The chatbox has been hidden for this page. It will reopen upon refresh. To hide the CBox permanently, select "Permanently Toggle Cbox" in your profile User Settings.
This chatbox is hidden. To reopen, edit your User Settings.
Evi had never thought that she'd ever believe that there was such a thing as too many books, but then she'd had to carry them, which had promptly changed her mind. Sometimes at home she'd had an awful habit of carrying sizeable stacks of books around but back then she'd been sensible about it; there had been a reasonable limit. Now, when the library was heaving (and, from the level of noise, Evi was sure that the majority were not regular attendants to the place of learning), all common sense seemed to have gone flying out the window.
There seemed to be no adherence to the unspoken social etiquette that governed the vast library: that which insisted on relative silence in all areas. This was not a playground; some people actually had to study. A few well-aimed glares had a number of people hushing, but it was not enough and the Antonis daughter, expression set into one of utmost contempt for the general public, grabbed the book she wanted from the shelf and stalked down the stacks of shelves towards the staircase.
The lowermost floor, housing all tomes on the sciences and related subjects, was where Evi would normally work, for it was also where the comfiest working stations were located. However there was no hope of drowning out the chatter and laughter today, so she decided to try her luck on the level above, where students of the arts usually set up camp. She had been up here a number of times: sometimes to work with her sister; other times just to just learn something different.
Today it was just to find some peace in which to read. Evi climbed onto the landing of the first floor and strode forward with purpose, head held high. As she always expected, people would move out of her way; her path was straight with no twisting between milling people. Occasionally she would nod in acknowledgement to those who bowed their own heads, murmuring “My Lady,” as he passed them. It was not unexpected: Evi was a member of the House of Antonis, not an heir, but it was a courtesy that most natural-born Athenian citizens would bestow upon her and her elite contemporaries regardless.
Eventually, she found a table in a secluded part of the library. But there was still the problem of so many books. It wasn't her fault that every book she searched for was in close proximity to many other books that caught her eye. Admittedly, when she'd arrived at the table with the third stack without even having begun her study session, she probably should have realised that she'd gone overboard.
There wasn't much of a chance that Evi would be getting through all of these books today, but she'd certainly be making a list of all those she'd collected so she could find them again and tick them off once she'd perused them. In fact, that turned out to be the young woman's first order of business, scribbling down the multitude of titles, filling a page with neat print. She was inclined to write in script but as soon as that happened, she'd get carried away in her excitement and it would become illegible. It had happened more than once before that she'd been unable to decipher her own scrawl. It would be a disaster if she couldn't read the book titles… but carefully printing each letter was also agonisingly slow so she allowed herself to write in a careful script instead once she opened the first tome, taking pains to keep her excitement in check.
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.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
There were too many books.
Evi had never thought that she'd ever believe that there was such a thing as too many books, but then she'd had to carry them, which had promptly changed her mind. Sometimes at home she'd had an awful habit of carrying sizeable stacks of books around but back then she'd been sensible about it; there had been a reasonable limit. Now, when the library was heaving (and, from the level of noise, Evi was sure that the majority were not regular attendants to the place of learning), all common sense seemed to have gone flying out the window.
There seemed to be no adherence to the unspoken social etiquette that governed the vast library: that which insisted on relative silence in all areas. This was not a playground; some people actually had to study. A few well-aimed glares had a number of people hushing, but it was not enough and the Antonis daughter, expression set into one of utmost contempt for the general public, grabbed the book she wanted from the shelf and stalked down the stacks of shelves towards the staircase.
The lowermost floor, housing all tomes on the sciences and related subjects, was where Evi would normally work, for it was also where the comfiest working stations were located. However there was no hope of drowning out the chatter and laughter today, so she decided to try her luck on the level above, where students of the arts usually set up camp. She had been up here a number of times: sometimes to work with her sister; other times just to just learn something different.
Today it was just to find some peace in which to read. Evi climbed onto the landing of the first floor and strode forward with purpose, head held high. As she always expected, people would move out of her way; her path was straight with no twisting between milling people. Occasionally she would nod in acknowledgement to those who bowed their own heads, murmuring “My Lady,” as he passed them. It was not unexpected: Evi was a member of the House of Antonis, not an heir, but it was a courtesy that most natural-born Athenian citizens would bestow upon her and her elite contemporaries regardless.
Eventually, she found a table in a secluded part of the library. But there was still the problem of so many books. It wasn't her fault that every book she searched for was in close proximity to many other books that caught her eye. Admittedly, when she'd arrived at the table with the third stack without even having begun her study session, she probably should have realised that she'd gone overboard.
There wasn't much of a chance that Evi would be getting through all of these books today, but she'd certainly be making a list of all those she'd collected so she could find them again and tick them off once she'd perused them. In fact, that turned out to be the young woman's first order of business, scribbling down the multitude of titles, filling a page with neat print. She was inclined to write in script but as soon as that happened, she'd get carried away in her excitement and it would become illegible. It had happened more than once before that she'd been unable to decipher her own scrawl. It would be a disaster if she couldn't read the book titles… but carefully printing each letter was also agonisingly slow so she allowed herself to write in a careful script instead once she opened the first tome, taking pains to keep her excitement in check.
There were too many books.
Evi had never thought that she'd ever believe that there was such a thing as too many books, but then she'd had to carry them, which had promptly changed her mind. Sometimes at home she'd had an awful habit of carrying sizeable stacks of books around but back then she'd been sensible about it; there had been a reasonable limit. Now, when the library was heaving (and, from the level of noise, Evi was sure that the majority were not regular attendants to the place of learning), all common sense seemed to have gone flying out the window.
There seemed to be no adherence to the unspoken social etiquette that governed the vast library: that which insisted on relative silence in all areas. This was not a playground; some people actually had to study. A few well-aimed glares had a number of people hushing, but it was not enough and the Antonis daughter, expression set into one of utmost contempt for the general public, grabbed the book she wanted from the shelf and stalked down the stacks of shelves towards the staircase.
The lowermost floor, housing all tomes on the sciences and related subjects, was where Evi would normally work, for it was also where the comfiest working stations were located. However there was no hope of drowning out the chatter and laughter today, so she decided to try her luck on the level above, where students of the arts usually set up camp. She had been up here a number of times: sometimes to work with her sister; other times just to just learn something different.
Today it was just to find some peace in which to read. Evi climbed onto the landing of the first floor and strode forward with purpose, head held high. As she always expected, people would move out of her way; her path was straight with no twisting between milling people. Occasionally she would nod in acknowledgement to those who bowed their own heads, murmuring “My Lady,” as he passed them. It was not unexpected: Evi was a member of the House of Antonis, not an heir, but it was a courtesy that most natural-born Athenian citizens would bestow upon her and her elite contemporaries regardless.
Eventually, she found a table in a secluded part of the library. But there was still the problem of so many books. It wasn't her fault that every book she searched for was in close proximity to many other books that caught her eye. Admittedly, when she'd arrived at the table with the third stack without even having begun her study session, she probably should have realised that she'd gone overboard.
There wasn't much of a chance that Evi would be getting through all of these books today, but she'd certainly be making a list of all those she'd collected so she could find them again and tick them off once she'd perused them. In fact, that turned out to be the young woman's first order of business, scribbling down the multitude of titles, filling a page with neat print. She was inclined to write in script but as soon as that happened, she'd get carried away in her excitement and it would become illegible. It had happened more than once before that she'd been unable to decipher her own scrawl. It would be a disaster if she couldn't read the book titles… but carefully printing each letter was also agonisingly slow so she allowed herself to write in a careful script instead once she opened the first tome, taking pains to keep her excitement in check.
It was seldom that the Lord Elias of Stravos was seen at the University. Hailing from the wealthiest of the noble houses of Athenia, all that was available to him here in terms of knowledge to be had was available to him wherever he chose to have it. Dozens of tutors had been solicited in his lifetime, from topics as esoteric as the history of the kingdom of Athenia to as practical as the merits of martial combat. The mind of Elias of Stravos was a honed blade, paired in tandem with a tongue that could wedge into the heart of the most stalwart resistance and crumble it into nothingness: he was in his not-so-humble opinion a force to be reckoned with.
However, there was one particular note of interest that brought him here. Elias' barony of Lyncestia was flourishing under his careful guidance. He'd always wondered if it was a test, from both his Uncle Minas and his own father Keikelius to bestow upon Elias such a meager barony. After all, Elias of Stravos was not just a lord, but with the absence of males in Minas' direct bloodline, the second successor in line for the throne of Athenia itself. According to all of the meetings he'd attended in the Senate and the conversations he'd had with the first in line, the great Alehandros of Antonis, second in line was looking less and less likely. The king's health was waning and all of the world could only watch and count down as the King of Athenia succumbed to time. His daughter, Persephone, was acting as his shadow queen, signing decrees and orders at his behest.
It irritated Elias to no end. Why would Minas not call to him? Minas was Elias' uncle and he'd seen or done very little to disrupt the positive rapport they'd had in his youth when Minas was healthier. Jealousy welled within Elias at the idea of Persephone being so privy to the runnings of the kingdom, and thoughts welled within him to separate the princess from her father and take that place. Was it not appropriate, after all, for Elias of Stravos to help his beloved uncle rule? Elias looked in the library this day for books of law that might relate to his dilemma, to draw from the precedents of the past and make the decision best suited to draw himself to the throne. Elias of Stravos was, after all, a courtier that languished in the meager throes of barony. It was not enough for him.
Elias pilfered throughout the library, taking book after book until the weight of the few but very thick tomes he'd laid his hand upon pulled at his muscles. It was not overly heavy, but the bulk was a discomfort. Elias of Stravos wished not to travel very far and the distant murmur of 'My lady' was heard between an adjacent stack. Elias of Stravos arched his eyebrow in surprise, wondering just which of the nobility might be dwelling within the University at this time. There were so many men that could be the answer had the address been different. However, a woman? Elias of Stravos did not seek to be presumptuous. There were a keen few women within the court of Athenia, who deserved the title murmured from peasant lips and thrown about in the silence of the library. His curiosity was piqued and he required an answer.
And so, Elias pulled his books close to his chest, bringing them square into the center of his strength as he sifted between the stacks up until he'd emerged from the hall of tomes to find his query. Elias of Stravos was quite embarrassed to realize that he wasn't entirely sure who he was looking at. However, he was quite pleased with what he saw. Honeyed hues landed upon the stunningly beautiful features that adorned the noble. He scrutinized her expression, even as it was bowed. She dove nosefirst into her books, clearly as enthralled as he was by whatever question or query she sought answers of. He thought for a moment that she might be reading fiction or myth, but truly the thought of what she sought to indulge in waned away. Elias of Stravos was pulled into memory, allowing his mind to sift into the court meetings he'd attended over and over again. In his half-drunken, half-asleep stupors he recalled an introduction given.
Lady Evi of Antonis. Thank the Gods that they sought fit to bestow upon me a memory as sharp as my beauty, he mused. Elias of Stravos oft did not care for the youngest generation of noble adults. Emilia of Xanthos had been the most notable of them, not for her beauty, which he felt paled to the delicious sight that was ahead of him, but for her title. Princess. Evi of Antonis was not so lucky, born several siblings down from any sort of inheritance.
But with beauty like that... one hardly needs inheritance, he reflected. He drew closer, his feet carrying him independent of conscious command. Elias of Stravos did not ask to sit, but rather took his place immediately in front of Evi of Antonis. The Stravos did not seek to immediately attract the woman's attention. For they were in a library and talking without cause seemed the epitome of reason to attract this bookish soul's ire. He could read her face, how intently and excitedly it delved into the pages she ruminated over. No, he'd allow himself not to disturb her just yet. Instead, the Stravos allowed a cautious hand to smooth the silk of his crimson-dyed chiton, which bore all of the colors and honors that were given to his illustrious lineage. He quickly sought to make himself impeccable, a short effort given the exquisitely divine nature of his beauty. Then, he pried open his book, beginning to delve into the pages before he let a 'tch' of frustration escape his lips.
"Lady Evi," he called out, his voice low as a conspiratorial whisper. He leaned forward, setting his book open and down in front of him.
"I seem to have forgotten my implements in my haste to arrive. Could I trouble you in sharing?" he asked. It was a convenient truth, one he could've ignored and allowed his sharp recollection to tide over. But why would he do that? Troubling the woman for her resources was exactly what he wanted to do, if it meant talking to her.
