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.
When it came to most things, the Marikas family liked to name themselves first. They chose to be prominent in every scene, whether 'twas their fashion or their interior design, and Rafail had firmly grasped onto this familial trend with both hands and chosen to make it his own. If there was something new in style in Athenia, then one could rest assured that the youngest Marikas lord was vaunting it with all he had.
Such was the case today. Court was in session, the sun was shining brightly to announce the arrival of the summer months, and Lord Rafail of Marikas was gushing about the Athenian estate's newest renovations, and the subsequent remodelling occurring at his own home in Thesnia (one could hardly expect only one of the family's homes to undergo necessary improvements). He had abandoned his usual gaggle of lesser Marikas lords, for the time being, uninterested in their dull attempts to impress - as if he cared that Lord Pythios had purchased a new, significantly less impressive chiton than his own and was eyeing that pretty lord's daughter from Epistis (been there, done that) - and instead wandered across the room to find some innocent lady to harass.
Leda of Laconis was the kind of blonde which was almost redheaded, with wide eyes in bright green in which a lesser man would have gotten lost and an elegant gown to match her eyes and clash with Rafail's blue. He had seen her glancing in his direction more than once in the past, the looks quick and coy as if unable to resist, and the sort that ensured she would be willing to talk no matter how busy she otherwise appeared. Rafail approached her with a polite bow, one hand extended to take hers and place a soft kiss on it, so that she flushed a bright red at the action. Whoever had said that women were complicated had clearly not been a Marikas.
Their conversation had been going smoothly, as it generally would when Rafail found a woman who would latch onto his every word because the handsome lord had not one but two estates to his name, and a royal title. Marriage to a man like that came with an infinite number of benefits, and she would have listened to even the dullest of tales, which was lucky, because the story of the new kline in the Thesnian estate's formal dining room was not an especially fascinating one.
"Yah, so Papa had to have the silver imported from Egypt," he was informing her, one arm positioned to lean comfortably against a pillar, the position one which suitably allowed his gaze to follow her sister behind her as well, while not seeming to betray his attention on the girl. She was short, and it was more accessible to half-stare over her shoulder than to force himself to bend his neck to look at her. "And the silk from somewhere in the far East; I doubt you would have heard of it. It cost a small fortune, but..." Rafail shrugged, glancing down at the set of expensive rings on his fingers, as if to accentuate his point. "We Marikas deserve the very best."
He reached out with his spare hand to tilt her head up, his grip soft on her chin so he would be able to look into her eyes more easily, his lips curled into a smile. "Like you, hm? Perhaps I should invite you back to the estate." Leda giggled in that demure manner which Rafail found so appealing in girls, nodding her head lightly, like she didn't want to admit to her want. The man dropped his hand back to his waist, gesturing with a tilt of his head to those few servants which dotted the room. "Fetch me some wine, and I might tell you about all the pleasures of my home."
Once she had rushed off to do just that, Rafail pushed himself from his position on the wall, running a hand through his slicked-back hair to return a few loose strands to their rightful place, and turned to scan the rest of the grand hall. Court was, primarily, for networking, and he was bored enough of his little band of sycophantic hangers-on that he would rather converse with someone of his own calibre for the rest of the afternoon. Where was Elias when Rafail needed him?
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
When it came to most things, the Marikas family liked to name themselves first. They chose to be prominent in every scene, whether 'twas their fashion or their interior design, and Rafail had firmly grasped onto this familial trend with both hands and chosen to make it his own. If there was something new in style in Athenia, then one could rest assured that the youngest Marikas lord was vaunting it with all he had.
Such was the case today. Court was in session, the sun was shining brightly to announce the arrival of the summer months, and Lord Rafail of Marikas was gushing about the Athenian estate's newest renovations, and the subsequent remodelling occurring at his own home in Thesnia (one could hardly expect only one of the family's homes to undergo necessary improvements). He had abandoned his usual gaggle of lesser Marikas lords, for the time being, uninterested in their dull attempts to impress - as if he cared that Lord Pythios had purchased a new, significantly less impressive chiton than his own and was eyeing that pretty lord's daughter from Epistis (been there, done that) - and instead wandered across the room to find some innocent lady to harass.
Leda of Laconis was the kind of blonde which was almost redheaded, with wide eyes in bright green in which a lesser man would have gotten lost and an elegant gown to match her eyes and clash with Rafail's blue. He had seen her glancing in his direction more than once in the past, the looks quick and coy as if unable to resist, and the sort that ensured she would be willing to talk no matter how busy she otherwise appeared. Rafail approached her with a polite bow, one hand extended to take hers and place a soft kiss on it, so that she flushed a bright red at the action. Whoever had said that women were complicated had clearly not been a Marikas.
Their conversation had been going smoothly, as it generally would when Rafail found a woman who would latch onto his every word because the handsome lord had not one but two estates to his name, and a royal title. Marriage to a man like that came with an infinite number of benefits, and she would have listened to even the dullest of tales, which was lucky, because the story of the new kline in the Thesnian estate's formal dining room was not an especially fascinating one.
"Yah, so Papa had to have the silver imported from Egypt," he was informing her, one arm positioned to lean comfortably against a pillar, the position one which suitably allowed his gaze to follow her sister behind her as well, while not seeming to betray his attention on the girl. She was short, and it was more accessible to half-stare over her shoulder than to force himself to bend his neck to look at her. "And the silk from somewhere in the far East; I doubt you would have heard of it. It cost a small fortune, but..." Rafail shrugged, glancing down at the set of expensive rings on his fingers, as if to accentuate his point. "We Marikas deserve the very best."
He reached out with his spare hand to tilt her head up, his grip soft on her chin so he would be able to look into her eyes more easily, his lips curled into a smile. "Like you, hm? Perhaps I should invite you back to the estate." Leda giggled in that demure manner which Rafail found so appealing in girls, nodding her head lightly, like she didn't want to admit to her want. The man dropped his hand back to his waist, gesturing with a tilt of his head to those few servants which dotted the room. "Fetch me some wine, and I might tell you about all the pleasures of my home."
Once she had rushed off to do just that, Rafail pushed himself from his position on the wall, running a hand through his slicked-back hair to return a few loose strands to their rightful place, and turned to scan the rest of the grand hall. Court was, primarily, for networking, and he was bored enough of his little band of sycophantic hangers-on that he would rather converse with someone of his own calibre for the rest of the afternoon. Where was Elias when Rafail needed him?
When it came to most things, the Marikas family liked to name themselves first. They chose to be prominent in every scene, whether 'twas their fashion or their interior design, and Rafail had firmly grasped onto this familial trend with both hands and chosen to make it his own. If there was something new in style in Athenia, then one could rest assured that the youngest Marikas lord was vaunting it with all he had.
Such was the case today. Court was in session, the sun was shining brightly to announce the arrival of the summer months, and Lord Rafail of Marikas was gushing about the Athenian estate's newest renovations, and the subsequent remodelling occurring at his own home in Thesnia (one could hardly expect only one of the family's homes to undergo necessary improvements). He had abandoned his usual gaggle of lesser Marikas lords, for the time being, uninterested in their dull attempts to impress - as if he cared that Lord Pythios had purchased a new, significantly less impressive chiton than his own and was eyeing that pretty lord's daughter from Epistis (been there, done that) - and instead wandered across the room to find some innocent lady to harass.
Leda of Laconis was the kind of blonde which was almost redheaded, with wide eyes in bright green in which a lesser man would have gotten lost and an elegant gown to match her eyes and clash with Rafail's blue. He had seen her glancing in his direction more than once in the past, the looks quick and coy as if unable to resist, and the sort that ensured she would be willing to talk no matter how busy she otherwise appeared. Rafail approached her with a polite bow, one hand extended to take hers and place a soft kiss on it, so that she flushed a bright red at the action. Whoever had said that women were complicated had clearly not been a Marikas.
Their conversation had been going smoothly, as it generally would when Rafail found a woman who would latch onto his every word because the handsome lord had not one but two estates to his name, and a royal title. Marriage to a man like that came with an infinite number of benefits, and she would have listened to even the dullest of tales, which was lucky, because the story of the new kline in the Thesnian estate's formal dining room was not an especially fascinating one.
"Yah, so Papa had to have the silver imported from Egypt," he was informing her, one arm positioned to lean comfortably against a pillar, the position one which suitably allowed his gaze to follow her sister behind her as well, while not seeming to betray his attention on the girl. She was short, and it was more accessible to half-stare over her shoulder than to force himself to bend his neck to look at her. "And the silk from somewhere in the far East; I doubt you would have heard of it. It cost a small fortune, but..." Rafail shrugged, glancing down at the set of expensive rings on his fingers, as if to accentuate his point. "We Marikas deserve the very best."
He reached out with his spare hand to tilt her head up, his grip soft on her chin so he would be able to look into her eyes more easily, his lips curled into a smile. "Like you, hm? Perhaps I should invite you back to the estate." Leda giggled in that demure manner which Rafail found so appealing in girls, nodding her head lightly, like she didn't want to admit to her want. The man dropped his hand back to his waist, gesturing with a tilt of his head to those few servants which dotted the room. "Fetch me some wine, and I might tell you about all the pleasures of my home."
