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Celine’s position in the bottom of the merchant ship made her feel tense in both body and mind. She had thought she’d be willing to endure anything for Max- yes, for the others too, but especially for him- but this was pushing it. Keeping her breathing light was difficult under physical tension, and she was starting to regret placing herself in a situation which might lead not only to her being discovered, but to a physical panic or breathing attack. Had her bravery at the spur of the moment meant she’d disregarded her physical health entirely? Maybe so. Still, it was at least a little satisfying to think that by this action she might be on her way to regaining the ability to love without fear of emotional pain that she’d somehow lost. A heart that had been broken was sometimes the best kind in this respect; those who loved with wild abandon might find themselves having been loved back, in the long run. Or not, but shouldn’t life be about giving everything one had to offer?
Still, she worried, not only about her physical and mental health, (not to mention her nose- it smelled somewhat moldy down here, and she didn’t want to breathe in too much of that, either!) but about whether Max would realize she had been serious about going with him, and if he did, whether or not he would find her in time. Hadn’t the army only been going to stay in Taengea for a day or so? And he could be rather thickheaded in general. How long would it take for him to comprehend her hint about being in Hermes’ wings? Don’t think about that, she tried to reason with herself, while currently curled in the fetal position behind some crates to try to avoid being seen. Think about the fact that he actually asked you to come with him! Think about how it seemed that he returned your kisses with a hunger as voracious as your own.
She had been the one to initiate the kisses, but the passion in them- presumably on both their parts- made even Celine blush. Sweet gods! What had gotten into her? Desperation, yes. Impatience as well. And of course, love beyond anything she had ever felt, which she had been holding in for three years because she didn’t want to ruin everything by saying something the wrong way. But there was also something about the whole incident that she felt she couldn’t define, something that even the girl who had ridden a horse at breakneck speed willingly multiple times would somehow never have imagined of herself, especially having the parents with the positions she did. Until, after a few minutes, the word she had been seeking finally came to her, which made the tension in her forehead and body somehow inexplicably ease.
Daring. The kind of daring that would have her kiss the man she loved with no care at all who was watching, even if some of those who had seen Celine in court might likely tell the whole known world. In some ways, bravery was different than daring. Bravery might mean riding a horse at breakneck speed, but there was usually no one watching in the woods. Daring was something she could somehow never bring herself to show in front of anyone but Basil, Adelpha, and Max himself, but she had suddenly presumably made her feelings for Maximus of Laconia known to all of Colchis.Yes, that was daring. But so was hiding in a rather cramped position on this ship.
Love, and also the prospect of eventual peace of mind, had made her do this. If she'd stayed home, the nightmares, when they came, would have been a thousand times worse. And somehow, deep within herself, Celine had the feeling she'd made the right decision, no matter what other people might say or do- including find her unexpectedly and turn her over for punishment or who knew what else.
That was a risk- one she still wanted to try to avoid- but after all, she had to try to take her life back at some point, didn't she? Nine years had perhaps been too long to wait for peace of mind without knowing exactly how to obtain it more or less permanently.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Celine’s position in the bottom of the merchant ship made her feel tense in both body and mind. She had thought she’d be willing to endure anything for Max- yes, for the others too, but especially for him- but this was pushing it. Keeping her breathing light was difficult under physical tension, and she was starting to regret placing herself in a situation which might lead not only to her being discovered, but to a physical panic or breathing attack. Had her bravery at the spur of the moment meant she’d disregarded her physical health entirely? Maybe so. Still, it was at least a little satisfying to think that by this action she might be on her way to regaining the ability to love without fear of emotional pain that she’d somehow lost. A heart that had been broken was sometimes the best kind in this respect; those who loved with wild abandon might find themselves having been loved back, in the long run. Or not, but shouldn’t life be about giving everything one had to offer?
Still, she worried, not only about her physical and mental health, (not to mention her nose- it smelled somewhat moldy down here, and she didn’t want to breathe in too much of that, either!) but about whether Max would realize she had been serious about going with him, and if he did, whether or not he would find her in time. Hadn’t the army only been going to stay in Taengea for a day or so? And he could be rather thickheaded in general. How long would it take for him to comprehend her hint about being in Hermes’ wings? Don’t think about that, she tried to reason with herself, while currently curled in the fetal position behind some crates to try to avoid being seen. Think about the fact that he actually asked you to come with him! Think about how it seemed that he returned your kisses with a hunger as voracious as your own.
She had been the one to initiate the kisses, but the passion in them- presumably on both their parts- made even Celine blush. Sweet gods! What had gotten into her? Desperation, yes. Impatience as well. And of course, love beyond anything she had ever felt, which she had been holding in for three years because she didn’t want to ruin everything by saying something the wrong way. But there was also something about the whole incident that she felt she couldn’t define, something that even the girl who had ridden a horse at breakneck speed willingly multiple times would somehow never have imagined of herself, especially having the parents with the positions she did. Until, after a few minutes, the word she had been seeking finally came to her, which made the tension in her forehead and body somehow inexplicably ease.
Daring. The kind of daring that would have her kiss the man she loved with no care at all who was watching, even if some of those who had seen Celine in court might likely tell the whole known world. In some ways, bravery was different than daring. Bravery might mean riding a horse at breakneck speed, but there was usually no one watching in the woods. Daring was something she could somehow never bring herself to show in front of anyone but Basil, Adelpha, and Max himself, but she had suddenly presumably made her feelings for Maximus of Laconia known to all of Colchis.Yes, that was daring. But so was hiding in a rather cramped position on this ship.
Love, and also the prospect of eventual peace of mind, had made her do this. If she'd stayed home, the nightmares, when they came, would have been a thousand times worse. And somehow, deep within herself, Celine had the feeling she'd made the right decision, no matter what other people might say or do- including find her unexpectedly and turn her over for punishment or who knew what else.
That was a risk- one she still wanted to try to avoid- but after all, she had to try to take her life back at some point, didn't she? Nine years had perhaps been too long to wait for peace of mind without knowing exactly how to obtain it more or less permanently.
Celine’s position in the bottom of the merchant ship made her feel tense in both body and mind. She had thought she’d be willing to endure anything for Max- yes, for the others too, but especially for him- but this was pushing it. Keeping her breathing light was difficult under physical tension, and she was starting to regret placing herself in a situation which might lead not only to her being discovered, but to a physical panic or breathing attack. Had her bravery at the spur of the moment meant she’d disregarded her physical health entirely? Maybe so. Still, it was at least a little satisfying to think that by this action she might be on her way to regaining the ability to love without fear of emotional pain that she’d somehow lost. A heart that had been broken was sometimes the best kind in this respect; those who loved with wild abandon might find themselves having been loved back, in the long run. Or not, but shouldn’t life be about giving everything one had to offer?
Still, she worried, not only about her physical and mental health, (not to mention her nose- it smelled somewhat moldy down here, and she didn’t want to breathe in too much of that, either!) but about whether Max would realize she had been serious about going with him, and if he did, whether or not he would find her in time. Hadn’t the army only been going to stay in Taengea for a day or so? And he could be rather thickheaded in general. How long would it take for him to comprehend her hint about being in Hermes’ wings? Don’t think about that, she tried to reason with herself, while currently curled in the fetal position behind some crates to try to avoid being seen. Think about the fact that he actually asked you to come with him! Think about how it seemed that he returned your kisses with a hunger as voracious as your own.
She had been the one to initiate the kisses, but the passion in them- presumably on both their parts- made even Celine blush. Sweet gods! What had gotten into her? Desperation, yes. Impatience as well. And of course, love beyond anything she had ever felt, which she had been holding in for three years because she didn’t want to ruin everything by saying something the wrong way. But there was also something about the whole incident that she felt she couldn’t define, something that even the girl who had ridden a horse at breakneck speed willingly multiple times would somehow never have imagined of herself, especially having the parents with the positions she did. Until, after a few minutes, the word she had been seeking finally came to her, which made the tension in her forehead and body somehow inexplicably ease.
Daring. The kind of daring that would have her kiss the man she loved with no care at all who was watching, even if some of those who had seen Celine in court might likely tell the whole known world. In some ways, bravery was different than daring. Bravery might mean riding a horse at breakneck speed, but there was usually no one watching in the woods. Daring was something she could somehow never bring herself to show in front of anyone but Basil, Adelpha, and Max himself, but she had suddenly presumably made her feelings for Maximus of Laconia known to all of Colchis.Yes, that was daring. But so was hiding in a rather cramped position on this ship.
Love, and also the prospect of eventual peace of mind, had made her do this. If she'd stayed home, the nightmares, when they came, would have been a thousand times worse. And somehow, deep within herself, Celine had the feeling she'd made the right decision, no matter what other people might say or do- including find her unexpectedly and turn her over for punishment or who knew what else.
