully, due to his normal stoic nature, not particularly different from his normal serious tone. He then answered her clear query about other attendants. "No. It'll be just ourselves. Unless you feel the need to request a maid to come along?"
It wasn't unusual for Vangelis to ride out on his own and despite the fact that the ride would take them several hours just to reach the cliff-face he had in mind, that time was mostly spent moving up. Meaning that the destination in question was still very much a part of the Kotas lands. As long as it would take them time-wise, he would not be journeying outside of his family's backyard. For her, on the other hand... young women often liked the reliance of another witness in attendance when they were alone with a man. And Vangelis had little issue with Selene calling her preferred handmaiden - a young girl that he had never learnt the name of but could now recognise by sight - to come along with them if she wished it.
Beyond establishing whether it would just be the two of them riding, Vangelis spoke of nothing else as they mounted and then rode from the stables and out into the land of the Kotas manor. The strip of greenland - rare to Colchis - was wide yet far longer and curved around the column of the Kirakles mountains. The grassy plain, the two of them were able to ride across with speed, allowing the animals to stretch their legs and feel the breeze in their faces, the salty air coming off the sea spray far below, but at the opposing end of the estate's grounds, the flat lands petering out into a series of small branch pathways. These walkways curved into the side and face of the cliffside, stretching up in sharp inclines or curling passages that zigzagged up the side of the cliff.
Whilst any drop or fall would assuredly be fatal, the path was wide enough for a confident rider to traverse easily and with minimal risk. During a hurricane or serious rain, the pathway was treacherous, but in open sunshine like today, it was perfectly safe. And the view was as spectacular as it was terrifying.
Vangelis took the lead up the path, Windrunner confident and knowing his way without a moment's hesitation. It also meant that he could watch for any wear or damage along the path that might turn a casual walk into a deadly situation.
Some of the paths open to them would lead them to dead ends, to chasms or to a cliff face that stretched up above them, to sheer to be walked on horse-back. Only a few led all the way to the top. And, having explored the area time and again as a child, Vangelis knew all of them.
As he had predicted, it took the two of them several hours to come to an open plateau near the top of this section of the Kos mountains. And, given they had started after lunch and the year was passing now into fall, the sky had started to shift from blue to the pink-y orange of a setting sun that hadn't yet touched down upon the oceanic horizon.
As Windrunner brought himself cleanly to the top of the cliffside and swished his tail at the achievement of the high ground, Vangelis gave him his head and allowed the creature to wander a few steps in search of the little greenery that was present between the dull grey and brown of the plateau. The grass that covered the nearby area was brown from the heat of a too-close sun and the rocks of the Kirakles isles had been burnt to a similar bronze. The cliff face stretched out to one side, umber meeting the aquamarine of the sea. In the distance was a particular river that ran straight over the precipice and down to where it rushed past the capital city below and met the sea at its foot.
If one looked down over the edge of the cliff, a bird's eye view of Midas stretched out beneath. And out to the west were Samos and Naxos. To the south lay the isle of Milos. All of Colchis was to be seen if you squinted towards the horizon enough.
Pulling Windrunner back around, Vangelis turned so that he could witness Selene and her reaction to what was both his home and sovereignty. His love and his duty.
Vangelis checked over the tack and equipment on each horse himself, not because he distrusted the stable hands that had done the job before his arrival but because he had already been raised to understand and believe that if anything went wrong in his life - even if it was due to the poor standards of someone else's duties - then he was to blame. That was what it meant to be a leader. A General or a King, it didn't matter. You were responsible for the quality of the efforts of those who followed you. And, in his experience, it was far easier and safer to assess such performances as he went, than it was to wait for one of them to be severe enough to cause issue.
When Selene entered the stables, he was already settled with her mare and readying Windrunner to be mounted. Phobos stepped impatiently within his stall, but he was not yet ready to be ridden along rocky and potentially dangerous terrain. It had been nearly a week of morning sessions with the stallion since he had spoken with Selene in the paddock and he was no longer being tossed from the creatures back. He could control him and command him within the space given but the following of such instructions was still delayed by a spirit of rebellion that had to be quashed on a regular basis, and he had yet to take the animal outside of the paddock. For this particular ride, he needed an animal he could trust not to throw him to his death over the cliffside.
At the young woman's greeting, Vangelis nodded his head in return.
"Good Morning, Selene." His words were calm and polite and, thankfully, due to his normal stoic nature, not particularly different from his normal serious tone. He then answered her clear query about other attendants. "No. It'll be just ourselves. Unless you feel the need to request a maid to come along?"
It wasn't unusual for Vangelis to ride out on his own and despite the fact that the ride would take them several hours just to reach the cliff-face he had in mind, that time was mostly spent moving up. Meaning that the destination in question was still very much a part of the Kotas lands. As long as it would take them time-wise, he would not be journeying outside of his family's backyard. For her, on the other hand... young women often liked the reliance of another witness in attendance when they were alone with a man. And Vangelis had little issue with Selene calling her preferred handmaiden - a young girl that he had never learnt the name of but could now recognise by sight - to come along with them if she wished it.
Beyond establishing whether it would just be the two of them riding, Vangelis spoke of nothing else as they mounted and then rode from the stables and out into the land of the Kotas manor. The strip of greenland - rare to Colchis - was wide yet far longer and curved around the column of the Kirakles mountains. The grassy plain, the two of them were able to ride across with speed, allowing the animals to stretch their legs and feel the breeze in their faces, the salty air coming off the sea spray far below, but at the opposing end of the estate's grounds, the flat lands petering out into a series of small branch pathways. These walkways curved into the side and face of the cliffside, stretching up in sharp inclines or curling passages that zigzagged up the side of the cliff.
Whilst any drop or fall would assuredly be fatal, the path was wide enough for a confident rider to traverse easily and with minimal risk. During a hurricane or serious rain, the pathway was treacherous, but in open sunshine like today, it was perfectly safe. And the view was as spectacular as it was terrifying.
Vangelis took the lead up the path, Windrunner confident and knowing his way without a moment's hesitation. It also meant that he could watch for any wear or damage along the path that might turn a casual walk into a deadly situation.
Some of the paths open to them would lead them to dead ends, to chasms or to a cliff face that stretched up above them, to sheer to be walked on horse-back. Only a few led all the way to the top. And, having explored the area time and again as a child, Vangelis knew all of them.
As he had predicted, it took the two of them several hours to come to an open plateau near the top of this section of the Kos mountains. And, given they had started after lunch and the year was passing now into fall, the sky had started to shift from blue to the pink-y orange of a setting sun that hadn't yet touched down upon the oceanic horizon.
As Windrunner brought himself cleanly to the top of the cliffside and swished his tail at the achievement of the high ground, Vangelis gave him his head and allowed the creature to wander a few steps in search of the little greenery that was present between the dull grey and brown of the plateau. The grass that covered the nearby area was brown from the heat of a too-close sun and the rocks of the Kirakles isles had been burnt to a similar bronze. The cliff face stretched out to one side, umber meeting the aquamarine of the sea. In the distance was a particular river that ran straight over the precipice and down to where it rushed past the capital city below and met the sea at its foot.
If one looked down over the edge of the cliff, a bird's eye view of Midas stretched out beneath. And out to the west were Samos and Naxos. To the south lay the isle of Milos. All of Colchis was to be seen if you squinted towards the horizon enough.
Pulling Windrunner back around, Vangelis turned so that he could witness Selene and her reaction to what was both his home and sovereignty. His love and his duty.
Phobos made her giggle, because it seemed that he had missed her morning visit as well. Selene rarely touched the war horse for fear of interrupting his training, but that hadn’t stopped her from spending a few minutes conversing with him from the other side of his stall. It was then that she realized that she was going to miss him terribly, but at least he would be with Vangelis, and that was comforting enough.
While Vangelis may have checked her tack already, she verified it once over. Her preference for saddle placement wasn’t something Selene had told the stable hands-- she always ended up dressing her horse for riding anyway. So it took her a moment to set the saddle to her preferred way, his response to her question causing her to raise an eyebrow. ”I do not see a need, and Jo is not that fond of riding anyway.” She said casually. She was surprised that they were going alone, only because they had yet to go on a ride without anyone else with them. ”I would rather not have to worry about her on an unfamiliar mount.”
Selene was quick to mount her horse, happy that a stable hand hadn’t tried to assist her as they usually did. She understood that they were just being polite, as most women needed help mounting a horse the size of Ambrosia. But she was one woman who didn’t need it, and within a moment her skirts were rearranged and she was following behind Vangelis out towards their destination.
As soon as the land opened up, Selene pressed Ambrosia to a run. And while she may have tried in the past to overtake him, instead she kept herself slightly behind him, worried she would end up in the wrong direct if she tried to lead. Some would have found the sprinting horses to be stressful, the pair was far more likely to find it relaxing. And it was, blissfully so. It wasn’t until they reached more technical part of their ride that Selene had to really focus on the terrain.
Ambrosia was used to such terrain, but Selene was not. But the horse was normally sure-footed, so while Selene held onto the reins tightly, she trusted the mare to follow the steps of Vangelis’s own mount. There was a desire to look out over the water, to enjoy the views as they climbed, but her attention was wholly on the ground in front of her. It seemed reasonable to be confident, but cautious as they rode.
She didn’t mind the quiet ride, allowing her thoughts to center on what she would have to do to prepare to leave. Perhaps she would stay a few another week or two, to make sure that Pia was settled and ready to be without her. She would have to say goodbye to much of the things that she loved, but it would be for the best. If she was certain of anything, it was that she was going to miss all of this. Each time she allowed herself to take in the rugged beauty of the land, Selene found herself trying to hide her sadness. It was a good thing that he was riding in front of her, else he would think that she wasn’t enjoying herself.
When they finally reached the top, it took her a moment to swing Ambrosia around to be able to really take in the sight from the top. She had never seen anything quite so magnificent in her entire life. Her breath was caught in her throat, hands tightening on the reins of her horse. She could live a thousand lifetimes, she decided, and still think that this was one of the most breathtaking views she’d ever seen.
In this moment, she wished she was Imma once again. She needed to capture this view, wondering if there were even paints that could create the same hues of pink and orange that stained the sky. Selene closed her eyes, allowing the feel of the breeze to finally hit her face with the reverence it deserved. The smell of the ocean reminded her of her own home, yet even Serenn was nothing like this. There was something truly special about Colchis, and when her eyes opened to find Vangelis staring at her, the heat to her cheeks was no surprise. ”If I had a talent for painting, I think I could spend a year in this spot and still not be able to properly capture its beauty.” She said, finally letting the reins fall from her hands so that Ambrosia could graze with his own horse.
Smiling at him, she tried to read his face, to see if she had any indication of why he’d brought her up here. But the intense stare, the hypnotic blue of his eyes, told her little. ”Was the climb sufficient enough for your inspection? The path seemed sound to me.” She had figured that he needed to survey the terrain for a reason unknown to her, and had thought she might like a chance to ride on a challenging journey. But as she watched him, she found herself trying to figure out his game.
Why had he acted so formal with his invitation? And why had he seemed so… out of sorts?
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Phobos made her giggle, because it seemed that he had missed her morning visit as well. Selene rarely touched the war horse for fear of interrupting his training, but that hadn’t stopped her from spending a few minutes conversing with him from the other side of his stall. It was then that she realized that she was going to miss him terribly, but at least he would be with Vangelis, and that was comforting enough.
While Vangelis may have checked her tack already, she verified it once over. Her preference for saddle placement wasn’t something Selene had told the stable hands-- she always ended up dressing her horse for riding anyway. So it took her a moment to set the saddle to her preferred way, his response to her question causing her to raise an eyebrow. ”I do not see a need, and Jo is not that fond of riding anyway.” She said casually. She was surprised that they were going alone, only because they had yet to go on a ride without anyone else with them. ”I would rather not have to worry about her on an unfamiliar mount.”
Selene was quick to mount her horse, happy that a stable hand hadn’t tried to assist her as they usually did. She understood that they were just being polite, as most women needed help mounting a horse the size of Ambrosia. But she was one woman who didn’t need it, and within a moment her skirts were rearranged and she was following behind Vangelis out towards their destination.
As soon as the land opened up, Selene pressed Ambrosia to a run. And while she may have tried in the past to overtake him, instead she kept herself slightly behind him, worried she would end up in the wrong direct if she tried to lead. Some would have found the sprinting horses to be stressful, the pair was far more likely to find it relaxing. And it was, blissfully so. It wasn’t until they reached more technical part of their ride that Selene had to really focus on the terrain.
Ambrosia was used to such terrain, but Selene was not. But the horse was normally sure-footed, so while Selene held onto the reins tightly, she trusted the mare to follow the steps of Vangelis’s own mount. There was a desire to look out over the water, to enjoy the views as they climbed, but her attention was wholly on the ground in front of her. It seemed reasonable to be confident, but cautious as they rode.
She didn’t mind the quiet ride, allowing her thoughts to center on what she would have to do to prepare to leave. Perhaps she would stay a few another week or two, to make sure that Pia was settled and ready to be without her. She would have to say goodbye to much of the things that she loved, but it would be for the best. If she was certain of anything, it was that she was going to miss all of this. Each time she allowed herself to take in the rugged beauty of the land, Selene found herself trying to hide her sadness. It was a good thing that he was riding in front of her, else he would think that she wasn’t enjoying herself.
When they finally reached the top, it took her a moment to swing Ambrosia around to be able to really take in the sight from the top. She had never seen anything quite so magnificent in her entire life. Her breath was caught in her throat, hands tightening on the reins of her horse. She could live a thousand lifetimes, she decided, and still think that this was one of the most breathtaking views she’d ever seen.