Once she had rushed off to do just that, Rafail pushed himself from his position on the wall, running a hand through his slicked-back hair to return a few loose strands to their rightful place, and turned to scan the rest of the grand hall. Court was, primarily, for networking, and he was bored enough of his little band of sycophantic hangers-on that he would rather converse with someone of his own calibre for the rest of the afternoon. Where was Elias when Rafail needed him?
There was nowhere worse on this planet than court. Despite all the royalty and nobles around, she was convinced that this spec of land, this moment of time, was forsaken by the gods. There was no worse torture than having to talk to those that Marietta could not care any less about. And she had to have that polite smile on her face, and fake laughter to the worst possible jokes, and pretend to not want to crawl under her covers and become a recluse. Court brought all of her anxieties and insecurities to the surface, and yet simultaneously manage to bore her to tears.
Her sisters had all left her to mingle. Sansa was likely looking for her next husband as she would typically. Evi? Marietta did not want to think about what she could be doing. And Hebe? Nowhere in sight. Marietta could try to stick near her parents, but they often spoke of politics and that was even more boring than listening to a bragging noble about what new land they’ve acquired or what tacky item they bought. Instead, Marietta chose to look for her friends. Surely they could keep the night from being too miserable. At the very least if she were with them it would dissuade others from approaching her. Not that it was typically a problem for Marietta. She had mastered the art of dodging incoming conversations and sidestepping nobles that seeking to impress anyone who may walk past.
Where were they? Grey orbs bounced from one person to the next as she surveyed the room. There was a dizzying amount of faces but none of which were of any interest to Marietta. She chewed her lip and began to move weaving through groups of people, eyes flickering back and forth. She had almost given up looking for Sofia or Elias until she spotted off to one side Lord Rafail of Marikas. He must know where his sister is. Marietta moved to approach him.
And then she heard his conversation. Marietta knew that she was boring to speak with. Aside from those who have had more than a handful of interactions with Marietta the only words you would manage to pry from her lips are of fake politeness or carefully procured sly comments. Unless you spoke to her about art and then she could drone on with no end in sight. She realized that it was awful for the receiver to listen to. But chairs? Not even jewelry, or clothes, or art… but chairs? Marietta could find beauty in the most obscure places, but never would she ever want to be trapped in a conversation about chairs.
Pity. That was what she felt for the poor woman, and perhaps even Sofia for having a brother would brag about such a mundane item. (Although, silver procured from Egypt was a nice touch, and she was sure the handiwork would be that worth marveling. Marietta would be interested to see the chair when next she visits Sofia, but never would she admit to that.) When the woman finally had walked away Marietta had half the mind to turn around. She desired to find her friends, yes, but did that desire outweigh the possibility of having to hear the same conversation? A sort of dread washed over Marietta as she did one last sweep around her immediate areas. With a sigh, Marietta approached the lord.
“Lord Rafail?” Marietta made sure that her faux smile was perfect before she dares speak, though she did not try to hide the fakeness that was behind it. She had little patience for conversation and wanted to be out as quickly as she entered it. “I apologize, but have you seen your sister or Lord Elias?” As she spoke, her eyes continued to look around. Rafail was taller than her, she could not hide that she was searching elsewhere, not that she wanted to.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
There was nowhere worse on this planet than court. Despite all the royalty and nobles around, she was convinced that this spec of land, this moment of time, was forsaken by the gods. There was no worse torture than having to talk to those that Marietta could not care any less about. And she had to have that polite smile on her face, and fake laughter to the worst possible jokes, and pretend to not want to crawl under her covers and become a recluse. Court brought all of her anxieties and insecurities to the surface, and yet simultaneously manage to bore her to tears.
Her sisters had all left her to mingle. Sansa was likely looking for her next husband as she would typically. Evi? Marietta did not want to think about what she could be doing. And Hebe? Nowhere in sight. Marietta could try to stick near her parents, but they often spoke of politics and that was even more boring than listening to a bragging noble about what new land they’ve acquired or what tacky item they bought. Instead, Marietta chose to look for her friends. Surely they could keep the night from being too miserable. At the very least if she were with them it would dissuade others from approaching her. Not that it was typically a problem for Marietta. She had mastered the art of dodging incoming conversations and sidestepping nobles that seeking to impress anyone who may walk past.
Where were they? Grey orbs bounced from one person to the next as she surveyed the room. There was a dizzying amount of faces but none of which were of any interest to Marietta. She chewed her lip and began to move weaving through groups of people, eyes flickering back and forth. She had almost given up looking for Sofia or Elias until she spotted off to one side Lord Rafail of Marikas. He must know where his sister is. Marietta moved to approach him.
And then she heard his conversation. Marietta knew that she was boring to speak with. Aside from those who have had more than a handful of interactions with Marietta the only words you would manage to pry from her lips are of fake politeness or carefully procured sly comments. Unless you spoke to her about art and then she could drone on with no end in sight. She realized that it was awful for the receiver to listen to. But chairs? Not even jewelry, or clothes, or art… but chairs? Marietta could find beauty in the most obscure places, but never would she ever want to be trapped in a conversation about chairs.
Pity. That was what she felt for the poor woman, and perhaps even Sofia for having a brother would brag about such a mundane item. (Although, silver procured from Egypt was a nice touch, and she was sure the handiwork would be that worth marveling. Marietta would be interested to see the chair when next she visits Sofia, but never would she admit to that.) When the woman finally had walked away Marietta had half the mind to turn around. She desired to find her friends, yes, but did that desire outweigh the possibility of having to hear the same conversation? A sort of dread washed over Marietta as she did one last sweep around her immediate areas. With a sigh, Marietta approached the lord.
“Lord Rafail?” Marietta made sure that her faux smile was perfect before she dares speak, though she did not try to hide the fakeness that was behind it. She had little patience for conversation and wanted to be out as quickly as she entered it. “I apologize, but have you seen your sister or Lord Elias?” As she spoke, her eyes continued to look around. Rafail was taller than her, she could not hide that she was searching elsewhere, not that she wanted to.
There was nowhere worse on this planet than court. Despite all the royalty and nobles around, she was convinced that this spec of land, this moment of time, was forsaken by the gods. There was no worse torture than having to talk to those that Marietta could not care any less about. And she had to have that polite smile on her face, and fake laughter to the worst possible jokes, and pretend to not want to crawl under her covers and become a recluse. Court brought all of her anxieties and insecurities to the surface, and yet simultaneously manage to bore her to tears.
Her sisters had all left her to mingle. Sansa was likely looking for her next husband as she would typically. Evi? Marietta did not want to think about what she could be doing. And Hebe? Nowhere in sight. Marietta could try to stick near her parents, but they often spoke of politics and that was even more boring than listening to a bragging noble about what new land they’ve acquired or what tacky item they bought. Instead, Marietta chose to look for her friends. Surely they could keep the night from being too miserable. At the very least if she were with them it would dissuade others from approaching her. Not that it was typically a problem for Marietta. She had mastered the art of dodging incoming conversations and sidestepping nobles that seeking to impress anyone who may walk past.
Where were they? Grey orbs bounced from one person to the next as she surveyed the room. There was a dizzying amount of faces but none of which were of any interest to Marietta. She chewed her lip and began to move weaving through groups of people, eyes flickering back and forth. She had almost given up looking for Sofia or Elias until she spotted off to one side Lord Rafail of Marikas. He must know where his sister is. Marietta moved to approach him.
And then she heard his conversation. Marietta knew that she was boring to speak with. Aside from those who have had more than a handful of interactions with Marietta the only words you would manage to pry from her lips are of fake politeness or carefully procured sly comments. Unless you spoke to her about art and then she could drone on with no end in sight. She realized that it was awful for the receiver to listen to. But chairs? Not even jewelry, or clothes, or art… but chairs? Marietta could find beauty in the most obscure places, but never would she ever want to be trapped in a conversation about chairs.
Pity. That was what she felt for the poor woman, and perhaps even Sofia for having a brother would brag about such a mundane item. (Although, silver procured from Egypt was a nice touch, and she was sure the handiwork would be that worth marveling. Marietta would be interested to see the chair when next she visits Sofia, but never would she admit to that.) When the woman finally had walked away Marietta had half the mind to turn around. She desired to find her friends, yes, but did that desire outweigh the possibility of having to hear the same conversation? A sort of dread washed over Marietta as she did one last sweep around her immediate areas. With a sigh, Marietta approached the lord.
“Lord Rafail?” Marietta made sure that her faux smile was perfect before she dares speak, though she did not try to hide the fakeness that was behind it. She had little patience for conversation and wanted to be out as quickly as she entered it. “I apologize, but have you seen your sister or Lord Elias?” As she spoke, her eyes continued to look around. Rafail was taller than her, she could not hide that she was searching elsewhere, not that she wanted to.
Once, Elias of Stravos had reveled in the courts.
