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The sun was shining, and Adrestus was finishing tying his ship to the docks of Arcana. He was there for supplies and to have sailors inspect his ship a little more closely. He had announced to his family that he'd be in Athenia for a few months, but this didn't mean he wouldn't attend to his ship or travel within his Athenia. After working so hard for it, Adrestus wanted to make sure that what was his was in tip top shape, and nothing less would be accepted. Adrestus exited his ship onto land, and grinned at the sights around him. He wore a blue Chiton, fit for his status. It was neat and clean, and it was obvious he wanted to look good, as he wasn't actually adventuring but merely on business. Around him, he saw various military activities, but he didn't pay any heed until he saw someone he recognized. Adrestus hadn't seen the man in 7 years, the last time being before he went on the 7 seas adventuring out to various kingdoms. The man seemed older, but it was only to be expected. He was older, too.
Adrestus didn't even hesitate as he hurried over to great Hector, smiling widely as he reached to grab his arm. "My lord!" He called out to the captain, as cheerful and excited as could be. He remembered the man's younger girls, both of who he had called his good friends many years ago. He had once risked his life for them, but he was certainly ready to do it again. "How are you? How are your girls? Do I need to beat up anyone? I will!" His voice was filled with genuineness. He continued to speak, his eyes filled with happiness to see the other. "It's been so long, way too long, sir." Adrestus had been just a child the last time, and now he was a fully formed man. Realizing the possibility of Hector not fully remembering, Adretus turned, grinning, before sliding his clothes down to expose the back of his shoulder. The scar stood out against his skin, enough to show that once it had been a pretty nasty wound. After years of healing, it had now grown better, but the reminder was very much visible. He had acquired it after saving Hector's children, and now he hoped it would help Hector that he was not some random sailor.
"Looks better, doesn't it sir?" He spoke playfully, smiling over at the military man. "I was wondering if you had the time so we could catch up?"
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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The sun was shining, and Adrestus was finishing tying his ship to the docks of Arcana. He was there for supplies and to have sailors inspect his ship a little more closely. He had announced to his family that he'd be in Athenia for a few months, but this didn't mean he wouldn't attend to his ship or travel within his Athenia. After working so hard for it, Adrestus wanted to make sure that what was his was in tip top shape, and nothing less would be accepted. Adrestus exited his ship onto land, and grinned at the sights around him. He wore a blue Chiton, fit for his status. It was neat and clean, and it was obvious he wanted to look good, as he wasn't actually adventuring but merely on business. Around him, he saw various military activities, but he didn't pay any heed until he saw someone he recognized. Adrestus hadn't seen the man in 7 years, the last time being before he went on the 7 seas adventuring out to various kingdoms. The man seemed older, but it was only to be expected. He was older, too.
Adrestus didn't even hesitate as he hurried over to great Hector, smiling widely as he reached to grab his arm. "My lord!" He called out to the captain, as cheerful and excited as could be. He remembered the man's younger girls, both of who he had called his good friends many years ago. He had once risked his life for them, but he was certainly ready to do it again. "How are you? How are your girls? Do I need to beat up anyone? I will!" His voice was filled with genuineness. He continued to speak, his eyes filled with happiness to see the other. "It's been so long, way too long, sir." Adrestus had been just a child the last time, and now he was a fully formed man. Realizing the possibility of Hector not fully remembering, Adretus turned, grinning, before sliding his clothes down to expose the back of his shoulder. The scar stood out against his skin, enough to show that once it had been a pretty nasty wound. After years of healing, it had now grown better, but the reminder was very much visible. He had acquired it after saving Hector's children, and now he hoped it would help Hector that he was not some random sailor.
"Looks better, doesn't it sir?" He spoke playfully, smiling over at the military man. "I was wondering if you had the time so we could catch up?"
The sun was shining, and Adrestus was finishing tying his ship to the docks of Arcana. He was there for supplies and to have sailors inspect his ship a little more closely. He had announced to his family that he'd be in Athenia for a few months, but this didn't mean he wouldn't attend to his ship or travel within his Athenia. After working so hard for it, Adrestus wanted to make sure that what was his was in tip top shape, and nothing less would be accepted. Adrestus exited his ship onto land, and grinned at the sights around him. He wore a blue Chiton, fit for his status. It was neat and clean, and it was obvious he wanted to look good, as he wasn't actually adventuring but merely on business. Around him, he saw various military activities, but he didn't pay any heed until he saw someone he recognized. Adrestus hadn't seen the man in 7 years, the last time being before he went on the 7 seas adventuring out to various kingdoms. The man seemed older, but it was only to be expected. He was older, too.
Adrestus didn't even hesitate as he hurried over to great Hector, smiling widely as he reached to grab his arm. "My lord!" He called out to the captain, as cheerful and excited as could be. He remembered the man's younger girls, both of who he had called his good friends many years ago. He had once risked his life for them, but he was certainly ready to do it again. "How are you? How are your girls? Do I need to beat up anyone? I will!" His voice was filled with genuineness. He continued to speak, his eyes filled with happiness to see the other. "It's been so long, way too long, sir." Adrestus had been just a child the last time, and now he was a fully formed man. Realizing the possibility of Hector not fully remembering, Adretus turned, grinning, before sliding his clothes down to expose the back of his shoulder. The scar stood out against his skin, enough to show that once it had been a pretty nasty wound. After years of healing, it had now grown better, but the reminder was very much visible. He had acquired it after saving Hector's children, and now he hoped it would help Hector that he was not some random sailor.
"Looks better, doesn't it sir?" He spoke playfully, smiling over at the military man. "I was wondering if you had the time so we could catch up?"
The past weeks had been strained to put it lightly. It seemed that Hector could never find himself in one place at one time. Tensions within the kingdom had been heightened by the shortages of food and the lack of solution by the Senate not convening. On top of that, the new faces he had seen lingering about his province and tailing his whereabouts had not gone unnoticed. Of course, his known Xanthos loyalties had him as a prime suspect in knowing the whereabouts of Queen Persephone, should she still be living. As uncomfortable as it had been in these weeks, as a military man, he understood, and each time he had been truthful in his statements - he did not know her whereabouts.
Though not purposeful in the want of losing his seemingly everpresent shadows, it seemed that more often than not, Hector found himself riding between Athenia and Arcana, only to find when he arrived at his destination, he was desperately needed in the other and had to return as soon as his business was handled.
Currently, he found himself back in Arcana, handling the issue of misappropriated supplies for his unit. While he trusted his lieutenants to maintain the stasis of the unit whenever he was pulled away, there was not much that could be done with merchant disagreements at their level, but a firm hand from the Captain could sort out the ordeal. For a military force to function properly, particularly with whispers of war in Egypt and civil disagreements in the Athenia and other provinces, Hector knew that going without for his men was not an option.
At last, word had been passed to him that the supplies were prepared and he assembled a group of his men to collect the crates in carts to be delivered back to the barracks. The glances they received along the way were not lost on him, but he did his best to keep from appearing too stern as they collected the materials. The last thing he needed was upheaval in Arcana - a province he had held peaceably for nearly a decade.
The hailing caught him off guard as he saw a young man approaching, drawing his brows high and creasing his forehead in well-tread lines. Hector recognized the face but for the life of him could not find the name upon his lips. Still, in his standard fashion, he offered his signature smile and clasped the man's hand.
"Good day to you," Hector offered, cordially, wracking his brain as if shaking the last coins from a vase for the name. His eyes traced across the young man's face as he asked about Ariadne and Ismene, leading to an initial curious tilt of his head and fatherly stiffening of his shoulders. Who was this young man who knew about his daughters? His smile remained affixed on his face though his eyes narrowed and brows lowered questioningly.
It was not until the young man moved his hand away and then showed his shoulder that Hector's entire expression changed, mouth opening and emitting an exclamation of surprise before softening into a rumble of laughter.
"Gods bless! Lord Adrestus, is that you?" Hector laughed in disbelief, clasping the young man's forearm again more firmly in an appropriate connection, now that the boy - young man's - identity landed in his mind. He had long been a childhood friend of Ariadne and Ismene, even going so far as to watch after them as an elder brother would in their youth, particularly in those long, trying months during his recovery after his return from war. It was not something he voiced then, or even now, but the young man had seemed like an adoptive son in those brief times they had together.
"It does look better, indeed. Quite the 'battle scar' for you, and at such a young age as well," Hector teased, taking a step back to get a better look at the young man, almost shaking his head as the disbelief of it sunk in. "All these years, I hardly recognized you, my lord. Forgive me."
At his suggestion of them taking time together, Hector nodded initially before looking back to his men, noting that they had nearly finished loading the carts.
"In short time, of course. Once I see my men off to the barracks, we should. In fact, before the day is out, you should come to mine and sup with us. How long are you in Arcana and what brings you here?"
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The past weeks had been strained to put it lightly. It seemed that Hector could never find himself in one place at one time. Tensions within the kingdom had been heightened by the shortages of food and the lack of solution by the Senate not convening. On top of that, the new faces he had seen lingering about his province and tailing his whereabouts had not gone unnoticed. Of course, his known Xanthos loyalties had him as a prime suspect in knowing the whereabouts of Queen Persephone, should she still be living. As uncomfortable as it had been in these weeks, as a military man, he understood, and each time he had been truthful in his statements - he did not know her whereabouts.
Though not purposeful in the want of losing his seemingly everpresent shadows, it seemed that more often than not, Hector found himself riding between Athenia and Arcana, only to find when he arrived at his destination, he was desperately needed in the other and had to return as soon as his business was handled.
Currently, he found himself back in Arcana, handling the issue of misappropriated supplies for his unit. While he trusted his lieutenants to maintain the stasis of the unit whenever he was pulled away, there was not much that could be done with merchant disagreements at their level, but a firm hand from the Captain could sort out the ordeal. For a military force to function properly, particularly with whispers of war in Egypt and civil disagreements in the Athenia and other provinces, Hector knew that going without for his men was not an option.
At last, word had been passed to him that the supplies were prepared and he assembled a group of his men to collect the crates in carts to be delivered back to the barracks. The glances they received along the way were not lost on him, but he did his best to keep from appearing too stern as they collected the materials. The last thing he needed was upheaval in Arcana - a province he had held peaceably for nearly a decade.
The hailing caught him off guard as he saw a young man approaching, drawing his brows high and creasing his forehead in well-tread lines. Hector recognized the face but for the life of him could not find the name upon his lips. Still, in his standard fashion, he offered his signature smile and clasped the man's hand.
"Good day to you," Hector offered, cordially, wracking his brain as if shaking the last coins from a vase for the name. His eyes traced across the young man's face as he asked about Ariadne and Ismene, leading to an initial curious tilt of his head and fatherly stiffening of his shoulders. Who was this young man who knew about his daughters? His smile remained affixed on his face though his eyes narrowed and brows lowered questioningly.
It was not until the young man moved his hand away and then showed his shoulder that Hector's entire expression changed, mouth opening and emitting an exclamation of surprise before softening into a rumble of laughter.
"Gods bless! Lord Adrestus, is that you?" Hector laughed in disbelief, clasping the young man's forearm again more firmly in an appropriate connection, now that the boy - young man's - identity landed in his mind. He had long been a childhood friend of Ariadne and Ismene, even going so far as to watch after them as an elder brother would in their youth, particularly in those long, trying months during his recovery after his return from war. It was not something he voiced then, or even now, but the young man had seemed like an adoptive son in those brief times they had together.
"It does look better, indeed. Quite the 'battle scar' for you, and at such a young age as well," Hector teased, taking a step back to get a better look at the young man, almost shaking his head as the disbelief of it sunk in. "All these years, I hardly recognized you, my lord. Forgive me."
At his suggestion of them taking time together, Hector nodded initially before looking back to his men, noting that they had nearly finished loading the carts.
"In short time, of course. Once I see my men off to the barracks, we should. In fact, before the day is out, you should come to mine and sup with us. How long are you in Arcana and what brings you here?"
The past weeks had been strained to put it lightly. It seemed that Hector could never find himself in one place at one time. Tensions within the kingdom had been heightened by the shortages of food and the lack of solution by the Senate not convening. On top of that, the new faces he had seen lingering about his province and tailing his whereabouts had not gone unnoticed. Of course, his known Xanthos loyalties had him as a prime suspect in knowing the whereabouts of Queen Persephone, should she still be living. As uncomfortable as it had been in these weeks, as a military man, he understood, and each time he had been truthful in his statements - he did not know her whereabouts.
Though not purposeful in the want of losing his seemingly everpresent shadows, it seemed that more often than not, Hector found himself riding between Athenia and Arcana, only to find when he arrived at his destination, he was desperately needed in the other and had to return as soon as his business was handled.
Currently, he found himself back in Arcana, handling the issue of misappropriated supplies for his unit. While he trusted his lieutenants to maintain the stasis of the unit whenever he was pulled away, there was not much that could be done with merchant disagreements at their level, but a firm hand from the Captain could sort out the ordeal. For a military force to function properly, particularly with whispers of war in Egypt and civil disagreements in the Athenia and other provinces, Hector knew that going without for his men was not an option.
At last, word had been passed to him that the supplies were prepared and he assembled a group of his men to collect the crates in carts to be delivered back to the barracks. The glances they received along the way were not lost on him, but he did his best to keep from appearing too stern as they collected the materials. The last thing he needed was upheaval in Arcana - a province he had held peaceably for nearly a decade.
The hailing caught him off guard as he saw a young man approaching, drawing his brows high and creasing his forehead in well-tread lines. Hector recognized the face but for the life of him could not find the name upon his lips. Still, in his standard fashion, he offered his signature smile and clasped the man's hand.
"Good day to you," Hector offered, cordially, wracking his brain as if shaking the last coins from a vase for the name. His eyes traced across the young man's face as he asked about Ariadne and Ismene, leading to an initial curious tilt of his head and fatherly stiffening of his shoulders. Who was this young man who knew about his daughters? His smile remained affixed on his face though his eyes narrowed and brows lowered questioningly.
It was not until the young man moved his hand away and then showed his shoulder that Hector's entire expression changed, mouth opening and emitting an exclamation of surprise before softening into a rumble of laughter.
"Gods bless! Lord Adrestus, is that you?" Hector laughed in disbelief, clasping the young man's forearm again more firmly in an appropriate connection, now that the boy - young man's - identity landed in his mind. He had long been a childhood friend of Ariadne and Ismene, even going so far as to watch after them as an elder brother would in their youth, particularly in those long, trying months during his recovery after his return from war. It was not something he voiced then, or even now, but the young man had seemed like an adoptive son in those brief times they had together.
"It does look better, indeed. Quite the 'battle scar' for you, and at such a young age as well," Hector teased, taking a step back to get a better look at the young man, almost shaking his head as the disbelief of it sunk in. "All these years, I hardly recognized you, my lord. Forgive me."
At his suggestion of them taking time together, Hector nodded initially before looking back to his men, noting that they had nearly finished loading the carts.
"In short time, of course. Once I see my men off to the barracks, we should. In fact, before the day is out, you should come to mine and sup with us. How long are you in Arcana and what brings you here?"
He had arrived in Arcana, and everything seemed to go well, He was restocking, and making sure his ship was in good shape. He knew he wasn’t going to go on any long trips for a while, and Adre wanted to make sure his ship wasn’t forgotten while he was landlocked. He had worked so hard most of his life that he didn’t want to mess anything up with his family’s business, his ship, anything. So he was pretty serious when he reached Arcana, and as soon as he arrived, Adrestus got to work. Of course, this seriousness seemed to disappear when he saw Hector of Arcana. He had been the father of two of his good friends, “the girls” and Adrestus was overcome with excitement. It had been years since he had seen the man and he couldn’t help himself but to go over to him. Adrestus smiled brighter as the military man acknowledged him. He noticed the other seemed to be distant, which is why Adre moved. He knew the scar was practically healed, but the mark was still recognizable. He had saved Hector’s daughters, and wouldn’t hesitate to do so again. Adrestus was relieved that Hector remembered once he saw the mark, and the sailor moved closer to him. He laughed at Hector’s words and nodded.
“Yes, of course, it’s me!” he laughed, looking over Hector. The other man had gotten older himself, but… it wasn’t like Adrestus was going to comment on that. He, however, thought it nice to have Hector seen him grown, and not the boy he once was. So much had changed since the last time he had seen him- and of course, so much he wanted to tell him about. Also, so much he couldn’t tell him. He smiled happily as Hector complimented the mark, and glanced back at where it was. “I’m quite proud of it. Honestly, I was a little sad when it healed so much.” Battle scars were something to brag about- especially since his friends had been saved from him receiving it. He had almost died for it… how dare it heal, right? Adrestus laughed and shook his head at Hector’s next words. “Don’t worry my lord, it’s been too long since we’ve seen each other. I’m happy that you can see me now that I’m grown.” Of course, he had always looked up to Hector, and he didn’t want him to think of him as some kid… at least not anymore.
Adrestus wanted more time to talk with him and asked Hector if it would be possible. He wanted to know how the girls were, how Hector was… what had happened when he left, and maybe tell some sea stories himself. Today seemed like the perfect time to do it, too. Adrestus seemed thrilled that Hector appeared to like the idea and stood even straighter. “That sounds wonderful.” Adrestus agreed, and let out a laugh. Of course! He hadn’t told Hector probably the most significant and most recent change in his life. Adrestus turned towards where his ship was docked and happily gestured towards it. The Athenia and Nikolaos flag was flying high, and the ship was looking strong and clean overall.
