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.
The retreating young girl froze as she heard her cousin Zanon speak her name. She couldn’t deny him, even if her every instinct wished to flee from the thinly veiled hostility of this particular grouping of people. But Zanon was probably the dearest to her of her cousins. After all he did for her, she couldn’t turn her back on him.
She forced a smile on her face, focusing on the joy of seeing her family to try to keep the obvious tension from appearing in her face. She curtsied first to her aunt. “Greetings, your Majesty,” she murmured demurely as she rose. Her smile grew warmer and more genuine as she looked between Zanon and Athanasia. “Cousins, it’s been too long.”
Her gaze shifted towards the Thanasi women then, giving them a courteous nod. “Ladies.” She hoped her smile didn’t falter. Thea seemed tolerable enough, though the news about Vangelis had been quite the shock. It certainly made her wonder what the circumstances were. Was she simply using Vangelis to cultivate more power for herself? Or was it truly a forbidden love? The latter she could perhaps forgive, but the former seemed so cruel. She couldn’t fathom it. Nethis on the other hand was such an imposing figure it was hard not to instinctively flinch away from her.
Instead, Essa focused on Evras. “Oh Evras, I’m so glad I got the chance to say hello before you must leave,” she said with a fond smile as she crossed over to offer her a gentle embrace. “I’m glad you are well, even if you can only make a brief appearance.”
Having greeted everyone, she turned to look up at Zanon. “Imeeya was drawn into a conversation that has probably turned into either a debate or a negotiation by now,” she said with a soft chuckle. “Perhaps she will have joined us by the time you return?”
It was good to see her cousin looking clearly so besotted with his wife once more. Essa wanted his happiness more than everything, and the romantic within wanted to see their love survive the rivalry of their families. Even if she would have felt far more secure with Zanon staying close. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Nethis would gladly eat her alive given the chance. She hoped that perhaps the Queen’s words would draw the intense woman’s attention more than her presence.
Essa made an effort to straighten her spine as she turned back towards the other women. She wanted to shrink away, but she knew they would pounce if she did. She couldn’t appear meek and timid, not now. Her family was counting on her. Her mouth felt dry as she struggled to think of anything to say that wouldn’t be blatantly insincere or pitiful. She didn’t dare speak and risk making a fool of herself. Not yet at least.
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
The retreating young girl froze as she heard her cousin Zanon speak her name. She couldn’t deny him, even if her every instinct wished to flee from the thinly veiled hostility of this particular grouping of people. But Zanon was probably the dearest to her of her cousins. After all he did for her, she couldn’t turn her back on him.
She forced a smile on her face, focusing on the joy of seeing her family to try to keep the obvious tension from appearing in her face. She curtsied first to her aunt. “Greetings, your Majesty,” she murmured demurely as she rose. Her smile grew warmer and more genuine as she looked between Zanon and Athanasia. “Cousins, it’s been too long.”
Her gaze shifted towards the Thanasi women then, giving them a courteous nod. “Ladies.” She hoped her smile didn’t falter. Thea seemed tolerable enough, though the news about Vangelis had been quite the shock. It certainly made her wonder what the circumstances were. Was she simply using Vangelis to cultivate more power for herself? Or was it truly a forbidden love? The latter she could perhaps forgive, but the former seemed so cruel. She couldn’t fathom it. Nethis on the other hand was such an imposing figure it was hard not to instinctively flinch away from her.
Instead, Essa focused on Evras. “Oh Evras, I’m so glad I got the chance to say hello before you must leave,” she said with a fond smile as she crossed over to offer her a gentle embrace. “I’m glad you are well, even if you can only make a brief appearance.”
Having greeted everyone, she turned to look up at Zanon. “Imeeya was drawn into a conversation that has probably turned into either a debate or a negotiation by now,” she said with a soft chuckle. “Perhaps she will have joined us by the time you return?”
It was good to see her cousin looking clearly so besotted with his wife once more. Essa wanted his happiness more than everything, and the romantic within wanted to see their love survive the rivalry of their families. Even if she would have felt far more secure with Zanon staying close. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Nethis would gladly eat her alive given the chance. She hoped that perhaps the Queen’s words would draw the intense woman’s attention more than her presence.
Essa made an effort to straighten her spine as she turned back towards the other women. She wanted to shrink away, but she knew they would pounce if she did. She couldn’t appear meek and timid, not now. Her family was counting on her. Her mouth felt dry as she struggled to think of anything to say that wouldn’t be blatantly insincere or pitiful. She didn’t dare speak and risk making a fool of herself. Not yet at least.
The retreating young girl froze as she heard her cousin Zanon speak her name. She couldn’t deny him, even if her every instinct wished to flee from the thinly veiled hostility of this particular grouping of people. But Zanon was probably the dearest to her of her cousins. After all he did for her, she couldn’t turn her back on him.
She forced a smile on her face, focusing on the joy of seeing her family to try to keep the obvious tension from appearing in her face. She curtsied first to her aunt. “Greetings, your Majesty,” she murmured demurely as she rose. Her smile grew warmer and more genuine as she looked between Zanon and Athanasia. “Cousins, it’s been too long.”
Her gaze shifted towards the Thanasi women then, giving them a courteous nod. “Ladies.” She hoped her smile didn’t falter. Thea seemed tolerable enough, though the news about Vangelis had been quite the shock. It certainly made her wonder what the circumstances were. Was she simply using Vangelis to cultivate more power for herself? Or was it truly a forbidden love? The latter she could perhaps forgive, but the former seemed so cruel. She couldn’t fathom it. Nethis on the other hand was such an imposing figure it was hard not to instinctively flinch away from her.
Instead, Essa focused on Evras. “Oh Evras, I’m so glad I got the chance to say hello before you must leave,” she said with a fond smile as she crossed over to offer her a gentle embrace. “I’m glad you are well, even if you can only make a brief appearance.”
Having greeted everyone, she turned to look up at Zanon. “Imeeya was drawn into a conversation that has probably turned into either a debate or a negotiation by now,” she said with a soft chuckle. “Perhaps she will have joined us by the time you return?”
It was good to see her cousin looking clearly so besotted with his wife once more. Essa wanted his happiness more than everything, and the romantic within wanted to see their love survive the rivalry of their families. Even if she would have felt far more secure with Zanon staying close. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Nethis would gladly eat her alive given the chance. She hoped that perhaps the Queen’s words would draw the intense woman’s attention more than her presence.
Essa made an effort to straighten her spine as she turned back towards the other women. She wanted to shrink away, but she knew they would pounce if she did. She couldn’t appear meek and timid, not now. Her family was counting on her. Her mouth felt dry as she struggled to think of anything to say that wouldn’t be blatantly insincere or pitiful. She didn’t dare speak and risk making a fool of herself. Not yet at least.
While she was not as close to the Queen as she was to her own children, the many years Evras had spent working in close quarters with her meant Evras was just as well versed in reading the looks the matriarch gave her as her own children was, which was why Evras got it quickly and remained silent amidst all the gossip. They spread like wildfire, but they also sputtered out as quickly as they started, and Evras assumed that was the aim Yanni was going for.
Instead, the pregnant princess had turned and intended to focus on seeing if she could spot anyone she would need to speak to before retiring early for the night, when her eldest sibling's words made her freeze in her tracks, looking not unlike a deer caught in lights. After the disastrous dinner, Evras had almost immediately been put on bedrest by the physician that she had thankfully, been able to avoid much altercation with her eldest sister who Evras did not doubt had had to face the bulk of their father's fury that evening. The closest Evras had gotten to Nethis of the last two weeks, was listening to Thea speak of their eldest sister.
But in truth, Evras wasn't looking forward to speaking to her. She had used to think Nethis was a sibling she could rely on, someone who, while had her own ambitions, understood her distaste for the political fights and sly underhanded manners which took place in court, and wouldn't force Evras to participate in such things.She used to comply with what her father asked her to do, in garnering information from people and charming those he needed to be charmed, but ever since coming to terms with Dion growing up, and seeing the dangers which could befall him for simply being the son of a second prince, along with now carrying her second one, Evras simply wanted a quiet life where she could raise her children in a safe enviroment.
Now, she wondered if she had to choose between maintaining her relationship with her sisters or ensuring the safety of her children, both born and unborn alike.
Thankfully, Evras was saved from having to answer when the Queen herself set in, and while she tried to school her features to hide the relief she felt, there was a visible loosening of the tension in her shoulders as she turned to the Queen and nodded in a docile manner. She was saved for now, but Evras had no doubt Nethis would eventually find some way to have that conversation she wanted with her. But Evras would take the small concession she could get for now, and eagerly accepted Zanon's brief kiss to her temple, fitting easily against Zanon's side as she gave a brief curtsy to the Queen.
"I'm sure you've read my missive Nethis, but I cannot be on my feet for long. We'll catch up soon, sister." Evras finally responded to Nethis with a soft smile, one reminscient of her younger days. It was the best neutral one she could come up with without betraying her actual emotions. She turned to Thea, but with no words for her second sister, she merely gave her a smile, a hidden warning of 'be careful' within her eyes. Turning to Essa as she joined, a warm smile was given to the young Drakos as a greeting. While Evras has had her altercations with Essa's elder sibling, the younger Drakos was a pleasant girl Evras enjoyed spending time with. "I'll have to go now however, but do visit soon, won't you?" she murmured, returning the embrace.
With another nod to the general group she stood with, Evras followed Zanon's guide to the guard the Queen offered, leaning against her husband's side once they were out of earshot.
"I'm tired." she murmured with a hand over her swollen abdomen, referring to both her physicality as well as mental weariness. Suddenly, court games proved to be something Evras no longer wanted to be a part of. Why bother, when all she was good for, was as chess pieces for her family? When everyone speaking to her had an ulterior motive, and her only goal was to ensure the safety of her offspring. "I'll probably be asleep when you get back."
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
May 4, 2020 14:41:19 GMT
Posted In Viper's Nest on May 4, 2020 14:41:19 GMT
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
While she was not as close to the Queen as she was to her own children, the many years Evras had spent working in close quarters with her meant Evras was just as well versed in reading the looks the matriarch gave her as her own children was, which was why Evras got it quickly and remained silent amidst all the gossip. They spread like wildfire, but they also sputtered out as quickly as they started, and Evras assumed that was the aim Yanni was going for.
Instead, the pregnant princess had turned and intended to focus on seeing if she could spot anyone she would need to speak to before retiring early for the night, when her eldest sibling's words made her freeze in her tracks, looking not unlike a deer caught in lights. After the disastrous dinner, Evras had almost immediately been put on bedrest by the physician that she had thankfully, been able to avoid much altercation with her eldest sister who Evras did not doubt had had to face the bulk of their father's fury that evening. The closest Evras had gotten to Nethis of the last two weeks, was listening to Thea speak of their eldest sister.
But in truth, Evras wasn't looking forward to speaking to her. She had used to think Nethis was a sibling she could rely on, someone who, while had her own ambitions, understood her distaste for the political fights and sly underhanded manners which took place in court, and wouldn't force Evras to participate in such things.She used to comply with what her father asked her to do, in garnering information from people and charming those he needed to be charmed, but ever since coming to terms with Dion growing up, and seeing the dangers which could befall him for simply being the son of a second prince, along with now carrying her second one, Evras simply wanted a quiet life where she could raise her children in a safe enviroment.
Now, she wondered if she had to choose between maintaining her relationship with her sisters or ensuring the safety of her children, both born and unborn alike.
Thankfully, Evras was saved from having to answer when the Queen herself set in, and while she tried to school her features to hide the relief she felt, there was a visible loosening of the tension in her shoulders as she turned to the Queen and nodded in a docile manner. She was saved for now, but Evras had no doubt Nethis would eventually find some way to have that conversation she wanted with her. But Evras would take the small concession she could get for now, and eagerly accepted Zanon's brief kiss to her temple, fitting easily against Zanon's side as she gave a brief curtsy to the Queen.
"I'm sure you've read my missive Nethis, but I cannot be on my feet for long. We'll catch up soon, sister." Evras finally responded to Nethis with a soft smile, one reminscient of her younger days. It was the best neutral one she could come up with without betraying her actual emotions. She turned to Thea, but with no words for her second sister, she merely gave her a smile, a hidden warning of 'be careful' within her eyes. Turning to Essa as she joined, a warm smile was given to the young Drakos as a greeting. While Evras has had her altercations with Essa's elder sibling, the younger Drakos was a pleasant girl Evras enjoyed spending time with. "I'll have to go now however, but do visit soon, won't you?" she murmured, returning the embrace.
With another nod to the general group she stood with, Evras followed Zanon's guide to the guard the Queen offered, leaning against her husband's side once they were out of earshot.
"I'm tired." she murmured with a hand over her swollen abdomen, referring to both her physicality as well as mental weariness. Suddenly, court games proved to be something Evras no longer wanted to be a part of. Why bother, when all she was good for, was as chess pieces for her family? When everyone speaking to her had an ulterior motive, and her only goal was to ensure the safety of her offspring. "I'll probably be asleep when you get back."
While she was not as close to the Queen as she was to her own children, the many years Evras had spent working in close quarters with her meant Evras was just as well versed in reading the looks the matriarch gave her as her own children was, which was why Evras got it quickly and remained silent amidst all the gossip. They spread like wildfire, but they also sputtered out as quickly as they started, and Evras assumed that was the aim Yanni was going for.
Instead, the pregnant princess had turned and intended to focus on seeing if she could spot anyone she would need to speak to before retiring early for the night, when her eldest sibling's words made her freeze in her tracks, looking not unlike a deer caught in lights. After the disastrous dinner, Evras had almost immediately been put on bedrest by the physician that she had thankfully, been able to avoid much altercation with her eldest sister who Evras did not doubt had had to face the bulk of their father's fury that evening. The closest Evras had gotten to Nethis of the last two weeks, was listening to Thea speak of their eldest sister.
But in truth, Evras wasn't looking forward to speaking to her. She had used to think Nethis was a sibling she could rely on, someone who, while had her own ambitions, understood her distaste for the political fights and sly underhanded manners which took place in court, and wouldn't force Evras to participate in such things.She used to comply with what her father asked her to do, in garnering information from people and charming those he needed to be charmed, but ever since coming to terms with Dion growing up, and seeing the dangers which could befall him for simply being the son of a second prince, along with now carrying her second one, Evras simply wanted a quiet life where she could raise her children in a safe enviroment.
Now, she wondered if she had to choose between maintaining her relationship with her sisters or ensuring the safety of her children, both born and unborn alike.
Thankfully, Evras was saved from having to answer when the Queen herself set in, and while she tried to school her features to hide the relief she felt, there was a visible loosening of the tension in her shoulders as she turned to the Queen and nodded in a docile manner. She was saved for now, but Evras had no doubt Nethis would eventually find some way to have that conversation she wanted with her. But Evras would take the small concession she could get for now, and eagerly accepted Zanon's brief kiss to her temple, fitting easily against Zanon's side as she gave a brief curtsy to the Queen.
"I'm sure you've read my missive Nethis, but I cannot be on my feet for long. We'll catch up soon, sister." Evras finally responded to Nethis with a soft smile, one reminscient of her younger days. It was the best neutral one she could come up with without betraying her actual emotions. She turned to Thea, but with no words for her second sister, she merely gave her a smile, a hidden warning of 'be careful' within her eyes. Turning to Essa as she joined, a warm smile was given to the young Drakos as a greeting. While Evras has had her altercations with Essa's elder sibling, the younger Drakos was a pleasant girl Evras enjoyed spending time with. "I'll have to go now however, but do visit soon, won't you?" she murmured, returning the embrace.
With another nod to the general group she stood with, Evras followed Zanon's guide to the guard the Queen offered, leaning against her husband's side once they were out of earshot.
"I'm tired." she murmured with a hand over her swollen abdomen, referring to both her physicality as well as mental weariness. Suddenly, court games proved to be something Evras no longer wanted to be a part of. Why bother, when all she was good for, was as chess pieces for her family? When everyone speaking to her had an ulterior motive, and her only goal was to ensure the safety of her offspring. "I'll probably be asleep when you get back."
Viper's Nest Event - Colchis
"Oh my, the Princess Evras is looking peaked also! Perhaps there is to be more than one baby in the Kotas house."
"You mean, in the Thanasi house. Look at Prince Dion. Named for his Thanasi grandfather and looks just like them. He hasn't served his Kotas tradition in the mines yet and I heard he's not as skilled as his father was at his age with a sword. Perhaps he's been learning... other things."
"Like what?"
"Oh don't be so dense, Lady Myrra. I mean like witchcraft! With aunts like that - who can bespell any prince they want, I'm sure he's learning all sorts of foul thing."
"You shouldn't say that of the prince!"
"Am I not allowed to worry about the kingdom's future? The Kotas household is crumbling. The more snakes get in there, the weaker they become."
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
"Oh my, the Princess Evras is looking peaked also! Perhaps there is to be more than one baby in the Kotas house."
"You mean, in the Thanasi house. Look at Prince Dion. Named for his Thanasi grandfather and looks just like them. He hasn't served his Kotas tradition in the mines yet and I heard he's not as skilled as his father was at his age with a sword. Perhaps he's been learning... other things."
"Like what?"
"Oh don't be so dense, Lady Myrra. I mean like witchcraft! With aunts like that - who can bespell any prince they want, I'm sure he's learning all sorts of foul thing."
"You shouldn't say that of the prince!"
"Am I not allowed to worry about the kingdom's future? The Kotas household is crumbling. The more snakes get in there, the weaker they become."
Viper's Nest Event - Colchis
"Oh my, the Princess Evras is looking peaked also! Perhaps there is to be more than one baby in the Kotas house."
"You mean, in the Thanasi house. Look at Prince Dion. Named for his Thanasi grandfather and looks just like them. He hasn't served his Kotas tradition in the mines yet and I heard he's not as skilled as his father was at his age with a sword. Perhaps he's been learning... other things."