In this moment, she wished she was Imma once again. She needed to capture this view, wondering if there were even paints that could create the same hues of pink and orange that stained the sky. Selene closed her eyes, allowing the feel of the breeze to finally hit her face with the reverence it deserved. The smell of the ocean reminded her of her own home, yet even Serenn was nothing like this. There was something truly special about Colchis, and when her eyes opened to find Vangelis staring at her, the heat to her cheeks was no surprise. ”If I had a talent for painting, I think I could spend a year in this spot and still not be able to properly capture its beauty.” She said, finally letting the reins fall from her hands so that Ambrosia could graze with his own horse.
Smiling at him, she tried to read his face, to see if she had any indication of why he’d brought her up here. But the intense stare, the hypnotic blue of his eyes, told her little. ”Was the climb sufficient enough for your inspection? The path seemed sound to me.” She had figured that he needed to survey the terrain for a reason unknown to her, and had thought she might like a chance to ride on a challenging journey. But as she watched him, she found herself trying to figure out his game.
Why had he acted so formal with his invitation? And why had he seemed so… out of sorts?
Phobos made her giggle, because it seemed that he had missed her morning visit as well. Selene rarely touched the war horse for fear of interrupting his training, but that hadn’t stopped her from spending a few minutes conversing with him from the other side of his stall. It was then that she realized that she was going to miss him terribly, but at least he would be with Vangelis, and that was comforting enough.
While Vangelis may have checked her tack already, she verified it once over. Her preference for saddle placement wasn’t something Selene had told the stable hands-- she always ended up dressing her horse for riding anyway. So it took her a moment to set the saddle to her preferred way, his response to her question causing her to raise an eyebrow. ”I do not see a need, and Jo is not that fond of riding anyway.” She said casually. She was surprised that they were going alone, only because they had yet to go on a ride without anyone else with them. ”I would rather not have to worry about her on an unfamiliar mount.”
Selene was quick to mount her horse, happy that a stable hand hadn’t tried to assist her as they usually did. She understood that they were just being polite, as most women needed help mounting a horse the size of Ambrosia. But she was one woman who didn’t need it, and within a moment her skirts were rearranged and she was following behind Vangelis out towards their destination.
As soon as the land opened up, Selene pressed Ambrosia to a run. And while she may have tried in the past to overtake him, instead she kept herself slightly behind him, worried she would end up in the wrong direct if she tried to lead. Some would have found the sprinting horses to be stressful, the pair was far more likely to find it relaxing. And it was, blissfully so. It wasn’t until they reached more technical part of their ride that Selene had to really focus on the terrain.
Ambrosia was used to such terrain, but Selene was not. But the horse was normally sure-footed, so while Selene held onto the reins tightly, she trusted the mare to follow the steps of Vangelis’s own mount. There was a desire to look out over the water, to enjoy the views as they climbed, but her attention was wholly on the ground in front of her. It seemed reasonable to be confident, but cautious as they rode.
She didn’t mind the quiet ride, allowing her thoughts to center on what she would have to do to prepare to leave. Perhaps she would stay a few another week or two, to make sure that Pia was settled and ready to be without her. She would have to say goodbye to much of the things that she loved, but it would be for the best. If she was certain of anything, it was that she was going to miss all of this. Each time she allowed herself to take in the rugged beauty of the land, Selene found herself trying to hide her sadness. It was a good thing that he was riding in front of her, else he would think that she wasn’t enjoying herself.
When they finally reached the top, it took her a moment to swing Ambrosia around to be able to really take in the sight from the top. She had never seen anything quite so magnificent in her entire life. Her breath was caught in her throat, hands tightening on the reins of her horse. She could live a thousand lifetimes, she decided, and still think that this was one of the most breathtaking views she’d ever seen.
In this moment, she wished she was Imma once again. She needed to capture this view, wondering if there were even paints that could create the same hues of pink and orange that stained the sky. Selene closed her eyes, allowing the feel of the breeze to finally hit her face with the reverence it deserved. The smell of the ocean reminded her of her own home, yet even Serenn was nothing like this. There was something truly special about Colchis, and when her eyes opened to find Vangelis staring at her, the heat to her cheeks was no surprise. ”If I had a talent for painting, I think I could spend a year in this spot and still not be able to properly capture its beauty.” She said, finally letting the reins fall from her hands so that Ambrosia could graze with his own horse.
Smiling at him, she tried to read his face, to see if she had any indication of why he’d brought her up here. But the intense stare, the hypnotic blue of his eyes, told her little. ”Was the climb sufficient enough for your inspection? The path seemed sound to me.” She had figured that he needed to survey the terrain for a reason unknown to her, and had thought she might like a chance to ride on a challenging journey. But as she watched him, she found herself trying to figure out his game.
Why had he acted so formal with his invitation? And why had he seemed so… out of sorts?
Vangelis watched as Selene broke the peak of the path and her mare and herself came into view. He had never ridden too far ahead of her, not wanting to leave her behind in his wake or have her become lost on the twisting mountain path. But the last piece of the walk was a little tight around a corner and two horses in quick succession could be dangerous and he had taken the lead by a few yards. Her appearance at the head of the path and onto the open plateau where he now waited with Windrunner was therefore for his own enjoyment to watch.
He witnessed the way her eyes widened, her gaze struck out across the lands and the sea and the sky. He watched as she brushed back the long strands of blonde hair that the wind sought to use to mask her view and couldn't help but notice how her lips parted in pleasure and awe at the sight before her. He found his lips starting to curl into that half smile that people always found sardonic, this time simply a reflex in enjoyment of how she reacted to the beauty that was his lands and kingdom.
When she commented on painting the view, the curling turned fully into that crooked smile and Vangelis nodded, turning Windrunner so that he could dismount and walk closer to the edge of the cliffs. His feet were far more within his control than the hooves of a horse, regardless of his skills as a rider, so he felt confident in assessing the view below and out across the waters from such a close vantage point.
"I like the fact that this view is too... vast to be captured in words or colours." He said, as if speaking to the view itself, before looking over his shoulder back at the woman he had brought to witness it with him. "I feel as if..." He turned to look out at the horizon once more. "...as if that is the definition of Colchis. Too mighty to be contained or controlled by human effort - no matter how talented."
Feeling a little self-conscious of so fanciful and pretty a description - for words were no more his specialty than painting was - Vangelis looked back towards Selene as she asked about his purposes for inspection. He braced his weight upon his right leg and folded his arms. His head tilted in a gesture that might be considered apologetic but he did not break her gaze or show any other signs of contrition.
"My note may have been misleading." He explained, unsure how to phrase what he wanted to but working on instinct; for it had served him well before. "But it was more your inspection and opinion that I sought." He said. He took a few steps backwards, closer to the edge of the cliffs but perfectly safe, for he knew every inch that was stable and all that may be treacherous. Like he knew his own heartbeat, he knew his lands. He turned a little, allow outstretched arms to gesture to all the islands, the sky, the sea and the impressions that was his kingdom. "I wanted you to witness Colchis." He said, the last word leaving his lips with a sense of significance; as if she had not seen or experienced his country until now...
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Vangelis watched as Selene broke the peak of the path and her mare and herself came into view. He had never ridden too far ahead of her, not wanting to leave her behind in his wake or have her become lost on the twisting mountain path. But the last piece of the walk was a little tight around a corner and two horses in quick succession could be dangerous and he had taken the lead by a few yards. Her appearance at the head of the path and onto the open plateau where he now waited with Windrunner was therefore for his own enjoyment to watch.
He witnessed the way her eyes widened, her gaze struck out across the lands and the sea and the sky. He watched as she brushed back the long strands of blonde hair that the wind sought to use to mask her view and couldn't help but notice how her lips parted in pleasure and awe at the sight before her. He found his lips starting to curl into that half smile that people always found sardonic, this time simply a reflex in enjoyment of how she reacted to the beauty that was his lands and kingdom.
When she commented on painting the view, the curling turned fully into that crooked smile and Vangelis nodded, turning Windrunner so that he could dismount and walk closer to the edge of the cliffs. His feet were far more within his control than the hooves of a horse, regardless of his skills as a rider, so he felt confident in assessing the view below and out across the waters from such a close vantage point.
"I like the fact that this view is too... vast to be captured in words or colours." He said, as if speaking to the view itself, before looking over his shoulder back at the woman he had brought to witness it with him. "I feel as if..." He turned to look out at the horizon once more. "...as if that is the definition of Colchis. Too mighty to be contained or controlled by human effort - no matter how talented."
Feeling a little self-conscious of so fanciful and pretty a description - for words were no more his specialty than painting was - Vangelis looked back towards Selene as she asked about his purposes for inspection. He braced his weight upon his right leg and folded his arms. His head tilted in a gesture that might be considered apologetic but he did not break her gaze or show any other signs of contrition.
"My note may have been misleading." He explained, unsure how to phrase what he wanted to but working on instinct; for it had served him well before. "But it was more your inspection and opinion that I sought." He said. He took a few steps backwards, closer to the edge of the cliffs but perfectly safe, for he knew every inch that was stable and all that may be treacherous. Like he knew his own heartbeat, he knew his lands. He turned a little, allow outstretched arms to gesture to all the islands, the sky, the sea and the impressions that was his kingdom. "I wanted you to witness Colchis." He said, the last word leaving his lips with a sense of significance; as if she had not seen or experienced his country until now...
Vangelis watched as Selene broke the peak of the path and her mare and herself came into view. He had never ridden too far ahead of her, not wanting to leave her behind in his wake or have her become lost on the twisting mountain path. But the last piece of the walk was a little tight around a corner and two horses in quick succession could be dangerous and he had taken the lead by a few yards. Her appearance at the head of the path and onto the open plateau where he now waited with Windrunner was therefore for his own enjoyment to watch.
He witnessed the way her eyes widened, her gaze struck out across the lands and the sea and the sky. He watched as she brushed back the long strands of blonde hair that the wind sought to use to mask her view and couldn't help but notice how her lips parted in pleasure and awe at the sight before her. He found his lips starting to curl into that half smile that people always found sardonic, this time simply a reflex in enjoyment of how she reacted to the beauty that was his lands and kingdom.
When she commented on painting the view, the curling turned fully into that crooked smile and Vangelis nodded, turning Windrunner so that he could dismount and walk closer to the edge of the cliffs. His feet were far more within his control than the hooves of a horse, regardless of his skills as a rider, so he felt confident in assessing the view below and out across the waters from such a close vantage point.
"I like the fact that this view is too... vast to be captured in words or colours." He said, as if speaking to the view itself, before looking over his shoulder back at the woman he had brought to witness it with him. "I feel as if..." He turned to look out at the horizon once more. "...as if that is the definition of Colchis. Too mighty to be contained or controlled by human effort - no matter how talented."
Feeling a little self-conscious of so fanciful and pretty a description - for words were no more his specialty than painting was - Vangelis looked back towards Selene as she asked about his purposes for inspection. He braced his weight upon his right leg and folded his arms. His head tilted in a gesture that might be considered apologetic but he did not break her gaze or show any other signs of contrition.
"My note may have been misleading." He explained, unsure how to phrase what he wanted to but working on instinct; for it had served him well before. "But it was more your inspection and opinion that I sought." He said. He took a few steps backwards, closer to the edge of the cliffs but perfectly safe, for he knew every inch that was stable and all that may be treacherous. Like he knew his own heartbeat, he knew his lands. He turned a little, allow outstretched arms to gesture to all the islands, the sky, the sea and the impressions that was his kingdom. "I wanted you to witness Colchis." He said, the last word leaving his lips with a sense of significance; as if she had not seen or experienced his country until now...
His gaze on her made her feel a bit self-conscious, tucking another strand of hair behind her ear as he watched her. But her eyes kept falling back to the coastline, to the ocean below. It wasn’t just beautiful-- it was ethereal. One of the Gods must have created this place for the worthy. Climb the steep mountain to find the joy that laid below. Perhaps this was Olympus, allowing the Gods a birds-eye view of the beautiful terrain below.
”Someone could make it their life’s work, trying to capture it all on canvas.” She would have to tell Imma of this place, to try and recreate it so that she could have a physical copy of such a glorious memory. And while she wasn’t a painter, she wondered if she could pen a song about the land. It started forming in her mind, the tune of tacking the horses. Firm with hooves stomping impatiently at the strings, she could hear the melody if she closed her eyes. The long, joyous notes of the galloping towards the cliffs. The short, staccato notes as they climbed to the top. A breath. A break. And then the crescendo as they rounded the corner. Selene was certain that there weren’t enough instruments in the world to be able to properly compose the symphony this required. And yet, she was tempted to try.
Selene’s dismount was smooth, her feet settling onto the rocky terrain with less confidence that his, but still firm and steady. The skirts swirled around her ankles as she gave Ambrosia the lead, letting her join Windrunner in his feast. The two beasts knew each other well enough now that he didn’t seem to mind the mare’s presence next to him. As she stood, hearing the song of the cliffs in her mind, she found that she agreed with his statement. ”The beauty of the country is there, but most do not take the time to find it.” She said in earnest, stepping closer to the edge, but nowhere near as close as he was. ”The next time I must describe Colchis, I will call upon this place in my mind’s eye and hope that I can explain it half as well as you do.”
When he commented that the intentions of his note may have been inaccurate, her eyebrow lifted in confusion. Selene was not at all sure what he had meant then, if he hadn’t wished to inspect the cliff. There was no real reason for him to bring her up here, save for the beautiful memory she would be able to take back home with her. It made her want to explore every inch of her own home, to see if she could ever find a space that could compete with this. She thought of the fields of Serenn, covered in dozens of colors in Spring, but could not compare the two. Where the beauty of Taengea was obvious, Colchis’s beauty was harder to find.
But the journey to find it was far more worthy.