That was a risk- one she still wanted to try to avoid- but after all, she had to try to take her life back at some point, didn't she? Nine years had perhaps been too long to wait for peace of mind without knowing exactly how to obtain it more or less permanently.
Maximus ran as fast as he could not caring about the Tangeans he bumped into. He heard shouts from the people he ran by with some cursing him out and others screaming as soon as they saw Maximus speeding towards them. Normally Maximus would apologize profusely for violating their personal space so abruptly, but his mind was flooded with a variety of emotions: Confusion, fear and a little of bit of anger. A few hours ago, the Colchian army arrived in Tangea to link up with them before sailing to Egypt in 24 hours. It was the calm before the storm, the last chance for the soldiers to take in the fact that this will be the last time they will be on Greek land before heading out to the lands afar. The men were silent for the most part, they knew that many of them will not come back. Maximus overheard a soldier saying that he is going to spend the last 24 hours fucking as many prostitutes as he can.
The young man did not know what he will do once they reached port. They've sailing for a while, and Maximus spent all of the time trying to clear his head attempting to forget about Celine's confession but he was failing miserably. No matter how much Maximus tried, he can still hear Celine's anguished confession of love to him, her worry about losing everyone she cared about at once. Maximus can still smell Celine’s favorite perfume, feel her smooth, exposed back when she kissed him.....
Maximus remembered slamming his fist against the bow of the ship attracting the attention of some of his brothers. It was an embarrassing moment something that caused him to smile awkwardly and apologize in a profuse tone. The reality of the matter was that for three years, Celine was deeply In love with Maximus something that he knew for whatever reason. The young man racked his brains wondering how he knew all along but did not inform Celine, clearly if Maximus knew about Celine's love then he would tell her right?
“Ares,” Maximus thought as they were fast approaching Tangea’s ports. “I promise to pray to you daily if you can clear out these conflicting thoughts in my head! Hear me! Help me!”
But all Maximus received was more headaches, it felt like his brain was going to explode playing his conversation with Celine over again. What made it complicated was that Maximus was in love with another woman: Nethis. A beautiful woman who holds herself up high and displays great strength despite not being a fighter. However, through Adelpha, Basil and Celine Maximus learned that strength does not comes out in a physical sense. Sometimes the bonds between friends transcend physical strength.
But are Maximus and Celine more than just friends? If so, what will he do with Nethis? The two of them have been in many adventures together and each time he thinks of Nethis, Maximus’ love for her grows It was to the point where he wrote a letter saying goodbye to Nethis. So many questions, but no answers in sight. Mercifully, all the Colchian ships docked at the Tangean port as usual the men on Maximus’ ship were silent dispersing into the docks or the marketplace. Some of them went to see family members while others went to brothels or to places to drink themselves silly.
Maximus on the other hand, remained in the Agora lost in thought. He was there for a few hours socializing with others, until he remembered the last thing Celine said: “Look for me in the Wings of Hermes.”
It was then his heart stopped, Maximus’ mouth went dry and his palms became clammy. Did Celine mean that she was headed to a boat. The young man remembered taking a glance at a boat before they left commenting on how Celine secretly worshipped Hermes. “Celine!” Maximus remembered shouted before running off.
That foolish girl! It was not like Celine to be running away from her family like this! While Celine liked riddles she was never spoke this cryptically. Maximus should’ve known that something was up but he was too emotionally overwhelmed to think about. These stupid emotions sometimes, if there was one thing Maximus wished for was to dull them sometimes. But then again it may interfere with is loyalty to his friends and Colchis.
It took about an hour, but Maximus finally found the Wings of Hermes. It looked like it just docked. “No Celine,” Maximus mumbled shaking his head while simultaneously feeling his stomach dropping as though someone cut it off.
He remembered saying to Celine that he needed her, but Maximus insisted internally that it was not him talking. He felt like his spirt was being trapped in a box while someone else was talking to Celine. Maximus spoke the words but it wasn’t truly his are the Gods playing another game with him. Is this a test?! Maximus sighed entering the boat, careful to evade any men who were removing boxes on the deck. Women weren’t normally allowed in merchant ships so it meant that Celine most likely hid below deck.
When the coast was cleared, Maximus dropped down, immediately looking up to see if anyone caught him. “Celine!” Maximus whispered loudly. “Celine! Are you in here?!”
He really hoped that she wasn’t here and this was just in Maximus’ head.
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Maximus ran as fast as he could not caring about the Tangeans he bumped into. He heard shouts from the people he ran by with some cursing him out and others screaming as soon as they saw Maximus speeding towards them. Normally Maximus would apologize profusely for violating their personal space so abruptly, but his mind was flooded with a variety of emotions: Confusion, fear and a little of bit of anger. A few hours ago, the Colchian army arrived in Tangea to link up with them before sailing to Egypt in 24 hours. It was the calm before the storm, the last chance for the soldiers to take in the fact that this will be the last time they will be on Greek land before heading out to the lands afar. The men were silent for the most part, they knew that many of them will not come back. Maximus overheard a soldier saying that he is going to spend the last 24 hours fucking as many prostitutes as he can.
The young man did not know what he will do once they reached port. They've sailing for a while, and Maximus spent all of the time trying to clear his head attempting to forget about Celine's confession but he was failing miserably. No matter how much Maximus tried, he can still hear Celine's anguished confession of love to him, her worry about losing everyone she cared about at once. Maximus can still smell Celine’s favorite perfume, feel her smooth, exposed back when she kissed him.....
Maximus remembered slamming his fist against the bow of the ship attracting the attention of some of his brothers. It was an embarrassing moment something that caused him to smile awkwardly and apologize in a profuse tone. The reality of the matter was that for three years, Celine was deeply In love with Maximus something that he knew for whatever reason. The young man racked his brains wondering how he knew all along but did not inform Celine, clearly if Maximus knew about Celine's love then he would tell her right?
“Ares,” Maximus thought as they were fast approaching Tangea’s ports. “I promise to pray to you daily if you can clear out these conflicting thoughts in my head! Hear me! Help me!”
But all Maximus received was more headaches, it felt like his brain was going to explode playing his conversation with Celine over again. What made it complicated was that Maximus was in love with another woman: Nethis. A beautiful woman who holds herself up high and displays great strength despite not being a fighter. However, through Adelpha, Basil and Celine Maximus learned that strength does not comes out in a physical sense. Sometimes the bonds between friends transcend physical strength.
But are Maximus and Celine more than just friends? If so, what will he do with Nethis? The two of them have been in many adventures together and each time he thinks of Nethis, Maximus’ love for her grows It was to the point where he wrote a letter saying goodbye to Nethis. So many questions, but no answers in sight. Mercifully, all the Colchian ships docked at the Tangean port as usual the men on Maximus’ ship were silent dispersing into the docks or the marketplace. Some of them went to see family members while others went to brothels or to places to drink themselves silly.
Maximus on the other hand, remained in the Agora lost in thought. He was there for a few hours socializing with others, until he remembered the last thing Celine said: “Look for me in the Wings of Hermes.”
It was then his heart stopped, Maximus’ mouth went dry and his palms became clammy. Did Celine mean that she was headed to a boat. The young man remembered taking a glance at a boat before they left commenting on how Celine secretly worshipped Hermes. “Celine!” Maximus remembered shouted before running off.
That foolish girl! It was not like Celine to be running away from her family like this! While Celine liked riddles she was never spoke this cryptically. Maximus should’ve known that something was up but he was too emotionally overwhelmed to think about. These stupid emotions sometimes, if there was one thing Maximus wished for was to dull them sometimes. But then again it may interfere with is loyalty to his friends and Colchis.
It took about an hour, but Maximus finally found the Wings of Hermes. It looked like it just docked. “No Celine,” Maximus mumbled shaking his head while simultaneously feeling his stomach dropping as though someone cut it off.
He remembered saying to Celine that he needed her, but Maximus insisted internally that it was not him talking. He felt like his spirt was being trapped in a box while someone else was talking to Celine. Maximus spoke the words but it wasn’t truly his are the Gods playing another game with him. Is this a test?! Maximus sighed entering the boat, careful to evade any men who were removing boxes on the deck. Women weren’t normally allowed in merchant ships so it meant that Celine most likely hid below deck.
When the coast was cleared, Maximus dropped down, immediately looking up to see if anyone caught him. “Celine!” Maximus whispered loudly. “Celine! Are you in here?!”
He really hoped that she wasn’t here and this was just in Maximus’ head.