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.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
It was seldom that the Lord Elias of Stravos was seen at the University. Hailing from the wealthiest of the noble houses of Athenia, all that was available to him here in terms of knowledge to be had was available to him wherever he chose to have it. Dozens of tutors had been solicited in his lifetime, from topics as esoteric as the history of the kingdom of Athenia to as practical as the merits of martial combat. The mind of Elias of Stravos was a honed blade, paired in tandem with a tongue that could wedge into the heart of the most stalwart resistance and crumble it into nothingness: he was in his not-so-humble opinion a force to be reckoned with.
However, there was one particular note of interest that brought him here. Elias' barony of Lyncestia was flourishing under his careful guidance. He'd always wondered if it was a test, from both his Uncle Minas and his own father Keikelius to bestow upon Elias such a meager barony. After all, Elias of Stravos was not just a lord, but with the absence of males in Minas' direct bloodline, the second successor in line for the throne of Athenia itself. According to all of the meetings he'd attended in the Senate and the conversations he'd had with the first in line, the great Alehandros of Antonis, second in line was looking less and less likely. The king's health was waning and all of the world could only watch and count down as the King of Athenia succumbed to time. His daughter, Persephone, was acting as his shadow queen, signing decrees and orders at his behest.
It irritated Elias to no end. Why would Minas not call to him? Minas was Elias' uncle and he'd seen or done very little to disrupt the positive rapport they'd had in his youth when Minas was healthier. Jealousy welled within Elias at the idea of Persephone being so privy to the runnings of the kingdom, and thoughts welled within him to separate the princess from her father and take that place. Was it not appropriate, after all, for Elias of Stravos to help his beloved uncle rule? Elias looked in the library this day for books of law that might relate to his dilemma, to draw from the precedents of the past and make the decision best suited to draw himself to the throne. Elias of Stravos was, after all, a courtier that languished in the meager throes of barony. It was not enough for him.
Elias pilfered throughout the library, taking book after book until the weight of the few but very thick tomes he'd laid his hand upon pulled at his muscles. It was not overly heavy, but the bulk was a discomfort. Elias of Stravos wished not to travel very far and the distant murmur of 'My lady' was heard between an adjacent stack. Elias of Stravos arched his eyebrow in surprise, wondering just which of the nobility might be dwelling within the University at this time. There were so many men that could be the answer had the address been different. However, a woman? Elias of Stravos did not seek to be presumptuous. There were a keen few women within the court of Athenia, who deserved the title murmured from peasant lips and thrown about in the silence of the library. His curiosity was piqued and he required an answer.
And so, Elias pulled his books close to his chest, bringing them square into the center of his strength as he sifted between the stacks up until he'd emerged from the hall of tomes to find his query. Elias of Stravos was quite embarrassed to realize that he wasn't entirely sure who he was looking at. However, he was quite pleased with what he saw. Honeyed hues landed upon the stunningly beautiful features that adorned the noble. He scrutinized her expression, even as it was bowed. She dove nosefirst into her books, clearly as enthralled as he was by whatever question or query she sought answers of. He thought for a moment that she might be reading fiction or myth, but truly the thought of what she sought to indulge in waned away. Elias of Stravos was pulled into memory, allowing his mind to sift into the court meetings he'd attended over and over again. In his half-drunken, half-asleep stupors he recalled an introduction given.
Lady Evi of Antonis. Thank the Gods that they sought fit to bestow upon me a memory as sharp as my beauty, he mused. Elias of Stravos oft did not care for the youngest generation of noble adults. Emilia of Xanthos had been the most notable of them, not for her beauty, which he felt paled to the delicious sight that was ahead of him, but for her title. Princess. Evi of Antonis was not so lucky, born several siblings down from any sort of inheritance.
But with beauty like that... one hardly needs inheritance, he reflected. He drew closer, his feet carrying him independent of conscious command. Elias of Stravos did not ask to sit, but rather took his place immediately in front of Evi of Antonis. The Stravos did not seek to immediately attract the woman's attention. For they were in a library and talking without cause seemed the epitome of reason to attract this bookish soul's ire. He could read her face, how intently and excitedly it delved into the pages she ruminated over. No, he'd allow himself not to disturb her just yet. Instead, the Stravos allowed a cautious hand to smooth the silk of his crimson-dyed chiton, which bore all of the colors and honors that were given to his illustrious lineage. He quickly sought to make himself impeccable, a short effort given the exquisitely divine nature of his beauty. Then, he pried open his book, beginning to delve into the pages before he let a 'tch' of frustration escape his lips.
"Lady Evi," he called out, his voice low as a conspiratorial whisper. He leaned forward, setting his book open and down in front of him.
"I seem to have forgotten my implements in my haste to arrive. Could I trouble you in sharing?" he asked. It was a convenient truth, one he could've ignored and allowed his sharp recollection to tide over. But why would he do that? Troubling the woman for her resources was exactly what he wanted to do, if it meant talking to her.
It was seldom that the Lord Elias of Stravos was seen at the University. Hailing from the wealthiest of the noble houses of Athenia, all that was available to him here in terms of knowledge to be had was available to him wherever he chose to have it. Dozens of tutors had been solicited in his lifetime, from topics as esoteric as the history of the kingdom of Athenia to as practical as the merits of martial combat. The mind of Elias of Stravos was a honed blade, paired in tandem with a tongue that could wedge into the heart of the most stalwart resistance and crumble it into nothingness: he was in his not-so-humble opinion a force to be reckoned with.
However, there was one particular note of interest that brought him here. Elias' barony of Lyncestia was flourishing under his careful guidance. He'd always wondered if it was a test, from both his Uncle Minas and his own father Keikelius to bestow upon Elias such a meager barony. After all, Elias of Stravos was not just a lord, but with the absence of males in Minas' direct bloodline, the second successor in line for the throne of Athenia itself. According to all of the meetings he'd attended in the Senate and the conversations he'd had with the first in line, the great Alehandros of Antonis, second in line was looking less and less likely. The king's health was waning and all of the world could only watch and count down as the King of Athenia succumbed to time. His daughter, Persephone, was acting as his shadow queen, signing decrees and orders at his behest.
It irritated Elias to no end. Why would Minas not call to him? Minas was Elias' uncle and he'd seen or done very little to disrupt the positive rapport they'd had in his youth when Minas was healthier. Jealousy welled within Elias at the idea of Persephone being so privy to the runnings of the kingdom, and thoughts welled within him to separate the princess from her father and take that place. Was it not appropriate, after all, for Elias of Stravos to help his beloved uncle rule? Elias looked in the library this day for books of law that might relate to his dilemma, to draw from the precedents of the past and make the decision best suited to draw himself to the throne. Elias of Stravos was, after all, a courtier that languished in the meager throes of barony. It was not enough for him.
Elias pilfered throughout the library, taking book after book until the weight of the few but very thick tomes he'd laid his hand upon pulled at his muscles. It was not overly heavy, but the bulk was a discomfort. Elias of Stravos wished not to travel very far and the distant murmur of 'My lady' was heard between an adjacent stack. Elias of Stravos arched his eyebrow in surprise, wondering just which of the nobility might be dwelling within the University at this time. There were so many men that could be the answer had the address been different. However, a woman? Elias of Stravos did not seek to be presumptuous. There were a keen few women within the court of Athenia, who deserved the title murmured from peasant lips and thrown about in the silence of the library. His curiosity was piqued and he required an answer.
And so, Elias pulled his books close to his chest, bringing them square into the center of his strength as he sifted between the stacks up until he'd emerged from the hall of tomes to find his query. Elias of Stravos was quite embarrassed to realize that he wasn't entirely sure who he was looking at. However, he was quite pleased with what he saw. Honeyed hues landed upon the stunningly beautiful features that adorned the noble. He scrutinized her expression, even as it was bowed. She dove nosefirst into her books, clearly as enthralled as he was by whatever question or query she sought answers of. He thought for a moment that she might be reading fiction or myth, but truly the thought of what she sought to indulge in waned away. Elias of Stravos was pulled into memory, allowing his mind to sift into the court meetings he'd attended over and over again. In his half-drunken, half-asleep stupors he recalled an introduction given.
Lady Evi of Antonis. Thank the Gods that they sought fit to bestow upon me a memory as sharp as my beauty, he mused. Elias of Stravos oft did not care for the youngest generation of noble adults. Emilia of Xanthos had been the most notable of them, not for her beauty, which he felt paled to the delicious sight that was ahead of him, but for her title. Princess. Evi of Antonis was not so lucky, born several siblings down from any sort of inheritance.
But with beauty like that... one hardly needs inheritance, he reflected. He drew closer, his feet carrying him independent of conscious command. Elias of Stravos did not ask to sit, but rather took his place immediately in front of Evi of Antonis. The Stravos did not seek to immediately attract the woman's attention. For they were in a library and talking without cause seemed the epitome of reason to attract this bookish soul's ire. He could read her face, how intently and excitedly it delved into the pages she ruminated over. No, he'd allow himself not to disturb her just yet. Instead, the Stravos allowed a cautious hand to smooth the silk of his crimson-dyed chiton, which bore all of the colors and honors that were given to his illustrious lineage. He quickly sought to make himself impeccable, a short effort given the exquisitely divine nature of his beauty. Then, he pried open his book, beginning to delve into the pages before he let a 'tch' of frustration escape his lips.
"Lady Evi," he called out, his voice low as a conspiratorial whisper. He leaned forward, setting his book open and down in front of him.
"I seem to have forgotten my implements in my haste to arrive. Could I trouble you in sharing?" he asked. It was a convenient truth, one he could've ignored and allowed his sharp recollection to tide over. But why would he do that? Troubling the woman for her resources was exactly what he wanted to do, if it meant talking to her.
On any other day, Evi would be so engrossed in the books before her that everything else falls away, the world stopping for a time. The books on her table wait to speak their words, their ink on papery leaves that will always stay, even though centuries may pass. They invite a conversation with their reader’s thoughts, one unspoken and kind... so unlike anything else in this world.
With her list of book finished, the Antonis daughter turns to the first one she picked up. Bound in soft red leather, cracked and dry with age, the thin volume smells faintly of pipe tobacco and dust. The pages within are well maintained so as not to become brittle, but what remains of the book’s delicate original stitching is barely holding it together. She is overly careful in turning the pages, refusing to allow her overzealous reading style damage the tome any further.
So… on any other day, the book would have been enough to hold her attention. But not today. A chance upwards glance between the turning of the page rendered such an easy thing impossible. She spied the Stravos Lord before he had seen her, and her eye quickly darted down to her book, heart rabbiting up in her chest. She felt, rather than saw, Elia’s approach Her eyes hadn't left the pages of her book, but she had long stopped reading. She was trying to give the impression of casual indifference and distraction. It probably wasn't working.
He hadn’t spoken very loudly, but there was definitely an edge of command in his voice. He was a Lord, destined for a much higher position than she, after all, and used to being obeyed. Breathing in a shallow breath, the Antonis daughter glanced upwards. The smile that fell upon her lips was entirely natural and genuine. Oddly, for all her bookish ways, she finds it easiest to identify events, immaterial experiences that trigger positive responses. His presence was one such moment, eyes alight, unable to mask her pleasure at his attentions.
“I, ah,” Who would have thought it - Evi of Antonis, lost for words. “I only have one ink bottle with me, but I can lend you a nib?” She turned to her bag, ducking her head under the table to rumbaing through it. Pen found, she pushed it halfway across the table then turned back to her own book. Seconds later, her cheeks flushed with colour, “Oh, and…” she lifted the page she had been writing on and pulled out a few blank sheets from underneath, passing them over too.
She glanced around, feeling anxious under the gaze of the man. Surely all eyes were on them, the way heat flushed her cheeks rose. No one was paying them the least bit of attention, all so absorbed with their own books and conversations. The noise level was still too high for her liking. Her expression darkened at the sudden, high-pitched laughter from a table hidden behind stacks of shelves. “You picked a poor day to visit the library, My Lord. The pace in here is… well not sedate but normally more calm.”
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.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
On any other day, Evi would be so engrossed in the books before her that everything else falls away, the world stopping for a time. The books on her table wait to speak their words, their ink on papery leaves that will always stay, even though centuries may pass. They invite a conversation with their reader’s thoughts, one unspoken and kind... so unlike anything else in this world.
With her list of book finished, the Antonis daughter turns to the first one she picked up. Bound in soft red leather, cracked and dry with age, the thin volume smells faintly of pipe tobacco and dust. The pages within are well maintained so as not to become brittle, but what remains of the book’s delicate original stitching is barely holding it together. She is overly careful in turning the pages, refusing to allow her overzealous reading style damage the tome any further.