They were everything a young man with lacking responsibilities but copious royal titles and inheritance wanted. Full to bursting with cliques of noble-blooded females on the prowl for a man to marry and noblemen on the search for the connections that came naturally to a man with blood such as his own. The politics of the court were elementary at best, with the gossip of the goings-on given primarily by the wives of senators who heard their husbands go on with compatriots about the news. Not the battle ground of elder men with more on their plate, Elias of Stravos still enjoyed the courts as his relaxation from the more important business of Athenia, for it was his natural habitat.
The hearts and bodies of young noblewomen were his sustenance, their fawning over him the strings with which he worked them like puppets to obey him. However, where once such goings on fascinated him so utterly, now... it seemed tired. Repetitive. Dull. Elias found himself lost in the midst of conversation with... he didn't remember who it was. Greeted by the young woman just a few minutes earlier, it was apparent by her familiarity and the way she bat her eyes and twirled at the strands of silken ebony that framed a beautiful face that he'd had her before.
While not entirely displeased at looking at her, having to listen to the woman's mindless drivel, referring to past events and parties that they'd seen one another at. Elias played his part, intent on using this sort of woman as the guise in which he hid his affair with the young Antonis daughter who truly caught his attentions. He'd already searched for her, to little avail. The attendance in the courts rotated, and Elias was certain that if she wasn't here, Evi was at the library educating herself and in effect making the innumerable topics they talked about in private more broad in nature.
And yet, despite his disinterest, the Stravos played his part well. He nodded when the conversation required him to, recounted his own stories and convinced her to utter her own name in a way that didn't enlighten her to his ignorance. Danitha of Aetola. She spoke of places in Aetola he was familiar with, events that he'd been to. The provinces under Stravos rule were among his favourite places to go to, for the power he wielded in Lyncestia was a power exercised everywhere else, but with less effort needed to maintain it. The Headlord of Dynasteia Stravos he was, and he wore the mantle better than most his age ever could. So, as he continued speaking to the lower born, he found his attention drifting along until he caught the sight of Rafail of Marikas.
The Marikas lord was the only young man in his generation that could rival his propensities and appetites with his own. Both of them were renowned as lady's men, with conquests across the lands and within the courts that could bring a blush to even Aphrodite's cheeks. However, Elias would admit that his friend had one advantage over he. Lower were his standards to the point that he bedded the lower-born more often. Reputed to have bastards all across his land, Elias of Stravos did not spill his seed quite so carelessly. Enough so that his reputation kept in the same sentence, but not so that he was confronted with children sharing his image and mothers in search for a hand that would never be theirs.
"You'll have to excuse me, Danitha," he said, offering the woman a brush of his hand along her jawline before he took his leave and sought to catch himself up with Rafail. However, before he arrived at his destination, he heard the familiar voice call over upon him, the obviously false smile cast upon Lady Marietta of Antonis' lips bringing a wider one upon his own. It was rather rare that his two best friends spoke to one another. Where Elias and Rafail took the world by storm and threw the most lavish parties in an easy effort to spend the night with one or more women and clothes strewn about in every which way... Marietta was more subdued. Shy, rather innocent, but incredibly talented and quite intelligent, she was a pleasure to talk to.
So much so, in fact, that it was only recently that he'd found another who could catch him with their words. Marietta had no grasp on his heart, a consummate friend whose sister had caught his eye. Conflict brewed over such a reality, but when he heard his mention, he was quite relieved to hear it from her lips.
"Oh, not yet. But, lo and behold, your saviour appears," he teased Marietta, offering the young royal woman a crisp embrace before he clasped at Rafail's shoulder in acknowledgement.
"Are you two causing a scandal? I've heard nothing of such rumours!" he added, all too eager to indulge in a bit of sarcastic banter before he looked to Rafail,
"Is it me, or is the court less interesting than it's been today? Perhaps, there's somewhere else to be that might enrapture my, and by that I mean our, attentions more readily," he added. A natural leader, the Headlord of Stravos was eager to dictate.
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
Once, Elias of Stravos had reveled in the courts.
They were everything a young man with lacking responsibilities but copious royal titles and inheritance wanted. Full to bursting with cliques of noble-blooded females on the prowl for a man to marry and noblemen on the search for the connections that came naturally to a man with blood such as his own. The politics of the court were elementary at best, with the gossip of the goings-on given primarily by the wives of senators who heard their husbands go on with compatriots about the news. Not the battle ground of elder men with more on their plate, Elias of Stravos still enjoyed the courts as his relaxation from the more important business of Athenia, for it was his natural habitat.
The hearts and bodies of young noblewomen were his sustenance, their fawning over him the strings with which he worked them like puppets to obey him. However, where once such goings on fascinated him so utterly, now... it seemed tired. Repetitive. Dull. Elias found himself lost in the midst of conversation with... he didn't remember who it was. Greeted by the young woman just a few minutes earlier, it was apparent by her familiarity and the way she bat her eyes and twirled at the strands of silken ebony that framed a beautiful face that he'd had her before.
While not entirely displeased at looking at her, having to listen to the woman's mindless drivel, referring to past events and parties that they'd seen one another at. Elias played his part, intent on using this sort of woman as the guise in which he hid his affair with the young Antonis daughter who truly caught his attentions. He'd already searched for her, to little avail. The attendance in the courts rotated, and Elias was certain that if she wasn't here, Evi was at the library educating herself and in effect making the innumerable topics they talked about in private more broad in nature.
And yet, despite his disinterest, the Stravos played his part well. He nodded when the conversation required him to, recounted his own stories and convinced her to utter her own name in a way that didn't enlighten her to his ignorance. Danitha of Aetola. She spoke of places in Aetola he was familiar with, events that he'd been to. The provinces under Stravos rule were among his favourite places to go to, for the power he wielded in Lyncestia was a power exercised everywhere else, but with less effort needed to maintain it. The Headlord of Dynasteia Stravos he was, and he wore the mantle better than most his age ever could. So, as he continued speaking to the lower born, he found his attention drifting along until he caught the sight of Rafail of Marikas.
The Marikas lord was the only young man in his generation that could rival his propensities and appetites with his own. Both of them were renowned as lady's men, with conquests across the lands and within the courts that could bring a blush to even Aphrodite's cheeks. However, Elias would admit that his friend had one advantage over he. Lower were his standards to the point that he bedded the lower-born more often. Reputed to have bastards all across his land, Elias of Stravos did not spill his seed quite so carelessly. Enough so that his reputation kept in the same sentence, but not so that he was confronted with children sharing his image and mothers in search for a hand that would never be theirs.
"You'll have to excuse me, Danitha," he said, offering the woman a brush of his hand along her jawline before he took his leave and sought to catch himself up with Rafail. However, before he arrived at his destination, he heard the familiar voice call over upon him, the obviously false smile cast upon Lady Marietta of Antonis' lips bringing a wider one upon his own. It was rather rare that his two best friends spoke to one another. Where Elias and Rafail took the world by storm and threw the most lavish parties in an easy effort to spend the night with one or more women and clothes strewn about in every which way... Marietta was more subdued. Shy, rather innocent, but incredibly talented and quite intelligent, she was a pleasure to talk to.
So much so, in fact, that it was only recently that he'd found another who could catch him with their words. Marietta had no grasp on his heart, a consummate friend whose sister had caught his eye. Conflict brewed over such a reality, but when he heard his mention, he was quite relieved to hear it from her lips.
"Oh, not yet. But, lo and behold, your saviour appears," he teased Marietta, offering the young royal woman a crisp embrace before he clasped at Rafail's shoulder in acknowledgement.
"Are you two causing a scandal? I've heard nothing of such rumours!" he added, all too eager to indulge in a bit of sarcastic banter before he looked to Rafail,
"Is it me, or is the court less interesting than it's been today? Perhaps, there's somewhere else to be that might enrapture my, and by that I mean our, attentions more readily," he added. A natural leader, the Headlord of Stravos was eager to dictate.
Once, Elias of Stravos had reveled in the courts.
They were everything a young man with lacking responsibilities but copious royal titles and inheritance wanted. Full to bursting with cliques of noble-blooded females on the prowl for a man to marry and noblemen on the search for the connections that came naturally to a man with blood such as his own. The politics of the court were elementary at best, with the gossip of the goings-on given primarily by the wives of senators who heard their husbands go on with compatriots about the news. Not the battle ground of elder men with more on their plate, Elias of Stravos still enjoyed the courts as his relaxation from the more important business of Athenia, for it was his natural habitat.
The hearts and bodies of young noblewomen were his sustenance, their fawning over him the strings with which he worked them like puppets to obey him. However, where once such goings on fascinated him so utterly, now... it seemed tired. Repetitive. Dull. Elias found himself lost in the midst of conversation with... he didn't remember who it was. Greeted by the young woman just a few minutes earlier, it was apparent by her familiarity and the way she bat her eyes and twirled at the strands of silken ebony that framed a beautiful face that he'd had her before.
