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Yiannis moved slowly. He made a point of preceding each movement with a long facial expression. Here pushing off his arm to sit up straight. Now pivoting his hips towards the side of the bed. Readjusting his blankets. He hoped it looked regal. Or at least, that she thought he thought it did. It was a better excuse than the light-headedness that came when he tried going too fast. Preferable to the lancing pain that rocked his side whenever he dared draw too sharp a breath. After all, she was still waiting at the threshold silhouetted by the light of the afternoon sun. As with the last of the medicinal tea he'd choked down on hearing her footsteps, he didn't want to disappoint.
She had been there so long. Waited so patiently. Yiannis still didn't have any clear idea. The usual clues were gone. Someone had shaved him. Provided fresh bedding. He was left only estimating that it was far longer than he would like. Given how far he'd been carried, he felt some obligation to meet their effort. Elsewise, why should anyone bother exerting themselves on his behalf? Those that wanted to slip away were left to their own devices.
"Up!" she was urging just now.
He tried to comply. Trying to brace himself against the headboards, he pushed upwards. A groan escaped as he body shifted, the bed giving way more than his legs lifted. He broke eye contact with her as he finally cleared, rising unsteadily towards his full height. His breaths were coming harder.
Before he could do anything, she had slipped forward. The cascade of her long, dark locks dancing for a moment against his chest. Her perfume's gentle accent making him suddenly conscious of the stench of his own body. His senses were dominated, though, by two simultaneous sensations. A steady lift upward with more speed and surety than he had mustered alone in weeks. Secondly the feel of skin not his own, soft warm and dry, pressing into him. A smile broke unintentionally as he found his footing. Then, still before he could gather himself to react, a staff was pressed into his hands. Uncallused hands lingered a moment at his knuckles, as if to watch his grip.
"Zenais," he breathed, thanks heavy in his voice.
"Will you take me outside?" she interjected before he could continue.
As if it were at all his choice. She'd known exactly what he was going to say, and before that what was about to happen. Yet she insisted they acknowledge neither. Trying to preserve his dignity. Their position didn't quite afford him the opportunity to turn and look at her. But he noted no pity. He could sense in her voice the way her face must be glowing. Could it be she didn't care exactly how weak he had become?
"Let's go. This way," he answered, trying to adopt her fiction.
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Yiannis moved slowly. He made a point of preceding each movement with a long facial expression. Here pushing off his arm to sit up straight. Now pivoting his hips towards the side of the bed. Readjusting his blankets. He hoped it looked regal. Or at least, that she thought he thought it did. It was a better excuse than the light-headedness that came when he tried going too fast. Preferable to the lancing pain that rocked his side whenever he dared draw too sharp a breath. After all, she was still waiting at the threshold silhouetted by the light of the afternoon sun. As with the last of the medicinal tea he'd choked down on hearing her footsteps, he didn't want to disappoint.
She had been there so long. Waited so patiently. Yiannis still didn't have any clear idea. The usual clues were gone. Someone had shaved him. Provided fresh bedding. He was left only estimating that it was far longer than he would like. Given how far he'd been carried, he felt some obligation to meet their effort. Elsewise, why should anyone bother exerting themselves on his behalf? Those that wanted to slip away were left to their own devices.
"Up!" she was urging just now.
He tried to comply. Trying to brace himself against the headboards, he pushed upwards. A groan escaped as he body shifted, the bed giving way more than his legs lifted. He broke eye contact with her as he finally cleared, rising unsteadily towards his full height. His breaths were coming harder.
Before he could do anything, she had slipped forward. The cascade of her long, dark locks dancing for a moment against his chest. Her perfume's gentle accent making him suddenly conscious of the stench of his own body. His senses were dominated, though, by two simultaneous sensations. A steady lift upward with more speed and surety than he had mustered alone in weeks. Secondly the feel of skin not his own, soft warm and dry, pressing into him. A smile broke unintentionally as he found his footing. Then, still before he could gather himself to react, a staff was pressed into his hands. Uncallused hands lingered a moment at his knuckles, as if to watch his grip.
"Zenais," he breathed, thanks heavy in his voice.
"Will you take me outside?" she interjected before he could continue.
As if it were at all his choice. She'd known exactly what he was going to say, and before that what was about to happen. Yet she insisted they acknowledge neither. Trying to preserve his dignity. Their position didn't quite afford him the opportunity to turn and look at her. But he noted no pity. He could sense in her voice the way her face must be glowing. Could it be she didn't care exactly how weak he had become?
"Let's go. This way," he answered, trying to adopt her fiction.
Yiannis moved slowly. He made a point of preceding each movement with a long facial expression. Here pushing off his arm to sit up straight. Now pivoting his hips towards the side of the bed. Readjusting his blankets. He hoped it looked regal. Or at least, that she thought he thought it did. It was a better excuse than the light-headedness that came when he tried going too fast. Preferable to the lancing pain that rocked his side whenever he dared draw too sharp a breath. After all, she was still waiting at the threshold silhouetted by the light of the afternoon sun. As with the last of the medicinal tea he'd choked down on hearing her footsteps, he didn't want to disappoint.
She had been there so long. Waited so patiently. Yiannis still didn't have any clear idea. The usual clues were gone. Someone had shaved him. Provided fresh bedding. He was left only estimating that it was far longer than he would like. Given how far he'd been carried, he felt some obligation to meet their effort. Elsewise, why should anyone bother exerting themselves on his behalf? Those that wanted to slip away were left to their own devices.
"Up!" she was urging just now.
He tried to comply. Trying to brace himself against the headboards, he pushed upwards. A groan escaped as he body shifted, the bed giving way more than his legs lifted. He broke eye contact with her as he finally cleared, rising unsteadily towards his full height. His breaths were coming harder.
Before he could do anything, she had slipped forward. The cascade of her long, dark locks dancing for a moment against his chest. Her perfume's gentle accent making him suddenly conscious of the stench of his own body. His senses were dominated, though, by two simultaneous sensations. A steady lift upward with more speed and surety than he had mustered alone in weeks. Secondly the feel of skin not his own, soft warm and dry, pressing into him. A smile broke unintentionally as he found his footing. Then, still before he could gather himself to react, a staff was pressed into his hands. Uncallused hands lingered a moment at his knuckles, as if to watch his grip.
"Zenais," he breathed, thanks heavy in his voice.
"Will you take me outside?" she interjected before he could continue.
As if it were at all his choice. She'd known exactly what he was going to say, and before that what was about to happen. Yet she insisted they acknowledge neither. Trying to preserve his dignity. Their position didn't quite afford him the opportunity to turn and look at her. But he noted no pity. He could sense in her voice the way her face must be glowing. Could it be she didn't care exactly how weak he had become?
"Let's go. This way," he answered, trying to adopt her fiction.
He was not an easy target - the prince was an anomaly. Surely someone who would prove to put up a fight, Zenais had carefully laid out her plans as she tended to him. Luckily for the girl, he had been unconscious for the better part of the first day he came here. The pain from his cracked ribs probably proved more then he could handle. The physician her father had summoned decreed that it be best the prince not be moved - a lucky chance for Zenais, for it meant that Yiannis could not be returned home till he was healed, at least. The royal house of Kotas had sent physicians over to check on the young prince, but till he was fit for travel, he had been trusted under the care of the House Alistaire, something Zenais fully intended to exploit to her benefit.
Mama and Papa needed her help - she could not fail them now.
So Zenais had maintained her sweet smile as she tended to him.Gentle and sure hands shaved him when he couldn't, fed him when he failed to, combed and ensured his hygiene and maintain his dignity however best Zenais could manage. As the eldest daughter of the House Alistaire, considering their family had been entrusted to care for the health of the prince, it would be unheard of to have only servants by his bedside.
But more then that, Zenais had her plans when it came to the care of Yiannis. To others, Zenais played the perfect part. The one who cajoled him to take his medication, to ensure he did not push his recovery to quickly. She had specially ordered the carved walking stick when the physician had announced just a day or so ago, that Yiannis could attempt walking, and that fresh air would do him well. Now she just had to get him up.
Standing by the threshold watching as he moved, Zenais was a preceptive child. She recognized well that a male should be allowed his dignity and pride - and so she remained in the shadows as he pushed himself off the bed. Slowly, but Zenais was patient. She had always been patient - she had to be, when it came to gaining his heart.
When he eventually got to a seated position, only then did the brunette step into his vicinity with a lighthearted smile, her voice urging and cheerful, but always a wary eye and a careful hand ready to catch him if he fell. The groan made her heart skip - she could not have him fall, any further injury to Yiannis would damage her cause - but yet when he finally managed to stand, it was a proud smile she flashed at him, before Zenais moved to support him under his arm. Her arm slipped around his waist as if it was the most natural thing she had to do, digging her fingers as gently as she could without allowing him to waver. Her light chiton of pale blue was short, to her knees, which meant she had the ease of moving according to his pace. Her movements were swift to press the staff to him, as he led the way, Zenais hung back, keeping pace only to move along with him, making sure it was him leading the way instead of her.
As the two slowly made their way across the hall, Zenais shot encouraging smiles at him every once awhile, until they broke the threshold and the sun would hit their face. The brisk morning air meant it woke them up as it caressed their skins. The barony of Lyncaea was famous for its stonemasons, and as such the province itself was housed in between a gorge, the sides of the mountains were where her father's people harvested the high quality granite they would require for stone mansonry. The walls of said mountains blocked out the remainder of Colchis, but at the same time functioned much like a barrier which lent Lyncaea a very unique charm, as if the province was a world of its own.
Because of the gorge's positioning, it also formed a tunnel of wind, which also meant Lyncaea was a particularly windy province. That wind played at the loose tendrils of Zenais's dark locks, the stray hair brushing against the side of Yiannis's face. She laughed, the sound akin to the silver bell, reaching out to brush them away from his face, before they hobbled out to the green fields on the surrounding lands of the Alistaire mansion. There, Zenais allowed Yiannis to choose how far he was willing to travel. She did not feel sad nor pity him - human circumstances were as such. Similar to him, Zenais wanted no pity if anyone knew of her position in life - pity would help naught. She only wanted solutions.
And for Yiannis, the solution for him now would be the exercise he would need to regain his strength -and Zenais would make sure she was the one to give it. What better way to earn his trust?
By the time he finally gave in and needed a break, the young girl of eighteen gently laid him down on the nearest stone bench, before settling next to him. Her pale chiton flared around her as she sat at a slightly less then respectable distance away from him, her head slightly tilted in the direction of the sun rays, a small smile of contentment on her face as she turned to him. "I've missed the sun." Zenais murmured softly, her sharp blue eyes turning to him, "Do you enjoy working outside, my prince?" The question was accompanied by her absent-mindedly plucking a few wildflowers growing around the stone bench, her fingers mindlessly playing as she waited for his response.
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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He was not an easy target - the prince was an anomaly. Surely someone who would prove to put up a fight, Zenais had carefully laid out her plans as she tended to him. Luckily for the girl, he had been unconscious for the better part of the first day he came here. The pain from his cracked ribs probably proved more then he could handle. The physician her father had summoned decreed that it be best the prince not be moved - a lucky chance for Zenais, for it meant that Yiannis could not be returned home till he was healed, at least. The royal house of Kotas had sent physicians over to check on the young prince, but till he was fit for travel, he had been trusted under the care of the House Alistaire, something Zenais fully intended to exploit to her benefit.
Mama and Papa needed her help - she could not fail them now.