So… on any other day, the book would have been enough to hold her attention. But not today. A chance upwards glance between the turning of the page rendered such an easy thing impossible. She spied the Stravos Lord before he had seen her, and her eye quickly darted down to her book, heart rabbiting up in her chest. She felt, rather than saw, Elia’s approach Her eyes hadn't left the pages of her book, but she had long stopped reading. She was trying to give the impression of casual indifference and distraction. It probably wasn't working.
He hadn’t spoken very loudly, but there was definitely an edge of command in his voice. He was a Lord, destined for a much higher position than she, after all, and used to being obeyed. Breathing in a shallow breath, the Antonis daughter glanced upwards. The smile that fell upon her lips was entirely natural and genuine. Oddly, for all her bookish ways, she finds it easiest to identify events, immaterial experiences that trigger positive responses. His presence was one such moment, eyes alight, unable to mask her pleasure at his attentions.
“I, ah,” Who would have thought it - Evi of Antonis, lost for words. “I only have one ink bottle with me, but I can lend you a nib?” She turned to her bag, ducking her head under the table to rumbaing through it. Pen found, she pushed it halfway across the table then turned back to her own book. Seconds later, her cheeks flushed with colour, “Oh, and…” she lifted the page she had been writing on and pulled out a few blank sheets from underneath, passing them over too.
She glanced around, feeling anxious under the gaze of the man. Surely all eyes were on them, the way heat flushed her cheeks rose. No one was paying them the least bit of attention, all so absorbed with their own books and conversations. The noise level was still too high for her liking. Her expression darkened at the sudden, high-pitched laughter from a table hidden behind stacks of shelves. “You picked a poor day to visit the library, My Lord. The pace in here is… well not sedate but normally more calm.”
On any other day, Evi would be so engrossed in the books before her that everything else falls away, the world stopping for a time. The books on her table wait to speak their words, their ink on papery leaves that will always stay, even though centuries may pass. They invite a conversation with their reader’s thoughts, one unspoken and kind... so unlike anything else in this world.
With her list of book finished, the Antonis daughter turns to the first one she picked up. Bound in soft red leather, cracked and dry with age, the thin volume smells faintly of pipe tobacco and dust. The pages within are well maintained so as not to become brittle, but what remains of the book’s delicate original stitching is barely holding it together. She is overly careful in turning the pages, refusing to allow her overzealous reading style damage the tome any further.
So… on any other day, the book would have been enough to hold her attention. But not today. A chance upwards glance between the turning of the page rendered such an easy thing impossible. She spied the Stravos Lord before he had seen her, and her eye quickly darted down to her book, heart rabbiting up in her chest. She felt, rather than saw, Elia’s approach Her eyes hadn't left the pages of her book, but she had long stopped reading. She was trying to give the impression of casual indifference and distraction. It probably wasn't working.
He hadn’t spoken very loudly, but there was definitely an edge of command in his voice. He was a Lord, destined for a much higher position than she, after all, and used to being obeyed. Breathing in a shallow breath, the Antonis daughter glanced upwards. The smile that fell upon her lips was entirely natural and genuine. Oddly, for all her bookish ways, she finds it easiest to identify events, immaterial experiences that trigger positive responses. His presence was one such moment, eyes alight, unable to mask her pleasure at his attentions.
“I, ah,” Who would have thought it - Evi of Antonis, lost for words. “I only have one ink bottle with me, but I can lend you a nib?” She turned to her bag, ducking her head under the table to rumbaing through it. Pen found, she pushed it halfway across the table then turned back to her own book. Seconds later, her cheeks flushed with colour, “Oh, and…” she lifted the page she had been writing on and pulled out a few blank sheets from underneath, passing them over too.
She glanced around, feeling anxious under the gaze of the man. Surely all eyes were on them, the way heat flushed her cheeks rose. No one was paying them the least bit of attention, all so absorbed with their own books and conversations. The noise level was still too high for her liking. Her expression darkened at the sudden, high-pitched laughter from a table hidden behind stacks of shelves. “You picked a poor day to visit the library, My Lord. The pace in here is… well not sedate but normally more calm.”
There it was.
Elias of Stravos couldn't help but silently revel in the effect he had on those in his presence. The mind of a woman was a subtle thing, and even some of the more keen ones couldn't help themselves in the presence that was him.
Blessed by the Gods.
For ten years Elias of Stravos had been surrounded in mystique, a sort of whisper that grew louder when he passed. He relished in the idea of being immortalized through gossip, the hearts and minds of the people of Athenia needed to be his if he was ever to be king. It was one thing to be a king, but another altogether to be a king risen to the reputation of a godling. The Stravos heir looked forward to the day the regal crown settled upon his head, but he wasn't so eager as to wish his once-beloved uncle's death. Instead, Elias allowed his need to be recognized to blossom in conversation with those dashing women so deserving of his attention. Evi of Antonis was, of course, such a girl. She was a flower just out of bloom, swayed by the wind that was the very sight of him. Elias mused for a moment, just how intensely she felt that it showed so marvelously within her extremely striking eyes.
Yes, please. Give me everything, my dear, he reflected as he reached forward, his lips curved into a wide smile. Each impossibly straight, white tooth was available for Evi's inspection as that dashing smile widened for a brief moment. So pleased was the Stravos, but once he deigned it appropriate to speak, those teeth shelved away and he brought a hand forward. Elias had every intention, now that he could see how Evi of Antonis felt around him, to push her just that little bit further. When she extended her hand to place the sheets on the table, he reached out, allowing his fingertips to play a slow caress along the back of her hand before he took hold of the nib and placed it on his side. He was more than glad to have opportunity upon opportunity to draw closer to her.
Of course Elias would only need ink when she did. It was the miracle of happenstance, after all. But, rather than dwell on that, he allowed his honeyed hues to splay their intense gaze about the woman's features. He let him catch her striking blue eyes, the smile on his lips drawing to his eyes when the former parted to answer her,
"That's quite alright, Lady Evi. I can't believe how silly I was to leave everything at Archontiko Stravos! It's not oft that I visit, but there it is," he ruminated aloud, allowing a somewhat wistful tune to sing into his voice. That wasn't quite the truth, however. Elias of Stravos was both senator and baron, visiting Athenia whenever the occasion arose. However, his visits were short enough and he spent the majority of his time overseeing the growth of his province. Wealth and accolade had come to Lyncestia and he had every intention of proving to Minas and Keikelius that their lack of faith in him was entirely asinine. When Evi spoke again, Elias of Stravos had already allowed his gaze to lower, letting his fingers dash along the yellowed page of the tome as he allowed himself to copy several of the laws regarding royal succession. He raised his head anew, putting down the borrowed nib as a fresh smile wore upon his flawless countenance.
"I would argue, my lady, that I've come on the perfect day. It is, after all, so very rare that the most beautiful of the Antonis is here to save the day, isn't it?"
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.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
There it was.
Elias of Stravos couldn't help but silently revel in the effect he had on those in his presence. The mind of a woman was a subtle thing, and even some of the more keen ones couldn't help themselves in the presence that was him.
Blessed by the Gods.
For ten years Elias of Stravos had been surrounded in mystique, a sort of whisper that grew louder when he passed. He relished in the idea of being immortalized through gossip, the hearts and minds of the people of Athenia needed to be his if he was ever to be king. It was one thing to be a king, but another altogether to be a king risen to the reputation of a godling. The Stravos heir looked forward to the day the regal crown settled upon his head, but he wasn't so eager as to wish his once-beloved uncle's death. Instead, Elias allowed his need to be recognized to blossom in conversation with those dashing women so deserving of his attention. Evi of Antonis was, of course, such a girl. She was a flower just out of bloom, swayed by the wind that was the very sight of him. Elias mused for a moment, just how intensely she felt that it showed so marvelously within her extremely striking eyes.
Yes, please. Give me everything, my dear, he reflected as he reached forward, his lips curved into a wide smile. Each impossibly straight, white tooth was available for Evi's inspection as that dashing smile widened for a brief moment. So pleased was the Stravos, but once he deigned it appropriate to speak, those teeth shelved away and he brought a hand forward. Elias had every intention, now that he could see how Evi of Antonis felt around him, to push her just that little bit further. When she extended her hand to place the sheets on the table, he reached out, allowing his fingertips to play a slow caress along the back of her hand before he took hold of the nib and placed it on his side. He was more than glad to have opportunity upon opportunity to draw closer to her.
Of course Elias would only need ink when she did. It was the miracle of happenstance, after all. But, rather than dwell on that, he allowed his honeyed hues to splay their intense gaze about the woman's features. He let him catch her striking blue eyes, the smile on his lips drawing to his eyes when the former parted to answer her,
"That's quite alright, Lady Evi. I can't believe how silly I was to leave everything at Archontiko Stravos! It's not oft that I visit, but there it is," he ruminated aloud, allowing a somewhat wistful tune to sing into his voice. That wasn't quite the truth, however. Elias of Stravos was both senator and baron, visiting Athenia whenever the occasion arose. However, his visits were short enough and he spent the majority of his time overseeing the growth of his province. Wealth and accolade had come to Lyncestia and he had every intention of proving to Minas and Keikelius that their lack of faith in him was entirely asinine. When Evi spoke again, Elias of Stravos had already allowed his gaze to lower, letting his fingers dash along the yellowed page of the tome as he allowed himself to copy several of the laws regarding royal succession. He raised his head anew, putting down the borrowed nib as a fresh smile wore upon his flawless countenance.
"I would argue, my lady, that I've come on the perfect day. It is, after all, so very rare that the most beautiful of the Antonis is here to save the day, isn't it?"
There it was.
Elias of Stravos couldn't help but silently revel in the effect he had on those in his presence. The mind of a woman was a subtle thing, and even some of the more keen ones couldn't help themselves in the presence that was him.
Blessed by the Gods.
For ten years Elias of Stravos had been surrounded in mystique, a sort of whisper that grew louder when he passed. He relished in the idea of being immortalized through gossip, the hearts and minds of the people of Athenia needed to be his if he was ever to be king. It was one thing to be a king, but another altogether to be a king risen to the reputation of a godling. The Stravos heir looked forward to the day the regal crown settled upon his head, but he wasn't so eager as to wish his once-beloved uncle's death. Instead, Elias allowed his need to be recognized to blossom in conversation with those dashing women so deserving of his attention. Evi of Antonis was, of course, such a girl. She was a flower just out of bloom, swayed by the wind that was the very sight of him. Elias mused for a moment, just how intensely she felt that it showed so marvelously within her extremely striking eyes.
Yes, please. Give me everything, my dear, he reflected as he reached forward, his lips curved into a wide smile. Each impossibly straight, white tooth was available for Evi's inspection as that dashing smile widened for a brief moment. So pleased was the Stravos, but once he deigned it appropriate to speak, those teeth shelved away and he brought a hand forward. Elias had every intention, now that he could see how Evi of Antonis felt around him, to push her just that little bit further. When she extended her hand to place the sheets on the table, he reached out, allowing his fingertips to play a slow caress along the back of her hand before he took hold of the nib and placed it on his side. He was more than glad to have opportunity upon opportunity to draw closer to her.
Of course Elias would only need ink when she did. It was the miracle of happenstance, after all. But, rather than dwell on that, he allowed his honeyed hues to splay their intense gaze about the woman's features. He let him catch her striking blue eyes, the smile on his lips drawing to his eyes when the former parted to answer her,
"That's quite alright, Lady Evi. I can't believe how silly I was to leave everything at Archontiko Stravos! It's not oft that I visit, but there it is," he ruminated aloud, allowing a somewhat wistful tune to sing into his voice. That wasn't quite the truth, however. Elias of Stravos was both senator and baron, visiting Athenia whenever the occasion arose. However, his visits were short enough and he spent the majority of his time overseeing the growth of his province. Wealth and accolade had come to Lyncestia and he had every intention of proving to Minas and Keikelius that their lack of faith in him was entirely asinine. When Evi spoke again, Elias of Stravos had already allowed his gaze to lower, letting his fingers dash along the yellowed page of the tome as he allowed himself to copy several of the laws regarding royal succession. He raised his head anew, putting down the borrowed nib as a fresh smile wore upon his flawless countenance.
"I would argue, my lady, that I've come on the perfect day. It is, after all, so very rare that the most beautiful of the Antonis is here to save the day, isn't it?"
When she reached across the table with the parchment, he also reached across. Their fingers touched, his cool skin brushing lightly against warmer skin. What the young woman wouldn’t give right now than for the ground to swallow her whole, at least until she could stop blushing. That being said, she wouldn't mind disappearing for the rest of the day because, beyond her time studying, Evi hadn't no plans for being sociable today, much less with Elias. She was out of her element and she knew it. For the most part, she thought she would simply hold her tongue, she decided. Let everyone think that the the Antonis daughter was feeling quiet or shy; it was better than being deemed a fool.