“I got a ship.” Adrestus looked very proud, happy with his accomplishment. “I’m just here to restock and make sure my ship continues to be tended to, I am planning to stay in Athenia for quite a while, for multiple reasons…” Adrestus grinned. “I’ll probably stay in Acana for a couple days, before going back to Magnestis. Unless something goes wrong.” But he hoped not. “So yes, I am absolutely free to sup with you.” He was quite excited about it.
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He had arrived in Arcana, and everything seemed to go well, He was restocking, and making sure his ship was in good shape. He knew he wasn’t going to go on any long trips for a while, and Adre wanted to make sure his ship wasn’t forgotten while he was landlocked. He had worked so hard most of his life that he didn’t want to mess anything up with his family’s business, his ship, anything. So he was pretty serious when he reached Arcana, and as soon as he arrived, Adrestus got to work. Of course, this seriousness seemed to disappear when he saw Hector of Arcana. He had been the father of two of his good friends, “the girls” and Adrestus was overcome with excitement. It had been years since he had seen the man and he couldn’t help himself but to go over to him. Adrestus smiled brighter as the military man acknowledged him. He noticed the other seemed to be distant, which is why Adre moved. He knew the scar was practically healed, but the mark was still recognizable. He had saved Hector’s daughters, and wouldn’t hesitate to do so again. Adrestus was relieved that Hector remembered once he saw the mark, and the sailor moved closer to him. He laughed at Hector’s words and nodded.
“Yes, of course, it’s me!” he laughed, looking over Hector. The other man had gotten older himself, but… it wasn’t like Adrestus was going to comment on that. He, however, thought it nice to have Hector seen him grown, and not the boy he once was. So much had changed since the last time he had seen him- and of course, so much he wanted to tell him about. Also, so much he couldn’t tell him. He smiled happily as Hector complimented the mark, and glanced back at where it was. “I’m quite proud of it. Honestly, I was a little sad when it healed so much.” Battle scars were something to brag about- especially since his friends had been saved from him receiving it. He had almost died for it… how dare it heal, right? Adrestus laughed and shook his head at Hector’s next words. “Don’t worry my lord, it’s been too long since we’ve seen each other. I’m happy that you can see me now that I’m grown.” Of course, he had always looked up to Hector, and he didn’t want him to think of him as some kid… at least not anymore.
Adrestus wanted more time to talk with him and asked Hector if it would be possible. He wanted to know how the girls were, how Hector was… what had happened when he left, and maybe tell some sea stories himself. Today seemed like the perfect time to do it, too. Adrestus seemed thrilled that Hector appeared to like the idea and stood even straighter. “That sounds wonderful.” Adrestus agreed, and let out a laugh. Of course! He hadn’t told Hector probably the most significant and most recent change in his life. Adrestus turned towards where his ship was docked and happily gestured towards it. The Athenia and Nikolaos flag was flying high, and the ship was looking strong and clean overall.
“I got a ship.” Adrestus looked very proud, happy with his accomplishment. “I’m just here to restock and make sure my ship continues to be tended to, I am planning to stay in Athenia for quite a while, for multiple reasons…” Adrestus grinned. “I’ll probably stay in Acana for a couple days, before going back to Magnestis. Unless something goes wrong.” But he hoped not. “So yes, I am absolutely free to sup with you.” He was quite excited about it.
He had arrived in Arcana, and everything seemed to go well, He was restocking, and making sure his ship was in good shape. He knew he wasn’t going to go on any long trips for a while, and Adre wanted to make sure his ship wasn’t forgotten while he was landlocked. He had worked so hard most of his life that he didn’t want to mess anything up with his family’s business, his ship, anything. So he was pretty serious when he reached Arcana, and as soon as he arrived, Adrestus got to work. Of course, this seriousness seemed to disappear when he saw Hector of Arcana. He had been the father of two of his good friends, “the girls” and Adrestus was overcome with excitement. It had been years since he had seen the man and he couldn’t help himself but to go over to him. Adrestus smiled brighter as the military man acknowledged him. He noticed the other seemed to be distant, which is why Adre moved. He knew the scar was practically healed, but the mark was still recognizable. He had saved Hector’s daughters, and wouldn’t hesitate to do so again. Adrestus was relieved that Hector remembered once he saw the mark, and the sailor moved closer to him. He laughed at Hector’s words and nodded.
“Yes, of course, it’s me!” he laughed, looking over Hector. The other man had gotten older himself, but… it wasn’t like Adrestus was going to comment on that. He, however, thought it nice to have Hector seen him grown, and not the boy he once was. So much had changed since the last time he had seen him- and of course, so much he wanted to tell him about. Also, so much he couldn’t tell him. He smiled happily as Hector complimented the mark, and glanced back at where it was. “I’m quite proud of it. Honestly, I was a little sad when it healed so much.” Battle scars were something to brag about- especially since his friends had been saved from him receiving it. He had almost died for it… how dare it heal, right? Adrestus laughed and shook his head at Hector’s next words. “Don’t worry my lord, it’s been too long since we’ve seen each other. I’m happy that you can see me now that I’m grown.” Of course, he had always looked up to Hector, and he didn’t want him to think of him as some kid… at least not anymore.
Adrestus wanted more time to talk with him and asked Hector if it would be possible. He wanted to know how the girls were, how Hector was… what had happened when he left, and maybe tell some sea stories himself. Today seemed like the perfect time to do it, too. Adrestus seemed thrilled that Hector appeared to like the idea and stood even straighter. “That sounds wonderful.” Adrestus agreed, and let out a laugh. Of course! He hadn’t told Hector probably the most significant and most recent change in his life. Adrestus turned towards where his ship was docked and happily gestured towards it. The Athenia and Nikolaos flag was flying high, and the ship was looking strong and clean overall.
“I got a ship.” Adrestus looked very proud, happy with his accomplishment. “I’m just here to restock and make sure my ship continues to be tended to, I am planning to stay in Athenia for quite a while, for multiple reasons…” Adrestus grinned. “I’ll probably stay in Acana for a couple days, before going back to Magnestis. Unless something goes wrong.” But he hoped not. “So yes, I am absolutely free to sup with you.” He was quite excited about it.
As he aged, and particularly after returning from the war blessed to still be alive, Hector had found he bore a bit more sentimentality than he would care to admit in front of a barrack of his men. Usually, these sensitive moments were bolted and barred behind the doors of his home and restricted only to the precious moments spent with his family and loved ones - Gregor, Demi, Isi, and Ari.
Thus, it caught him off-guard to find a bit of that same sentimentality creeping in and tugging at the strings of his heart a moment as he took in the sight of the young lord. It was easy to forget how quickly time passed, particularly in the ways that he daily saw and missed Ismene's growth over time, being around her day to day. It was easier to see with Ariadne during the intermittent periods where he could see her in Athenia at this event or the other, alongside then-Princess Persephone.
Seeing the Nikolaos lord, though, displayed the gravity of time that had passed. Last he knew the golden-haired lad, he was just shy of his shoulder in height and as spindly as the spoke on the carts his men loaded with supplies. If this young man had grown older so distinctly, then that meant Hector was now older too. At Adrestus' age, he was a Lieutenant and a father - yet it only seemed like yesterday, the memories so clear in his mind.
"Ah, but scars and their stories do wonders when it comes to wooing women," Hector kidded, using his forearm to give the lad a light shove before he paused with almost comedic effect to add, in a strikingly serious and low tone, "Just...do not let me hear of you sharing your scars and stories with my daughters, hm?"
It was a quick, efficient warning that lingered a moment before another broad smile and chortled laugh lightened the air again. The Captain glanced over to where Adrestus gestured, his impressed brows raising and offering a light nod of approval with a slight grin, that faltered only a touch.
"You'll find supplies a bit wan here, as well as throughout Athenia," he offered, eyes glancing about noting that there were too many around to go into much detail with him. With a quick change of the subject, Hector offered a raised brow and glanced up at the ship again.
"I am surprised your family would allow such a risky venture, given your position within Varónos Nikolaos," he started, but glancing back at the lord, he offered another smile, "But, I also would expect nothing less. Here, let me set my men back towards the barracks and we can venture to my home."
It took just shy of a half hour before he sent his men onward with the Lieutenants solidified in their tasks and set to have the lower ranks organize and inventory the limited supplies, creating ration orders. Times were tedious now, with the limited food supplies and high taxes. Much of the region struggled significantly, and he could not help but notice the eyes that watched their carts make their way up the hill to the barracks.
"Come now, tell me. How far have you managed to find yourself from home?"
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As he aged, and particularly after returning from the war blessed to still be alive, Hector had found he bore a bit more sentimentality than he would care to admit in front of a barrack of his men. Usually, these sensitive moments were bolted and barred behind the doors of his home and restricted only to the precious moments spent with his family and loved ones - Gregor, Demi, Isi, and Ari.
Thus, it caught him off-guard to find a bit of that same sentimentality creeping in and tugging at the strings of his heart a moment as he took in the sight of the young lord. It was easy to forget how quickly time passed, particularly in the ways that he daily saw and missed Ismene's growth over time, being around her day to day. It was easier to see with Ariadne during the intermittent periods where he could see her in Athenia at this event or the other, alongside then-Princess Persephone.
Seeing the Nikolaos lord, though, displayed the gravity of time that had passed. Last he knew the golden-haired lad, he was just shy of his shoulder in height and as spindly as the spoke on the carts his men loaded with supplies. If this young man had grown older so distinctly, then that meant Hector was now older too. At Adrestus' age, he was a Lieutenant and a father - yet it only seemed like yesterday, the memories so clear in his mind.
"Ah, but scars and their stories do wonders when it comes to wooing women," Hector kidded, using his forearm to give the lad a light shove before he paused with almost comedic effect to add, in a strikingly serious and low tone, "Just...do not let me hear of you sharing your scars and stories with my daughters, hm?"
It was a quick, efficient warning that lingered a moment before another broad smile and chortled laugh lightened the air again. The Captain glanced over to where Adrestus gestured, his impressed brows raising and offering a light nod of approval with a slight grin, that faltered only a touch.
"You'll find supplies a bit wan here, as well as throughout Athenia," he offered, eyes glancing about noting that there were too many around to go into much detail with him. With a quick change of the subject, Hector offered a raised brow and glanced up at the ship again.
"I am surprised your family would allow such a risky venture, given your position within Varónos Nikolaos," he started, but glancing back at the lord, he offered another smile, "But, I also would expect nothing less. Here, let me set my men back towards the barracks and we can venture to my home."
It took just shy of a half hour before he sent his men onward with the Lieutenants solidified in their tasks and set to have the lower ranks organize and inventory the limited supplies, creating ration orders. Times were tedious now, with the limited food supplies and high taxes. Much of the region struggled significantly, and he could not help but notice the eyes that watched their carts make their way up the hill to the barracks.
"Come now, tell me. How far have you managed to find yourself from home?"
As he aged, and particularly after returning from the war blessed to still be alive, Hector had found he bore a bit more sentimentality than he would care to admit in front of a barrack of his men. Usually, these sensitive moments were bolted and barred behind the doors of his home and restricted only to the precious moments spent with his family and loved ones - Gregor, Demi, Isi, and Ari.
Thus, it caught him off-guard to find a bit of that same sentimentality creeping in and tugging at the strings of his heart a moment as he took in the sight of the young lord. It was easy to forget how quickly time passed, particularly in the ways that he daily saw and missed Ismene's growth over time, being around her day to day. It was easier to see with Ariadne during the intermittent periods where he could see her in Athenia at this event or the other, alongside then-Princess Persephone.
Seeing the Nikolaos lord, though, displayed the gravity of time that had passed. Last he knew the golden-haired lad, he was just shy of his shoulder in height and as spindly as the spoke on the carts his men loaded with supplies. If this young man had grown older so distinctly, then that meant Hector was now older too. At Adrestus' age, he was a Lieutenant and a father - yet it only seemed like yesterday, the memories so clear in his mind.
"Ah, but scars and their stories do wonders when it comes to wooing women," Hector kidded, using his forearm to give the lad a light shove before he paused with almost comedic effect to add, in a strikingly serious and low tone, "Just...do not let me hear of you sharing your scars and stories with my daughters, hm?"
It was a quick, efficient warning that lingered a moment before another broad smile and chortled laugh lightened the air again. The Captain glanced over to where Adrestus gestured, his impressed brows raising and offering a light nod of approval with a slight grin, that faltered only a touch.
"You'll find supplies a bit wan here, as well as throughout Athenia," he offered, eyes glancing about noting that there were too many around to go into much detail with him. With a quick change of the subject, Hector offered a raised brow and glanced up at the ship again.
"I am surprised your family would allow such a risky venture, given your position within Varónos Nikolaos," he started, but glancing back at the lord, he offered another smile, "But, I also would expect nothing less. Here, let me set my men back towards the barracks and we can venture to my home."
It took just shy of a half hour before he sent his men onward with the Lieutenants solidified in their tasks and set to have the lower ranks organize and inventory the limited supplies, creating ration orders. Times were tedious now, with the limited food supplies and high taxes. Much of the region struggled significantly, and he could not help but notice the eyes that watched their carts make their way up the hill to the barracks.
"Come now, tell me. How far have you managed to find yourself from home?"
It had been so long since he had seen Hector, and it was a relief to Adrestus that Hector looked to be well. It didn't seem as though something terrible had happened in his absence- other than general kingdom chaos, and that was good enough for Adre. He had yet to be told how the girls were, but he hoped they were fine as well. He had been receiving letters from Ismene over the years, asking when he was coming back, so Adre hoped he'd be able to see her soon to surprise his friend. Adrestus smiled even more as Hector realized it was him, just more grown then he used to be. He let out a laugh at Hector's words about wooing women and laughed harder as the other shoved him playfully. The young heir shook his head as Hector warned about his daughters. "They're like sisters to me, I wouldn't dream of it." No, Adrestus had never felt that way towards either one of Hector's girls, and all he felt was platonic feelings of friendship. He did plan on telling Ismene some stories, as she had asked for them… but it wasn't for wooing her. The stories would just be told in terms of letting her know what happened to him.
Adrestus's expression became serious. "Yeah, I've noticed things are… different…" Adrestus spoke lowly, his tone concerned. He didn't like what he was seeing, and in the back of his mind, regretted promising to stay in Athenia. It seemed like a bad time to be home, for sure. He gestured over to his ship, and his smile faltered more at Hector's words. "I needed it." Was all he would be able to say. Not even his family knew about the shipwreck… and he certainly wasn't going to tell Hector about it. Adrestus cheered up as Hector spoke that they could leave, and Adrestus nodded. "Wonderful," he replied before letting Hector finish his business with his men. He himself went back to oversee what he could do to help his own sailors, but he let his first mate do most of the work. By the time Hector was done, Adrestus was already waiting for him. He smiled as he walked back to Hector, and glanced over at him at his question. Playfulness shone in Adrestus's eyes as his memories flashed back to all the kingdom's he had been to. "Well, we did go to Egypt once." He looked to watch Hector's reaction. "We survived it…. I also went to Judea." Judea was an interesting place, but it hadn't been as risky as Egypt was. He had sought adventure, and that was what he had received.
They started walking towards where Hector resided, and Adrestus continued to tell Hector about the African kingdoms. The different cultures he had seen there, and the kind of people he had met. There was also just random chatter between them as they continued to catch up. Adrestus enjoyed being able to talk with Hector, and became even more excited to have dinner with him and his family. It was like he had never left… Eventually, they came upon Hector's home, and Adrestus hung back a bit to allow Hector to open the door. Adrestus struck a smile, watching the other man. "What are we having for supper?" Adrestus asked quickly as Hector opened the door, not that he really cared, but he realized they hadn't even talked about it yet.
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It had been so long since he had seen Hector, and it was a relief to Adrestus that Hector looked to be well. It didn't seem as though something terrible had happened in his absence- other than general kingdom chaos, and that was good enough for Adre. He had yet to be told how the girls were, but he hoped they were fine as well. He had been receiving letters from Ismene over the years, asking when he was coming back, so Adre hoped he'd be able to see her soon to surprise his friend. Adrestus smiled even more as Hector realized it was him, just more grown then he used to be. He let out a laugh at Hector's words about wooing women and laughed harder as the other shoved him playfully. The young heir shook his head as Hector warned about his daughters. "They're like sisters to me, I wouldn't dream of it." No, Adrestus had never felt that way towards either one of Hector's girls, and all he felt was platonic feelings of friendship. He did plan on telling Ismene some stories, as she had asked for them… but it wasn't for wooing her. The stories would just be told in terms of letting her know what happened to him.
Adrestus's expression became serious. "Yeah, I've noticed things are… different…" Adrestus spoke lowly, his tone concerned. He didn't like what he was seeing, and in the back of his mind, regretted promising to stay in Athenia. It seemed like a bad time to be home, for sure. He gestured over to his ship, and his smile faltered more at Hector's words. "I needed it." Was all he would be able to say. Not even his family knew about the shipwreck… and he certainly wasn't going to tell Hector about it. Adrestus cheered up as Hector spoke that they could leave, and Adrestus nodded. "Wonderful," he replied before letting Hector finish his business with his men. He himself went back to oversee what he could do to help his own sailors, but he let his first mate do most of the work. By the time Hector was done, Adrestus was already waiting for him. He smiled as he walked back to Hector, and glanced over at him at his question. Playfulness shone in Adrestus's eyes as his memories flashed back to all the kingdom's he had been to. "Well, we did go to Egypt once." He looked to watch Hector's reaction. "We survived it…. I also went to Judea." Judea was an interesting place, but it hadn't been as risky as Egypt was. He had sought adventure, and that was what he had received.