So Zenais had maintained her sweet smile as she tended to him.Gentle and sure hands shaved him when he couldn't, fed him when he failed to, combed and ensured his hygiene and maintain his dignity however best Zenais could manage. As the eldest daughter of the House Alistaire, considering their family had been entrusted to care for the health of the prince, it would be unheard of to have only servants by his bedside.
But more then that, Zenais had her plans when it came to the care of Yiannis. To others, Zenais played the perfect part. The one who cajoled him to take his medication, to ensure he did not push his recovery to quickly. She had specially ordered the carved walking stick when the physician had announced just a day or so ago, that Yiannis could attempt walking, and that fresh air would do him well. Now she just had to get him up.
Standing by the threshold watching as he moved, Zenais was a preceptive child. She recognized well that a male should be allowed his dignity and pride - and so she remained in the shadows as he pushed himself off the bed. Slowly, but Zenais was patient. She had always been patient - she had to be, when it came to gaining his heart.
When he eventually got to a seated position, only then did the brunette step into his vicinity with a lighthearted smile, her voice urging and cheerful, but always a wary eye and a careful hand ready to catch him if he fell. The groan made her heart skip - she could not have him fall, any further injury to Yiannis would damage her cause - but yet when he finally managed to stand, it was a proud smile she flashed at him, before Zenais moved to support him under his arm. Her arm slipped around his waist as if it was the most natural thing she had to do, digging her fingers as gently as she could without allowing him to waver. Her light chiton of pale blue was short, to her knees, which meant she had the ease of moving according to his pace. Her movements were swift to press the staff to him, as he led the way, Zenais hung back, keeping pace only to move along with him, making sure it was him leading the way instead of her.
As the two slowly made their way across the hall, Zenais shot encouraging smiles at him every once awhile, until they broke the threshold and the sun would hit their face. The brisk morning air meant it woke them up as it caressed their skins. The barony of Lyncaea was famous for its stonemasons, and as such the province itself was housed in between a gorge, the sides of the mountains were where her father's people harvested the high quality granite they would require for stone mansonry. The walls of said mountains blocked out the remainder of Colchis, but at the same time functioned much like a barrier which lent Lyncaea a very unique charm, as if the province was a world of its own.
Because of the gorge's positioning, it also formed a tunnel of wind, which also meant Lyncaea was a particularly windy province. That wind played at the loose tendrils of Zenais's dark locks, the stray hair brushing against the side of Yiannis's face. She laughed, the sound akin to the silver bell, reaching out to brush them away from his face, before they hobbled out to the green fields on the surrounding lands of the Alistaire mansion. There, Zenais allowed Yiannis to choose how far he was willing to travel. She did not feel sad nor pity him - human circumstances were as such. Similar to him, Zenais wanted no pity if anyone knew of her position in life - pity would help naught. She only wanted solutions.
And for Yiannis, the solution for him now would be the exercise he would need to regain his strength -and Zenais would make sure she was the one to give it. What better way to earn his trust?
By the time he finally gave in and needed a break, the young girl of eighteen gently laid him down on the nearest stone bench, before settling next to him. Her pale chiton flared around her as she sat at a slightly less then respectable distance away from him, her head slightly tilted in the direction of the sun rays, a small smile of contentment on her face as she turned to him. "I've missed the sun." Zenais murmured softly, her sharp blue eyes turning to him, "Do you enjoy working outside, my prince?" The question was accompanied by her absent-mindedly plucking a few wildflowers growing around the stone bench, her fingers mindlessly playing as she waited for his response.
He was not an easy target - the prince was an anomaly. Surely someone who would prove to put up a fight, Zenais had carefully laid out her plans as she tended to him. Luckily for the girl, he had been unconscious for the better part of the first day he came here. The pain from his cracked ribs probably proved more then he could handle. The physician her father had summoned decreed that it be best the prince not be moved - a lucky chance for Zenais, for it meant that Yiannis could not be returned home till he was healed, at least. The royal house of Kotas had sent physicians over to check on the young prince, but till he was fit for travel, he had been trusted under the care of the House Alistaire, something Zenais fully intended to exploit to her benefit.
Mama and Papa needed her help - she could not fail them now.
So Zenais had maintained her sweet smile as she tended to him.Gentle and sure hands shaved him when he couldn't, fed him when he failed to, combed and ensured his hygiene and maintain his dignity however best Zenais could manage. As the eldest daughter of the House Alistaire, considering their family had been entrusted to care for the health of the prince, it would be unheard of to have only servants by his bedside.
But more then that, Zenais had her plans when it came to the care of Yiannis. To others, Zenais played the perfect part. The one who cajoled him to take his medication, to ensure he did not push his recovery to quickly. She had specially ordered the carved walking stick when the physician had announced just a day or so ago, that Yiannis could attempt walking, and that fresh air would do him well. Now she just had to get him up.
Standing by the threshold watching as he moved, Zenais was a preceptive child. She recognized well that a male should be allowed his dignity and pride - and so she remained in the shadows as he pushed himself off the bed. Slowly, but Zenais was patient. She had always been patient - she had to be, when it came to gaining his heart.
When he eventually got to a seated position, only then did the brunette step into his vicinity with a lighthearted smile, her voice urging and cheerful, but always a wary eye and a careful hand ready to catch him if he fell. The groan made her heart skip - she could not have him fall, any further injury to Yiannis would damage her cause - but yet when he finally managed to stand, it was a proud smile she flashed at him, before Zenais moved to support him under his arm. Her arm slipped around his waist as if it was the most natural thing she had to do, digging her fingers as gently as she could without allowing him to waver. Her light chiton of pale blue was short, to her knees, which meant she had the ease of moving according to his pace. Her movements were swift to press the staff to him, as he led the way, Zenais hung back, keeping pace only to move along with him, making sure it was him leading the way instead of her.
As the two slowly made their way across the hall, Zenais shot encouraging smiles at him every once awhile, until they broke the threshold and the sun would hit their face. The brisk morning air meant it woke them up as it caressed their skins. The barony of Lyncaea was famous for its stonemasons, and as such the province itself was housed in between a gorge, the sides of the mountains were where her father's people harvested the high quality granite they would require for stone mansonry. The walls of said mountains blocked out the remainder of Colchis, but at the same time functioned much like a barrier which lent Lyncaea a very unique charm, as if the province was a world of its own.
Because of the gorge's positioning, it also formed a tunnel of wind, which also meant Lyncaea was a particularly windy province. That wind played at the loose tendrils of Zenais's dark locks, the stray hair brushing against the side of Yiannis's face. She laughed, the sound akin to the silver bell, reaching out to brush them away from his face, before they hobbled out to the green fields on the surrounding lands of the Alistaire mansion. There, Zenais allowed Yiannis to choose how far he was willing to travel. She did not feel sad nor pity him - human circumstances were as such. Similar to him, Zenais wanted no pity if anyone knew of her position in life - pity would help naught. She only wanted solutions.
And for Yiannis, the solution for him now would be the exercise he would need to regain his strength -and Zenais would make sure she was the one to give it. What better way to earn his trust?
By the time he finally gave in and needed a break, the young girl of eighteen gently laid him down on the nearest stone bench, before settling next to him. Her pale chiton flared around her as she sat at a slightly less then respectable distance away from him, her head slightly tilted in the direction of the sun rays, a small smile of contentment on her face as she turned to him. "I've missed the sun." Zenais murmured softly, her sharp blue eyes turning to him, "Do you enjoy working outside, my prince?" The question was accompanied by her absent-mindedly plucking a few wildflowers growing around the stone bench, her fingers mindlessly playing as she waited for his response.
Those first few steps were heavy and awkward. Not really so much locomotion as stumbling between the woman and the staff. Somehow, she was at once both the better support and the less judgmental of the two. By the time the time the mansion opened out into rolling fields, he had rediscovered some of his pacing. It was still somewhat slow. He breathed too hard. But it was something approximating his normal stride. Flitting beside him, the woman coaxed him to focus elsewhere regardless. There were other things to distract him, too.
Lyncaea was beautiful. The soil here was a rich, dark loam, intermixed with volcanic ash and well-watered by cascading mountain springs. It gave way easily underfoot, cushioning their steps. The grass was thick and verdant, tickling just somewhere across the surface of his shins. Every once in awhile it would rustle heavy, and they may catch a fading glimpse of a hare. In the distance, deer skittered on towards water. They were simple things that seemed more majestic for having been couped up in the same room of stale air for days. He didn't truly want to stop.
Somehow, though, he found himself thankful as they eased down onto the bench. She alighted just beside him, close enough to lean into. He liked the idea of it. She would catch him if he lost his balance, he knew. Yet it didn't quite seem that was why she had chosen to sit there. The look on her face wasn't one of caution. It was simple, guileless pleasure. At what? The brightness of the afternoon? The pleasantness of strolling through the countryside in the late summer? Anyway, she was perfectly correct if so. Midas couldn't muster this sort of beauty.He hesitated to ask her directly.
As if on cue, she was commenting on how much she'd missed seeing the sun, and asked whether he felt the same. That struck him twice. First, how she missed the sun. Had she really been at his side all those hours? A noblewoman? No one was there to confirm what had happened. He was too addled by illness and poppy sap to know who had been there. A nursemaid might have summoned her before he roused. She chose to stay with him regardless. All the more troubling then, that the word she used was Prince. So formal, from one who had given him so much.
"Yiannis, please. I feel as if we know one another better than that," he answered. Then, considering a moment, he continued, "If it's not true, there's no reason it couldn't be. It somehow feels that way. Ask me anything you like to make it so.
Anyway, I do most things outdoors. But it's been a long time since I took a moment to appreciate it. There really is a special sort of peace here."
Here the winds settled out into a low, cool breeze. Then too, it dippped into a mournful bellow, a blowing melody to animate them. It drew Zenais's chiton against her. Bent the wildflowers away from them. He would've liked to stand and take in the gusts more fully. Instead he only watched, noting which colors and petals drew her interest. His shoulders were slumped, stone supporting the posture he didn't care to maintain. It really was just the two of them there. Things seemed so much easier this way.
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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Those first few steps were heavy and awkward. Not really so much locomotion as stumbling between the woman and the staff. Somehow, she was at once both the better support and the less judgmental of the two. By the time the time the mansion opened out into rolling fields, he had rediscovered some of his pacing. It was still somewhat slow. He breathed too hard. But it was something approximating his normal stride. Flitting beside him, the woman coaxed him to focus elsewhere regardless. There were other things to distract him, too.
Lyncaea was beautiful. The soil here was a rich, dark loam, intermixed with volcanic ash and well-watered by cascading mountain springs. It gave way easily underfoot, cushioning their steps. The grass was thick and verdant, tickling just somewhere across the surface of his shins. Every once in awhile it would rustle heavy, and they may catch a fading glimpse of a hare. In the distance, deer skittered on towards water. They were simple things that seemed more majestic for having been couped up in the same room of stale air for days. He didn't truly want to stop.
Somehow, though, he found himself thankful as they eased down onto the bench. She alighted just beside him, close enough to lean into. He liked the idea of it. She would catch him if he lost his balance, he knew. Yet it didn't quite seem that was why she had chosen to sit there. The look on her face wasn't one of caution. It was simple, guileless pleasure. At what? The brightness of the afternoon? The pleasantness of strolling through the countryside in the late summer? Anyway, she was perfectly correct if so. Midas couldn't muster this sort of beauty.He hesitated to ask her directly.
As if on cue, she was commenting on how much she'd missed seeing the sun, and asked whether he felt the same. That struck him twice. First, how she missed the sun. Had she really been at his side all those hours? A noblewoman? No one was there to confirm what had happened. He was too addled by illness and poppy sap to know who had been there. A nursemaid might have summoned her before he roused. She chose to stay with him regardless. All the more troubling then, that the word she used was Prince. So formal, from one who had given him so much.