No such luck, for Elias seemed to want to talk to her. The girl almost giggled, almost. “Yes, it does sound rather foolish, making the effort to come all the way to the library, with the clear intention of doing some research, and forgetting half of the things you need.” She turned back to her book, quietly continuing. Slowly, her left hand turned the page of the book that she had been studying and continued to jot down notes, “It’s lucky I was here to save you.”
The woman dipped her nib into the ink and tapped it gently against the side of the vial and lifted the pen so then the nib was held above her page. every time she did that, their hands touched, working in perfect unison, even to the point of running out of ink. Their work was the same synchronisation, and each time, she looked up, jolting as if a current of energy surged through her fingers each time. Heart fluttering nervously in her chest, she couldn’t help the small curl of the corners of her lips each time it happened, though she quickly dipped her head each time, forcing herself to look back to her books and the notes she was taking.
The notes made no sense. They were just words. The girl’s brow furrowed and she bit her lower lip, looking over the neatly written words in the book and then comparing them to her own scrawl. No, this definitely wasn’t what she was intending to learn about when she came to the library: she was good at this, what was wrong with her today. Apparently the young woman, who was normally so well put together, could be unravelled so easily by the Stravos sharing her table.
Evi closed the book and swapped her notes for a clean page of parchment, deciding to start fresh on a new topic. She read through the opening few paragraphs in no time at all, pulling out words here and there, but the whole thing made little sense. Then she tried again, but she found herself reading the same sentence over and over.
It was almost a reprieve from studying (Gods, what was with her today), when Elias spoke again. This time, she felt her ears and shoulders heat up with her cheeks. “I...” she stared at a point on the stack of shelves just over Elias’ right shoulder, rather than looking him in the eye. It was easier that way. “I know you have met my sisters and cousins, My Lord,” she finally found it within her to reply, “Flattery will not convince me of the outrageous lie you have just told.”
Finding a well of courage she didn’t know she had, the girl’s eyes winkles mischievously, “After all, I am here most days. If you were in the city enough, or were truly interested in my whereabouts, you might know that.”
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.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
When she reached across the table with the parchment, he also reached across. Their fingers touched, his cool skin brushing lightly against warmer skin. What the young woman wouldn’t give right now than for the ground to swallow her whole, at least until she could stop blushing. That being said, she wouldn't mind disappearing for the rest of the day because, beyond her time studying, Evi hadn't no plans for being sociable today, much less with Elias. She was out of her element and she knew it. For the most part, she thought she would simply hold her tongue, she decided. Let everyone think that the the Antonis daughter was feeling quiet or shy; it was better than being deemed a fool.
No such luck, for Elias seemed to want to talk to her. The girl almost giggled, almost. “Yes, it does sound rather foolish, making the effort to come all the way to the library, with the clear intention of doing some research, and forgetting half of the things you need.” She turned back to her book, quietly continuing. Slowly, her left hand turned the page of the book that she had been studying and continued to jot down notes, “It’s lucky I was here to save you.”
The woman dipped her nib into the ink and tapped it gently against the side of the vial and lifted the pen so then the nib was held above her page. every time she did that, their hands touched, working in perfect unison, even to the point of running out of ink. Their work was the same synchronisation, and each time, she looked up, jolting as if a current of energy surged through her fingers each time. Heart fluttering nervously in her chest, she couldn’t help the small curl of the corners of her lips each time it happened, though she quickly dipped her head each time, forcing herself to look back to her books and the notes she was taking.
The notes made no sense. They were just words. The girl’s brow furrowed and she bit her lower lip, looking over the neatly written words in the book and then comparing them to her own scrawl. No, this definitely wasn’t what she was intending to learn about when she came to the library: she was good at this, what was wrong with her today. Apparently the young woman, who was normally so well put together, could be unravelled so easily by the Stravos sharing her table.
Evi closed the book and swapped her notes for a clean page of parchment, deciding to start fresh on a new topic. She read through the opening few paragraphs in no time at all, pulling out words here and there, but the whole thing made little sense. Then she tried again, but she found herself reading the same sentence over and over.
It was almost a reprieve from studying (Gods, what was with her today), when Elias spoke again. This time, she felt her ears and shoulders heat up with her cheeks. “I...” she stared at a point on the stack of shelves just over Elias’ right shoulder, rather than looking him in the eye. It was easier that way. “I know you have met my sisters and cousins, My Lord,” she finally found it within her to reply, “Flattery will not convince me of the outrageous lie you have just told.”
Finding a well of courage she didn’t know she had, the girl’s eyes winkles mischievously, “After all, I am here most days. If you were in the city enough, or were truly interested in my whereabouts, you might know that.”
When she reached across the table with the parchment, he also reached across. Their fingers touched, his cool skin brushing lightly against warmer skin. What the young woman wouldn’t give right now than for the ground to swallow her whole, at least until she could stop blushing. That being said, she wouldn't mind disappearing for the rest of the day because, beyond her time studying, Evi hadn't no plans for being sociable today, much less with Elias. She was out of her element and she knew it. For the most part, she thought she would simply hold her tongue, she decided. Let everyone think that the the Antonis daughter was feeling quiet or shy; it was better than being deemed a fool.
No such luck, for Elias seemed to want to talk to her. The girl almost giggled, almost. “Yes, it does sound rather foolish, making the effort to come all the way to the library, with the clear intention of doing some research, and forgetting half of the things you need.” She turned back to her book, quietly continuing. Slowly, her left hand turned the page of the book that she had been studying and continued to jot down notes, “It’s lucky I was here to save you.”
The woman dipped her nib into the ink and tapped it gently against the side of the vial and lifted the pen so then the nib was held above her page. every time she did that, their hands touched, working in perfect unison, even to the point of running out of ink. Their work was the same synchronisation, and each time, she looked up, jolting as if a current of energy surged through her fingers each time. Heart fluttering nervously in her chest, she couldn’t help the small curl of the corners of her lips each time it happened, though she quickly dipped her head each time, forcing herself to look back to her books and the notes she was taking.
The notes made no sense. They were just words. The girl’s brow furrowed and she bit her lower lip, looking over the neatly written words in the book and then comparing them to her own scrawl. No, this definitely wasn’t what she was intending to learn about when she came to the library: she was good at this, what was wrong with her today. Apparently the young woman, who was normally so well put together, could be unravelled so easily by the Stravos sharing her table.
Evi closed the book and swapped her notes for a clean page of parchment, deciding to start fresh on a new topic. She read through the opening few paragraphs in no time at all, pulling out words here and there, but the whole thing made little sense. Then she tried again, but she found herself reading the same sentence over and over.
It was almost a reprieve from studying (Gods, what was with her today), when Elias spoke again. This time, she felt her ears and shoulders heat up with her cheeks. “I...” she stared at a point on the stack of shelves just over Elias’ right shoulder, rather than looking him in the eye. It was easier that way. “I know you have met my sisters and cousins, My Lord,” she finally found it within her to reply, “Flattery will not convince me of the outrageous lie you have just told.”
Finding a well of courage she didn’t know she had, the girl’s eyes winkles mischievously, “After all, I am here most days. If you were in the city enough, or were truly interested in my whereabouts, you might know that.”
Some of the nobility was keen to stay in their own lanes, to either rule their provinces, dwell within the court, socialize with others, or simply live the life of opulence off the backs of their parents efforts. And Elias was content to do a lot of that, as well. However, the heir and current Head of Stravos was not the one to take a back seat in things. He preferred to wield the reigns in all of the situations that directly involved him, the very quality which he deemed made it fit for him to rule all of Athenia.
It was his birthright.
However, he also was keen to take things slowly, to poke and prod at the sensitive nerves that controlled the reactions of those in front of him. The kingdom of Athenia was forgotten in the present as Elias of Stravos sought to play his game with the lovely daughter of Antonis. Then, she quipped at him, bringing rise to the first signs of the sharp wit that the young Evi was reputed to possess. She was reputed to be as hungry for attention as Elias himself, with beauty that could make even Elias of Stravos wonder if she too held a blessing from the Gods. But, the rumour mill was not so lavish in those praises of her and whenever he visited, the heir to Stravos was not so keen to remember her.
But then was then. And now was now. With the lovely Antonis within reach of him a sudden pull whirled about his senses. Attraction was a fickle thing and Evi was fresh, young and vivacious when at last she remembered how to speak. Low laughter pulled from Elias' lips, a sound that he quickly muffled with the covering of his mouth. The two were in the library and she'd made a joke? It was almost out of place, as if she was trying to get the Headlord in trouble. But, she clearly wasn't. She was jibing at him, the jest in well-meaning before she lowered herself to return to her notes. Elias was content to do the same, copying what he could and letting their hands touch with each dipping into the ink until even the cool fingertips of Elias' hand had warmed by the warmth of hers.
It was a contrast, a heavy flush perhaps? Was Evi so flustered by him that all of her body had become a heated furnace trying to cope with the very presence of him? Elias allowed the grin to materialize upon his lips once again, his eyebrows raised in a moment of surprise before a sort of acceptance cast upon his flawless countenance. Elias bowed his head to her before his honeyed hues raised up to meet hers once again.
"Luck, perhaps. Or a righteous twist of the Fates? It's a pleasure to be in your company and excellent fortune that your beauty is in equal measure with your generosity," he added. He couldn't resist. Elias was not so quick to compliment any man, for they were held to a different standard. Women, however, received a different side of Elias of Stravos. They received his compliment and flattery in number, his words such lavish praise that those so lucky to receive it indeed deserved to feel the reaction that Evi did. He could almost hear the heartbeat hammering in her chest, he could see the curve of her smile with every contact. It was sustenance to Elias' already enormous ego every time she showed her stark reactions.
Then, once the Stravos deigned it appropriate to speak again, Evi of Antonis was decidedly not looking directly at him. Instead she opted to stare at the wall or some pillar behind him. It didn't matter, but the fact that her eyes averted was all the validation he needed of his skill. She found her voice quickly enough, seemingly emboldened by the fact she wasn't seeing his features? Either way, it was a pleasure for the Stravos to listen to her speak, even if it was to call him out on a lie. But, was it a lie? Did she mean for even a moment to think that she was anything but beautiful? No, it seemed absurd that she think of herself as anything but lovely. Surely, all of her adult life was laden with young men her age fawning over her. Elias dissected what she said, and concluded that his lie was that she didn't spend so much time in the library to come be his savior.
In truth, she was right that the Stravos didn't know her whereabouts, but it wasn't due to a lack of interests. Lyncestia had been cutting into entirely too much of Elias' insatiable nature. He'd been overseeing construction, passing decrees within his province that benefitted those inside of it and the economy had flourished because of it. But, every single trip to Athenia to see his parents or attend the Senate alerted the lord to exactly what he was missing in his absence. He let a chuckle escape him as he countered her,
"You're right. I have met your sisters and cousins, but only in passing. I couldn't claim a conversation with them, even one as short as this one has been thus far. You, my lady Evi, are indisputably the most lovely of the Antonis bachelorettes, and it is folly for you to believe otherwise. Believe me, if I'd the memory to mind the fact that you lack a husband, I'd be certain to come to Athenia much more often."
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.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Some of the nobility was keen to stay in their own lanes, to either rule their provinces, dwell within the court, socialize with others, or simply live the life of opulence off the backs of their parents efforts. And Elias was content to do a lot of that, as well. However, the heir and current Head of Stravos was not the one to take a back seat in things. He preferred to wield the reigns in all of the situations that directly involved him, the very quality which he deemed made it fit for him to rule all of Athenia.
It was his birthright.
However, he also was keen to take things slowly, to poke and prod at the sensitive nerves that controlled the reactions of those in front of him. The kingdom of Athenia was forgotten in the present as Elias of Stravos sought to play his game with the lovely daughter of Antonis. Then, she quipped at him, bringing rise to the first signs of the sharp wit that the young Evi was reputed to possess. She was reputed to be as hungry for attention as Elias himself, with beauty that could make even Elias of Stravos wonder if she too held a blessing from the Gods. But, the rumour mill was not so lavish in those praises of her and whenever he visited, the heir to Stravos was not so keen to remember her.