While not entirely displeased at looking at her, having to listen to the woman's mindless drivel, referring to past events and parties that they'd seen one another at. Elias played his part, intent on using this sort of woman as the guise in which he hid his affair with the young Antonis daughter who truly caught his attentions. He'd already searched for her, to little avail. The attendance in the courts rotated, and Elias was certain that if she wasn't here, Evi was at the library educating herself and in effect making the innumerable topics they talked about in private more broad in nature.
And yet, despite his disinterest, the Stravos played his part well. He nodded when the conversation required him to, recounted his own stories and convinced her to utter her own name in a way that didn't enlighten her to his ignorance. Danitha of Aetola. She spoke of places in Aetola he was familiar with, events that he'd been to. The provinces under Stravos rule were among his favourite places to go to, for the power he wielded in Lyncestia was a power exercised everywhere else, but with less effort needed to maintain it. The Headlord of Dynasteia Stravos he was, and he wore the mantle better than most his age ever could. So, as he continued speaking to the lower born, he found his attention drifting along until he caught the sight of Rafail of Marikas.
The Marikas lord was the only young man in his generation that could rival his propensities and appetites with his own. Both of them were renowned as lady's men, with conquests across the lands and within the courts that could bring a blush to even Aphrodite's cheeks. However, Elias would admit that his friend had one advantage over he. Lower were his standards to the point that he bedded the lower-born more often. Reputed to have bastards all across his land, Elias of Stravos did not spill his seed quite so carelessly. Enough so that his reputation kept in the same sentence, but not so that he was confronted with children sharing his image and mothers in search for a hand that would never be theirs.
"You'll have to excuse me, Danitha," he said, offering the woman a brush of his hand along her jawline before he took his leave and sought to catch himself up with Rafail. However, before he arrived at his destination, he heard the familiar voice call over upon him, the obviously false smile cast upon Lady Marietta of Antonis' lips bringing a wider one upon his own. It was rather rare that his two best friends spoke to one another. Where Elias and Rafail took the world by storm and threw the most lavish parties in an easy effort to spend the night with one or more women and clothes strewn about in every which way... Marietta was more subdued. Shy, rather innocent, but incredibly talented and quite intelligent, she was a pleasure to talk to.
So much so, in fact, that it was only recently that he'd found another who could catch him with their words. Marietta had no grasp on his heart, a consummate friend whose sister had caught his eye. Conflict brewed over such a reality, but when he heard his mention, he was quite relieved to hear it from her lips.
"Oh, not yet. But, lo and behold, your saviour appears," he teased Marietta, offering the young royal woman a crisp embrace before he clasped at Rafail's shoulder in acknowledgement.
"Are you two causing a scandal? I've heard nothing of such rumours!" he added, all too eager to indulge in a bit of sarcastic banter before he looked to Rafail,
"Is it me, or is the court less interesting than it's been today? Perhaps, there's somewhere else to be that might enrapture my, and by that I mean our, attentions more readily," he added. A natural leader, the Headlord of Stravos was eager to dictate.
Once again, Sofia of Marikas was bored. How many court sessions had she attended in her lifetime? Far too many, as far as she was concerned, each one as dull and ponderous as the one before it. Outside the massive, noisy hall, the summer sun was shining gloriously, mocking her. And there she was, trapped in a decorated corner, explaining to a pair of old noblewomen for the third time why she wasn’t married yet. “I’m sure Father will select someone soon,” she drawled, smiling politely. Their concern for her future would be touching, she thought, if it really was concern. No, the ladies of the court were simply vultures, pecking out the eyes of anyone who wandered by for the smallest speck of gossip.
Trying to continue appearing engaged, Sofia’s eyes flickered around the cavernous room, searching for someone to rescue her. Marietta was nowhere to be seen, and she would rather get pecked to death by the pair before her than stand near Rafail when he was flirting with the young ladies of the court, and she knew he would be. No, she was resolved to her fate. Such was the life of a royal woman, tied to the court.
Still, she had grown used to the tedium over the years. It was now second nature to smile and nod and exchange pleasantries while her mind wandered off to flowery fields and the secrets of the woods. She hadn’t ridden Ops in days and the walls were starting to close in. Every year it seemed like another piece of her freedom disappeared. It came with adulthood, she supposed. Her regular attendance at court became more and more expected, her little adventures became less tolerated, and all anyone wanted to talk about was when would she get married. Dull, dull, dull.
“If you’ll excuse me, ladies,” Sofia smiled sweetly, dipping her head and squeezing past the pair on the pretense of spreading her interactions out. It would be impolite to ignore everyone else in favor of only two, she explained. As soon as she was free from their prying, beady eyes she sighed, looking around again. Surely someone would have something interesting to say if she kept moving. Two dreary conversations later and Sofia was starting to think that she would rather witness Raf’s sickening flirtations, after all. He wouldn’t be happy with her intrusion, of course, but perhaps she could have a bit of fun teasing whichever girls he’d chosen this time. They weren’t usually particularly bright, from what she’d seen.
And so she began the slow trudge through the hall, stopping every few feet to graciously greet other court attendees. Finally she spotted her brother and her eyes lit up—he wasn’t with some random girl after all! There, at last, was Marietta. Lord Elias, too, though she was unimpressed by the idea of being subjected to the normal Rafail/Elias dynamic. Stopping behind Elias’s left shoulder just in time to hear his final words, she sighed dramatically in lieu of announcing her arrival. “I certainly hope you had somewhere in mind, Lord Elias,” she grinned, glancing around at the little circle. “I was about ready to flee Athenia altogether.”
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
Once again, Sofia of Marikas was bored. How many court sessions had she attended in her lifetime? Far too many, as far as she was concerned, each one as dull and ponderous as the one before it. Outside the massive, noisy hall, the summer sun was shining gloriously, mocking her. And there she was, trapped in a decorated corner, explaining to a pair of old noblewomen for the third time why she wasn’t married yet. “I’m sure Father will select someone soon,” she drawled, smiling politely. Their concern for her future would be touching, she thought, if it really was concern. No, the ladies of the court were simply vultures, pecking out the eyes of anyone who wandered by for the smallest speck of gossip.
Trying to continue appearing engaged, Sofia’s eyes flickered around the cavernous room, searching for someone to rescue her. Marietta was nowhere to be seen, and she would rather get pecked to death by the pair before her than stand near Rafail when he was flirting with the young ladies of the court, and she knew he would be. No, she was resolved to her fate. Such was the life of a royal woman, tied to the court.
Still, she had grown used to the tedium over the years. It was now second nature to smile and nod and exchange pleasantries while her mind wandered off to flowery fields and the secrets of the woods. She hadn’t ridden Ops in days and the walls were starting to close in. Every year it seemed like another piece of her freedom disappeared. It came with adulthood, she supposed. Her regular attendance at court became more and more expected, her little adventures became less tolerated, and all anyone wanted to talk about was when would she get married. Dull, dull, dull.
“If you’ll excuse me, ladies,” Sofia smiled sweetly, dipping her head and squeezing past the pair on the pretense of spreading her interactions out. It would be impolite to ignore everyone else in favor of only two, she explained. As soon as she was free from their prying, beady eyes she sighed, looking around again. Surely someone would have something interesting to say if she kept moving. Two dreary conversations later and Sofia was starting to think that she would rather witness Raf’s sickening flirtations, after all. He wouldn’t be happy with her intrusion, of course, but perhaps she could have a bit of fun teasing whichever girls he’d chosen this time. They weren’t usually particularly bright, from what she’d seen.
And so she began the slow trudge through the hall, stopping every few feet to graciously greet other court attendees. Finally she spotted her brother and her eyes lit up—he wasn’t with some random girl after all! There, at last, was Marietta. Lord Elias, too, though she was unimpressed by the idea of being subjected to the normal Rafail/Elias dynamic. Stopping behind Elias’s left shoulder just in time to hear his final words, she sighed dramatically in lieu of announcing her arrival. “I certainly hope you had somewhere in mind, Lord Elias,” she grinned, glancing around at the little circle. “I was about ready to flee Athenia altogether.”
Once again, Sofia of Marikas was bored. How many court sessions had she attended in her lifetime? Far too many, as far as she was concerned, each one as dull and ponderous as the one before it. Outside the massive, noisy hall, the summer sun was shining gloriously, mocking her. And there she was, trapped in a decorated corner, explaining to a pair of old noblewomen for the third time why she wasn’t married yet. “I’m sure Father will select someone soon,” she drawled, smiling politely. Their concern for her future would be touching, she thought, if it really was concern. No, the ladies of the court were simply vultures, pecking out the eyes of anyone who wandered by for the smallest speck of gossip.
Trying to continue appearing engaged, Sofia’s eyes flickered around the cavernous room, searching for someone to rescue her. Marietta was nowhere to be seen, and she would rather get pecked to death by the pair before her than stand near Rafail when he was flirting with the young ladies of the court, and she knew he would be. No, she was resolved to her fate. Such was the life of a royal woman, tied to the court.
Still, she had grown used to the tedium over the years. It was now second nature to smile and nod and exchange pleasantries while her mind wandered off to flowery fields and the secrets of the woods. She hadn’t ridden Ops in days and the walls were starting to close in. Every year it seemed like another piece of her freedom disappeared. It came with adulthood, she supposed. Her regular attendance at court became more and more expected, her little adventures became less tolerated, and all anyone wanted to talk about was when would she get married. Dull, dull, dull.