"Yiannis, please. I feel as if we know one another better than that," he answered. Then, considering a moment, he continued, "If it's not true, there's no reason it couldn't be. It somehow feels that way. Ask me anything you like to make it so.
Anyway, I do most things outdoors. But it's been a long time since I took a moment to appreciate it. There really is a special sort of peace here."
Here the winds settled out into a low, cool breeze. Then too, it dippped into a mournful bellow, a blowing melody to animate them. It drew Zenais's chiton against her. Bent the wildflowers away from them. He would've liked to stand and take in the gusts more fully. Instead he only watched, noting which colors and petals drew her interest. His shoulders were slumped, stone supporting the posture he didn't care to maintain. It really was just the two of them there. Things seemed so much easier this way.
Those first few steps were heavy and awkward. Not really so much locomotion as stumbling between the woman and the staff. Somehow, she was at once both the better support and the less judgmental of the two. By the time the time the mansion opened out into rolling fields, he had rediscovered some of his pacing. It was still somewhat slow. He breathed too hard. But it was something approximating his normal stride. Flitting beside him, the woman coaxed him to focus elsewhere regardless. There were other things to distract him, too.
Lyncaea was beautiful. The soil here was a rich, dark loam, intermixed with volcanic ash and well-watered by cascading mountain springs. It gave way easily underfoot, cushioning their steps. The grass was thick and verdant, tickling just somewhere across the surface of his shins. Every once in awhile it would rustle heavy, and they may catch a fading glimpse of a hare. In the distance, deer skittered on towards water. They were simple things that seemed more majestic for having been couped up in the same room of stale air for days. He didn't truly want to stop.
Somehow, though, he found himself thankful as they eased down onto the bench. She alighted just beside him, close enough to lean into. He liked the idea of it. She would catch him if he lost his balance, he knew. Yet it didn't quite seem that was why she had chosen to sit there. The look on her face wasn't one of caution. It was simple, guileless pleasure. At what? The brightness of the afternoon? The pleasantness of strolling through the countryside in the late summer? Anyway, she was perfectly correct if so. Midas couldn't muster this sort of beauty.He hesitated to ask her directly.
As if on cue, she was commenting on how much she'd missed seeing the sun, and asked whether he felt the same. That struck him twice. First, how she missed the sun. Had she really been at his side all those hours? A noblewoman? No one was there to confirm what had happened. He was too addled by illness and poppy sap to know who had been there. A nursemaid might have summoned her before he roused. She chose to stay with him regardless. All the more troubling then, that the word she used was Prince. So formal, from one who had given him so much.
"Yiannis, please. I feel as if we know one another better than that," he answered. Then, considering a moment, he continued, "If it's not true, there's no reason it couldn't be. It somehow feels that way. Ask me anything you like to make it so.
Anyway, I do most things outdoors. But it's been a long time since I took a moment to appreciate it. There really is a special sort of peace here."
Here the winds settled out into a low, cool breeze. Then too, it dippped into a mournful bellow, a blowing melody to animate them. It drew Zenais's chiton against her. Bent the wildflowers away from them. He would've liked to stand and take in the gusts more fully. Instead he only watched, noting which colors and petals drew her interest. His shoulders were slumped, stone supporting the posture he didn't care to maintain. It really was just the two of them there. Things seemed so much easier this way.
He was a stubborn man, it did not take a lot from Zenais to deduce that. Being one of great pride and ego, it was of no surprise that the third prince wanted his mobility, and chafed at the bits when he could not get it. So Zenais did what she thought best - allow him his choices, and ensured she stayed by his side so she could catch him if anything untoward were to happen. After all, there was something to be said about affection growing through proximity too, was there not?
Despite her ongoing ruse however, the brunette was truly happy to be out. Having been in the manor more often then out over the past few days since the injured prince had been brought in, the girl had missed the fresh air that came on the tail end of the summer months. If nothing else, her smile was genuine.
Turning as he spoke, Zenais managed a smile that was both surprised and hesitant, even if she internally did a victorious fist pump. If he insisted on being informal, it could only mean she was one step closer.
Outwardly however, she abashedly lowered her gaze as if shy at his allowance, but demurely nodded her head. "If... you would please, Pr- Yiannis." her tone was soft, all the part of a perfect young noble lady, a light laugh accompanying her words. "Anything at all?" There was a lilt in her words, a tease in her eyes as she turned her blue gaze back to meet his, smile all the way to her gaze. "I'm sure there are many who would wish that same allowance with you. Do you keep many secrets then?"
Zenais gaze dropped to the few wildflowers she had been fiddling with, as she continued speaking. "A hidden talent, unconventional hobby." the girl paused, and then turned to tuck the flowers she had wound together behind his hear, inconspicuously laying a hand on his thigh as she leaned forward to reach for his ear. "Perhaps a secret love?" she finised, her tone quite clear she was joking.
But in actuality, Zenais's heart thudded in her ribcage, more need to hear the answer then a joke. Her plan would be for naught if he had a secret love, a fiance ready to marry anytime soon. No, she had to be sure her plans would go through, and if it was to happen that way, she had to ensure his affections did not lay elsewhere first.
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He was a stubborn man, it did not take a lot from Zenais to deduce that. Being one of great pride and ego, it was of no surprise that the third prince wanted his mobility, and chafed at the bits when he could not get it. So Zenais did what she thought best - allow him his choices, and ensured she stayed by his side so she could catch him if anything untoward were to happen. After all, there was something to be said about affection growing through proximity too, was there not?
Despite her ongoing ruse however, the brunette was truly happy to be out. Having been in the manor more often then out over the past few days since the injured prince had been brought in, the girl had missed the fresh air that came on the tail end of the summer months. If nothing else, her smile was genuine.
Turning as he spoke, Zenais managed a smile that was both surprised and hesitant, even if she internally did a victorious fist pump. If he insisted on being informal, it could only mean she was one step closer.
Outwardly however, she abashedly lowered her gaze as if shy at his allowance, but demurely nodded her head. "If... you would please, Pr- Yiannis." her tone was soft, all the part of a perfect young noble lady, a light laugh accompanying her words. "Anything at all?" There was a lilt in her words, a tease in her eyes as she turned her blue gaze back to meet his, smile all the way to her gaze. "I'm sure there are many who would wish that same allowance with you. Do you keep many secrets then?"
Zenais gaze dropped to the few wildflowers she had been fiddling with, as she continued speaking. "A hidden talent, unconventional hobby." the girl paused, and then turned to tuck the flowers she had wound together behind his hear, inconspicuously laying a hand on his thigh as she leaned forward to reach for his ear. "Perhaps a secret love?" she finised, her tone quite clear she was joking.
But in actuality, Zenais's heart thudded in her ribcage, more need to hear the answer then a joke. Her plan would be for naught if he had a secret love, a fiance ready to marry anytime soon. No, she had to be sure her plans would go through, and if it was to happen that way, she had to ensure his affections did not lay elsewhere first.
He was a stubborn man, it did not take a lot from Zenais to deduce that. Being one of great pride and ego, it was of no surprise that the third prince wanted his mobility, and chafed at the bits when he could not get it. So Zenais did what she thought best - allow him his choices, and ensured she stayed by his side so she could catch him if anything untoward were to happen. After all, there was something to be said about affection growing through proximity too, was there not?
Despite her ongoing ruse however, the brunette was truly happy to be out. Having been in the manor more often then out over the past few days since the injured prince had been brought in, the girl had missed the fresh air that came on the tail end of the summer months. If nothing else, her smile was genuine.
Turning as he spoke, Zenais managed a smile that was both surprised and hesitant, even if she internally did a victorious fist pump. If he insisted on being informal, it could only mean she was one step closer.
Outwardly however, she abashedly lowered her gaze as if shy at his allowance, but demurely nodded her head. "If... you would please, Pr- Yiannis." her tone was soft, all the part of a perfect young noble lady, a light laugh accompanying her words. "Anything at all?" There was a lilt in her words, a tease in her eyes as she turned her blue gaze back to meet his, smile all the way to her gaze. "I'm sure there are many who would wish that same allowance with you. Do you keep many secrets then?"
Zenais gaze dropped to the few wildflowers she had been fiddling with, as she continued speaking. "A hidden talent, unconventional hobby." the girl paused, and then turned to tuck the flowers she had wound together behind his hear, inconspicuously laying a hand on his thigh as she leaned forward to reach for his ear. "Perhaps a secret love?" she finised, her tone quite clear she was joking.
But in actuality, Zenais's heart thudded in her ribcage, more need to hear the answer then a joke. Her plan would be for naught if he had a secret love, a fiance ready to marry anytime soon. No, she had to be sure her plans would go through, and if it was to happen that way, she had to ensure his affections did not lay elsewhere first.
She had a pleasant manner. Her smile encouraged him. Both because it was beautiful on its own, and for its suggestion that she liked the idea of their friendship. He did too. She was always warm, but never oblivious to what was happening. Just now, for instance. The slight bit of timidity, an acknowledgement of what it meant to be on a first name basis with him. The sparkle in her eyes as she teased, an embrace of what he cared about. How long since he'd laughed? At himself? The soldiers had hardly allowed it when he was the newest royal on the battlefield. Most too circumspect too fall into such familiarity before he'd fought beside them in a single engagement. They had guarded their tongues, testing him. She did not.
"Anything at all?" she'd asked.
"To be a prince is to live in the public eye. We've no secrets, lovers or otherwise. Not me, anyway" Yiannis answered.
As he spoke, he had a broad, goofy grin. Enough to let her know that he was joking. Nonetheless, he hoped she heard the sincerity in her voice. He had never been in any serious sort of relationship. In fact, if time wounded and unconscious counted, this was one of the longer periods he'd spent with a woman that was neither his family nor a servant. Not that this was anything like--she was helping him. The way a nurse would, if he were at home. A noble family doinga courtesy to their leige lords. Nothing was private in the life of a prince, after all. That was truer than he would have liked it to be. Especially now.
Still, sensing he owed her a serious answer, he started again, "When I was a boy, my mother took us to the shore once when the geese were flocking. She let us cast our bread on the water and feed them. I loved it. Ever since, I should've liked to keep one for a pet."
By now, he had settled back to a smaller, simple smile. A defaulted look of contentment as he enjoyed so much that had seemed nearly lost. The way the warmth of the afternoon dug beneath your skin. How the wind could ruffle your garments. Conversing with someone while the day whittled away. Strange contrast to a few hours of violence, and long days of confusion that had stretched afterwards. He was one of the fortunate.
"What about you, Zenais? Anything you would share with me?" he asked.
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She had a pleasant manner. Her smile encouraged him. Both because it was beautiful on its own, and for its suggestion that she liked the idea of their friendship. He did too. She was always warm, but never oblivious to what was happening. Just now, for instance. The slight bit of timidity, an acknowledgement of what it meant to be on a first name basis with him. The sparkle in her eyes as she teased, an embrace of what he cared about. How long since he'd laughed? At himself? The soldiers had hardly allowed it when he was the newest royal on the battlefield. Most too circumspect too fall into such familiarity before he'd fought beside them in a single engagement. They had guarded their tongues, testing him. She did not.
"Anything at all?" she'd asked.
"To be a prince is to live in the public eye. We've no secrets, lovers or otherwise. Not me, anyway" Yiannis answered.