But then was then. And now was now. With the lovely Antonis within reach of him a sudden pull whirled about his senses. Attraction was a fickle thing and Evi was fresh, young and vivacious when at last she remembered how to speak. Low laughter pulled from Elias' lips, a sound that he quickly muffled with the covering of his mouth. The two were in the library and she'd made a joke? It was almost out of place, as if she was trying to get the Headlord in trouble. But, she clearly wasn't. She was jibing at him, the jest in well-meaning before she lowered herself to return to her notes. Elias was content to do the same, copying what he could and letting their hands touch with each dipping into the ink until even the cool fingertips of Elias' hand had warmed by the warmth of hers.
It was a contrast, a heavy flush perhaps? Was Evi so flustered by him that all of her body had become a heated furnace trying to cope with the very presence of him? Elias allowed the grin to materialize upon his lips once again, his eyebrows raised in a moment of surprise before a sort of acceptance cast upon his flawless countenance. Elias bowed his head to her before his honeyed hues raised up to meet hers once again.
"Luck, perhaps. Or a righteous twist of the Fates? It's a pleasure to be in your company and excellent fortune that your beauty is in equal measure with your generosity," he added. He couldn't resist. Elias was not so quick to compliment any man, for they were held to a different standard. Women, however, received a different side of Elias of Stravos. They received his compliment and flattery in number, his words such lavish praise that those so lucky to receive it indeed deserved to feel the reaction that Evi did. He could almost hear the heartbeat hammering in her chest, he could see the curve of her smile with every contact. It was sustenance to Elias' already enormous ego every time she showed her stark reactions.
Then, once the Stravos deigned it appropriate to speak again, Evi of Antonis was decidedly not looking directly at him. Instead she opted to stare at the wall or some pillar behind him. It didn't matter, but the fact that her eyes averted was all the validation he needed of his skill. She found her voice quickly enough, seemingly emboldened by the fact she wasn't seeing his features? Either way, it was a pleasure for the Stravos to listen to her speak, even if it was to call him out on a lie. But, was it a lie? Did she mean for even a moment to think that she was anything but beautiful? No, it seemed absurd that she think of herself as anything but lovely. Surely, all of her adult life was laden with young men her age fawning over her. Elias dissected what she said, and concluded that his lie was that she didn't spend so much time in the library to come be his savior.
In truth, she was right that the Stravos didn't know her whereabouts, but it wasn't due to a lack of interests. Lyncestia had been cutting into entirely too much of Elias' insatiable nature. He'd been overseeing construction, passing decrees within his province that benefitted those inside of it and the economy had flourished because of it. But, every single trip to Athenia to see his parents or attend the Senate alerted the lord to exactly what he was missing in his absence. He let a chuckle escape him as he countered her,
"You're right. I have met your sisters and cousins, but only in passing. I couldn't claim a conversation with them, even one as short as this one has been thus far. You, my lady Evi, are indisputably the most lovely of the Antonis bachelorettes, and it is folly for you to believe otherwise. Believe me, if I'd the memory to mind the fact that you lack a husband, I'd be certain to come to Athenia much more often."
Some of the nobility was keen to stay in their own lanes, to either rule their provinces, dwell within the court, socialize with others, or simply live the life of opulence off the backs of their parents efforts. And Elias was content to do a lot of that, as well. However, the heir and current Head of Stravos was not the one to take a back seat in things. He preferred to wield the reigns in all of the situations that directly involved him, the very quality which he deemed made it fit for him to rule all of Athenia.
It was his birthright.
However, he also was keen to take things slowly, to poke and prod at the sensitive nerves that controlled the reactions of those in front of him. The kingdom of Athenia was forgotten in the present as Elias of Stravos sought to play his game with the lovely daughter of Antonis. Then, she quipped at him, bringing rise to the first signs of the sharp wit that the young Evi was reputed to possess. She was reputed to be as hungry for attention as Elias himself, with beauty that could make even Elias of Stravos wonder if she too held a blessing from the Gods. But, the rumour mill was not so lavish in those praises of her and whenever he visited, the heir to Stravos was not so keen to remember her.
But then was then. And now was now. With the lovely Antonis within reach of him a sudden pull whirled about his senses. Attraction was a fickle thing and Evi was fresh, young and vivacious when at last she remembered how to speak. Low laughter pulled from Elias' lips, a sound that he quickly muffled with the covering of his mouth. The two were in the library and she'd made a joke? It was almost out of place, as if she was trying to get the Headlord in trouble. But, she clearly wasn't. She was jibing at him, the jest in well-meaning before she lowered herself to return to her notes. Elias was content to do the same, copying what he could and letting their hands touch with each dipping into the ink until even the cool fingertips of Elias' hand had warmed by the warmth of hers.
It was a contrast, a heavy flush perhaps? Was Evi so flustered by him that all of her body had become a heated furnace trying to cope with the very presence of him? Elias allowed the grin to materialize upon his lips once again, his eyebrows raised in a moment of surprise before a sort of acceptance cast upon his flawless countenance. Elias bowed his head to her before his honeyed hues raised up to meet hers once again.
"Luck, perhaps. Or a righteous twist of the Fates? It's a pleasure to be in your company and excellent fortune that your beauty is in equal measure with your generosity," he added. He couldn't resist. Elias was not so quick to compliment any man, for they were held to a different standard. Women, however, received a different side of Elias of Stravos. They received his compliment and flattery in number, his words such lavish praise that those so lucky to receive it indeed deserved to feel the reaction that Evi did. He could almost hear the heartbeat hammering in her chest, he could see the curve of her smile with every contact. It was sustenance to Elias' already enormous ego every time she showed her stark reactions.
Then, once the Stravos deigned it appropriate to speak again, Evi of Antonis was decidedly not looking directly at him. Instead she opted to stare at the wall or some pillar behind him. It didn't matter, but the fact that her eyes averted was all the validation he needed of his skill. She found her voice quickly enough, seemingly emboldened by the fact she wasn't seeing his features? Either way, it was a pleasure for the Stravos to listen to her speak, even if it was to call him out on a lie. But, was it a lie? Did she mean for even a moment to think that she was anything but beautiful? No, it seemed absurd that she think of herself as anything but lovely. Surely, all of her adult life was laden with young men her age fawning over her. Elias dissected what she said, and concluded that his lie was that she didn't spend so much time in the library to come be his savior.
In truth, she was right that the Stravos didn't know her whereabouts, but it wasn't due to a lack of interests. Lyncestia had been cutting into entirely too much of Elias' insatiable nature. He'd been overseeing construction, passing decrees within his province that benefitted those inside of it and the economy had flourished because of it. But, every single trip to Athenia to see his parents or attend the Senate alerted the lord to exactly what he was missing in his absence. He let a chuckle escape him as he countered her,
"You're right. I have met your sisters and cousins, but only in passing. I couldn't claim a conversation with them, even one as short as this one has been thus far. You, my lady Evi, are indisputably the most lovely of the Antonis bachelorettes, and it is folly for you to believe otherwise. Believe me, if I'd the memory to mind the fact that you lack a husband, I'd be certain to come to Athenia much more often."
She could see his expression and, as a result, Evi knew exactly what he thought of her. Here she was, a seventeen year old, barely considered to be an adult, sitting across from the most eligible bachelor in Athenia. With two older sisters who were, crucially, unmarried, it was humiliating to see the man’s smile at her reaction. It felt indulgent at best, pitying at worst.
The girl took a deep breath and buried her face back in her book for a while, choosing not to answer his first response to her. Finding her place once more, she worked hard to process the words on the page. It was not a particularly challenging read, but today her mind was not focused. Instead, it felt like her thoughts were racing as fast as a chariot around an arena. Future conversations were being played, replies to the Stravos heir being tested, practiced, in her head. Sometimes she felt so witty, but she had not the courage to say them out loud.
He spoke again, and when Evi looked up, she felt like the butt of a joke. A man like Elias of Stravos would never see her as anything more than the lesser daughter of a great house. She did not understand why he would be.. well he would expect kind politeness, but she didn’t expect the stream of charming compliments directed at her. She’d played this game before; Evi did, after all, have warm blood coursing though her veins. She was not new to the concept of frivolous, flirtatious liaisons with the opposite sex. But she was careful with who she flirted with. With two older, unmarried sisters, she had to be.
The two worked in silence for a while, the Antonis daughter finally finding her stride with her note taking. They actually made sense when she re-read them back over to herself. Finishing the relevant chapter of the book, the aristocrat stood and returned the book to its place on a shelf without explanation, though her hips did sway a bit more than they otherwise might as she walked away (what was wrong with her today?).
She returned to her seat, grabbing another tome from the large pile, and flicking through it to find the contents. Her fingers rifled though the pages until she found what she was looking for, then painstakingly began to copy out a small diagram which perfectly illustrated the point of the previous book. If she was going to study, she had to do it right, and if multiple different books by different authors didn’t at least agree with each other, then she could not be sure of its validity. Working this way made it easier for her to make up her own mind about what she was learning.
“So…” she finally spoke, used to his presence and calm enough now to try to engage with Elias sensibly. “What has brought you to the library today?” It was an easy topic, and there was a small sliver of a chance that Evi already knew about the topic Elias was reading about. If so, at leas tin conversation the balance of power would shift. This was her home territory after all. Regardless, she still could not believe this chance to converse with the man who had set her heart aflutter so many years ago.
As a child, Evi had not craved power, save the ability to protect her own. It did not bother her that her father seemed to have little interest for the throne and would likely pass the crown on when the King died. It did not bother her that she would never be the daughter of a king. What did bother her, was that she was not a traditional romantic, and believed in marrying for status rather than love. It bothered her that Elias no doubt thought the same. It bothered her that, despite all this, she still felt this pathetic, childish thrill whenever she saw Elias, or whenever she even heard his name in conversation.
She was better than this. She pushed the dialogue towards significant conversation, rather than continue with the effort of gentle banter. Normally she could thrive in both situations, but today one was undoubtedly easier than the other. “It must be important to pull you away from your barony. I hear your lands are flourishing under your care. The king must be well pleased with your efforts, not to mention your people, who much love you as a just Lord.”
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.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
She could see his expression and, as a result, Evi knew exactly what he thought of her. Here she was, a seventeen year old, barely considered to be an adult, sitting across from the most eligible bachelor in Athenia. With two older sisters who were, crucially, unmarried, it was humiliating to see the man’s smile at her reaction. It felt indulgent at best, pitying at worst.
The girl took a deep breath and buried her face back in her book for a while, choosing not to answer his first response to her. Finding her place once more, she worked hard to process the words on the page. It was not a particularly challenging read, but today her mind was not focused. Instead, it felt like her thoughts were racing as fast as a chariot around an arena. Future conversations were being played, replies to the Stravos heir being tested, practiced, in her head. Sometimes she felt so witty, but she had not the courage to say them out loud.
He spoke again, and when Evi looked up, she felt like the butt of a joke. A man like Elias of Stravos would never see her as anything more than the lesser daughter of a great house. She did not understand why he would be.. well he would expect kind politeness, but she didn’t expect the stream of charming compliments directed at her. She’d played this game before; Evi did, after all, have warm blood coursing though her veins. She was not new to the concept of frivolous, flirtatious liaisons with the opposite sex. But she was careful with who she flirted with. With two older, unmarried sisters, she had to be.
The two worked in silence for a while, the Antonis daughter finally finding her stride with her note taking. They actually made sense when she re-read them back over to herself. Finishing the relevant chapter of the book, the aristocrat stood and returned the book to its place on a shelf without explanation, though her hips did sway a bit more than they otherwise might as she walked away (what was wrong with her today?).
She returned to her seat, grabbing another tome from the large pile, and flicking through it to find the contents. Her fingers rifled though the pages until she found what she was looking for, then painstakingly began to copy out a small diagram which perfectly illustrated the point of the previous book. If she was going to study, she had to do it right, and if multiple different books by different authors didn’t at least agree with each other, then she could not be sure of its validity. Working this way made it easier for her to make up her own mind about what she was learning.
“So…” she finally spoke, used to his presence and calm enough now to try to engage with Elias sensibly. “What has brought you to the library today?” It was an easy topic, and there was a small sliver of a chance that Evi already knew about the topic Elias was reading about. If so, at leas tin conversation the balance of power would shift. This was her home territory after all. Regardless, she still could not believe this chance to converse with the man who had set her heart aflutter so many years ago.
As a child, Evi had not craved power, save the ability to protect her own. It did not bother her that her father seemed to have little interest for the throne and would likely pass the crown on when the King died. It did not bother her that she would never be the daughter of a king. What did bother her, was that she was not a traditional romantic, and believed in marrying for status rather than love. It bothered her that Elias no doubt thought the same. It bothered her that, despite all this, she still felt this pathetic, childish thrill whenever she saw Elias, or whenever she even heard his name in conversation.