"Like what?"
"Oh don't be so dense, Lady Myrra. I mean like witchcraft! With aunts like that - who can bespell any prince they want, I'm sure he's learning all sorts of foul thing."
"You shouldn't say that of the prince!"
"Am I not allowed to worry about the kingdom's future? The Kotas household is crumbling. The more snakes get in there, the weaker they become."
Although Athanasia had arrived too late to hear her brother’s words, she did catch the gossip and it made her blood boil. If she wasn’t certain that her mother would reprimand her for making a scene, she would have stalked over and punched both women in the face. A few months ago, she would have done it anyway, but the young princess had promised herself that she would not anger her parents with unladylike behavior anymore. She had almost lost her father and had thought she would never get the chance to show him that she could act like the princess she was raised to be. There would be no more social mistakes, no matter how difficult it was to still her hands and hold her tongue.
She knew, of course, that Lady Thea was staying in the manor, and that Lady Selene had gone back to Taengea instead of marrying Vang as everyone had expected she would. Athanasia had looked forward to her friend becoming her sister-in-law, but the engagement had apparently been called off. It didn’t take a genius to put two and two together when the middle Thanasi daughter moved in. The young princess had suspected that she was carrying her brother’s child. Now those suspicions had been confirmed.
She beamed at the pride in her mother’s face and was glad that she had dressed up, no matter how uncomfortable she felt in her finery. Since they had boarded the ship for Taengea, she had been dressing according to her station and she was now accustomed to fine silks and heavy jewelry. She would still rather wear her riding clothes or a short plain chiton, but in public, she had resigned herself to playing the part of a Kotas royal in both looks and demeanor.
The other ladies greeted her cordially. Lady Thea asked to examine the beaded embroidery on her chiton, and she noticed the way Zan’s hand clamped down on the woman’s shoulder. For some reason, he wanted her to stay seated and he didn’t want her consorting with his sister either.
Before Atthanasia could answer, her brother stepped toward her, kissed her on the cheek, and guided her toward their mother. She shot an apologetic look at Thea and mouthed the word ‘later.’ It was definitely time that she got to know the woman who would most likely become Vangelis’ wife. The Crown Prince was an honorable man and would want his child to bear his name.
Her mother was probably not very happy to have two of the three Thanasi women as daughters-in-law. Would Nethis attempt to seduce either Yiannis or Silas and become part of the family as well? That notion made her stifle a chuckle. Lady Nethis was beautiful but she didn’t seem like the kind of woman either of her unattached brothers would go for.
She noticed her cousin Essa a short distance away, dressed demurely in blue. Where was Imeeya, she wondered? Zanon called Essa over, and Athanasia smiled when she greeted both Kotas siblings. “It’s lovely to see you again, Lady Essa,” she replied and then grinned up at Zanon. “Whatever you wish to speak with Lady Imeeya about, I hope it doesn’t concern me.” Whether it did or didn’t, Imeeya would most likely tell her about it … unless she was still planning on keeping secrets from her best friend.
The princess edged toward Thea as her mother and Zanon urged Evras to retire, refusing Nethis’ request to go with her. Her sister-in-law did look tired. It had been quite some time since they had spent time alone together. Evras was usually busy helping the Queen run the household while Athanasia occupied herself with archery, swimming, and improving her horse-riding skills. She decided that she would visit Evras the following day. Knowing her brother, he would insist that his wife rest most of the time, and she could keep her company.
As Zanon escorted Evras to the guard who would take her to her chambers, Athanasia finally reached Thea’s side. She was about to sit beside her when another onslaught of gossip assaulted her ears, insinuating that her nephew was learning witchcraft from his mother and aunts. Why were the Thanasi women always accused of being witches? To her knowledge, they had done nothing to merit those accusations.
Perhaps she could have ignored them, but despite her promise to herself, she could remain silent no longer. Flashing them a withering glare, she smiled with sickly sweetness. “Why you know so much about witchcraft, Lady Anthousa, one would think you practice it yourself. As for you, Lady Myrra, according to a certain stableboy, gossip isn’t the only thing you use your mouth for.”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
May 6, 2020 15:24:15 GMT
Posted In Viper's Nest on May 6, 2020 15:24:15 GMT
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Although Athanasia had arrived too late to hear her brother’s words, she did catch the gossip and it made her blood boil. If she wasn’t certain that her mother would reprimand her for making a scene, she would have stalked over and punched both women in the face. A few months ago, she would have done it anyway, but the young princess had promised herself that she would not anger her parents with unladylike behavior anymore. She had almost lost her father and had thought she would never get the chance to show him that she could act like the princess she was raised to be. There would be no more social mistakes, no matter how difficult it was to still her hands and hold her tongue.
She knew, of course, that Lady Thea was staying in the manor, and that Lady Selene had gone back to Taengea instead of marrying Vang as everyone had expected she would. Athanasia had looked forward to her friend becoming her sister-in-law, but the engagement had apparently been called off. It didn’t take a genius to put two and two together when the middle Thanasi daughter moved in. The young princess had suspected that she was carrying her brother’s child. Now those suspicions had been confirmed.
She beamed at the pride in her mother’s face and was glad that she had dressed up, no matter how uncomfortable she felt in her finery. Since they had boarded the ship for Taengea, she had been dressing according to her station and she was now accustomed to fine silks and heavy jewelry. She would still rather wear her riding clothes or a short plain chiton, but in public, she had resigned herself to playing the part of a Kotas royal in both looks and demeanor.
The other ladies greeted her cordially. Lady Thea asked to examine the beaded embroidery on her chiton, and she noticed the way Zan’s hand clamped down on the woman’s shoulder. For some reason, he wanted her to stay seated and he didn’t want her consorting with his sister either.
Before Atthanasia could answer, her brother stepped toward her, kissed her on the cheek, and guided her toward their mother. She shot an apologetic look at Thea and mouthed the word ‘later.’ It was definitely time that she got to know the woman who would most likely become Vangelis’ wife. The Crown Prince was an honorable man and would want his child to bear his name.
Her mother was probably not very happy to have two of the three Thanasi women as daughters-in-law. Would Nethis attempt to seduce either Yiannis or Silas and become part of the family as well? That notion made her stifle a chuckle. Lady Nethis was beautiful but she didn’t seem like the kind of woman either of her unattached brothers would go for.
She noticed her cousin Essa a short distance away, dressed demurely in blue. Where was Imeeya, she wondered? Zanon called Essa over, and Athanasia smiled when she greeted both Kotas siblings. “It’s lovely to see you again, Lady Essa,” she replied and then grinned up at Zanon. “Whatever you wish to speak with Lady Imeeya about, I hope it doesn’t concern me.” Whether it did or didn’t, Imeeya would most likely tell her about it … unless she was still planning on keeping secrets from her best friend.
The princess edged toward Thea as her mother and Zanon urged Evras to retire, refusing Nethis’ request to go with her. Her sister-in-law did look tired. It had been quite some time since they had spent time alone together. Evras was usually busy helping the Queen run the household while Athanasia occupied herself with archery, swimming, and improving her horse-riding skills. She decided that she would visit Evras the following day. Knowing her brother, he would insist that his wife rest most of the time, and she could keep her company.
As Zanon escorted Evras to the guard who would take her to her chambers, Athanasia finally reached Thea’s side. She was about to sit beside her when another onslaught of gossip assaulted her ears, insinuating that her nephew was learning witchcraft from his mother and aunts. Why were the Thanasi women always accused of being witches? To her knowledge, they had done nothing to merit those accusations.
Perhaps she could have ignored them, but despite her promise to herself, she could remain silent no longer. Flashing them a withering glare, she smiled with sickly sweetness. “Why you know so much about witchcraft, Lady Anthousa, one would think you practice it yourself. As for you, Lady Myrra, according to a certain stableboy, gossip isn’t the only thing you use your mouth for.”
Although Athanasia had arrived too late to hear her brother’s words, she did catch the gossip and it made her blood boil. If she wasn’t certain that her mother would reprimand her for making a scene, she would have stalked over and punched both women in the face. A few months ago, she would have done it anyway, but the young princess had promised herself that she would not anger her parents with unladylike behavior anymore. She had almost lost her father and had thought she would never get the chance to show him that she could act like the princess she was raised to be. There would be no more social mistakes, no matter how difficult it was to still her hands and hold her tongue.
She knew, of course, that Lady Thea was staying in the manor, and that Lady Selene had gone back to Taengea instead of marrying Vang as everyone had expected she would. Athanasia had looked forward to her friend becoming her sister-in-law, but the engagement had apparently been called off. It didn’t take a genius to put two and two together when the middle Thanasi daughter moved in. The young princess had suspected that she was carrying her brother’s child. Now those suspicions had been confirmed.
She beamed at the pride in her mother’s face and was glad that she had dressed up, no matter how uncomfortable she felt in her finery. Since they had boarded the ship for Taengea, she had been dressing according to her station and she was now accustomed to fine silks and heavy jewelry. She would still rather wear her riding clothes or a short plain chiton, but in public, she had resigned herself to playing the part of a Kotas royal in both looks and demeanor.
The other ladies greeted her cordially. Lady Thea asked to examine the beaded embroidery on her chiton, and she noticed the way Zan’s hand clamped down on the woman’s shoulder. For some reason, he wanted her to stay seated and he didn’t want her consorting with his sister either.
Before Atthanasia could answer, her brother stepped toward her, kissed her on the cheek, and guided her toward their mother. She shot an apologetic look at Thea and mouthed the word ‘later.’ It was definitely time that she got to know the woman who would most likely become Vangelis’ wife. The Crown Prince was an honorable man and would want his child to bear his name.
Her mother was probably not very happy to have two of the three Thanasi women as daughters-in-law. Would Nethis attempt to seduce either Yiannis or Silas and become part of the family as well? That notion made her stifle a chuckle. Lady Nethis was beautiful but she didn’t seem like the kind of woman either of her unattached brothers would go for.
She noticed her cousin Essa a short distance away, dressed demurely in blue. Where was Imeeya, she wondered? Zanon called Essa over, and Athanasia smiled when she greeted both Kotas siblings. “It’s lovely to see you again, Lady Essa,” she replied and then grinned up at Zanon. “Whatever you wish to speak with Lady Imeeya about, I hope it doesn’t concern me.” Whether it did or didn’t, Imeeya would most likely tell her about it … unless she was still planning on keeping secrets from her best friend.
The princess edged toward Thea as her mother and Zanon urged Evras to retire, refusing Nethis’ request to go with her. Her sister-in-law did look tired. It had been quite some time since they had spent time alone together. Evras was usually busy helping the Queen run the household while Athanasia occupied herself with archery, swimming, and improving her horse-riding skills. She decided that she would visit Evras the following day. Knowing her brother, he would insist that his wife rest most of the time, and she could keep her company.
As Zanon escorted Evras to the guard who would take her to her chambers, Athanasia finally reached Thea’s side. She was about to sit beside her when another onslaught of gossip assaulted her ears, insinuating that her nephew was learning witchcraft from his mother and aunts. Why were the Thanasi women always accused of being witches? To her knowledge, they had done nothing to merit those accusations.
Perhaps she could have ignored them, but despite her promise to herself, she could remain silent no longer. Flashing them a withering glare, she smiled with sickly sweetness. “Why you know so much about witchcraft, Lady Anthousa, one would think you practice it yourself. As for you, Lady Myrra, according to a certain stableboy, gossip isn’t the only thing you use your mouth for.”
Essa’s smile grew only wider as Evras returned her embrace along with a murmured invitation. “You can count on it,” she whispered in return. Despite the opinions of her sister and others, Essa had always adored Evras. She was such a doting and kindhearted mother; Essa had never understood how anyone could bear her ill will, no matter who her family was.
The younger girl smiled politely at the Princess’s teasing about her sister. The two were thick as thieves, and if one needed scolding, typically the other was involved. Yet their relationship had always caused a spark of envy deep within Essa. It wasn’t that she resented their relationship so much as it was a reminder of what she herself lacked. None of her cousins were so close in age and while she adored Dion as a brother, being five years younger, there was so much she could not confide in him about. Same with Zanon - he was perhaps the one person in her life who best understood her heart and nature. Yet there were some matters it was just difficult to discuss with him. While he would never begrudge her happiness, she couldn’t help but believe he would struggle to find anyone good enough for her. She couldn’t whisper to him about crushes or mischief.
She had never had such a friendship of her own, though she had seen it every day in Imeeya and Athanasia. Much as she was ashamed to feel as she did, sometimes their closeness seemed only to remind her how very alone she was.
As Zanon escorted his wife away, she forced her mind from melancholy thoughts and back to the present. There was no ignoring the nearby gossip, even as the Princess replied far more quickly than she could. For a moment she simply stared, awestruck by the retort.
Typically, she would flee at a moment like this, or at least look away, try to distance herself. While her mother and sister thrived on conflict, Essa avoided it like the plague. It made her dreadfully uncomfortable and she had never quite understood why it seemed so difficult for people to simply be kind to one another. It seemed like such a simple matter. Yet in this moment, she could not fathom staying out of it.
Ladies of the court were so quick to assume she was too young and dim to keep up with the veiled insults and innuendos of Court. That she was unable to defend herself against their barbs. The truth of the matter wasn’t that she was incapable of it at all. It simply didn’t interest her as a way of life the way most seemed thrilled by it. It seemed so draining and pointless to her, so she simply avoided it altogether.
These women had made a grave mistake. Not only had they insulted her family - one of the few things capable of stoking her temper. That she might have been able to swallow, allowing Athanasia and others to handle it instead. But they had chosen to attack Dion. Essa was fiercely protective of him to a degree that exceeded near anyone else. The rest of her family was far more intimidating than her, all perfectly capable of taking care of themselves. Dion was as a younger brother to her. She had been raised alongside him in many ways, read him stories to lull him to sleep, tended to his scrapes, played make believe with him all over the Kotas manor... In a way that no one else was, Dion was hers to protect.
So she could not keep her tongue now.
Instead she shifted to stand beside her cousin, a hand resting gently on her shoulder as a smile sweet as honey spread across the younger Lady’s lips. “Now, dear cousin, surely you are being far too harsh on these ladies,” she began, her voice filled with warmth.
“After all, we know Lady Anthousa hasn’t the intellect for such practices. Besides, were she capable of such witchcraft, that vile jealousy she wears so proudly in her misguided effort to hide all her shortcomings would have seen all the ladies of the court cursed twice over.” As she spoke, her gaze shifted from her cousin to scan the length of the woman she spoke of. While her smile never faltered, there was no denying the slight quirk of an eyebrow that implied the lady was in fact lacking.
She then turned her attention to the second lady. “As for you, Lady Myrra, rest assured, such a rumor could only improve your reputation. Perhaps offer a touch of incentive for a suitor or two. You’ll have a line waiting outside your stable stall in no time at all.” She gave a soft laugh, as though she were speaking in jest, even as her frozen smile promised the sincerity of every implied insult beneath the veneer of her words.
All the while, to anyone not in earshot, it would appear as though they were having a positively delightful conversation. “Your concerns for the kingdom are noted, ladies. I would suggest you excuse yourselves however. The more you speak, the more obvious your ignorance truly is. I would just hate to see you embarrass yourselves so publicly. Some ladies simply never recover from such a grave error in judgement.”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
May 25, 2020 9:35:18 GMT
Posted In Viper's Nest on May 25, 2020 9:35:18 GMT
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Essa’s smile grew only wider as Evras returned her embrace along with a murmured invitation. “You can count on it,” she whispered in return. Despite the opinions of her sister and others, Essa had always adored Evras. She was such a doting and kindhearted mother; Essa had never understood how anyone could bear her ill will, no matter who her family was.
The younger girl smiled politely at the Princess’s teasing about her sister. The two were thick as thieves, and if one needed scolding, typically the other was involved. Yet their relationship had always caused a spark of envy deep within Essa. It wasn’t that she resented their relationship so much as it was a reminder of what she herself lacked. None of her cousins were so close in age and while she adored Dion as a brother, being five years younger, there was so much she could not confide in him about. Same with Zanon - he was perhaps the one person in her life who best understood her heart and nature. Yet there were some matters it was just difficult to discuss with him. While he would never begrudge her happiness, she couldn’t help but believe he would struggle to find anyone good enough for her. She couldn’t whisper to him about crushes or mischief.
She had never had such a friendship of her own, though she had seen it every day in Imeeya and Athanasia. Much as she was ashamed to feel as she did, sometimes their closeness seemed only to remind her how very alone she was.
As Zanon escorted his wife away, she forced her mind from melancholy thoughts and back to the present. There was no ignoring the nearby gossip, even as the Princess replied far more quickly than she could. For a moment she simply stared, awestruck by the retort.
Typically, she would flee at a moment like this, or at least look away, try to distance herself. While her mother and sister thrived on conflict, Essa avoided it like the plague. It made her dreadfully uncomfortable and she had never quite understood why it seemed so difficult for people to simply be kind to one another. It seemed like such a simple matter. Yet in this moment, she could not fathom staying out of it.
Ladies of the court were so quick to assume she was too young and dim to keep up with the veiled insults and innuendos of Court. That she was unable to defend herself against their barbs. The truth of the matter wasn’t that she was incapable of it at all. It simply didn’t interest her as a way of life the way most seemed thrilled by it. It seemed so draining and pointless to her, so she simply avoided it altogether.
These women had made a grave mistake. Not only had they insulted her family - one of the few things capable of stoking her temper. That she might have been able to swallow, allowing Athanasia and others to handle it instead. But they had chosen to attack Dion. Essa was fiercely protective of him to a degree that exceeded near anyone else. The rest of her family was far more intimidating than her, all perfectly capable of taking care of themselves. Dion was as a younger brother to her. She had been raised alongside him in many ways, read him stories to lull him to sleep, tended to his scrapes, played make believe with him all over the Kotas manor... In a way that no one else was, Dion was hers to protect.