”If it is my opinion of the view, I think the lack of words are far more telling than anything I could say on the matter.” She said, her own smile curling on her face with her statement. But there was something about the way he looked, curious and anxious, that made her soften. ”I did not realize how hard it would be to leave a land that was not my own.” She didn’t dare get too close to him, hoping the distance would hide the sorrow in her eyes. Selene was sure that he would be too busy to realize that she had left, and that he would have too much to do to try and give her a moment like this.
Her heart broke, knowing that she had to leave.
”If this is what you wish for me to think of when I think of Colchis, I would tell you that you’ve played a dirty trick on me. While it is beautiful, I will just miss this land and its people all the more. My heart aches just knowing that I will never be able to do justice to this view, should I have to tell others of it.” Her eyes twinkled a bit, allowing hers to meet his. ”I would build myself a home atop this cliff if I could, so that each more I could experience the beauty of the sky in the morning and each evening, I could be that much closer to the stars above.”
Her cheeks flushed, ”A home with a stable, of course.” She was trying to make light of her silly desires. ”But I am certain that I will dream of this place from Serenn.” For she had to return home, and there was little that could prevent that.
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His gaze on her made her feel a bit self-conscious, tucking another strand of hair behind her ear as he watched her. But her eyes kept falling back to the coastline, to the ocean below. It wasn’t just beautiful-- it was ethereal. One of the Gods must have created this place for the worthy. Climb the steep mountain to find the joy that laid below. Perhaps this was Olympus, allowing the Gods a birds-eye view of the beautiful terrain below.
”Someone could make it their life’s work, trying to capture it all on canvas.” She would have to tell Imma of this place, to try and recreate it so that she could have a physical copy of such a glorious memory. And while she wasn’t a painter, she wondered if she could pen a song about the land. It started forming in her mind, the tune of tacking the horses. Firm with hooves stomping impatiently at the strings, she could hear the melody if she closed her eyes. The long, joyous notes of the galloping towards the cliffs. The short, staccato notes as they climbed to the top. A breath. A break. And then the crescendo as they rounded the corner. Selene was certain that there weren’t enough instruments in the world to be able to properly compose the symphony this required. And yet, she was tempted to try.
Selene’s dismount was smooth, her feet settling onto the rocky terrain with less confidence that his, but still firm and steady. The skirts swirled around her ankles as she gave Ambrosia the lead, letting her join Windrunner in his feast. The two beasts knew each other well enough now that he didn’t seem to mind the mare’s presence next to him. As she stood, hearing the song of the cliffs in her mind, she found that she agreed with his statement. ”The beauty of the country is there, but most do not take the time to find it.” She said in earnest, stepping closer to the edge, but nowhere near as close as he was. ”The next time I must describe Colchis, I will call upon this place in my mind’s eye and hope that I can explain it half as well as you do.”
When he commented that the intentions of his note may have been inaccurate, her eyebrow lifted in confusion. Selene was not at all sure what he had meant then, if he hadn’t wished to inspect the cliff. There was no real reason for him to bring her up here, save for the beautiful memory she would be able to take back home with her. It made her want to explore every inch of her own home, to see if she could ever find a space that could compete with this. She thought of the fields of Serenn, covered in dozens of colors in Spring, but could not compare the two. Where the beauty of Taengea was obvious, Colchis’s beauty was harder to find.
But the journey to find it was far more worthy.
”If it is my opinion of the view, I think the lack of words are far more telling than anything I could say on the matter.” She said, her own smile curling on her face with her statement. But there was something about the way he looked, curious and anxious, that made her soften. ”I did not realize how hard it would be to leave a land that was not my own.” She didn’t dare get too close to him, hoping the distance would hide the sorrow in her eyes. Selene was sure that he would be too busy to realize that she had left, and that he would have too much to do to try and give her a moment like this.
Her heart broke, knowing that she had to leave.
”If this is what you wish for me to think of when I think of Colchis, I would tell you that you’ve played a dirty trick on me. While it is beautiful, I will just miss this land and its people all the more. My heart aches just knowing that I will never be able to do justice to this view, should I have to tell others of it.” Her eyes twinkled a bit, allowing hers to meet his. ”I would build myself a home atop this cliff if I could, so that each more I could experience the beauty of the sky in the morning and each evening, I could be that much closer to the stars above.”
Her cheeks flushed, ”A home with a stable, of course.” She was trying to make light of her silly desires. ”But I am certain that I will dream of this place from Serenn.” For she had to return home, and there was little that could prevent that.
His gaze on her made her feel a bit self-conscious, tucking another strand of hair behind her ear as he watched her. But her eyes kept falling back to the coastline, to the ocean below. It wasn’t just beautiful-- it was ethereal. One of the Gods must have created this place for the worthy. Climb the steep mountain to find the joy that laid below. Perhaps this was Olympus, allowing the Gods a birds-eye view of the beautiful terrain below.
”Someone could make it their life’s work, trying to capture it all on canvas.” She would have to tell Imma of this place, to try and recreate it so that she could have a physical copy of such a glorious memory. And while she wasn’t a painter, she wondered if she could pen a song about the land. It started forming in her mind, the tune of tacking the horses. Firm with hooves stomping impatiently at the strings, she could hear the melody if she closed her eyes. The long, joyous notes of the galloping towards the cliffs. The short, staccato notes as they climbed to the top. A breath. A break. And then the crescendo as they rounded the corner. Selene was certain that there weren’t enough instruments in the world to be able to properly compose the symphony this required. And yet, she was tempted to try.
Selene’s dismount was smooth, her feet settling onto the rocky terrain with less confidence that his, but still firm and steady. The skirts swirled around her ankles as she gave Ambrosia the lead, letting her join Windrunner in his feast. The two beasts knew each other well enough now that he didn’t seem to mind the mare’s presence next to him. As she stood, hearing the song of the cliffs in her mind, she found that she agreed with his statement. ”The beauty of the country is there, but most do not take the time to find it.” She said in earnest, stepping closer to the edge, but nowhere near as close as he was. ”The next time I must describe Colchis, I will call upon this place in my mind’s eye and hope that I can explain it half as well as you do.”
When he commented that the intentions of his note may have been inaccurate, her eyebrow lifted in confusion. Selene was not at all sure what he had meant then, if he hadn’t wished to inspect the cliff. There was no real reason for him to bring her up here, save for the beautiful memory she would be able to take back home with her. It made her want to explore every inch of her own home, to see if she could ever find a space that could compete with this. She thought of the fields of Serenn, covered in dozens of colors in Spring, but could not compare the two. Where the beauty of Taengea was obvious, Colchis’s beauty was harder to find.
But the journey to find it was far more worthy.
”If it is my opinion of the view, I think the lack of words are far more telling than anything I could say on the matter.” She said, her own smile curling on her face with her statement. But there was something about the way he looked, curious and anxious, that made her soften. ”I did not realize how hard it would be to leave a land that was not my own.” She didn’t dare get too close to him, hoping the distance would hide the sorrow in her eyes. Selene was sure that he would be too busy to realize that she had left, and that he would have too much to do to try and give her a moment like this.
Her heart broke, knowing that she had to leave.
”If this is what you wish for me to think of when I think of Colchis, I would tell you that you’ve played a dirty trick on me. While it is beautiful, I will just miss this land and its people all the more. My heart aches just knowing that I will never be able to do justice to this view, should I have to tell others of it.” Her eyes twinkled a bit, allowing hers to meet his. ”I would build myself a home atop this cliff if I could, so that each more I could experience the beauty of the sky in the morning and each evening, I could be that much closer to the stars above.”
Her cheeks flushed, ”A home with a stable, of course.” She was trying to make light of her silly desires. ”But I am certain that I will dream of this place from Serenn.” For she had to return home, and there was little that could prevent that.
Vangelis watched as Selene processed his words and the view in tandem. He had never considered himself someone who didn't pay attention to his guests or friends but found himself now hyper aware of everything she spoke - as if her words would affect his next choices in regards to the future of the both of them. And, in some way, they might have.
Had Selene talked of how Colchis was brazen and mighty but in no way equal to her home back in Taengea, Vangelis might have chosen not to progress the conversation to the eventual topic he had been intending. He might have sent her on her way, uncaring of the confusion it might have left her in, for he would have determined her as having to remain within the realm of friendship. For he could never take on a Queen who would not appreciate his kingdom.
They did not have to love it. For he knew that such an obviously stoic, rocky and rough terrain was not considered the most joyous and beautiful thing to behold by many. He was not expecting a woman of delicate sensibilities or elegant aesthetics to love his lands as he did. But she did at least have to appreciate them; to understand that there was power and beauty there if one cared to look. Even if they could not see it themselves.
Selene, however, seemed to understand. Whilst she came from a world of lush greenery, vibrant colour and feminine beauty, she was at least able to grasp the majesty of the view that Vangelis so loved. The visage that was as much a part of his blood, skin and bone as his own name and family.
Yet, she repeatedly drew the conversation back to how she would miss Colchis, how she would speak of it to her family and friends... upon her return to Taengea. It seemed to be her pivotal thought process, seeping into her words at every opportunity.
Vangelis was no great analyser of people but he was intelligent enough to supposed that a notion that appeared so frequently in one's speech had to be an idea that was close to their heart. It was easy enough for him to understand that Selene wished to go home.
Yet whether that was a desire born from feeling separated from the place you called your own, or a grieving for the loss of Taengea specifically he did not know...
"Is that your desire, Selene?" He asked her, unsure how to progress further with his intentions before he established her real wants. As a General in an army, Vangelis had lived a life of checking and double-checking the dangers before attempting any form of progression. Subconsciously, his mind now did the same for ensuring that his heart would not be risked more than was necessary. "To return home?"
Folding his arms across his chest in a gesture that was more defensive than he realised, Vangelis tilted his head in question...
"I would ensure that you would be welcome to stay here as long as you wished. Even given a position and income of some kind..." It wasn't an odd proposition to offer the daughters of abroad Houses the positions of things such as retainers to the royal family, so Vangelis knew his words weren't entirely odd. His eyes narrowed. "It would be easy enough for you to stay here permanently if you so wished...?"
Whilst the offer he had made was entirely fanciful, given his original intention for bringing her to this view, there was something in Vangelis that made him seek to understand if she would wish to stay in Colchis regardless of whether he was part of the deal or not... He did not wish for Selene to stay with him or agree to his proposal of marriage simple to be claimed a Queen or to attain the husband two of her younger sisters had already managed for themselves. He wanted to know that she would love... his country... regardless of whether she ruled it.
The idea that Vangelis might be muddling in his mind the concept of his kingdom and himself, did not occur to him...
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Vangelis watched as Selene processed his words and the view in tandem. He had never considered himself someone who didn't pay attention to his guests or friends but found himself now hyper aware of everything she spoke - as if her words would affect his next choices in regards to the future of the both of them. And, in some way, they might have.
Had Selene talked of how Colchis was brazen and mighty but in no way equal to her home back in Taengea, Vangelis might have chosen not to progress the conversation to the eventual topic he had been intending. He might have sent her on her way, uncaring of the confusion it might have left her in, for he would have determined her as having to remain within the realm of friendship. For he could never take on a Queen who would not appreciate his kingdom.
They did not have to love it. For he knew that such an obviously stoic, rocky and rough terrain was not considered the most joyous and beautiful thing to behold by many. He was not expecting a woman of delicate sensibilities or elegant aesthetics to love his lands as he did. But she did at least have to appreciate them; to understand that there was power and beauty there if one cared to look. Even if they could not see it themselves.
Selene, however, seemed to understand. Whilst she came from a world of lush greenery, vibrant colour and feminine beauty, she was at least able to grasp the majesty of the view that Vangelis so loved. The visage that was as much a part of his blood, skin and bone as his own name and family.
Yet, she repeatedly drew the conversation back to how she would miss Colchis, how she would speak of it to her family and friends... upon her return to Taengea. It seemed to be her pivotal thought process, seeping into her words at every opportunity.
Vangelis was no great analyser of people but he was intelligent enough to supposed that a notion that appeared so frequently in one's speech had to be an idea that was close to their heart. It was easy enough for him to understand that Selene wished to go home.
Yet whether that was a desire born from feeling separated from the place you called your own, or a grieving for the loss of Taengea specifically he did not know...
"Is that your desire, Selene?" He asked her, unsure how to progress further with his intentions before he established her real wants. As a General in an army, Vangelis had lived a life of checking and double-checking the dangers before attempting any form of progression. Subconsciously, his mind now did the same for ensuring that his heart would not be risked more than was necessary. "To return home?"
Folding his arms across his chest in a gesture that was more defensive than he realised, Vangelis tilted his head in question...
"I would ensure that you would be welcome to stay here as long as you wished. Even given a position and income of some kind..." It wasn't an odd proposition to offer the daughters of abroad Houses the positions of things such as retainers to the royal family, so Vangelis knew his words weren't entirely odd. His eyes narrowed. "It would be easy enough for you to stay here permanently if you so wished...?"
Whilst the offer he had made was entirely fanciful, given his original intention for bringing her to this view, there was something in Vangelis that made him seek to understand if she would wish to stay in Colchis regardless of whether he was part of the deal or not... He did not wish for Selene to stay with him or agree to his proposal of marriage simple to be claimed a Queen or to attain the husband two of her younger sisters had already managed for themselves. He wanted to know that she would love... his country... regardless of whether she ruled it.
The idea that Vangelis might be muddling in his mind the concept of his kingdom and himself, did not occur to him...
Vangelis watched as Selene processed his words and the view in tandem. He had never considered himself someone who didn't pay attention to his guests or friends but found himself now hyper aware of everything she spoke - as if her words would affect his next choices in regards to the future of the both of them. And, in some way, they might have.
Had Selene talked of how Colchis was brazen and mighty but in no way equal to her home back in Taengea, Vangelis might have chosen not to progress the conversation to the eventual topic he had been intending. He might have sent her on her way, uncaring of the confusion it might have left her in, for he would have determined her as having to remain within the realm of friendship. For he could never take on a Queen who would not appreciate his kingdom.