“If you’ll excuse me, ladies,” Sofia smiled sweetly, dipping her head and squeezing past the pair on the pretense of spreading her interactions out. It would be impolite to ignore everyone else in favor of only two, she explained. As soon as she was free from their prying, beady eyes she sighed, looking around again. Surely someone would have something interesting to say if she kept moving. Two dreary conversations later and Sofia was starting to think that she would rather witness Raf’s sickening flirtations, after all. He wouldn’t be happy with her intrusion, of course, but perhaps she could have a bit of fun teasing whichever girls he’d chosen this time. They weren’t usually particularly bright, from what she’d seen.
And so she began the slow trudge through the hall, stopping every few feet to graciously greet other court attendees. Finally she spotted her brother and her eyes lit up—he wasn’t with some random girl after all! There, at last, was Marietta. Lord Elias, too, though she was unimpressed by the idea of being subjected to the normal Rafail/Elias dynamic. Stopping behind Elias’s left shoulder just in time to hear his final words, she sighed dramatically in lieu of announcing her arrival. “I certainly hope you had somewhere in mind, Lord Elias,” she grinned, glancing around at the little circle. “I was about ready to flee Athenia altogether.”
One moment, Rafail had been gladly flirting with some of the prettiest ladies to wander the court that day and, the next, he was suddenly in conversation with Marietta of Antonis who, while equally attractive, was not his kind of woman at all. She was far too thoughtful, and the lord was quite certain that the only reason either of them put up with the other was that she was friends with Sofia. She must have been lingering a while, he supposed, although Rafail never saw anything wrong with making a girl wait. It only tended to heighten their anticipation of what was to come.
He drew both hands to his hips and faced the brunette fully, eyes fixed on hers though she had not returned the sentiment—typical rudeness. "I have not," he replied, thinking the answer rather obvious. "If I had seen either my friend or my sister, then I would not be wasting my time at the court speaking with such dull ladies as these." It did not entirely seem as though this was a good day in the court: usually, the girls were equally vapid but far more fascinating with which to hold a conversation.
Luckily, the man's words were interrupted by the appearance of that same friend they had both been discussing, and he straightened up in jovial response to Elias's sudden appearance, the furrow of his brow lessening. "Elias, please!" the man objected, feigning irritation despite his joking tone. "I am a Marikas, I have standards." Most of the time, at least, for there had been several occasions when Rafail had drunk enough to make some questionable decisions, but he knew the same could easily be said of Elias (they had certainly enjoyed enough parties together that it was undeniable). Still, he smiled at his friend, more than happy to follow his suggestion.
Besides, Sofia had now approached the trio, and Rafail would instead they disappear as a group, than allow his sister to linger at court in absolute boredom. She wasn't one of the few women who he would easily abandon like that. He naturally moved towards her, slipping his arm around her shoulders to tug her a little more protectively towards himself and away from Elias. Not that he didn't trust his best friend - in truth, he would prefer Sofia end up with him over most of the useless men in the kingdom - but, well, he didn't trust his best friend.
He decided to take the initiative.
"Yes, well, I believe I've spent enough time mingling with the crowds today, so I'm sure I would not be missed, except perhaps by the ladies, though that shouldn't come as any surprise." Rafail allowed his gaze to wander back to the girl he had sent off to fetch him a drink, picking her out in the crowd where she had apparently stopped on her journey to chat with another who must have been her sister. They would still be there during future court visits. "I am sure there is plenty else of far greater interest we can do, and I know for a certainty that my family home should not be occupied at present, so perhaps we might retire there?"
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
One moment, Rafail had been gladly flirting with some of the prettiest ladies to wander the court that day and, the next, he was suddenly in conversation with Marietta of Antonis who, while equally attractive, was not his kind of woman at all. She was far too thoughtful, and the lord was quite certain that the only reason either of them put up with the other was that she was friends with Sofia. She must have been lingering a while, he supposed, although Rafail never saw anything wrong with making a girl wait. It only tended to heighten their anticipation of what was to come.
He drew both hands to his hips and faced the brunette fully, eyes fixed on hers though she had not returned the sentiment—typical rudeness. "I have not," he replied, thinking the answer rather obvious. "If I had seen either my friend or my sister, then I would not be wasting my time at the court speaking with such dull ladies as these." It did not entirely seem as though this was a good day in the court: usually, the girls were equally vapid but far more fascinating with which to hold a conversation.
Luckily, the man's words were interrupted by the appearance of that same friend they had both been discussing, and he straightened up in jovial response to Elias's sudden appearance, the furrow of his brow lessening. "Elias, please!" the man objected, feigning irritation despite his joking tone. "I am a Marikas, I have standards." Most of the time, at least, for there had been several occasions when Rafail had drunk enough to make some questionable decisions, but he knew the same could easily be said of Elias (they had certainly enjoyed enough parties together that it was undeniable). Still, he smiled at his friend, more than happy to follow his suggestion.
Besides, Sofia had now approached the trio, and Rafail would instead they disappear as a group, than allow his sister to linger at court in absolute boredom. She wasn't one of the few women who he would easily abandon like that. He naturally moved towards her, slipping his arm around her shoulders to tug her a little more protectively towards himself and away from Elias. Not that he didn't trust his best friend - in truth, he would prefer Sofia end up with him over most of the useless men in the kingdom - but, well, he didn't trust his best friend.
He decided to take the initiative.
"Yes, well, I believe I've spent enough time mingling with the crowds today, so I'm sure I would not be missed, except perhaps by the ladies, though that shouldn't come as any surprise." Rafail allowed his gaze to wander back to the girl he had sent off to fetch him a drink, picking her out in the crowd where she had apparently stopped on her journey to chat with another who must have been her sister. They would still be there during future court visits. "I am sure there is plenty else of far greater interest we can do, and I know for a certainty that my family home should not be occupied at present, so perhaps we might retire there?"
One moment, Rafail had been gladly flirting with some of the prettiest ladies to wander the court that day and, the next, he was suddenly in conversation with Marietta of Antonis who, while equally attractive, was not his kind of woman at all. She was far too thoughtful, and the lord was quite certain that the only reason either of them put up with the other was that she was friends with Sofia. She must have been lingering a while, he supposed, although Rafail never saw anything wrong with making a girl wait. It only tended to heighten their anticipation of what was to come.
He drew both hands to his hips and faced the brunette fully, eyes fixed on hers though she had not returned the sentiment—typical rudeness. "I have not," he replied, thinking the answer rather obvious. "If I had seen either my friend or my sister, then I would not be wasting my time at the court speaking with such dull ladies as these." It did not entirely seem as though this was a good day in the court: usually, the girls were equally vapid but far more fascinating with which to hold a conversation.
Luckily, the man's words were interrupted by the appearance of that same friend they had both been discussing, and he straightened up in jovial response to Elias's sudden appearance, the furrow of his brow lessening. "Elias, please!" the man objected, feigning irritation despite his joking tone. "I am a Marikas, I have standards." Most of the time, at least, for there had been several occasions when Rafail had drunk enough to make some questionable decisions, but he knew the same could easily be said of Elias (they had certainly enjoyed enough parties together that it was undeniable). Still, he smiled at his friend, more than happy to follow his suggestion.
Besides, Sofia had now approached the trio, and Rafail would instead they disappear as a group, than allow his sister to linger at court in absolute boredom. She wasn't one of the few women who he would easily abandon like that. He naturally moved towards her, slipping his arm around her shoulders to tug her a little more protectively towards himself and away from Elias. Not that he didn't trust his best friend - in truth, he would prefer Sofia end up with him over most of the useless men in the kingdom - but, well, he didn't trust his best friend.
He decided to take the initiative.
"Yes, well, I believe I've spent enough time mingling with the crowds today, so I'm sure I would not be missed, except perhaps by the ladies, though that shouldn't come as any surprise." Rafail allowed his gaze to wander back to the girl he had sent off to fetch him a drink, picking her out in the crowd where she had apparently stopped on her journey to chat with another who must have been her sister. They would still be there during future court visits. "I am sure there is plenty else of far greater interest we can do, and I know for a certainty that my family home should not be occupied at present, so perhaps we might retire there?"
Thank the gods that as soon as Rafail answered her, Elias made his way to them. She happily returned the greeting, now fully engaged in the group. Eyes stopped searching, she at at least one of her saviors, as Elias put it. Even if it did come with some teasing. As if she would ever cause a scandal with Rafail. She had standards: Anyone but Rafail. Well... anyone but Rafail and Elias. Elias was basically like a brother to her, gross.
Marietta was just about to answer when Sofia joined the trio. Relief finally flooded her. The boredom was over. She didn't have to skirt around the edges, avoiding conversations with absolutely everyone, panicking if she caught someone's eye. Her friends were here, and Marietta could not be happier.