So she could not keep her tongue now.
Instead she shifted to stand beside her cousin, a hand resting gently on her shoulder as a smile sweet as honey spread across the younger Lady’s lips. “Now, dear cousin, surely you are being far too harsh on these ladies,” she began, her voice filled with warmth.
“After all, we know Lady Anthousa hasn’t the intellect for such practices. Besides, were she capable of such witchcraft, that vile jealousy she wears so proudly in her misguided effort to hide all her shortcomings would have seen all the ladies of the court cursed twice over.” As she spoke, her gaze shifted from her cousin to scan the length of the woman she spoke of. While her smile never faltered, there was no denying the slight quirk of an eyebrow that implied the lady was in fact lacking.
She then turned her attention to the second lady. “As for you, Lady Myrra, rest assured, such a rumor could only improve your reputation. Perhaps offer a touch of incentive for a suitor or two. You’ll have a line waiting outside your stable stall in no time at all.” She gave a soft laugh, as though she were speaking in jest, even as her frozen smile promised the sincerity of every implied insult beneath the veneer of her words.
All the while, to anyone not in earshot, it would appear as though they were having a positively delightful conversation. “Your concerns for the kingdom are noted, ladies. I would suggest you excuse yourselves however. The more you speak, the more obvious your ignorance truly is. I would just hate to see you embarrass yourselves so publicly. Some ladies simply never recover from such a grave error in judgement.”
Essa’s smile grew only wider as Evras returned her embrace along with a murmured invitation. “You can count on it,” she whispered in return. Despite the opinions of her sister and others, Essa had always adored Evras. She was such a doting and kindhearted mother; Essa had never understood how anyone could bear her ill will, no matter who her family was.
The younger girl smiled politely at the Princess’s teasing about her sister. The two were thick as thieves, and if one needed scolding, typically the other was involved. Yet their relationship had always caused a spark of envy deep within Essa. It wasn’t that she resented their relationship so much as it was a reminder of what she herself lacked. None of her cousins were so close in age and while she adored Dion as a brother, being five years younger, there was so much she could not confide in him about. Same with Zanon - he was perhaps the one person in her life who best understood her heart and nature. Yet there were some matters it was just difficult to discuss with him. While he would never begrudge her happiness, she couldn’t help but believe he would struggle to find anyone good enough for her. She couldn’t whisper to him about crushes or mischief.
She had never had such a friendship of her own, though she had seen it every day in Imeeya and Athanasia. Much as she was ashamed to feel as she did, sometimes their closeness seemed only to remind her how very alone she was.
As Zanon escorted his wife away, she forced her mind from melancholy thoughts and back to the present. There was no ignoring the nearby gossip, even as the Princess replied far more quickly than she could. For a moment she simply stared, awestruck by the retort.
Typically, she would flee at a moment like this, or at least look away, try to distance herself. While her mother and sister thrived on conflict, Essa avoided it like the plague. It made her dreadfully uncomfortable and she had never quite understood why it seemed so difficult for people to simply be kind to one another. It seemed like such a simple matter. Yet in this moment, she could not fathom staying out of it.
Ladies of the court were so quick to assume she was too young and dim to keep up with the veiled insults and innuendos of Court. That she was unable to defend herself against their barbs. The truth of the matter wasn’t that she was incapable of it at all. It simply didn’t interest her as a way of life the way most seemed thrilled by it. It seemed so draining and pointless to her, so she simply avoided it altogether.
These women had made a grave mistake. Not only had they insulted her family - one of the few things capable of stoking her temper. That she might have been able to swallow, allowing Athanasia and others to handle it instead. But they had chosen to attack Dion. Essa was fiercely protective of him to a degree that exceeded near anyone else. The rest of her family was far more intimidating than her, all perfectly capable of taking care of themselves. Dion was as a younger brother to her. She had been raised alongside him in many ways, read him stories to lull him to sleep, tended to his scrapes, played make believe with him all over the Kotas manor... In a way that no one else was, Dion was hers to protect.
So she could not keep her tongue now.
Instead she shifted to stand beside her cousin, a hand resting gently on her shoulder as a smile sweet as honey spread across the younger Lady’s lips. “Now, dear cousin, surely you are being far too harsh on these ladies,” she began, her voice filled with warmth.
“After all, we know Lady Anthousa hasn’t the intellect for such practices. Besides, were she capable of such witchcraft, that vile jealousy she wears so proudly in her misguided effort to hide all her shortcomings would have seen all the ladies of the court cursed twice over.” As she spoke, her gaze shifted from her cousin to scan the length of the woman she spoke of. While her smile never faltered, there was no denying the slight quirk of an eyebrow that implied the lady was in fact lacking.
She then turned her attention to the second lady. “As for you, Lady Myrra, rest assured, such a rumor could only improve your reputation. Perhaps offer a touch of incentive for a suitor or two. You’ll have a line waiting outside your stable stall in no time at all.” She gave a soft laugh, as though she were speaking in jest, even as her frozen smile promised the sincerity of every implied insult beneath the veneer of her words.
All the while, to anyone not in earshot, it would appear as though they were having a positively delightful conversation. “Your concerns for the kingdom are noted, ladies. I would suggest you excuse yourselves however. The more you speak, the more obvious your ignorance truly is. I would just hate to see you embarrass yourselves so publicly. Some ladies simply never recover from such a grave error in judgement.”
With a tiara glittering upon her head, Princess Tythra was in her element. Men left Colchis by the droves, headed off to war leaving women to care for things back home. It was now that the Ladies of Colchis could truly show that they are capable, powerful people. Tythra had shown for decades now that she is just that, empowered by her status as a widow and her relationship with her brother. Though not everyone could be so blessed to be born a Princess, nor were they ambitious enough to find opportunity in their situation and strive for change. But with new responsibilities being thrust to the many ladies upon Colchis, perhaps a taste of power would make them strive to be… something.
Or perhaps not. Princess Tythra flitted around court talking with one person to the next. The conversation spanned from talking of finances of the mines to warm congratulations of a family achievement, or birth, or what have you. Each word from Tythra’s lips was courtly, polite, and precise. Court was not a fun gathering among friends, but a chance to expand your political circle and tighten your grip on the business of Colchis. There was an opportunity in court, a teaching she passed onto her daughters, whether they cared to listen or not. And yet this opportunity these women had was being squandered. As usual, rumors were running rampant within the Dikastirio Chamber. Despite business needing to be done and a Kingdom to run in the men’s stead while away at war, the various women felt the need to whisper about the royal family.
It was pathetic, really, that this opportunity is squandered by women with little ambition. Even if the information may be indeed pertinent, such as the potential for yet another Thanasi to be pregnant by a Kotas man. And while Tythra had no soft heart for the Thanasi snakes, she had to admit they were succeeding in wiggling their way into the monarchy, where her little dragon wrymlings seemed to flounder.
Princess Tythra scanned the room, gaze bouncing from one person to the next before landing on her daughter and niece. As she got closer, she heard snippets of their conversation.
As for you, Lady Myrra, according to a certain stableboy, gossip isn’t the only thing you use your mouth for.
Besides, were she capable of such witchcraft, that vile jealousy she wears so proudly in her misguided effort to hide all her shortcomings would have seen all the ladies of the court cursed twice over.
Tythra could not help but roll her eyes. While they were succeeding in making a conversation look polite, the words they used did little but to grow resentment and burn bridges. It would not stop rumors from spreading, rather stroke the flame and twist the words even more. Yet, Tythra could not be disappointed at either girl, for protecting one’s family, even from words, is an admirable trait. It just needed a little… finesse.
The Princess moved to her niece and daughter, placing a soft gentle hand on both their shoulders. “Now, now,” She said to the four. “Perhaps we should all take a breath. Lady Anthousa and Lady Myrra surely are not foolish enough to spread such obvious lies about the Prince’s son. Nor are they illogical enough to truly believe in witchcraft. And clearly they would not want to waste this opportunity in court while the men are away on idle gossip.” Tythra’s smile remained ever calm, ever polite, but a look flashed across her eyes. “My darling girls, the women of Colchis are too intelligent, too strong to fall for such trivial matters. Isn’t that right, hm?”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Jun 14, 2020 16:52:38 GMT
Posted In Viper's Nest on Jun 14, 2020 16:52:38 GMT
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
With a tiara glittering upon her head, Princess Tythra was in her element. Men left Colchis by the droves, headed off to war leaving women to care for things back home. It was now that the Ladies of Colchis could truly show that they are capable, powerful people. Tythra had shown for decades now that she is just that, empowered by her status as a widow and her relationship with her brother. Though not everyone could be so blessed to be born a Princess, nor were they ambitious enough to find opportunity in their situation and strive for change. But with new responsibilities being thrust to the many ladies upon Colchis, perhaps a taste of power would make them strive to be… something.
Or perhaps not. Princess Tythra flitted around court talking with one person to the next. The conversation spanned from talking of finances of the mines to warm congratulations of a family achievement, or birth, or what have you. Each word from Tythra’s lips was courtly, polite, and precise. Court was not a fun gathering among friends, but a chance to expand your political circle and tighten your grip on the business of Colchis. There was an opportunity in court, a teaching she passed onto her daughters, whether they cared to listen or not. And yet this opportunity these women had was being squandered. As usual, rumors were running rampant within the Dikastirio Chamber. Despite business needing to be done and a Kingdom to run in the men’s stead while away at war, the various women felt the need to whisper about the royal family.
It was pathetic, really, that this opportunity is squandered by women with little ambition. Even if the information may be indeed pertinent, such as the potential for yet another Thanasi to be pregnant by a Kotas man. And while Tythra had no soft heart for the Thanasi snakes, she had to admit they were succeeding in wiggling their way into the monarchy, where her little dragon wrymlings seemed to flounder.
Princess Tythra scanned the room, gaze bouncing from one person to the next before landing on her daughter and niece. As she got closer, she heard snippets of their conversation.
As for you, Lady Myrra, according to a certain stableboy, gossip isn’t the only thing you use your mouth for.
Besides, were she capable of such witchcraft, that vile jealousy she wears so proudly in her misguided effort to hide all her shortcomings would have seen all the ladies of the court cursed twice over.
Tythra could not help but roll her eyes. While they were succeeding in making a conversation look polite, the words they used did little but to grow resentment and burn bridges. It would not stop rumors from spreading, rather stroke the flame and twist the words even more. Yet, Tythra could not be disappointed at either girl, for protecting one’s family, even from words, is an admirable trait. It just needed a little… finesse.
The Princess moved to her niece and daughter, placing a soft gentle hand on both their shoulders. “Now, now,” She said to the four. “Perhaps we should all take a breath. Lady Anthousa and Lady Myrra surely are not foolish enough to spread such obvious lies about the Prince’s son. Nor are they illogical enough to truly believe in witchcraft. And clearly they would not want to waste this opportunity in court while the men are away on idle gossip.” Tythra’s smile remained ever calm, ever polite, but a look flashed across her eyes. “My darling girls, the women of Colchis are too intelligent, too strong to fall for such trivial matters. Isn’t that right, hm?”
With a tiara glittering upon her head, Princess Tythra was in her element. Men left Colchis by the droves, headed off to war leaving women to care for things back home. It was now that the Ladies of Colchis could truly show that they are capable, powerful people. Tythra had shown for decades now that she is just that, empowered by her status as a widow and her relationship with her brother. Though not everyone could be so blessed to be born a Princess, nor were they ambitious enough to find opportunity in their situation and strive for change. But with new responsibilities being thrust to the many ladies upon Colchis, perhaps a taste of power would make them strive to be… something.
Or perhaps not. Princess Tythra flitted around court talking with one person to the next. The conversation spanned from talking of finances of the mines to warm congratulations of a family achievement, or birth, or what have you. Each word from Tythra’s lips was courtly, polite, and precise. Court was not a fun gathering among friends, but a chance to expand your political circle and tighten your grip on the business of Colchis. There was an opportunity in court, a teaching she passed onto her daughters, whether they cared to listen or not. And yet this opportunity these women had was being squandered. As usual, rumors were running rampant within the Dikastirio Chamber. Despite business needing to be done and a Kingdom to run in the men’s stead while away at war, the various women felt the need to whisper about the royal family.
It was pathetic, really, that this opportunity is squandered by women with little ambition. Even if the information may be indeed pertinent, such as the potential for yet another Thanasi to be pregnant by a Kotas man. And while Tythra had no soft heart for the Thanasi snakes, she had to admit they were succeeding in wiggling their way into the monarchy, where her little dragon wrymlings seemed to flounder.
Princess Tythra scanned the room, gaze bouncing from one person to the next before landing on her daughter and niece. As she got closer, she heard snippets of their conversation.
As for you, Lady Myrra, according to a certain stableboy, gossip isn’t the only thing you use your mouth for.
Besides, were she capable of such witchcraft, that vile jealousy she wears so proudly in her misguided effort to hide all her shortcomings would have seen all the ladies of the court cursed twice over.
Tythra could not help but roll her eyes. While they were succeeding in making a conversation look polite, the words they used did little but to grow resentment and burn bridges. It would not stop rumors from spreading, rather stroke the flame and twist the words even more. Yet, Tythra could not be disappointed at either girl, for protecting one’s family, even from words, is an admirable trait. It just needed a little… finesse.
The Princess moved to her niece and daughter, placing a soft gentle hand on both their shoulders. “Now, now,” She said to the four. “Perhaps we should all take a breath. Lady Anthousa and Lady Myrra surely are not foolish enough to spread such obvious lies about the Prince’s son. Nor are they illogical enough to truly believe in witchcraft. And clearly they would not want to waste this opportunity in court while the men are away on idle gossip.” Tythra’s smile remained ever calm, ever polite, but a look flashed across her eyes. “My darling girls, the women of Colchis are too intelligent, too strong to fall for such trivial matters. Isn’t that right, hm?”
Magnus had never been one to arrive at an event early.
Unlike much of the court who made it a point to arrive early, on time, or even just fashionably late to make an entrance (to which it usually was not too late to garner anger, but not too early so they'd be lost in the crush either), Magnus usually liked to slip in unnoticed after everyone has arrived and the mingling has started. True to his job, he hated eyes on him, and much preferred to be observing in the background once everyone has managed to warm up to the atmosphere and was in full swing of chatting and exchanging gossip.
In similar fashion this evening, the man had only left his manor at the time the session was supposed to start, Magnus had purposely chosen a deep blue chiton that would blend him in the background. The material was unassuming, his slippers a simple leather, and his hair combed back as he alighted his horse and passed it off to one of the stable boys who worked at the Dikastirio, before waving the guards off and entering without any annoucement - just as he's always done.
Having just made it back from Oroboea a scarce few days ago, Magnus had been caught up in helping his friends and acquaintences fix up their houses, the merchants recouping their losses, he had yet to meet up with Zanon and the Queen to report his findings to them, something he intended to do upon the wrapping up of the court session for that night.
Assuming things would be in full swing as he entered, Magnus immediately flicked his dark gaze to search for the Queen. His habit would be to go and greet the royal family before he escorted his sister, but with Leto seemingly unwilling to see family (a story Magnus had yet to dig out from her, ironically) and with most of the royal family already departed for the looming battle, it left him with the Queen and the second Prince to report to, and Magnus was nothing if not a stickler for responsibility.
But what did surprise him however, was to find a little knot of people standing together as he approached them.
He knew of the lady Thea's pregnancy of course - servants spoke, if not with the general public, the news always ended up at his ears. He had also heard of the large row within the Thanasi family, but that had been something he failed to share with Vangelis before they left, and which he needed to inform the Queen at the first chance. The man bowed as he passed Prince Zanon escorting the pregnant princess Evras away, assumingly to rest if Magnus had his news correct. He had heard of a late night summon for a physician, and the next thing he knew, the princess's public appearances were drastically cut short - it dind't take a genius to guess what was going on.
Not wanting to interupt, the Master Informer instead made a beeline for the Queen.
He gave first a polite bow to the Lady Nethis, is face a careful comportment of neutrality as he gave the same deference of respect to the Ladies Thea and Essa respectively, before greeting the two elder ladies in turn, having arrived just in time to catch the Lady Tythra's words. To no one's surprise, the two ladies had shrinked at the fierce, clearly directed words of the lady of Drakos, and Magnus smiled in amusement at how they stuttered out some intelligible words, before melting away, leaving Magnus to smile in respect. "Always a master with your words, Princess Tythra. I have much to learn from you." he murmured respectfully, before turning to greet the royals.
"Princess Athanasia, perhaps you and Lady Essa could set a better example for the topics of conversation for the ladies in tonight's court. They seem to have latched on to an unhealthy amount of topics in relation to both your brother's lives," he murmured to the princess, and then turned to Essa "And now seem to be trying to besmirch more of the royal family." Of course, the method in which Princess Athanasia and Lady Essa had used were rudimentary, but they were trying their best. "Princess Tythra has the best way with words," Magnus hinted with a wink at the girls, and a smirk at Tythra, before he turned to the Queen.
"Your Majesty." he greeted with a bow at his waist, before taking a step closer when allowed so his words could be conveyed without anyone eavesdropping. "I have news from Oroboea which I think would interest yourself and Prince Zanon."
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Jun 19, 2020 15:20:30 GMT
Posted In Viper's Nest on Jun 19, 2020 15:20:30 GMT
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Magnus had never been one to arrive at an event early.
Unlike much of the court who made it a point to arrive early, on time, or even just fashionably late to make an entrance (to which it usually was not too late to garner anger, but not too early so they'd be lost in the crush either), Magnus usually liked to slip in unnoticed after everyone has arrived and the mingling has started. True to his job, he hated eyes on him, and much preferred to be observing in the background once everyone has managed to warm up to the atmosphere and was in full swing of chatting and exchanging gossip.