Maximus ran as fast as he could not caring about the Tangeans he bumped into. He heard shouts from the people he ran by with some cursing him out and others screaming as soon as they saw Maximus speeding towards them. Normally Maximus would apologize profusely for violating their personal space so abruptly, but his mind was flooded with a variety of emotions: Confusion, fear and a little of bit of anger. A few hours ago, the Colchian army arrived in Tangea to link up with them before sailing to Egypt in 24 hours. It was the calm before the storm, the last chance for the soldiers to take in the fact that this will be the last time they will be on Greek land before heading out to the lands afar. The men were silent for the most part, they knew that many of them will not come back. Maximus overheard a soldier saying that he is going to spend the last 24 hours fucking as many prostitutes as he can.
The young man did not know what he will do once they reached port. They've sailing for a while, and Maximus spent all of the time trying to clear his head attempting to forget about Celine's confession but he was failing miserably. No matter how much Maximus tried, he can still hear Celine's anguished confession of love to him, her worry about losing everyone she cared about at once. Maximus can still smell Celine’s favorite perfume, feel her smooth, exposed back when she kissed him.....
Maximus remembered slamming his fist against the bow of the ship attracting the attention of some of his brothers. It was an embarrassing moment something that caused him to smile awkwardly and apologize in a profuse tone. The reality of the matter was that for three years, Celine was deeply In love with Maximus something that he knew for whatever reason. The young man racked his brains wondering how he knew all along but did not inform Celine, clearly if Maximus knew about Celine's love then he would tell her right?
“Ares,” Maximus thought as they were fast approaching Tangea’s ports. “I promise to pray to you daily if you can clear out these conflicting thoughts in my head! Hear me! Help me!”
But all Maximus received was more headaches, it felt like his brain was going to explode playing his conversation with Celine over again. What made it complicated was that Maximus was in love with another woman: Nethis. A beautiful woman who holds herself up high and displays great strength despite not being a fighter. However, through Adelpha, Basil and Celine Maximus learned that strength does not comes out in a physical sense. Sometimes the bonds between friends transcend physical strength.
But are Maximus and Celine more than just friends? If so, what will he do with Nethis? The two of them have been in many adventures together and each time he thinks of Nethis, Maximus’ love for her grows It was to the point where he wrote a letter saying goodbye to Nethis. So many questions, but no answers in sight. Mercifully, all the Colchian ships docked at the Tangean port as usual the men on Maximus’ ship were silent dispersing into the docks or the marketplace. Some of them went to see family members while others went to brothels or to places to drink themselves silly.
Maximus on the other hand, remained in the Agora lost in thought. He was there for a few hours socializing with others, until he remembered the last thing Celine said: “Look for me in the Wings of Hermes.”
It was then his heart stopped, Maximus’ mouth went dry and his palms became clammy. Did Celine mean that she was headed to a boat. The young man remembered taking a glance at a boat before they left commenting on how Celine secretly worshipped Hermes. “Celine!” Maximus remembered shouted before running off.
That foolish girl! It was not like Celine to be running away from her family like this! While Celine liked riddles she was never spoke this cryptically. Maximus should’ve known that something was up but he was too emotionally overwhelmed to think about. These stupid emotions sometimes, if there was one thing Maximus wished for was to dull them sometimes. But then again it may interfere with is loyalty to his friends and Colchis.
It took about an hour, but Maximus finally found the Wings of Hermes. It looked like it just docked. “No Celine,” Maximus mumbled shaking his head while simultaneously feeling his stomach dropping as though someone cut it off.
He remembered saying to Celine that he needed her, but Maximus insisted internally that it was not him talking. He felt like his spirt was being trapped in a box while someone else was talking to Celine. Maximus spoke the words but it wasn’t truly his are the Gods playing another game with him. Is this a test?! Maximus sighed entering the boat, careful to evade any men who were removing boxes on the deck. Women weren’t normally allowed in merchant ships so it meant that Celine most likely hid below deck.
When the coast was cleared, Maximus dropped down, immediately looking up to see if anyone caught him. “Celine!” Maximus whispered loudly. “Celine! Are you in here?!”
He really hoped that she wasn’t here and this was just in Maximus’ head.
“Max…” Celine suddenly trembled so badly as a result of her relief that the footsteps had been his that she could hardly uncurl herself from her position behind the crates and sit up to peek out at him, though she didn’t crawl out fully.
“Did you really think I wouldn’t come with you- when I said I would? And when I said I couldn’t lose everything again?” It was difficult to whisper, and then tears came to her eyes again and she couldn’t talk at all for a minute. She cried as silently as possible, but still ended up sniffling pitifully. She swiped her hand across her face to stem the tears.
“Logically- yes, it was stupid, so scold me all you want. I’m still smart enough to realize that I deserve every word. And yes- I realize you could still all… not return.” It still hurt her too much to say, or even think about, the word death. “But I also realize that somehow this is a way to take my life back. To be that girl again- the friendly, unreserved one I was before the fire. The one who held nothing back. Gods know I’ve probably held too much back already. But if I’d tried to tell you that I loved you sooner, perhaps I’d have lost my nerve. Then again, I realize I must have shocked you…” But you still kissed me back- truly, madly, and deeply, Celine didn’t add.
She gulped. She was still sorry that her confession had all come out so quickly like it had, to an extent. She could think of nothing else to say on that subject for the moment. But though she kept back tears, Celine’s voice was steady and resolved, although she was trying to whisper so neither of them would get caught.
“I love my family- especially Rhais. Please never doubt that. But there is a possibility that if I’d not taken this action, my courage would never have returned again, and I mean my courage about anything.” Celine had already nearly stopped being able to forge new friendships because she was afraid she might lose somebody else, to say nothing of the fact that politically, not everyone was trustworthy anyway. Perhaps she could work on that, too, in Egypt. There had to be some people she would meet who might be willing to overlook the fact that she was a Greek.
“ Rhais can wait for me. But my courage most likely will not. If I have courage at the time, I have to heed to it- or it may not come back. Can you understand that?” Celine asked in a tortured whisper. “I want to be myself again. Why would I care about being in a war zone when some of our own people might have tried to kill my family and me?” Celine wondered what Max would think of that logic, but she still felt that what she had said was true.
But then, Celine stopped waxing eloquent about how much she missed her old self. It was time to finish formulating a plan- and she did have one, even if she had carried no money with her and it remained to be seen how she could obtain or earn some.
“You may as well know I have no funds. In my desperation, it’s true, I didn’t think of that. But I do have a plan. Once I’m in Egypt, it will be easy enough to arrange for a barge down the Nile- properly and with no hiding necessary. I realize I can’t stay with you, but…just to breathe air in the same country you will be will no doubt give me peace. If I’d stayed home…”
Celine fought the urge to crawl out from behind the crates and bury her head against Max’s chest. He knew about her nightmares. All her closest friends had. And she didn’t need to have any more. She knew she likely would, for awhile- it wasn’t realistic to her to have faced a fear as great as the one she had had of cramped spaces and not have nightmares.
But at least this way those nightmares probably wouldn’t be about losing everyone she loved.
In the meanwhile, though…. “I know traveling on a merchant ship probably wasn’t the smartest idea. But at least I picked one named after my patron god.” Celine shrugged and gave him a tentative smile, knowing everyone who worshiped the gods likely had their superstitions.
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“Max…” Celine suddenly trembled so badly as a result of her relief that the footsteps had been his that she could hardly uncurl herself from her position behind the crates and sit up to peek out at him, though she didn’t crawl out fully.
“Did you really think I wouldn’t come with you- when I said I would? And when I said I couldn’t lose everything again?” It was difficult to whisper, and then tears came to her eyes again and she couldn’t talk at all for a minute. She cried as silently as possible, but still ended up sniffling pitifully. She swiped her hand across her face to stem the tears.
“Logically- yes, it was stupid, so scold me all you want. I’m still smart enough to realize that I deserve every word. And yes- I realize you could still all… not return.” It still hurt her too much to say, or even think about, the word death. “But I also realize that somehow this is a way to take my life back. To be that girl again- the friendly, unreserved one I was before the fire. The one who held nothing back. Gods know I’ve probably held too much back already. But if I’d tried to tell you that I loved you sooner, perhaps I’d have lost my nerve. Then again, I realize I must have shocked you…” But you still kissed me back- truly, madly, and deeply, Celine didn’t add.
She gulped. She was still sorry that her confession had all come out so quickly like it had, to an extent. She could think of nothing else to say on that subject for the moment. But though she kept back tears, Celine’s voice was steady and resolved, although she was trying to whisper so neither of them would get caught.
“I love my family- especially Rhais. Please never doubt that. But there is a possibility that if I’d not taken this action, my courage would never have returned again, and I mean my courage about anything.” Celine had already nearly stopped being able to forge new friendships because she was afraid she might lose somebody else, to say nothing of the fact that politically, not everyone was trustworthy anyway. Perhaps she could work on that, too, in Egypt. There had to be some people she would meet who might be willing to overlook the fact that she was a Greek.