As he spoke, he had a broad, goofy grin. Enough to let her know that he was joking. Nonetheless, he hoped she heard the sincerity in her voice. He had never been in any serious sort of relationship. In fact, if time wounded and unconscious counted, this was one of the longer periods he'd spent with a woman that was neither his family nor a servant. Not that this was anything like--she was helping him. The way a nurse would, if he were at home. A noble family doinga courtesy to their leige lords. Nothing was private in the life of a prince, after all. That was truer than he would have liked it to be. Especially now.
Still, sensing he owed her a serious answer, he started again, "When I was a boy, my mother took us to the shore once when the geese were flocking. She let us cast our bread on the water and feed them. I loved it. Ever since, I should've liked to keep one for a pet."
By now, he had settled back to a smaller, simple smile. A defaulted look of contentment as he enjoyed so much that had seemed nearly lost. The way the warmth of the afternoon dug beneath your skin. How the wind could ruffle your garments. Conversing with someone while the day whittled away. Strange contrast to a few hours of violence, and long days of confusion that had stretched afterwards. He was one of the fortunate.
"What about you, Zenais? Anything you would share with me?" he asked.
She had a pleasant manner. Her smile encouraged him. Both because it was beautiful on its own, and for its suggestion that she liked the idea of their friendship. He did too. She was always warm, but never oblivious to what was happening. Just now, for instance. The slight bit of timidity, an acknowledgement of what it meant to be on a first name basis with him. The sparkle in her eyes as she teased, an embrace of what he cared about. How long since he'd laughed? At himself? The soldiers had hardly allowed it when he was the newest royal on the battlefield. Most too circumspect too fall into such familiarity before he'd fought beside them in a single engagement. They had guarded their tongues, testing him. She did not.
"Anything at all?" she'd asked.
"To be a prince is to live in the public eye. We've no secrets, lovers or otherwise. Not me, anyway" Yiannis answered.
As he spoke, he had a broad, goofy grin. Enough to let her know that he was joking. Nonetheless, he hoped she heard the sincerity in her voice. He had never been in any serious sort of relationship. In fact, if time wounded and unconscious counted, this was one of the longer periods he'd spent with a woman that was neither his family nor a servant. Not that this was anything like--she was helping him. The way a nurse would, if he were at home. A noble family doinga courtesy to their leige lords. Nothing was private in the life of a prince, after all. That was truer than he would have liked it to be. Especially now.
Still, sensing he owed her a serious answer, he started again, "When I was a boy, my mother took us to the shore once when the geese were flocking. She let us cast our bread on the water and feed them. I loved it. Ever since, I should've liked to keep one for a pet."
By now, he had settled back to a smaller, simple smile. A defaulted look of contentment as he enjoyed so much that had seemed nearly lost. The way the warmth of the afternoon dug beneath your skin. How the wind could ruffle your garments. Conversing with someone while the day whittled away. Strange contrast to a few hours of violence, and long days of confusion that had stretched afterwards. He was one of the fortunate.
"What about you, Zenais? Anything you would share with me?" he asked.
He was eloquent, someone who exuded even more confidence and royalty then she was ever taught. In a way, that had nothing to do with her end goal, Zenais found herself admiring him. As he spoke of his duties as a prince, how strong he had to be to trudge through the pain and treatment of all his injuries, all of it told Zenais of his character... and so much more. His answer, the tone in which he spoke told Zenais he did not lie... and the brunette did not want to dwell on why she felt a swell of slight joy when he said of no secret lover.
And then he gave a goofy grin, and for the briefest of moments as the wind whipped their hair, her brunette strands across her face that Zenais had to pull them away from her lips, her smile met his goofy grin, and she marvelled at how silly he could be, despite being of royal birth and with the weight of responsibilities on him. How did a life without worries feel like? Ever since she found out the problems her House had almost two weeks ago, Zenais feels like she has forgotten what it felt like to be quite free of burden.
Catching herself quickly, Zenais shook herself of the sudden nostalgia which caught her. Instead, she outwardly bent her head as if shy to be in his presence. Constantly, she had to remind herself to play up the part of being the perfect, shy maiden who would catch his heart. Be sweet, be kind, be nice, and accentuate every single one of her attributes. The way her chiton hung to cling to the proper curves of her body, her bronzed skin that glowed in the sun... all of it calculated. All of it necessary.
"Me?" the surprise when he asked on her however, was genuine. Briefly, the blue eyes flicked to Yiannis, her cheeks flushing when she realized what she's done and averted her gaze again. Composing herself, she awkwardly cleared her throat, smile returning to her face. "I... have no lover myself?" her tone held uncertainty, and then she laughed as if it was a joke at herself. "I am the eldest daughter to House Alistaire. Tis my duty to marry in favor of my father's choice, is it not? At least, tis what I have been taught."
Her words trailed off, and Zenais arranged her face to have the right dose of disappointment, as if she was not too happy with the prospect of her future, but was willing to accept it. Playing with the hem of her chiton on her lap, from an angle, the noble lady turned to the prince, asking in return, "Do you have plans for your future then, Yiannis?"
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He was eloquent, someone who exuded even more confidence and royalty then she was ever taught. In a way, that had nothing to do with her end goal, Zenais found herself admiring him. As he spoke of his duties as a prince, how strong he had to be to trudge through the pain and treatment of all his injuries, all of it told Zenais of his character... and so much more. His answer, the tone in which he spoke told Zenais he did not lie... and the brunette did not want to dwell on why she felt a swell of slight joy when he said of no secret lover.
And then he gave a goofy grin, and for the briefest of moments as the wind whipped their hair, her brunette strands across her face that Zenais had to pull them away from her lips, her smile met his goofy grin, and she marvelled at how silly he could be, despite being of royal birth and with the weight of responsibilities on him. How did a life without worries feel like? Ever since she found out the problems her House had almost two weeks ago, Zenais feels like she has forgotten what it felt like to be quite free of burden.
Catching herself quickly, Zenais shook herself of the sudden nostalgia which caught her. Instead, she outwardly bent her head as if shy to be in his presence. Constantly, she had to remind herself to play up the part of being the perfect, shy maiden who would catch his heart. Be sweet, be kind, be nice, and accentuate every single one of her attributes. The way her chiton hung to cling to the proper curves of her body, her bronzed skin that glowed in the sun... all of it calculated. All of it necessary.
"Me?" the surprise when he asked on her however, was genuine. Briefly, the blue eyes flicked to Yiannis, her cheeks flushing when she realized what she's done and averted her gaze again. Composing herself, she awkwardly cleared her throat, smile returning to her face. "I... have no lover myself?" her tone held uncertainty, and then she laughed as if it was a joke at herself. "I am the eldest daughter to House Alistaire. Tis my duty to marry in favor of my father's choice, is it not? At least, tis what I have been taught."
Her words trailed off, and Zenais arranged her face to have the right dose of disappointment, as if she was not too happy with the prospect of her future, but was willing to accept it. Playing with the hem of her chiton on her lap, from an angle, the noble lady turned to the prince, asking in return, "Do you have plans for your future then, Yiannis?"
He was eloquent, someone who exuded even more confidence and royalty then she was ever taught. In a way, that had nothing to do with her end goal, Zenais found herself admiring him. As he spoke of his duties as a prince, how strong he had to be to trudge through the pain and treatment of all his injuries, all of it told Zenais of his character... and so much more. His answer, the tone in which he spoke told Zenais he did not lie... and the brunette did not want to dwell on why she felt a swell of slight joy when he said of no secret lover.
And then he gave a goofy grin, and for the briefest of moments as the wind whipped their hair, her brunette strands across her face that Zenais had to pull them away from her lips, her smile met his goofy grin, and she marvelled at how silly he could be, despite being of royal birth and with the weight of responsibilities on him. How did a life without worries feel like? Ever since she found out the problems her House had almost two weeks ago, Zenais feels like she has forgotten what it felt like to be quite free of burden.
Catching herself quickly, Zenais shook herself of the sudden nostalgia which caught her. Instead, she outwardly bent her head as if shy to be in his presence. Constantly, she had to remind herself to play up the part of being the perfect, shy maiden who would catch his heart. Be sweet, be kind, be nice, and accentuate every single one of her attributes. The way her chiton hung to cling to the proper curves of her body, her bronzed skin that glowed in the sun... all of it calculated. All of it necessary.
"Me?" the surprise when he asked on her however, was genuine. Briefly, the blue eyes flicked to Yiannis, her cheeks flushing when she realized what she's done and averted her gaze again. Composing herself, she awkwardly cleared her throat, smile returning to her face. "I... have no lover myself?" her tone held uncertainty, and then she laughed as if it was a joke at herself. "I am the eldest daughter to House Alistaire. Tis my duty to marry in favor of my father's choice, is it not? At least, tis what I have been taught."
Her words trailed off, and Zenais arranged her face to have the right dose of disappointment, as if she was not too happy with the prospect of her future, but was willing to accept it. Playing with the hem of her chiton on her lap, from an angle, the noble lady turned to the prince, asking in return, "Do you have plans for your future then, Yiannis?"
Zenais was easy to look at. But the longer he watched, the more depth he saw there. She was a perfect host and noble woman, yes. The academies could pump them out by the dozen. But just moments before, she had been teasing him about trysts and secret lovers. As she listened to his response, her visage took on a long, thoughtful aspect. Gaze seeming as if it would swept far beyond the horizon. What weighty things she must be contemplating. What sophisticated tomes she must have read. Easily better than half their highborn brethern and sisters. Then in a slight toss of her hair it was gone again, and she gave her energy to answering his question.
If it wasn't quite as intriguing as whatever she thought on before , it spoke to the same depth. He meant to ask something light, about carefree joys. Her mind had turned to filial piety, and familial obligations. Expressed in measured, realistic terms. Before this moment, he hadn't particularly considered the dilemma at all. He wondered whether Athanasia felt likewise. He'd make a point of asking her when he got home. For the moment, all he could do was empathize.
"The things we do for our families" he sighed.
"At least, though, if you cannot have a husband of your choosing, what else is there? What makes you smile? What would you want all for yourself?"
If their conversation hadn't progressed this way, he might have answered the next question differently. There were, after all, an expected setof answers that came when one was asked of their future. In the forums, the chorus taught too well the lessons of hubris and hamartia for him not to know the perfect princely answer. Zenais knew them as well. But everything up to this moment made him believe she was asking about something else. She was asking about Yiannis, the man. What were his dreams, really? What did he want? After a moment's hesitation trying to force vague dreams into words, he tried to honor that wish.
"Oh, some day I'll stand beside my brothers, the golden boys of Midas. Earn my way onto one of thsoe heroic scenes painted on an amphorae. Take a wife to stand beside me when we stand before the masses. I'm not sure how I'd go home with anything less," he answered.
He took a moment then to glance pointedly over at the staff. His own clothing, sweat soaked even though it was not a walk that should have meant mouch extertion. The bandages that he could still feel bound around his body. He knew exactly how ridiculous his dreams sounded just now. He knew how dumb the prospect was even before he'd rode out to battle. Vangelis and Zanon were of another sort. One didn't just match their talents casually. Throwing it off as a task for the future at least left it vague enough that the impossible didn't seem quite so far-fetched.
"I'll admit, though, that this first showing doesn't augur well," he finished, both self-depricating and honest.
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Zenais was easy to look at. But the longer he watched, the more depth he saw there. She was a perfect host and noble woman, yes. The academies could pump them out by the dozen. But just moments before, she had been teasing him about trysts and secret lovers. As she listened to his response, her visage took on a long, thoughtful aspect. Gaze seeming as if it would swept far beyond the horizon. What weighty things she must be contemplating. What sophisticated tomes she must have read. Easily better than half their highborn brethern and sisters. Then in a slight toss of her hair it was gone again, and she gave her energy to answering his question.