They started walking towards where Hector resided, and Adrestus continued to tell Hector about the African kingdoms. The different cultures he had seen there, and the kind of people he had met. There was also just random chatter between them as they continued to catch up. Adrestus enjoyed being able to talk with Hector, and became even more excited to have dinner with him and his family. It was like he had never left… Eventually, they came upon Hector's home, and Adrestus hung back a bit to allow Hector to open the door. Adrestus struck a smile, watching the other man. "What are we having for supper?" Adrestus asked quickly as Hector opened the door, not that he really cared, but he realized they hadn't even talked about it yet.
It had been so long since he had seen Hector, and it was a relief to Adrestus that Hector looked to be well. It didn't seem as though something terrible had happened in his absence- other than general kingdom chaos, and that was good enough for Adre. He had yet to be told how the girls were, but he hoped they were fine as well. He had been receiving letters from Ismene over the years, asking when he was coming back, so Adre hoped he'd be able to see her soon to surprise his friend. Adrestus smiled even more as Hector realized it was him, just more grown then he used to be. He let out a laugh at Hector's words about wooing women and laughed harder as the other shoved him playfully. The young heir shook his head as Hector warned about his daughters. "They're like sisters to me, I wouldn't dream of it." No, Adrestus had never felt that way towards either one of Hector's girls, and all he felt was platonic feelings of friendship. He did plan on telling Ismene some stories, as she had asked for them… but it wasn't for wooing her. The stories would just be told in terms of letting her know what happened to him.
Adrestus's expression became serious. "Yeah, I've noticed things are… different…" Adrestus spoke lowly, his tone concerned. He didn't like what he was seeing, and in the back of his mind, regretted promising to stay in Athenia. It seemed like a bad time to be home, for sure. He gestured over to his ship, and his smile faltered more at Hector's words. "I needed it." Was all he would be able to say. Not even his family knew about the shipwreck… and he certainly wasn't going to tell Hector about it. Adrestus cheered up as Hector spoke that they could leave, and Adrestus nodded. "Wonderful," he replied before letting Hector finish his business with his men. He himself went back to oversee what he could do to help his own sailors, but he let his first mate do most of the work. By the time Hector was done, Adrestus was already waiting for him. He smiled as he walked back to Hector, and glanced over at him at his question. Playfulness shone in Adrestus's eyes as his memories flashed back to all the kingdom's he had been to. "Well, we did go to Egypt once." He looked to watch Hector's reaction. "We survived it…. I also went to Judea." Judea was an interesting place, but it hadn't been as risky as Egypt was. He had sought adventure, and that was what he had received.
They started walking towards where Hector resided, and Adrestus continued to tell Hector about the African kingdoms. The different cultures he had seen there, and the kind of people he had met. There was also just random chatter between them as they continued to catch up. Adrestus enjoyed being able to talk with Hector, and became even more excited to have dinner with him and his family. It was like he had never left… Eventually, they came upon Hector's home, and Adrestus hung back a bit to allow Hector to open the door. Adrestus struck a smile, watching the other man. "What are we having for supper?" Adrestus asked quickly as Hector opened the door, not that he really cared, but he realized they hadn't even talked about it yet.
Any day that Ismene spent in her small but efficiently arranged herb garden was a day that wasn’t wasted. On her hands and knees, she pulled a weed out from and threw it off to the side to dispose of later. Next to her was a basket with some of the last of the summer produce. Things had been difficult in Arcana, actually in all of Athenia, at least Hector’s small family was not suffering as much as some.
The air held the smell of dirt and a tainted with various herbs. Her finger reached out to softly finger the small leaves of her thyme. Picking up the shears, she reached down and clipped some of it and followed up with mint, chives, lavender, and rosemary. Rocking back onto her knees she studied the garden. There were eggs that she’d gathered that morning and now her basket held a few vegetables and now some herbs.
Her dirty hands softly rubbed away a little bit of the loose dirt off with the plain white apron. The soft, seafoam green chiton she wore underneath wasn’t one of her best but something about the dress made her happy. If she was feeling particularly humdrum, it was a dress that she could put on and feel like she could power through whatever obstacles presented themselves. Tilting her head, she looked up at the sun, she needed to still get the vegetables inside and washed and things cleaned up. Hector would be home soon enough and she wanted to have some time to roll some bandages she’d hung out to dry earlier. It was just a common day for her, or so far it had been.
Shoving herself up to her feet, she bent a little and picked the baskets at her feet up and started into the small house. There wasn’t anything fancy about their home, but inside the small house held more warmth and lived-in coziness than any palace could. Carefully stepping her way out of the garden, she walked the short distance over to the backdoor and went inside. Setting baskets onto the table she stepped over to the large clay bowl and poured some water into the bowl with one hand, her other hand awkwardly undoing the strings that were tied behind her hips. Thankfully, she’d always been a rather dexterous little creature. Balling the apron up, she sat it on the counter and focused on rinsing the dirt off her fingers before drying her hands.
Somewhere in her bustling about, she started humming. Ismene wasn’t a particularly talented singer but humming you didn’t have to be skilled at. She rinsed the dirt off the vegetables and set them into a bowl with an obsessive and quirky sort of organization. It wasn’t that her father was finicky about how the vegetables were placed, or maybe he was and she was the same way so they’d never needed to discuss how to properly arrange food, but it brought a strange sort of ease to her knowing that they were there, efficiently waiting there for him.
Over the years, she’d grown from an independent little girl into a pragmatic and methodical young woman. It was easier for her to do something than to wait for someone else to do it wrong and her to have to go back and fix their mistakes. It’d made her a self-starter and confident in her own skills. She liked problems that she could untangle, sort out… they kept her mind busy and her fingers occupied.
Using some twine, she tied some of her herbs up to let them start drying and her mind was lost in thoughts as she planned the things, going over them systematically one by one in her mind, that she needed to do the next day. Her hands were occupied. Her mind was busy. And she was in a state of contentment.
At least she was until she heard the voices, as in… plural. Curiosity flared up and she left the lavender that she was bundling up to walk over to the window catching just the faintest glimpse of her father’s companion as they made their way up the path to the house... For the briefest of moments, the remembrance of a familiar face hit her hard. Had it been eight years? Nine years? She’d been hardly more than a child the last time she’d seen him. Adrestus had been a hero of legend to her childhood fantasies. He’d been a brother she’d never had. A friend. A protector. He’d made her world a little less lonely when she’d butted heads with her father.
But then… Ismene glanced down at her hands that had balled into small fists in the green material of her dress. Then he was gone and she’d had to learn to stand on her own feet and fix her own problems… she’d had to learn to protect herself when he wasn’t there. It’d taken her months to stop looking through crowds for his face. Her feet were moving without thought to the door. Of course, there had been letters but it wasn’t the same thing. Words on parchment could not replace the time that was lost. Tomorrows weren’t guaranteed and time was something that Ismene valued above gold and trinkets. She knew a thing or two about lost time and ‘what if’s’, after all.
Her hand grasped the door and yanking it open, cutting her father’s words off as an awkward silence seemed to roll around between the three people in the doorway. Grey eyes darkened faintly cutting from her father’s face to his companion’s. Moments ago it had felt like everything was moving slowly, but seeing the face of Adrestus there in front of her things started swirling a little bit. It was definitely him, he looked the same. Older, there were faint lines at his eyes and around his mouth but still boyish.
Blinking, she got her wits about her again. Her hands balling into fists again this time firmly on her hips as she blocked the doorway. Shooting her father a look, “Did you know he was coming today and didn’t tell me?” Not waiting for an answer, she looked back to the man who’d been her friend and surrogate brother. “And you! Why I ought to give you a black eye… I haven’t had a letter in months! You couldn’t have let me know you were coming home, finally? What’s wrong with you?”
It was hard to tell from the flash in that moment if she was going to give him that black eye or not but in a flash. She was a flurry of bubbly, blonde, bounce as she abandoned propriety and threw her arms around him giving Adrestus a hug. “Welcome home!” As quickly as she hugged him she stepped backward and let them come inside the door, “Can you stay long? Dinner? Father invited you, didn’t he? If not, will you stay for dinner? Please? It’s been too long.”
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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Any day that Ismene spent in her small but efficiently arranged herb garden was a day that wasn’t wasted. On her hands and knees, she pulled a weed out from and threw it off to the side to dispose of later. Next to her was a basket with some of the last of the summer produce. Things had been difficult in Arcana, actually in all of Athenia, at least Hector’s small family was not suffering as much as some.
The air held the smell of dirt and a tainted with various herbs. Her finger reached out to softly finger the small leaves of her thyme. Picking up the shears, she reached down and clipped some of it and followed up with mint, chives, lavender, and rosemary. Rocking back onto her knees she studied the garden. There were eggs that she’d gathered that morning and now her basket held a few vegetables and now some herbs.
Her dirty hands softly rubbed away a little bit of the loose dirt off with the plain white apron. The soft, seafoam green chiton she wore underneath wasn’t one of her best but something about the dress made her happy. If she was feeling particularly humdrum, it was a dress that she could put on and feel like she could power through whatever obstacles presented themselves. Tilting her head, she looked up at the sun, she needed to still get the vegetables inside and washed and things cleaned up. Hector would be home soon enough and she wanted to have some time to roll some bandages she’d hung out to dry earlier. It was just a common day for her, or so far it had been.
Shoving herself up to her feet, she bent a little and picked the baskets at her feet up and started into the small house. There wasn’t anything fancy about their home, but inside the small house held more warmth and lived-in coziness than any palace could. Carefully stepping her way out of the garden, she walked the short distance over to the backdoor and went inside. Setting baskets onto the table she stepped over to the large clay bowl and poured some water into the bowl with one hand, her other hand awkwardly undoing the strings that were tied behind her hips. Thankfully, she’d always been a rather dexterous little creature. Balling the apron up, she sat it on the counter and focused on rinsing the dirt off her fingers before drying her hands.
Somewhere in her bustling about, she started humming. Ismene wasn’t a particularly talented singer but humming you didn’t have to be skilled at. She rinsed the dirt off the vegetables and set them into a bowl with an obsessive and quirky sort of organization. It wasn’t that her father was finicky about how the vegetables were placed, or maybe he was and she was the same way so they’d never needed to discuss how to properly arrange food, but it brought a strange sort of ease to her knowing that they were there, efficiently waiting there for him.
Over the years, she’d grown from an independent little girl into a pragmatic and methodical young woman. It was easier for her to do something than to wait for someone else to do it wrong and her to have to go back and fix their mistakes. It’d made her a self-starter and confident in her own skills. She liked problems that she could untangle, sort out… they kept her mind busy and her fingers occupied.
Using some twine, she tied some of her herbs up to let them start drying and her mind was lost in thoughts as she planned the things, going over them systematically one by one in her mind, that she needed to do the next day. Her hands were occupied. Her mind was busy. And she was in a state of contentment.
At least she was until she heard the voices, as in… plural. Curiosity flared up and she left the lavender that she was bundling up to walk over to the window catching just the faintest glimpse of her father’s companion as they made their way up the path to the house... For the briefest of moments, the remembrance of a familiar face hit her hard. Had it been eight years? Nine years? She’d been hardly more than a child the last time she’d seen him. Adrestus had been a hero of legend to her childhood fantasies. He’d been a brother she’d never had. A friend. A protector. He’d made her world a little less lonely when she’d butted heads with her father.
But then… Ismene glanced down at her hands that had balled into small fists in the green material of her dress. Then he was gone and she’d had to learn to stand on her own feet and fix her own problems… she’d had to learn to protect herself when he wasn’t there. It’d taken her months to stop looking through crowds for his face. Her feet were moving without thought to the door. Of course, there had been letters but it wasn’t the same thing. Words on parchment could not replace the time that was lost. Tomorrows weren’t guaranteed and time was something that Ismene valued above gold and trinkets. She knew a thing or two about lost time and ‘what if’s’, after all.
Her hand grasped the door and yanking it open, cutting her father’s words off as an awkward silence seemed to roll around between the three people in the doorway. Grey eyes darkened faintly cutting from her father’s face to his companion’s. Moments ago it had felt like everything was moving slowly, but seeing the face of Adrestus there in front of her things started swirling a little bit. It was definitely him, he looked the same. Older, there were faint lines at his eyes and around his mouth but still boyish.
Blinking, she got her wits about her again. Her hands balling into fists again this time firmly on her hips as she blocked the doorway. Shooting her father a look, “Did you know he was coming today and didn’t tell me?” Not waiting for an answer, she looked back to the man who’d been her friend and surrogate brother. “And you! Why I ought to give you a black eye… I haven’t had a letter in months! You couldn’t have let me know you were coming home, finally? What’s wrong with you?”
It was hard to tell from the flash in that moment if she was going to give him that black eye or not but in a flash. She was a flurry of bubbly, blonde, bounce as she abandoned propriety and threw her arms around him giving Adrestus a hug. “Welcome home!” As quickly as she hugged him she stepped backward and let them come inside the door, “Can you stay long? Dinner? Father invited you, didn’t he? If not, will you stay for dinner? Please? It’s been too long.”
Any day that Ismene spent in her small but efficiently arranged herb garden was a day that wasn’t wasted. On her hands and knees, she pulled a weed out from and threw it off to the side to dispose of later. Next to her was a basket with some of the last of the summer produce. Things had been difficult in Arcana, actually in all of Athenia, at least Hector’s small family was not suffering as much as some.
The air held the smell of dirt and a tainted with various herbs. Her finger reached out to softly finger the small leaves of her thyme. Picking up the shears, she reached down and clipped some of it and followed up with mint, chives, lavender, and rosemary. Rocking back onto her knees she studied the garden. There were eggs that she’d gathered that morning and now her basket held a few vegetables and now some herbs.
Her dirty hands softly rubbed away a little bit of the loose dirt off with the plain white apron. The soft, seafoam green chiton she wore underneath wasn’t one of her best but something about the dress made her happy. If she was feeling particularly humdrum, it was a dress that she could put on and feel like she could power through whatever obstacles presented themselves. Tilting her head, she looked up at the sun, she needed to still get the vegetables inside and washed and things cleaned up. Hector would be home soon enough and she wanted to have some time to roll some bandages she’d hung out to dry earlier. It was just a common day for her, or so far it had been.
Shoving herself up to her feet, she bent a little and picked the baskets at her feet up and started into the small house. There wasn’t anything fancy about their home, but inside the small house held more warmth and lived-in coziness than any palace could. Carefully stepping her way out of the garden, she walked the short distance over to the backdoor and went inside. Setting baskets onto the table she stepped over to the large clay bowl and poured some water into the bowl with one hand, her other hand awkwardly undoing the strings that were tied behind her hips. Thankfully, she’d always been a rather dexterous little creature. Balling the apron up, she sat it on the counter and focused on rinsing the dirt off her fingers before drying her hands.
Somewhere in her bustling about, she started humming. Ismene wasn’t a particularly talented singer but humming you didn’t have to be skilled at. She rinsed the dirt off the vegetables and set them into a bowl with an obsessive and quirky sort of organization. It wasn’t that her father was finicky about how the vegetables were placed, or maybe he was and she was the same way so they’d never needed to discuss how to properly arrange food, but it brought a strange sort of ease to her knowing that they were there, efficiently waiting there for him.
Over the years, she’d grown from an independent little girl into a pragmatic and methodical young woman. It was easier for her to do something than to wait for someone else to do it wrong and her to have to go back and fix their mistakes. It’d made her a self-starter and confident in her own skills. She liked problems that she could untangle, sort out… they kept her mind busy and her fingers occupied.
Using some twine, she tied some of her herbs up to let them start drying and her mind was lost in thoughts as she planned the things, going over them systematically one by one in her mind, that she needed to do the next day. Her hands were occupied. Her mind was busy. And she was in a state of contentment.
At least she was until she heard the voices, as in… plural. Curiosity flared up and she left the lavender that she was bundling up to walk over to the window catching just the faintest glimpse of her father’s companion as they made their way up the path to the house... For the briefest of moments, the remembrance of a familiar face hit her hard. Had it been eight years? Nine years? She’d been hardly more than a child the last time she’d seen him. Adrestus had been a hero of legend to her childhood fantasies. He’d been a brother she’d never had. A friend. A protector. He’d made her world a little less lonely when she’d butted heads with her father.
But then… Ismene glanced down at her hands that had balled into small fists in the green material of her dress. Then he was gone and she’d had to learn to stand on her own feet and fix her own problems… she’d had to learn to protect herself when he wasn’t there. It’d taken her months to stop looking through crowds for his face. Her feet were moving without thought to the door. Of course, there had been letters but it wasn’t the same thing. Words on parchment could not replace the time that was lost. Tomorrows weren’t guaranteed and time was something that Ismene valued above gold and trinkets. She knew a thing or two about lost time and ‘what if’s’, after all.
Her hand grasped the door and yanking it open, cutting her father’s words off as an awkward silence seemed to roll around between the three people in the doorway. Grey eyes darkened faintly cutting from her father’s face to his companion’s. Moments ago it had felt like everything was moving slowly, but seeing the face of Adrestus there in front of her things started swirling a little bit. It was definitely him, he looked the same. Older, there were faint lines at his eyes and around his mouth but still boyish.