“ Rhais can wait for me. But my courage most likely will not. If I have courage at the time, I have to heed to it- or it may not come back. Can you understand that?” Celine asked in a tortured whisper. “I want to be myself again. Why would I care about being in a war zone when some of our own people might have tried to kill my family and me?” Celine wondered what Max would think of that logic, but she still felt that what she had said was true.
But then, Celine stopped waxing eloquent about how much she missed her old self. It was time to finish formulating a plan- and she did have one, even if she had carried no money with her and it remained to be seen how she could obtain or earn some.
“You may as well know I have no funds. In my desperation, it’s true, I didn’t think of that. But I do have a plan. Once I’m in Egypt, it will be easy enough to arrange for a barge down the Nile- properly and with no hiding necessary. I realize I can’t stay with you, but…just to breathe air in the same country you will be will no doubt give me peace. If I’d stayed home…”
Celine fought the urge to crawl out from behind the crates and bury her head against Max’s chest. He knew about her nightmares. All her closest friends had. And she didn’t need to have any more. She knew she likely would, for awhile- it wasn’t realistic to her to have faced a fear as great as the one she had had of cramped spaces and not have nightmares.
But at least this way those nightmares probably wouldn’t be about losing everyone she loved.
In the meanwhile, though…. “I know traveling on a merchant ship probably wasn’t the smartest idea. But at least I picked one named after my patron god.” Celine shrugged and gave him a tentative smile, knowing everyone who worshiped the gods likely had their superstitions.
“Max…” Celine suddenly trembled so badly as a result of her relief that the footsteps had been his that she could hardly uncurl herself from her position behind the crates and sit up to peek out at him, though she didn’t crawl out fully.
“Did you really think I wouldn’t come with you- when I said I would? And when I said I couldn’t lose everything again?” It was difficult to whisper, and then tears came to her eyes again and she couldn’t talk at all for a minute. She cried as silently as possible, but still ended up sniffling pitifully. She swiped her hand across her face to stem the tears.
“Logically- yes, it was stupid, so scold me all you want. I’m still smart enough to realize that I deserve every word. And yes- I realize you could still all… not return.” It still hurt her too much to say, or even think about, the word death. “But I also realize that somehow this is a way to take my life back. To be that girl again- the friendly, unreserved one I was before the fire. The one who held nothing back. Gods know I’ve probably held too much back already. But if I’d tried to tell you that I loved you sooner, perhaps I’d have lost my nerve. Then again, I realize I must have shocked you…” But you still kissed me back- truly, madly, and deeply, Celine didn’t add.
She gulped. She was still sorry that her confession had all come out so quickly like it had, to an extent. She could think of nothing else to say on that subject for the moment. But though she kept back tears, Celine’s voice was steady and resolved, although she was trying to whisper so neither of them would get caught.
“I love my family- especially Rhais. Please never doubt that. But there is a possibility that if I’d not taken this action, my courage would never have returned again, and I mean my courage about anything.” Celine had already nearly stopped being able to forge new friendships because she was afraid she might lose somebody else, to say nothing of the fact that politically, not everyone was trustworthy anyway. Perhaps she could work on that, too, in Egypt. There had to be some people she would meet who might be willing to overlook the fact that she was a Greek.
“ Rhais can wait for me. But my courage most likely will not. If I have courage at the time, I have to heed to it- or it may not come back. Can you understand that?” Celine asked in a tortured whisper. “I want to be myself again. Why would I care about being in a war zone when some of our own people might have tried to kill my family and me?” Celine wondered what Max would think of that logic, but she still felt that what she had said was true.
But then, Celine stopped waxing eloquent about how much she missed her old self. It was time to finish formulating a plan- and she did have one, even if she had carried no money with her and it remained to be seen how she could obtain or earn some.
“You may as well know I have no funds. In my desperation, it’s true, I didn’t think of that. But I do have a plan. Once I’m in Egypt, it will be easy enough to arrange for a barge down the Nile- properly and with no hiding necessary. I realize I can’t stay with you, but…just to breathe air in the same country you will be will no doubt give me peace. If I’d stayed home…”
Celine fought the urge to crawl out from behind the crates and bury her head against Max’s chest. He knew about her nightmares. All her closest friends had. And she didn’t need to have any more. She knew she likely would, for awhile- it wasn’t realistic to her to have faced a fear as great as the one she had had of cramped spaces and not have nightmares.
But at least this way those nightmares probably wouldn’t be about losing everyone she loved.
In the meanwhile, though…. “I know traveling on a merchant ship probably wasn’t the smartest idea. But at least I picked one named after my patron god.” Celine shrugged and gave him a tentative smile, knowing everyone who worshiped the gods likely had their superstitions.
Maximus' worst nightmare was confirmed.
There she was Celine slowly crawling up from behind the crates, she was disheveled, sniffling but was otherwise okay. Maximus didn't want it to be true, he wanted the idea of Celine sneaking inside a ship just to be with him a war zone to be just a figment of his fragmented imagination. However as soon as Maximus heard Celine's hoarse and desperate voice, he wanted to scream out loud. This wasn't happening why oh why did everything bad have to happen the moment Maximus was set off to war. Maximus spent nearly his entire life to become and dedicated and dutiful soldier. He dreamt of glory and honor and desired to be one of the greatest Colchian soldiers in history or at the very least die an honorable.
But just as he was going to fight in his first war, everything had to be so.... complicated. Maximus was hoping to have a moments peace to cleanse himself and remove all doubt in his last day in Greece but his best friend, the one who was in love with him for so long followed him here consequences be damned. Maximus felt a shortness of breathe he slowly shook his head at what had transpired. Once again words have failed him, it felt has though his lips were sealed shut the most he can do was to lumber next to Celine and pull her from behind the boxes. She was still wearing that multi-colored dress Maximus bought her two years ago along with her golden earrings with her hair falling past her shoulders. She was still barefooted as well. The young man continued to listen to Celine talk about how she wanted to take her life back, how she wanted to be the same girl again. Maximus still couldn't speak but deduced that she wanted to overcome the night mares she had during the fire. But why go to Egypt? Why would risking her life just for assurance? If anything Celine will make herself a liability.
"It was because she loves you," the voice in Maximus said. "She doesn't want to lose you and yet here you are trying to dissuade her after you said that needed her."
"Celine," Maximus said hoarsely doing his absolute best to ignore the voice in his head. "Going to a warzone will just make things worse for all of us," instinctively though, Maximus pulled Celine into a hug rubbing her exposed back to make her feel at ease. He was confused in what he was doing but given the circumstances It felt like it was the right thing to do.
"Well at least I found you," Maximus said still struggling to speak. "I don't know Celine that I said I needed you it wasn't me who was talking. It's hard to explain."
The young man gulped feeling a throbbing pain slithering down his throat, his stomach felt queasy and wanted to throw up. The fact of the matter is that Celine is here and she is determined to stay with Maximus no matter what. It seem that resisting her is just going to make things worse besides it might be best to explain more about his conflicting feelings. "Celine," Maximus said releasing her from his hug and holding her hands. "Despite it all..... I feel something for you. I-I don't know what it is Celine but I have a feeling the moment I leave Greece I'll leave the one person who I look to for strength."
Maximus chuckled darkly. "Not in the physical sense," he said. "But I'll admit, I'm afraid about the war. What if I fail and die? Basil is in Athenia and will be coming last and Adelpha is in the Archery division. I've no one to talk to, no one to lean on for support. All of my friends and family are at home."
He smiled. "Except for you Celine," he whispered shakily cupping his hand against her soft cheek. "You went through all this trouble wearing that favorite dress of mine, wearing those earrings I bought you, risking everything. I know it's not for your family Celine, you want to be close to me, with me you feel safe and secure. And I admit, with you being with me I feel braver. But It may change when we get to Egypt and I may become craven again. Celine..... can you help me?"
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Maximus' worst nightmare was confirmed.
There she was Celine slowly crawling up from behind the crates, she was disheveled, sniffling but was otherwise okay. Maximus didn't want it to be true, he wanted the idea of Celine sneaking inside a ship just to be with him a war zone to be just a figment of his fragmented imagination. However as soon as Maximus heard Celine's hoarse and desperate voice, he wanted to scream out loud. This wasn't happening why oh why did everything bad have to happen the moment Maximus was set off to war. Maximus spent nearly his entire life to become and dedicated and dutiful soldier. He dreamt of glory and honor and desired to be one of the greatest Colchian soldiers in history or at the very least die an honorable.