She was better than this. She pushed the dialogue towards significant conversation, rather than continue with the effort of gentle banter. Normally she could thrive in both situations, but today one was undoubtedly easier than the other. “It must be important to pull you away from your barony. I hear your lands are flourishing under your care. The king must be well pleased with your efforts, not to mention your people, who much love you as a just Lord.”
She could see his expression and, as a result, Evi knew exactly what he thought of her. Here she was, a seventeen year old, barely considered to be an adult, sitting across from the most eligible bachelor in Athenia. With two older sisters who were, crucially, unmarried, it was humiliating to see the man’s smile at her reaction. It felt indulgent at best, pitying at worst.
The girl took a deep breath and buried her face back in her book for a while, choosing not to answer his first response to her. Finding her place once more, she worked hard to process the words on the page. It was not a particularly challenging read, but today her mind was not focused. Instead, it felt like her thoughts were racing as fast as a chariot around an arena. Future conversations were being played, replies to the Stravos heir being tested, practiced, in her head. Sometimes she felt so witty, but she had not the courage to say them out loud.
He spoke again, and when Evi looked up, she felt like the butt of a joke. A man like Elias of Stravos would never see her as anything more than the lesser daughter of a great house. She did not understand why he would be.. well he would expect kind politeness, but she didn’t expect the stream of charming compliments directed at her. She’d played this game before; Evi did, after all, have warm blood coursing though her veins. She was not new to the concept of frivolous, flirtatious liaisons with the opposite sex. But she was careful with who she flirted with. With two older, unmarried sisters, she had to be.
The two worked in silence for a while, the Antonis daughter finally finding her stride with her note taking. They actually made sense when she re-read them back over to herself. Finishing the relevant chapter of the book, the aristocrat stood and returned the book to its place on a shelf without explanation, though her hips did sway a bit more than they otherwise might as she walked away (what was wrong with her today?).
She returned to her seat, grabbing another tome from the large pile, and flicking through it to find the contents. Her fingers rifled though the pages until she found what she was looking for, then painstakingly began to copy out a small diagram which perfectly illustrated the point of the previous book. If she was going to study, she had to do it right, and if multiple different books by different authors didn’t at least agree with each other, then she could not be sure of its validity. Working this way made it easier for her to make up her own mind about what she was learning.
“So…” she finally spoke, used to his presence and calm enough now to try to engage with Elias sensibly. “What has brought you to the library today?” It was an easy topic, and there was a small sliver of a chance that Evi already knew about the topic Elias was reading about. If so, at leas tin conversation the balance of power would shift. This was her home territory after all. Regardless, she still could not believe this chance to converse with the man who had set her heart aflutter so many years ago.
As a child, Evi had not craved power, save the ability to protect her own. It did not bother her that her father seemed to have little interest for the throne and would likely pass the crown on when the King died. It did not bother her that she would never be the daughter of a king. What did bother her, was that she was not a traditional romantic, and believed in marrying for status rather than love. It bothered her that Elias no doubt thought the same. It bothered her that, despite all this, she still felt this pathetic, childish thrill whenever she saw Elias, or whenever she even heard his name in conversation.
She was better than this. She pushed the dialogue towards significant conversation, rather than continue with the effort of gentle banter. Normally she could thrive in both situations, but today one was undoubtedly easier than the other. “It must be important to pull you away from your barony. I hear your lands are flourishing under your care. The king must be well pleased with your efforts, not to mention your people, who much love you as a just Lord.”
It certainly was amusement that held Elias of Stravos in place as she failed to acknowledge his words. From what he recalled of Evi of Antonis, by hearsay or by the times he'd seen her from afar, she reveled in the sort of attention given to her at this very moment. Elias almost found it a source of irritation that she pulled away so often, resorting to reservedness and pushing herself into her books when it was so very clear by her continued presence that she was enjoying the attention he rained down upon her.
The past held strange beads of knowledge for the heir to Stravos. It was perhaps rumoured that he'd had his share of affairs with the women of the royal houses. Wives of senators and lower nobility alike had fallen to the charms that only the most eligible men of Athenia were truly capable of. Rafail of Marikas, his best friend and not-so-distant cousin was another. Together, Elias and Rafail very well held half of the court under the list of their conquests.
Elias sometimes wondered if he was holding off on marriage for too long. It was destined that he marry one of his cousins, Persephone or Emilia of Xanthos. The crown was in the Stravos' future and their hand was the final piece needed to ensure the strong royal bloodline continued. However, Elias of Stravos did not love his cousins. He wasn't sure if he even liked them. The elder was a conniving witch whispering in the ear of her father, a shadow queen ruling in the dark.
Elias suspected her of sorcery or curses from the Gods, entwining her father in a snare that kept Minas away from his beloved nephew. Jealousy was a frivolous thing, but one of the many frivolous things he indulged in to pass the time. As for Emilia, she was younger than Evi by just a few months, but her beauty paled in comparison. The younger princess was, in all fairness, the sort of pliable woman the Stravos would rather marry. Of course, Elias didn't respect the boundaries of marriage now. He certainly didn't intend to when it was his marriage either.
Evi, on the other hand, caught the Stravos' full attention. Ordinarily the head of Stravo preferred women just a few years older than he. They were often married and he took pleasure in dismantling the sanctity of it all, watching their clothes fall to the ground and their hearts pine for his affections. But, he was not immune to the wiles of the younger generation. Evi of Antonis spoke, but she did not wield a blade on her tongue. Time had passed between them, Antonis and Stravos more than happy to pen away at their notes. Elias, of course, hadn't looked down at his sheet of paper for more than flickering moments to ensure that his neat script hadn't wandered astray. No, the intensity of his gaze was fully upon Evi, and when she spoke she'd notice that those honeyed eyes never left her. They'd wandered along her visage long enough and dipped lower to coax along the curves of her that existed beneath her chiton. Elias was, after all, a man.
A tilt moved the Stravos' head, his gaze lingering to her lips as they moved to ask of him his reasons. There was plenty for him to say in that regard. However, what was the limit of his answer? Always there was a duplicity to his words, a need to temper his words with a bit of fabrication. But, her question, unlike many that were asked of him was so innocent that he debated telling her the truth of it all. Then, the limitation arose. He decided to give her a partial answer, and allowed his lips to curve. However, there was an excess of innocence of it all. When she brought up his uncle, he did not let the scowl etch upon his lips. He detested thinking of any sort of pleasure coming from the king, for none had showed even though he well deserved it.
"I came to Athenia to visit my parents, of course. It's the duty of a son to return to his parents with the good news of his barony. But, the library is a privilege I am not privy to in Lyncestia. There are questions that I've had about the future. The king is not well, as I'm certain you know. It leaves me in a... precarious situation," he drifted off, allowing an exaggerated version of his real worry for his uncle to manifest.
"Your praise is appreciated, Lady Evi. Sweet words from lovely lips are always a pleasure to hear. What, if I may ask, brought you here? Certainly, you're here often enough, but each visit has its own purpose?"
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.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
It certainly was amusement that held Elias of Stravos in place as she failed to acknowledge his words. From what he recalled of Evi of Antonis, by hearsay or by the times he'd seen her from afar, she reveled in the sort of attention given to her at this very moment. Elias almost found it a source of irritation that she pulled away so often, resorting to reservedness and pushing herself into her books when it was so very clear by her continued presence that she was enjoying the attention he rained down upon her.
The past held strange beads of knowledge for the heir to Stravos. It was perhaps rumoured that he'd had his share of affairs with the women of the royal houses. Wives of senators and lower nobility alike had fallen to the charms that only the most eligible men of Athenia were truly capable of. Rafail of Marikas, his best friend and not-so-distant cousin was another. Together, Elias and Rafail very well held half of the court under the list of their conquests.
Elias sometimes wondered if he was holding off on marriage for too long. It was destined that he marry one of his cousins, Persephone or Emilia of Xanthos. The crown was in the Stravos' future and their hand was the final piece needed to ensure the strong royal bloodline continued. However, Elias of Stravos did not love his cousins. He wasn't sure if he even liked them. The elder was a conniving witch whispering in the ear of her father, a shadow queen ruling in the dark.
Elias suspected her of sorcery or curses from the Gods, entwining her father in a snare that kept Minas away from his beloved nephew. Jealousy was a frivolous thing, but one of the many frivolous things he indulged in to pass the time. As for Emilia, she was younger than Evi by just a few months, but her beauty paled in comparison. The younger princess was, in all fairness, the sort of pliable woman the Stravos would rather marry. Of course, Elias didn't respect the boundaries of marriage now. He certainly didn't intend to when it was his marriage either.
Evi, on the other hand, caught the Stravos' full attention. Ordinarily the head of Stravo preferred women just a few years older than he. They were often married and he took pleasure in dismantling the sanctity of it all, watching their clothes fall to the ground and their hearts pine for his affections. But, he was not immune to the wiles of the younger generation. Evi of Antonis spoke, but she did not wield a blade on her tongue. Time had passed between them, Antonis and Stravos more than happy to pen away at their notes. Elias, of course, hadn't looked down at his sheet of paper for more than flickering moments to ensure that his neat script hadn't wandered astray. No, the intensity of his gaze was fully upon Evi, and when she spoke she'd notice that those honeyed eyes never left her. They'd wandered along her visage long enough and dipped lower to coax along the curves of her that existed beneath her chiton. Elias was, after all, a man.
A tilt moved the Stravos' head, his gaze lingering to her lips as they moved to ask of him his reasons. There was plenty for him to say in that regard. However, what was the limit of his answer? Always there was a duplicity to his words, a need to temper his words with a bit of fabrication. But, her question, unlike many that were asked of him was so innocent that he debated telling her the truth of it all. Then, the limitation arose. He decided to give her a partial answer, and allowed his lips to curve. However, there was an excess of innocence of it all. When she brought up his uncle, he did not let the scowl etch upon his lips. He detested thinking of any sort of pleasure coming from the king, for none had showed even though he well deserved it.
"I came to Athenia to visit my parents, of course. It's the duty of a son to return to his parents with the good news of his barony. But, the library is a privilege I am not privy to in Lyncestia. There are questions that I've had about the future. The king is not well, as I'm certain you know. It leaves me in a... precarious situation," he drifted off, allowing an exaggerated version of his real worry for his uncle to manifest.
"Your praise is appreciated, Lady Evi. Sweet words from lovely lips are always a pleasure to hear. What, if I may ask, brought you here? Certainly, you're here often enough, but each visit has its own purpose?"
It certainly was amusement that held Elias of Stravos in place as she failed to acknowledge his words. From what he recalled of Evi of Antonis, by hearsay or by the times he'd seen her from afar, she reveled in the sort of attention given to her at this very moment. Elias almost found it a source of irritation that she pulled away so often, resorting to reservedness and pushing herself into her books when it was so very clear by her continued presence that she was enjoying the attention he rained down upon her.
The past held strange beads of knowledge for the heir to Stravos. It was perhaps rumoured that he'd had his share of affairs with the women of the royal houses. Wives of senators and lower nobility alike had fallen to the charms that only the most eligible men of Athenia were truly capable of. Rafail of Marikas, his best friend and not-so-distant cousin was another. Together, Elias and Rafail very well held half of the court under the list of their conquests.
Elias sometimes wondered if he was holding off on marriage for too long. It was destined that he marry one of his cousins, Persephone or Emilia of Xanthos. The crown was in the Stravos' future and their hand was the final piece needed to ensure the strong royal bloodline continued. However, Elias of Stravos did not love his cousins. He wasn't sure if he even liked them. The elder was a conniving witch whispering in the ear of her father, a shadow queen ruling in the dark.
Elias suspected her of sorcery or curses from the Gods, entwining her father in a snare that kept Minas away from his beloved nephew. Jealousy was a frivolous thing, but one of the many frivolous things he indulged in to pass the time. As for Emilia, she was younger than Evi by just a few months, but her beauty paled in comparison. The younger princess was, in all fairness, the sort of pliable woman the Stravos would rather marry. Of course, Elias didn't respect the boundaries of marriage now. He certainly didn't intend to when it was his marriage either.