If it wasn't quite as intriguing as whatever she thought on before , it spoke to the same depth. He meant to ask something light, about carefree joys. Her mind had turned to filial piety, and familial obligations. Expressed in measured, realistic terms. Before this moment, he hadn't particularly considered the dilemma at all. He wondered whether Athanasia felt likewise. He'd make a point of asking her when he got home. For the moment, all he could do was empathize.
"The things we do for our families" he sighed.
"At least, though, if you cannot have a husband of your choosing, what else is there? What makes you smile? What would you want all for yourself?"
If their conversation hadn't progressed this way, he might have answered the next question differently. There were, after all, an expected setof answers that came when one was asked of their future. In the forums, the chorus taught too well the lessons of hubris and hamartia for him not to know the perfect princely answer. Zenais knew them as well. But everything up to this moment made him believe she was asking about something else. She was asking about Yiannis, the man. What were his dreams, really? What did he want? After a moment's hesitation trying to force vague dreams into words, he tried to honor that wish.
"Oh, some day I'll stand beside my brothers, the golden boys of Midas. Earn my way onto one of thsoe heroic scenes painted on an amphorae. Take a wife to stand beside me when we stand before the masses. I'm not sure how I'd go home with anything less," he answered.
He took a moment then to glance pointedly over at the staff. His own clothing, sweat soaked even though it was not a walk that should have meant mouch extertion. The bandages that he could still feel bound around his body. He knew exactly how ridiculous his dreams sounded just now. He knew how dumb the prospect was even before he'd rode out to battle. Vangelis and Zanon were of another sort. One didn't just match their talents casually. Throwing it off as a task for the future at least left it vague enough that the impossible didn't seem quite so far-fetched.
"I'll admit, though, that this first showing doesn't augur well," he finished, both self-depricating and honest.
Zenais was easy to look at. But the longer he watched, the more depth he saw there. She was a perfect host and noble woman, yes. The academies could pump them out by the dozen. But just moments before, she had been teasing him about trysts and secret lovers. As she listened to his response, her visage took on a long, thoughtful aspect. Gaze seeming as if it would swept far beyond the horizon. What weighty things she must be contemplating. What sophisticated tomes she must have read. Easily better than half their highborn brethern and sisters. Then in a slight toss of her hair it was gone again, and she gave her energy to answering his question.
If it wasn't quite as intriguing as whatever she thought on before , it spoke to the same depth. He meant to ask something light, about carefree joys. Her mind had turned to filial piety, and familial obligations. Expressed in measured, realistic terms. Before this moment, he hadn't particularly considered the dilemma at all. He wondered whether Athanasia felt likewise. He'd make a point of asking her when he got home. For the moment, all he could do was empathize.
"The things we do for our families" he sighed.
"At least, though, if you cannot have a husband of your choosing, what else is there? What makes you smile? What would you want all for yourself?"
If their conversation hadn't progressed this way, he might have answered the next question differently. There were, after all, an expected setof answers that came when one was asked of their future. In the forums, the chorus taught too well the lessons of hubris and hamartia for him not to know the perfect princely answer. Zenais knew them as well. But everything up to this moment made him believe she was asking about something else. She was asking about Yiannis, the man. What were his dreams, really? What did he want? After a moment's hesitation trying to force vague dreams into words, he tried to honor that wish.
"Oh, some day I'll stand beside my brothers, the golden boys of Midas. Earn my way onto one of thsoe heroic scenes painted on an amphorae. Take a wife to stand beside me when we stand before the masses. I'm not sure how I'd go home with anything less," he answered.
He took a moment then to glance pointedly over at the staff. His own clothing, sweat soaked even though it was not a walk that should have meant mouch extertion. The bandages that he could still feel bound around his body. He knew exactly how ridiculous his dreams sounded just now. He knew how dumb the prospect was even before he'd rode out to battle. Vangelis and Zanon were of another sort. One didn't just match their talents casually. Throwing it off as a task for the future at least left it vague enough that the impossible didn't seem quite so far-fetched.
"I'll admit, though, that this first showing doesn't augur well," he finished, both self-depricating and honest.
Having been forced to grow up in a short period of time over the last few weeks, faced with the very real prospect that the cushy life she had been brought up with, the future she had settled for herself as her mother would tell her to prepare for - all of that would be moot if she didn't do something to help the state of the finances of House Alistaire. Zenais lost sleep almost every night, her thoughts no longer on what chiton or what silk she wanted to purchase on her next visit to the markets. She had bigger fish to fry.
His empathy had, in a way, brought Zenais back to reality. Surely as the son of a King, third or not, he had his fair share of responsibilities, duties to ensure the pride and name of the royal family of Colchis. He, of anyone else, would understand what she was doing... if only he was not her intended target, after all.
Yet Yiannis seemed concern with herself - a surprising factor for Zenais. She was a beauty, in that she was sure. Her mother had trussed her up many times when attending balls or dinners, in hopes that her only daughter would snare a perfect match. While Calix was the heir to House Alistaire, it was Zenais who would be tasked to bring the House's name to loftier positions through marriage first, for her brother was far too young.
You can't get any loftier than a prince.
"Myself?" the brunette echoed, putting on a thoughtful look. She let her gaze wandered, for the first time since Yiannis had arrived, truly dwelling on that. Previously, she had found joy in pleasing her parents in all aspects of her actions and dressing. Now... now she was still doing that. Yet something in the past few days she had spent caring for Yiannis in his bouts of unconsciousness, Zenais had found a certain sense of fulfilment in watching him heal. She had hummed as he worked, and found a lighthearted nature watching him sleep peacefully in the light of her humming.
"A song, perhaps." she finally said in an amused tone, a shy smile in his direction again. "And watching people be happy. I can't imagine I'd want anything more than for my loved ones to be happy." It was a partial truth.... well, for the most part. He did not need to know the lengths to which she would go to ensure the happiness of her loved ones.
Watching him as he spoke, she saw the pride in his voice as he spoke of his brothers, hid a giggle at him calling themselves the 'golden boys', but also could imagine as he spoke of entering a heroic scene. A wife? Zenais's heart lurched at the image, part fear and part trepidation. What she was going to do with him... would that shift his wants for the future much? It all sounded so idealistic falling from his lips now - would she ruin it? Ruin him?
But she couldn't hesitate now, not when her family needed it.
"One never judges a book by its cover.... and I think you'll make a fine, brave warrior, Yiannis." She paused as if noticing the breathy tone in what she had said, feigning a little surprised by the widening of her blue gaze, before Zenais dropped her gaze, acting for all the world as if she just realized she shouldn't have said that. Her words held truth... but she also needed to act the part of a simpering maiden. For now. Biting her lip to play up her ploy, the shy smile returned to her face, as she hurriedly stood up, and offered a hand to the prince. "Shall we make our return? I think you can sit through a bath today - so long as you allow our servants to assist you." Zenais offered with an upturned palm held at him.
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Having been forced to grow up in a short period of time over the last few weeks, faced with the very real prospect that the cushy life she had been brought up with, the future she had settled for herself as her mother would tell her to prepare for - all of that would be moot if she didn't do something to help the state of the finances of House Alistaire. Zenais lost sleep almost every night, her thoughts no longer on what chiton or what silk she wanted to purchase on her next visit to the markets. She had bigger fish to fry.
His empathy had, in a way, brought Zenais back to reality. Surely as the son of a King, third or not, he had his fair share of responsibilities, duties to ensure the pride and name of the royal family of Colchis. He, of anyone else, would understand what she was doing... if only he was not her intended target, after all.
Yet Yiannis seemed concern with herself - a surprising factor for Zenais. She was a beauty, in that she was sure. Her mother had trussed her up many times when attending balls or dinners, in hopes that her only daughter would snare a perfect match. While Calix was the heir to House Alistaire, it was Zenais who would be tasked to bring the House's name to loftier positions through marriage first, for her brother was far too young.
You can't get any loftier than a prince.
"Myself?" the brunette echoed, putting on a thoughtful look. She let her gaze wandered, for the first time since Yiannis had arrived, truly dwelling on that. Previously, she had found joy in pleasing her parents in all aspects of her actions and dressing. Now... now she was still doing that. Yet something in the past few days she had spent caring for Yiannis in his bouts of unconsciousness, Zenais had found a certain sense of fulfilment in watching him heal. She had hummed as he worked, and found a lighthearted nature watching him sleep peacefully in the light of her humming.
"A song, perhaps." she finally said in an amused tone, a shy smile in his direction again. "And watching people be happy. I can't imagine I'd want anything more than for my loved ones to be happy." It was a partial truth.... well, for the most part. He did not need to know the lengths to which she would go to ensure the happiness of her loved ones.
Watching him as he spoke, she saw the pride in his voice as he spoke of his brothers, hid a giggle at him calling themselves the 'golden boys', but also could imagine as he spoke of entering a heroic scene. A wife? Zenais's heart lurched at the image, part fear and part trepidation. What she was going to do with him... would that shift his wants for the future much? It all sounded so idealistic falling from his lips now - would she ruin it? Ruin him?
But she couldn't hesitate now, not when her family needed it.
"One never judges a book by its cover.... and I think you'll make a fine, brave warrior, Yiannis." She paused as if noticing the breathy tone in what she had said, feigning a little surprised by the widening of her blue gaze, before Zenais dropped her gaze, acting for all the world as if she just realized she shouldn't have said that. Her words held truth... but she also needed to act the part of a simpering maiden. For now. Biting her lip to play up her ploy, the shy smile returned to her face, as she hurriedly stood up, and offered a hand to the prince. "Shall we make our return? I think you can sit through a bath today - so long as you allow our servants to assist you." Zenais offered with an upturned palm held at him.
Having been forced to grow up in a short period of time over the last few weeks, faced with the very real prospect that the cushy life she had been brought up with, the future she had settled for herself as her mother would tell her to prepare for - all of that would be moot if she didn't do something to help the state of the finances of House Alistaire. Zenais lost sleep almost every night, her thoughts no longer on what chiton or what silk she wanted to purchase on her next visit to the markets. She had bigger fish to fry.
His empathy had, in a way, brought Zenais back to reality. Surely as the son of a King, third or not, he had his fair share of responsibilities, duties to ensure the pride and name of the royal family of Colchis. He, of anyone else, would understand what she was doing... if only he was not her intended target, after all.
Yet Yiannis seemed concern with herself - a surprising factor for Zenais. She was a beauty, in that she was sure. Her mother had trussed her up many times when attending balls or dinners, in hopes that her only daughter would snare a perfect match. While Calix was the heir to House Alistaire, it was Zenais who would be tasked to bring the House's name to loftier positions through marriage first, for her brother was far too young.
You can't get any loftier than a prince.
"Myself?" the brunette echoed, putting on a thoughtful look. She let her gaze wandered, for the first time since Yiannis had arrived, truly dwelling on that. Previously, she had found joy in pleasing her parents in all aspects of her actions and dressing. Now... now she was still doing that. Yet something in the past few days she had spent caring for Yiannis in his bouts of unconsciousness, Zenais had found a certain sense of fulfilment in watching him heal. She had hummed as he worked, and found a lighthearted nature watching him sleep peacefully in the light of her humming.
"A song, perhaps." she finally said in an amused tone, a shy smile in his direction again. "And watching people be happy. I can't imagine I'd want anything more than for my loved ones to be happy." It was a partial truth.... well, for the most part. He did not need to know the lengths to which she would go to ensure the happiness of her loved ones.