But just as he was going to fight in his first war, everything had to be so.... complicated. Maximus was hoping to have a moments peace to cleanse himself and remove all doubt in his last day in Greece but his best friend, the one who was in love with him for so long followed him here consequences be damned. Maximus felt a shortness of breathe he slowly shook his head at what had transpired. Once again words have failed him, it felt has though his lips were sealed shut the most he can do was to lumber next to Celine and pull her from behind the boxes. She was still wearing that multi-colored dress Maximus bought her two years ago along with her golden earrings with her hair falling past her shoulders. She was still barefooted as well. The young man continued to listen to Celine talk about how she wanted to take her life back, how she wanted to be the same girl again. Maximus still couldn't speak but deduced that she wanted to overcome the night mares she had during the fire. But why go to Egypt? Why would risking her life just for assurance? If anything Celine will make herself a liability.
"It was because she loves you," the voice in Maximus said. "She doesn't want to lose you and yet here you are trying to dissuade her after you said that needed her."
"Celine," Maximus said hoarsely doing his absolute best to ignore the voice in his head. "Going to a warzone will just make things worse for all of us," instinctively though, Maximus pulled Celine into a hug rubbing her exposed back to make her feel at ease. He was confused in what he was doing but given the circumstances It felt like it was the right thing to do.
"Well at least I found you," Maximus said still struggling to speak. "I don't know Celine that I said I needed you it wasn't me who was talking. It's hard to explain."
The young man gulped feeling a throbbing pain slithering down his throat, his stomach felt queasy and wanted to throw up. The fact of the matter is that Celine is here and she is determined to stay with Maximus no matter what. It seem that resisting her is just going to make things worse besides it might be best to explain more about his conflicting feelings. "Celine," Maximus said releasing her from his hug and holding her hands. "Despite it all..... I feel something for you. I-I don't know what it is Celine but I have a feeling the moment I leave Greece I'll leave the one person who I look to for strength."
Maximus chuckled darkly. "Not in the physical sense," he said. "But I'll admit, I'm afraid about the war. What if I fail and die? Basil is in Athenia and will be coming last and Adelpha is in the Archery division. I've no one to talk to, no one to lean on for support. All of my friends and family are at home."
He smiled. "Except for you Celine," he whispered shakily cupping his hand against her soft cheek. "You went through all this trouble wearing that favorite dress of mine, wearing those earrings I bought you, risking everything. I know it's not for your family Celine, you want to be close to me, with me you feel safe and secure. And I admit, with you being with me I feel braver. But It may change when we get to Egypt and I may become craven again. Celine..... can you help me?"
Maximus' worst nightmare was confirmed.
There she was Celine slowly crawling up from behind the crates, she was disheveled, sniffling but was otherwise okay. Maximus didn't want it to be true, he wanted the idea of Celine sneaking inside a ship just to be with him a war zone to be just a figment of his fragmented imagination. However as soon as Maximus heard Celine's hoarse and desperate voice, he wanted to scream out loud. This wasn't happening why oh why did everything bad have to happen the moment Maximus was set off to war. Maximus spent nearly his entire life to become and dedicated and dutiful soldier. He dreamt of glory and honor and desired to be one of the greatest Colchian soldiers in history or at the very least die an honorable.
But just as he was going to fight in his first war, everything had to be so.... complicated. Maximus was hoping to have a moments peace to cleanse himself and remove all doubt in his last day in Greece but his best friend, the one who was in love with him for so long followed him here consequences be damned. Maximus felt a shortness of breathe he slowly shook his head at what had transpired. Once again words have failed him, it felt has though his lips were sealed shut the most he can do was to lumber next to Celine and pull her from behind the boxes. She was still wearing that multi-colored dress Maximus bought her two years ago along with her golden earrings with her hair falling past her shoulders. She was still barefooted as well. The young man continued to listen to Celine talk about how she wanted to take her life back, how she wanted to be the same girl again. Maximus still couldn't speak but deduced that she wanted to overcome the night mares she had during the fire. But why go to Egypt? Why would risking her life just for assurance? If anything Celine will make herself a liability.
"It was because she loves you," the voice in Maximus said. "She doesn't want to lose you and yet here you are trying to dissuade her after you said that needed her."
"Celine," Maximus said hoarsely doing his absolute best to ignore the voice in his head. "Going to a warzone will just make things worse for all of us," instinctively though, Maximus pulled Celine into a hug rubbing her exposed back to make her feel at ease. He was confused in what he was doing but given the circumstances It felt like it was the right thing to do.
"Well at least I found you," Maximus said still struggling to speak. "I don't know Celine that I said I needed you it wasn't me who was talking. It's hard to explain."
The young man gulped feeling a throbbing pain slithering down his throat, his stomach felt queasy and wanted to throw up. The fact of the matter is that Celine is here and she is determined to stay with Maximus no matter what. It seem that resisting her is just going to make things worse besides it might be best to explain more about his conflicting feelings. "Celine," Maximus said releasing her from his hug and holding her hands. "Despite it all..... I feel something for you. I-I don't know what it is Celine but I have a feeling the moment I leave Greece I'll leave the one person who I look to for strength."
Maximus chuckled darkly. "Not in the physical sense," he said. "But I'll admit, I'm afraid about the war. What if I fail and die? Basil is in Athenia and will be coming last and Adelpha is in the Archery division. I've no one to talk to, no one to lean on for support. All of my friends and family are at home."
He smiled. "Except for you Celine," he whispered shakily cupping his hand against her soft cheek. "You went through all this trouble wearing that favorite dress of mine, wearing those earrings I bought you, risking everything. I know it's not for your family Celine, you want to be close to me, with me you feel safe and secure. And I admit, with you being with me I feel braver. But It may change when we get to Egypt and I may become craven again. Celine..... can you help me?"
When Max pulled her out from behind the stack of crates, Celine buried her face in his shoulder and clung to him for dear life, breathing him in as she felt her body begin to relax as she changed position. “Maximus….” A tortured half-sob escaped her at the thought of losing him, as much as she was trying not to make much noise. His hand on her back soothed her and warmed the part of it that was exposed. After a few minutes buried in the safety of his chest, she looked up, just as he grabbed her hands and confessed that he felt something for her.
She was shocked and disbelieving, half tempted to ask if he meant it, if he really felt anything for her at all, when her heart told her that there most likely must be someone else he liked better and felt more eros for. But the fact that he felt something for her, even if it seemed like he couldn’t quite explain what it was, gave her hope- a similar type of hope to the one she’d felt when she’d told him goodbye, the one that had eased the pain in her chest that usually meant a resurgence of her breathing problem. Everything would be all right, because it just had to be- that was what this kind of hope was making her begin to believe. She listened to every word he said, nodding when he finished to show that she felt the same way as much as she was able. He had said, again, that she was his pillar of strength and that he wanted her with him. To repeat something must make it true, at least to some extent, though Celine still felt that she should not dare to believe her ears. He had just asked her to help him again, minutes after scolding her for coming to be with him. “Yes… the answer has always been yes. I believe that I can help you- if you’ll let me. We can help each other,” she amended. “I-I need you, too. Otherwise, I’d never have agreed to travel to a war zone- perhaps even regardless of the awkwardness of potentially being without all of my closest friends. Don’t get me wrong, I need Basil and Adelpha and my brothers, too. But you…” Celine couldn’t continue for the tears that were about to clog her throat, but she squeezed Max’s hands as though she would never let go. Were there really any more words to say? And as he touched her cheek, she raised her head to meet his lips again, hungrily.
Gods, don’t let me lose any of them if you will it- but especially Max, she thought.
It seemed for a minute that Max’s gentle touch on her cheek was the only thing that kept her breathing normally from both emotion and a sudden rush of adrenaline that made Celine’s heart beat in her throat, causing her to feel as if she might possibly vomit at any minute. “We can help each other, if you’ll let me go with you.” She almost hated to ask, knowing he would be occupied with the war and that she probably wouldn’t get to see much of him regardless, but if he really wanted her there that much, she'd go- she couldn't help it. “That’s why I asked if you were sure you were willing to risk being reprimanded for me. You said you didn’t know, then. Have you suddenly changed your mind?” Celine couldn’t resist a cheeky grin, knowing that Max could be stubborn when he wanted to be.
“Or am I only dreaming- or are we both only dreaming?”
If she was dreaming right now, Celine never, ever wanted to wake up. She shook her head good-naturedly. “Well then, if you’re absolutely sure- I’ll need some money. I realize it would probably be risky to escape the ship now- as if it won’t be risky enough anyway!” Celine chuckled. “But when I do, I believe I’m going to have to take a barge twice, once to get out of Greece, and once to meet you,” she reasoned. “If you have enough money and only if you’re really sure you want this- that you want me with you. I won’t ask for more if I can help it, but I need that much. And- and you won’t fail. Or die. I have to believe that- for both our sakes. Otherwise there can be no… no…” Celine was losing her words again, and she hated herself for a second. What had happened to the educated little bookworm? Suddenly, it was as if her mind was a blank slate, and it was extremely weird to her to feel that way.