Evi, on the other hand, caught the Stravos' full attention. Ordinarily the head of Stravo preferred women just a few years older than he. They were often married and he took pleasure in dismantling the sanctity of it all, watching their clothes fall to the ground and their hearts pine for his affections. But, he was not immune to the wiles of the younger generation. Evi of Antonis spoke, but she did not wield a blade on her tongue. Time had passed between them, Antonis and Stravos more than happy to pen away at their notes. Elias, of course, hadn't looked down at his sheet of paper for more than flickering moments to ensure that his neat script hadn't wandered astray. No, the intensity of his gaze was fully upon Evi, and when she spoke she'd notice that those honeyed eyes never left her. They'd wandered along her visage long enough and dipped lower to coax along the curves of her that existed beneath her chiton. Elias was, after all, a man.
A tilt moved the Stravos' head, his gaze lingering to her lips as they moved to ask of him his reasons. There was plenty for him to say in that regard. However, what was the limit of his answer? Always there was a duplicity to his words, a need to temper his words with a bit of fabrication. But, her question, unlike many that were asked of him was so innocent that he debated telling her the truth of it all. Then, the limitation arose. He decided to give her a partial answer, and allowed his lips to curve. However, there was an excess of innocence of it all. When she brought up his uncle, he did not let the scowl etch upon his lips. He detested thinking of any sort of pleasure coming from the king, for none had showed even though he well deserved it.
"I came to Athenia to visit my parents, of course. It's the duty of a son to return to his parents with the good news of his barony. But, the library is a privilege I am not privy to in Lyncestia. There are questions that I've had about the future. The king is not well, as I'm certain you know. It leaves me in a... precarious situation," he drifted off, allowing an exaggerated version of his real worry for his uncle to manifest.
"Your praise is appreciated, Lady Evi. Sweet words from lovely lips are always a pleasure to hear. What, if I may ask, brought you here? Certainly, you're here often enough, but each visit has its own purpose?"
Evi didn’t seem to want to break the spell that the Stravos Lord had cast over the table, and a description of her latching onto each of his words like a recently-imprinted duckling would be a grand understatement. It nagged at her, pulled at her attention like a splinter in her finger that was too small to find, making it impose to really focus on her studying. How she wished Marietta was sitting at the table with her, rather than the young Lord. Actually, anyone would be preferable to him.
It seemed that Elias enjoyed how he could reduce Evi’s extensive vocabulary down to a few broken and slow sentences when treated like this. She was better than this. “And how are your parents?” She finally replied with a question. Far easier to keep the topic of conversation on him than lose control of its drifting direction and have him return fire with questions of his own about her.
“Yes, I had heard.” She replied, dipping her head briefly, as if mournful that the King was unwell. Of course she cared, she was a loyal subject to Athenia, and loyal to the crown as was her duty. But she was a distant relative, and not all that close to the man. “It is unfortunate, but I am unsure how a library may help you with the King’s waning health.” The girl lowered her voice, eyes darting left briefly in a meaningful gesture that indicated their surroundings. All around them were the common folk of Athenia: hardly the appropriate venue to be discussing such delicate matters so openly.
If word got out that two members of the royal family were so openly discussing matters of the kingdom, even in coded language, well… Evi had been raised better than to even allow it. “I am sure that your path will become clearer, though if there is anything I may do to support your…” she waved at the books in front of him, “…efforts. Then my family home is always open to you.” It was a laced comment - quickly ending the conversation she had unintentionally started.
“You are not wrong; I do spend a lot of time in the library.” To try to explain her love of books and seeking new and exciting knowledge to someone like Elias of Stravos was like trying to explain the colour of a rose to a blind person. There was no hard logic or reasoning, more of a sense of belonging, surrounded by dusty tomes an scrawled writings detailing all known knowledge. It was ever expanding, and Evi knew that even she would not be able to learn it all... but it was a fine target to strive toward all the same.
“Today is a bit of a mix of topics. Some history, some literature. I even pulled out a book detailing the anatomy of a human.” She shrugged, smile growing, “It seemed like an interesting read,” she flicked through a few pages of the boom in question, “And that just about summarises my trip to the library today, as with most days: ‘Why not?’ If not for any particular purpose. My sister, Marietta, often joins me and we challenge each other to find the most obscure piece of information that we can.”
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.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Evi didn’t seem to want to break the spell that the Stravos Lord had cast over the table, and a description of her latching onto each of his words like a recently-imprinted duckling would be a grand understatement. It nagged at her, pulled at her attention like a splinter in her finger that was too small to find, making it impose to really focus on her studying. How she wished Marietta was sitting at the table with her, rather than the young Lord. Actually, anyone would be preferable to him.
It seemed that Elias enjoyed how he could reduce Evi’s extensive vocabulary down to a few broken and slow sentences when treated like this. She was better than this. “And how are your parents?” She finally replied with a question. Far easier to keep the topic of conversation on him than lose control of its drifting direction and have him return fire with questions of his own about her.
“Yes, I had heard.” She replied, dipping her head briefly, as if mournful that the King was unwell. Of course she cared, she was a loyal subject to Athenia, and loyal to the crown as was her duty. But she was a distant relative, and not all that close to the man. “It is unfortunate, but I am unsure how a library may help you with the King’s waning health.” The girl lowered her voice, eyes darting left briefly in a meaningful gesture that indicated their surroundings. All around them were the common folk of Athenia: hardly the appropriate venue to be discussing such delicate matters so openly.
If word got out that two members of the royal family were so openly discussing matters of the kingdom, even in coded language, well… Evi had been raised better than to even allow it. “I am sure that your path will become clearer, though if there is anything I may do to support your…” she waved at the books in front of him, “…efforts. Then my family home is always open to you.” It was a laced comment - quickly ending the conversation she had unintentionally started.
“You are not wrong; I do spend a lot of time in the library.” To try to explain her love of books and seeking new and exciting knowledge to someone like Elias of Stravos was like trying to explain the colour of a rose to a blind person. There was no hard logic or reasoning, more of a sense of belonging, surrounded by dusty tomes an scrawled writings detailing all known knowledge. It was ever expanding, and Evi knew that even she would not be able to learn it all... but it was a fine target to strive toward all the same.
“Today is a bit of a mix of topics. Some history, some literature. I even pulled out a book detailing the anatomy of a human.” She shrugged, smile growing, “It seemed like an interesting read,” she flicked through a few pages of the boom in question, “And that just about summarises my trip to the library today, as with most days: ‘Why not?’ If not for any particular purpose. My sister, Marietta, often joins me and we challenge each other to find the most obscure piece of information that we can.”
Evi didn’t seem to want to break the spell that the Stravos Lord had cast over the table, and a description of her latching onto each of his words like a recently-imprinted duckling would be a grand understatement. It nagged at her, pulled at her attention like a splinter in her finger that was too small to find, making it impose to really focus on her studying. How she wished Marietta was sitting at the table with her, rather than the young Lord. Actually, anyone would be preferable to him.
It seemed that Elias enjoyed how he could reduce Evi’s extensive vocabulary down to a few broken and slow sentences when treated like this. She was better than this. “And how are your parents?” She finally replied with a question. Far easier to keep the topic of conversation on him than lose control of its drifting direction and have him return fire with questions of his own about her.
“Yes, I had heard.” She replied, dipping her head briefly, as if mournful that the King was unwell. Of course she cared, she was a loyal subject to Athenia, and loyal to the crown as was her duty. But she was a distant relative, and not all that close to the man. “It is unfortunate, but I am unsure how a library may help you with the King’s waning health.” The girl lowered her voice, eyes darting left briefly in a meaningful gesture that indicated their surroundings. All around them were the common folk of Athenia: hardly the appropriate venue to be discussing such delicate matters so openly.
If word got out that two members of the royal family were so openly discussing matters of the kingdom, even in coded language, well… Evi had been raised better than to even allow it. “I am sure that your path will become clearer, though if there is anything I may do to support your…” she waved at the books in front of him, “…efforts. Then my family home is always open to you.” It was a laced comment - quickly ending the conversation she had unintentionally started.
“You are not wrong; I do spend a lot of time in the library.” To try to explain her love of books and seeking new and exciting knowledge to someone like Elias of Stravos was like trying to explain the colour of a rose to a blind person. There was no hard logic or reasoning, more of a sense of belonging, surrounded by dusty tomes an scrawled writings detailing all known knowledge. It was ever expanding, and Evi knew that even she would not be able to learn it all... but it was a fine target to strive toward all the same.
“Today is a bit of a mix of topics. Some history, some literature. I even pulled out a book detailing the anatomy of a human.” She shrugged, smile growing, “It seemed like an interesting read,” she flicked through a few pages of the boom in question, “And that just about summarises my trip to the library today, as with most days: ‘Why not?’ If not for any particular purpose. My sister, Marietta, often joins me and we challenge each other to find the most obscure piece of information that we can.”
Elias couldn't know the depth his presence was affecting the Antonis lady, but he could guess that she was far more comfortable before he'd arrived. There were times when he truly relished the effect he had on others, and though this could count as one of them, he wondered if perhaps he'd intruded too heavily on her time. The library, after all, was a place of study and it seemed that the heir to Stravos was ruining her chance at it. There was a flicker of concern, a rarity in it of itself, for the fact that he'd inconvenienced Evi, but she'd also never explicitly told him to leave. Once she'd found her voice, he expected it, but he found his expectations left in the dust. Instead, she asked about his parents and he wondered if the question was merely a misdirect to distract the both of them from Evi herself. But, Elias was already distracted.
It was difficult not to be, when the fine product of true royal lineage was a feast for his eyes to dig into. He'd told her already, a truth wrought from his particular interests. Evi was certainly the most beautiful of the Antonis heiresses, and he couldn't keep his eyes off of her. He raised his fingers to brush lightly upon his own chin. Then, at last, he answered,
"All is well in Archontiko Stravos, it seems. Father's adjusted wonderfully to his position as Master of Trade and is proud to leave me in charge of the affairs of the family. Mother couldn't be prouder unless one of her children decided to finally have a child of their own," he added, a flush building upon his countenance. Chara especially was put under pressure to marry and begat children, but it was certainly a complaint he heard every time he visited home as well. Rather than dwelling on all of it, he was glad for the conversation to move forward. She addressed his quiet mention of Minas' waning health and the matters of succession, but she seemed to point the words lower towards silence. It was a controversial subject, of course, but Elias saw no reason for them to beat around the bush on it. Minas was an old man in poor health and his life's end was inevitable.
But, he acquiesced. He considered speaking out more on the subject, but she quickly changed the tune of their conversation. She offered something, and Elias of Stravos wondered if the young heiress truly knew the implications of her words. After all, Elias possessed a reputation, and placing the both of them in relative isolation from the world... he would certainly not be as civil as he was in the library. A soft chuckle escaped his lips at the thought, and Evi seemed to clip the conversation at that. Instead, she opted to answer his other question, musing aloud about the repertoire of material she'd brought to study before his keen intrusion upon her time.
Of course, Elias was not sorry for intruding, for listening to Evi's voice and allowing his gaze to settle upon her moving lips was quite the pleasure in itself. His honeyed hues followed each arch of her lips, reading the words as the sound cast within his ears and he was quite disappointed when it all ended. Though, the thought of both of the Antonis sisters challenging one another on matters of the scholarly drew a great deal of amusement from the Headlord of Stravos, and his lips parted in a wide smile before he shifted from his seat. Elias sat himself next to Evi, for the words he had next were solely for her to hear. As if they were conspirators, he leaned in close, breathing the words into her ear,
"It seems that you do, Lady Evi. And it was quite bold and rude for me to intrude upon your time. I'd like to take you up on that offer of yours, to assist in my efforts at a later time. But... before that..." he pressed his lips briefly to the Lady's cheek, a hand rising up to very lightly sift into her wavy tresses before he added,
"I'd like very much to spend time with you away from the library. You could come visit Lyncestia and see for yourself the fruits of my time away from the Capitol. I could show you the docks just as Artemis and Apollo make their exchange of command over the skies. It's quite the sight, I assure you," he mused aloud. He pressed his lips to her forehead next before he stood up.
"I'll send for you... let's say, next week? I have to get going, my lady. I've let too much of the day pass me by already."
Elias hardly had the mind to allow her to answer, lest her immediate reaction be refusal. He blew the young woman a kiss, followed by a wink before he sought to make his way back to Archontiko Stravos. He had words to exchange with his mother before returning to his province.
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.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Elias couldn't know the depth his presence was affecting the Antonis lady, but he could guess that she was far more comfortable before he'd arrived. There were times when he truly relished the effect he had on others, and though this could count as one of them, he wondered if perhaps he'd intruded too heavily on her time. The library, after all, was a place of study and it seemed that the heir to Stravos was ruining her chance at it. There was a flicker of concern, a rarity in it of itself, for the fact that he'd inconvenienced Evi, but she'd also never explicitly told him to leave. Once she'd found her voice, he expected it, but he found his expectations left in the dust. Instead, she asked about his parents and he wondered if the question was merely a misdirect to distract the both of them from Evi herself. But, Elias was already distracted.