"Eli! Oh, shush you. You know as well as I the only scandal that is to be had are at the hands of you two, never myself." Marietta teased him before her eyes went to Sofia. "And Sofia, thank the gods you are here."
Until the subject of leaving was broached. Typically that wasn't something Marietta would mind. She loathed court with every fiber of her being. Everything about it screamed torture. Marietta would rather her finger nails pulled off and needles stuck in her eyes than be at court. But also... the idea of dealing with both Elias and Rafail at an empty Marikas home was equally as horrible. Elias was amazing to spend time with separately, and even Rafail could be... stomached when she had to. Together? Marietta's head already ached.
She would have outright denied them and allowed them to go off without them (as if she could stop them) had it not been for Sofia. Sofia would make everything tolerable. Besides, going to an empty Marikas house with both Elias and Rafail seemed like it could very easily be a scandal would it not be for Sofia also going. And... well she was very bored and at least the group would provide a little fun. She just had to make sure not to cave to Eli and Sofia's pressuring when they inevitably convinced Marietta to do something she really didn't want to do like... drink. Marietta still cringed remembering the birthday party the pair made her go to.
"It sounds like a plan." Marietta said in her typical quiet voice. She moved by Sofia, the woman she full well had every intention of sticking next to the entire time. Sofia would be the confidence that she needed in order to get through this night. "But, Lord Rafail I do ask you to refrain about speaking more about this... chair you've purchased. I now know more about Marikas furniture than I ever desired to know. Although if you procure special dyes for the silk, do let me know that. That would be a conversation that would keep my attention." Dyes and paint and all things color, Marietta had a great interest in anything that she could create are with.
This was likely going to be a horrible idea, but remaining here... well, things couldn't get much worse could it?
But before the group could move, a Lord from one of the Stravos provinces approached them. Marietta saw a flicker of annoyance cross Elias's face before he stepped away from the group leaving her, Sofia, and Raf.
Oh god, Marietta inwardly groaned. Luckily Sofia was here. Marietta had spent time alone with Raf once and her memories of that time was fuzzy at best. She did not want to experience what had happened again that night. "Well... I don't believe we'll be getting Elias back tonight. Shall we?"
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
Thank the gods that as soon as Rafail answered her, Elias made his way to them. She happily returned the greeting, now fully engaged in the group. Eyes stopped searching, she at at least one of her saviors, as Elias put it. Even if it did come with some teasing. As if she would ever cause a scandal with Rafail. She had standards: Anyone but Rafail. Well... anyone but Rafail and Elias. Elias was basically like a brother to her, gross.
Marietta was just about to answer when Sofia joined the trio. Relief finally flooded her. The boredom was over. She didn't have to skirt around the edges, avoiding conversations with absolutely everyone, panicking if she caught someone's eye. Her friends were here, and Marietta could not be happier.
"Eli! Oh, shush you. You know as well as I the only scandal that is to be had are at the hands of you two, never myself." Marietta teased him before her eyes went to Sofia. "And Sofia, thank the gods you are here."
Until the subject of leaving was broached. Typically that wasn't something Marietta would mind. She loathed court with every fiber of her being. Everything about it screamed torture. Marietta would rather her finger nails pulled off and needles stuck in her eyes than be at court. But also... the idea of dealing with both Elias and Rafail at an empty Marikas home was equally as horrible. Elias was amazing to spend time with separately, and even Rafail could be... stomached when she had to. Together? Marietta's head already ached.
She would have outright denied them and allowed them to go off without them (as if she could stop them) had it not been for Sofia. Sofia would make everything tolerable. Besides, going to an empty Marikas house with both Elias and Rafail seemed like it could very easily be a scandal would it not be for Sofia also going. And... well she was very bored and at least the group would provide a little fun. She just had to make sure not to cave to Eli and Sofia's pressuring when they inevitably convinced Marietta to do something she really didn't want to do like... drink. Marietta still cringed remembering the birthday party the pair made her go to.
"It sounds like a plan." Marietta said in her typical quiet voice. She moved by Sofia, the woman she full well had every intention of sticking next to the entire time. Sofia would be the confidence that she needed in order to get through this night. "But, Lord Rafail I do ask you to refrain about speaking more about this... chair you've purchased. I now know more about Marikas furniture than I ever desired to know. Although if you procure special dyes for the silk, do let me know that. That would be a conversation that would keep my attention." Dyes and paint and all things color, Marietta had a great interest in anything that she could create are with.
This was likely going to be a horrible idea, but remaining here... well, things couldn't get much worse could it?
But before the group could move, a Lord from one of the Stravos provinces approached them. Marietta saw a flicker of annoyance cross Elias's face before he stepped away from the group leaving her, Sofia, and Raf.
Oh god, Marietta inwardly groaned. Luckily Sofia was here. Marietta had spent time alone with Raf once and her memories of that time was fuzzy at best. She did not want to experience what had happened again that night. "Well... I don't believe we'll be getting Elias back tonight. Shall we?"
Thank the gods that as soon as Rafail answered her, Elias made his way to them. She happily returned the greeting, now fully engaged in the group. Eyes stopped searching, she at at least one of her saviors, as Elias put it. Even if it did come with some teasing. As if she would ever cause a scandal with Rafail. She had standards: Anyone but Rafail. Well... anyone but Rafail and Elias. Elias was basically like a brother to her, gross.
Marietta was just about to answer when Sofia joined the trio. Relief finally flooded her. The boredom was over. She didn't have to skirt around the edges, avoiding conversations with absolutely everyone, panicking if she caught someone's eye. Her friends were here, and Marietta could not be happier.
"Eli! Oh, shush you. You know as well as I the only scandal that is to be had are at the hands of you two, never myself." Marietta teased him before her eyes went to Sofia. "And Sofia, thank the gods you are here."
Until the subject of leaving was broached. Typically that wasn't something Marietta would mind. She loathed court with every fiber of her being. Everything about it screamed torture. Marietta would rather her finger nails pulled off and needles stuck in her eyes than be at court. But also... the idea of dealing with both Elias and Rafail at an empty Marikas home was equally as horrible. Elias was amazing to spend time with separately, and even Rafail could be... stomached when she had to. Together? Marietta's head already ached.
She would have outright denied them and allowed them to go off without them (as if she could stop them) had it not been for Sofia. Sofia would make everything tolerable. Besides, going to an empty Marikas house with both Elias and Rafail seemed like it could very easily be a scandal would it not be for Sofia also going. And... well she was very bored and at least the group would provide a little fun. She just had to make sure not to cave to Eli and Sofia's pressuring when they inevitably convinced Marietta to do something she really didn't want to do like... drink. Marietta still cringed remembering the birthday party the pair made her go to.
"It sounds like a plan." Marietta said in her typical quiet voice. She moved by Sofia, the woman she full well had every intention of sticking next to the entire time. Sofia would be the confidence that she needed in order to get through this night. "But, Lord Rafail I do ask you to refrain about speaking more about this... chair you've purchased. I now know more about Marikas furniture than I ever desired to know. Although if you procure special dyes for the silk, do let me know that. That would be a conversation that would keep my attention." Dyes and paint and all things color, Marietta had a great interest in anything that she could create are with.
This was likely going to be a horrible idea, but remaining here... well, things couldn't get much worse could it?
But before the group could move, a Lord from one of the Stravos provinces approached them. Marietta saw a flicker of annoyance cross Elias's face before he stepped away from the group leaving her, Sofia, and Raf.
Oh god, Marietta inwardly groaned. Luckily Sofia was here. Marietta had spent time alone with Raf once and her memories of that time was fuzzy at best. She did not want to experience what had happened again that night. "Well... I don't believe we'll be getting Elias back tonight. Shall we?"
It was honestly rather endearing, the look of absolute relief on Marietta’s face. Sofia smiled extra brightly at her friend, glad to be able to provide some small modicum of comfort. The relationship between her best friend and her brother was strained at best: a fact that was far from lost on the royal woman.
Before she could make a move towards Marietta, though, Rafail was tugging her in the opposite direction, away from Elias. Sofia couldn’t help but laugh a little, patting her brother’s arm affectionately before slipping out of his grasp. He was well-meaning, of course, but Sofia hardly felt threatened by the Stravos lord, especially given the swirling crowd of high-ranking Athenians around them. Besides, Elias hadn’t even had the chance to address her yet— well, Sofia didn’t know what she’d been expecting. Rafail was nothing if not doting and protective towards her.
“Oh, were you telling Marietta about our newest furniture acquisitions?” she glanced sideways at him, smile still dancing across her face. Eyes flickering to her friend, she put on a convincingly serious voice and added, “I can’t wait until you see it. It really is fantastic craftsmanship.” The chair in question was lovely, it was true, but Sofia knew Raf would have been describing it in such exquisite detail that Marietta likely didn’t need to see it in person, having already received a hyper-realistic explanation.
Lord Elias, it seemed, would be spared the sight of the legendary Marikas chair. She shot him a pitying look as he disappeared with the unfamiliar lord, knowing the remainder of his day was likely to be extremely unpleasant. Though she herself was a fairly prominent royal, Sofia imagined Elias’s lot to be far worse. Still, at least she would be safe from the incessant banter and conquest stories he likely would have exchanged with her brother. “In that case, going home sounds lovely. It’s your lucky day, Etta!”