“No us,” she finally whispered brokenly, a single tear running down the cheek he was cupping. Or no you with anyone else, she thought with a sigh, suddenly wondering- only for a few minutes- if her confession of love wouldn’t mean anything in the end. If there was someone else, there just was, but despite wanting Max to be happy regardless, the idea of Max with anyone else by his side made Celine’s heart ache.
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When Max pulled her out from behind the stack of crates, Celine buried her face in his shoulder and clung to him for dear life, breathing him in as she felt her body begin to relax as she changed position. “Maximus….” A tortured half-sob escaped her at the thought of losing him, as much as she was trying not to make much noise. His hand on her back soothed her and warmed the part of it that was exposed. After a few minutes buried in the safety of his chest, she looked up, just as he grabbed her hands and confessed that he felt something for her.
She was shocked and disbelieving, half tempted to ask if he meant it, if he really felt anything for her at all, when her heart told her that there most likely must be someone else he liked better and felt more eros for. But the fact that he felt something for her, even if it seemed like he couldn’t quite explain what it was, gave her hope- a similar type of hope to the one she’d felt when she’d told him goodbye, the one that had eased the pain in her chest that usually meant a resurgence of her breathing problem. Everything would be all right, because it just had to be- that was what this kind of hope was making her begin to believe. She listened to every word he said, nodding when he finished to show that she felt the same way as much as she was able. He had said, again, that she was his pillar of strength and that he wanted her with him. To repeat something must make it true, at least to some extent, though Celine still felt that she should not dare to believe her ears. He had just asked her to help him again, minutes after scolding her for coming to be with him. “Yes… the answer has always been yes. I believe that I can help you- if you’ll let me. We can help each other,” she amended. “I-I need you, too. Otherwise, I’d never have agreed to travel to a war zone- perhaps even regardless of the awkwardness of potentially being without all of my closest friends. Don’t get me wrong, I need Basil and Adelpha and my brothers, too. But you…” Celine couldn’t continue for the tears that were about to clog her throat, but she squeezed Max’s hands as though she would never let go. Were there really any more words to say? And as he touched her cheek, she raised her head to meet his lips again, hungrily.
Gods, don’t let me lose any of them if you will it- but especially Max, she thought.
It seemed for a minute that Max’s gentle touch on her cheek was the only thing that kept her breathing normally from both emotion and a sudden rush of adrenaline that made Celine’s heart beat in her throat, causing her to feel as if she might possibly vomit at any minute. “We can help each other, if you’ll let me go with you.” She almost hated to ask, knowing he would be occupied with the war and that she probably wouldn’t get to see much of him regardless, but if he really wanted her there that much, she'd go- she couldn't help it. “That’s why I asked if you were sure you were willing to risk being reprimanded for me. You said you didn’t know, then. Have you suddenly changed your mind?” Celine couldn’t resist a cheeky grin, knowing that Max could be stubborn when he wanted to be.
“Or am I only dreaming- or are we both only dreaming?”
If she was dreaming right now, Celine never, ever wanted to wake up. She shook her head good-naturedly. “Well then, if you’re absolutely sure- I’ll need some money. I realize it would probably be risky to escape the ship now- as if it won’t be risky enough anyway!” Celine chuckled. “But when I do, I believe I’m going to have to take a barge twice, once to get out of Greece, and once to meet you,” she reasoned. “If you have enough money and only if you’re really sure you want this- that you want me with you. I won’t ask for more if I can help it, but I need that much. And- and you won’t fail. Or die. I have to believe that- for both our sakes. Otherwise there can be no… no…” Celine was losing her words again, and she hated herself for a second. What had happened to the educated little bookworm? Suddenly, it was as if her mind was a blank slate, and it was extremely weird to her to feel that way.
“No us,” she finally whispered brokenly, a single tear running down the cheek he was cupping. Or no you with anyone else, she thought with a sigh, suddenly wondering- only for a few minutes- if her confession of love wouldn’t mean anything in the end. If there was someone else, there just was, but despite wanting Max to be happy regardless, the idea of Max with anyone else by his side made Celine’s heart ache.
When Max pulled her out from behind the stack of crates, Celine buried her face in his shoulder and clung to him for dear life, breathing him in as she felt her body begin to relax as she changed position. “Maximus….” A tortured half-sob escaped her at the thought of losing him, as much as she was trying not to make much noise. His hand on her back soothed her and warmed the part of it that was exposed. After a few minutes buried in the safety of his chest, she looked up, just as he grabbed her hands and confessed that he felt something for her.
She was shocked and disbelieving, half tempted to ask if he meant it, if he really felt anything for her at all, when her heart told her that there most likely must be someone else he liked better and felt more eros for. But the fact that he felt something for her, even if it seemed like he couldn’t quite explain what it was, gave her hope- a similar type of hope to the one she’d felt when she’d told him goodbye, the one that had eased the pain in her chest that usually meant a resurgence of her breathing problem. Everything would be all right, because it just had to be- that was what this kind of hope was making her begin to believe. She listened to every word he said, nodding when he finished to show that she felt the same way as much as she was able. He had said, again, that she was his pillar of strength and that he wanted her with him. To repeat something must make it true, at least to some extent, though Celine still felt that she should not dare to believe her ears. He had just asked her to help him again, minutes after scolding her for coming to be with him. “Yes… the answer has always been yes. I believe that I can help you- if you’ll let me. We can help each other,” she amended. “I-I need you, too. Otherwise, I’d never have agreed to travel to a war zone- perhaps even regardless of the awkwardness of potentially being without all of my closest friends. Don’t get me wrong, I need Basil and Adelpha and my brothers, too. But you…” Celine couldn’t continue for the tears that were about to clog her throat, but she squeezed Max’s hands as though she would never let go. Were there really any more words to say? And as he touched her cheek, she raised her head to meet his lips again, hungrily.
Gods, don’t let me lose any of them if you will it- but especially Max, she thought.
It seemed for a minute that Max’s gentle touch on her cheek was the only thing that kept her breathing normally from both emotion and a sudden rush of adrenaline that made Celine’s heart beat in her throat, causing her to feel as if she might possibly vomit at any minute. “We can help each other, if you’ll let me go with you.” She almost hated to ask, knowing he would be occupied with the war and that she probably wouldn’t get to see much of him regardless, but if he really wanted her there that much, she'd go- she couldn't help it. “That’s why I asked if you were sure you were willing to risk being reprimanded for me. You said you didn’t know, then. Have you suddenly changed your mind?” Celine couldn’t resist a cheeky grin, knowing that Max could be stubborn when he wanted to be.
“Or am I only dreaming- or are we both only dreaming?”
If she was dreaming right now, Celine never, ever wanted to wake up. She shook her head good-naturedly. “Well then, if you’re absolutely sure- I’ll need some money. I realize it would probably be risky to escape the ship now- as if it won’t be risky enough anyway!” Celine chuckled. “But when I do, I believe I’m going to have to take a barge twice, once to get out of Greece, and once to meet you,” she reasoned. “If you have enough money and only if you’re really sure you want this- that you want me with you. I won’t ask for more if I can help it, but I need that much. And- and you won’t fail. Or die. I have to believe that- for both our sakes. Otherwise there can be no… no…” Celine was losing her words again, and she hated herself for a second. What had happened to the educated little bookworm? Suddenly, it was as if her mind was a blank slate, and it was extremely weird to her to feel that way.
“No us,” she finally whispered brokenly, a single tear running down the cheek he was cupping. Or no you with anyone else, she thought with a sigh, suddenly wondering- only for a few minutes- if her confession of love wouldn’t mean anything in the end. If there was someone else, there just was, but despite wanting Max to be happy regardless, the idea of Max with anyone else by his side made Celine’s heart ache.
Celine began to calm down with Maximus hugging and comforting her. He still felt numb, once again he was going against everything he was taught all for what? His best friend who confessed his love for him? Maximus was trained as soldier a warrior and all those years of training and discipline was thrown out due to a confession. In many ways, Maximus should be furious with Celine. She is messing with his mind and making him lose focus increasing the likelihood of him getting whipped, discharged or killed in battle. He loved Nethis and Maximus wanted to tell her that but at the same time he couldn't. The touch of Celine's soft skin, her honeyed words which put him at ease combined with the fact that she was one of his best friends who had been through a lot in her childhood.