In similar fashion this evening, the man had only left his manor at the time the session was supposed to start, Magnus had purposely chosen a deep blue chiton that would blend him in the background. The material was unassuming, his slippers a simple leather, and his hair combed back as he alighted his horse and passed it off to one of the stable boys who worked at the Dikastirio, before waving the guards off and entering without any annoucement - just as he's always done.
Having just made it back from Oroboea a scarce few days ago, Magnus had been caught up in helping his friends and acquaintences fix up their houses, the merchants recouping their losses, he had yet to meet up with Zanon and the Queen to report his findings to them, something he intended to do upon the wrapping up of the court session for that night.
Assuming things would be in full swing as he entered, Magnus immediately flicked his dark gaze to search for the Queen. His habit would be to go and greet the royal family before he escorted his sister, but with Leto seemingly unwilling to see family (a story Magnus had yet to dig out from her, ironically) and with most of the royal family already departed for the looming battle, it left him with the Queen and the second Prince to report to, and Magnus was nothing if not a stickler for responsibility.
But what did surprise him however, was to find a little knot of people standing together as he approached them.
He knew of the lady Thea's pregnancy of course - servants spoke, if not with the general public, the news always ended up at his ears. He had also heard of the large row within the Thanasi family, but that had been something he failed to share with Vangelis before they left, and which he needed to inform the Queen at the first chance. The man bowed as he passed Prince Zanon escorting the pregnant princess Evras away, assumingly to rest if Magnus had his news correct. He had heard of a late night summon for a physician, and the next thing he knew, the princess's public appearances were drastically cut short - it dind't take a genius to guess what was going on.
Not wanting to interupt, the Master Informer instead made a beeline for the Queen.
He gave first a polite bow to the Lady Nethis, is face a careful comportment of neutrality as he gave the same deference of respect to the Ladies Thea and Essa respectively, before greeting the two elder ladies in turn, having arrived just in time to catch the Lady Tythra's words. To no one's surprise, the two ladies had shrinked at the fierce, clearly directed words of the lady of Drakos, and Magnus smiled in amusement at how they stuttered out some intelligible words, before melting away, leaving Magnus to smile in respect. "Always a master with your words, Princess Tythra. I have much to learn from you." he murmured respectfully, before turning to greet the royals.
"Princess Athanasia, perhaps you and Lady Essa could set a better example for the topics of conversation for the ladies in tonight's court. They seem to have latched on to an unhealthy amount of topics in relation to both your brother's lives," he murmured to the princess, and then turned to Essa "And now seem to be trying to besmirch more of the royal family." Of course, the method in which Princess Athanasia and Lady Essa had used were rudimentary, but they were trying their best. "Princess Tythra has the best way with words," Magnus hinted with a wink at the girls, and a smirk at Tythra, before he turned to the Queen.
"Your Majesty." he greeted with a bow at his waist, before taking a step closer when allowed so his words could be conveyed without anyone eavesdropping. "I have news from Oroboea which I think would interest yourself and Prince Zanon."
Magnus had never been one to arrive at an event early.
Unlike much of the court who made it a point to arrive early, on time, or even just fashionably late to make an entrance (to which it usually was not too late to garner anger, but not too early so they'd be lost in the crush either), Magnus usually liked to slip in unnoticed after everyone has arrived and the mingling has started. True to his job, he hated eyes on him, and much preferred to be observing in the background once everyone has managed to warm up to the atmosphere and was in full swing of chatting and exchanging gossip.
In similar fashion this evening, the man had only left his manor at the time the session was supposed to start, Magnus had purposely chosen a deep blue chiton that would blend him in the background. The material was unassuming, his slippers a simple leather, and his hair combed back as he alighted his horse and passed it off to one of the stable boys who worked at the Dikastirio, before waving the guards off and entering without any annoucement - just as he's always done.
Having just made it back from Oroboea a scarce few days ago, Magnus had been caught up in helping his friends and acquaintences fix up their houses, the merchants recouping their losses, he had yet to meet up with Zanon and the Queen to report his findings to them, something he intended to do upon the wrapping up of the court session for that night.
Assuming things would be in full swing as he entered, Magnus immediately flicked his dark gaze to search for the Queen. His habit would be to go and greet the royal family before he escorted his sister, but with Leto seemingly unwilling to see family (a story Magnus had yet to dig out from her, ironically) and with most of the royal family already departed for the looming battle, it left him with the Queen and the second Prince to report to, and Magnus was nothing if not a stickler for responsibility.
But what did surprise him however, was to find a little knot of people standing together as he approached them.
He knew of the lady Thea's pregnancy of course - servants spoke, if not with the general public, the news always ended up at his ears. He had also heard of the large row within the Thanasi family, but that had been something he failed to share with Vangelis before they left, and which he needed to inform the Queen at the first chance. The man bowed as he passed Prince Zanon escorting the pregnant princess Evras away, assumingly to rest if Magnus had his news correct. He had heard of a late night summon for a physician, and the next thing he knew, the princess's public appearances were drastically cut short - it dind't take a genius to guess what was going on.
Not wanting to interupt, the Master Informer instead made a beeline for the Queen.
He gave first a polite bow to the Lady Nethis, is face a careful comportment of neutrality as he gave the same deference of respect to the Ladies Thea and Essa respectively, before greeting the two elder ladies in turn, having arrived just in time to catch the Lady Tythra's words. To no one's surprise, the two ladies had shrinked at the fierce, clearly directed words of the lady of Drakos, and Magnus smiled in amusement at how they stuttered out some intelligible words, before melting away, leaving Magnus to smile in respect. "Always a master with your words, Princess Tythra. I have much to learn from you." he murmured respectfully, before turning to greet the royals.
"Princess Athanasia, perhaps you and Lady Essa could set a better example for the topics of conversation for the ladies in tonight's court. They seem to have latched on to an unhealthy amount of topics in relation to both your brother's lives," he murmured to the princess, and then turned to Essa "And now seem to be trying to besmirch more of the royal family." Of course, the method in which Princess Athanasia and Lady Essa had used were rudimentary, but they were trying their best. "Princess Tythra has the best way with words," Magnus hinted with a wink at the girls, and a smirk at Tythra, before he turned to the Queen.
"Your Majesty." he greeted with a bow at his waist, before taking a step closer when allowed so his words could be conveyed without anyone eavesdropping. "I have news from Oroboea which I think would interest yourself and Prince Zanon."
It stung a little bit as her attempt to connect with Princess Athanasia fell through, though the mouthed promise of talking later was a slight balm to the light wound. At least one Kotas could at least offer her the courtesy of attempting to speak to her. The cold eyes of the Queen occasionally turned her way and while Thea did not shirk away, there was no challenge offered in her returning glance.
The faintest, curt exhale through her nose could almost have been mistaken for a laugh as Nethis offered to escort Evras to her rooms and reigning royals predictably balked at the offer. It was almost exhausting in how predictable and boring these interactions had become. Then again, it could just be her own personal exhaustion.
Yes, leaving the guest suite was nice, and being around others was a pleasant enough change in the sheer novelty of it, but already she could feel the prickle of irritation trace curling shapes along the back of her neck, as if it were a hand there, taunting her. Her face remained placid but as she sat there, her form was far more rigid than usual.
At these events, her duty had been to keep a quiet and keen ear out among the nobles, offering demure greetings and chatter on family affairs before reporting anything back to Nethis. Yet here, now, there was no bigger story than herself and the scandal around it. Guilt was not a feeling she had for anything she had done in the past, but she certainly felt the role reversal of it all now, as eyes flickered her way, and her family name fluttered across the lips of noblewomen around the room.
A slight smirk tugged at her lips as she watched the two adolescent royals make their way towards a hotbed of gossip, and there was a touch of clear and present bemusement that curled at the petals of her rose-soft lips, a slightly more present laugh there as she glanced towards Nethis.
While Thea was not entirely pleased with the efforts Nethis made to take this opportunity for social positioning - after all, a snake cannot change the pattern of its scales - she understood it. With her eyes still watching the issue across the room play out, with Princess Tythra en route to put an end to it, Thea spoke the cool, calm comment, "Ah, that was once us. I suppose some things never change."
With a glance, Thea silently nodded to Evras as she was escorted away by Zanon, and her posture softened ever so slightly. Once, there had been an unspoken trust there, as Thea had helped Evras throughout Zanon's war recovery years ago, but it seemed that was all gone. Thea was not sad to see him leave the room.
In fact, it simply offered her an opportunity.
Softly clearing her throat once, then twice, Thea demurely looked about, finding the opened doors out into the gardens. With it being so early on in the night, only the very beginnings of socializing had begun. It would be near an hour hence before many would drift out to speak under the stars. It would be a moment away from prying eyes.
"Please pardon me, Your Majesty...I need air lest my stomach sours too early in the evening," Thea explained, plainly but appropriately. After all, the serving staff within the Kotas Estate was well-aware by now of how temperamental her humors were in this time. Keeping with the urgency of her need in that moment, Thea stood and offered a singular, quick bow to cover all of those present and quickly took steps towards the doors to the courtyard, which were opened before her by the standing guards.
Once outside, Thea took a deep breath of the cooling night air and made her way down until she reached a bannister that had gone along the length of the promenade. As soon as her feet stilled, she heard measured footfalls behind her - too soft to be a guard.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Jun 21, 2020 21:42:43 GMT
Posted In Viper's Nest on Jun 21, 2020 21:42:43 GMT
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
It stung a little bit as her attempt to connect with Princess Athanasia fell through, though the mouthed promise of talking later was a slight balm to the light wound. At least one Kotas could at least offer her the courtesy of attempting to speak to her. The cold eyes of the Queen occasionally turned her way and while Thea did not shirk away, there was no challenge offered in her returning glance.
The faintest, curt exhale through her nose could almost have been mistaken for a laugh as Nethis offered to escort Evras to her rooms and reigning royals predictably balked at the offer. It was almost exhausting in how predictable and boring these interactions had become. Then again, it could just be her own personal exhaustion.
Yes, leaving the guest suite was nice, and being around others was a pleasant enough change in the sheer novelty of it, but already she could feel the prickle of irritation trace curling shapes along the back of her neck, as if it were a hand there, taunting her. Her face remained placid but as she sat there, her form was far more rigid than usual.
At these events, her duty had been to keep a quiet and keen ear out among the nobles, offering demure greetings and chatter on family affairs before reporting anything back to Nethis. Yet here, now, there was no bigger story than herself and the scandal around it. Guilt was not a feeling she had for anything she had done in the past, but she certainly felt the role reversal of it all now, as eyes flickered her way, and her family name fluttered across the lips of noblewomen around the room.
A slight smirk tugged at her lips as she watched the two adolescent royals make their way towards a hotbed of gossip, and there was a touch of clear and present bemusement that curled at the petals of her rose-soft lips, a slightly more present laugh there as she glanced towards Nethis.
While Thea was not entirely pleased with the efforts Nethis made to take this opportunity for social positioning - after all, a snake cannot change the pattern of its scales - she understood it. With her eyes still watching the issue across the room play out, with Princess Tythra en route to put an end to it, Thea spoke the cool, calm comment, "Ah, that was once us. I suppose some things never change."
With a glance, Thea silently nodded to Evras as she was escorted away by Zanon, and her posture softened ever so slightly. Once, there had been an unspoken trust there, as Thea had helped Evras throughout Zanon's war recovery years ago, but it seemed that was all gone. Thea was not sad to see him leave the room.
In fact, it simply offered her an opportunity.
Softly clearing her throat once, then twice, Thea demurely looked about, finding the opened doors out into the gardens. With it being so early on in the night, only the very beginnings of socializing had begun. It would be near an hour hence before many would drift out to speak under the stars. It would be a moment away from prying eyes.
"Please pardon me, Your Majesty...I need air lest my stomach sours too early in the evening," Thea explained, plainly but appropriately. After all, the serving staff within the Kotas Estate was well-aware by now of how temperamental her humors were in this time. Keeping with the urgency of her need in that moment, Thea stood and offered a singular, quick bow to cover all of those present and quickly took steps towards the doors to the courtyard, which were opened before her by the standing guards.
Once outside, Thea took a deep breath of the cooling night air and made her way down until she reached a bannister that had gone along the length of the promenade. As soon as her feet stilled, she heard measured footfalls behind her - too soft to be a guard.
It stung a little bit as her attempt to connect with Princess Athanasia fell through, though the mouthed promise of talking later was a slight balm to the light wound. At least one Kotas could at least offer her the courtesy of attempting to speak to her. The cold eyes of the Queen occasionally turned her way and while Thea did not shirk away, there was no challenge offered in her returning glance.
The faintest, curt exhale through her nose could almost have been mistaken for a laugh as Nethis offered to escort Evras to her rooms and reigning royals predictably balked at the offer. It was almost exhausting in how predictable and boring these interactions had become. Then again, it could just be her own personal exhaustion.
Yes, leaving the guest suite was nice, and being around others was a pleasant enough change in the sheer novelty of it, but already she could feel the prickle of irritation trace curling shapes along the back of her neck, as if it were a hand there, taunting her. Her face remained placid but as she sat there, her form was far more rigid than usual.
At these events, her duty had been to keep a quiet and keen ear out among the nobles, offering demure greetings and chatter on family affairs before reporting anything back to Nethis. Yet here, now, there was no bigger story than herself and the scandal around it. Guilt was not a feeling she had for anything she had done in the past, but she certainly felt the role reversal of it all now, as eyes flickered her way, and her family name fluttered across the lips of noblewomen around the room.
A slight smirk tugged at her lips as she watched the two adolescent royals make their way towards a hotbed of gossip, and there was a touch of clear and present bemusement that curled at the petals of her rose-soft lips, a slightly more present laugh there as she glanced towards Nethis.
While Thea was not entirely pleased with the efforts Nethis made to take this opportunity for social positioning - after all, a snake cannot change the pattern of its scales - she understood it. With her eyes still watching the issue across the room play out, with Princess Tythra en route to put an end to it, Thea spoke the cool, calm comment, "Ah, that was once us. I suppose some things never change."
With a glance, Thea silently nodded to Evras as she was escorted away by Zanon, and her posture softened ever so slightly. Once, there had been an unspoken trust there, as Thea had helped Evras throughout Zanon's war recovery years ago, but it seemed that was all gone. Thea was not sad to see him leave the room.
In fact, it simply offered her an opportunity.
Softly clearing her throat once, then twice, Thea demurely looked about, finding the opened doors out into the gardens. With it being so early on in the night, only the very beginnings of socializing had begun. It would be near an hour hence before many would drift out to speak under the stars. It would be a moment away from prying eyes.
"Please pardon me, Your Majesty...I need air lest my stomach sours too early in the evening," Thea explained, plainly but appropriately. After all, the serving staff within the Kotas Estate was well-aware by now of how temperamental her humors were in this time. Keeping with the urgency of her need in that moment, Thea stood and offered a singular, quick bow to cover all of those present and quickly took steps towards the doors to the courtyard, which were opened before her by the standing guards.
Once outside, Thea took a deep breath of the cooling night air and made her way down until she reached a bannister that had gone along the length of the promenade. As soon as her feet stilled, she heard measured footfalls behind her - too soft to be a guard.
Imeeya should have been excited to attend court. She should have been taking advantage of the fact that everyone would all be in one place to schmooze with those still left in Colchis in order to advance her own political agenda. That’s why she had arranged a party at her house with the ladies of Colchis, after all. But there was something about this gathering that Imeeya found herself dreading. Perhaps it was that the last time she had been at court it had ended so disastrously, or perhaps it was that she knew that the topic of the war would be hovering over the whole event. That was something that Imeeya did not much want to focus on, what with her uncle and cousins headed off to war, not to mention Lord Silanos, the idiot. Imeeya had confusing emotions about that man, and had no desire to have to deal with being calm, collected and adequately polite if something came up that made him come to mind.
Nevertheless, she was not going to skip an appearance at court. At the very least, her mother was not about to accept that she just didn’t feel like going, nor did she think the actual reasoning behind that feeling would have gone over particularly well. So Imeeya found herself dressed in a fine green silk peplos. Her hair was pulled back in a large bun of overflowing golden curls at the back of her head. A matching green ribbon wrapped around the bun and across the top of her head. The delicate golden necklace and a pair of golden arm bands completed the look as well as advertised the wealth of the mines of her own province. Thus dressed, Imeeya arrived at court along with her mother and sister.
Upon arriving at court, Imeeya spotted Chares, her steward. There were some matters that she wished to discuss with him regarding some pirate legislation she wished to make sure was top priority the next time the senate met. Vangelis had tasked her with getting to the bottom of the problem with disappearing slaves in her own province, and as far as she could tell they were being stolen by pirates. That was a matter that needed to be addressed by an authority higher than her own. Besides, it was a convenient excuse not to have to talk to Asia. All she could think about was how angry the princess would be if she found out she had kissed Sil. Especially after her own scolding of Asia for being so bold. Not that her situation was the same. She had not been in front of a whole festival of people for one.
The conversation with Chares had dragged on, with him describing all the potential roadblocks to her plans, and her attempting to find solutions. She’d found herself sipping glass of wine after glass of wine in order to stave off the boredom. He’d never been one to want to rock the boat or be controversial, so it was always a fight to make sure her opinions were heard on the Senate floor. Imeeya had gotten so involved in the conversation that she’d only had a few moments to look up from her conversation. She had seen Asia and Essa in conversation with two other ladies of the court that Imeeya did not know well. For a moment she worried that Essa might tell Asia about what had happened between her and Sil, but she quickly pushed that thought down. Essa was smart enough not to talk about that in such a public place.