Blinking, she got her wits about her again. Her hands balling into fists again this time firmly on her hips as she blocked the doorway. Shooting her father a look, “Did you know he was coming today and didn’t tell me?” Not waiting for an answer, she looked back to the man who’d been her friend and surrogate brother. “And you! Why I ought to give you a black eye… I haven’t had a letter in months! You couldn’t have let me know you were coming home, finally? What’s wrong with you?”
It was hard to tell from the flash in that moment if she was going to give him that black eye or not but in a flash. She was a flurry of bubbly, blonde, bounce as she abandoned propriety and threw her arms around him giving Adrestus a hug. “Welcome home!” As quickly as she hugged him she stepped backward and let them come inside the door, “Can you stay long? Dinner? Father invited you, didn’t he? If not, will you stay for dinner? Please? It’s been too long.”
Hector noted how the young lord's emotions seemed to rotate through a few passing phases in a few moments. A few of the passing expressions, he recognized from his many years among soldiers - particularly those experiencing loss and frustration. It was not the time or place to ask questions. While he was not one to indulge in drink, Hector kept a few things stored away at his home for occasions such as this - reconnecting and allowing wine to offer the security of bleeding out plaguing wounds, if needed.
"Ah, far different from Athenia, aren't they," Hector said, toeing the line between trying to keep pleasant conversation and trying to ignore the ghost of pain across the broad scar that had sliced across his ribs and torso all those years ago in Egypt. His hand absently brushed across the area where it lay beneath his uniform, but he caught the motion and feigned brushing away some unseen thing from the fabric. Though the truce remained intact, the Egyptian people were known for their ferocity and the honor found in warfare. It was always just a matter of time before they would feel the urge to scratch such an itch again, Hector believed.
The two connected over cities they both visited, speaking of landmarks and strange habits of the native peoples there, both in Egypt and Judea. Of course, Hector skipped handily over the sacking and burning he had taken part in during his time there, and kept the conversation more geared towards Adrestus' adventures, smiling as the young man's energy and lust for life was palpable in his words.
It was not long before they neared his home, a building that was a far cry from either the largest or the smallest in the province. Moderately sized with ample spacing for this family to have their own space with some leftover, he regularly thanked his passed generations for the work that built the place he called home. Within, he had raised his beautiful daughters and shared many hours with his brother, Gregor. It was the one place in the world where he felt his shoulders settle and the lines on his face soften to an almost boyish smoothness. It was more sacred to him than many of the temples he had visited throughout the kingdom.
"Unfortunately, things have been...sparse in the market, but we do grow our own. It may be light on meat but we will--"
His words were cut off abruptly by the flurry of motion as a the door to his home flung open before he had made his way beneath the covered awning to find a figure of golden hair and rage standing before them. His muscles tensed briefly at the sudden movement, a trained soldier's reaction, but quickly dissolved into a sigh as he was nearly able to voice a reply.
Instead, Ismene turned her ire to Adrestus, an interaction that left Hector with an unamused raised brow as he raised a hand and attempt to flick it towards her in a shoo-ing motion, trying wordlessly for her to take a step back into the house so they could enter as well. He glanced over one shoulder then another to see if there were others about who would hear her tirade.
"Isi..." he said, something between exasperation and warning in his tone, but realizing that much like when she tried to interrupt him in such a state, it was futile. When she surged forward, both of his brows flew upward in uncertainty until he saw her arms move to wrap around the young man, and he heaved a sigh of relief. Now, fatherly annoyance began to prickle in his stomach as he place a hand on both of their shoulders and tried to physically guide them into the house.
"In, in you go," he chided, trying to quarantine the scene into the confines of his walls, where hugging and berating wayward lords might be a bit more tolerable and less gossip-inducing than in the street. Once the door closed behind him, Hector unclasped his uniform himation and belted scabbard, setting them on their usual place by the door for ease of access before removing his boot wrappings.
"Lord Adrestus just arrived, Ismene, give him a moment to breathe, will you?" Hector tossed to his daughter, his tone firm but loving, "Also, black eyes are not appropriate welcoming gifts, even if they haven't written home for some time."
He set a hand on the young man's shoulder in a form of apology for his fiery daughter's reactions but also noting that she had made a fair point about his lack of communication. He gave his shoulder a soft pat and left him to defend himself against the twin before crossing towards the gathered baskets of food on the tabletop. The corner of his lip tugged a moment as he processed what could be made with what had been set out, his hands lifting a few of the vegetables to examine them and thinking of a simple way to spread out their current supplies to feed another mouth in the house.
In a storage cabinet, Hector had a few jugs of oils and vinegars and a few dwindling jars of rough milled flour. Dried fruit from the prior year's harvest had been stored as well, though he anxiously awaited the upcoming harvest to see if he could get his hands on some more for the subsequent year. A simple fruit and nut bread would be filling, along with some seasoned oil, with some sliced vegetables.
His eyes flicked over to the fresh herbs that Ismene had been tying and he pinched off a few stalks of the rosemary at least to season the oil. The bread would take some time, but if he started the fire in the courtyard hearth now, they could sustain themselves on olives and sliced vegetables for now.
"Isi, offer him something to drink," Hector casually ordered, as was his way, as he pulled out the bowls needed to make the dough for their meal. He glanced up to watch their interaction and glanced out the windows to the courtyard to see if he could spot the other members of their family.
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Hector noted how the young lord's emotions seemed to rotate through a few passing phases in a few moments. A few of the passing expressions, he recognized from his many years among soldiers - particularly those experiencing loss and frustration. It was not the time or place to ask questions. While he was not one to indulge in drink, Hector kept a few things stored away at his home for occasions such as this - reconnecting and allowing wine to offer the security of bleeding out plaguing wounds, if needed.
"Ah, far different from Athenia, aren't they," Hector said, toeing the line between trying to keep pleasant conversation and trying to ignore the ghost of pain across the broad scar that had sliced across his ribs and torso all those years ago in Egypt. His hand absently brushed across the area where it lay beneath his uniform, but he caught the motion and feigned brushing away some unseen thing from the fabric. Though the truce remained intact, the Egyptian people were known for their ferocity and the honor found in warfare. It was always just a matter of time before they would feel the urge to scratch such an itch again, Hector believed.
The two connected over cities they both visited, speaking of landmarks and strange habits of the native peoples there, both in Egypt and Judea. Of course, Hector skipped handily over the sacking and burning he had taken part in during his time there, and kept the conversation more geared towards Adrestus' adventures, smiling as the young man's energy and lust for life was palpable in his words.
It was not long before they neared his home, a building that was a far cry from either the largest or the smallest in the province. Moderately sized with ample spacing for this family to have their own space with some leftover, he regularly thanked his passed generations for the work that built the place he called home. Within, he had raised his beautiful daughters and shared many hours with his brother, Gregor. It was the one place in the world where he felt his shoulders settle and the lines on his face soften to an almost boyish smoothness. It was more sacred to him than many of the temples he had visited throughout the kingdom.
"Unfortunately, things have been...sparse in the market, but we do grow our own. It may be light on meat but we will--"
His words were cut off abruptly by the flurry of motion as a the door to his home flung open before he had made his way beneath the covered awning to find a figure of golden hair and rage standing before them. His muscles tensed briefly at the sudden movement, a trained soldier's reaction, but quickly dissolved into a sigh as he was nearly able to voice a reply.
Instead, Ismene turned her ire to Adrestus, an interaction that left Hector with an unamused raised brow as he raised a hand and attempt to flick it towards her in a shoo-ing motion, trying wordlessly for her to take a step back into the house so they could enter as well. He glanced over one shoulder then another to see if there were others about who would hear her tirade.
"Isi..." he said, something between exasperation and warning in his tone, but realizing that much like when she tried to interrupt him in such a state, it was futile. When she surged forward, both of his brows flew upward in uncertainty until he saw her arms move to wrap around the young man, and he heaved a sigh of relief. Now, fatherly annoyance began to prickle in his stomach as he place a hand on both of their shoulders and tried to physically guide them into the house.
"In, in you go," he chided, trying to quarantine the scene into the confines of his walls, where hugging and berating wayward lords might be a bit more tolerable and less gossip-inducing than in the street. Once the door closed behind him, Hector unclasped his uniform himation and belted scabbard, setting them on their usual place by the door for ease of access before removing his boot wrappings.
"Lord Adrestus just arrived, Ismene, give him a moment to breathe, will you?" Hector tossed to his daughter, his tone firm but loving, "Also, black eyes are not appropriate welcoming gifts, even if they haven't written home for some time."
He set a hand on the young man's shoulder in a form of apology for his fiery daughter's reactions but also noting that she had made a fair point about his lack of communication. He gave his shoulder a soft pat and left him to defend himself against the twin before crossing towards the gathered baskets of food on the tabletop. The corner of his lip tugged a moment as he processed what could be made with what had been set out, his hands lifting a few of the vegetables to examine them and thinking of a simple way to spread out their current supplies to feed another mouth in the house.
In a storage cabinet, Hector had a few jugs of oils and vinegars and a few dwindling jars of rough milled flour. Dried fruit from the prior year's harvest had been stored as well, though he anxiously awaited the upcoming harvest to see if he could get his hands on some more for the subsequent year. A simple fruit and nut bread would be filling, along with some seasoned oil, with some sliced vegetables.
His eyes flicked over to the fresh herbs that Ismene had been tying and he pinched off a few stalks of the rosemary at least to season the oil. The bread would take some time, but if he started the fire in the courtyard hearth now, they could sustain themselves on olives and sliced vegetables for now.
"Isi, offer him something to drink," Hector casually ordered, as was his way, as he pulled out the bowls needed to make the dough for their meal. He glanced up to watch their interaction and glanced out the windows to the courtyard to see if he could spot the other members of their family.
Hector noted how the young lord's emotions seemed to rotate through a few passing phases in a few moments. A few of the passing expressions, he recognized from his many years among soldiers - particularly those experiencing loss and frustration. It was not the time or place to ask questions. While he was not one to indulge in drink, Hector kept a few things stored away at his home for occasions such as this - reconnecting and allowing wine to offer the security of bleeding out plaguing wounds, if needed.
"Ah, far different from Athenia, aren't they," Hector said, toeing the line between trying to keep pleasant conversation and trying to ignore the ghost of pain across the broad scar that had sliced across his ribs and torso all those years ago in Egypt. His hand absently brushed across the area where it lay beneath his uniform, but he caught the motion and feigned brushing away some unseen thing from the fabric. Though the truce remained intact, the Egyptian people were known for their ferocity and the honor found in warfare. It was always just a matter of time before they would feel the urge to scratch such an itch again, Hector believed.
The two connected over cities they both visited, speaking of landmarks and strange habits of the native peoples there, both in Egypt and Judea. Of course, Hector skipped handily over the sacking and burning he had taken part in during his time there, and kept the conversation more geared towards Adrestus' adventures, smiling as the young man's energy and lust for life was palpable in his words.
It was not long before they neared his home, a building that was a far cry from either the largest or the smallest in the province. Moderately sized with ample spacing for this family to have their own space with some leftover, he regularly thanked his passed generations for the work that built the place he called home. Within, he had raised his beautiful daughters and shared many hours with his brother, Gregor. It was the one place in the world where he felt his shoulders settle and the lines on his face soften to an almost boyish smoothness. It was more sacred to him than many of the temples he had visited throughout the kingdom.
"Unfortunately, things have been...sparse in the market, but we do grow our own. It may be light on meat but we will--"
His words were cut off abruptly by the flurry of motion as a the door to his home flung open before he had made his way beneath the covered awning to find a figure of golden hair and rage standing before them. His muscles tensed briefly at the sudden movement, a trained soldier's reaction, but quickly dissolved into a sigh as he was nearly able to voice a reply.
Instead, Ismene turned her ire to Adrestus, an interaction that left Hector with an unamused raised brow as he raised a hand and attempt to flick it towards her in a shoo-ing motion, trying wordlessly for her to take a step back into the house so they could enter as well. He glanced over one shoulder then another to see if there were others about who would hear her tirade.
"Isi..." he said, something between exasperation and warning in his tone, but realizing that much like when she tried to interrupt him in such a state, it was futile. When she surged forward, both of his brows flew upward in uncertainty until he saw her arms move to wrap around the young man, and he heaved a sigh of relief. Now, fatherly annoyance began to prickle in his stomach as he place a hand on both of their shoulders and tried to physically guide them into the house.
"In, in you go," he chided, trying to quarantine the scene into the confines of his walls, where hugging and berating wayward lords might be a bit more tolerable and less gossip-inducing than in the street. Once the door closed behind him, Hector unclasped his uniform himation and belted scabbard, setting them on their usual place by the door for ease of access before removing his boot wrappings.
"Lord Adrestus just arrived, Ismene, give him a moment to breathe, will you?" Hector tossed to his daughter, his tone firm but loving, "Also, black eyes are not appropriate welcoming gifts, even if they haven't written home for some time."
He set a hand on the young man's shoulder in a form of apology for his fiery daughter's reactions but also noting that she had made a fair point about his lack of communication. He gave his shoulder a soft pat and left him to defend himself against the twin before crossing towards the gathered baskets of food on the tabletop. The corner of his lip tugged a moment as he processed what could be made with what had been set out, his hands lifting a few of the vegetables to examine them and thinking of a simple way to spread out their current supplies to feed another mouth in the house.
In a storage cabinet, Hector had a few jugs of oils and vinegars and a few dwindling jars of rough milled flour. Dried fruit from the prior year's harvest had been stored as well, though he anxiously awaited the upcoming harvest to see if he could get his hands on some more for the subsequent year. A simple fruit and nut bread would be filling, along with some seasoned oil, with some sliced vegetables.
His eyes flicked over to the fresh herbs that Ismene had been tying and he pinched off a few stalks of the rosemary at least to season the oil. The bread would take some time, but if he started the fire in the courtyard hearth now, they could sustain themselves on olives and sliced vegetables for now.
"Isi, offer him something to drink," Hector casually ordered, as was his way, as he pulled out the bowls needed to make the dough for their meal. He glanced up to watch their interaction and glanced out the windows to the courtyard to see if he could spot the other members of their family.
Ariadne felt as though she was wasting her days away, not being as productive as she usually was. In the new world order that seemed to have taken over Athenia, there wasn’t much for her to do. Her former role was now obsolete, with no princess or even queen to care for. With Persephone gone, Ari had no place at court. She had remained on for some time, but after a time it seemed best that she left. It was almost a relief when her father came to collect her. Ari was prone to crying, but she hadn’t cried after everything that happened until she was in her father’s arms, leaving the capital. She had been determined to stay strong and not display any of her fears and that had lasted until she was finally away from anyone who might use her tears against her.
Being at home was strange – she hadn’t truly lived in Arcana since she was a child. She had visited plenty of times, staying in her old room with her sister, sleeping in her old bed. Family had always been a refuge for Ari and despite her infrequent visits home, she made sure she stayed connected to them. So it didn’t feel entirely strange to be back with them – in many ways it felt as though she never left. However, it did feel strange to be back in her home as if she was there to stay. Ari wasn’t sure how she felt about that, having grown so comfortable in the palace over the years. That felt far more like home to her these days. Yet, she didn’t dare admit any of that to her father or sister. She didn’t want them to feel bad nor did she want to admit that this home didn’t feel like that to her. It was one thing to think it and another to say it aloud.
Her days had been filled with the odd task here and there and much reading. Currently, she was curled up in her bed, nose in a book. It was difficult to escape from the reality of their lives these days, but with a book it was possible to escape for a few hours. Ari was so caught up in the story that it took her a minute to recognize the commotion going on downstairs. She heard her sister’s excited voice – clearly they had a visitor that was very exciting to her. The chatter continued and Ari was sorely tempted to remain in bed, disengaging from whatever was happening below. However, after a few minutes, her curiosity got the better of her. She was curious not only to see who was visit but who could possibly be making her sister so excited.
Rising, she ensured that her pale green chiton was in place and soothed her wild hair down, twisting it into a low bun at the back of her neck. Slowly, she exited her room and descended to the main level of their home. She caught sight of her father first, directing Isi to provide their guest with refreshments. Her eyes then traveled to the other man in their home, trying to place him. She had never seen him at court and she didn’t recognize him from their childhood. Of course, he didn’t look to be much older than the twins, so he would have looked completely different years ago. Finally, Isi spoke his name, giving Ari some hint to who this seeming friend was.
Lord Adrestus was honestly someone she hadn’t thought about in some time, but Ariadne found herself glad to see him. Isi had mentioned him over the years and Ari had some notion that they were in communication, but she herself hadn’t spoken to him since they were children. She still felt as though she owed him a great debt and was happy see him at home. Hector had already moved to the kitchen, a place Ari automatically associated with him. She would have offered to help, but knew that he had it under control. She felt that she could at least offer her guest to make himself at home.
“Hello Lord Adrestus,” she greeted, moving closer to the other members of her family. Smiling at the young man, she said, “Welcome home. It’s good to see you again.” Gesturing to their sitting area, she added, “Please, make yourself at home. Our home is yours.”