They did not have to love it. For he knew that such an obviously stoic, rocky and rough terrain was not considered the most joyous and beautiful thing to behold by many. He was not expecting a woman of delicate sensibilities or elegant aesthetics to love his lands as he did. But she did at least have to appreciate them; to understand that there was power and beauty there if one cared to look. Even if they could not see it themselves.
Selene, however, seemed to understand. Whilst she came from a world of lush greenery, vibrant colour and feminine beauty, she was at least able to grasp the majesty of the view that Vangelis so loved. The visage that was as much a part of his blood, skin and bone as his own name and family.
Yet, she repeatedly drew the conversation back to how she would miss Colchis, how she would speak of it to her family and friends... upon her return to Taengea. It seemed to be her pivotal thought process, seeping into her words at every opportunity.
Vangelis was no great analyser of people but he was intelligent enough to supposed that a notion that appeared so frequently in one's speech had to be an idea that was close to their heart. It was easy enough for him to understand that Selene wished to go home.
Yet whether that was a desire born from feeling separated from the place you called your own, or a grieving for the loss of Taengea specifically he did not know...
"Is that your desire, Selene?" He asked her, unsure how to progress further with his intentions before he established her real wants. As a General in an army, Vangelis had lived a life of checking and double-checking the dangers before attempting any form of progression. Subconsciously, his mind now did the same for ensuring that his heart would not be risked more than was necessary. "To return home?"
Folding his arms across his chest in a gesture that was more defensive than he realised, Vangelis tilted his head in question...
"I would ensure that you would be welcome to stay here as long as you wished. Even given a position and income of some kind..." It wasn't an odd proposition to offer the daughters of abroad Houses the positions of things such as retainers to the royal family, so Vangelis knew his words weren't entirely odd. His eyes narrowed. "It would be easy enough for you to stay here permanently if you so wished...?"
Whilst the offer he had made was entirely fanciful, given his original intention for bringing her to this view, there was something in Vangelis that made him seek to understand if she would wish to stay in Colchis regardless of whether he was part of the deal or not... He did not wish for Selene to stay with him or agree to his proposal of marriage simple to be claimed a Queen or to attain the husband two of her younger sisters had already managed for themselves. He wanted to know that she would love... his country... regardless of whether she ruled it.
The idea that Vangelis might be muddling in his mind the concept of his kingdom and himself, did not occur to him...
”No.” There was no hesitation in her voice as she told him the truth, for once dropping any sort of socially acceptable answer. She did not want to go home, for a multitude of reasons. She didn’t wish to leave Stephanos and Pia behind with no one on their side. It almost felt like a betrayal, supporting Achilleas by returning, when she knew just how wrong Irakles had been in removing Stephanos from the throne. And while Taegnea may have been her home, she certainly didn’t feel safe there with the Creed still potentially lurking in the shadows. Selene had made far too many friends here, and the pit in her stomach only grew deeper the longer she looked at Vangelis, hoping she didn’t look as vulnerable as she felt.
But, most of all, she didn’t want to leave him. It was selfish of her, really. But he made her feel whole. Like she had been missing a part of herself, hadn’t been able to find it until he was there to guide her. At some point, she lost the line and crossed into loving him, only realizing it when he had died in front of her. Selene wanted to stay. But doing so would be impossible when it seemed as if he had just thought of her as a friend.
But, if she was honest with herself, she could find joy in that, too. If he was happy and loved and content with his life than she could be happy for him. And perhaps, if she stayed, she could have found a match of her own here.
”If I could stay on Serenn, perhaps the idea of returning him would not seem so daunting. But my duty is to my family. Now that Stephanos and Olympia are no longer in danger, I should return home. Theodora needs her family, too.” Now, there was hesitation in her voice, knowing that she would have to be in the city for far longer than she wished. ”But it is not because I want to go home. I would spend the rest of my days here. I would return home because it is my duty to my family.”
It was his offer of a position that made her smile, a bit of a devious light in her eyes. ”I’ll accept nothing less than Master of Horses, thank you very much.” She was certain the tongues would wag a bit at that. ”Could you imagine the talk back home? A woman, in charge of the stables? ‘It just isn’t done!’ I may be a Leventi, but I am still a well-bred lady.” But still, she didn’t mind the melancholy in her voice as she spoke, ”Even if I wished it, I do not think my uncle would find that an acceptable use of my time. He would never approve of it.”
She pulled the himation tighter around herself. ”But Colchis and its people have found a way into my heart.” Her gaze was out to the ocean, knowing that if she left the chances of her returning anytime soon would be slim. ”I feel safe here. I know that I could be happy here, too, because the thought of leaving brings such sadness. All I can do it accept it, as it most certainly is out of my hands.” She fiddled with the edges of the material, wishing she felt surer of her answer. ”If I am to go, I should do so now, while war is not yet upon us.”
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”No.” There was no hesitation in her voice as she told him the truth, for once dropping any sort of socially acceptable answer. She did not want to go home, for a multitude of reasons. She didn’t wish to leave Stephanos and Pia behind with no one on their side. It almost felt like a betrayal, supporting Achilleas by returning, when she knew just how wrong Irakles had been in removing Stephanos from the throne. And while Taegnea may have been her home, she certainly didn’t feel safe there with the Creed still potentially lurking in the shadows. Selene had made far too many friends here, and the pit in her stomach only grew deeper the longer she looked at Vangelis, hoping she didn’t look as vulnerable as she felt.
But, most of all, she didn’t want to leave him. It was selfish of her, really. But he made her feel whole. Like she had been missing a part of herself, hadn’t been able to find it until he was there to guide her. At some point, she lost the line and crossed into loving him, only realizing it when he had died in front of her. Selene wanted to stay. But doing so would be impossible when it seemed as if he had just thought of her as a friend.
But, if she was honest with herself, she could find joy in that, too. If he was happy and loved and content with his life than she could be happy for him. And perhaps, if she stayed, she could have found a match of her own here.
”If I could stay on Serenn, perhaps the idea of returning him would not seem so daunting. But my duty is to my family. Now that Stephanos and Olympia are no longer in danger, I should return home. Theodora needs her family, too.” Now, there was hesitation in her voice, knowing that she would have to be in the city for far longer than she wished. ”But it is not because I want to go home. I would spend the rest of my days here. I would return home because it is my duty to my family.”
It was his offer of a position that made her smile, a bit of a devious light in her eyes. ”I’ll accept nothing less than Master of Horses, thank you very much.” She was certain the tongues would wag a bit at that. ”Could you imagine the talk back home? A woman, in charge of the stables? ‘It just isn’t done!’ I may be a Leventi, but I am still a well-bred lady.” But still, she didn’t mind the melancholy in her voice as she spoke, ”Even if I wished it, I do not think my uncle would find that an acceptable use of my time. He would never approve of it.”
She pulled the himation tighter around herself. ”But Colchis and its people have found a way into my heart.” Her gaze was out to the ocean, knowing that if she left the chances of her returning anytime soon would be slim. ”I feel safe here. I know that I could be happy here, too, because the thought of leaving brings such sadness. All I can do it accept it, as it most certainly is out of my hands.” She fiddled with the edges of the material, wishing she felt surer of her answer. ”If I am to go, I should do so now, while war is not yet upon us.”
”No.” There was no hesitation in her voice as she told him the truth, for once dropping any sort of socially acceptable answer. She did not want to go home, for a multitude of reasons. She didn’t wish to leave Stephanos and Pia behind with no one on their side. It almost felt like a betrayal, supporting Achilleas by returning, when she knew just how wrong Irakles had been in removing Stephanos from the throne. And while Taegnea may have been her home, she certainly didn’t feel safe there with the Creed still potentially lurking in the shadows. Selene had made far too many friends here, and the pit in her stomach only grew deeper the longer she looked at Vangelis, hoping she didn’t look as vulnerable as she felt.
But, most of all, she didn’t want to leave him. It was selfish of her, really. But he made her feel whole. Like she had been missing a part of herself, hadn’t been able to find it until he was there to guide her. At some point, she lost the line and crossed into loving him, only realizing it when he had died in front of her. Selene wanted to stay. But doing so would be impossible when it seemed as if he had just thought of her as a friend.
But, if she was honest with herself, she could find joy in that, too. If he was happy and loved and content with his life than she could be happy for him. And perhaps, if she stayed, she could have found a match of her own here.
”If I could stay on Serenn, perhaps the idea of returning him would not seem so daunting. But my duty is to my family. Now that Stephanos and Olympia are no longer in danger, I should return home. Theodora needs her family, too.” Now, there was hesitation in her voice, knowing that she would have to be in the city for far longer than she wished. ”But it is not because I want to go home. I would spend the rest of my days here. I would return home because it is my duty to my family.”
It was his offer of a position that made her smile, a bit of a devious light in her eyes. ”I’ll accept nothing less than Master of Horses, thank you very much.” She was certain the tongues would wag a bit at that. ”Could you imagine the talk back home? A woman, in charge of the stables? ‘It just isn’t done!’ I may be a Leventi, but I am still a well-bred lady.” But still, she didn’t mind the melancholy in her voice as she spoke, ”Even if I wished it, I do not think my uncle would find that an acceptable use of my time. He would never approve of it.”
She pulled the himation tighter around herself. ”But Colchis and its people have found a way into my heart.” Her gaze was out to the ocean, knowing that if she left the chances of her returning anytime soon would be slim. ”I feel safe here. I know that I could be happy here, too, because the thought of leaving brings such sadness. All I can do it accept it, as it most certainly is out of my hands.” She fiddled with the edges of the material, wishing she felt surer of her answer. ”If I am to go, I should do so now, while war is not yet upon us.”
If he were honest, Vangelis would have to admit to hearing only half of what Selene had to say regarding not wanting to leave. For as soon as such had said enough to convince him that her desire to return to Taengea was borne more from duty than from desire, a rushing noise had begun somewhere in his head. A pressure and irritation in the back of his mind that told him all obstacles to his intention had been removed and he needed to be wise enough to take the opportunity now to seal it.
He surfaced once more when Selene suggested the role of Master of Horses - that she was determined to hold such a position if she was to stay. But Vangelis recognised by now the jest in her tone and the comedy in her intention and he found his own mouth slanting into his sardonic smile of amusement. He liked that she challenged him; teased him. It was rare that someone ever seemed brave enough to use mirth with the 'Stone Prince'. It was reminiscent of his family. And he liked that Selene felt comfortable enough to speak with him as if she were just that: a part of his family.
As she assured him again that she would wish to stay in Colchis were she to have the choice, Vangelis made his final decision and charged forward with the opportunity her jest offered him. Moving his hands from where they had been folded across his chest to rest in the small of his back, Vangelis stood with a deceptively casual stance, his thumbs hooked into his belt and his gaze looking down at his shifting boot. It was only when he looked back up that he spoke, meeting her gaze with an intense stare that he hoped convinced her that he wasn't mimicking her amusement with a joke of his own, but that he was perfectly serious in the words that left his mouth.
"I think you would make a fine Master of Horses." He told her, playing along with her fictional role. "And I would have no issue with a woman of your talents handling the royal stables." There was a pause as he swallowed, a foreign frisson of nervousness zipping along the lining of his stomach. "But I would far rather have you as Queen... If you'd consent to that, of course."
Tempted to wince at the lack of elegance with which he spoke those words, having thrown out the window every prepared statement and idea he had had to convince her of the earnestness of his proposal, Vangelis wasn't sure if he regretted jumping on the opportunity that her words had presented or felt relief that the suggestion had finally made it to the air. Either way, Vangelis watched for Selene's reaction to his offer, accepting that he might still need the conviction of his arguments before an acceptance was his...
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If he were honest, Vangelis would have to admit to hearing only half of what Selene had to say regarding not wanting to leave. For as soon as such had said enough to convince him that her desire to return to Taengea was borne more from duty than from desire, a rushing noise had begun somewhere in his head. A pressure and irritation in the back of his mind that told him all obstacles to his intention had been removed and he needed to be wise enough to take the opportunity now to seal it.
He surfaced once more when Selene suggested the role of Master of Horses - that she was determined to hold such a position if she was to stay. But Vangelis recognised by now the jest in her tone and the comedy in her intention and he found his own mouth slanting into his sardonic smile of amusement. He liked that she challenged him; teased him. It was rare that someone ever seemed brave enough to use mirth with the 'Stone Prince'. It was reminiscent of his family. And he liked that Selene felt comfortable enough to speak with him as if she were just that: a part of his family.
As she assured him again that she would wish to stay in Colchis were she to have the choice, Vangelis made his final decision and charged forward with the opportunity her jest offered him. Moving his hands from where they had been folded across his chest to rest in the small of his back, Vangelis stood with a deceptively casual stance, his thumbs hooked into his belt and his gaze looking down at his shifting boot. It was only when he looked back up that he spoke, meeting her gaze with an intense stare that he hoped convinced her that he wasn't mimicking her amusement with a joke of his own, but that he was perfectly serious in the words that left his mouth.
"I think you would make a fine Master of Horses." He told her, playing along with her fictional role. "And I would have no issue with a woman of your talents handling the royal stables." There was a pause as he swallowed, a foreign frisson of nervousness zipping along the lining of his stomach. "But I would far rather have you as Queen... If you'd consent to that, of course."
Tempted to wince at the lack of elegance with which he spoke those words, having thrown out the window every prepared statement and idea he had had to convince her of the earnestness of his proposal, Vangelis wasn't sure if he regretted jumping on the opportunity that her words had presented or felt relief that the suggestion had finally made it to the air. Either way, Vangelis watched for Selene's reaction to his offer, accepting that he might still need the conviction of his arguments before an acceptance was his...