Though the girls were quickly joined by her mother and then Magnus of all people. Imeeya knew that Magnus already knew too much for it to be entirely safe that he was talking to her mother. She had stolen a letter meant for her mother and attempted to negotiate a way out of him telling her mother about the theft. Not only had she yet to have found the time to deliver on her end of the promise to Magnus, but the same rumors that she had been trying to avoid Magnus telling her mother had become public. There was no telling what Magnus might say. With so many people gathered together in the same place that could cause her facade of normality to crumble, Imeeya knew she had to intervene.
Imeeya quickly made an excuse to leave the conversation with Chares and joined the group of “Good evening Princess Athanasia.” Imeeya used a more formal greeting in front of the other ladies, and dipped into a small but respective courtesy, somewhat unsteadily. She must have had more wine than she had thought. Then she nodded in Magnus’s direction. “Master Magnus.” She quickly turned the conversation back in the direction of Essa and Asia. “I apologize for not presenting myself earlier. Chares and I had some business to attend to. I hope I didn’t miss anything interesting?” Imeeya smiled cordially, hoping that the others might be able to fill her in. Anything to distract from any awkwardness she was feeling at the secret she was keeping from Asia. She had the distinct feeling that she might blurt it out at any moment, and wanted to have the topic changed quickly.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Jun 24, 2020 2:24:24 GMT
Posted In Viper's Nest on Jun 24, 2020 2:24:24 GMT
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Imeeya should have been excited to attend court. She should have been taking advantage of the fact that everyone would all be in one place to schmooze with those still left in Colchis in order to advance her own political agenda. That’s why she had arranged a party at her house with the ladies of Colchis, after all. But there was something about this gathering that Imeeya found herself dreading. Perhaps it was that the last time she had been at court it had ended so disastrously, or perhaps it was that she knew that the topic of the war would be hovering over the whole event. That was something that Imeeya did not much want to focus on, what with her uncle and cousins headed off to war, not to mention Lord Silanos, the idiot. Imeeya had confusing emotions about that man, and had no desire to have to deal with being calm, collected and adequately polite if something came up that made him come to mind.
Nevertheless, she was not going to skip an appearance at court. At the very least, her mother was not about to accept that she just didn’t feel like going, nor did she think the actual reasoning behind that feeling would have gone over particularly well. So Imeeya found herself dressed in a fine green silk peplos. Her hair was pulled back in a large bun of overflowing golden curls at the back of her head. A matching green ribbon wrapped around the bun and across the top of her head. The delicate golden necklace and a pair of golden arm bands completed the look as well as advertised the wealth of the mines of her own province. Thus dressed, Imeeya arrived at court along with her mother and sister.
Upon arriving at court, Imeeya spotted Chares, her steward. There were some matters that she wished to discuss with him regarding some pirate legislation she wished to make sure was top priority the next time the senate met. Vangelis had tasked her with getting to the bottom of the problem with disappearing slaves in her own province, and as far as she could tell they were being stolen by pirates. That was a matter that needed to be addressed by an authority higher than her own. Besides, it was a convenient excuse not to have to talk to Asia. All she could think about was how angry the princess would be if she found out she had kissed Sil. Especially after her own scolding of Asia for being so bold. Not that her situation was the same. She had not been in front of a whole festival of people for one.
The conversation with Chares had dragged on, with him describing all the potential roadblocks to her plans, and her attempting to find solutions. She’d found herself sipping glass of wine after glass of wine in order to stave off the boredom. He’d never been one to want to rock the boat or be controversial, so it was always a fight to make sure her opinions were heard on the Senate floor. Imeeya had gotten so involved in the conversation that she’d only had a few moments to look up from her conversation. She had seen Asia and Essa in conversation with two other ladies of the court that Imeeya did not know well. For a moment she worried that Essa might tell Asia about what had happened between her and Sil, but she quickly pushed that thought down. Essa was smart enough not to talk about that in such a public place.
Though the girls were quickly joined by her mother and then Magnus of all people. Imeeya knew that Magnus already knew too much for it to be entirely safe that he was talking to her mother. She had stolen a letter meant for her mother and attempted to negotiate a way out of him telling her mother about the theft. Not only had she yet to have found the time to deliver on her end of the promise to Magnus, but the same rumors that she had been trying to avoid Magnus telling her mother had become public. There was no telling what Magnus might say. With so many people gathered together in the same place that could cause her facade of normality to crumble, Imeeya knew she had to intervene.
Imeeya quickly made an excuse to leave the conversation with Chares and joined the group of “Good evening Princess Athanasia.” Imeeya used a more formal greeting in front of the other ladies, and dipped into a small but respective courtesy, somewhat unsteadily. She must have had more wine than she had thought. Then she nodded in Magnus’s direction. “Master Magnus.” She quickly turned the conversation back in the direction of Essa and Asia. “I apologize for not presenting myself earlier. Chares and I had some business to attend to. I hope I didn’t miss anything interesting?” Imeeya smiled cordially, hoping that the others might be able to fill her in. Anything to distract from any awkwardness she was feeling at the secret she was keeping from Asia. She had the distinct feeling that she might blurt it out at any moment, and wanted to have the topic changed quickly.
Imeeya should have been excited to attend court. She should have been taking advantage of the fact that everyone would all be in one place to schmooze with those still left in Colchis in order to advance her own political agenda. That’s why she had arranged a party at her house with the ladies of Colchis, after all. But there was something about this gathering that Imeeya found herself dreading. Perhaps it was that the last time she had been at court it had ended so disastrously, or perhaps it was that she knew that the topic of the war would be hovering over the whole event. That was something that Imeeya did not much want to focus on, what with her uncle and cousins headed off to war, not to mention Lord Silanos, the idiot. Imeeya had confusing emotions about that man, and had no desire to have to deal with being calm, collected and adequately polite if something came up that made him come to mind.
Nevertheless, she was not going to skip an appearance at court. At the very least, her mother was not about to accept that she just didn’t feel like going, nor did she think the actual reasoning behind that feeling would have gone over particularly well. So Imeeya found herself dressed in a fine green silk peplos. Her hair was pulled back in a large bun of overflowing golden curls at the back of her head. A matching green ribbon wrapped around the bun and across the top of her head. The delicate golden necklace and a pair of golden arm bands completed the look as well as advertised the wealth of the mines of her own province. Thus dressed, Imeeya arrived at court along with her mother and sister.
Upon arriving at court, Imeeya spotted Chares, her steward. There were some matters that she wished to discuss with him regarding some pirate legislation she wished to make sure was top priority the next time the senate met. Vangelis had tasked her with getting to the bottom of the problem with disappearing slaves in her own province, and as far as she could tell they were being stolen by pirates. That was a matter that needed to be addressed by an authority higher than her own. Besides, it was a convenient excuse not to have to talk to Asia. All she could think about was how angry the princess would be if she found out she had kissed Sil. Especially after her own scolding of Asia for being so bold. Not that her situation was the same. She had not been in front of a whole festival of people for one.
The conversation with Chares had dragged on, with him describing all the potential roadblocks to her plans, and her attempting to find solutions. She’d found herself sipping glass of wine after glass of wine in order to stave off the boredom. He’d never been one to want to rock the boat or be controversial, so it was always a fight to make sure her opinions were heard on the Senate floor. Imeeya had gotten so involved in the conversation that she’d only had a few moments to look up from her conversation. She had seen Asia and Essa in conversation with two other ladies of the court that Imeeya did not know well. For a moment she worried that Essa might tell Asia about what had happened between her and Sil, but she quickly pushed that thought down. Essa was smart enough not to talk about that in such a public place.
Though the girls were quickly joined by her mother and then Magnus of all people. Imeeya knew that Magnus already knew too much for it to be entirely safe that he was talking to her mother. She had stolen a letter meant for her mother and attempted to negotiate a way out of him telling her mother about the theft. Not only had she yet to have found the time to deliver on her end of the promise to Magnus, but the same rumors that she had been trying to avoid Magnus telling her mother had become public. There was no telling what Magnus might say. With so many people gathered together in the same place that could cause her facade of normality to crumble, Imeeya knew she had to intervene.
Imeeya quickly made an excuse to leave the conversation with Chares and joined the group of “Good evening Princess Athanasia.” Imeeya used a more formal greeting in front of the other ladies, and dipped into a small but respective courtesy, somewhat unsteadily. She must have had more wine than she had thought. Then she nodded in Magnus’s direction. “Master Magnus.” She quickly turned the conversation back in the direction of Essa and Asia. “I apologize for not presenting myself earlier. Chares and I had some business to attend to. I hope I didn’t miss anything interesting?” Imeeya smiled cordially, hoping that the others might be able to fill her in. Anything to distract from any awkwardness she was feeling at the secret she was keeping from Asia. She had the distinct feeling that she might blurt it out at any moment, and wanted to have the topic changed quickly.
Euterpe was not one to attend Court; after all, her position didn’t really call for it. While she had attended royals and nobles alike in her line of work, she rarely found occasion to mingle with them outside of it. Most of her patrons saw her as a means to an end, a sating of the most basic of human desires. For the most part, she didn’t really mind. She enjoyed what she did, and she was overall treated very well. Those who lacked her piety were made up for tenfold in those who worshipped as ardently as she did.
However, in spite of her reservations against the Colchian nest of vipers, she was here today at the behest of Lady Essa of Drakos, a young woman who often came to seek her advice in the temple. When Euterpe first received the invitation, she had stared at it in shock, sure she read the small clay tablet wrong. She often read things wrong, and it was hard to believe she would be the recipient of such an invite. Why in the world would a noblewoman of the Drakos line want her, a temple prostitute, to attend her in Court? Was this some kind of joke?
But no, Lady Essa did not seem the type for such pranks. She specifically wrote that she offered the invitation in friendship, and there was no obligation for Euterpe to go if she did not want to. After her initial surprise wore off, Euterpe even started to think seriously about going. Besides, she endured the ceaseless gossiping of her fellow priestesses all the time, and even women as holy as themselves could be vicious and conniving. Could the Court really be so different?
Aside from that, she was curious if the death of the priestess found outside the Hall of the Gods would be addressed. Understandably, such an occurrence alarmed her; what if there was someone out there targeting those who lived in the Halls of the Gods? Though, judging from the rumors she heard about the state of the body, perhaps it was something they were all looking for, rather than someone.
The priestess had not fully made up her mind if she would attend until the day of the event arrived. Ultimately, Euterpe decided it would do her good to leave the temple, to rub elbows with royalty and partake of the fine vittles of the Court. She was a priestess of Aphrodite, after all; there was no need for her to live her life in austerity. What was her goddess if not an appreciator of the finer things?
Garbing herself in the finest chiton she owned, Euterpe pinned it in place with gold and ruby fibulae given to her as a gift by one of her patrons. A glance in her looking glass reflected expertly woven pale peach silk that cascaded around her body and flowed as she took a step forward. Slits cut nearly up to her waist revealed long, shapely legs, soon encased in leather sandals that laced to her knees. Gold and ruby bracelets decorated her arms while ruby drops hung from ears, all to match the delicate golden chains that wound about her neck and crisscrossed over her torso. Sumptuous crimson locks were woven in a deceptively simple coronet wound around her head, one that left several strands of hair to fall loose and caress her shoulders. Lips a deep carmine that matched the rubies in her ensemble, her mouth was stark in contrast to the white of her teeth when she smiled. Euterpe thought she had never looked so fine, and in a woman who served the goddess of beauty herself, that was a bold statement.
A hired carriage took her to the Kotas manor when she was finally ready, dropping her at the door and heading back off. Clutching her invitation in her hand, she took a deep breath and approached. “Good afternoon, gentlemen,” she greeted the guards, who glanced back at her with mild curiosity. A woman alone with no attendants or family was an odd sight at an event like this, she knew, and so she simply showed them the invitation from Lady Essa. Shrugging, they ushered her inside, where she was nearly overcome by the rich grandeur of the ladies within.
Euterpe knew little of the Court’s gossip, the treacherous games the nobles played when it came to the wearing of a crown. The closest she ever came to the crown itself was the night she spent with Prince Vangelis, though that was nothing more than an act performed in the line of duty. Unlike some of her peers and doubtlessly unlike those within this room, Euterpe held no machinations for power. Prince or pauper, it did not matter. She had simply done what the goddess called her to do.
The priestess slowly walked among the crowd until she spotted the young woman who invited her, listening intently for any talk of the murdered priestess. Of course, there was nothing but snide remarks about the Thanasi and the Kotas, which was honestly what she should have expected. This world of intrigue and power was not hers, and as she approached Lady Essa, nerves gathered in her stomach. What was she even doing here?
She did not even realize at first who it was that Essa consorted with, so many members of the royal families surrounding the young girl. Princesses, noblewomen, and gathering from their conversations, apparently even the Prince and Queen themselves, and the shy, shivering girl she’d advised in the temple stood among them with the pride of belonging. It warmed her heart, if nothing else. Even if she hardly felt she belonged.
“My lady,” Euterpe greeted Essa in a soft tone, reaching out to gently touch her elbow. “I thought I’d never find you in all this.” Laughing, she dipped in a polite bow, one respectful of the woman’s social standing. “Everyone looks so lovely. Aphrodite herself surely smiles on this Court for the beauty of those found within.”
Even she knew of the Thanasis’ reputation, but it could never be said they weren’t beautiful. Her gaze lingered on each of them in turn with frank admiration before doing the same to Prince Zanon and Queen Yanni. The Kotas blood held a certain severe beauty within it, as well, exemplified by them both and the younger Princess Athanasia nearby. Bowing to them all whether they noticed her or not, even as some of them began to disperse, she soon turned to find Lady Essa’s more immediate family nearby too. Princess Tythra and Lady Imeeya were both woman who had sought her advice in times past, and so she greeted them both with a more knowing smile.
“Your Highness, my ladies. It is good to see you all and looking so well. I find myself a little in awe of the spectacle here. So many dazzling and important faces in one place. I’m almost overwhelmed.” Her unabashed way of speaking was tempered by the gentle openness of her demeanor, a smile lighting her pretty face. She turned that smile again on Essa specifically. “Thank you for letting me be here with you today. It’s not often enough that I find myself able to venture outside the temple.”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Jun 26, 2020 6:24:39 GMT
Posted In Viper's Nest on Jun 26, 2020 6:24:39 GMT
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Euterpe was not one to attend Court; after all, her position didn’t really call for it. While she had attended royals and nobles alike in her line of work, she rarely found occasion to mingle with them outside of it. Most of her patrons saw her as a means to an end, a sating of the most basic of human desires. For the most part, she didn’t really mind. She enjoyed what she did, and she was overall treated very well. Those who lacked her piety were made up for tenfold in those who worshipped as ardently as she did.
However, in spite of her reservations against the Colchian nest of vipers, she was here today at the behest of Lady Essa of Drakos, a young woman who often came to seek her advice in the temple. When Euterpe first received the invitation, she had stared at it in shock, sure she read the small clay tablet wrong. She often read things wrong, and it was hard to believe she would be the recipient of such an invite. Why in the world would a noblewoman of the Drakos line want her, a temple prostitute, to attend her in Court? Was this some kind of joke?
But no, Lady Essa did not seem the type for such pranks. She specifically wrote that she offered the invitation in friendship, and there was no obligation for Euterpe to go if she did not want to. After her initial surprise wore off, Euterpe even started to think seriously about going. Besides, she endured the ceaseless gossiping of her fellow priestesses all the time, and even women as holy as themselves could be vicious and conniving. Could the Court really be so different?
Aside from that, she was curious if the death of the priestess found outside the Hall of the Gods would be addressed. Understandably, such an occurrence alarmed her; what if there was someone out there targeting those who lived in the Halls of the Gods? Though, judging from the rumors she heard about the state of the body, perhaps it was something they were all looking for, rather than someone.
The priestess had not fully made up her mind if she would attend until the day of the event arrived. Ultimately, Euterpe decided it would do her good to leave the temple, to rub elbows with royalty and partake of the fine vittles of the Court. She was a priestess of Aphrodite, after all; there was no need for her to live her life in austerity. What was her goddess if not an appreciator of the finer things?
Garbing herself in the finest chiton she owned, Euterpe pinned it in place with gold and ruby fibulae given to her as a gift by one of her patrons. A glance in her looking glass reflected expertly woven pale peach silk that cascaded around her body and flowed as she took a step forward. Slits cut nearly up to her waist revealed long, shapely legs, soon encased in leather sandals that laced to her knees. Gold and ruby bracelets decorated her arms while ruby drops hung from ears, all to match the delicate golden chains that wound about her neck and crisscrossed over her torso. Sumptuous crimson locks were woven in a deceptively simple coronet wound around her head, one that left several strands of hair to fall loose and caress her shoulders. Lips a deep carmine that matched the rubies in her ensemble, her mouth was stark in contrast to the white of her teeth when she smiled. Euterpe thought she had never looked so fine, and in a woman who served the goddess of beauty herself, that was a bold statement.
A hired carriage took her to the Kotas manor when she was finally ready, dropping her at the door and heading back off. Clutching her invitation in her hand, she took a deep breath and approached. “Good afternoon, gentlemen,” she greeted the guards, who glanced back at her with mild curiosity. A woman alone with no attendants or family was an odd sight at an event like this, she knew, and so she simply showed them the invitation from Lady Essa. Shrugging, they ushered her inside, where she was nearly overcome by the rich grandeur of the ladies within.
Euterpe knew little of the Court’s gossip, the treacherous games the nobles played when it came to the wearing of a crown. The closest she ever came to the crown itself was the night she spent with Prince Vangelis, though that was nothing more than an act performed in the line of duty. Unlike some of her peers and doubtlessly unlike those within this room, Euterpe held no machinations for power. Prince or pauper, it did not matter. She had simply done what the goddess called her to do.
The priestess slowly walked among the crowd until she spotted the young woman who invited her, listening intently for any talk of the murdered priestess. Of course, there was nothing but snide remarks about the Thanasi and the Kotas, which was honestly what she should have expected. This world of intrigue and power was not hers, and as she approached Lady Essa, nerves gathered in her stomach. What was she even doing here?