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Ariadne felt as though she was wasting her days away, not being as productive as she usually was. In the new world order that seemed to have taken over Athenia, there wasn’t much for her to do. Her former role was now obsolete, with no princess or even queen to care for. With Persephone gone, Ari had no place at court. She had remained on for some time, but after a time it seemed best that she left. It was almost a relief when her father came to collect her. Ari was prone to crying, but she hadn’t cried after everything that happened until she was in her father’s arms, leaving the capital. She had been determined to stay strong and not display any of her fears and that had lasted until she was finally away from anyone who might use her tears against her.
Being at home was strange – she hadn’t truly lived in Arcana since she was a child. She had visited plenty of times, staying in her old room with her sister, sleeping in her old bed. Family had always been a refuge for Ari and despite her infrequent visits home, she made sure she stayed connected to them. So it didn’t feel entirely strange to be back with them – in many ways it felt as though she never left. However, it did feel strange to be back in her home as if she was there to stay. Ari wasn’t sure how she felt about that, having grown so comfortable in the palace over the years. That felt far more like home to her these days. Yet, she didn’t dare admit any of that to her father or sister. She didn’t want them to feel bad nor did she want to admit that this home didn’t feel like that to her. It was one thing to think it and another to say it aloud.
Her days had been filled with the odd task here and there and much reading. Currently, she was curled up in her bed, nose in a book. It was difficult to escape from the reality of their lives these days, but with a book it was possible to escape for a few hours. Ari was so caught up in the story that it took her a minute to recognize the commotion going on downstairs. She heard her sister’s excited voice – clearly they had a visitor that was very exciting to her. The chatter continued and Ari was sorely tempted to remain in bed, disengaging from whatever was happening below. However, after a few minutes, her curiosity got the better of her. She was curious not only to see who was visit but who could possibly be making her sister so excited.
Rising, she ensured that her pale green chiton was in place and soothed her wild hair down, twisting it into a low bun at the back of her neck. Slowly, she exited her room and descended to the main level of their home. She caught sight of her father first, directing Isi to provide their guest with refreshments. Her eyes then traveled to the other man in their home, trying to place him. She had never seen him at court and she didn’t recognize him from their childhood. Of course, he didn’t look to be much older than the twins, so he would have looked completely different years ago. Finally, Isi spoke his name, giving Ari some hint to who this seeming friend was.
Lord Adrestus was honestly someone she hadn’t thought about in some time, but Ariadne found herself glad to see him. Isi had mentioned him over the years and Ari had some notion that they were in communication, but she herself hadn’t spoken to him since they were children. She still felt as though she owed him a great debt and was happy see him at home. Hector had already moved to the kitchen, a place Ari automatically associated with him. She would have offered to help, but knew that he had it under control. She felt that she could at least offer her guest to make himself at home.
“Hello Lord Adrestus,” she greeted, moving closer to the other members of her family. Smiling at the young man, she said, “Welcome home. It’s good to see you again.” Gesturing to their sitting area, she added, “Please, make yourself at home. Our home is yours.”
Ariadne felt as though she was wasting her days away, not being as productive as she usually was. In the new world order that seemed to have taken over Athenia, there wasn’t much for her to do. Her former role was now obsolete, with no princess or even queen to care for. With Persephone gone, Ari had no place at court. She had remained on for some time, but after a time it seemed best that she left. It was almost a relief when her father came to collect her. Ari was prone to crying, but she hadn’t cried after everything that happened until she was in her father’s arms, leaving the capital. She had been determined to stay strong and not display any of her fears and that had lasted until she was finally away from anyone who might use her tears against her.
Being at home was strange – she hadn’t truly lived in Arcana since she was a child. She had visited plenty of times, staying in her old room with her sister, sleeping in her old bed. Family had always been a refuge for Ari and despite her infrequent visits home, she made sure she stayed connected to them. So it didn’t feel entirely strange to be back with them – in many ways it felt as though she never left. However, it did feel strange to be back in her home as if she was there to stay. Ari wasn’t sure how she felt about that, having grown so comfortable in the palace over the years. That felt far more like home to her these days. Yet, she didn’t dare admit any of that to her father or sister. She didn’t want them to feel bad nor did she want to admit that this home didn’t feel like that to her. It was one thing to think it and another to say it aloud.
Her days had been filled with the odd task here and there and much reading. Currently, she was curled up in her bed, nose in a book. It was difficult to escape from the reality of their lives these days, but with a book it was possible to escape for a few hours. Ari was so caught up in the story that it took her a minute to recognize the commotion going on downstairs. She heard her sister’s excited voice – clearly they had a visitor that was very exciting to her. The chatter continued and Ari was sorely tempted to remain in bed, disengaging from whatever was happening below. However, after a few minutes, her curiosity got the better of her. She was curious not only to see who was visit but who could possibly be making her sister so excited.
Rising, she ensured that her pale green chiton was in place and soothed her wild hair down, twisting it into a low bun at the back of her neck. Slowly, she exited her room and descended to the main level of their home. She caught sight of her father first, directing Isi to provide their guest with refreshments. Her eyes then traveled to the other man in their home, trying to place him. She had never seen him at court and she didn’t recognize him from their childhood. Of course, he didn’t look to be much older than the twins, so he would have looked completely different years ago. Finally, Isi spoke his name, giving Ari some hint to who this seeming friend was.
Lord Adrestus was honestly someone she hadn’t thought about in some time, but Ariadne found herself glad to see him. Isi had mentioned him over the years and Ari had some notion that they were in communication, but she herself hadn’t spoken to him since they were children. She still felt as though she owed him a great debt and was happy see him at home. Hector had already moved to the kitchen, a place Ari automatically associated with him. She would have offered to help, but knew that he had it under control. She felt that she could at least offer her guest to make himself at home.
“Hello Lord Adrestus,” she greeted, moving closer to the other members of her family. Smiling at the young man, she said, “Welcome home. It’s good to see you again.” Gesturing to their sitting area, she added, “Please, make yourself at home. Our home is yours.”
“Yes, very different.” Adrestus thought back to all the places he had seen, and none of them gave him the same feeling of home. He loved Athenia, and while things were not the same since he had left, it was still home. Still where his family was, and still where he had friends. Of course, he didn’t tell Hector absolutely everything, and he wasn’t sure he would. They arrived at Hector’s home, and the man turned towards the other. “Sparse?” Things were that bad, hm? He suddenly thought of Ismene, and watched as the door seemed to swing open. “Ismene!” He called out in what could only be described as a loving surprise before his eyes widened as his dear friend called out in threats. His excited surprise faded in confusion, his brows ruffling as she accused him of not writing.
“But Ismene, I….” The sailor looked caught off guard, and his mind whirled as he tried to think back to the exact date he sent a letter to Ismene. It had to have been… well, he wouldn’t have written… right? He suddenly couldn’t remember anything and frowned a bit. “A black eye seems a bit harsh for someone who obviously missed me.” Adrestus muttered under his breath. He smiled when he felt her wrap her arms around her, and he laughed a bit as he hugged her back happily. “Yes, Hector invited me over for dinner….” Adrestus turned towards Hector as he started to speak, and he smiled brightly over Hector who had taken to speaking out against Ismene giving him a black eye. "It's alright Hector, she just missed me too much, I understand." He felt Hector’s hand on his shoulder and the sailor followed them inside.
He watched as Hector moved into the kitchen, he called over to him. “Thank you again for inviting me, by the way.” He grinned and he moved his head to give his full attention to Ismene. He had so much to tell her… “I did write to you, you know.” He said softly, already trying to get the record straight. Maybe they had gotten lost, who knew. He heard Hector’s voice and shrugged towards his friend. “Water would be nice.” He said, before moving to find himself a seat to sit down. Although being reconnected to a family who had been so kind to him was incredibly exhilarating, he had been working most of the day. Of course, just as he was getting comfortable, Ariadne appeared and Adrestus stood up again.
“Ariadne! It’s so nice to see you again.” He said, his eyes flickering from one twin to the other. They had grown up… so much over the years. It was crazy how much time had passed. “Thank you,” Adrestus thanked her when she welcomed him, and he turned his attention towards Ismene. “Okay Ismene, you first, what have you been up to? Then Ariadne you have to tell me what you have been up to too! I want to know everything.”
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“Yes, very different.” Adrestus thought back to all the places he had seen, and none of them gave him the same feeling of home. He loved Athenia, and while things were not the same since he had left, it was still home. Still where his family was, and still where he had friends. Of course, he didn’t tell Hector absolutely everything, and he wasn’t sure he would. They arrived at Hector’s home, and the man turned towards the other. “Sparse?” Things were that bad, hm? He suddenly thought of Ismene, and watched as the door seemed to swing open. “Ismene!” He called out in what could only be described as a loving surprise before his eyes widened as his dear friend called out in threats. His excited surprise faded in confusion, his brows ruffling as she accused him of not writing.
“But Ismene, I….” The sailor looked caught off guard, and his mind whirled as he tried to think back to the exact date he sent a letter to Ismene. It had to have been… well, he wouldn’t have written… right? He suddenly couldn’t remember anything and frowned a bit. “A black eye seems a bit harsh for someone who obviously missed me.” Adrestus muttered under his breath. He smiled when he felt her wrap her arms around her, and he laughed a bit as he hugged her back happily. “Yes, Hector invited me over for dinner….” Adrestus turned towards Hector as he started to speak, and he smiled brightly over Hector who had taken to speaking out against Ismene giving him a black eye. "It's alright Hector, she just missed me too much, I understand." He felt Hector’s hand on his shoulder and the sailor followed them inside.
He watched as Hector moved into the kitchen, he called over to him. “Thank you again for inviting me, by the way.” He grinned and he moved his head to give his full attention to Ismene. He had so much to tell her… “I did write to you, you know.” He said softly, already trying to get the record straight. Maybe they had gotten lost, who knew. He heard Hector’s voice and shrugged towards his friend. “Water would be nice.” He said, before moving to find himself a seat to sit down. Although being reconnected to a family who had been so kind to him was incredibly exhilarating, he had been working most of the day. Of course, just as he was getting comfortable, Ariadne appeared and Adrestus stood up again.
“Ariadne! It’s so nice to see you again.” He said, his eyes flickering from one twin to the other. They had grown up… so much over the years. It was crazy how much time had passed. “Thank you,” Adrestus thanked her when she welcomed him, and he turned his attention towards Ismene. “Okay Ismene, you first, what have you been up to? Then Ariadne you have to tell me what you have been up to too! I want to know everything.”
“Yes, very different.” Adrestus thought back to all the places he had seen, and none of them gave him the same feeling of home. He loved Athenia, and while things were not the same since he had left, it was still home. Still where his family was, and still where he had friends. Of course, he didn’t tell Hector absolutely everything, and he wasn’t sure he would. They arrived at Hector’s home, and the man turned towards the other. “Sparse?” Things were that bad, hm? He suddenly thought of Ismene, and watched as the door seemed to swing open. “Ismene!” He called out in what could only be described as a loving surprise before his eyes widened as his dear friend called out in threats. His excited surprise faded in confusion, his brows ruffling as she accused him of not writing.
“But Ismene, I….” The sailor looked caught off guard, and his mind whirled as he tried to think back to the exact date he sent a letter to Ismene. It had to have been… well, he wouldn’t have written… right? He suddenly couldn’t remember anything and frowned a bit. “A black eye seems a bit harsh for someone who obviously missed me.” Adrestus muttered under his breath. He smiled when he felt her wrap her arms around her, and he laughed a bit as he hugged her back happily. “Yes, Hector invited me over for dinner….” Adrestus turned towards Hector as he started to speak, and he smiled brightly over Hector who had taken to speaking out against Ismene giving him a black eye. "It's alright Hector, she just missed me too much, I understand." He felt Hector’s hand on his shoulder and the sailor followed them inside.
He watched as Hector moved into the kitchen, he called over to him. “Thank you again for inviting me, by the way.” He grinned and he moved his head to give his full attention to Ismene. He had so much to tell her… “I did write to you, you know.” He said softly, already trying to get the record straight. Maybe they had gotten lost, who knew. He heard Hector’s voice and shrugged towards his friend. “Water would be nice.” He said, before moving to find himself a seat to sit down. Although being reconnected to a family who had been so kind to him was incredibly exhilarating, he had been working most of the day. Of course, just as he was getting comfortable, Ariadne appeared and Adrestus stood up again.
“Ariadne! It’s so nice to see you again.” He said, his eyes flickering from one twin to the other. They had grown up… so much over the years. It was crazy how much time had passed. “Thank you,” Adrestus thanked her when she welcomed him, and he turned his attention towards Ismene. “Okay Ismene, you first, what have you been up to? Then Ariadne you have to tell me what you have been up to too! I want to know everything.”
The trouble with leaving is that somebody stays. The problem with goodbyes is it only goes one way. The thing about being lonely was that it left too much time for her to think. First he’d left her and then Ariadne had left. How many nights had she laid in her bed staring up at the ceiling wishing she’d been able to share parts of her life with them… parts they’d missed. She’d ceased being bitter about them leaving a long time ago, but there was still an ache in her that they’d missed so much of her life and she’d missed that much of theirs. Oh, the things she’d have done to be with either of them…both of them.
‘But Isi I…’ Her lost friend stammered at her. The emotions that flickered across his face were so familiar yet so, so very different. ‘A black eye seems a bit harsh for someone who obviously missed me.’ Was it so obvious that she’d missed him that much? She’d think about that later. Throwing her arms around him she hugged him. A laugh vibrated out of his chest and his arms encircled her producing a small squeal from her that melted into laughter. ‘Yes, Hector invited me over for dinner….’ The world was once again set right. Adrestus was back home. “Perfect.” She murmured happily.
‘Isi...in, in you go.’ Her father’s shooing motions earned him a slanted side eye that had been perfected by a fat cat that had just been discarded from a comfortable chair onto a dirty floor. She let go of her friend and after a long enough moment to let her father know she didn’t appreciate being ‘shooed’, she moved to allow them to pass. ‘Lord Adrestus just arrived, Ismene, give him a moment to breathe, will you?’ An exaggerated sigh escaped from her followed by a small eye roll as he continued . ‘Also, black eyes are not appropriate welcoming gifts, even if they haven't written home for some time.’
‘It's alright Hector, she just missed me too much, I understand.’ Ismene grinned at her father, “When are black eyes appropriate welcoming gifts if not then.” Her voice teased her father lightly as a cheeky glint appeared in her dark grey eyes, she was fairly certain he’d welcomed a few of her suitors with black eyes. She shuffled inside the house behind all of them and closed the door bobbing her head in acknowledgement of her father’s request. She’d get him some wine.
‘I did write to you, you know.’ Adrestus offered her quietly, and she flicked a glance up to his eyes and felt her wrathfulness weaken. “I know. I got some of your letters. I just hadn’t seen one that you were coming home…” A sad little laugh escaped and she looked away, “I’d have probably been waiting at the docks day and night until I saw your ship come in if I had known.” She started towards the table that the wine decanter sat on when he spoke up, ‘Water would be nice.’ She paused, her curious gaze sizing him up before she nodded her head. “Water it is then.”
Grabbing one of the glasses she slipped into the kitchen and moved around her father with careful ease as she slipped past and got a glass of water and then stepped back over to where Adrestus was and offered him the glass. Her gaze lifted up and past them as her twin finally pulled herself out of their room. Her gaze shifted over her sister. She was worried about Ariadne, everything lately had seemed to have left her twin disconnected.
‘Hello Lord Adrestus. Welcome home. It’s good to see you again.’ They were the complete opposite of her own manners. Ariadne had somehow left the small town life of Arcana behind. She was bigger than that now. Ismene’s soft gaze glanced over at her father to see if he’d noticed Ariadne had managed to pull herself from her room for their guest. ‘Please, make yourself at home. Our home is yours.’
She waited for him to walk into the living area of their small home. How was it possible that her world had righted itself after all these years? They were both home and safe… for the most part. She’d been woolgathering when Adrestus’ voice pulled her back from her thoughts, ‘Okay Ismene, you first, what have you been up to? Then Ariadne you have to tell me what you have been up to too! I want to know everything.’
Blinking her big grey eyes for a moment, before they squinted forming the faintest lines at the corner of her eyes as she gleefully laughed, “Me? Compared to the two of you the things I’ve been up to are very tedious.” That was hardly the case but the things she was up to weren’t things to be discussed in the family living area. “How about you? Are you home for long or just passing us as you sail away on your next great adventure?” Crossing her legs she leaned back against the bench she’d flopped down on easily. She was trying to be carefree in her question but she needed to know… she needed to know if she’d once again have to see him sailing away and leaving her. Not hazarding a glance at her twin, she knew Ariadne knew just how hard she’d taken it when he’d left the first time and could have probably guessed the reasoning behind it. Both she and Hector knew Ismene worshiped the ground the young Lord walked on.
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The trouble with leaving is that somebody stays. The problem with goodbyes is it only goes one way. The thing about being lonely was that it left too much time for her to think. First he’d left her and then Ariadne had left. How many nights had she laid in her bed staring up at the ceiling wishing she’d been able to share parts of her life with them… parts they’d missed. She’d ceased being bitter about them leaving a long time ago, but there was still an ache in her that they’d missed so much of her life and she’d missed that much of theirs. Oh, the things she’d have done to be with either of them…both of them.