If he were honest, Vangelis would have to admit to hearing only half of what Selene had to say regarding not wanting to leave. For as soon as such had said enough to convince him that her desire to return to Taengea was borne more from duty than from desire, a rushing noise had begun somewhere in his head. A pressure and irritation in the back of his mind that told him all obstacles to his intention had been removed and he needed to be wise enough to take the opportunity now to seal it.
He surfaced once more when Selene suggested the role of Master of Horses - that she was determined to hold such a position if she was to stay. But Vangelis recognised by now the jest in her tone and the comedy in her intention and he found his own mouth slanting into his sardonic smile of amusement. He liked that she challenged him; teased him. It was rare that someone ever seemed brave enough to use mirth with the 'Stone Prince'. It was reminiscent of his family. And he liked that Selene felt comfortable enough to speak with him as if she were just that: a part of his family.
As she assured him again that she would wish to stay in Colchis were she to have the choice, Vangelis made his final decision and charged forward with the opportunity her jest offered him. Moving his hands from where they had been folded across his chest to rest in the small of his back, Vangelis stood with a deceptively casual stance, his thumbs hooked into his belt and his gaze looking down at his shifting boot. It was only when he looked back up that he spoke, meeting her gaze with an intense stare that he hoped convinced her that he wasn't mimicking her amusement with a joke of his own, but that he was perfectly serious in the words that left his mouth.
"I think you would make a fine Master of Horses." He told her, playing along with her fictional role. "And I would have no issue with a woman of your talents handling the royal stables." There was a pause as he swallowed, a foreign frisson of nervousness zipping along the lining of his stomach. "But I would far rather have you as Queen... If you'd consent to that, of course."
Tempted to wince at the lack of elegance with which he spoke those words, having thrown out the window every prepared statement and idea he had had to convince her of the earnestness of his proposal, Vangelis wasn't sure if he regretted jumping on the opportunity that her words had presented or felt relief that the suggestion had finally made it to the air. Either way, Vangelis watched for Selene's reaction to his offer, accepting that he might still need the conviction of his arguments before an acceptance was his...
There was a shift in his mentality, but she could not put his finger on it. Having spent enough time around him now, she knew the way his face would change the moment his mind was made up. At some point, there was a… certainty in his features. She didn’t know what brought it about, or what he had decided he was so certain of, but Selene watched him carefully, trying to piece together his resolve.
His own response to her jest made her smile, knowing that he was wholly serious in his words, that he trusted her skills enough to put her in charge of the royal stables without a second thought. It was his next comment that she had difficulty with.
It was impossible for her to tell what his intention of the words were. Was he jesting back with her? Was he serious? Selene knew that he was a man who said what he meant, but after her own joke as to the only acceptable position within the Kingdom, there was a sudden need to figure out exactly what he meant. For his jokes were rare, but this was not something to joke about, if he was really suggesting what she thought he was.
So, instead of asking him outright, she opted for a joke back. ”That’s a fairly extravagant title for someone who is in charge of the stables. ‘Queen of Horses’ is far more than I would have thought for a title, but I suppose it will do.” She was smiling at him, hoping that her own jest would keep the smile on his face.
Pausing a moment, she studied the seriousness of his face. So even though he had been joking quietly about the idea of putting her in charge of the horses, his question about her being Queen was very real. She pulled the himation a bit tighter, her face falling just a bit. ”Because you certainly can not be speaking about being Queen of Colchis. A pretty face does not a Queen make. And you said it yourself, that my beauty was the thing you like the most about me.” She wished she had brought a heavier cloak, wanting the protection such material could offer. ”I do not think being pretty and good with horses is enough to be Queen.”
For while she was certain of her feelings for him, of her admiration for his ability to lead, she was still in the dark about his own towards her. It was obvious that he liked he well enough, for he wouldn’t spend as much time with someone who he didn’t enjoy being with. But there was no indication from him that it had been anything more than that. And he had never given any sign that he thought that she would be fit to rule beside him.
He was too responsible to pick a Queen because he had feelings for her, she knew that. The decision was not one he would have made lightly, as he was first and foremost, without a doubt, the heir to Colchis. He would marry someone he felt was the right fit for the kingdom, even if it meant a loveless marriage. But she could not help but be confused by his words.
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There was a shift in his mentality, but she could not put his finger on it. Having spent enough time around him now, she knew the way his face would change the moment his mind was made up. At some point, there was a… certainty in his features. She didn’t know what brought it about, or what he had decided he was so certain of, but Selene watched him carefully, trying to piece together his resolve.
His own response to her jest made her smile, knowing that he was wholly serious in his words, that he trusted her skills enough to put her in charge of the royal stables without a second thought. It was his next comment that she had difficulty with.
It was impossible for her to tell what his intention of the words were. Was he jesting back with her? Was he serious? Selene knew that he was a man who said what he meant, but after her own joke as to the only acceptable position within the Kingdom, there was a sudden need to figure out exactly what he meant. For his jokes were rare, but this was not something to joke about, if he was really suggesting what she thought he was.
So, instead of asking him outright, she opted for a joke back. ”That’s a fairly extravagant title for someone who is in charge of the stables. ‘Queen of Horses’ is far more than I would have thought for a title, but I suppose it will do.” She was smiling at him, hoping that her own jest would keep the smile on his face.
Pausing a moment, she studied the seriousness of his face. So even though he had been joking quietly about the idea of putting her in charge of the horses, his question about her being Queen was very real. She pulled the himation a bit tighter, her face falling just a bit. ”Because you certainly can not be speaking about being Queen of Colchis. A pretty face does not a Queen make. And you said it yourself, that my beauty was the thing you like the most about me.” She wished she had brought a heavier cloak, wanting the protection such material could offer. ”I do not think being pretty and good with horses is enough to be Queen.”
For while she was certain of her feelings for him, of her admiration for his ability to lead, she was still in the dark about his own towards her. It was obvious that he liked he well enough, for he wouldn’t spend as much time with someone who he didn’t enjoy being with. But there was no indication from him that it had been anything more than that. And he had never given any sign that he thought that she would be fit to rule beside him.
He was too responsible to pick a Queen because he had feelings for her, she knew that. The decision was not one he would have made lightly, as he was first and foremost, without a doubt, the heir to Colchis. He would marry someone he felt was the right fit for the kingdom, even if it meant a loveless marriage. But she could not help but be confused by his words.
There was a shift in his mentality, but she could not put his finger on it. Having spent enough time around him now, she knew the way his face would change the moment his mind was made up. At some point, there was a… certainty in his features. She didn’t know what brought it about, or what he had decided he was so certain of, but Selene watched him carefully, trying to piece together his resolve.
His own response to her jest made her smile, knowing that he was wholly serious in his words, that he trusted her skills enough to put her in charge of the royal stables without a second thought. It was his next comment that she had difficulty with.
It was impossible for her to tell what his intention of the words were. Was he jesting back with her? Was he serious? Selene knew that he was a man who said what he meant, but after her own joke as to the only acceptable position within the Kingdom, there was a sudden need to figure out exactly what he meant. For his jokes were rare, but this was not something to joke about, if he was really suggesting what she thought he was.
So, instead of asking him outright, she opted for a joke back. ”That’s a fairly extravagant title for someone who is in charge of the stables. ‘Queen of Horses’ is far more than I would have thought for a title, but I suppose it will do.” She was smiling at him, hoping that her own jest would keep the smile on his face.
Pausing a moment, she studied the seriousness of his face. So even though he had been joking quietly about the idea of putting her in charge of the horses, his question about her being Queen was very real. She pulled the himation a bit tighter, her face falling just a bit. ”Because you certainly can not be speaking about being Queen of Colchis. A pretty face does not a Queen make. And you said it yourself, that my beauty was the thing you like the most about me.” She wished she had brought a heavier cloak, wanting the protection such material could offer. ”I do not think being pretty and good with horses is enough to be Queen.”
For while she was certain of her feelings for him, of her admiration for his ability to lead, she was still in the dark about his own towards her. It was obvious that he liked he well enough, for he wouldn’t spend as much time with someone who he didn’t enjoy being with. But there was no indication from him that it had been anything more than that. And he had never given any sign that he thought that she would be fit to rule beside him.
He was too responsible to pick a Queen because he had feelings for her, she knew that. The decision was not one he would have made lightly, as he was first and foremost, without a doubt, the heir to Colchis. He would marry someone he felt was the right fit for the kingdom, even if it meant a loveless marriage. But she could not help but be confused by his words.
Feeling as if he might be holding his breath as the digestion of his words was clear upon Selene's features, Vangelis' natural stoicism stopped his own thoughts from showing on his face. He simply watched and waited as it was clear that she was surprised by his proposal of marriage.
Vangelis could not blame her for being shocked at its appearance in such a moment but he felt mildly concerned that it should be a complete surprise. The two of them had spent more time together, shared more intimacies in letters and spoken conversation than was normal between a man and woman yet to be married. He had felt secure in their friendship being mutual. He was not ignorant of what he offered a woman in terms of a marriage prospect.
He wasn't so convinced that it was arrogance on his part to have expected a slightly more enthusiastic response than to assume him to be joking.
The joke that she had made regarding Queen of Horses he had smiled at, but the devolving of his expression was quick as she continued on to suggesting the lunacy of such an offer that he might be truly making.
When she defined that it was bizarre for him to request her to be Queen of his kingdom when all she had to offer was a pretty face, Vangelis' firm disagreement with that statement broke through his stony demeanour and had his brow lowering darkly over his eyes in confusion and distaste.
Why on the Gods' earth would she think that she had only her appearance to-
Her next words clarified quickly that - to add shame to his lack of romance in this proposal - he had not made her believe herself to be little more than a beautiful face, but had given her the impression that that was his opinion of her value.
Looking away from her, immediately contrite at his failure in social skills, Vangelis remembered the comments he had made when he had been breaking Phobos in the paddock and how his lack of further explanation in his distraction had led her to believe his good opinion of her to be so shallow.
Partially wounded that Selene would think that he would consider so little of her, Vangelis put aside the hurt, fully aware that this was his own fault.
Taking a step forward and reaching a hand out to gesture his point in a slicing chop of the side of his palm, Vangelis spoke quickly and with a reassurance that he hoped broke through any damage he had done.
"No!" He said, with an emphasise he rarely used in his voice when in casual conversation and not standing before his troops. "No, that was not my meaning." He said emphatically and his eyes boring into hers, still several feet away from her.
Reaching up to run his fingers through his hair in a gesture of frustration, Vangelis searched for the words to make right his mistake. He sighed softly through his nose, braced his hands on his hips and then turned back to animated gestures, as he took up the challenge of clearing his miscommunication.
"Selene..."
He stopped, totally unsure of how to go about finding the right words. He seemed utterly out of his depth but determined to storm through it nonetheless, his eyes holding hers and defiance stamped on every line of his face.
"Selene, a blind man could see your beauty. Your own people claim you to be blessed by the Gods and I believe them." He paused to ensure that that was established, regardless of his following comments. "But your refinement means more to me than how your face is formed."
Taking several steps closer to her and away from the edge of the cliffside, Vangelis's hands parted to take in more than the situation between themselves.
"I know that people believe me to be ignorant of social graces and while I have clearly, so far, proven them right in my lack of communication skills, I am no fool... In my experience, people take the path of least resistance - they walk the road that is the easiest. And beautiful women have easier paths. They are accepted, loved and adored, regardless of anything else." Vangelis waved a hand towards Selene, turning the focus of the conversation more specific. "By the natural laws of society, you needed to do nothing in your life but stand there and as stunning as you are, you would have been given anything you wanted. There was no need for you to learn politics, to learn to ride, to learn to play. You needn't have worked hard to be an example or role model to your sisters or a good daughter to your parents - you would have been blessed by the Gods and loved regardless... because you are astoundingly fine in appearance."
Vangelis paused to take a breath and seemed to grimace at his own tongue, as he shook his head a little. "I am not saying this right." He chastised himself, but could do nothing but continue forwards. He took a step closer to Selene, as if his personal earnestness that she understand drew him closer physically. "Women without options are forced to become as learned and skilled as you are. Women who look like you need not try so hard. Which means you chose to do so. You took the privileged life that the Gods bestowed to you and you worked hard regardless. It is your beauty I like the most, Selene, because it is your beauty that tells me that everything else that I respect in you is real and an act of choice over necessity. I believe that many a person can make the effort when it has to be made. Only a truly unique woman would do so because they think it right, instead of because they must. And it is that woman that I want for Colchis' Queen."
Now standing fully before her, his breathing heavy and his stare intense as he sought an understanding in her features, Vangelis simply prayed to the Gods that he hadn't just made everything a thousand times worse...
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Feeling as if he might be holding his breath as the digestion of his words was clear upon Selene's features, Vangelis' natural stoicism stopped his own thoughts from showing on his face. He simply watched and waited as it was clear that she was surprised by his proposal of marriage.
Vangelis could not blame her for being shocked at its appearance in such a moment but he felt mildly concerned that it should be a complete surprise. The two of them had spent more time together, shared more intimacies in letters and spoken conversation than was normal between a man and woman yet to be married. He had felt secure in their friendship being mutual. He was not ignorant of what he offered a woman in terms of a marriage prospect.
He wasn't so convinced that it was arrogance on his part to have expected a slightly more enthusiastic response than to assume him to be joking.
The joke that she had made regarding Queen of Horses he had smiled at, but the devolving of his expression was quick as she continued on to suggesting the lunacy of such an offer that he might be truly making.
When she defined that it was bizarre for him to request her to be Queen of his kingdom when all she had to offer was a pretty face, Vangelis' firm disagreement with that statement broke through his stony demeanour and had his brow lowering darkly over his eyes in confusion and distaste.