Watching him as he spoke, she saw the pride in his voice as he spoke of his brothers, hid a giggle at him calling themselves the 'golden boys', but also could imagine as he spoke of entering a heroic scene. A wife? Zenais's heart lurched at the image, part fear and part trepidation. What she was going to do with him... would that shift his wants for the future much? It all sounded so idealistic falling from his lips now - would she ruin it? Ruin him?
But she couldn't hesitate now, not when her family needed it.
"One never judges a book by its cover.... and I think you'll make a fine, brave warrior, Yiannis." She paused as if noticing the breathy tone in what she had said, feigning a little surprised by the widening of her blue gaze, before Zenais dropped her gaze, acting for all the world as if she just realized she shouldn't have said that. Her words held truth... but she also needed to act the part of a simpering maiden. For now. Biting her lip to play up her ploy, the shy smile returned to her face, as she hurriedly stood up, and offered a hand to the prince. "Shall we make our return? I think you can sit through a bath today - so long as you allow our servants to assist you." Zenais offered with an upturned palm held at him.
Yiannis's eyes went a little wider. This was her first slip. Her reaction was the tell. The way she froze afterwards, and refused to look at him. She'd waltzed through a whole afternoon's worth of interactions, only to falter here. Unlike her other commentary, idle commentary about love, family and nature, this was a double-edged comment. Don't judge a book by its cover. Do not. Because what would she think of him if she did? A failed warrior? A scraggly, wounded boy, limping home to Midas? Nothing like Vangelis, that was certain. If he was the Iron General, Yiannis was a tin corporal. That's what she saw, just like every other person in Colchis that bothered to look, because that was the only thing to see. Honesty.
Except that what had come next had been equally honest. She knew how it looked. And she really didn't care. She was not inclined to believe a word of it. Even nursing his wounds, Zenais still believed he could be a warrior. It wasn't just his cheeks burning as he worked through it. His whole body. Like some radiant beet. She really thought. . .then it was he who couldn't bear to keep looking. She believed in him. Well and truly. His mind raced with thoughts he tried to push away. Even if she did think well of him, that didn't mean she--he was just some passerby. Here for a couple days. She'd forget about him as soon as he left.
"Shall we make our return? I think you can sit through a bath today--so long as you allow our servants to assist you" she said, breaking his reverie. She was already standing, ready to take his hand.
He had enough presence of mind this time to push up onto his feet. Still not by his own power, but he didn't need so much of her help this time, either. He'd snatched up the staff and pivoted his weight against it deftly. Trying hard to be the warrior she saw, even if he wasn't sure he could make it out himself.
Unfortunately, he couldn't stop his tongue from loosing his first response to her, which he would have reeled back if he had a moment's consideration: "Of course Zenais. I would follow you anywhere."
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Yiannis's eyes went a little wider. This was her first slip. Her reaction was the tell. The way she froze afterwards, and refused to look at him. She'd waltzed through a whole afternoon's worth of interactions, only to falter here. Unlike her other commentary, idle commentary about love, family and nature, this was a double-edged comment. Don't judge a book by its cover. Do not. Because what would she think of him if she did? A failed warrior? A scraggly, wounded boy, limping home to Midas? Nothing like Vangelis, that was certain. If he was the Iron General, Yiannis was a tin corporal. That's what she saw, just like every other person in Colchis that bothered to look, because that was the only thing to see. Honesty.
Except that what had come next had been equally honest. She knew how it looked. And she really didn't care. She was not inclined to believe a word of it. Even nursing his wounds, Zenais still believed he could be a warrior. It wasn't just his cheeks burning as he worked through it. His whole body. Like some radiant beet. She really thought. . .then it was he who couldn't bear to keep looking. She believed in him. Well and truly. His mind raced with thoughts he tried to push away. Even if she did think well of him, that didn't mean she--he was just some passerby. Here for a couple days. She'd forget about him as soon as he left.
"Shall we make our return? I think you can sit through a bath today--so long as you allow our servants to assist you" she said, breaking his reverie. She was already standing, ready to take his hand.
He had enough presence of mind this time to push up onto his feet. Still not by his own power, but he didn't need so much of her help this time, either. He'd snatched up the staff and pivoted his weight against it deftly. Trying hard to be the warrior she saw, even if he wasn't sure he could make it out himself.
Unfortunately, he couldn't stop his tongue from loosing his first response to her, which he would have reeled back if he had a moment's consideration: "Of course Zenais. I would follow you anywhere."
Yiannis's eyes went a little wider. This was her first slip. Her reaction was the tell. The way she froze afterwards, and refused to look at him. She'd waltzed through a whole afternoon's worth of interactions, only to falter here. Unlike her other commentary, idle commentary about love, family and nature, this was a double-edged comment. Don't judge a book by its cover. Do not. Because what would she think of him if she did? A failed warrior? A scraggly, wounded boy, limping home to Midas? Nothing like Vangelis, that was certain. If he was the Iron General, Yiannis was a tin corporal. That's what she saw, just like every other person in Colchis that bothered to look, because that was the only thing to see. Honesty.
Except that what had come next had been equally honest. She knew how it looked. And she really didn't care. She was not inclined to believe a word of it. Even nursing his wounds, Zenais still believed he could be a warrior. It wasn't just his cheeks burning as he worked through it. His whole body. Like some radiant beet. She really thought. . .then it was he who couldn't bear to keep looking. She believed in him. Well and truly. His mind raced with thoughts he tried to push away. Even if she did think well of him, that didn't mean she--he was just some passerby. Here for a couple days. She'd forget about him as soon as he left.
"Shall we make our return? I think you can sit through a bath today--so long as you allow our servants to assist you" she said, breaking his reverie. She was already standing, ready to take his hand.
He had enough presence of mind this time to push up onto his feet. Still not by his own power, but he didn't need so much of her help this time, either. He'd snatched up the staff and pivoted his weight against it deftly. Trying hard to be the warrior she saw, even if he wasn't sure he could make it out himself.
Unfortunately, he couldn't stop his tongue from loosing his first response to her, which he would have reeled back if he had a moment's consideration: "Of course Zenais. I would follow you anywhere."
She had almost thought he could tell when he stared at her, but Zenais breathed a sigh of relief when he seemed to have the soft look come over him again. In a way, she couldn't say she was lying - Zenais doubted any of the Kotas son's would be weak leaders, what with their father being such a strong example of the Kingdom's leader. She's heard many stories of the crown prince and his exploits, and that in itself should be proof enough. So no, Zenais wasn't exactly lying.
But she didn't exactly know how truthful she was being either.
Watching as he turned a flaming red from her words however, it struck the brunette how charming the third prince could be. Far down the line of succession, not much attention had ever been placed on Yiannis of Kotas. Shame, really, if Zenais had to be truthful for now. He was someone she found, in recent days, great company.
But she had greater things to do. She had to remember that.
Watching him carefully as he pushed himself to his feet, Zenais remained watchful, but didn't offer her help, mindful of his need to feed his egotistical need to not accept help. His words however, had her truly flushing this time. Was she pushing it too far? Too fast? Was she doing this right? It was not as if any of the tutors her father had hired for her had taught Zenais for a situation such as this.
So she erred on the side of caution, and did a little curtsy to him in thanks, but couldn't resist slipping in a cheeky smile as she slipped an arm under the one that was not gripping the staff, and began their trek in return. "For now, just follow me back in. We can get your bath, I'll instruct them to wash your hair, and maybe you can have something that isn't broth for the first time in a while. Anything you would fancy?" she murmured, as they began their stroll back to the manor.
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She had almost thought he could tell when he stared at her, but Zenais breathed a sigh of relief when he seemed to have the soft look come over him again. In a way, she couldn't say she was lying - Zenais doubted any of the Kotas son's would be weak leaders, what with their father being such a strong example of the Kingdom's leader. She's heard many stories of the crown prince and his exploits, and that in itself should be proof enough. So no, Zenais wasn't exactly lying.
But she didn't exactly know how truthful she was being either.
Watching as he turned a flaming red from her words however, it struck the brunette how charming the third prince could be. Far down the line of succession, not much attention had ever been placed on Yiannis of Kotas. Shame, really, if Zenais had to be truthful for now. He was someone she found, in recent days, great company.
But she had greater things to do. She had to remember that.
Watching him carefully as he pushed himself to his feet, Zenais remained watchful, but didn't offer her help, mindful of his need to feed his egotistical need to not accept help. His words however, had her truly flushing this time. Was she pushing it too far? Too fast? Was she doing this right? It was not as if any of the tutors her father had hired for her had taught Zenais for a situation such as this.
So she erred on the side of caution, and did a little curtsy to him in thanks, but couldn't resist slipping in a cheeky smile as she slipped an arm under the one that was not gripping the staff, and began their trek in return. "For now, just follow me back in. We can get your bath, I'll instruct them to wash your hair, and maybe you can have something that isn't broth for the first time in a while. Anything you would fancy?" she murmured, as they began their stroll back to the manor.
She had almost thought he could tell when he stared at her, but Zenais breathed a sigh of relief when he seemed to have the soft look come over him again. In a way, she couldn't say she was lying - Zenais doubted any of the Kotas son's would be weak leaders, what with their father being such a strong example of the Kingdom's leader. She's heard many stories of the crown prince and his exploits, and that in itself should be proof enough. So no, Zenais wasn't exactly lying.
But she didn't exactly know how truthful she was being either.
Watching as he turned a flaming red from her words however, it struck the brunette how charming the third prince could be. Far down the line of succession, not much attention had ever been placed on Yiannis of Kotas. Shame, really, if Zenais had to be truthful for now. He was someone she found, in recent days, great company.
But she had greater things to do. She had to remember that.
Watching him carefully as he pushed himself to his feet, Zenais remained watchful, but didn't offer her help, mindful of his need to feed his egotistical need to not accept help. His words however, had her truly flushing this time. Was she pushing it too far? Too fast? Was she doing this right? It was not as if any of the tutors her father had hired for her had taught Zenais for a situation such as this.
So she erred on the side of caution, and did a little curtsy to him in thanks, but couldn't resist slipping in a cheeky smile as she slipped an arm under the one that was not gripping the staff, and began their trek in return. "For now, just follow me back in. We can get your bath, I'll instruct them to wash your hair, and maybe you can have something that isn't broth for the first time in a while. Anything you would fancy?" she murmured, as they began their stroll back to the manor.
"Rabbit would be wonderful. My unit shared a stew together the night before the battle. I promised mysefl I would have some more when I got back," he answered, after a moment's consideration.
Yiannis couldn't help but feel a small guilt. He enjoyed all of this too much. Spending time with her, holding her hand as they strolled through the province. One day she would be this way with someone she cared about, and it would likely stretch on for decades. With him, though? His last comment had betrayed something he hadn't yet realized. Now that he did, though, she figured she must as well. Her reply had been as even and unflappable as ever. He would have to show the same mastery.
The better question is where this had boiled up from at all. She was attractive, yes, but their were more stunning beauties. Kind and sociable, but he expected there might have been more than one of those secreted away in the provinces. Those things besides, the strangest part was how he felt he knew her. Longer than the few hours from a few days where he had any memory. It was a strange thing. But her words had answered that too. She loved singing, she said. Making people happy. There were hours, days unaccounted for. Wild, fevered fantasies he still couldn't distinguish from reality. Moments when his foremost sensation was unspeakable pain. The through line in all of it was a sonorous, reassuring melody. Leading him back to consciousness. Promising that he would be able to it through. He understood.
The cost was more mental energy than he had to give while walking was still new. Rains had left their path just slightly uneven in one corner. Rather than planting firm, his ankle twisted as he gave it his weight, twisting inwards towards ground that wasn't there. His whole body was pitching forward. The staff kicking upward and out. He closed his eyes and grabbed blindly.