‘But Isi I…’ Her lost friend stammered at her. The emotions that flickered across his face were so familiar yet so, so very different. ‘A black eye seems a bit harsh for someone who obviously missed me.’ Was it so obvious that she’d missed him that much? She’d think about that later. Throwing her arms around him she hugged him. A laugh vibrated out of his chest and his arms encircled her producing a small squeal from her that melted into laughter. ‘Yes, Hector invited me over for dinner….’ The world was once again set right. Adrestus was back home. “Perfect.” She murmured happily.
‘Isi...in, in you go.’ Her father’s shooing motions earned him a slanted side eye that had been perfected by a fat cat that had just been discarded from a comfortable chair onto a dirty floor. She let go of her friend and after a long enough moment to let her father know she didn’t appreciate being ‘shooed’, she moved to allow them to pass. ‘Lord Adrestus just arrived, Ismene, give him a moment to breathe, will you?’ An exaggerated sigh escaped from her followed by a small eye roll as he continued . ‘Also, black eyes are not appropriate welcoming gifts, even if they haven't written home for some time.’
‘It's alright Hector, she just missed me too much, I understand.’ Ismene grinned at her father, “When are black eyes appropriate welcoming gifts if not then.” Her voice teased her father lightly as a cheeky glint appeared in her dark grey eyes, she was fairly certain he’d welcomed a few of her suitors with black eyes. She shuffled inside the house behind all of them and closed the door bobbing her head in acknowledgement of her father’s request. She’d get him some wine.
‘I did write to you, you know.’ Adrestus offered her quietly, and she flicked a glance up to his eyes and felt her wrathfulness weaken. “I know. I got some of your letters. I just hadn’t seen one that you were coming home…” A sad little laugh escaped and she looked away, “I’d have probably been waiting at the docks day and night until I saw your ship come in if I had known.” She started towards the table that the wine decanter sat on when he spoke up, ‘Water would be nice.’ She paused, her curious gaze sizing him up before she nodded her head. “Water it is then.”
Grabbing one of the glasses she slipped into the kitchen and moved around her father with careful ease as she slipped past and got a glass of water and then stepped back over to where Adrestus was and offered him the glass. Her gaze lifted up and past them as her twin finally pulled herself out of their room. Her gaze shifted over her sister. She was worried about Ariadne, everything lately had seemed to have left her twin disconnected.
‘Hello Lord Adrestus. Welcome home. It’s good to see you again.’ They were the complete opposite of her own manners. Ariadne had somehow left the small town life of Arcana behind. She was bigger than that now. Ismene’s soft gaze glanced over at her father to see if he’d noticed Ariadne had managed to pull herself from her room for their guest. ‘Please, make yourself at home. Our home is yours.’
She waited for him to walk into the living area of their small home. How was it possible that her world had righted itself after all these years? They were both home and safe… for the most part. She’d been woolgathering when Adrestus’ voice pulled her back from her thoughts, ‘Okay Ismene, you first, what have you been up to? Then Ariadne you have to tell me what you have been up to too! I want to know everything.’
Blinking her big grey eyes for a moment, before they squinted forming the faintest lines at the corner of her eyes as she gleefully laughed, “Me? Compared to the two of you the things I’ve been up to are very tedious.” That was hardly the case but the things she was up to weren’t things to be discussed in the family living area. “How about you? Are you home for long or just passing us as you sail away on your next great adventure?” Crossing her legs she leaned back against the bench she’d flopped down on easily. She was trying to be carefree in her question but she needed to know… she needed to know if she’d once again have to see him sailing away and leaving her. Not hazarding a glance at her twin, she knew Ariadne knew just how hard she’d taken it when he’d left the first time and could have probably guessed the reasoning behind it. Both she and Hector knew Ismene worshiped the ground the young Lord walked on.
The trouble with leaving is that somebody stays. The problem with goodbyes is it only goes one way. The thing about being lonely was that it left too much time for her to think. First he’d left her and then Ariadne had left. How many nights had she laid in her bed staring up at the ceiling wishing she’d been able to share parts of her life with them… parts they’d missed. She’d ceased being bitter about them leaving a long time ago, but there was still an ache in her that they’d missed so much of her life and she’d missed that much of theirs. Oh, the things she’d have done to be with either of them…both of them.
‘But Isi I…’ Her lost friend stammered at her. The emotions that flickered across his face were so familiar yet so, so very different. ‘A black eye seems a bit harsh for someone who obviously missed me.’ Was it so obvious that she’d missed him that much? She’d think about that later. Throwing her arms around him she hugged him. A laugh vibrated out of his chest and his arms encircled her producing a small squeal from her that melted into laughter. ‘Yes, Hector invited me over for dinner….’ The world was once again set right. Adrestus was back home. “Perfect.” She murmured happily.
‘Isi...in, in you go.’ Her father’s shooing motions earned him a slanted side eye that had been perfected by a fat cat that had just been discarded from a comfortable chair onto a dirty floor. She let go of her friend and after a long enough moment to let her father know she didn’t appreciate being ‘shooed’, she moved to allow them to pass. ‘Lord Adrestus just arrived, Ismene, give him a moment to breathe, will you?’ An exaggerated sigh escaped from her followed by a small eye roll as he continued . ‘Also, black eyes are not appropriate welcoming gifts, even if they haven't written home for some time.’
‘It's alright Hector, she just missed me too much, I understand.’ Ismene grinned at her father, “When are black eyes appropriate welcoming gifts if not then.” Her voice teased her father lightly as a cheeky glint appeared in her dark grey eyes, she was fairly certain he’d welcomed a few of her suitors with black eyes. She shuffled inside the house behind all of them and closed the door bobbing her head in acknowledgement of her father’s request. She’d get him some wine.
‘I did write to you, you know.’ Adrestus offered her quietly, and she flicked a glance up to his eyes and felt her wrathfulness weaken. “I know. I got some of your letters. I just hadn’t seen one that you were coming home…” A sad little laugh escaped and she looked away, “I’d have probably been waiting at the docks day and night until I saw your ship come in if I had known.” She started towards the table that the wine decanter sat on when he spoke up, ‘Water would be nice.’ She paused, her curious gaze sizing him up before she nodded her head. “Water it is then.”
Grabbing one of the glasses she slipped into the kitchen and moved around her father with careful ease as she slipped past and got a glass of water and then stepped back over to where Adrestus was and offered him the glass. Her gaze lifted up and past them as her twin finally pulled herself out of their room. Her gaze shifted over her sister. She was worried about Ariadne, everything lately had seemed to have left her twin disconnected.
‘Hello Lord Adrestus. Welcome home. It’s good to see you again.’ They were the complete opposite of her own manners. Ariadne had somehow left the small town life of Arcana behind. She was bigger than that now. Ismene’s soft gaze glanced over at her father to see if he’d noticed Ariadne had managed to pull herself from her room for their guest. ‘Please, make yourself at home. Our home is yours.’
She waited for him to walk into the living area of their small home. How was it possible that her world had righted itself after all these years? They were both home and safe… for the most part. She’d been woolgathering when Adrestus’ voice pulled her back from her thoughts, ‘Okay Ismene, you first, what have you been up to? Then Ariadne you have to tell me what you have been up to too! I want to know everything.’
Blinking her big grey eyes for a moment, before they squinted forming the faintest lines at the corner of her eyes as she gleefully laughed, “Me? Compared to the two of you the things I’ve been up to are very tedious.” That was hardly the case but the things she was up to weren’t things to be discussed in the family living area. “How about you? Are you home for long or just passing us as you sail away on your next great adventure?” Crossing her legs she leaned back against the bench she’d flopped down on easily. She was trying to be carefree in her question but she needed to know… she needed to know if she’d once again have to see him sailing away and leaving her. Not hazarding a glance at her twin, she knew Ariadne knew just how hard she’d taken it when he’d left the first time and could have probably guessed the reasoning behind it. Both she and Hector knew Ismene worshiped the ground the young Lord walked on.
It was an odd sense of contentment that filled him as the three of them through the doorway. Not one to ever miss one of Ismene’s all-telling side-eyes, he raised his brows as if to ask if she was going to just stand on the doorstep for the rest of the night. When she finally ambled in, Hector’s own eyes narrowed slightly at his daughter’s response, all too much like one the hot-headed retorts he had given to his own father growing up over damn near anything.
“Fair enough,” Hector said, relenting due to his pride in his girl’s wit and humor that played in his tone, a slight smirk and a quick glance back at Adrestus as if to offer an unspoken callback to his warning from before before his expression cut into a broad smile as he closed the door behind them.
Hector caught Adrestus’ thanks as he made his way to the kitchen, a broad hand making a swiping motion at the air as if to bat the words away. “You are welcome anytime. I mean it. We are glad to see you alive and well.”
For a quiet moment as he tested the sharpness of the kitchen knife, he listened to Ismene and Adrestus catch up, glancing up to see Ariadne descend the stairs into the open sitting area. His hands moved quickly and confidently to place together a handful of nuts, cheeses, along with some of the late-harvested berries that came from the brambles in the courtyard. He rifled through a cupboard for some smoked and dried meats, using his knife to slice them thin to give the illusion of creating a bounty. As it was, the meatboard looked sparse to say the least, but at least presented enough for the three younger ones to have something to start on.
Beyond that, if they were to have some sort of a stew, he would have to get creative. There was little in the way of fresh food anymore, but with the herbs that Ismene had cultivated in the garden being useful both in poultices and in seasoning, he could make something that was at least flavorful, if not entirely filling.
Giving a quiet smile to Ismene as she drifted into the kitchen, fetching a glass of water, he lifted his elbow out and gave her arm a quick nudge, as if to ask silently, ‘are you happy?’ as she passed. Yet, really, he did not need to - he could tell that Ismene was truly happy to see her friend returned safely under their roof, and watched as she passed back through to the main room.
He watched the interactions between his daughters and the young noble lord, who oddly enough felt a great deal like family, despite the estrangement of the past several years. He had grown into quite the impressive young man. It has surprised Hector the ease with which he was able to speak with him at the docks, knowing the last time that he saw him, he resembled a walking stick.
Hector’s thoughts quickly tumbled down a path of associations, thinking of the last time he saw Adrestus, who stood along side his father, Stavros, who was a baron and sat within the Senate, which had yet to meet and likely would not. In his thoughts, his face fell as he worked, hands slowing as he thought of the late and hurried visit with Aimias, whose Final Testament and Will lay hidden secretly within the wall of his house, should death run rampant in the Palati - the Xanthos Palati.
For the briefest moment, Hector wished he was more involved in the politics of the realm, but now? With an heir to a barony and a senate seat under his roof and soon at his table? This could become an opportunity. Setting the last of the orektika on the simple yet wide wooden platter, he formed a plan - ever the tactician.
“Right,” Hector said, immediately tagging onto the end of Ismene’s question to extend it slightly, placing the tray on the low table between the rustic living room seating and lounges. He set the tray there and gestured for the kids to dig in, but placing a hand on the the Nikolaos lord’s shoulder as he asked, “Have you been to the Capital yet? Or see your father? I have not seen him in some time.. Then again, with the Senate having not met in some time, I cannot imagine he has left Magnestis for Athenia in recent days.”
Hector shot up one appraising brow, as if to see what Adrestus knew, if anything. After all that he learned from Aimias’ stricken visit only a few days before, Hector felt now as if he knew too much, and it was quite heavy. If his daughters picked up on his sudden interest in politics, it could easily enough be explained by the meager portions on the platter in front of them, if needed. Much like the others within their township and across Athenia.
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Check out their information page here.
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It was an odd sense of contentment that filled him as the three of them through the doorway. Not one to ever miss one of Ismene’s all-telling side-eyes, he raised his brows as if to ask if she was going to just stand on the doorstep for the rest of the night. When she finally ambled in, Hector’s own eyes narrowed slightly at his daughter’s response, all too much like one the hot-headed retorts he had given to his own father growing up over damn near anything.
“Fair enough,” Hector said, relenting due to his pride in his girl’s wit and humor that played in his tone, a slight smirk and a quick glance back at Adrestus as if to offer an unspoken callback to his warning from before before his expression cut into a broad smile as he closed the door behind them.
Hector caught Adrestus’ thanks as he made his way to the kitchen, a broad hand making a swiping motion at the air as if to bat the words away. “You are welcome anytime. I mean it. We are glad to see you alive and well.”
For a quiet moment as he tested the sharpness of the kitchen knife, he listened to Ismene and Adrestus catch up, glancing up to see Ariadne descend the stairs into the open sitting area. His hands moved quickly and confidently to place together a handful of nuts, cheeses, along with some of the late-harvested berries that came from the brambles in the courtyard. He rifled through a cupboard for some smoked and dried meats, using his knife to slice them thin to give the illusion of creating a bounty. As it was, the meatboard looked sparse to say the least, but at least presented enough for the three younger ones to have something to start on.
Beyond that, if they were to have some sort of a stew, he would have to get creative. There was little in the way of fresh food anymore, but with the herbs that Ismene had cultivated in the garden being useful both in poultices and in seasoning, he could make something that was at least flavorful, if not entirely filling.
Giving a quiet smile to Ismene as she drifted into the kitchen, fetching a glass of water, he lifted his elbow out and gave her arm a quick nudge, as if to ask silently, ‘are you happy?’ as she passed. Yet, really, he did not need to - he could tell that Ismene was truly happy to see her friend returned safely under their roof, and watched as she passed back through to the main room.
He watched the interactions between his daughters and the young noble lord, who oddly enough felt a great deal like family, despite the estrangement of the past several years. He had grown into quite the impressive young man. It has surprised Hector the ease with which he was able to speak with him at the docks, knowing the last time that he saw him, he resembled a walking stick.
Hector’s thoughts quickly tumbled down a path of associations, thinking of the last time he saw Adrestus, who stood along side his father, Stavros, who was a baron and sat within the Senate, which had yet to meet and likely would not. In his thoughts, his face fell as he worked, hands slowing as he thought of the late and hurried visit with Aimias, whose Final Testament and Will lay hidden secretly within the wall of his house, should death run rampant in the Palati - the Xanthos Palati.
For the briefest moment, Hector wished he was more involved in the politics of the realm, but now? With an heir to a barony and a senate seat under his roof and soon at his table? This could become an opportunity. Setting the last of the orektika on the simple yet wide wooden platter, he formed a plan - ever the tactician.
“Right,” Hector said, immediately tagging onto the end of Ismene’s question to extend it slightly, placing the tray on the low table between the rustic living room seating and lounges. He set the tray there and gestured for the kids to dig in, but placing a hand on the the Nikolaos lord’s shoulder as he asked, “Have you been to the Capital yet? Or see your father? I have not seen him in some time.. Then again, with the Senate having not met in some time, I cannot imagine he has left Magnestis for Athenia in recent days.”
Hector shot up one appraising brow, as if to see what Adrestus knew, if anything. After all that he learned from Aimias’ stricken visit only a few days before, Hector felt now as if he knew too much, and it was quite heavy. If his daughters picked up on his sudden interest in politics, it could easily enough be explained by the meager portions on the platter in front of them, if needed. Much like the others within their township and across Athenia.
It was an odd sense of contentment that filled him as the three of them through the doorway. Not one to ever miss one of Ismene’s all-telling side-eyes, he raised his brows as if to ask if she was going to just stand on the doorstep for the rest of the night. When she finally ambled in, Hector’s own eyes narrowed slightly at his daughter’s response, all too much like one the hot-headed retorts he had given to his own father growing up over damn near anything.
“Fair enough,” Hector said, relenting due to his pride in his girl’s wit and humor that played in his tone, a slight smirk and a quick glance back at Adrestus as if to offer an unspoken callback to his warning from before before his expression cut into a broad smile as he closed the door behind them.
Hector caught Adrestus’ thanks as he made his way to the kitchen, a broad hand making a swiping motion at the air as if to bat the words away. “You are welcome anytime. I mean it. We are glad to see you alive and well.”
For a quiet moment as he tested the sharpness of the kitchen knife, he listened to Ismene and Adrestus catch up, glancing up to see Ariadne descend the stairs into the open sitting area. His hands moved quickly and confidently to place together a handful of nuts, cheeses, along with some of the late-harvested berries that came from the brambles in the courtyard. He rifled through a cupboard for some smoked and dried meats, using his knife to slice them thin to give the illusion of creating a bounty. As it was, the meatboard looked sparse to say the least, but at least presented enough for the three younger ones to have something to start on.
Beyond that, if they were to have some sort of a stew, he would have to get creative. There was little in the way of fresh food anymore, but with the herbs that Ismene had cultivated in the garden being useful both in poultices and in seasoning, he could make something that was at least flavorful, if not entirely filling.
Giving a quiet smile to Ismene as she drifted into the kitchen, fetching a glass of water, he lifted his elbow out and gave her arm a quick nudge, as if to ask silently, ‘are you happy?’ as she passed. Yet, really, he did not need to - he could tell that Ismene was truly happy to see her friend returned safely under their roof, and watched as she passed back through to the main room.
He watched the interactions between his daughters and the young noble lord, who oddly enough felt a great deal like family, despite the estrangement of the past several years. He had grown into quite the impressive young man. It has surprised Hector the ease with which he was able to speak with him at the docks, knowing the last time that he saw him, he resembled a walking stick.
Hector’s thoughts quickly tumbled down a path of associations, thinking of the last time he saw Adrestus, who stood along side his father, Stavros, who was a baron and sat within the Senate, which had yet to meet and likely would not. In his thoughts, his face fell as he worked, hands slowing as he thought of the late and hurried visit with Aimias, whose Final Testament and Will lay hidden secretly within the wall of his house, should death run rampant in the Palati - the Xanthos Palati.