Why on the Gods' earth would she think that she had only her appearance to-
Her next words clarified quickly that - to add shame to his lack of romance in this proposal - he had not made her believe herself to be little more than a beautiful face, but had given her the impression that that was his opinion of her value.
Looking away from her, immediately contrite at his failure in social skills, Vangelis remembered the comments he had made when he had been breaking Phobos in the paddock and how his lack of further explanation in his distraction had led her to believe his good opinion of her to be so shallow.
Partially wounded that Selene would think that he would consider so little of her, Vangelis put aside the hurt, fully aware that this was his own fault.
Taking a step forward and reaching a hand out to gesture his point in a slicing chop of the side of his palm, Vangelis spoke quickly and with a reassurance that he hoped broke through any damage he had done.
"No!" He said, with an emphasise he rarely used in his voice when in casual conversation and not standing before his troops. "No, that was not my meaning." He said emphatically and his eyes boring into hers, still several feet away from her.
Reaching up to run his fingers through his hair in a gesture of frustration, Vangelis searched for the words to make right his mistake. He sighed softly through his nose, braced his hands on his hips and then turned back to animated gestures, as he took up the challenge of clearing his miscommunication.
"Selene..."
He stopped, totally unsure of how to go about finding the right words. He seemed utterly out of his depth but determined to storm through it nonetheless, his eyes holding hers and defiance stamped on every line of his face.
"Selene, a blind man could see your beauty. Your own people claim you to be blessed by the Gods and I believe them." He paused to ensure that that was established, regardless of his following comments. "But your refinement means more to me than how your face is formed."
Taking several steps closer to her and away from the edge of the cliffside, Vangelis's hands parted to take in more than the situation between themselves.
"I know that people believe me to be ignorant of social graces and while I have clearly, so far, proven them right in my lack of communication skills, I am no fool... In my experience, people take the path of least resistance - they walk the road that is the easiest. And beautiful women have easier paths. They are accepted, loved and adored, regardless of anything else." Vangelis waved a hand towards Selene, turning the focus of the conversation more specific. "By the natural laws of society, you needed to do nothing in your life but stand there and as stunning as you are, you would have been given anything you wanted. There was no need for you to learn politics, to learn to ride, to learn to play. You needn't have worked hard to be an example or role model to your sisters or a good daughter to your parents - you would have been blessed by the Gods and loved regardless... because you are astoundingly fine in appearance."
Vangelis paused to take a breath and seemed to grimace at his own tongue, as he shook his head a little. "I am not saying this right." He chastised himself, but could do nothing but continue forwards. He took a step closer to Selene, as if his personal earnestness that she understand drew him closer physically. "Women without options are forced to become as learned and skilled as you are. Women who look like you need not try so hard. Which means you chose to do so. You took the privileged life that the Gods bestowed to you and you worked hard regardless. It is your beauty I like the most, Selene, because it is your beauty that tells me that everything else that I respect in you is real and an act of choice over necessity. I believe that many a person can make the effort when it has to be made. Only a truly unique woman would do so because they think it right, instead of because they must. And it is that woman that I want for Colchis' Queen."
Now standing fully before her, his breathing heavy and his stare intense as he sought an understanding in her features, Vangelis simply prayed to the Gods that he hadn't just made everything a thousand times worse...
Feeling as if he might be holding his breath as the digestion of his words was clear upon Selene's features, Vangelis' natural stoicism stopped his own thoughts from showing on his face. He simply watched and waited as it was clear that she was surprised by his proposal of marriage.
Vangelis could not blame her for being shocked at its appearance in such a moment but he felt mildly concerned that it should be a complete surprise. The two of them had spent more time together, shared more intimacies in letters and spoken conversation than was normal between a man and woman yet to be married. He had felt secure in their friendship being mutual. He was not ignorant of what he offered a woman in terms of a marriage prospect.
He wasn't so convinced that it was arrogance on his part to have expected a slightly more enthusiastic response than to assume him to be joking.
The joke that she had made regarding Queen of Horses he had smiled at, but the devolving of his expression was quick as she continued on to suggesting the lunacy of such an offer that he might be truly making.
When she defined that it was bizarre for him to request her to be Queen of his kingdom when all she had to offer was a pretty face, Vangelis' firm disagreement with that statement broke through his stony demeanour and had his brow lowering darkly over his eyes in confusion and distaste.
Why on the Gods' earth would she think that she had only her appearance to-
Her next words clarified quickly that - to add shame to his lack of romance in this proposal - he had not made her believe herself to be little more than a beautiful face, but had given her the impression that that was his opinion of her value.
Looking away from her, immediately contrite at his failure in social skills, Vangelis remembered the comments he had made when he had been breaking Phobos in the paddock and how his lack of further explanation in his distraction had led her to believe his good opinion of her to be so shallow.
Partially wounded that Selene would think that he would consider so little of her, Vangelis put aside the hurt, fully aware that this was his own fault.
Taking a step forward and reaching a hand out to gesture his point in a slicing chop of the side of his palm, Vangelis spoke quickly and with a reassurance that he hoped broke through any damage he had done.
"No!" He said, with an emphasise he rarely used in his voice when in casual conversation and not standing before his troops. "No, that was not my meaning." He said emphatically and his eyes boring into hers, still several feet away from her.
Reaching up to run his fingers through his hair in a gesture of frustration, Vangelis searched for the words to make right his mistake. He sighed softly through his nose, braced his hands on his hips and then turned back to animated gestures, as he took up the challenge of clearing his miscommunication.
"Selene..."
He stopped, totally unsure of how to go about finding the right words. He seemed utterly out of his depth but determined to storm through it nonetheless, his eyes holding hers and defiance stamped on every line of his face.
"Selene, a blind man could see your beauty. Your own people claim you to be blessed by the Gods and I believe them." He paused to ensure that that was established, regardless of his following comments. "But your refinement means more to me than how your face is formed."
Taking several steps closer to her and away from the edge of the cliffside, Vangelis's hands parted to take in more than the situation between themselves.
"I know that people believe me to be ignorant of social graces and while I have clearly, so far, proven them right in my lack of communication skills, I am no fool... In my experience, people take the path of least resistance - they walk the road that is the easiest. And beautiful women have easier paths. They are accepted, loved and adored, regardless of anything else." Vangelis waved a hand towards Selene, turning the focus of the conversation more specific. "By the natural laws of society, you needed to do nothing in your life but stand there and as stunning as you are, you would have been given anything you wanted. There was no need for you to learn politics, to learn to ride, to learn to play. You needn't have worked hard to be an example or role model to your sisters or a good daughter to your parents - you would have been blessed by the Gods and loved regardless... because you are astoundingly fine in appearance."
Vangelis paused to take a breath and seemed to grimace at his own tongue, as he shook his head a little. "I am not saying this right." He chastised himself, but could do nothing but continue forwards. He took a step closer to Selene, as if his personal earnestness that she understand drew him closer physically. "Women without options are forced to become as learned and skilled as you are. Women who look like you need not try so hard. Which means you chose to do so. You took the privileged life that the Gods bestowed to you and you worked hard regardless. It is your beauty I like the most, Selene, because it is your beauty that tells me that everything else that I respect in you is real and an act of choice over necessity. I believe that many a person can make the effort when it has to be made. Only a truly unique woman would do so because they think it right, instead of because they must. And it is that woman that I want for Colchis' Queen."
Now standing fully before her, his breathing heavy and his stare intense as he sought an understanding in her features, Vangelis simply prayed to the Gods that he hadn't just made everything a thousand times worse...
His exclamation caught her off guard, and she tried to remember if she’d ever heard him so firm in his speech towards hers. The doubt in her flowed, but his words stopped it quickly. As much as she was ready to tread down a path that lacked self-worth, there was no denying the relief she felt when he told her that she had misunderstood the intentions of his words.
So she listened, patiently, as he explained what he had truly meant. She couldn’t stop the blush that covered her cheeks at his proclamation that her beauty is blessed by the Gods, in his belief in that. She should have taken stock in how rarely he did speak of her looks, should have focused on how intent he had always been to almost ignore it. But most women did have a hint of vanity within themselves, and she was not immune to that. For him to admit that he thought pretty, too, was a welcomed compliment. Her silence in the matter would not have told him that one way or another.
But she was certain the soft pinking of her cheeks against the sunset would.
What he was saying was a statement of fact, and it was one she had battled her whole life. Everyone around her seemed to think her just pretty. And even then, she was judged because the Gods had blessed her for it. To anyone looking at her, Selene could have made her life easier just by smiling. There was no need for her to be more than that. And perhaps that was why she had tried not to be limited to that. Because beauty was fleeting, and perhaps she would not always be beautiful. He had always shown her that her worth was in those very things she’d tried to be. But having heard him so obviously reinforcement the very statement that had always been made to her, the sole importance of her beauty had created so much doubt in her mind.
She reached out, her fingers lingering lightly against the back of his hand. Her touch was feather-light, ”You are saying it exactly as I would expect you to.” But there was no ridicule in her voice, and she certainly wasn’t chastising him. Instead, there was a gentle fondness there, one that was obvious in her small smile.
”Your comment the other day did give me pause, simply because I do not think you have ever specifically mentioned my looks in any sort of conversation. To hear you say it was your favorite thing… it threw off every notion I’ve ever had of our relationship.” Her hand moved to his forearm, resting there, needing to touch him to make sure that they both were getting this right. ”And you are not wrong in your estimation. The sum of my worth to anyone looking is directly tied to my looks-- the one thing I have never been able to do much about.” Her value was always in who she married, not in who she was. ”And, for the longest time, I thought it was enough. I learned about politics because my mother and uncle wanted to secure a good marriage. I rode because it gave me one on one time with my father, and it made him proud. I enjoyed music and the harp was a natural inclination for me. But still, even as those things became lessons I truly enjoyed, it was always my beauty that was the most important.”
She took a deep breath, already feeling exposed and raw but safe, ”But you always saw me as more. And challenged me to be more. Perhaps it had to do with the fact that you did not get to stare at me as we formed our friendship through letters.” She laughed softly, unable to deny how often men would forget the conversation because they were staring at her face with no actual interest in what she was saying. ”You have always seen me as I am, and push me to be more.”
Her eyes met his, ”Do you want me to stay?” She asked, turning his own question back on him. ”I know that you always view your responsibilities to Colchis first and foremost. You will be King one day, and that has always been what is important. But,” her thumb was tracing circles on his skin. ”you also deserve to be with someone who makes you happy. Not just people. You deserve someone who makes you look at your partner like your father looks at your mother. I want to stay, if you want me to stay, I will do my best to be Queen, to be your wife and partner. But only if you, Vangelis of Kotas, want me to. No titles. No expectations.”
She let her hand fall back to her side, giving him an out, should he have any doubts in his proposal. The last thing she wanted to be was like Myrto, married to a man simply for political gain. That had been her parents' expectations of her, and she had spent the months since the Circus deciding that she wanted more. She wanted friendship and trust, and maybe one-day affection, affection like the King and Queen had shown in their reunion.
Her heart was already his.
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His exclamation caught her off guard, and she tried to remember if she’d ever heard him so firm in his speech towards hers. The doubt in her flowed, but his words stopped it quickly. As much as she was ready to tread down a path that lacked self-worth, there was no denying the relief she felt when he told her that she had misunderstood the intentions of his words.
So she listened, patiently, as he explained what he had truly meant. She couldn’t stop the blush that covered her cheeks at his proclamation that her beauty is blessed by the Gods, in his belief in that. She should have taken stock in how rarely he did speak of her looks, should have focused on how intent he had always been to almost ignore it. But most women did have a hint of vanity within themselves, and she was not immune to that. For him to admit that he thought pretty, too, was a welcomed compliment. Her silence in the matter would not have told him that one way or another.
But she was certain the soft pinking of her cheeks against the sunset would.
What he was saying was a statement of fact, and it was one she had battled her whole life. Everyone around her seemed to think her just pretty. And even then, she was judged because the Gods had blessed her for it. To anyone looking at her, Selene could have made her life easier just by smiling. There was no need for her to be more than that. And perhaps that was why she had tried not to be limited to that. Because beauty was fleeting, and perhaps she would not always be beautiful. He had always shown her that her worth was in those very things she’d tried to be. But having heard him so obviously reinforcement the very statement that had always been made to her, the sole importance of her beauty had created so much doubt in her mind.
She reached out, her fingers lingering lightly against the back of his hand. Her touch was feather-light, ”You are saying it exactly as I would expect you to.” But there was no ridicule in her voice, and she certainly wasn’t chastising him. Instead, there was a gentle fondness there, one that was obvious in her small smile.
”Your comment the other day did give me pause, simply because I do not think you have ever specifically mentioned my looks in any sort of conversation. To hear you say it was your favorite thing… it threw off every notion I’ve ever had of our relationship.” Her hand moved to his forearm, resting there, needing to touch him to make sure that they both were getting this right. ”And you are not wrong in your estimation. The sum of my worth to anyone looking is directly tied to my looks-- the one thing I have never been able to do much about.” Her value was always in who she married, not in who she was. ”And, for the longest time, I thought it was enough. I learned about politics because my mother and uncle wanted to secure a good marriage. I rode because it gave me one on one time with my father, and it made him proud. I enjoyed music and the harp was a natural inclination for me. But still, even as those things became lessons I truly enjoyed, it was always my beauty that was the most important.”
She took a deep breath, already feeling exposed and raw but safe, ”But you always saw me as more. And challenged me to be more. Perhaps it had to do with the fact that you did not get to stare at me as we formed our friendship through letters.” She laughed softly, unable to deny how often men would forget the conversation because they were staring at her face with no actual interest in what she was saying. ”You have always seen me as I am, and push me to be more.”