And so the little group began the journey out of the Grand Hall as quickly as possible, trying to attract minimal attention. Once or twice, one of them was engaged in conversation with a simpering lord or lady, but soon enough Sofia found herself blinking in the sunlight, glancing around for their carriage. It really was a stark contrast with the dull, muted light in court—already, Sofia could feel herself waking up a bit more. The prospect of an entertaining evening with her best friend and brother was enough to put a smile back on her face, the insufferable court ladies from only minutes ago already long forgotten. The horror-stricken look Marietta was sure to wear upon being subjected to more chair talk certainly didn’t hurt, either. “Don’t worry about leaving the ladies to their fates, Raf. You’ve got the two best ones right here with you.”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
It was honestly rather endearing, the look of absolute relief on Marietta’s face. Sofia smiled extra brightly at her friend, glad to be able to provide some small modicum of comfort. The relationship between her best friend and her brother was strained at best: a fact that was far from lost on the royal woman.
Before she could make a move towards Marietta, though, Rafail was tugging her in the opposite direction, away from Elias. Sofia couldn’t help but laugh a little, patting her brother’s arm affectionately before slipping out of his grasp. He was well-meaning, of course, but Sofia hardly felt threatened by the Stravos lord, especially given the swirling crowd of high-ranking Athenians around them. Besides, Elias hadn’t even had the chance to address her yet— well, Sofia didn’t know what she’d been expecting. Rafail was nothing if not doting and protective towards her.
“Oh, were you telling Marietta about our newest furniture acquisitions?” she glanced sideways at him, smile still dancing across her face. Eyes flickering to her friend, she put on a convincingly serious voice and added, “I can’t wait until you see it. It really is fantastic craftsmanship.” The chair in question was lovely, it was true, but Sofia knew Raf would have been describing it in such exquisite detail that Marietta likely didn’t need to see it in person, having already received a hyper-realistic explanation.
Lord Elias, it seemed, would be spared the sight of the legendary Marikas chair. She shot him a pitying look as he disappeared with the unfamiliar lord, knowing the remainder of his day was likely to be extremely unpleasant. Though she herself was a fairly prominent royal, Sofia imagined Elias’s lot to be far worse. Still, at least she would be safe from the incessant banter and conquest stories he likely would have exchanged with her brother. “In that case, going home sounds lovely. It’s your lucky day, Etta!”
And so the little group began the journey out of the Grand Hall as quickly as possible, trying to attract minimal attention. Once or twice, one of them was engaged in conversation with a simpering lord or lady, but soon enough Sofia found herself blinking in the sunlight, glancing around for their carriage. It really was a stark contrast with the dull, muted light in court—already, Sofia could feel herself waking up a bit more. The prospect of an entertaining evening with her best friend and brother was enough to put a smile back on her face, the insufferable court ladies from only minutes ago already long forgotten. The horror-stricken look Marietta was sure to wear upon being subjected to more chair talk certainly didn’t hurt, either. “Don’t worry about leaving the ladies to their fates, Raf. You’ve got the two best ones right here with you.”
It was honestly rather endearing, the look of absolute relief on Marietta’s face. Sofia smiled extra brightly at her friend, glad to be able to provide some small modicum of comfort. The relationship between her best friend and her brother was strained at best: a fact that was far from lost on the royal woman.
Before she could make a move towards Marietta, though, Rafail was tugging her in the opposite direction, away from Elias. Sofia couldn’t help but laugh a little, patting her brother’s arm affectionately before slipping out of his grasp. He was well-meaning, of course, but Sofia hardly felt threatened by the Stravos lord, especially given the swirling crowd of high-ranking Athenians around them. Besides, Elias hadn’t even had the chance to address her yet— well, Sofia didn’t know what she’d been expecting. Rafail was nothing if not doting and protective towards her.
“Oh, were you telling Marietta about our newest furniture acquisitions?” she glanced sideways at him, smile still dancing across her face. Eyes flickering to her friend, she put on a convincingly serious voice and added, “I can’t wait until you see it. It really is fantastic craftsmanship.” The chair in question was lovely, it was true, but Sofia knew Raf would have been describing it in such exquisite detail that Marietta likely didn’t need to see it in person, having already received a hyper-realistic explanation.
Lord Elias, it seemed, would be spared the sight of the legendary Marikas chair. She shot him a pitying look as he disappeared with the unfamiliar lord, knowing the remainder of his day was likely to be extremely unpleasant. Though she herself was a fairly prominent royal, Sofia imagined Elias’s lot to be far worse. Still, at least she would be safe from the incessant banter and conquest stories he likely would have exchanged with her brother. “In that case, going home sounds lovely. It’s your lucky day, Etta!”
And so the little group began the journey out of the Grand Hall as quickly as possible, trying to attract minimal attention. Once or twice, one of them was engaged in conversation with a simpering lord or lady, but soon enough Sofia found herself blinking in the sunlight, glancing around for their carriage. It really was a stark contrast with the dull, muted light in court—already, Sofia could feel herself waking up a bit more. The prospect of an entertaining evening with her best friend and brother was enough to put a smile back on her face, the insufferable court ladies from only minutes ago already long forgotten. The horror-stricken look Marietta was sure to wear upon being subjected to more chair talk certainly didn’t hurt, either. “Don’t worry about leaving the ladies to their fates, Raf. You’ve got the two best ones right here with you.”
“I apologise if my conversations with other women are not interesting to you,” Rafail answered, an eyebrow quirked upwards as if in amusement that she thought he would care to adjust his conversation for her. He did not tend to boast about the fineries of the Marikas home to those who had visited it often – unless, of course, the moment called it – but was much more prone to doing so with the few women who had yet to enjoy the pleasure of a visit. They were typically more inclined to enjoy the tales. “I do not know nor care about the dyes; those are tasks for the manufacturers rather than myself.”
At his sister’s additional query, he shook his head. “No, no, I was talking to…” The woman was lost in the crowd, however, likely having wandered away with her friend now that the Marikas looked to be busy, and it would be lucky if Rafail remembered her name from such a brief interaction, so he only tilted his head vaguely in her direction as a response. At least Sofia was supportive when it came to his choices of decor.
Urgh, of course, Elias had abandoned them for reasons which were likely entirely fair, and now Rafail was stuck monitoring the two women like some sort of useless chaperone, which was far less fun than the norm when one was his younger sister and the other her closest friend. He offered his cousin a pitiful expression which implied that he was always welcome to join them again if he could find the chance to drag himself away from the dull lord (it would have been a simple matter to reject him through status, but politeness supposedly implied otherwise), though the Marikas was more than glad to make it up to his friend later on with a later evening of debauchery. A small sacrifice now for entertainment in the future.
“The best ladies you might well be, but not in the regard for which I was in the mood, unfortunately.” Not that Rafail really wanted to think about such acts in such close relation to his sister. He directed the pair towards the waiting Marikas carriage, waiting politely to one side so the ladies could enter before he did, for there was little more beneficial than displaying appropriate etiquette before a lady. Directing the driver to return them to his home despite the court session still being far from over, he settled himself in a seat opposite the pair.
“So, what thrilling activities did the pair of you have in mind for our disappearance?”
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
“I apologise if my conversations with other women are not interesting to you,” Rafail answered, an eyebrow quirked upwards as if in amusement that she thought he would care to adjust his conversation for her. He did not tend to boast about the fineries of the Marikas home to those who had visited it often – unless, of course, the moment called it – but was much more prone to doing so with the few women who had yet to enjoy the pleasure of a visit. They were typically more inclined to enjoy the tales. “I do not know nor care about the dyes; those are tasks for the manufacturers rather than myself.”
At his sister’s additional query, he shook his head. “No, no, I was talking to…” The woman was lost in the crowd, however, likely having wandered away with her friend now that the Marikas looked to be busy, and it would be lucky if Rafail remembered her name from such a brief interaction, so he only tilted his head vaguely in her direction as a response. At least Sofia was supportive when it came to his choices of decor.
Urgh, of course, Elias had abandoned them for reasons which were likely entirely fair, and now Rafail was stuck monitoring the two women like some sort of useless chaperone, which was far less fun than the norm when one was his younger sister and the other her closest friend. He offered his cousin a pitiful expression which implied that he was always welcome to join them again if he could find the chance to drag himself away from the dull lord (it would have been a simple matter to reject him through status, but politeness supposedly implied otherwise), though the Marikas was more than glad to make it up to his friend later on with a later evening of debauchery. A small sacrifice now for entertainment in the future.
“The best ladies you might well be, but not in the regard for which I was in the mood, unfortunately.” Not that Rafail really wanted to think about such acts in such close relation to his sister. He directed the pair towards the waiting Marikas carriage, waiting politely to one side so the ladies could enter before he did, for there was little more beneficial than displaying appropriate etiquette before a lady. Directing the driver to return them to his home despite the court session still being far from over, he settled himself in a seat opposite the pair.