She did not even realize at first who it was that Essa consorted with, so many members of the royal families surrounding the young girl. Princesses, noblewomen, and gathering from their conversations, apparently even the Prince and Queen themselves, and the shy, shivering girl she’d advised in the temple stood among them with the pride of belonging. It warmed her heart, if nothing else. Even if she hardly felt she belonged.
“My lady,” Euterpe greeted Essa in a soft tone, reaching out to gently touch her elbow. “I thought I’d never find you in all this.” Laughing, she dipped in a polite bow, one respectful of the woman’s social standing. “Everyone looks so lovely. Aphrodite herself surely smiles on this Court for the beauty of those found within.”
Even she knew of the Thanasis’ reputation, but it could never be said they weren’t beautiful. Her gaze lingered on each of them in turn with frank admiration before doing the same to Prince Zanon and Queen Yanni. The Kotas blood held a certain severe beauty within it, as well, exemplified by them both and the younger Princess Athanasia nearby. Bowing to them all whether they noticed her or not, even as some of them began to disperse, she soon turned to find Lady Essa’s more immediate family nearby too. Princess Tythra and Lady Imeeya were both woman who had sought her advice in times past, and so she greeted them both with a more knowing smile.
“Your Highness, my ladies. It is good to see you all and looking so well. I find myself a little in awe of the spectacle here. So many dazzling and important faces in one place. I’m almost overwhelmed.” Her unabashed way of speaking was tempered by the gentle openness of her demeanor, a smile lighting her pretty face. She turned that smile again on Essa specifically. “Thank you for letting me be here with you today. It’s not often enough that I find myself able to venture outside the temple.”
Euterpe was not one to attend Court; after all, her position didn’t really call for it. While she had attended royals and nobles alike in her line of work, she rarely found occasion to mingle with them outside of it. Most of her patrons saw her as a means to an end, a sating of the most basic of human desires. For the most part, she didn’t really mind. She enjoyed what she did, and she was overall treated very well. Those who lacked her piety were made up for tenfold in those who worshipped as ardently as she did.
However, in spite of her reservations against the Colchian nest of vipers, she was here today at the behest of Lady Essa of Drakos, a young woman who often came to seek her advice in the temple. When Euterpe first received the invitation, she had stared at it in shock, sure she read the small clay tablet wrong. She often read things wrong, and it was hard to believe she would be the recipient of such an invite. Why in the world would a noblewoman of the Drakos line want her, a temple prostitute, to attend her in Court? Was this some kind of joke?
But no, Lady Essa did not seem the type for such pranks. She specifically wrote that she offered the invitation in friendship, and there was no obligation for Euterpe to go if she did not want to. After her initial surprise wore off, Euterpe even started to think seriously about going. Besides, she endured the ceaseless gossiping of her fellow priestesses all the time, and even women as holy as themselves could be vicious and conniving. Could the Court really be so different?
Aside from that, she was curious if the death of the priestess found outside the Hall of the Gods would be addressed. Understandably, such an occurrence alarmed her; what if there was someone out there targeting those who lived in the Halls of the Gods? Though, judging from the rumors she heard about the state of the body, perhaps it was something they were all looking for, rather than someone.
The priestess had not fully made up her mind if she would attend until the day of the event arrived. Ultimately, Euterpe decided it would do her good to leave the temple, to rub elbows with royalty and partake of the fine vittles of the Court. She was a priestess of Aphrodite, after all; there was no need for her to live her life in austerity. What was her goddess if not an appreciator of the finer things?
Garbing herself in the finest chiton she owned, Euterpe pinned it in place with gold and ruby fibulae given to her as a gift by one of her patrons. A glance in her looking glass reflected expertly woven pale peach silk that cascaded around her body and flowed as she took a step forward. Slits cut nearly up to her waist revealed long, shapely legs, soon encased in leather sandals that laced to her knees. Gold and ruby bracelets decorated her arms while ruby drops hung from ears, all to match the delicate golden chains that wound about her neck and crisscrossed over her torso. Sumptuous crimson locks were woven in a deceptively simple coronet wound around her head, one that left several strands of hair to fall loose and caress her shoulders. Lips a deep carmine that matched the rubies in her ensemble, her mouth was stark in contrast to the white of her teeth when she smiled. Euterpe thought she had never looked so fine, and in a woman who served the goddess of beauty herself, that was a bold statement.
A hired carriage took her to the Kotas manor when she was finally ready, dropping her at the door and heading back off. Clutching her invitation in her hand, she took a deep breath and approached. “Good afternoon, gentlemen,” she greeted the guards, who glanced back at her with mild curiosity. A woman alone with no attendants or family was an odd sight at an event like this, she knew, and so she simply showed them the invitation from Lady Essa. Shrugging, they ushered her inside, where she was nearly overcome by the rich grandeur of the ladies within.
Euterpe knew little of the Court’s gossip, the treacherous games the nobles played when it came to the wearing of a crown. The closest she ever came to the crown itself was the night she spent with Prince Vangelis, though that was nothing more than an act performed in the line of duty. Unlike some of her peers and doubtlessly unlike those within this room, Euterpe held no machinations for power. Prince or pauper, it did not matter. She had simply done what the goddess called her to do.
The priestess slowly walked among the crowd until she spotted the young woman who invited her, listening intently for any talk of the murdered priestess. Of course, there was nothing but snide remarks about the Thanasi and the Kotas, which was honestly what she should have expected. This world of intrigue and power was not hers, and as she approached Lady Essa, nerves gathered in her stomach. What was she even doing here?
She did not even realize at first who it was that Essa consorted with, so many members of the royal families surrounding the young girl. Princesses, noblewomen, and gathering from their conversations, apparently even the Prince and Queen themselves, and the shy, shivering girl she’d advised in the temple stood among them with the pride of belonging. It warmed her heart, if nothing else. Even if she hardly felt she belonged.
“My lady,” Euterpe greeted Essa in a soft tone, reaching out to gently touch her elbow. “I thought I’d never find you in all this.” Laughing, she dipped in a polite bow, one respectful of the woman’s social standing. “Everyone looks so lovely. Aphrodite herself surely smiles on this Court for the beauty of those found within.”
Even she knew of the Thanasis’ reputation, but it could never be said they weren’t beautiful. Her gaze lingered on each of them in turn with frank admiration before doing the same to Prince Zanon and Queen Yanni. The Kotas blood held a certain severe beauty within it, as well, exemplified by them both and the younger Princess Athanasia nearby. Bowing to them all whether they noticed her or not, even as some of them began to disperse, she soon turned to find Lady Essa’s more immediate family nearby too. Princess Tythra and Lady Imeeya were both woman who had sought her advice in times past, and so she greeted them both with a more knowing smile.
“Your Highness, my ladies. It is good to see you all and looking so well. I find myself a little in awe of the spectacle here. So many dazzling and important faces in one place. I’m almost overwhelmed.” Her unabashed way of speaking was tempered by the gentle openness of her demeanor, a smile lighting her pretty face. She turned that smile again on Essa specifically. “Thank you for letting me be here with you today. It’s not often enough that I find myself able to venture outside the temple.”
Yanni gave another genuine smile as her niece approached, she had seen her sister in law’s children grow up into the beautiful young women they were today, and they held a special place in her heart along with the rest of her family members. When it came to those of Kotas blood, family meant everything, and though Yanni was not related by blood, she held the same values as that of her husband’s family.
“Lady Essa.” She greeted in reply before letting the young woman move on to speak with those closer to her in age. Yanni took no offence, she very well couldn’t expect every one to solely focus on her. While she was the one with the highest held title in the room, she knew that she was not the only one people would interact with.
Yanni had meant to speak to Essa, to draw her in for a quick and polite conversation, but before she could, she heard something that made her grit her teeth. Her daughter, interacting with the gossipers and even worse, insulting the ladies of the court who had spoken the words. Did they deserve worse for their claims? Absolutely. But now was not the time nor place to get back for rumours spilled. She had thought Asia had learned such things, thought that she had caught on to the subtle ways of the court, and exactly how to deal with those who did such things.
Apparently she had not.
“Athanasia.” Yanni said in a low tone that only a mother could summon, one that showed that the princess was in for some trouble when they were away from court and in private once more.
And then Essa joined in, and while it was not her place to discipline the young woman, as she was not her mother, the look the Queen gave them both showed her anger, and the fact that neither of them would be getting out of this one without some trouble from Yanni. She was not in the mood for childish games, for name calling and insults.
And then Tythra stepped in, and while Yanni preferred to pay no mind to the gossip, to let it fizzle out rather than risk it spreading, she admired Tythra’s way of quelling the situation, of subtly hinting at what could be done via their reputation and connections by getting in the bad books of the royal family and their relatives, but without slinging insults as the two younger girls had. They had much to learn.
Before Yanni could greet her sister in law properly, Magnus was approaching the situation and charmingly so, as usual. Yanni wasn’t sure if they could trust the man upon his first appointment to his position, but so far he had proven loyal and intelligent. He knew his place, and he hadn’t let his supposed power get to his head. She rather liked the man now, his wit was invaluable to the crown.
Yanni did not care for her son’s show of power in forcing Thea to remain seated, so when the woman excused herself, she did not try to stop her. Her cares lay elsewhere, namely on what information Magnus had for her.
“Come then, let us speak where there are less ears to listen.” She whispered back to him, then put a smile on her face as she stepped forward to greet her sister in law. She placed a brief touch on the woman’s arm while she spoke.
“My dear Tythra, I am overjoyed to see you once again. It has been ages.” She started, dropping her hand from the woman’s arm.
“We will speak shortly, do try to keep these two in line.” She said, making a vague motion at their daughters who had been stoking the flames of gossip. She gave Tythra one last genuine smile before she motioned for Magnus to follow, and made her way through the room, the crowds parting for her so she could easily pass.
She did not speak until she was sure they were alone, in a side room with a thick door that she closed behind them. Even then she kept a hushed tone as she spoke, knowing that someone was always listening.
“I am glad to see you have returned safely once more. Now speak of what you have learned while away.” She said, not in an unfriendly tone, but wishing to know immediately what was going on.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Jun 28, 2020 14:53:02 GMT
Posted In Viper's Nest on Jun 28, 2020 14:53:02 GMT
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Yanni gave another genuine smile as her niece approached, she had seen her sister in law’s children grow up into the beautiful young women they were today, and they held a special place in her heart along with the rest of her family members. When it came to those of Kotas blood, family meant everything, and though Yanni was not related by blood, she held the same values as that of her husband’s family.
“Lady Essa.” She greeted in reply before letting the young woman move on to speak with those closer to her in age. Yanni took no offence, she very well couldn’t expect every one to solely focus on her. While she was the one with the highest held title in the room, she knew that she was not the only one people would interact with.
Yanni had meant to speak to Essa, to draw her in for a quick and polite conversation, but before she could, she heard something that made her grit her teeth. Her daughter, interacting with the gossipers and even worse, insulting the ladies of the court who had spoken the words. Did they deserve worse for their claims? Absolutely. But now was not the time nor place to get back for rumours spilled. She had thought Asia had learned such things, thought that she had caught on to the subtle ways of the court, and exactly how to deal with those who did such things.
Apparently she had not.
“Athanasia.” Yanni said in a low tone that only a mother could summon, one that showed that the princess was in for some trouble when they were away from court and in private once more.
And then Essa joined in, and while it was not her place to discipline the young woman, as she was not her mother, the look the Queen gave them both showed her anger, and the fact that neither of them would be getting out of this one without some trouble from Yanni. She was not in the mood for childish games, for name calling and insults.
And then Tythra stepped in, and while Yanni preferred to pay no mind to the gossip, to let it fizzle out rather than risk it spreading, she admired Tythra’s way of quelling the situation, of subtly hinting at what could be done via their reputation and connections by getting in the bad books of the royal family and their relatives, but without slinging insults as the two younger girls had. They had much to learn.
Before Yanni could greet her sister in law properly, Magnus was approaching the situation and charmingly so, as usual. Yanni wasn’t sure if they could trust the man upon his first appointment to his position, but so far he had proven loyal and intelligent. He knew his place, and he hadn’t let his supposed power get to his head. She rather liked the man now, his wit was invaluable to the crown.
Yanni did not care for her son’s show of power in forcing Thea to remain seated, so when the woman excused herself, she did not try to stop her. Her cares lay elsewhere, namely on what information Magnus had for her.
“Come then, let us speak where there are less ears to listen.” She whispered back to him, then put a smile on her face as she stepped forward to greet her sister in law. She placed a brief touch on the woman’s arm while she spoke.
“My dear Tythra, I am overjoyed to see you once again. It has been ages.” She started, dropping her hand from the woman’s arm.
“We will speak shortly, do try to keep these two in line.” She said, making a vague motion at their daughters who had been stoking the flames of gossip. She gave Tythra one last genuine smile before she motioned for Magnus to follow, and made her way through the room, the crowds parting for her so she could easily pass.
She did not speak until she was sure they were alone, in a side room with a thick door that she closed behind them. Even then she kept a hushed tone as she spoke, knowing that someone was always listening.
“I am glad to see you have returned safely once more. Now speak of what you have learned while away.” She said, not in an unfriendly tone, but wishing to know immediately what was going on.
Yanni gave another genuine smile as her niece approached, she had seen her sister in law’s children grow up into the beautiful young women they were today, and they held a special place in her heart along with the rest of her family members. When it came to those of Kotas blood, family meant everything, and though Yanni was not related by blood, she held the same values as that of her husband’s family.
“Lady Essa.” She greeted in reply before letting the young woman move on to speak with those closer to her in age. Yanni took no offence, she very well couldn’t expect every one to solely focus on her. While she was the one with the highest held title in the room, she knew that she was not the only one people would interact with.
Yanni had meant to speak to Essa, to draw her in for a quick and polite conversation, but before she could, she heard something that made her grit her teeth. Her daughter, interacting with the gossipers and even worse, insulting the ladies of the court who had spoken the words. Did they deserve worse for their claims? Absolutely. But now was not the time nor place to get back for rumours spilled. She had thought Asia had learned such things, thought that she had caught on to the subtle ways of the court, and exactly how to deal with those who did such things.
Apparently she had not.
“Athanasia.” Yanni said in a low tone that only a mother could summon, one that showed that the princess was in for some trouble when they were away from court and in private once more.
And then Essa joined in, and while it was not her place to discipline the young woman, as she was not her mother, the look the Queen gave them both showed her anger, and the fact that neither of them would be getting out of this one without some trouble from Yanni. She was not in the mood for childish games, for name calling and insults.
And then Tythra stepped in, and while Yanni preferred to pay no mind to the gossip, to let it fizzle out rather than risk it spreading, she admired Tythra’s way of quelling the situation, of subtly hinting at what could be done via their reputation and connections by getting in the bad books of the royal family and their relatives, but without slinging insults as the two younger girls had. They had much to learn.
Before Yanni could greet her sister in law properly, Magnus was approaching the situation and charmingly so, as usual. Yanni wasn’t sure if they could trust the man upon his first appointment to his position, but so far he had proven loyal and intelligent. He knew his place, and he hadn’t let his supposed power get to his head. She rather liked the man now, his wit was invaluable to the crown.
Yanni did not care for her son’s show of power in forcing Thea to remain seated, so when the woman excused herself, she did not try to stop her. Her cares lay elsewhere, namely on what information Magnus had for her.
“Come then, let us speak where there are less ears to listen.” She whispered back to him, then put a smile on her face as she stepped forward to greet her sister in law. She placed a brief touch on the woman’s arm while she spoke.
“My dear Tythra, I am overjoyed to see you once again. It has been ages.” She started, dropping her hand from the woman’s arm.
“We will speak shortly, do try to keep these two in line.” She said, making a vague motion at their daughters who had been stoking the flames of gossip. She gave Tythra one last genuine smile before she motioned for Magnus to follow, and made her way through the room, the crowds parting for her so she could easily pass.
She did not speak until she was sure they were alone, in a side room with a thick door that she closed behind them. Even then she kept a hushed tone as she spoke, knowing that someone was always listening.
“I am glad to see you have returned safely once more. Now speak of what you have learned while away.” She said, not in an unfriendly tone, but wishing to know immediately what was going on.
Court was like a dance. People came in, people came out, the crowd always moving from one place to the next. Or perhaps it was better described as a tide, ebbing and flowing. Just as Tythra arrived to this little group, so too were her daughter and a Priestess of Aphrodite drawn to it. “Priestess,” she greeted cordially, not allowing her eyes to betray the flicker of annoyance at the woman’s presence. Tythra didn’t much like that priestess. She wasn’t much help the one time Tythra asked her for assistance.
Quickly though, her attention was switched to Master Magnus and Queen Yanni. “But of course, Yanni, dear.” Tythra said, as her eyebrow raised at the two young girls. Though what the Queen and Master Magnus had to say piqued her curiosity. Tythra did like having information, for it was worth more than it’s weight in gold. Information was a powerful tool.
“Let me offer you some free advice, ladies.” Tythra directed this mostly towards her daughters, one of them a tad wobbly, and her niece, though her words were not so low that others could not hear. “The best weapon the Gods have blessed us women with is the ability to listen and to be patient. Court may very well be boring to some, but look around,” Tythra’s eyes swept the room, “Listen. You never know what you might pick up. And in information, you may find an opportunity. So don’t simply go forward with an attack. Wait for your opp-”
Tythra was suddenly interrupted by a bunch of arguing nobles. Their voices were getting louder and louder, certainly causing a scene. It looked, ah yes, like a Lady of a Thanasi province fighting with one from a Kotas province.
“They are not witches! Watch your tongue! How dare you say that!” The woman’s face was redding with anger. It was met with an eyeroll from the other.
“Well clearly they are. After all, how could she of all people possibly manage to seduce the Prince.”