Her eyes met his, ”Do you want me to stay?” She asked, turning his own question back on him. ”I know that you always view your responsibilities to Colchis first and foremost. You will be King one day, and that has always been what is important. But,” her thumb was tracing circles on his skin. ”you also deserve to be with someone who makes you happy. Not just people. You deserve someone who makes you look at your partner like your father looks at your mother. I want to stay, if you want me to stay, I will do my best to be Queen, to be your wife and partner. But only if you, Vangelis of Kotas, want me to. No titles. No expectations.”
She let her hand fall back to her side, giving him an out, should he have any doubts in his proposal. The last thing she wanted to be was like Myrto, married to a man simply for political gain. That had been her parents' expectations of her, and she had spent the months since the Circus deciding that she wanted more. She wanted friendship and trust, and maybe one-day affection, affection like the King and Queen had shown in their reunion.
Her heart was already his.
His exclamation caught her off guard, and she tried to remember if she’d ever heard him so firm in his speech towards hers. The doubt in her flowed, but his words stopped it quickly. As much as she was ready to tread down a path that lacked self-worth, there was no denying the relief she felt when he told her that she had misunderstood the intentions of his words.
So she listened, patiently, as he explained what he had truly meant. She couldn’t stop the blush that covered her cheeks at his proclamation that her beauty is blessed by the Gods, in his belief in that. She should have taken stock in how rarely he did speak of her looks, should have focused on how intent he had always been to almost ignore it. But most women did have a hint of vanity within themselves, and she was not immune to that. For him to admit that he thought pretty, too, was a welcomed compliment. Her silence in the matter would not have told him that one way or another.
But she was certain the soft pinking of her cheeks against the sunset would.
What he was saying was a statement of fact, and it was one she had battled her whole life. Everyone around her seemed to think her just pretty. And even then, she was judged because the Gods had blessed her for it. To anyone looking at her, Selene could have made her life easier just by smiling. There was no need for her to be more than that. And perhaps that was why she had tried not to be limited to that. Because beauty was fleeting, and perhaps she would not always be beautiful. He had always shown her that her worth was in those very things she’d tried to be. But having heard him so obviously reinforcement the very statement that had always been made to her, the sole importance of her beauty had created so much doubt in her mind.
She reached out, her fingers lingering lightly against the back of his hand. Her touch was feather-light, ”You are saying it exactly as I would expect you to.” But there was no ridicule in her voice, and she certainly wasn’t chastising him. Instead, there was a gentle fondness there, one that was obvious in her small smile.
”Your comment the other day did give me pause, simply because I do not think you have ever specifically mentioned my looks in any sort of conversation. To hear you say it was your favorite thing… it threw off every notion I’ve ever had of our relationship.” Her hand moved to his forearm, resting there, needing to touch him to make sure that they both were getting this right. ”And you are not wrong in your estimation. The sum of my worth to anyone looking is directly tied to my looks-- the one thing I have never been able to do much about.” Her value was always in who she married, not in who she was. ”And, for the longest time, I thought it was enough. I learned about politics because my mother and uncle wanted to secure a good marriage. I rode because it gave me one on one time with my father, and it made him proud. I enjoyed music and the harp was a natural inclination for me. But still, even as those things became lessons I truly enjoyed, it was always my beauty that was the most important.”
She took a deep breath, already feeling exposed and raw but safe, ”But you always saw me as more. And challenged me to be more. Perhaps it had to do with the fact that you did not get to stare at me as we formed our friendship through letters.” She laughed softly, unable to deny how often men would forget the conversation because they were staring at her face with no actual interest in what she was saying. ”You have always seen me as I am, and push me to be more.”
Her eyes met his, ”Do you want me to stay?” She asked, turning his own question back on him. ”I know that you always view your responsibilities to Colchis first and foremost. You will be King one day, and that has always been what is important. But,” her thumb was tracing circles on his skin. ”you also deserve to be with someone who makes you happy. Not just people. You deserve someone who makes you look at your partner like your father looks at your mother. I want to stay, if you want me to stay, I will do my best to be Queen, to be your wife and partner. But only if you, Vangelis of Kotas, want me to. No titles. No expectations.”
She let her hand fall back to her side, giving him an out, should he have any doubts in his proposal. The last thing she wanted to be was like Myrto, married to a man simply for political gain. That had been her parents' expectations of her, and she had spent the months since the Circus deciding that she wanted more. She wanted friendship and trust, and maybe one-day affection, affection like the King and Queen had shown in their reunion.
Her heart was already his.
Vangelis didn't need the words that Selene offered him. He didn't need to hear her confirmations that the world looked at her in a certain way because of her appearance. He knew all too well what it meant to be judged by how you came across rather than what lay beneath the skin. He had used it to his advantage for far too many years to not be aware of the effect.
And it had always been clear to him in his friendship with Selene that she had fought that assessment and judgement with everything she had chosen to take on and excel within; her lessons, her behaviour and her temperament. Beautiful women did not need to try so hard. Some of Selene's immediate family were even pure examples of that fact. And yet Selene - the eldest; the one who could achieve a successful marriage through no effort at all simply because she was blessed by the Gods and the first to be born to her family... Selene had made the effort to try and become more than she was given. In a way that was entirely unnecessary and completely by choice.
In her own way... Selene was a fighter. She did it with grace and elegance and a subtlety that many might not see. But she was a fighter nonetheless. And Vangelis could have no weakling for a Queen.
It was then that she turned the tables, when she determined whether he wanted her. Whether he, as an individual, would take her for his wife and be content in their union. And again, Vangelis was assured that he had made the right choice in asking Selene to become his wife. So many women of the nobility would not test his question, would not produce an argument that might change his mind. They would see a wedding without the care or understanding that it would lead to a marriage.
In Vangelis' experience of observing the chatter between young women during Court sessions he had been forced to attend when home, he had noted so many of the females of nobility to see a wedding as the final destination - the end goal. Yet, Selene saw it as the beginning. The start of a union that lasted a lifetime and required a partner of affection and trust. Like his own parents. Like her own.
Deciding in that moment that regardless of any question of deep love or grand passion, that she was the right woman to rule beside him as Queen of Colchis, Vangelis sought to put both their minds at ease...
Carefully, and with a slowness that was uncommon for a man who was effective, decisive and direct, Vangelis took a step closer, her hand falling from his as he reached up... Curling his fingers, Vangelis brushed the smooth surface of his nails against her cheek, unfurling them to hold her face in his palm. The tips of his fingers brush the soft lobe of her ear and his other hand came up to mimic the gesture, as he cradled her face, leaning in... breaking beyond the realm of her personal space.
He felt the heat in her cheeks, the bloom of colour in her features and watched for any signs of uncertainty or rejection in eyes that widened at his closeness. He spoke no words of reply to her questions and demands and, instead, tried to communicate his intention to her physically. Yet he made every touch, every advance at a glacial pace... as if afeared what would happen in stepping across the line that was their friendship. And he seemed to seek the answered to that fear in her eyes.
As pale and delicate as she appeared, the whites of Selene's eyes were startling pure even then, her irises a strange and pretty mottle of green and hazel. Her lashes were surprisingly dark and her features delicate between his hands... Hands far too rough to touch something so elegant and fine. Vangelis watched as her throat dipped in a swallow as his thumb ran softly over the ridge of her chin.
Every touch he made, every connection, was done with the pressure of a feather-soft brush of frisson, as if he feared she might break or be afeared from his first and sudden break of personal boundaries. The contact was a whisper if nothing more but it held a significance for him that made him move so slow.
Barring the time that she had kissed him, they had never been so close and, even then, it had only been for a moment - a clash of lips that had neither held nor clung in mutual connection. This time... Vangelis hovered above her, their mouths barely an inch apart and no breath mingling between them for they both appeared to be holding their own on a moment of tension.
With the softest of brushes across her cheekbone, Vangelis turned his stare questioning. A request... to reduce the distance between them to nothing... To offer her what she had once sought back in Meganea and then called a mistake... If she wished to stay here in Colchis... wished to marry him... would she still consider this to be a mistake?
Vangelis waited for just such a permission, allowing Selene to decide just how their lives with entwine from this point on...
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Vangelis didn't need the words that Selene offered him. He didn't need to hear her confirmations that the world looked at her in a certain way because of her appearance. He knew all too well what it meant to be judged by how you came across rather than what lay beneath the skin. He had used it to his advantage for far too many years to not be aware of the effect.
And it had always been clear to him in his friendship with Selene that she had fought that assessment and judgement with everything she had chosen to take on and excel within; her lessons, her behaviour and her temperament. Beautiful women did not need to try so hard. Some of Selene's immediate family were even pure examples of that fact. And yet Selene - the eldest; the one who could achieve a successful marriage through no effort at all simply because she was blessed by the Gods and the first to be born to her family... Selene had made the effort to try and become more than she was given. In a way that was entirely unnecessary and completely by choice.
In her own way... Selene was a fighter. She did it with grace and elegance and a subtlety that many might not see. But she was a fighter nonetheless. And Vangelis could have no weakling for a Queen.
It was then that she turned the tables, when she determined whether he wanted her. Whether he, as an individual, would take her for his wife and be content in their union. And again, Vangelis was assured that he had made the right choice in asking Selene to become his wife. So many women of the nobility would not test his question, would not produce an argument that might change his mind. They would see a wedding without the care or understanding that it would lead to a marriage.
In Vangelis' experience of observing the chatter between young women during Court sessions he had been forced to attend when home, he had noted so many of the females of nobility to see a wedding as the final destination - the end goal. Yet, Selene saw it as the beginning. The start of a union that lasted a lifetime and required a partner of affection and trust. Like his own parents. Like her own.
Deciding in that moment that regardless of any question of deep love or grand passion, that she was the right woman to rule beside him as Queen of Colchis, Vangelis sought to put both their minds at ease...
Carefully, and with a slowness that was uncommon for a man who was effective, decisive and direct, Vangelis took a step closer, her hand falling from his as he reached up... Curling his fingers, Vangelis brushed the smooth surface of his nails against her cheek, unfurling them to hold her face in his palm. The tips of his fingers brush the soft lobe of her ear and his other hand came up to mimic the gesture, as he cradled her face, leaning in... breaking beyond the realm of her personal space.
He felt the heat in her cheeks, the bloom of colour in her features and watched for any signs of uncertainty or rejection in eyes that widened at his closeness. He spoke no words of reply to her questions and demands and, instead, tried to communicate his intention to her physically. Yet he made every touch, every advance at a glacial pace... as if afeared what would happen in stepping across the line that was their friendship. And he seemed to seek the answered to that fear in her eyes.
As pale and delicate as she appeared, the whites of Selene's eyes were startling pure even then, her irises a strange and pretty mottle of green and hazel. Her lashes were surprisingly dark and her features delicate between his hands... Hands far too rough to touch something so elegant and fine. Vangelis watched as her throat dipped in a swallow as his thumb ran softly over the ridge of her chin.
Every touch he made, every connection, was done with the pressure of a feather-soft brush of frisson, as if he feared she might break or be afeared from his first and sudden break of personal boundaries. The contact was a whisper if nothing more but it held a significance for him that made him move so slow.
Barring the time that she had kissed him, they had never been so close and, even then, it had only been for a moment - a clash of lips that had neither held nor clung in mutual connection. This time... Vangelis hovered above her, their mouths barely an inch apart and no breath mingling between them for they both appeared to be holding their own on a moment of tension.
With the softest of brushes across her cheekbone, Vangelis turned his stare questioning. A request... to reduce the distance between them to nothing... To offer her what she had once sought back in Meganea and then called a mistake... If she wished to stay here in Colchis... wished to marry him... would she still consider this to be a mistake?
Vangelis waited for just such a permission, allowing Selene to decide just how their lives with entwine from this point on...
Vangelis didn't need the words that Selene offered him. He didn't need to hear her confirmations that the world looked at her in a certain way because of her appearance. He knew all too well what it meant to be judged by how you came across rather than what lay beneath the skin. He had used it to his advantage for far too many years to not be aware of the effect.
And it had always been clear to him in his friendship with Selene that she had fought that assessment and judgement with everything she had chosen to take on and excel within; her lessons, her behaviour and her temperament. Beautiful women did not need to try so hard. Some of Selene's immediate family were even pure examples of that fact. And yet Selene - the eldest; the one who could achieve a successful marriage through no effort at all simply because she was blessed by the Gods and the first to be born to her family... Selene had made the effort to try and become more than she was given. In a way that was entirely unnecessary and completely by choice.
In her own way... Selene was a fighter. She did it with grace and elegance and a subtlety that many might not see. But she was a fighter nonetheless. And Vangelis could have no weakling for a Queen.
It was then that she turned the tables, when she determined whether he wanted her. Whether he, as an individual, would take her for his wife and be content in their union. And again, Vangelis was assured that he had made the right choice in asking Selene to become his wife. So many women of the nobility would not test his question, would not produce an argument that might change his mind. They would see a wedding without the care or understanding that it would lead to a marriage.
In Vangelis' experience of observing the chatter between young women during Court sessions he had been forced to attend when home, he had noted so many of the females of nobility to see a wedding as the final destination - the end goal. Yet, Selene saw it as the beginning. The start of a union that lasted a lifetime and required a partner of affection and trust. Like his own parents. Like her own.
Deciding in that moment that regardless of any question of deep love or grand passion, that she was the right woman to rule beside him as Queen of Colchis, Vangelis sought to put both their minds at ease...
Carefully, and with a slowness that was uncommon for a man who was effective, decisive and direct, Vangelis took a step closer, her hand falling from his as he reached up... Curling his fingers, Vangelis brushed the smooth surface of his nails against her cheek, unfurling them to hold her face in his palm. The tips of his fingers brush the soft lobe of her ear and his other hand came up to mimic the gesture, as he cradled her face, leaning in... breaking beyond the realm of her personal space.