For the briefest moment, Hector wished he was more involved in the politics of the realm, but now? With an heir to a barony and a senate seat under his roof and soon at his table? This could become an opportunity. Setting the last of the orektika on the simple yet wide wooden platter, he formed a plan - ever the tactician.
“Right,” Hector said, immediately tagging onto the end of Ismene’s question to extend it slightly, placing the tray on the low table between the rustic living room seating and lounges. He set the tray there and gestured for the kids to dig in, but placing a hand on the the Nikolaos lord’s shoulder as he asked, “Have you been to the Capital yet? Or see your father? I have not seen him in some time.. Then again, with the Senate having not met in some time, I cannot imagine he has left Magnestis for Athenia in recent days.”
Hector shot up one appraising brow, as if to see what Adrestus knew, if anything. After all that he learned from Aimias’ stricken visit only a few days before, Hector felt now as if he knew too much, and it was quite heavy. If his daughters picked up on his sudden interest in politics, it could easily enough be explained by the meager portions on the platter in front of them, if needed. Much like the others within their township and across Athenia.
Ariadne wondered just how much she had missed between her sister and this young lord over the past few years. He was gone sailing, that much she knew. Had the two of them been writing? Or was this their first communication in some time? Ari immediately felt guilty for not knowing more about her sister’s life. Although they were twins, they had taken different paths over the past few years and hadn’t shared secrets like they once had. The last Ariadne knew was that Ismene had a bit of a crush on the lord. Perhaps it had something to do with him saving the two of them or perhaps it was due to something else entirely. From the way her sister was acting, Ari guessed that that tiny crush hadn’t faded all that much or at all.
Adrestus stood as she greeted him and Ari offered a polite smile, indicating that he needn’t bother himself with such things. She was unused to people standing for her—usually they stood for Persephone. When Ari went somewhere alone, it wasn’t often that someone would stand for her. It was kind of Adre, but not necessary. Still, she could tell the gesture was forgotten as soon as it happened, for he once again turned toward her sister. That was a relief. Better that Ismene and her father take the conversation. She had appeared so not to be rude, but wasn’t often feeling up to long conversations with people these days. Especially someone who had been away for so long. The idea of explaining everything that had happened—like when she had first returned to Arcana—was dreadful. Ariadne simply did not want to talk about it again.
Before Ari could make herself useful helping her father in the kitchen, Hector appeared with some food for their guest. She hovered behind her sister, not wanting to get in the way, but not able to disappear without an explanation.
She listened as Isi responded to Adre’s questions with some of her own and then as their father swept in with questions of the young man’s recent comings and goings. She was interested to hear what he had learned whilst back—completely unsure of how long he had even been gone. She did shoot her father a curious glance, wondering the reasonings behind his questions. The man typically did not get involved in politics, for all he had sent his daughter to court. She hadn’t known him to be very interested in the past, but perhaps things had changed with their current climate. Rather than ask him in the moment, she perched on the edge of the chair behind her sister, watching the conversation unfold.
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Ariadne wondered just how much she had missed between her sister and this young lord over the past few years. He was gone sailing, that much she knew. Had the two of them been writing? Or was this their first communication in some time? Ari immediately felt guilty for not knowing more about her sister’s life. Although they were twins, they had taken different paths over the past few years and hadn’t shared secrets like they once had. The last Ariadne knew was that Ismene had a bit of a crush on the lord. Perhaps it had something to do with him saving the two of them or perhaps it was due to something else entirely. From the way her sister was acting, Ari guessed that that tiny crush hadn’t faded all that much or at all.
Adrestus stood as she greeted him and Ari offered a polite smile, indicating that he needn’t bother himself with such things. She was unused to people standing for her—usually they stood for Persephone. When Ari went somewhere alone, it wasn’t often that someone would stand for her. It was kind of Adre, but not necessary. Still, she could tell the gesture was forgotten as soon as it happened, for he once again turned toward her sister. That was a relief. Better that Ismene and her father take the conversation. She had appeared so not to be rude, but wasn’t often feeling up to long conversations with people these days. Especially someone who had been away for so long. The idea of explaining everything that had happened—like when she had first returned to Arcana—was dreadful. Ariadne simply did not want to talk about it again.
Before Ari could make herself useful helping her father in the kitchen, Hector appeared with some food for their guest. She hovered behind her sister, not wanting to get in the way, but not able to disappear without an explanation.
She listened as Isi responded to Adre’s questions with some of her own and then as their father swept in with questions of the young man’s recent comings and goings. She was interested to hear what he had learned whilst back—completely unsure of how long he had even been gone. She did shoot her father a curious glance, wondering the reasonings behind his questions. The man typically did not get involved in politics, for all he had sent his daughter to court. She hadn’t known him to be very interested in the past, but perhaps things had changed with their current climate. Rather than ask him in the moment, she perched on the edge of the chair behind her sister, watching the conversation unfold.
Ariadne wondered just how much she had missed between her sister and this young lord over the past few years. He was gone sailing, that much she knew. Had the two of them been writing? Or was this their first communication in some time? Ari immediately felt guilty for not knowing more about her sister’s life. Although they were twins, they had taken different paths over the past few years and hadn’t shared secrets like they once had. The last Ariadne knew was that Ismene had a bit of a crush on the lord. Perhaps it had something to do with him saving the two of them or perhaps it was due to something else entirely. From the way her sister was acting, Ari guessed that that tiny crush hadn’t faded all that much or at all.
Adrestus stood as she greeted him and Ari offered a polite smile, indicating that he needn’t bother himself with such things. She was unused to people standing for her—usually they stood for Persephone. When Ari went somewhere alone, it wasn’t often that someone would stand for her. It was kind of Adre, but not necessary. Still, she could tell the gesture was forgotten as soon as it happened, for he once again turned toward her sister. That was a relief. Better that Ismene and her father take the conversation. She had appeared so not to be rude, but wasn’t often feeling up to long conversations with people these days. Especially someone who had been away for so long. The idea of explaining everything that had happened—like when she had first returned to Arcana—was dreadful. Ariadne simply did not want to talk about it again.
Before Ari could make herself useful helping her father in the kitchen, Hector appeared with some food for their guest. She hovered behind her sister, not wanting to get in the way, but not able to disappear without an explanation.
She listened as Isi responded to Adre’s questions with some of her own and then as their father swept in with questions of the young man’s recent comings and goings. She was interested to hear what he had learned whilst back—completely unsure of how long he had even been gone. She did shoot her father a curious glance, wondering the reasonings behind his questions. The man typically did not get involved in politics, for all he had sent his daughter to court. She hadn’t known him to be very interested in the past, but perhaps things had changed with their current climate. Rather than ask him in the moment, she perched on the edge of the chair behind her sister, watching the conversation unfold.
It was good to be in Arcana. It was if all his worries went away when he was around Ismene, and he was able to relax. He had been relieved when he had been invited over for dinner, which meant he got to catch up with people who he had cared for so long ago. He didn’t regret when he had put his life on the line for Ismene and Ariadne, and he wouldn’t hesitate if it came to that point again. He smiled over at Hector as the other man spoke, and the sailor gave him a happy smile. “Thank you Hector, I appreciate it.” He glanced over at Ismene and laughed about the black eye comment. “I guess.” He shook his head. He knew Ismene was only playing, though. He followed them into their home, glancing over at Hector as he went into the kitchen before giving his attention to Ismene. He smiled over at her, listening. “Of course.” He responded, knowing that she would have been waiting at the docks for at least a full day, if not more. He asked for water, and it wasn’t too long after that that Ariadne showed. He was happy to see the other twin and relaxed more when it looked like she was doing well herself. They all had so much to catch up on.
He turned his head to the side as Ismene said she had been doing tedious things, slightly concerned. “Tedious? Really?” He thought she liked her work, but... With what had been going on in Athenia, perhaps things had gotten bad for her as well. Soon they all sat down for dinner, Adrestus sitting next to Hector and Ismene. His face brightened when his friend asked how long he’d be home, and he knew they were going to like his answer. “I’m here for a long while,” Adrestus confessed, cheerfully. He was upset because he wouldn’t be out to sea, but, on the other hand, he’d be able to hang around Hector and Ismene more.
“My family brought me back, well, mostly my father, I have duties to tend to.” he explained, trying to not say too much. They may be able to guess, but he wasn’t about to bore them with the details. He glanced over at Hector as the other spoke, and Adrestus’s smile faded. Without answering, he took some food and began to eat, his eyes flickering over to Ismene. Hector had hit a sensitive topic, and Adre’s frustration showed. As he swallowed, he finally turned his attention back to Hector. “Did my father put you up to this?” Adrestus asked slowly, looking suspicious. It’d just be what he would do! Dastos knew that he would eventually come to Arcana, and set it up so Hector would talk him into focusing on what Dad wanted him to do. Adrestus wanted to have his freedom as long as possible, he wasn’t going to let Hector persuade him…
“Please, let’s not talk politics? It’s so boring.” He whined, before looking to Ari. “Right Ari? Who wants to listen to that.” He took more food in his mouth, before taking a gulp of water. “I’m about to lose all my freedoms, I’d rather think about anything but that until I’m forced to do otherwise. My parents already hate my ship.” He had worked so hard for it too! But no, they wanted him to focus on noble stuff. “The only people I’ve seen are old friends. Lord Elias has seen my ship, which was pretty fun. I’m keeping away from the senate until my father drags me there.” He smiled over at Ismene. He knew of her running away, their rebellious spirits being quite similar. He glanced back at Hector, taking another drink of water. “Have you been to the Capital Hector?” He asked, still visibly frustrated by the question. All he wanted was a nice dinner. He glanced at Ari. “Anyways, I’m glad to see you are well, Ari. Have you been doing tedious things like your sister?”
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It was good to be in Arcana. It was if all his worries went away when he was around Ismene, and he was able to relax. He had been relieved when he had been invited over for dinner, which meant he got to catch up with people who he had cared for so long ago. He didn’t regret when he had put his life on the line for Ismene and Ariadne, and he wouldn’t hesitate if it came to that point again. He smiled over at Hector as the other man spoke, and the sailor gave him a happy smile. “Thank you Hector, I appreciate it.” He glanced over at Ismene and laughed about the black eye comment. “I guess.” He shook his head. He knew Ismene was only playing, though. He followed them into their home, glancing over at Hector as he went into the kitchen before giving his attention to Ismene. He smiled over at her, listening. “Of course.” He responded, knowing that she would have been waiting at the docks for at least a full day, if not more. He asked for water, and it wasn’t too long after that that Ariadne showed. He was happy to see the other twin and relaxed more when it looked like she was doing well herself. They all had so much to catch up on.
He turned his head to the side as Ismene said she had been doing tedious things, slightly concerned. “Tedious? Really?” He thought she liked her work, but... With what had been going on in Athenia, perhaps things had gotten bad for her as well. Soon they all sat down for dinner, Adrestus sitting next to Hector and Ismene. His face brightened when his friend asked how long he’d be home, and he knew they were going to like his answer. “I’m here for a long while,” Adrestus confessed, cheerfully. He was upset because he wouldn’t be out to sea, but, on the other hand, he’d be able to hang around Hector and Ismene more.
“My family brought me back, well, mostly my father, I have duties to tend to.” he explained, trying to not say too much. They may be able to guess, but he wasn’t about to bore them with the details. He glanced over at Hector as the other spoke, and Adrestus’s smile faded. Without answering, he took some food and began to eat, his eyes flickering over to Ismene. Hector had hit a sensitive topic, and Adre’s frustration showed. As he swallowed, he finally turned his attention back to Hector. “Did my father put you up to this?” Adrestus asked slowly, looking suspicious. It’d just be what he would do! Dastos knew that he would eventually come to Arcana, and set it up so Hector would talk him into focusing on what Dad wanted him to do. Adrestus wanted to have his freedom as long as possible, he wasn’t going to let Hector persuade him…
“Please, let’s not talk politics? It’s so boring.” He whined, before looking to Ari. “Right Ari? Who wants to listen to that.” He took more food in his mouth, before taking a gulp of water. “I’m about to lose all my freedoms, I’d rather think about anything but that until I’m forced to do otherwise. My parents already hate my ship.” He had worked so hard for it too! But no, they wanted him to focus on noble stuff. “The only people I’ve seen are old friends. Lord Elias has seen my ship, which was pretty fun. I’m keeping away from the senate until my father drags me there.” He smiled over at Ismene. He knew of her running away, their rebellious spirits being quite similar. He glanced back at Hector, taking another drink of water. “Have you been to the Capital Hector?” He asked, still visibly frustrated by the question. All he wanted was a nice dinner. He glanced at Ari. “Anyways, I’m glad to see you are well, Ari. Have you been doing tedious things like your sister?”
It was good to be in Arcana. It was if all his worries went away when he was around Ismene, and he was able to relax. He had been relieved when he had been invited over for dinner, which meant he got to catch up with people who he had cared for so long ago. He didn’t regret when he had put his life on the line for Ismene and Ariadne, and he wouldn’t hesitate if it came to that point again. He smiled over at Hector as the other man spoke, and the sailor gave him a happy smile. “Thank you Hector, I appreciate it.” He glanced over at Ismene and laughed about the black eye comment. “I guess.” He shook his head. He knew Ismene was only playing, though. He followed them into their home, glancing over at Hector as he went into the kitchen before giving his attention to Ismene. He smiled over at her, listening. “Of course.” He responded, knowing that she would have been waiting at the docks for at least a full day, if not more. He asked for water, and it wasn’t too long after that that Ariadne showed. He was happy to see the other twin and relaxed more when it looked like she was doing well herself. They all had so much to catch up on.
He turned his head to the side as Ismene said she had been doing tedious things, slightly concerned. “Tedious? Really?” He thought she liked her work, but... With what had been going on in Athenia, perhaps things had gotten bad for her as well. Soon they all sat down for dinner, Adrestus sitting next to Hector and Ismene. His face brightened when his friend asked how long he’d be home, and he knew they were going to like his answer. “I’m here for a long while,” Adrestus confessed, cheerfully. He was upset because he wouldn’t be out to sea, but, on the other hand, he’d be able to hang around Hector and Ismene more.
“My family brought me back, well, mostly my father, I have duties to tend to.” he explained, trying to not say too much. They may be able to guess, but he wasn’t about to bore them with the details. He glanced over at Hector as the other spoke, and Adrestus’s smile faded. Without answering, he took some food and began to eat, his eyes flickering over to Ismene. Hector had hit a sensitive topic, and Adre’s frustration showed. As he swallowed, he finally turned his attention back to Hector. “Did my father put you up to this?” Adrestus asked slowly, looking suspicious. It’d just be what he would do! Dastos knew that he would eventually come to Arcana, and set it up so Hector would talk him into focusing on what Dad wanted him to do. Adrestus wanted to have his freedom as long as possible, he wasn’t going to let Hector persuade him…
“Please, let’s not talk politics? It’s so boring.” He whined, before looking to Ari. “Right Ari? Who wants to listen to that.” He took more food in his mouth, before taking a gulp of water. “I’m about to lose all my freedoms, I’d rather think about anything but that until I’m forced to do otherwise. My parents already hate my ship.” He had worked so hard for it too! But no, they wanted him to focus on noble stuff. “The only people I’ve seen are old friends. Lord Elias has seen my ship, which was pretty fun. I’m keeping away from the senate until my father drags me there.” He smiled over at Ismene. He knew of her running away, their rebellious spirits being quite similar. He glanced back at Hector, taking another drink of water. “Have you been to the Capital Hector?” He asked, still visibly frustrated by the question. All he wanted was a nice dinner. He glanced at Ari. “Anyways, I’m glad to see you are well, Ari. Have you been doing tedious things like your sister?”
With them having a bit of a repast so early in the day, Hector nudged Ismene and asked her to go let Gregor know as well, if he was interested. If this meager offering sat too long, there would likely not be enough left for the day and he would have to go down to the docks later in the day to see what was left from the ships coming in.
Hector had already decided that he would let the others eat first and he would either have what was left or figure it out later.
At Adrestus' words, the lines across Hector's brow deepened slightly, though is brows did not go flying one direction or the other. Instead, his eyes remained attentive and fixed on the young noble's response - and the defensiveness behind it.
"No, he has not," Hector replied, his tone more of a question in itself. The young man's immediate switch to talking about anything other than politics turned into entirely self-centered. The Captain in him silently rumbled in frustration at the reply - loss of freedom? parents hate the ship? Hector could have rolled his eyes, but instead he preoccupied himself with finally moving to sit, at least on the arm of the lounge where the others sat. The only showing of his dissatisfaction with such a childish response was the crossing of his broad arms and the slightest forward tilt of his head.
At the barracks, this move alone would have his soldiers immediately questioning what it was that they were going to say next. For the young lord, though, it seemed the signal was lost.
There was the most minute shift of his expression at the mention of Lord Elias, a name that he heard far too often and wished that he knew less about. Hector felt his temper simmering under the surface, but absolutely none of what Aimias told him on that fateful night could raise here. Besides, it seemed that Adrestus was close friends with Lord Elias. Instead, Hector just let his teeth remained clenched to keep from saying too much.