Despite being in a merchant ship for Ares knows how long, she still looked clean and neat. Celine was always caring for her looks even dragging Adelpha to the Agora at times to shop for clothing and perfumes. Still Celine did this for Maximus and sacrificed everything to be with him. How could he turn her away? Oh Gods there was no going back from this was there? Celine admitted that the reason why she came for Maximus only was that she can help him with any problems he had. The young man gulped in response only to be pulled into another kiss more ravenous and desperate than before. Oh how Maximus did not realize how soft Celine's lips were, her hot and steamy breath going into his mouth. As though she was placing a part of her soul in to Maximus. The young man felt Celine inside of him, her empathy, her determination and love chorusing in his veins re-invigorating him.
"I have a feeling," Maximus said trying to ignore Celine's joke. He really wasn't in the mood for jokes right now not while his mind was still a jumbled mess. "That with you just being with me. That everything will be okay."
Wiping more tears off her face, Maximus sighed. "The truth is," he breathed. "That I'm afraid to go to war, years of training has not prepared for the blood and gore, the endless screaming....."
Tears threatened to leave Maximus' eyes but he fought back. "In my first battle," he whispered. "We were ambushed by barbarians...…."
The young man then let go of Celine and slumped against the wall sitting down on the dirty ground. He was doing it again reliving the events, Maximus still had nightmares about it and the weeks prior to calling to go to war, they only intensified. "Celine," Maximus said hugging his legs. "Just be with me, I'll pay whatever but I don't want to be a coward. I was craven and did nothing in battle and I'm going to lose my nerve. Celine please I need you now."
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Celine began to calm down with Maximus hugging and comforting her. He still felt numb, once again he was going against everything he was taught all for what? His best friend who confessed his love for him? Maximus was trained as soldier a warrior and all those years of training and discipline was thrown out due to a confession. In many ways, Maximus should be furious with Celine. She is messing with his mind and making him lose focus increasing the likelihood of him getting whipped, discharged or killed in battle. He loved Nethis and Maximus wanted to tell her that but at the same time he couldn't. The touch of Celine's soft skin, her honeyed words which put him at ease combined with the fact that she was one of his best friends who had been through a lot in her childhood.
Despite being in a merchant ship for Ares knows how long, she still looked clean and neat. Celine was always caring for her looks even dragging Adelpha to the Agora at times to shop for clothing and perfumes. Still Celine did this for Maximus and sacrificed everything to be with him. How could he turn her away? Oh Gods there was no going back from this was there? Celine admitted that the reason why she came for Maximus only was that she can help him with any problems he had. The young man gulped in response only to be pulled into another kiss more ravenous and desperate than before. Oh how Maximus did not realize how soft Celine's lips were, her hot and steamy breath going into his mouth. As though she was placing a part of her soul in to Maximus. The young man felt Celine inside of him, her empathy, her determination and love chorusing in his veins re-invigorating him.
"I have a feeling," Maximus said trying to ignore Celine's joke. He really wasn't in the mood for jokes right now not while his mind was still a jumbled mess. "That with you just being with me. That everything will be okay."
Wiping more tears off her face, Maximus sighed. "The truth is," he breathed. "That I'm afraid to go to war, years of training has not prepared for the blood and gore, the endless screaming....."
Tears threatened to leave Maximus' eyes but he fought back. "In my first battle," he whispered. "We were ambushed by barbarians...…."
The young man then let go of Celine and slumped against the wall sitting down on the dirty ground. He was doing it again reliving the events, Maximus still had nightmares about it and the weeks prior to calling to go to war, they only intensified. "Celine," Maximus said hugging his legs. "Just be with me, I'll pay whatever but I don't want to be a coward. I was craven and did nothing in battle and I'm going to lose my nerve. Celine please I need you now."
Celine began to calm down with Maximus hugging and comforting her. He still felt numb, once again he was going against everything he was taught all for what? His best friend who confessed his love for him? Maximus was trained as soldier a warrior and all those years of training and discipline was thrown out due to a confession. In many ways, Maximus should be furious with Celine. She is messing with his mind and making him lose focus increasing the likelihood of him getting whipped, discharged or killed in battle. He loved Nethis and Maximus wanted to tell her that but at the same time he couldn't. The touch of Celine's soft skin, her honeyed words which put him at ease combined with the fact that she was one of his best friends who had been through a lot in her childhood.
Despite being in a merchant ship for Ares knows how long, she still looked clean and neat. Celine was always caring for her looks even dragging Adelpha to the Agora at times to shop for clothing and perfumes. Still Celine did this for Maximus and sacrificed everything to be with him. How could he turn her away? Oh Gods there was no going back from this was there? Celine admitted that the reason why she came for Maximus only was that she can help him with any problems he had. The young man gulped in response only to be pulled into another kiss more ravenous and desperate than before. Oh how Maximus did not realize how soft Celine's lips were, her hot and steamy breath going into his mouth. As though she was placing a part of her soul in to Maximus. The young man felt Celine inside of him, her empathy, her determination and love chorusing in his veins re-invigorating him.
"I have a feeling," Maximus said trying to ignore Celine's joke. He really wasn't in the mood for jokes right now not while his mind was still a jumbled mess. "That with you just being with me. That everything will be okay."
Wiping more tears off her face, Maximus sighed. "The truth is," he breathed. "That I'm afraid to go to war, years of training has not prepared for the blood and gore, the endless screaming....."
Tears threatened to leave Maximus' eyes but he fought back. "In my first battle," he whispered. "We were ambushed by barbarians...…."
The young man then let go of Celine and slumped against the wall sitting down on the dirty ground. He was doing it again reliving the events, Maximus still had nightmares about it and the weeks prior to calling to go to war, they only intensified. "Celine," Maximus said hugging his legs. "Just be with me, I'll pay whatever but I don't want to be a coward. I was craven and did nothing in battle and I'm going to lose my nerve. Celine please I need you now."
“Shhh…” Celine soothed, approaching Max and kissing him again, more softly this time, to make sure he would know he was really here, in this moment, not back there in his memories of his first battle. It must have been no less horrible than her own memories of hearing Rhais’s screams when she was hit on the side of her face where she was now deaf.
“No. Nothing would prepare you for that,” she agreed. “Nothing. Just like nothing ever prepared me for my own family tragedy. Perhaps- in a way- you and I are more alike than we ever realized until now.”
Max probably knew that even now, Celine was terrified- and that she’d never gotten over the fear of enclosed spaces that had developed since the fire had destroyed her childhood home.
“You know, it’s peculiar,” she added. “On my own part, I haven’t been this frightened in a long time. There is so little space behind those crates….” There was simply no telling what could have happened before he found her, and she shivered at the thought of every possible scenario that came to mind.
“But even so, here I am. “
She smiled softly, two spots of deep red blooming in her cheeks. How she loved him, and if he didn’t realize it because of this, it was likely that he never would.
“I smell, and I’m tense and physically uncomfortable. That position I was in is excruciatingly painful, and it’s moldy, and I’m cold, but-“
She stopped herself as the last of his words poured over her.
‘…Celine please I need you now.’
The irony was that she could now finish her own sentence exactly as she’d intended to. Max seemingly needed to hear it, to know it deep in his soul. She snuggled a little closer, her arms around his neck, taking a deep breath as she leaned her head against his shoulder, never wanting the moment to end, even as she knew she couldn’t let herself forget that he’d have to return to his unit. For the moment, however, she tried not to think of that. Her motto since the fire, to try to reclaim her old bravery, in spite of the fact that sometimes her fear kept her from doing it to the best of her ability, had been taken from the Romans, with one little addition of her own.
Carpe diem- or else!
“I’m here."
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“Shhh…” Celine soothed, approaching Max and kissing him again, more softly this time, to make sure he would know he was really here, in this moment, not back there in his memories of his first battle. It must have been no less horrible than her own memories of hearing Rhais’s screams when she was hit on the side of her face where she was now deaf.
“No. Nothing would prepare you for that,” she agreed. “Nothing. Just like nothing ever prepared me for my own family tragedy. Perhaps- in a way- you and I are more alike than we ever realized until now.”
Max probably knew that even now, Celine was terrified- and that she’d never gotten over the fear of enclosed spaces that had developed since the fire had destroyed her childhood home.
“You know, it’s peculiar,” she added. “On my own part, I haven’t been this frightened in a long time. There is so little space behind those crates….” There was simply no telling what could have happened before he found her, and she shivered at the thought of every possible scenario that came to mind.
“But even so, here I am. “
She smiled softly, two spots of deep red blooming in her cheeks. How she loved him, and if he didn’t realize it because of this, it was likely that he never would.
“I smell, and I’m tense and physically uncomfortable. That position I was in is excruciatingly painful, and it’s moldy, and I’m cold, but-“
She stopped herself as the last of his words poured over her.
‘…Celine please I need you now.’