He felt the heat in her cheeks, the bloom of colour in her features and watched for any signs of uncertainty or rejection in eyes that widened at his closeness. He spoke no words of reply to her questions and demands and, instead, tried to communicate his intention to her physically. Yet he made every touch, every advance at a glacial pace... as if afeared what would happen in stepping across the line that was their friendship. And he seemed to seek the answered to that fear in her eyes.
As pale and delicate as she appeared, the whites of Selene's eyes were startling pure even then, her irises a strange and pretty mottle of green and hazel. Her lashes were surprisingly dark and her features delicate between his hands... Hands far too rough to touch something so elegant and fine. Vangelis watched as her throat dipped in a swallow as his thumb ran softly over the ridge of her chin.
Every touch he made, every connection, was done with the pressure of a feather-soft brush of frisson, as if he feared she might break or be afeared from his first and sudden break of personal boundaries. The contact was a whisper if nothing more but it held a significance for him that made him move so slow.
Barring the time that she had kissed him, they had never been so close and, even then, it had only been for a moment - a clash of lips that had neither held nor clung in mutual connection. This time... Vangelis hovered above her, their mouths barely an inch apart and no breath mingling between them for they both appeared to be holding their own on a moment of tension.
With the softest of brushes across her cheekbone, Vangelis turned his stare questioning. A request... to reduce the distance between them to nothing... To offer her what she had once sought back in Meganea and then called a mistake... If she wished to stay here in Colchis... wished to marry him... would she still consider this to be a mistake?
Vangelis waited for just such a permission, allowing Selene to decide just how their lives with entwine from this point on...
It was out there. Finally, for the world to see, her own feelings about the situation had been revealed to him, no longer a secret. At least, most of her feelings. And why should they continue to be, when such an intimate topic was on the table? She knew that honesty was important, that he would value such a trait in her. So there had been little hesitation in her responses, now that she knew that he, at least, wanted her.
As soon as her own hand fell, his was on her cheek, slowly brushing along the delicate skin that was there. The feeling from before, the one she had thought she imagined, was back. The warming in the very core of her, one that sped up and slowed down her heart as if his very touch was controlling it. She didn’t dare hold her breath, for fear that she might lose consciousness. This was far too important, and she didn’t want to ruin the moment by ending up against the stone in a faint.
Still, her head was light with the smell of him. Clean, mixed with leather and something else highly masculine. Taking a deep breath, she let her eyes meet his. This was the first time she’d been close enough to really take in the color of his eyes, to appreciate the depth and spectrum of blues that existed in the intensity of his gaze. She never noticed the grey flecks that were in the center, edged in a deeper blue. Just as there was no hesitation in his touch, her own arm confidently rose to his chest. At first, her hand was flat against the material, but she let her fingers curl around the cloth.
There would be no doubt that she wished him to stay.
He brought his face close, pausing to see any trace of hesitance on her side. Her eyes fluttered closed at the contact of lips against her cheek. In this, her breathing slowed, as if moving might startle herself like a filly, causing her to run again. For a man who was so rough, from his demeanor to his skin exposure from the elements, Vangelis’s lips were soft against her skin. It was a quick brush, but it was not enough for her. Now that she knew that she wanted him and that he wished her to be his Queen, Selene found herself aching to be a bit bold.
He was waiting for her, and she refused to disappoint.
She gave him a grin, then with the fistful of clothing in her hand, she tugged him downwards, eliminating the distance between them. While one hand grasped tightly onto the material of his shirt, the other rested flat next to it. Her experience with any sort of open affection like this was limited, but there was no denying that she was confident in her own emotions now.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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It was out there. Finally, for the world to see, her own feelings about the situation had been revealed to him, no longer a secret. At least, most of her feelings. And why should they continue to be, when such an intimate topic was on the table? She knew that honesty was important, that he would value such a trait in her. So there had been little hesitation in her responses, now that she knew that he, at least, wanted her.
As soon as her own hand fell, his was on her cheek, slowly brushing along the delicate skin that was there. The feeling from before, the one she had thought she imagined, was back. The warming in the very core of her, one that sped up and slowed down her heart as if his very touch was controlling it. She didn’t dare hold her breath, for fear that she might lose consciousness. This was far too important, and she didn’t want to ruin the moment by ending up against the stone in a faint.
Still, her head was light with the smell of him. Clean, mixed with leather and something else highly masculine. Taking a deep breath, she let her eyes meet his. This was the first time she’d been close enough to really take in the color of his eyes, to appreciate the depth and spectrum of blues that existed in the intensity of his gaze. She never noticed the grey flecks that were in the center, edged in a deeper blue. Just as there was no hesitation in his touch, her own arm confidently rose to his chest. At first, her hand was flat against the material, but she let her fingers curl around the cloth.
There would be no doubt that she wished him to stay.
He brought his face close, pausing to see any trace of hesitance on her side. Her eyes fluttered closed at the contact of lips against her cheek. In this, her breathing slowed, as if moving might startle herself like a filly, causing her to run again. For a man who was so rough, from his demeanor to his skin exposure from the elements, Vangelis’s lips were soft against her skin. It was a quick brush, but it was not enough for her. Now that she knew that she wanted him and that he wished her to be his Queen, Selene found herself aching to be a bit bold.
He was waiting for her, and she refused to disappoint.
She gave him a grin, then with the fistful of clothing in her hand, she tugged him downwards, eliminating the distance between them. While one hand grasped tightly onto the material of his shirt, the other rested flat next to it. Her experience with any sort of open affection like this was limited, but there was no denying that she was confident in her own emotions now.
It was out there. Finally, for the world to see, her own feelings about the situation had been revealed to him, no longer a secret. At least, most of her feelings. And why should they continue to be, when such an intimate topic was on the table? She knew that honesty was important, that he would value such a trait in her. So there had been little hesitation in her responses, now that she knew that he, at least, wanted her.
As soon as her own hand fell, his was on her cheek, slowly brushing along the delicate skin that was there. The feeling from before, the one she had thought she imagined, was back. The warming in the very core of her, one that sped up and slowed down her heart as if his very touch was controlling it. She didn’t dare hold her breath, for fear that she might lose consciousness. This was far too important, and she didn’t want to ruin the moment by ending up against the stone in a faint.
Still, her head was light with the smell of him. Clean, mixed with leather and something else highly masculine. Taking a deep breath, she let her eyes meet his. This was the first time she’d been close enough to really take in the color of his eyes, to appreciate the depth and spectrum of blues that existed in the intensity of his gaze. She never noticed the grey flecks that were in the center, edged in a deeper blue. Just as there was no hesitation in his touch, her own arm confidently rose to his chest. At first, her hand was flat against the material, but she let her fingers curl around the cloth.
There would be no doubt that she wished him to stay.
He brought his face close, pausing to see any trace of hesitance on her side. Her eyes fluttered closed at the contact of lips against her cheek. In this, her breathing slowed, as if moving might startle herself like a filly, causing her to run again. For a man who was so rough, from his demeanor to his skin exposure from the elements, Vangelis’s lips were soft against her skin. It was a quick brush, but it was not enough for her. Now that she knew that she wanted him and that he wished her to be his Queen, Selene found herself aching to be a bit bold.
He was waiting for her, and she refused to disappoint.
She gave him a grin, then with the fistful of clothing in her hand, she tugged him downwards, eliminating the distance between them. While one hand grasped tightly onto the material of his shirt, the other rested flat next to it. Her experience with any sort of open affection like this was limited, but there was no denying that she was confident in her own emotions now.
There were no words to be spoken now, no misunderstanding to dispel or assurances to make. Instead, Vangelis was left with the sole purpose and function of testing, for the both of them, the connection that they might make. Kissing Selene now would be surplus to any past requirements. Just the intention of doing so answered her question on whether or not he wanted her. And as he had hovered there, offered her a brushing tease of his lips to her cheek with all the delicacy he might offer to a new born, it was no longer required that he prove his affection. Not as far as he could see anyway.
But now, their proximity had raised a new query. A silent one that seemed to bloom in them both as their first, true kiss drew closer... The query of whether or not they were compatible - of whether their friendship was solely that and unable to be translated into something more affectionate, more passionate.
Vangelis might no longer have been required to kiss Selene in order to prove his intentions of marrying her but it felt as if he now needed to kiss her in order to prove to the both of them that such an idea was not a foolish one.
As he waited for her permission to cross the line between friendship and affection, Vangelis felt the exhale of her breath roll along his jaw, took in the silken texture of her skin and marvelled as its softness. He felt a tenderness tug in his heart as she reached up to fold her fingers in the fabric of his tunic and draw him closer...
Pleased to note that his body became sensitive at her proximity, that his masculinity was waking up to notice her feminine allure, Vangelis grew more confident in his determination to marry her with every second that passed, even as such moments in time felt like hours. Hours of the sweetest sort of restraint.
When Selene pulled upon his garb and drew him closer, Vangelis smiled a little, his lips curving upwards and his neck arching so that he could lean down... and capture her lips with his own.
Sensing the magnitude of the moment and having no understanding of Selene's experience barring that singular one-sided instance back in Taengea, Vangelis sought to kiss her slowly. Just as his approach had been gradual, his initiation into their moment of intimacy was just as incremental, regardless of the pull she exerted over his clothes.
As if he were a blind man seeking her mouth with a lack of confidence of its place, Vangelis' lips brushed over Selene's with a feather-soft pressure that was barely a touch. He felt a breath hitch but whether that was hers or his own he did not know. Allowing his eyes to close and his head to tilt, he kissed her again, this time offering the lightest of pressures and the lingering, clinging of their mouths that finally offered them the reality of a first kiss.
This character is currently a work in progress.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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There were no words to be spoken now, no misunderstanding to dispel or assurances to make. Instead, Vangelis was left with the sole purpose and function of testing, for the both of them, the connection that they might make. Kissing Selene now would be surplus to any past requirements. Just the intention of doing so answered her question on whether or not he wanted her. And as he had hovered there, offered her a brushing tease of his lips to her cheek with all the delicacy he might offer to a new born, it was no longer required that he prove his affection. Not as far as he could see anyway.
But now, their proximity had raised a new query. A silent one that seemed to bloom in them both as their first, true kiss drew closer... The query of whether or not they were compatible - of whether their friendship was solely that and unable to be translated into something more affectionate, more passionate.
Vangelis might no longer have been required to kiss Selene in order to prove his intentions of marrying her but it felt as if he now needed to kiss her in order to prove to the both of them that such an idea was not a foolish one.
As he waited for her permission to cross the line between friendship and affection, Vangelis felt the exhale of her breath roll along his jaw, took in the silken texture of her skin and marvelled as its softness. He felt a tenderness tug in his heart as she reached up to fold her fingers in the fabric of his tunic and draw him closer...
Pleased to note that his body became sensitive at her proximity, that his masculinity was waking up to notice her feminine allure, Vangelis grew more confident in his determination to marry her with every second that passed, even as such moments in time felt like hours. Hours of the sweetest sort of restraint.
When Selene pulled upon his garb and drew him closer, Vangelis smiled a little, his lips curving upwards and his neck arching so that he could lean down... and capture her lips with his own.
Sensing the magnitude of the moment and having no understanding of Selene's experience barring that singular one-sided instance back in Taengea, Vangelis sought to kiss her slowly. Just as his approach had been gradual, his initiation into their moment of intimacy was just as incremental, regardless of the pull she exerted over his clothes.
As if he were a blind man seeking her mouth with a lack of confidence of its place, Vangelis' lips brushed over Selene's with a feather-soft pressure that was barely a touch. He felt a breath hitch but whether that was hers or his own he did not know. Allowing his eyes to close and his head to tilt, he kissed her again, this time offering the lightest of pressures and the lingering, clinging of their mouths that finally offered them the reality of a first kiss.
There were no words to be spoken now, no misunderstanding to dispel or assurances to make. Instead, Vangelis was left with the sole purpose and function of testing, for the both of them, the connection that they might make. Kissing Selene now would be surplus to any past requirements. Just the intention of doing so answered her question on whether or not he wanted her. And as he had hovered there, offered her a brushing tease of his lips to her cheek with all the delicacy he might offer to a new born, it was no longer required that he prove his affection. Not as far as he could see anyway.
But now, their proximity had raised a new query. A silent one that seemed to bloom in them both as their first, true kiss drew closer... The query of whether or not they were compatible - of whether their friendship was solely that and unable to be translated into something more affectionate, more passionate.
Vangelis might no longer have been required to kiss Selene in order to prove his intentions of marrying her but it felt as if he now needed to kiss her in order to prove to the both of them that such an idea was not a foolish one.
As he waited for her permission to cross the line between friendship and affection, Vangelis felt the exhale of her breath roll along his jaw, took in the silken texture of her skin and marvelled as its softness. He felt a tenderness tug in his heart as she reached up to fold her fingers in the fabric of his tunic and draw him closer...
Pleased to note that his body became sensitive at her proximity, that his masculinity was waking up to notice her feminine allure, Vangelis grew more confident in his determination to marry her with every second that passed, even as such moments in time felt like hours. Hours of the sweetest sort of restraint.
When Selene pulled upon his garb and drew him closer, Vangelis smiled a little, his lips curving upwards and his neck arching so that he could lean down... and capture her lips with his own.
Sensing the magnitude of the moment and having no understanding of Selene's experience barring that singular one-sided instance back in Taengea, Vangelis sought to kiss her slowly. Just as his approach had been gradual, his initiation into their moment of intimacy was just as incremental, regardless of the pull she exerted over his clothes.
As if he were a blind man seeking her mouth with a lack of confidence of its place, Vangelis' lips brushed over Selene's with a feather-soft pressure that was barely a touch. He felt a breath hitch but whether that was hers or his own he did not know. Allowing his eyes to close and his head to tilt, he kissed her again, this time offering the lightest of pressures and the lingering, clinging of their mouths that finally offered them the reality of a first kiss.