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"Rabbit would be wonderful. My unit shared a stew together the night before the battle. I promised mysefl I would have some more when I got back," he answered, after a moment's consideration.
Yiannis couldn't help but feel a small guilt. He enjoyed all of this too much. Spending time with her, holding her hand as they strolled through the province. One day she would be this way with someone she cared about, and it would likely stretch on for decades. With him, though? His last comment had betrayed something he hadn't yet realized. Now that he did, though, she figured she must as well. Her reply had been as even and unflappable as ever. He would have to show the same mastery.
The better question is where this had boiled up from at all. She was attractive, yes, but their were more stunning beauties. Kind and sociable, but he expected there might have been more than one of those secreted away in the provinces. Those things besides, the strangest part was how he felt he knew her. Longer than the few hours from a few days where he had any memory. It was a strange thing. But her words had answered that too. She loved singing, she said. Making people happy. There were hours, days unaccounted for. Wild, fevered fantasies he still couldn't distinguish from reality. Moments when his foremost sensation was unspeakable pain. The through line in all of it was a sonorous, reassuring melody. Leading him back to consciousness. Promising that he would be able to it through. He understood.
The cost was more mental energy than he had to give while walking was still new. Rains had left their path just slightly uneven in one corner. Rather than planting firm, his ankle twisted as he gave it his weight, twisting inwards towards ground that wasn't there. His whole body was pitching forward. The staff kicking upward and out. He closed his eyes and grabbed blindly.
"Rabbit would be wonderful. My unit shared a stew together the night before the battle. I promised mysefl I would have some more when I got back," he answered, after a moment's consideration.
Yiannis couldn't help but feel a small guilt. He enjoyed all of this too much. Spending time with her, holding her hand as they strolled through the province. One day she would be this way with someone she cared about, and it would likely stretch on for decades. With him, though? His last comment had betrayed something he hadn't yet realized. Now that he did, though, she figured she must as well. Her reply had been as even and unflappable as ever. He would have to show the same mastery.
The better question is where this had boiled up from at all. She was attractive, yes, but their were more stunning beauties. Kind and sociable, but he expected there might have been more than one of those secreted away in the provinces. Those things besides, the strangest part was how he felt he knew her. Longer than the few hours from a few days where he had any memory. It was a strange thing. But her words had answered that too. She loved singing, she said. Making people happy. There were hours, days unaccounted for. Wild, fevered fantasies he still couldn't distinguish from reality. Moments when his foremost sensation was unspeakable pain. The through line in all of it was a sonorous, reassuring melody. Leading him back to consciousness. Promising that he would be able to it through. He understood.
The cost was more mental energy than he had to give while walking was still new. Rains had left their path just slightly uneven in one corner. Rather than planting firm, his ankle twisted as he gave it his weight, twisting inwards towards ground that wasn't there. His whole body was pitching forward. The staff kicking upward and out. He closed his eyes and grabbed blindly.
Rabbit they can do. Zenais gave a bright smile and nodded as they started back to the manor, making a mental note to ask the House's cooks to prepare the wild hare stew from the rabbit that had been caught just a day prior in the surrounding brush around Lyncaea. While their cooks were not the best of the best, the stew was delectable, and something the House Alistaire people quite looked forward to whenever the winter months hit.It would be unusual for her to request it for dinner in a summer month, but the prince's request would be adhered.
As they walked back, Zenais occasionally could feel his eyes falling on her. Dared she hope her plan had worked? It had been a scarce few days, and he had only been fully lucid for the past two days, and had shared conversations since. Could she hope that what she had intended to pass, had actually succeeded in the short few days she had?
He was no hard man to figure out, in that she would admit. She had spent years learning from her mother, the proper way one should act as a lady of the House, to be able to gain a good marrige worthy of their house. Effie of Alistaire was not a lofty minded mama, yet there was no denying she wished well for her daughter.
All Zenais had to do was to tweak it here and there so it suited the situation they had found themselves in, and she was sure it would work well on the prince as well.
She had much to do after this - get his meal, rush to freshen up so she would not look too dowdy when she brought his dinner tray to him, ensure that all was prepared.... so caught up was Zenais in her thoughts, the brunette had just enough time to notice that Yiannis was pitching the wrong way, for her to react.
In a split second decision, she lunged forward to grab him, only for her to lose her balance. Grabbing the hands he had extended outward, she managed to twist so her body would cushion his fall as they both fell to the hard ground, his on top of hers.The weight of his body made her fall harder, and involuntarily, Zenais let out a loud groan as his staff clattered, yet her mind was quick enough to move.
"Are you alright, Yiannis?" she murmured, more worried for him then she was for himself, her eyes flying open to reach for his prone body on hers, not even noticing the way they were splayed together as she wriggled to try and get away from under him, yet simultaneously running her hand over his back to check for further injury.
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Rabbit they can do. Zenais gave a bright smile and nodded as they started back to the manor, making a mental note to ask the House's cooks to prepare the wild hare stew from the rabbit that had been caught just a day prior in the surrounding brush around Lyncaea. While their cooks were not the best of the best, the stew was delectable, and something the House Alistaire people quite looked forward to whenever the winter months hit.It would be unusual for her to request it for dinner in a summer month, but the prince's request would be adhered.
As they walked back, Zenais occasionally could feel his eyes falling on her. Dared she hope her plan had worked? It had been a scarce few days, and he had only been fully lucid for the past two days, and had shared conversations since. Could she hope that what she had intended to pass, had actually succeeded in the short few days she had?
He was no hard man to figure out, in that she would admit. She had spent years learning from her mother, the proper way one should act as a lady of the House, to be able to gain a good marrige worthy of their house. Effie of Alistaire was not a lofty minded mama, yet there was no denying she wished well for her daughter.
All Zenais had to do was to tweak it here and there so it suited the situation they had found themselves in, and she was sure it would work well on the prince as well.
She had much to do after this - get his meal, rush to freshen up so she would not look too dowdy when she brought his dinner tray to him, ensure that all was prepared.... so caught up was Zenais in her thoughts, the brunette had just enough time to notice that Yiannis was pitching the wrong way, for her to react.
In a split second decision, she lunged forward to grab him, only for her to lose her balance. Grabbing the hands he had extended outward, she managed to twist so her body would cushion his fall as they both fell to the hard ground, his on top of hers.The weight of his body made her fall harder, and involuntarily, Zenais let out a loud groan as his staff clattered, yet her mind was quick enough to move.
"Are you alright, Yiannis?" she murmured, more worried for him then she was for himself, her eyes flying open to reach for his prone body on hers, not even noticing the way they were splayed together as she wriggled to try and get away from under him, yet simultaneously running her hand over his back to check for further injury.
Rabbit they can do. Zenais gave a bright smile and nodded as they started back to the manor, making a mental note to ask the House's cooks to prepare the wild hare stew from the rabbit that had been caught just a day prior in the surrounding brush around Lyncaea. While their cooks were not the best of the best, the stew was delectable, and something the House Alistaire people quite looked forward to whenever the winter months hit.It would be unusual for her to request it for dinner in a summer month, but the prince's request would be adhered.
As they walked back, Zenais occasionally could feel his eyes falling on her. Dared she hope her plan had worked? It had been a scarce few days, and he had only been fully lucid for the past two days, and had shared conversations since. Could she hope that what she had intended to pass, had actually succeeded in the short few days she had?
He was no hard man to figure out, in that she would admit. She had spent years learning from her mother, the proper way one should act as a lady of the House, to be able to gain a good marrige worthy of their house. Effie of Alistaire was not a lofty minded mama, yet there was no denying she wished well for her daughter.
All Zenais had to do was to tweak it here and there so it suited the situation they had found themselves in, and she was sure it would work well on the prince as well.
She had much to do after this - get his meal, rush to freshen up so she would not look too dowdy when she brought his dinner tray to him, ensure that all was prepared.... so caught up was Zenais in her thoughts, the brunette had just enough time to notice that Yiannis was pitching the wrong way, for her to react.
In a split second decision, she lunged forward to grab him, only for her to lose her balance. Grabbing the hands he had extended outward, she managed to twist so her body would cushion his fall as they both fell to the hard ground, his on top of hers.The weight of his body made her fall harder, and involuntarily, Zenais let out a loud groan as his staff clattered, yet her mind was quick enough to move.
"Are you alright, Yiannis?" she murmured, more worried for him then she was for himself, her eyes flying open to reach for his prone body on hers, not even noticing the way they were splayed together as she wriggled to try and get away from under him, yet simultaneously running her hand over his back to check for further injury.
The fall didn't yet seem an eternity. That was for a later, when he tried to dissect the moment alone in his head. He could let replay, flush with all the mortification he could summon up. He could be thick with embarassment at his weakness and over-confidence both. Sure that the moment had ruined any respect Zenais had for him. Ponder the irony of her just reassuring him that he could become a great warrior.
For the moment? He just crashed. He felt himself tipping forward. Then there was an ugly, awkward, brutal thud. But rather than tasting dirt, he felt between his teeth and soft, warm skin against hist lips. The fall itself was cushioned too, giving slightly under him. It took him a moment to realize what had happened.
As soon as it registered, a new sort of panic set in. He tried to vault back upwards. For a split second it was working. The urgency overrode any pain he had. Lungs, legs, ribs and arms. All of it unison, throwing him off her. Or trying. Reality reasserted itself about the time he'd cleared a few inches. Then every muscle in his back seemed to seize up at once. The air seemed to slip back at out of him, and it was all he could do to keep from collapsing again. His face contorted, beading with sweat. But it last no longer than one ugly, ragged breath. That grew easier as he felt something stroke him. Soft, insistent, supportive. Of course.
"Are you alright Yiannis?" she asked.
"Forget me. Are you hurt? Did I ruin your dress? I'm so sorry" he said.
His speech came tense and rapid, voice thick with concern. He had only really succeeded in lifting his upper body off her, their legs still tangled together. There were still a dozen old pains pressing in, joined by now by fresh bruises. His staff had rolled off to the side somewhere. For him, though the world was no larger than her face. Everything depended on what he might see in her eyes.
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The fall didn't yet seem an eternity. That was for a later, when he tried to dissect the moment alone in his head. He could let replay, flush with all the mortification he could summon up. He could be thick with embarassment at his weakness and over-confidence both. Sure that the moment had ruined any respect Zenais had for him. Ponder the irony of her just reassuring him that he could become a great warrior.
For the moment? He just crashed. He felt himself tipping forward. Then there was an ugly, awkward, brutal thud. But rather than tasting dirt, he felt between his teeth and soft, warm skin against hist lips. The fall itself was cushioned too, giving slightly under him. It took him a moment to realize what had happened.
As soon as it registered, a new sort of panic set in. He tried to vault back upwards. For a split second it was working. The urgency overrode any pain he had. Lungs, legs, ribs and arms. All of it unison, throwing him off her. Or trying. Reality reasserted itself about the time he'd cleared a few inches. Then every muscle in his back seemed to seize up at once. The air seemed to slip back at out of him, and it was all he could do to keep from collapsing again. His face contorted, beading with sweat. But it last no longer than one ugly, ragged breath. That grew easier as he felt something stroke him. Soft, insistent, supportive. Of course.
"Are you alright Yiannis?" she asked.
"Forget me. Are you hurt? Did I ruin your dress? I'm so sorry" he said.
His speech came tense and rapid, voice thick with concern. He had only really succeeded in lifting his upper body off her, their legs still tangled together. There were still a dozen old pains pressing in, joined by now by fresh bruises. His staff had rolled off to the side somewhere. For him, though the world was no larger than her face. Everything depended on what he might see in her eyes.