“So, what thrilling activities did the pair of you have in mind for our disappearance?”
“I apologise if my conversations with other women are not interesting to you,” Rafail answered, an eyebrow quirked upwards as if in amusement that she thought he would care to adjust his conversation for her. He did not tend to boast about the fineries of the Marikas home to those who had visited it often – unless, of course, the moment called it – but was much more prone to doing so with the few women who had yet to enjoy the pleasure of a visit. They were typically more inclined to enjoy the tales. “I do not know nor care about the dyes; those are tasks for the manufacturers rather than myself.”
At his sister’s additional query, he shook his head. “No, no, I was talking to…” The woman was lost in the crowd, however, likely having wandered away with her friend now that the Marikas looked to be busy, and it would be lucky if Rafail remembered her name from such a brief interaction, so he only tilted his head vaguely in her direction as a response. At least Sofia was supportive when it came to his choices of decor.
Urgh, of course, Elias had abandoned them for reasons which were likely entirely fair, and now Rafail was stuck monitoring the two women like some sort of useless chaperone, which was far less fun than the norm when one was his younger sister and the other her closest friend. He offered his cousin a pitiful expression which implied that he was always welcome to join them again if he could find the chance to drag himself away from the dull lord (it would have been a simple matter to reject him through status, but politeness supposedly implied otherwise), though the Marikas was more than glad to make it up to his friend later on with a later evening of debauchery. A small sacrifice now for entertainment in the future.
“The best ladies you might well be, but not in the regard for which I was in the mood, unfortunately.” Not that Rafail really wanted to think about such acts in such close relation to his sister. He directed the pair towards the waiting Marikas carriage, waiting politely to one side so the ladies could enter before he did, for there was little more beneficial than displaying appropriate etiquette before a lady. Directing the driver to return them to his home despite the court session still being far from over, he settled himself in a seat opposite the pair.
“So, what thrilling activities did the pair of you have in mind for our disappearance?”
Marietta swore if she heard about this chair one more time… This better be the chair of the gods. At this point if Marietta went to see this chair and Zeus himself wasn’t there sitting down upon it she’d feel lied to. Clearly the way Rafail and Sofia described it, it would only be worthy of the Olympians above.
Anyway, as the discussion changed Marietta started to feel anxious again. She had come here to find Sofia and Elias, and instead, she had been abandoned by Eli and was leaving with the Marikas siblings. This could only lead to disaster, surely.
This can’t be as bad as the party.
Marietta thought the words over and over again, even if most of her memories were blurred from the time. One step after another, she followed the two siblings into their carriage. She was getting away at least from the court event. And worse comes to worse… well, she’ll spend time with Sofia and surely Raf would leave to find women that he actually wanted to spend time with right.
But not in the regard for which I was in the mood, unfortunately.
Ugh, gag! Perhaps it was the fact that he was her best friend’s older brother, maybe it was because Marietta didn’t like the sheer amount of women around the men, or maybe it was because Marietta was so innocent that a peck on the lips was too risque for her… but Marietta did not even want to think about what Raf was intending to do with that woman earlier. Though… was his method of wooing women talking about chairs? Did that… work? Really?
Marietta blinked snapping back to reality as Rafail posed the question. “Dice.” Marietta answered before she even realized she was speaking. The answer seemed so simple, and hopefully exciting enough to actually intrigue the pair. Marietta wasn’t typically known for… exciting suggestions. She was a shy, cowardly homebody and she would gladly admit it if it meant being able to get out of anything that might be slightly risky. But she did have a secret vice and it was gambling.
It was just a pity that Elias had gone away from the group. He was her partner when it came to dice. The two knew each other so well that there were no need for words. One look was all the two required before placing their bets- bets that Marietta worked to make sure Elias won. The two matched well with each other. Eli enjoyed winning and Marietta enjoyed cheating the game. She felt smarter than fate, quicker than luck, each time the two managed to hack their way to victory. And, well, it would be fun to take the Marikas’s money. Not that at the end of the day money meant anything to the nobles, but the glory was all that Marietta required. Was that mean? Perhaps, but it’d be fun nonetheless and after maybe she’d bring Sofia into the wicked ways of Elias and Marietta as well.
She could be fun too. Sometimes.
“My cousins play it from time to time. It looks fun.” Marietta shrugged nonchalantly. “Unless you two have better ideas?”
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
Marietta swore if she heard about this chair one more time… This better be the chair of the gods. At this point if Marietta went to see this chair and Zeus himself wasn’t there sitting down upon it she’d feel lied to. Clearly the way Rafail and Sofia described it, it would only be worthy of the Olympians above.
Anyway, as the discussion changed Marietta started to feel anxious again. She had come here to find Sofia and Elias, and instead, she had been abandoned by Eli and was leaving with the Marikas siblings. This could only lead to disaster, surely.
This can’t be as bad as the party.
Marietta thought the words over and over again, even if most of her memories were blurred from the time. One step after another, she followed the two siblings into their carriage. She was getting away at least from the court event. And worse comes to worse… well, she’ll spend time with Sofia and surely Raf would leave to find women that he actually wanted to spend time with right.
But not in the regard for which I was in the mood, unfortunately.
Ugh, gag! Perhaps it was the fact that he was her best friend’s older brother, maybe it was because Marietta didn’t like the sheer amount of women around the men, or maybe it was because Marietta was so innocent that a peck on the lips was too risque for her… but Marietta did not even want to think about what Raf was intending to do with that woman earlier. Though… was his method of wooing women talking about chairs? Did that… work? Really?
Marietta blinked snapping back to reality as Rafail posed the question. “Dice.” Marietta answered before she even realized she was speaking. The answer seemed so simple, and hopefully exciting enough to actually intrigue the pair. Marietta wasn’t typically known for… exciting suggestions. She was a shy, cowardly homebody and she would gladly admit it if it meant being able to get out of anything that might be slightly risky. But she did have a secret vice and it was gambling.
It was just a pity that Elias had gone away from the group. He was her partner when it came to dice. The two knew each other so well that there were no need for words. One look was all the two required before placing their bets- bets that Marietta worked to make sure Elias won. The two matched well with each other. Eli enjoyed winning and Marietta enjoyed cheating the game. She felt smarter than fate, quicker than luck, each time the two managed to hack their way to victory. And, well, it would be fun to take the Marikas’s money. Not that at the end of the day money meant anything to the nobles, but the glory was all that Marietta required. Was that mean? Perhaps, but it’d be fun nonetheless and after maybe she’d bring Sofia into the wicked ways of Elias and Marietta as well.
She could be fun too. Sometimes.
“My cousins play it from time to time. It looks fun.” Marietta shrugged nonchalantly. “Unless you two have better ideas?”
Marietta swore if she heard about this chair one more time… This better be the chair of the gods. At this point if Marietta went to see this chair and Zeus himself wasn’t there sitting down upon it she’d feel lied to. Clearly the way Rafail and Sofia described it, it would only be worthy of the Olympians above.
Anyway, as the discussion changed Marietta started to feel anxious again. She had come here to find Sofia and Elias, and instead, she had been abandoned by Eli and was leaving with the Marikas siblings. This could only lead to disaster, surely.
This can’t be as bad as the party.
Marietta thought the words over and over again, even if most of her memories were blurred from the time. One step after another, she followed the two siblings into their carriage. She was getting away at least from the court event. And worse comes to worse… well, she’ll spend time with Sofia and surely Raf would leave to find women that he actually wanted to spend time with right.
But not in the regard for which I was in the mood, unfortunately.
Ugh, gag! Perhaps it was the fact that he was her best friend’s older brother, maybe it was because Marietta didn’t like the sheer amount of women around the men, or maybe it was because Marietta was so innocent that a peck on the lips was too risque for her… but Marietta did not even want to think about what Raf was intending to do with that woman earlier. Though… was his method of wooing women talking about chairs? Did that… work? Really?
Marietta blinked snapping back to reality as Rafail posed the question. “Dice.” Marietta answered before she even realized she was speaking. The answer seemed so simple, and hopefully exciting enough to actually intrigue the pair. Marietta wasn’t typically known for… exciting suggestions. She was a shy, cowardly homebody and she would gladly admit it if it meant being able to get out of anything that might be slightly risky. But she did have a secret vice and it was gambling.
It was just a pity that Elias had gone away from the group. He was her partner when it came to dice. The two knew each other so well that there were no need for words. One look was all the two required before placing their bets- bets that Marietta worked to make sure Elias won. The two matched well with each other. Eli enjoyed winning and Marietta enjoyed cheating the game. She felt smarter than fate, quicker than luck, each time the two managed to hack their way to victory. And, well, it would be fun to take the Marikas’s money. Not that at the end of the day money meant anything to the nobles, but the glory was all that Marietta required. Was that mean? Perhaps, but it’d be fun nonetheless and after maybe she’d bring Sofia into the wicked ways of Elias and Marietta as well.
She could be fun too. Sometimes.
“My cousins play it from time to time. It looks fun.” Marietta shrugged nonchalantly. “Unless you two have better ideas?”