“Well, clearly Prince Vangelis has at least a modicum of intelligence picking from the superior house. Unlike the rest of the Ko-”
Her words were interrupted by the Lady of the Kotas Province throwing her drink at the other. It missed, however, instead landing on her daughter, Imeeya. The Lady of the Thanasi Province, insulted, throwing her drink as well.
“Enough!” Tythra said in her loud, commanding voice. She moved over to the women making the scene to separate them and throw them from court. However, they were blind in her own rage. What started as an embarrassing exchange of words now led to the ladies going at each other, pulling at the other’s hair. They bumped into Tythra, which in turn had her bump into a server carrying drinks. Some of it spilled on Tythra… but the rest of the cups arched through the air looking for another target to land on.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Jul 11, 2020 20:14:34 GMT
Posted In Viper's Nest on Jul 11, 2020 20:14:34 GMT
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Court was like a dance. People came in, people came out, the crowd always moving from one place to the next. Or perhaps it was better described as a tide, ebbing and flowing. Just as Tythra arrived to this little group, so too were her daughter and a Priestess of Aphrodite drawn to it. “Priestess,” she greeted cordially, not allowing her eyes to betray the flicker of annoyance at the woman’s presence. Tythra didn’t much like that priestess. She wasn’t much help the one time Tythra asked her for assistance.
Quickly though, her attention was switched to Master Magnus and Queen Yanni. “But of course, Yanni, dear.” Tythra said, as her eyebrow raised at the two young girls. Though what the Queen and Master Magnus had to say piqued her curiosity. Tythra did like having information, for it was worth more than it’s weight in gold. Information was a powerful tool.
“Let me offer you some free advice, ladies.” Tythra directed this mostly towards her daughters, one of them a tad wobbly, and her niece, though her words were not so low that others could not hear. “The best weapon the Gods have blessed us women with is the ability to listen and to be patient. Court may very well be boring to some, but look around,” Tythra’s eyes swept the room, “Listen. You never know what you might pick up. And in information, you may find an opportunity. So don’t simply go forward with an attack. Wait for your opp-”
Tythra was suddenly interrupted by a bunch of arguing nobles. Their voices were getting louder and louder, certainly causing a scene. It looked, ah yes, like a Lady of a Thanasi province fighting with one from a Kotas province.
“They are not witches! Watch your tongue! How dare you say that!” The woman’s face was redding with anger. It was met with an eyeroll from the other.
“Well clearly they are. After all, how could she of all people possibly manage to seduce the Prince.”
“Well, clearly Prince Vangelis has at least a modicum of intelligence picking from the superior house. Unlike the rest of the Ko-”
Her words were interrupted by the Lady of the Kotas Province throwing her drink at the other. It missed, however, instead landing on her daughter, Imeeya. The Lady of the Thanasi Province, insulted, throwing her drink as well.
“Enough!” Tythra said in her loud, commanding voice. She moved over to the women making the scene to separate them and throw them from court. However, they were blind in her own rage. What started as an embarrassing exchange of words now led to the ladies going at each other, pulling at the other’s hair. They bumped into Tythra, which in turn had her bump into a server carrying drinks. Some of it spilled on Tythra… but the rest of the cups arched through the air looking for another target to land on.
Court was like a dance. People came in, people came out, the crowd always moving from one place to the next. Or perhaps it was better described as a tide, ebbing and flowing. Just as Tythra arrived to this little group, so too were her daughter and a Priestess of Aphrodite drawn to it. “Priestess,” she greeted cordially, not allowing her eyes to betray the flicker of annoyance at the woman’s presence. Tythra didn’t much like that priestess. She wasn’t much help the one time Tythra asked her for assistance.
Quickly though, her attention was switched to Master Magnus and Queen Yanni. “But of course, Yanni, dear.” Tythra said, as her eyebrow raised at the two young girls. Though what the Queen and Master Magnus had to say piqued her curiosity. Tythra did like having information, for it was worth more than it’s weight in gold. Information was a powerful tool.
“Let me offer you some free advice, ladies.” Tythra directed this mostly towards her daughters, one of them a tad wobbly, and her niece, though her words were not so low that others could not hear. “The best weapon the Gods have blessed us women with is the ability to listen and to be patient. Court may very well be boring to some, but look around,” Tythra’s eyes swept the room, “Listen. You never know what you might pick up. And in information, you may find an opportunity. So don’t simply go forward with an attack. Wait for your opp-”
Tythra was suddenly interrupted by a bunch of arguing nobles. Their voices were getting louder and louder, certainly causing a scene. It looked, ah yes, like a Lady of a Thanasi province fighting with one from a Kotas province.
“They are not witches! Watch your tongue! How dare you say that!” The woman’s face was redding with anger. It was met with an eyeroll from the other.
“Well clearly they are. After all, how could she of all people possibly manage to seduce the Prince.”
“Well, clearly Prince Vangelis has at least a modicum of intelligence picking from the superior house. Unlike the rest of the Ko-”
Her words were interrupted by the Lady of the Kotas Province throwing her drink at the other. It missed, however, instead landing on her daughter, Imeeya. The Lady of the Thanasi Province, insulted, throwing her drink as well.
“Enough!” Tythra said in her loud, commanding voice. She moved over to the women making the scene to separate them and throw them from court. However, they were blind in her own rage. What started as an embarrassing exchange of words now led to the ladies going at each other, pulling at the other’s hair. They bumped into Tythra, which in turn had her bump into a server carrying drinks. Some of it spilled on Tythra… but the rest of the cups arched through the air looking for another target to land on.
Euterpe returned the princess’s cordial nod, her smile far warmer than the face Tythra showed her. While she hadn’t expected any hugs or professions of joy, at least the woman acknowledged her. It was more than could be said for the crowd around her. Stepping back from the woman’s notice, she turned to Essa again and opened her mouth to speak, but was soon cut off by the sound of shouting.
Blinking rapidly, the priestess turned to see what was causing the commotion. She watched blankly as two supposedly fine-bred ladies engaged in a hotter and hotter debate, a debate that soon turned to physical violence. Taking several steps back before she could be caught in the middle of it, she reached out for Lady Essa, meaning to pull the smaller woman to safety with her. However, before she could make contact, several things happened in quick succession—the end result being the bright crimson of spiced wine splashing and staining the front of her chiton.
It took Euterpe a moment before she realized what exactly happened, staring down at her dress in abject horror. After all the trouble she’d gone to, all the coifing and primping she’d done to make herself presentable… and this was the result. Flushing nearly as red as the liquid staining her clothing, the priestess wanted nothing more than to simply melt into the floor. The entire room was staring at the little debacle, and their gazes resting on her itched and burned.
Gods, she had been worried about coming to Court, but she certainly never could have predicted this.
“This was a mistake,” she muttered to herself as a volley of servants rushed over to tend her, the Lady Imeeya, the Princess Tythra, and any others caught up in the sudden explosion of alcohol. Covering her eyes, Euterpe stood in place as the servants did their best to pat her dry, but it was obvious the material was ruined. Sighing deeply, she briefly mourned its loss. Of course, the temple would always ensure to keep her finely clothed, but this particular chiton had been a gift, and a fine one at that. Perhaps if she batted her eyelashes prettily enough, that same patron would buy her a new one…
One of the servants looked at her apologetically, and she offered a weak smile. “Guess it serves me right for being where I ought not to,” she said with a sigh, the servant shaking her head in sympathy. “I wasn’t even part of the fight…”
Nose wrinkling in distaste, the closest expression to a glare she’d ever made rested on her face as she stared at the women who were responsible. She knew the Colchian Court was reputed to be full of snakes and schemers, but this? This was downright childish. Gently bred women fighting like teenagers… what a disgrace.
“Thank you,” she murmured to the servants as they stepped away. They had done the best they could, but there was little to be done in the first place. Ought she to just leave now or spend the rest of the evening in a soiled gown? Her gaze briefly pled with Essa’s; she was out of her element here. What was she supposed to do?
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Jul 12, 2020 2:14:22 GMT
Posted In Viper's Nest on Jul 12, 2020 2:14:22 GMT
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Euterpe returned the princess’s cordial nod, her smile far warmer than the face Tythra showed her. While she hadn’t expected any hugs or professions of joy, at least the woman acknowledged her. It was more than could be said for the crowd around her. Stepping back from the woman’s notice, she turned to Essa again and opened her mouth to speak, but was soon cut off by the sound of shouting.
Blinking rapidly, the priestess turned to see what was causing the commotion. She watched blankly as two supposedly fine-bred ladies engaged in a hotter and hotter debate, a debate that soon turned to physical violence. Taking several steps back before she could be caught in the middle of it, she reached out for Lady Essa, meaning to pull the smaller woman to safety with her. However, before she could make contact, several things happened in quick succession—the end result being the bright crimson of spiced wine splashing and staining the front of her chiton.
It took Euterpe a moment before she realized what exactly happened, staring down at her dress in abject horror. After all the trouble she’d gone to, all the coifing and primping she’d done to make herself presentable… and this was the result. Flushing nearly as red as the liquid staining her clothing, the priestess wanted nothing more than to simply melt into the floor. The entire room was staring at the little debacle, and their gazes resting on her itched and burned.
Gods, she had been worried about coming to Court, but she certainly never could have predicted this.
“This was a mistake,” she muttered to herself as a volley of servants rushed over to tend her, the Lady Imeeya, the Princess Tythra, and any others caught up in the sudden explosion of alcohol. Covering her eyes, Euterpe stood in place as the servants did their best to pat her dry, but it was obvious the material was ruined. Sighing deeply, she briefly mourned its loss. Of course, the temple would always ensure to keep her finely clothed, but this particular chiton had been a gift, and a fine one at that. Perhaps if she batted her eyelashes prettily enough, that same patron would buy her a new one…
One of the servants looked at her apologetically, and she offered a weak smile. “Guess it serves me right for being where I ought not to,” she said with a sigh, the servant shaking her head in sympathy. “I wasn’t even part of the fight…”
Nose wrinkling in distaste, the closest expression to a glare she’d ever made rested on her face as she stared at the women who were responsible. She knew the Colchian Court was reputed to be full of snakes and schemers, but this? This was downright childish. Gently bred women fighting like teenagers… what a disgrace.
“Thank you,” she murmured to the servants as they stepped away. They had done the best they could, but there was little to be done in the first place. Ought she to just leave now or spend the rest of the evening in a soiled gown? Her gaze briefly pled with Essa’s; she was out of her element here. What was she supposed to do?
Euterpe returned the princess’s cordial nod, her smile far warmer than the face Tythra showed her. While she hadn’t expected any hugs or professions of joy, at least the woman acknowledged her. It was more than could be said for the crowd around her. Stepping back from the woman’s notice, she turned to Essa again and opened her mouth to speak, but was soon cut off by the sound of shouting.
Blinking rapidly, the priestess turned to see what was causing the commotion. She watched blankly as two supposedly fine-bred ladies engaged in a hotter and hotter debate, a debate that soon turned to physical violence. Taking several steps back before she could be caught in the middle of it, she reached out for Lady Essa, meaning to pull the smaller woman to safety with her. However, before she could make contact, several things happened in quick succession—the end result being the bright crimson of spiced wine splashing and staining the front of her chiton.
It took Euterpe a moment before she realized what exactly happened, staring down at her dress in abject horror. After all the trouble she’d gone to, all the coifing and primping she’d done to make herself presentable… and this was the result. Flushing nearly as red as the liquid staining her clothing, the priestess wanted nothing more than to simply melt into the floor. The entire room was staring at the little debacle, and their gazes resting on her itched and burned.
Gods, she had been worried about coming to Court, but she certainly never could have predicted this.
“This was a mistake,” she muttered to herself as a volley of servants rushed over to tend her, the Lady Imeeya, the Princess Tythra, and any others caught up in the sudden explosion of alcohol. Covering her eyes, Euterpe stood in place as the servants did their best to pat her dry, but it was obvious the material was ruined. Sighing deeply, she briefly mourned its loss. Of course, the temple would always ensure to keep her finely clothed, but this particular chiton had been a gift, and a fine one at that. Perhaps if she batted her eyelashes prettily enough, that same patron would buy her a new one…
One of the servants looked at her apologetically, and she offered a weak smile. “Guess it serves me right for being where I ought not to,” she said with a sigh, the servant shaking her head in sympathy. “I wasn’t even part of the fight…”
Nose wrinkling in distaste, the closest expression to a glare she’d ever made rested on her face as she stared at the women who were responsible. She knew the Colchian Court was reputed to be full of snakes and schemers, but this? This was downright childish. Gently bred women fighting like teenagers… what a disgrace.
“Thank you,” she murmured to the servants as they stepped away. They had done the best they could, but there was little to be done in the first place. Ought she to just leave now or spend the rest of the evening in a soiled gown? Her gaze briefly pled with Essa’s; she was out of her element here. What was she supposed to do?
Imeeya was relieved as she saw Magnus and the queen wander off away from their group. That was one less thing she needed to worry about. That is unless he had already told her mother of the purloined letter. Still, she barely had time to process that information before they were approached by one of the priestesses from Aphrodite’s temple. If she had been confused as to why the woman had appeared at court, Imeeya didn’t have to wait for long before the woman approached Essa. Her sister had invited a whore to court. It was part of her job as a priestess of Aphrodite of course, but that didn’t change what she did for a profession. Stil, Imeeya smiled politely and nodded her head at the greeting.
Imeeya couldn’t help but glance sideways at her sister, still somewhat unbelieving of what she had done. Yes, Imeeya had visited the priestess of Aphrodite in the past when she had needed advice in her personal life. That was a long time ago when she had thought that she might have found love. She hadn’t met with the woman in years. But what on earth could Essa want with such a woman? She was still so young and far too naive about the world to even be thinking about love yet. She only wished that she was in a better place to talk to her sister about her life choices. When they all finally went home, Imeeya was sure that this would be something they discussed.
Imeeya had had no desire to attend this event in the first place. The absence of the men had only highlighted the fact that everyone had gone off to war. Not only did this mean that she had no hope of pushing any of he political ambitions, but it meant she had to think about all the people who were gone from the day’s festivities. Not only were her uncle and cousins off fighting in Egypt, but there was the matter of Lord Silanos, who she distinctly did not wish to be thinking about, yet the more she tried to push the man from her mind the more she found herself thinking of him.
The wine spilled on her was the last straw. Already tipsy from the cups of wine she had sipped as Chares had prattled on and on, she found it difficult to contain her outrage at the insult of being completely soaked in wine. Her hair was a mess, the wine running into her face and down onto the delicate fabric of her chiton. Imeeya sputtered in rage for a moment watching in mute anger as the two ladies got into a physical fight in front of the entire court. As the surge of adrenaline died, and Imeeya could finally find words again, she found herself storming over to the two women. “Lady Korrina! Lady Eulalia! You two should be absolutely ashamed of yourselves making a spectacle of yourself in front of the entire court.” It didn’t even begin to occur to Imeeya that in her own anger, she was causing the same disturbance she was accusing the other women of. “If you had hoped to convince anyone that your arguments are worth listening to, all you have done is proved that you are complete barbarians and idiots.”
With that, Imeeya turned on her heel and stalked off to the other side of the room, and plopped down in a chair with a huff. She pushed the wine-soaked tendrils of hair out of her face and inspected the damage that had been done to her gown. It was ruined more likely than not. She had little hope that the red liquid would rinse out without a stain. She was beyond done with this court event. At this point, she had little hope other than to just wait out the rest of the event until her mother and sister were ready to return home. As she grabbed another glass of wine, it began to sink in just how large of a fuss she had just created. Maybe if she was lucky, the floor could open up and swallow her whole and she wouldn’t have to defend her actions to anyone.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Jul 12, 2020 3:08:26 GMT
Posted In Viper's Nest on Jul 12, 2020 3:08:26 GMT
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Imeeya was relieved as she saw Magnus and the queen wander off away from their group. That was one less thing she needed to worry about. That is unless he had already told her mother of the purloined letter. Still, she barely had time to process that information before they were approached by one of the priestesses from Aphrodite’s temple. If she had been confused as to why the woman had appeared at court, Imeeya didn’t have to wait for long before the woman approached Essa. Her sister had invited a whore to court. It was part of her job as a priestess of Aphrodite of course, but that didn’t change what she did for a profession. Stil, Imeeya smiled politely and nodded her head at the greeting.
Imeeya couldn’t help but glance sideways at her sister, still somewhat unbelieving of what she had done. Yes, Imeeya had visited the priestess of Aphrodite in the past when she had needed advice in her personal life. That was a long time ago when she had thought that she might have found love. She hadn’t met with the woman in years. But what on earth could Essa want with such a woman? She was still so young and far too naive about the world to even be thinking about love yet. She only wished that she was in a better place to talk to her sister about her life choices. When they all finally went home, Imeeya was sure that this would be something they discussed.
Imeeya had had no desire to attend this event in the first place. The absence of the men had only highlighted the fact that everyone had gone off to war. Not only did this mean that she had no hope of pushing any of he political ambitions, but it meant she had to think about all the people who were gone from the day’s festivities. Not only were her uncle and cousins off fighting in Egypt, but there was the matter of Lord Silanos, who she distinctly did not wish to be thinking about, yet the more she tried to push the man from her mind the more she found herself thinking of him.
The wine spilled on her was the last straw. Already tipsy from the cups of wine she had sipped as Chares had prattled on and on, she found it difficult to contain her outrage at the insult of being completely soaked in wine. Her hair was a mess, the wine running into her face and down onto the delicate fabric of her chiton. Imeeya sputtered in rage for a moment watching in mute anger as the two ladies got into a physical fight in front of the entire court. As the surge of adrenaline died, and Imeeya could finally find words again, she found herself storming over to the two women. “Lady Korrina! Lady Eulalia! You two should be absolutely ashamed of yourselves making a spectacle of yourself in front of the entire court.” It didn’t even begin to occur to Imeeya that in her own anger, she was causing the same disturbance she was accusing the other women of. “If you had hoped to convince anyone that your arguments are worth listening to, all you have done is proved that you are complete barbarians and idiots.”