The fall didn't yet seem an eternity. That was for a later, when he tried to dissect the moment alone in his head. He could let replay, flush with all the mortification he could summon up. He could be thick with embarassment at his weakness and over-confidence both. Sure that the moment had ruined any respect Zenais had for him. Ponder the irony of her just reassuring him that he could become a great warrior.
For the moment? He just crashed. He felt himself tipping forward. Then there was an ugly, awkward, brutal thud. But rather than tasting dirt, he felt between his teeth and soft, warm skin against hist lips. The fall itself was cushioned too, giving slightly under him. It took him a moment to realize what had happened.
As soon as it registered, a new sort of panic set in. He tried to vault back upwards. For a split second it was working. The urgency overrode any pain he had. Lungs, legs, ribs and arms. All of it unison, throwing him off her. Or trying. Reality reasserted itself about the time he'd cleared a few inches. Then every muscle in his back seemed to seize up at once. The air seemed to slip back at out of him, and it was all he could do to keep from collapsing again. His face contorted, beading with sweat. But it last no longer than one ugly, ragged breath. That grew easier as he felt something stroke him. Soft, insistent, supportive. Of course.
"Are you alright Yiannis?" she asked.
"Forget me. Are you hurt? Did I ruin your dress? I'm so sorry" he said.
His speech came tense and rapid, voice thick with concern. He had only really succeeded in lifting his upper body off her, their legs still tangled together. There were still a dozen old pains pressing in, joined by now by fresh bruises. His staff had rolled off to the side somewhere. For him, though the world was no larger than her face. Everything depended on what he might see in her eyes.
His sudden movement meant that Zenais was not at all surprised when he contorted, his body stiffening above him. Worry immediately invaded every other sense, as the girl tried to scramble out of the few inches he had cleared, craning her head to see if he was further injured. The physician had just cleared him to have some exercise, and while Zenais would love for him to stay longer, she'd rather it not be due to further injury.
"How could I forget you?" her voice murmured, as she untangled their legs, shifting underneath him with even greater urgency when she heard his tense voice. Was he concerned for her? When he was the one with the greater injury. What was the man thinking? He was the prince of the realm here, Zenais should be the one tending to him, not he looking after her.
"My dress is no matter, please." Gently, the brunette lay her hand over his shoulders, gently maneuvering him so she could turn him on his back, helping him sit upright. Her touch was gentle, almost caressing as they drifted over his shoulders and torso whilst assisting him, before she finally crouched in front of him, eyes leveling with his gaze, checking for further injury.
Her hair was a mess from the fall, but Zenais barely paid any attention, merely brushing it to get the brown locks out of her face. "Does anything hurt? I'm sorry, I should have been more careful." she murmured, checking and re-checking again and again, most concerned with his ribcage. When she was finally ascertained of the fact that he was, if in slightly more pain then usual, with no further harm, only then did the young maiden smile, and then held out both hands at him, urging him to take them.
"Well come on then, in we go." By then, the pair of blue eyes glittered with encouragement and delight, rosebud lips turned up with that same encouragement mirrored in her eyes. And perhaps, for this one short instance, her feelings shown to him were genuine. For Zenais was no inherently evil person. What she planned, she did out of necessity. But when faced with another human in pain, the only thing she wanted was to put the other out of his or her misery, and right now all she wanted was, at the very least, to wipe that concern and pain off his face.
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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His sudden movement meant that Zenais was not at all surprised when he contorted, his body stiffening above him. Worry immediately invaded every other sense, as the girl tried to scramble out of the few inches he had cleared, craning her head to see if he was further injured. The physician had just cleared him to have some exercise, and while Zenais would love for him to stay longer, she'd rather it not be due to further injury.
"How could I forget you?" her voice murmured, as she untangled their legs, shifting underneath him with even greater urgency when she heard his tense voice. Was he concerned for her? When he was the one with the greater injury. What was the man thinking? He was the prince of the realm here, Zenais should be the one tending to him, not he looking after her.
"My dress is no matter, please." Gently, the brunette lay her hand over his shoulders, gently maneuvering him so she could turn him on his back, helping him sit upright. Her touch was gentle, almost caressing as they drifted over his shoulders and torso whilst assisting him, before she finally crouched in front of him, eyes leveling with his gaze, checking for further injury.
Her hair was a mess from the fall, but Zenais barely paid any attention, merely brushing it to get the brown locks out of her face. "Does anything hurt? I'm sorry, I should have been more careful." she murmured, checking and re-checking again and again, most concerned with his ribcage. When she was finally ascertained of the fact that he was, if in slightly more pain then usual, with no further harm, only then did the young maiden smile, and then held out both hands at him, urging him to take them.
"Well come on then, in we go." By then, the pair of blue eyes glittered with encouragement and delight, rosebud lips turned up with that same encouragement mirrored in her eyes. And perhaps, for this one short instance, her feelings shown to him were genuine. For Zenais was no inherently evil person. What she planned, she did out of necessity. But when faced with another human in pain, the only thing she wanted was to put the other out of his or her misery, and right now all she wanted was, at the very least, to wipe that concern and pain off his face.
His sudden movement meant that Zenais was not at all surprised when he contorted, his body stiffening above him. Worry immediately invaded every other sense, as the girl tried to scramble out of the few inches he had cleared, craning her head to see if he was further injured. The physician had just cleared him to have some exercise, and while Zenais would love for him to stay longer, she'd rather it not be due to further injury.
"How could I forget you?" her voice murmured, as she untangled their legs, shifting underneath him with even greater urgency when she heard his tense voice. Was he concerned for her? When he was the one with the greater injury. What was the man thinking? He was the prince of the realm here, Zenais should be the one tending to him, not he looking after her.
"My dress is no matter, please." Gently, the brunette lay her hand over his shoulders, gently maneuvering him so she could turn him on his back, helping him sit upright. Her touch was gentle, almost caressing as they drifted over his shoulders and torso whilst assisting him, before she finally crouched in front of him, eyes leveling with his gaze, checking for further injury.
Her hair was a mess from the fall, but Zenais barely paid any attention, merely brushing it to get the brown locks out of her face. "Does anything hurt? I'm sorry, I should have been more careful." she murmured, checking and re-checking again and again, most concerned with his ribcage. When she was finally ascertained of the fact that he was, if in slightly more pain then usual, with no further harm, only then did the young maiden smile, and then held out both hands at him, urging him to take them.
"Well come on then, in we go." By then, the pair of blue eyes glittered with encouragement and delight, rosebud lips turned up with that same encouragement mirrored in her eyes. And perhaps, for this one short instance, her feelings shown to him were genuine. For Zenais was no inherently evil person. What she planned, she did out of necessity. But when faced with another human in pain, the only thing she wanted was to put the other out of his or her misery, and right now all she wanted was, at the very least, to wipe that concern and pain off his face.
I promise you, I am both forgettable and replaceable. In every age, there have been no shortage of men ready grab at the reins of power. A prince, a dynasty, a kingdom. One replaces another and the world keeps turning.
But someone like you, Zenais? So kind and thoughtful? That is the rarer thing. The world would feel your loss" he said, and meant: I would.
He wished he could have been up on his feet by the time he finshed speaking. Then he might be gamely extending a hand to help her. Maybe they'd even be walking together, and perhaps she wouldn't let go. Instead he felt the ache at his right side and the gentle caress at his left shoulder. Helping him ease into something like a sitting position. Even that took effort. It was the first time in days he felt pointedly like he couldn't do what he wanted. The rest of the time, he realized, the world had been carefully arranged around him to prevent that sensation.
She was working to rebuild it now. She was ignoring the dust on her chiton. But then, she seemed just as absent-minded about the way her hair swished in the sunlight, dazzling. Always more about business than appearance, Zenais was. A small, contented smile became a tighter one as she approached to check him over again. Being so close to her felt good.
"I promise I'll be alright. You've done everything perfectly" he said reassuringly, without actually shooing her away.
Then she pulled back, frame just catching the scintillations fo the late afternoon sun. They cast a halo around her gleaming smile. Her arms were outstretched and beckoning upward. It was as if nothing could delight her more in all the world than seeing him stand beside her. In days, she'd not given him a moment's space to disbelieve it. She was the woman at his beside, and in his doorframe, and the very sun. She was the first certainty in his new world. The second was that he never wanted to disappoint her. Yiannis started to push to his feet again, certain of who would help him if he faltered.
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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I promise you, I am both forgettable and replaceable. In every age, there have been no shortage of men ready grab at the reins of power. A prince, a dynasty, a kingdom. One replaces another and the world keeps turning.
But someone like you, Zenais? So kind and thoughtful? That is the rarer thing. The world would feel your loss" he said, and meant: I would.
He wished he could have been up on his feet by the time he finshed speaking. Then he might be gamely extending a hand to help her. Maybe they'd even be walking together, and perhaps she wouldn't let go. Instead he felt the ache at his right side and the gentle caress at his left shoulder. Helping him ease into something like a sitting position. Even that took effort. It was the first time in days he felt pointedly like he couldn't do what he wanted. The rest of the time, he realized, the world had been carefully arranged around him to prevent that sensation.
She was working to rebuild it now. She was ignoring the dust on her chiton. But then, she seemed just as absent-minded about the way her hair swished in the sunlight, dazzling. Always more about business than appearance, Zenais was. A small, contented smile became a tighter one as she approached to check him over again. Being so close to her felt good.
"I promise I'll be alright. You've done everything perfectly" he said reassuringly, without actually shooing her away.
Then she pulled back, frame just catching the scintillations fo the late afternoon sun. They cast a halo around her gleaming smile. Her arms were outstretched and beckoning upward. It was as if nothing could delight her more in all the world than seeing him stand beside her. In days, she'd not given him a moment's space to disbelieve it. She was the woman at his beside, and in his doorframe, and the very sun. She was the first certainty in his new world. The second was that he never wanted to disappoint her. Yiannis started to push to his feet again, certain of who would help him if he faltered.
I promise you, I am both forgettable and replaceable. In every age, there have been no shortage of men ready grab at the reins of power. A prince, a dynasty, a kingdom. One replaces another and the world keeps turning.
But someone like you, Zenais? So kind and thoughtful? That is the rarer thing. The world would feel your loss" he said, and meant: I would.
He wished he could have been up on his feet by the time he finshed speaking. Then he might be gamely extending a hand to help her. Maybe they'd even be walking together, and perhaps she wouldn't let go. Instead he felt the ache at his right side and the gentle caress at his left shoulder. Helping him ease into something like a sitting position. Even that took effort. It was the first time in days he felt pointedly like he couldn't do what he wanted. The rest of the time, he realized, the world had been carefully arranged around him to prevent that sensation.
She was working to rebuild it now. She was ignoring the dust on her chiton. But then, she seemed just as absent-minded about the way her hair swished in the sunlight, dazzling. Always more about business than appearance, Zenais was. A small, contented smile became a tighter one as she approached to check him over again. Being so close to her felt good.
"I promise I'll be alright. You've done everything perfectly" he said reassuringly, without actually shooing her away.
Then she pulled back, frame just catching the scintillations fo the late afternoon sun. They cast a halo around her gleaming smile. Her arms were outstretched and beckoning upward. It was as if nothing could delight her more in all the world than seeing him stand beside her. In days, she'd not given him a moment's space to disbelieve it. She was the woman at his beside, and in his doorframe, and the very sun. She was the first certainty in his new world. The second was that he never wanted to disappoint her. Yiannis started to push to his feet again, certain of who would help him if he faltered.