It was difficult not to be, when the fine product of true royal lineage was a feast for his eyes to dig into. He'd told her already, a truth wrought from his particular interests. Evi was certainly the most beautiful of the Antonis heiresses, and he couldn't keep his eyes off of her. He raised his fingers to brush lightly upon his own chin. Then, at last, he answered,
"All is well in Archontiko Stravos, it seems. Father's adjusted wonderfully to his position as Master of Trade and is proud to leave me in charge of the affairs of the family. Mother couldn't be prouder unless one of her children decided to finally have a child of their own," he added, a flush building upon his countenance. Chara especially was put under pressure to marry and begat children, but it was certainly a complaint he heard every time he visited home as well. Rather than dwelling on all of it, he was glad for the conversation to move forward. She addressed his quiet mention of Minas' waning health and the matters of succession, but she seemed to point the words lower towards silence. It was a controversial subject, of course, but Elias saw no reason for them to beat around the bush on it. Minas was an old man in poor health and his life's end was inevitable.
But, he acquiesced. He considered speaking out more on the subject, but she quickly changed the tune of their conversation. She offered something, and Elias of Stravos wondered if the young heiress truly knew the implications of her words. After all, Elias possessed a reputation, and placing the both of them in relative isolation from the world... he would certainly not be as civil as he was in the library. A soft chuckle escaped his lips at the thought, and Evi seemed to clip the conversation at that. Instead, she opted to answer his other question, musing aloud about the repertoire of material she'd brought to study before his keen intrusion upon her time.
Of course, Elias was not sorry for intruding, for listening to Evi's voice and allowing his gaze to settle upon her moving lips was quite the pleasure in itself. His honeyed hues followed each arch of her lips, reading the words as the sound cast within his ears and he was quite disappointed when it all ended. Though, the thought of both of the Antonis sisters challenging one another on matters of the scholarly drew a great deal of amusement from the Headlord of Stravos, and his lips parted in a wide smile before he shifted from his seat. Elias sat himself next to Evi, for the words he had next were solely for her to hear. As if they were conspirators, he leaned in close, breathing the words into her ear,
"It seems that you do, Lady Evi. And it was quite bold and rude for me to intrude upon your time. I'd like to take you up on that offer of yours, to assist in my efforts at a later time. But... before that..." he pressed his lips briefly to the Lady's cheek, a hand rising up to very lightly sift into her wavy tresses before he added,
"I'd like very much to spend time with you away from the library. You could come visit Lyncestia and see for yourself the fruits of my time away from the Capitol. I could show you the docks just as Artemis and Apollo make their exchange of command over the skies. It's quite the sight, I assure you," he mused aloud. He pressed his lips to her forehead next before he stood up.
"I'll send for you... let's say, next week? I have to get going, my lady. I've let too much of the day pass me by already."
Elias hardly had the mind to allow her to answer, lest her immediate reaction be refusal. He blew the young woman a kiss, followed by a wink before he sought to make his way back to Archontiko Stravos. He had words to exchange with his mother before returning to his province.
Elias couldn't know the depth his presence was affecting the Antonis lady, but he could guess that she was far more comfortable before he'd arrived. There were times when he truly relished the effect he had on others, and though this could count as one of them, he wondered if perhaps he'd intruded too heavily on her time. The library, after all, was a place of study and it seemed that the heir to Stravos was ruining her chance at it. There was a flicker of concern, a rarity in it of itself, for the fact that he'd inconvenienced Evi, but she'd also never explicitly told him to leave. Once she'd found her voice, he expected it, but he found his expectations left in the dust. Instead, she asked about his parents and he wondered if the question was merely a misdirect to distract the both of them from Evi herself. But, Elias was already distracted.
It was difficult not to be, when the fine product of true royal lineage was a feast for his eyes to dig into. He'd told her already, a truth wrought from his particular interests. Evi was certainly the most beautiful of the Antonis heiresses, and he couldn't keep his eyes off of her. He raised his fingers to brush lightly upon his own chin. Then, at last, he answered,
"All is well in Archontiko Stravos, it seems. Father's adjusted wonderfully to his position as Master of Trade and is proud to leave me in charge of the affairs of the family. Mother couldn't be prouder unless one of her children decided to finally have a child of their own," he added, a flush building upon his countenance. Chara especially was put under pressure to marry and begat children, but it was certainly a complaint he heard every time he visited home as well. Rather than dwelling on all of it, he was glad for the conversation to move forward. She addressed his quiet mention of Minas' waning health and the matters of succession, but she seemed to point the words lower towards silence. It was a controversial subject, of course, but Elias saw no reason for them to beat around the bush on it. Minas was an old man in poor health and his life's end was inevitable.
But, he acquiesced. He considered speaking out more on the subject, but she quickly changed the tune of their conversation. She offered something, and Elias of Stravos wondered if the young heiress truly knew the implications of her words. After all, Elias possessed a reputation, and placing the both of them in relative isolation from the world... he would certainly not be as civil as he was in the library. A soft chuckle escaped his lips at the thought, and Evi seemed to clip the conversation at that. Instead, she opted to answer his other question, musing aloud about the repertoire of material she'd brought to study before his keen intrusion upon her time.
Of course, Elias was not sorry for intruding, for listening to Evi's voice and allowing his gaze to settle upon her moving lips was quite the pleasure in itself. His honeyed hues followed each arch of her lips, reading the words as the sound cast within his ears and he was quite disappointed when it all ended. Though, the thought of both of the Antonis sisters challenging one another on matters of the scholarly drew a great deal of amusement from the Headlord of Stravos, and his lips parted in a wide smile before he shifted from his seat. Elias sat himself next to Evi, for the words he had next were solely for her to hear. As if they were conspirators, he leaned in close, breathing the words into her ear,
"It seems that you do, Lady Evi. And it was quite bold and rude for me to intrude upon your time. I'd like to take you up on that offer of yours, to assist in my efforts at a later time. But... before that..." he pressed his lips briefly to the Lady's cheek, a hand rising up to very lightly sift into her wavy tresses before he added,
"I'd like very much to spend time with you away from the library. You could come visit Lyncestia and see for yourself the fruits of my time away from the Capitol. I could show you the docks just as Artemis and Apollo make their exchange of command over the skies. It's quite the sight, I assure you," he mused aloud. He pressed his lips to her forehead next before he stood up.
"I'll send for you... let's say, next week? I have to get going, my lady. I've let too much of the day pass me by already."
Elias hardly had the mind to allow her to answer, lest her immediate reaction be refusal. He blew the young woman a kiss, followed by a wink before he sought to make his way back to Archontiko Stravos. He had words to exchange with his mother before returning to his province.
It was not an uncommon thing for people to latch onto Evi’s every word; she was full of passion and charisma, with a natural charisma that invited influence. She had charm and popularity in spades, instinctively knowing how to capture her audience. In her stride, it appeared that Elis was no exception. It was, of course, unnerving to have the attention of this particular gentleman. He was someone Evi had pined over at a distance, admiring they way he walked and talked for as long as she was capable of understanding what ‘infatuation’ was.
Elias of Stravos was, in a word, perfection.
In her eyes, he was everything she could ever want in a man, and this attention he gave her was more than disconcerting. When he smiled at her, when he laughed, she could no be sure if he was laughing at her, or with her.
Regardless, she plowed on, allowing her mind to take over where her thundering heart was threatening to overpower her entirely. “More the knowledge, lesser the ego, after all,” she half-quoted to her unlikely library companion. “The paradox of this time and age is that when we feel fear, we are pushed into our primitive brains - the part of us that evolved to deal with whatever immediate danger is in front of us - and respond with often violent and impulsive solutions.” She in part was referring to the very real possibility that their King’s death may lead to upheaval within their society.
“And when the fear leaves us, when the dangers of a polluted and frightened world pass, we are able to access what we know of the world: logic, self-control, and steady determination. By this time, though we have regained our faculties, we may have lost the opportunity to do what must be done. We need that sense of urgency, yes… but that logic and reasoning… this is why we need books and knowledge.”
He still stared, he gaze barely breaking to blink as she spoke. “Oh,” she was surprised, “You intrude upon nothing, My Lord…” her voice broke as she felt the man’s breath tickling her ear, his soft lips graze her cheek.
Where were her words? why was she having such trouble around him. Gods above, she wanted the ground to engulf her and never see him again. After all her spouting about the importance of knowledge. He must think her a true hypocrite, if she struggled to string a sentence together when he came close to her. “I… yes, I would very much like to come and visit y- Lyncestia.” But he’d already made his exit, her words left for only her books to hear.
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.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
It was not an uncommon thing for people to latch onto Evi’s every word; she was full of passion and charisma, with a natural charisma that invited influence. She had charm and popularity in spades, instinctively knowing how to capture her audience. In her stride, it appeared that Elis was no exception. It was, of course, unnerving to have the attention of this particular gentleman. He was someone Evi had pined over at a distance, admiring they way he walked and talked for as long as she was capable of understanding what ‘infatuation’ was.
Elias of Stravos was, in a word, perfection.
In her eyes, he was everything she could ever want in a man, and this attention he gave her was more than disconcerting. When he smiled at her, when he laughed, she could no be sure if he was laughing at her, or with her.
Regardless, she plowed on, allowing her mind to take over where her thundering heart was threatening to overpower her entirely. “More the knowledge, lesser the ego, after all,” she half-quoted to her unlikely library companion. “The paradox of this time and age is that when we feel fear, we are pushed into our primitive brains - the part of us that evolved to deal with whatever immediate danger is in front of us - and respond with often violent and impulsive solutions.” She in part was referring to the very real possibility that their King’s death may lead to upheaval within their society.
“And when the fear leaves us, when the dangers of a polluted and frightened world pass, we are able to access what we know of the world: logic, self-control, and steady determination. By this time, though we have regained our faculties, we may have lost the opportunity to do what must be done. We need that sense of urgency, yes… but that logic and reasoning… this is why we need books and knowledge.”
He still stared, he gaze barely breaking to blink as she spoke. “Oh,” she was surprised, “You intrude upon nothing, My Lord…” her voice broke as she felt the man’s breath tickling her ear, his soft lips graze her cheek.
Where were her words? why was she having such trouble around him. Gods above, she wanted the ground to engulf her and never see him again. After all her spouting about the importance of knowledge. He must think her a true hypocrite, if she struggled to string a sentence together when he came close to her. “I… yes, I would very much like to come and visit y- Lyncestia.” But he’d already made his exit, her words left for only her books to hear.
It was not an uncommon thing for people to latch onto Evi’s every word; she was full of passion and charisma, with a natural charisma that invited influence. She had charm and popularity in spades, instinctively knowing how to capture her audience. In her stride, it appeared that Elis was no exception. It was, of course, unnerving to have the attention of this particular gentleman. He was someone Evi had pined over at a distance, admiring they way he walked and talked for as long as she was capable of understanding what ‘infatuation’ was.
Elias of Stravos was, in a word, perfection.
In her eyes, he was everything she could ever want in a man, and this attention he gave her was more than disconcerting. When he smiled at her, when he laughed, she could no be sure if he was laughing at her, or with her.
Regardless, she plowed on, allowing her mind to take over where her thundering heart was threatening to overpower her entirely. “More the knowledge, lesser the ego, after all,” she half-quoted to her unlikely library companion. “The paradox of this time and age is that when we feel fear, we are pushed into our primitive brains - the part of us that evolved to deal with whatever immediate danger is in front of us - and respond with often violent and impulsive solutions.” She in part was referring to the very real possibility that their King’s death may lead to upheaval within their society.
“And when the fear leaves us, when the dangers of a polluted and frightened world pass, we are able to access what we know of the world: logic, self-control, and steady determination. By this time, though we have regained our faculties, we may have lost the opportunity to do what must be done. We need that sense of urgency, yes… but that logic and reasoning… this is why we need books and knowledge.”
He still stared, he gaze barely breaking to blink as she spoke. “Oh,” she was surprised, “You intrude upon nothing, My Lord…” her voice broke as she felt the man’s breath tickling her ear, his soft lips graze her cheek.
Where were her words? why was she having such trouble around him. Gods above, she wanted the ground to engulf her and never see him again. After all her spouting about the importance of knowledge. He must think her a true hypocrite, if she struggled to string a sentence together when he came close to her. “I… yes, I would very much like to come and visit y- Lyncestia.” But he’d already made his exit, her words left for only her books to hear.