"Yes, I go often to deliver reports to General Lacides in order for him to speak before....well, you know..." Hector said, purposefully letting the words trail because, well....there was no Senate meeting was there? No new supplies. No new equipment. No permissions to spend funding that had not been released for further training. No food because the taxes had not been levied appropriately. And one person at the center of the hold-up, it seemed.
"You will have to forgive me bringing the topic up, again. It is difficult to not do so given recent circumstances, including the Queen's disappearance under such...conditions." Hector cut his words short as his eyes flitted over to Ariadne, not wanting to shift thoughts to that fateful night. Hector had never ridden so hard for the Capital as he did when he heard the news.
"I do not care for politics either, but..they affect us. Directly."
His hand gestured at the plate before them. "Athenia has suffered a drought, many crops have failed, and most of the surviving crops are too heavily taxed to be affordable. We have only what we stored prior to this. Changes can only be made in the Senate, which has not met. There have been riots sporadically there and in other provinces. It is...a trying time."
Hector huffed, trying to find a way to tie together his thoughts before looking at Adrestus, "I can understand not wanting to play a part in the politics but...it is your birthright, one that many wished they could hold. Not me, of course, but...the gods chose you to be in this position, as unfair as you may find it...my lord."
Tacking the young noble's title on as an endcap was as close as Hector would come to an apology for bringing it up. He reached to where he set his own cup of lukewarm water and took a long drink of it, draining the cup so he could have the excuse to cross the room to the pitcher by the window, frustrated beyond words and needing something to do with his hands.
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With them having a bit of a repast so early in the day, Hector nudged Ismene and asked her to go let Gregor know as well, if he was interested. If this meager offering sat too long, there would likely not be enough left for the day and he would have to go down to the docks later in the day to see what was left from the ships coming in.
Hector had already decided that he would let the others eat first and he would either have what was left or figure it out later.
At Adrestus' words, the lines across Hector's brow deepened slightly, though is brows did not go flying one direction or the other. Instead, his eyes remained attentive and fixed on the young noble's response - and the defensiveness behind it.
"No, he has not," Hector replied, his tone more of a question in itself. The young man's immediate switch to talking about anything other than politics turned into entirely self-centered. The Captain in him silently rumbled in frustration at the reply - loss of freedom? parents hate the ship? Hector could have rolled his eyes, but instead he preoccupied himself with finally moving to sit, at least on the arm of the lounge where the others sat. The only showing of his dissatisfaction with such a childish response was the crossing of his broad arms and the slightest forward tilt of his head.
At the barracks, this move alone would have his soldiers immediately questioning what it was that they were going to say next. For the young lord, though, it seemed the signal was lost.
There was the most minute shift of his expression at the mention of Lord Elias, a name that he heard far too often and wished that he knew less about. Hector felt his temper simmering under the surface, but absolutely none of what Aimias told him on that fateful night could raise here. Besides, it seemed that Adrestus was close friends with Lord Elias. Instead, Hector just let his teeth remained clenched to keep from saying too much.
"Yes, I go often to deliver reports to General Lacides in order for him to speak before....well, you know..." Hector said, purposefully letting the words trail because, well....there was no Senate meeting was there? No new supplies. No new equipment. No permissions to spend funding that had not been released for further training. No food because the taxes had not been levied appropriately. And one person at the center of the hold-up, it seemed.
"You will have to forgive me bringing the topic up, again. It is difficult to not do so given recent circumstances, including the Queen's disappearance under such...conditions." Hector cut his words short as his eyes flitted over to Ariadne, not wanting to shift thoughts to that fateful night. Hector had never ridden so hard for the Capital as he did when he heard the news.
"I do not care for politics either, but..they affect us. Directly."
His hand gestured at the plate before them. "Athenia has suffered a drought, many crops have failed, and most of the surviving crops are too heavily taxed to be affordable. We have only what we stored prior to this. Changes can only be made in the Senate, which has not met. There have been riots sporadically there and in other provinces. It is...a trying time."
Hector huffed, trying to find a way to tie together his thoughts before looking at Adrestus, "I can understand not wanting to play a part in the politics but...it is your birthright, one that many wished they could hold. Not me, of course, but...the gods chose you to be in this position, as unfair as you may find it...my lord."
Tacking the young noble's title on as an endcap was as close as Hector would come to an apology for bringing it up. He reached to where he set his own cup of lukewarm water and took a long drink of it, draining the cup so he could have the excuse to cross the room to the pitcher by the window, frustrated beyond words and needing something to do with his hands.
With them having a bit of a repast so early in the day, Hector nudged Ismene and asked her to go let Gregor know as well, if he was interested. If this meager offering sat too long, there would likely not be enough left for the day and he would have to go down to the docks later in the day to see what was left from the ships coming in.
Hector had already decided that he would let the others eat first and he would either have what was left or figure it out later.
At Adrestus' words, the lines across Hector's brow deepened slightly, though is brows did not go flying one direction or the other. Instead, his eyes remained attentive and fixed on the young noble's response - and the defensiveness behind it.
"No, he has not," Hector replied, his tone more of a question in itself. The young man's immediate switch to talking about anything other than politics turned into entirely self-centered. The Captain in him silently rumbled in frustration at the reply - loss of freedom? parents hate the ship? Hector could have rolled his eyes, but instead he preoccupied himself with finally moving to sit, at least on the arm of the lounge where the others sat. The only showing of his dissatisfaction with such a childish response was the crossing of his broad arms and the slightest forward tilt of his head.
At the barracks, this move alone would have his soldiers immediately questioning what it was that they were going to say next. For the young lord, though, it seemed the signal was lost.
There was the most minute shift of his expression at the mention of Lord Elias, a name that he heard far too often and wished that he knew less about. Hector felt his temper simmering under the surface, but absolutely none of what Aimias told him on that fateful night could raise here. Besides, it seemed that Adrestus was close friends with Lord Elias. Instead, Hector just let his teeth remained clenched to keep from saying too much.
"Yes, I go often to deliver reports to General Lacides in order for him to speak before....well, you know..." Hector said, purposefully letting the words trail because, well....there was no Senate meeting was there? No new supplies. No new equipment. No permissions to spend funding that had not been released for further training. No food because the taxes had not been levied appropriately. And one person at the center of the hold-up, it seemed.
"You will have to forgive me bringing the topic up, again. It is difficult to not do so given recent circumstances, including the Queen's disappearance under such...conditions." Hector cut his words short as his eyes flitted over to Ariadne, not wanting to shift thoughts to that fateful night. Hector had never ridden so hard for the Capital as he did when he heard the news.
"I do not care for politics either, but..they affect us. Directly."
His hand gestured at the plate before them. "Athenia has suffered a drought, many crops have failed, and most of the surviving crops are too heavily taxed to be affordable. We have only what we stored prior to this. Changes can only be made in the Senate, which has not met. There have been riots sporadically there and in other provinces. It is...a trying time."
Hector huffed, trying to find a way to tie together his thoughts before looking at Adrestus, "I can understand not wanting to play a part in the politics but...it is your birthright, one that many wished they could hold. Not me, of course, but...the gods chose you to be in this position, as unfair as you may find it...my lord."
Tacking the young noble's title on as an endcap was as close as Hector would come to an apology for bringing it up. He reached to where he set his own cup of lukewarm water and took a long drink of it, draining the cup so he could have the excuse to cross the room to the pitcher by the window, frustrated beyond words and needing something to do with his hands.
While Ariadne had a favorable impression of Adrestus, that had mostly been from childhood. She hadn’t seen or heard much from him since then. That communication had mostly been left to her sister. Isi had always been far more interested in him. It made sense—Ari was soon off to the palace with other things to worry about. Her twin had always spoken well of the young noble, but Ariadne was beginning to wonder if their letters hadn’t been entirely genuine. It was easy to make oneself sound a certain way when writing. It wasn’t always that that image preserved itself in person.
She always gave people the benefit of the doubt and thought well of them until something else changed her mind, but the more Adre spoke, the harder time she was having doing that. Perhaps it was due to everything else going on that she was less generous than usual, but she frowned as he dismissed talk of politics, complaining that it was boring. That was rather bold statement for a man who had spent most of his life avoiding his responsibilities. She nearly blushed with embarrassment at her thought—though nothing had been spoken aloud. It wasn’t like her to think so poorly of the person who made such a careless comment, but she was rather unforgiving at the moment. It was only her years of training as a servant that hid her true feelings from her face. Still, she could not hep but frown slightly as he continued on, almost whining about his parents not liking his ship. Did he not know what was going on in his homeland at the moment? There were bigger things to worry about than a ship!
Suddenly, Ariadne wished very much that her father had sent her rather than Ismene to check on Uncle Gregor. Perhaps her sister would have borne this conversation more gracefully. Ariadne was feeling rather unlike her usually generous and sweet self. A glance at her father told her that she was not alone in her feelings, which helped. She recognized his sign of disapproval, but Adre seemed not to, for he kept speaking, complaining of his problems.
Then, he mentioned Elias and Ariadne felt a cold fury burning within her. The thought of that man having casual “fun” with Adre was nearly too much to handle. She had sat through some interesting political conversations with Persephone and had heard things that had irked her, but never had she sat through something like this. It was very nearly unbearable. Yet, she was silent. Her training was doing her well in this moment. For she was afraid that if she were to speak, she would not be the picture of a young lady that she was supposed to be. Only her father’s words brought some sense of calm, for he was saying all the things she wished to say. Only with far less heat.
However, she could not leave the young lord’s question to her unanswered, she found after all. Had she been doing tedious things? Oh yes, tedious things like cleaning their house, waiting anxiously for news of her queen, worrying that she was dead, fearing for the fate of their country. It was hardly anything in comparison to his grand adventures on his boat.
“My father is right, my lord,” she said, her tone cool, face blank. Although inwardly seething, she would not let him see how deep her fury ran. “Perhaps you have been too long at sea to care about your country anymore, but the people are suffering. You have an obligation whether you may find it convenient or not. However, if you cannot bear your duty, perhaps you might consider taking your dear friend Lord Elias to your boat and setting sail with no return date. That would be a sufficient replacement.”
Somehow, during her speech, she had found herself standing, arms clenched at her side. Although she hadn’t intended to get so heated, her anger had come pouring out. Yet, she found she was not sorry. Ariadne was not usually in a position where she could speak her mind so, but Adrestus was in her home and he spoke so flippantly of her life that she could not help but fight back.
“My queen has gone missing due to the direct trouble that your friend caused. He has since put our people through many difficulties that were once only occasional problems without providing any support or assistance. Rather, he sees fit to spend his time in excess, visiting boats, drinking and eating when many others have little or nothing to sustain their own families. Neither Ismene or myself have been up to anything particularly tedious lately, as we have been doing what we can to help our people when it seems that the senate has given up on us.”
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While Ariadne had a favorable impression of Adrestus, that had mostly been from childhood. She hadn’t seen or heard much from him since then. That communication had mostly been left to her sister. Isi had always been far more interested in him. It made sense—Ari was soon off to the palace with other things to worry about. Her twin had always spoken well of the young noble, but Ariadne was beginning to wonder if their letters hadn’t been entirely genuine. It was easy to make oneself sound a certain way when writing. It wasn’t always that that image preserved itself in person.
She always gave people the benefit of the doubt and thought well of them until something else changed her mind, but the more Adre spoke, the harder time she was having doing that. Perhaps it was due to everything else going on that she was less generous than usual, but she frowned as he dismissed talk of politics, complaining that it was boring. That was rather bold statement for a man who had spent most of his life avoiding his responsibilities. She nearly blushed with embarrassment at her thought—though nothing had been spoken aloud. It wasn’t like her to think so poorly of the person who made such a careless comment, but she was rather unforgiving at the moment. It was only her years of training as a servant that hid her true feelings from her face. Still, she could not hep but frown slightly as he continued on, almost whining about his parents not liking his ship. Did he not know what was going on in his homeland at the moment? There were bigger things to worry about than a ship!
Suddenly, Ariadne wished very much that her father had sent her rather than Ismene to check on Uncle Gregor. Perhaps her sister would have borne this conversation more gracefully. Ariadne was feeling rather unlike her usually generous and sweet self. A glance at her father told her that she was not alone in her feelings, which helped. She recognized his sign of disapproval, but Adre seemed not to, for he kept speaking, complaining of his problems.
Then, he mentioned Elias and Ariadne felt a cold fury burning within her. The thought of that man having casual “fun” with Adre was nearly too much to handle. She had sat through some interesting political conversations with Persephone and had heard things that had irked her, but never had she sat through something like this. It was very nearly unbearable. Yet, she was silent. Her training was doing her well in this moment. For she was afraid that if she were to speak, she would not be the picture of a young lady that she was supposed to be. Only her father’s words brought some sense of calm, for he was saying all the things she wished to say. Only with far less heat.
However, she could not leave the young lord’s question to her unanswered, she found after all. Had she been doing tedious things? Oh yes, tedious things like cleaning their house, waiting anxiously for news of her queen, worrying that she was dead, fearing for the fate of their country. It was hardly anything in comparison to his grand adventures on his boat.
“My father is right, my lord,” she said, her tone cool, face blank. Although inwardly seething, she would not let him see how deep her fury ran. “Perhaps you have been too long at sea to care about your country anymore, but the people are suffering. You have an obligation whether you may find it convenient or not. However, if you cannot bear your duty, perhaps you might consider taking your dear friend Lord Elias to your boat and setting sail with no return date. That would be a sufficient replacement.”
Somehow, during her speech, she had found herself standing, arms clenched at her side. Although she hadn’t intended to get so heated, her anger had come pouring out. Yet, she found she was not sorry. Ariadne was not usually in a position where she could speak her mind so, but Adrestus was in her home and he spoke so flippantly of her life that she could not help but fight back.
“My queen has gone missing due to the direct trouble that your friend caused. He has since put our people through many difficulties that were once only occasional problems without providing any support or assistance. Rather, he sees fit to spend his time in excess, visiting boats, drinking and eating when many others have little or nothing to sustain their own families. Neither Ismene or myself have been up to anything particularly tedious lately, as we have been doing what we can to help our people when it seems that the senate has given up on us.”
While Ariadne had a favorable impression of Adrestus, that had mostly been from childhood. She hadn’t seen or heard much from him since then. That communication had mostly been left to her sister. Isi had always been far more interested in him. It made sense—Ari was soon off to the palace with other things to worry about. Her twin had always spoken well of the young noble, but Ariadne was beginning to wonder if their letters hadn’t been entirely genuine. It was easy to make oneself sound a certain way when writing. It wasn’t always that that image preserved itself in person.
She always gave people the benefit of the doubt and thought well of them until something else changed her mind, but the more Adre spoke, the harder time she was having doing that. Perhaps it was due to everything else going on that she was less generous than usual, but she frowned as he dismissed talk of politics, complaining that it was boring. That was rather bold statement for a man who had spent most of his life avoiding his responsibilities. She nearly blushed with embarrassment at her thought—though nothing had been spoken aloud. It wasn’t like her to think so poorly of the person who made such a careless comment, but she was rather unforgiving at the moment. It was only her years of training as a servant that hid her true feelings from her face. Still, she could not hep but frown slightly as he continued on, almost whining about his parents not liking his ship. Did he not know what was going on in his homeland at the moment? There were bigger things to worry about than a ship!
Suddenly, Ariadne wished very much that her father had sent her rather than Ismene to check on Uncle Gregor. Perhaps her sister would have borne this conversation more gracefully. Ariadne was feeling rather unlike her usually generous and sweet self. A glance at her father told her that she was not alone in her feelings, which helped. She recognized his sign of disapproval, but Adre seemed not to, for he kept speaking, complaining of his problems.
Then, he mentioned Elias and Ariadne felt a cold fury burning within her. The thought of that man having casual “fun” with Adre was nearly too much to handle. She had sat through some interesting political conversations with Persephone and had heard things that had irked her, but never had she sat through something like this. It was very nearly unbearable. Yet, she was silent. Her training was doing her well in this moment. For she was afraid that if she were to speak, she would not be the picture of a young lady that she was supposed to be. Only her father’s words brought some sense of calm, for he was saying all the things she wished to say. Only with far less heat.
However, she could not leave the young lord’s question to her unanswered, she found after all. Had she been doing tedious things? Oh yes, tedious things like cleaning their house, waiting anxiously for news of her queen, worrying that she was dead, fearing for the fate of their country. It was hardly anything in comparison to his grand adventures on his boat.
“My father is right, my lord,” she said, her tone cool, face blank. Although inwardly seething, she would not let him see how deep her fury ran. “Perhaps you have been too long at sea to care about your country anymore, but the people are suffering. You have an obligation whether you may find it convenient or not. However, if you cannot bear your duty, perhaps you might consider taking your dear friend Lord Elias to your boat and setting sail with no return date. That would be a sufficient replacement.”
Somehow, during her speech, she had found herself standing, arms clenched at her side. Although she hadn’t intended to get so heated, her anger had come pouring out. Yet, she found she was not sorry. Ariadne was not usually in a position where she could speak her mind so, but Adrestus was in her home and he spoke so flippantly of her life that she could not help but fight back.
“My queen has gone missing due to the direct trouble that your friend caused. He has since put our people through many difficulties that were once only occasional problems without providing any support or assistance. Rather, he sees fit to spend his time in excess, visiting boats, drinking and eating when many others have little or nothing to sustain their own families. Neither Ismene or myself have been up to anything particularly tedious lately, as we have been doing what we can to help our people when it seems that the senate has given up on us.”