With that, Imeeya turned on her heel and stalked off to the other side of the room, and plopped down in a chair with a huff. She pushed the wine-soaked tendrils of hair out of her face and inspected the damage that had been done to her gown. It was ruined more likely than not. She had little hope that the red liquid would rinse out without a stain. She was beyond done with this court event. At this point, she had little hope other than to just wait out the rest of the event until her mother and sister were ready to return home. As she grabbed another glass of wine, it began to sink in just how large of a fuss she had just created. Maybe if she was lucky, the floor could open up and swallow her whole and she wouldn’t have to defend her actions to anyone.
Imeeya was relieved as she saw Magnus and the queen wander off away from their group. That was one less thing she needed to worry about. That is unless he had already told her mother of the purloined letter. Still, she barely had time to process that information before they were approached by one of the priestesses from Aphrodite’s temple. If she had been confused as to why the woman had appeared at court, Imeeya didn’t have to wait for long before the woman approached Essa. Her sister had invited a whore to court. It was part of her job as a priestess of Aphrodite of course, but that didn’t change what she did for a profession. Stil, Imeeya smiled politely and nodded her head at the greeting.
Imeeya couldn’t help but glance sideways at her sister, still somewhat unbelieving of what she had done. Yes, Imeeya had visited the priestess of Aphrodite in the past when she had needed advice in her personal life. That was a long time ago when she had thought that she might have found love. She hadn’t met with the woman in years. But what on earth could Essa want with such a woman? She was still so young and far too naive about the world to even be thinking about love yet. She only wished that she was in a better place to talk to her sister about her life choices. When they all finally went home, Imeeya was sure that this would be something they discussed.
Imeeya had had no desire to attend this event in the first place. The absence of the men had only highlighted the fact that everyone had gone off to war. Not only did this mean that she had no hope of pushing any of he political ambitions, but it meant she had to think about all the people who were gone from the day’s festivities. Not only were her uncle and cousins off fighting in Egypt, but there was the matter of Lord Silanos, who she distinctly did not wish to be thinking about, yet the more she tried to push the man from her mind the more she found herself thinking of him.
The wine spilled on her was the last straw. Already tipsy from the cups of wine she had sipped as Chares had prattled on and on, she found it difficult to contain her outrage at the insult of being completely soaked in wine. Her hair was a mess, the wine running into her face and down onto the delicate fabric of her chiton. Imeeya sputtered in rage for a moment watching in mute anger as the two ladies got into a physical fight in front of the entire court. As the surge of adrenaline died, and Imeeya could finally find words again, she found herself storming over to the two women. “Lady Korrina! Lady Eulalia! You two should be absolutely ashamed of yourselves making a spectacle of yourself in front of the entire court.” It didn’t even begin to occur to Imeeya that in her own anger, she was causing the same disturbance she was accusing the other women of. “If you had hoped to convince anyone that your arguments are worth listening to, all you have done is proved that you are complete barbarians and idiots.”
With that, Imeeya turned on her heel and stalked off to the other side of the room, and plopped down in a chair with a huff. She pushed the wine-soaked tendrils of hair out of her face and inspected the damage that had been done to her gown. It was ruined more likely than not. She had little hope that the red liquid would rinse out without a stain. She was beyond done with this court event. At this point, she had little hope other than to just wait out the rest of the event until her mother and sister were ready to return home. As she grabbed another glass of wine, it began to sink in just how large of a fuss she had just created. Maybe if she was lucky, the floor could open up and swallow her whole and she wouldn’t have to defend her actions to anyone.
For a brief moment, Essa felt accomplished at court. She felt proud of herself, confident even. Felt as though she actually belonged in her family as she defended them with her cousin. For a fleeting, shining moment, she didn’t feel like the odd person out. Not in her family. Not among the families of royal blood. Not even among all of Colchis’s nobility.
And then that feeling was shattered.
She felt a hand on her shoulder, and even before hearing the accompanying voice, she knew it was her mother. And just like that, her moment of confidence was waning. It was gentle and by all means supportive, but there was an undercurrent of correction to her words. She did her best to keep the defeat from her face, staring straight ahead rather than turning to look at her mother.
Then as if that wasn’t bad enough, the Master Informer chimed in. Compliments to her mother. Subtle nudging that her efforts were misguided. She should follow her mother’s example. For all that her mother said she had no control over her emotions, this moment alone should prove her wrong. Otherwise she would be running from the room in tears. She was so tired of hearing that she needed to be like her mother.
Her mother was every bit a woman to be admired. But that hardly meant anyone could just become her. Not even her daughter.
But he was trying to be kind and charming, so instead she offered him a smile and a nod of agreement. Yes, her mother did have the best way. Of course she did. Who else could compare to the almighty Princess Tythra? Certainly not poor little Essa. Why did she even try? She should have just stayed cowed in silence, like the meek coward she was. And the Queen’s disapproval was the least subtle, though she technically only spoke to her own daughter. She could feel the anger directed at her as well. She just wanted to crawl into a hole and die away from the humiliation of all of this.
Do try to keep these two in line.
That sent her reeling somehow in a way no one else’s words had. She just wanted to cry. No, she wanted to run away, never go to court again. Even if she died cold and hungry and alone, it would be worth it to never feel this way again. She had tried so hard to do something right, and in the end, it had only been a mistake. Again. No wonder her mother was at her wit’s end with her. If only giving up was an option for the youngest Drakos.
Her sister finally approached, and Essa knew she should greet her sister, but she couldn’t bring herself to. She just offered the slightest shake of her head and murmured, “it’s fine.” She couldn’t explain, not without revealing too much. Not to mention, Asia would surely fill her in. Imeeya preferred her company anyway.
But then, the smallest glimmer of hope arrived with the red-haired priestess.
“Euterpe,” she breathed in relief, her entire face lighting up. “Forgive me, I should have been waiting for you. I understand how overwhelming this all can be your first time,” she reassured her. Carefully evaded the admission that it had never gotten easier, at least not for her. Euterpe had proven herself a most treasured friend to the youngest Drakos, and her arriving in this moment was a greater comfort than she ever could have hoped for. She wanted to give her a hug then and there, but she dare not fail in front of her mother again.
“It is a joy to have you join us,” she replied with genuine joy.
Then came the lecture. Inside, she wanted to huff and stomp her feet and pout for having to hear this same thing for the hundredth time. But as her mother would say, clearly she had no listened well enough before if she couldn’t embody the lesson. So she put on a politely attentive face and listened as her mother educated them on the blessing of being a woman in court.
Things took a more interesting turn however when a loud argument broke out nearby, drawing everyone’s attention - even her mother’s. It seemed to escalate before Essa even had a chance to realize what was happening. She gasped as she saw the glass of wine hit her sister of all people. That was more than enough for her to reach out for Euterpe’s arm, and try to flee. She was all too familiar with her sister’s temper after all. But what no one could see coming was the chain of events that sent her mother stumbling into a server who promptly lost all balance of the tray of drinks they carried.
It seemed Euterpe had caught the worst of it - Essa’s smaller stature shielding her more than expected. However, she was hardly unscathed. She wanted to cry all the more. Servants flocked to them, trying to do what little they could for the mess. Yet what hurt the most was hearing the priestess’s admission that coming had been a mistake. Oh, this was all her fault. After all, she was here as Essa’s guest.
Imeeya was already charging at the two women who had begun the whole mess, and her mother still seemed to be distracted as well. She quickly grabbed Euterpe’s arm and tugged her away. “Come with me,” she murmured, ducking into one of the hallways used by the servants, catching the attention of one. “Please, give this to Belen,” she whispered, pushing some coins into her hand. “Ask him to run to Archontiko Drakos as quickly as he can, and ask Myra to send two of my gowns, as well as one for each my sister and mother. Then return with them. Keep one coin for yourself for delivering the message. I will be indebted to you all.” Her words were hushed and hurried.
As the servant scurried away, she turned towards Euterpe with a smile. “Belen owes me, and besides, he’s a friend. He’ll be as quick as he can.” She bit her lip nervously before abruptly hugging the priestess tightly. “I am so sorry. This was supposed to be something nice for you and it just turned into a nightmare. I never meant to make you so miserable. Please... please forgive me.”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Jul 19, 2020 7:02:02 GMT
Posted In Viper's Nest on Jul 19, 2020 7:02:02 GMT
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
For a brief moment, Essa felt accomplished at court. She felt proud of herself, confident even. Felt as though she actually belonged in her family as she defended them with her cousin. For a fleeting, shining moment, she didn’t feel like the odd person out. Not in her family. Not among the families of royal blood. Not even among all of Colchis’s nobility.
And then that feeling was shattered.
She felt a hand on her shoulder, and even before hearing the accompanying voice, she knew it was her mother. And just like that, her moment of confidence was waning. It was gentle and by all means supportive, but there was an undercurrent of correction to her words. She did her best to keep the defeat from her face, staring straight ahead rather than turning to look at her mother.
Then as if that wasn’t bad enough, the Master Informer chimed in. Compliments to her mother. Subtle nudging that her efforts were misguided. She should follow her mother’s example. For all that her mother said she had no control over her emotions, this moment alone should prove her wrong. Otherwise she would be running from the room in tears. She was so tired of hearing that she needed to be like her mother.
Her mother was every bit a woman to be admired. But that hardly meant anyone could just become her. Not even her daughter.
But he was trying to be kind and charming, so instead she offered him a smile and a nod of agreement. Yes, her mother did have the best way. Of course she did. Who else could compare to the almighty Princess Tythra? Certainly not poor little Essa. Why did she even try? She should have just stayed cowed in silence, like the meek coward she was. And the Queen’s disapproval was the least subtle, though she technically only spoke to her own daughter. She could feel the anger directed at her as well. She just wanted to crawl into a hole and die away from the humiliation of all of this.
Do try to keep these two in line.
That sent her reeling somehow in a way no one else’s words had. She just wanted to cry. No, she wanted to run away, never go to court again. Even if she died cold and hungry and alone, it would be worth it to never feel this way again. She had tried so hard to do something right, and in the end, it had only been a mistake. Again. No wonder her mother was at her wit’s end with her. If only giving up was an option for the youngest Drakos.
Her sister finally approached, and Essa knew she should greet her sister, but she couldn’t bring herself to. She just offered the slightest shake of her head and murmured, “it’s fine.” She couldn’t explain, not without revealing too much. Not to mention, Asia would surely fill her in. Imeeya preferred her company anyway.
But then, the smallest glimmer of hope arrived with the red-haired priestess.
“Euterpe,” she breathed in relief, her entire face lighting up. “Forgive me, I should have been waiting for you. I understand how overwhelming this all can be your first time,” she reassured her. Carefully evaded the admission that it had never gotten easier, at least not for her. Euterpe had proven herself a most treasured friend to the youngest Drakos, and her arriving in this moment was a greater comfort than she ever could have hoped for. She wanted to give her a hug then and there, but she dare not fail in front of her mother again.
“It is a joy to have you join us,” she replied with genuine joy.
Then came the lecture. Inside, she wanted to huff and stomp her feet and pout for having to hear this same thing for the hundredth time. But as her mother would say, clearly she had no listened well enough before if she couldn’t embody the lesson. So she put on a politely attentive face and listened as her mother educated them on the blessing of being a woman in court.
Things took a more interesting turn however when a loud argument broke out nearby, drawing everyone’s attention - even her mother’s. It seemed to escalate before Essa even had a chance to realize what was happening. She gasped as she saw the glass of wine hit her sister of all people. That was more than enough for her to reach out for Euterpe’s arm, and try to flee. She was all too familiar with her sister’s temper after all. But what no one could see coming was the chain of events that sent her mother stumbling into a server who promptly lost all balance of the tray of drinks they carried.
It seemed Euterpe had caught the worst of it - Essa’s smaller stature shielding her more than expected. However, she was hardly unscathed. She wanted to cry all the more. Servants flocked to them, trying to do what little they could for the mess. Yet what hurt the most was hearing the priestess’s admission that coming had been a mistake. Oh, this was all her fault. After all, she was here as Essa’s guest.
Imeeya was already charging at the two women who had begun the whole mess, and her mother still seemed to be distracted as well. She quickly grabbed Euterpe’s arm and tugged her away. “Come with me,” she murmured, ducking into one of the hallways used by the servants, catching the attention of one. “Please, give this to Belen,” she whispered, pushing some coins into her hand. “Ask him to run to Archontiko Drakos as quickly as he can, and ask Myra to send two of my gowns, as well as one for each my sister and mother. Then return with them. Keep one coin for yourself for delivering the message. I will be indebted to you all.” Her words were hushed and hurried.
As the servant scurried away, she turned towards Euterpe with a smile. “Belen owes me, and besides, he’s a friend. He’ll be as quick as he can.” She bit her lip nervously before abruptly hugging the priestess tightly. “I am so sorry. This was supposed to be something nice for you and it just turned into a nightmare. I never meant to make you so miserable. Please... please forgive me.”
For a brief moment, Essa felt accomplished at court. She felt proud of herself, confident even. Felt as though she actually belonged in her family as she defended them with her cousin. For a fleeting, shining moment, she didn’t feel like the odd person out. Not in her family. Not among the families of royal blood. Not even among all of Colchis’s nobility.
And then that feeling was shattered.
She felt a hand on her shoulder, and even before hearing the accompanying voice, she knew it was her mother. And just like that, her moment of confidence was waning. It was gentle and by all means supportive, but there was an undercurrent of correction to her words. She did her best to keep the defeat from her face, staring straight ahead rather than turning to look at her mother.
Then as if that wasn’t bad enough, the Master Informer chimed in. Compliments to her mother. Subtle nudging that her efforts were misguided. She should follow her mother’s example. For all that her mother said she had no control over her emotions, this moment alone should prove her wrong. Otherwise she would be running from the room in tears. She was so tired of hearing that she needed to be like her mother.
Her mother was every bit a woman to be admired. But that hardly meant anyone could just become her. Not even her daughter.
But he was trying to be kind and charming, so instead she offered him a smile and a nod of agreement. Yes, her mother did have the best way. Of course she did. Who else could compare to the almighty Princess Tythra? Certainly not poor little Essa. Why did she even try? She should have just stayed cowed in silence, like the meek coward she was. And the Queen’s disapproval was the least subtle, though she technically only spoke to her own daughter. She could feel the anger directed at her as well. She just wanted to crawl into a hole and die away from the humiliation of all of this.
Do try to keep these two in line.
That sent her reeling somehow in a way no one else’s words had. She just wanted to cry. No, she wanted to run away, never go to court again. Even if she died cold and hungry and alone, it would be worth it to never feel this way again. She had tried so hard to do something right, and in the end, it had only been a mistake. Again. No wonder her mother was at her wit’s end with her. If only giving up was an option for the youngest Drakos.
Her sister finally approached, and Essa knew she should greet her sister, but she couldn’t bring herself to. She just offered the slightest shake of her head and murmured, “it’s fine.” She couldn’t explain, not without revealing too much. Not to mention, Asia would surely fill her in. Imeeya preferred her company anyway.
But then, the smallest glimmer of hope arrived with the red-haired priestess.
“Euterpe,” she breathed in relief, her entire face lighting up. “Forgive me, I should have been waiting for you. I understand how overwhelming this all can be your first time,” she reassured her. Carefully evaded the admission that it had never gotten easier, at least not for her. Euterpe had proven herself a most treasured friend to the youngest Drakos, and her arriving in this moment was a greater comfort than she ever could have hoped for. She wanted to give her a hug then and there, but she dare not fail in front of her mother again.
“It is a joy to have you join us,” she replied with genuine joy.
Then came the lecture. Inside, she wanted to huff and stomp her feet and pout for having to hear this same thing for the hundredth time. But as her mother would say, clearly she had no listened well enough before if she couldn’t embody the lesson. So she put on a politely attentive face and listened as her mother educated them on the blessing of being a woman in court.
Things took a more interesting turn however when a loud argument broke out nearby, drawing everyone’s attention - even her mother’s. It seemed to escalate before Essa even had a chance to realize what was happening. She gasped as she saw the glass of wine hit her sister of all people. That was more than enough for her to reach out for Euterpe’s arm, and try to flee. She was all too familiar with her sister’s temper after all. But what no one could see coming was the chain of events that sent her mother stumbling into a server who promptly lost all balance of the tray of drinks they carried.
It seemed Euterpe had caught the worst of it - Essa’s smaller stature shielding her more than expected. However, she was hardly unscathed. She wanted to cry all the more. Servants flocked to them, trying to do what little they could for the mess. Yet what hurt the most was hearing the priestess’s admission that coming had been a mistake. Oh, this was all her fault. After all, she was here as Essa’s guest.
Imeeya was already charging at the two women who had begun the whole mess, and her mother still seemed to be distracted as well. She quickly grabbed Euterpe’s arm and tugged her away. “Come with me,” she murmured, ducking into one of the hallways used by the servants, catching the attention of one. “Please, give this to Belen,” she whispered, pushing some coins into her hand. “Ask him to run to Archontiko Drakos as quickly as he can, and ask Myra to send two of my gowns, as well as one for each my sister and mother. Then return with them. Keep one coin for yourself for delivering the message. I will be indebted to you all.” Her words were hushed and hurried.
As the servant scurried away, she turned towards Euterpe with a smile. “Belen owes me, and besides, he’s a friend. He’ll be as quick as he can.” She bit her lip nervously before abruptly hugging the priestess tightly. “I am so sorry. This was supposed to be something nice for you and it just turned into a nightmare. I never meant to make you so miserable. Please... please forgive me.”