The irony was that she could now finish her own sentence exactly as she’d intended to. Max seemingly needed to hear it, to know it deep in his soul. She snuggled a little closer, her arms around his neck, taking a deep breath as she leaned her head against his shoulder, never wanting the moment to end, even as she knew she couldn’t let herself forget that he’d have to return to his unit. For the moment, however, she tried not to think of that. Her motto since the fire, to try to reclaim her old bravery, in spite of the fact that sometimes her fear kept her from doing it to the best of her ability, had been taken from the Romans, with one little addition of her own.
Carpe diem- or else!
“I’m here."
“Shhh…” Celine soothed, approaching Max and kissing him again, more softly this time, to make sure he would know he was really here, in this moment, not back there in his memories of his first battle. It must have been no less horrible than her own memories of hearing Rhais’s screams when she was hit on the side of her face where she was now deaf.
“No. Nothing would prepare you for that,” she agreed. “Nothing. Just like nothing ever prepared me for my own family tragedy. Perhaps- in a way- you and I are more alike than we ever realized until now.”
Max probably knew that even now, Celine was terrified- and that she’d never gotten over the fear of enclosed spaces that had developed since the fire had destroyed her childhood home.
“You know, it’s peculiar,” she added. “On my own part, I haven’t been this frightened in a long time. There is so little space behind those crates….” There was simply no telling what could have happened before he found her, and she shivered at the thought of every possible scenario that came to mind.
“But even so, here I am. “
She smiled softly, two spots of deep red blooming in her cheeks. How she loved him, and if he didn’t realize it because of this, it was likely that he never would.
“I smell, and I’m tense and physically uncomfortable. That position I was in is excruciatingly painful, and it’s moldy, and I’m cold, but-“
She stopped herself as the last of his words poured over her.
‘…Celine please I need you now.’
The irony was that she could now finish her own sentence exactly as she’d intended to. Max seemingly needed to hear it, to know it deep in his soul. She snuggled a little closer, her arms around his neck, taking a deep breath as she leaned her head against his shoulder, never wanting the moment to end, even as she knew she couldn’t let herself forget that he’d have to return to his unit. For the moment, however, she tried not to think of that. Her motto since the fire, to try to reclaim her old bravery, in spite of the fact that sometimes her fear kept her from doing it to the best of her ability, had been taken from the Romans, with one little addition of her own.
Carpe diem- or else!
“I’m here."
Celine's soft kiss relaxed Maximus as he stopped shaking. His tense muscles started to loosen up as he felt more Celine's tender lips against Maximus', every time she locked lips with him he felt a blissful surge of euphoria within him. It was is if Celine was doing her absolute best place a part of her self into Maximus, to do whatever she can to help Maximus come back to her alive. Memories of the Barbarian ambush flickered in Maximus' mind his heart pounded profusely when Celine sat down next to him and leaned her head against his shoulder. Her flowy dress spreading everywhere on the floor Maximus wondered how Celine was able hold on to such big dress like that, it dragged everywhere. He remembered when he first bought the dress was that he was concerned that it was to big for her and that she would trip. However the massive smile on Celine's lips and her big hug displaced his concerns.
"You overcame those fears?" Maximus asked wrapping his arm around Celine's shoulders. "For me? You came all this way for me?"
The young man continued to hug Celine tight. He only told a few people about his cowardice at the Barbarian ambush. Maleous knew about it since his unit saved Maximus in a counter attack. Maximus also told Adelpha and Myrinne about his cowardice in his first tour and they understood and kept It a secret. However he did not tell Celine about it which was strange considering Celine would tell Maximus everything about her struggle to adjust after her family nearly in the fire. Celine was Maximus' best friend a person that he can confide his inner thoughts and feelings to but he couldn't muster the courage to do so? Part of him wondered why was it because that Celine would love him less? Considering his own revelation that he knew Celine loved him he couldn't rule that out.
He listened to Celine saying that they were alike, perhaps this is why part of him wanted Celine to come. She understood Maximus' pain even if he didn't tell her the full story, she can help him overcome this and be a man. Maximus' fear needed to be dealt with, he was warrior and a leader and the last thing the men needed was a craven man who tucked tail ran when there was danger. For years Maximus attempted to fight those dreams but he could hear the voices of his comrades from the grave condemning him, calling him a coward. Now at his last in Greece, Maximus is faced with that same fear again and there wasn't nothing he can do. Until Celine came.
"Maybe," he whispered. "That you being here was a gift from Ares. That maybe you can be my light to guide me through the darkness."
Maximus shook his head. "I'll do whatever it takes to hide you," he said getting up and helping Celine. "The truth is Celine I'm afraid I'm going to mess up again. I need you to always be there to give me strength."
Instinctively, Maximus leaned his lips towards Celine's. "Please," he said almost begging. "Will you be my light?"
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Celine's soft kiss relaxed Maximus as he stopped shaking. His tense muscles started to loosen up as he felt more Celine's tender lips against Maximus', every time she locked lips with him he felt a blissful surge of euphoria within him. It was is if Celine was doing her absolute best place a part of her self into Maximus, to do whatever she can to help Maximus come back to her alive. Memories of the Barbarian ambush flickered in Maximus' mind his heart pounded profusely when Celine sat down next to him and leaned her head against his shoulder. Her flowy dress spreading everywhere on the floor Maximus wondered how Celine was able hold on to such big dress like that, it dragged everywhere. He remembered when he first bought the dress was that he was concerned that it was to big for her and that she would trip. However the massive smile on Celine's lips and her big hug displaced his concerns.
"You overcame those fears?" Maximus asked wrapping his arm around Celine's shoulders. "For me? You came all this way for me?"
The young man continued to hug Celine tight. He only told a few people about his cowardice at the Barbarian ambush. Maleous knew about it since his unit saved Maximus in a counter attack. Maximus also told Adelpha and Myrinne about his cowardice in his first tour and they understood and kept It a secret. However he did not tell Celine about it which was strange considering Celine would tell Maximus everything about her struggle to adjust after her family nearly in the fire. Celine was Maximus' best friend a person that he can confide his inner thoughts and feelings to but he couldn't muster the courage to do so? Part of him wondered why was it because that Celine would love him less? Considering his own revelation that he knew Celine loved him he couldn't rule that out.
He listened to Celine saying that they were alike, perhaps this is why part of him wanted Celine to come. She understood Maximus' pain even if he didn't tell her the full story, she can help him overcome this and be a man. Maximus' fear needed to be dealt with, he was warrior and a leader and the last thing the men needed was a craven man who tucked tail ran when there was danger. For years Maximus attempted to fight those dreams but he could hear the voices of his comrades from the grave condemning him, calling him a coward. Now at his last in Greece, Maximus is faced with that same fear again and there wasn't nothing he can do. Until Celine came.
"Maybe," he whispered. "That you being here was a gift from Ares. That maybe you can be my light to guide me through the darkness."
Maximus shook his head. "I'll do whatever it takes to hide you," he said getting up and helping Celine. "The truth is Celine I'm afraid I'm going to mess up again. I need you to always be there to give me strength."
Instinctively, Maximus leaned his lips towards Celine's. "Please," he said almost begging. "Will you be my light?"
Celine's soft kiss relaxed Maximus as he stopped shaking. His tense muscles started to loosen up as he felt more Celine's tender lips against Maximus', every time she locked lips with him he felt a blissful surge of euphoria within him. It was is if Celine was doing her absolute best place a part of her self into Maximus, to do whatever she can to help Maximus come back to her alive. Memories of the Barbarian ambush flickered in Maximus' mind his heart pounded profusely when Celine sat down next to him and leaned her head against his shoulder. Her flowy dress spreading everywhere on the floor Maximus wondered how Celine was able hold on to such big dress like that, it dragged everywhere. He remembered when he first bought the dress was that he was concerned that it was to big for her and that she would trip. However the massive smile on Celine's lips and her big hug displaced his concerns.
"You overcame those fears?" Maximus asked wrapping his arm around Celine's shoulders. "For me? You came all this way for me?"
The young man continued to hug Celine tight. He only told a few people about his cowardice at the Barbarian ambush. Maleous knew about it since his unit saved Maximus in a counter attack. Maximus also told Adelpha and Myrinne about his cowardice in his first tour and they understood and kept It a secret. However he did not tell Celine about it which was strange considering Celine would tell Maximus everything about her struggle to adjust after her family nearly in the fire. Celine was Maximus' best friend a person that he can confide his inner thoughts and feelings to but he couldn't muster the courage to do so? Part of him wondered why was it because that Celine would love him less? Considering his own revelation that he knew Celine loved him he couldn't rule that out.
He listened to Celine saying that they were alike, perhaps this is why part of him wanted Celine to come. She understood Maximus' pain even if he didn't tell her the full story, she can help him overcome this and be a man. Maximus' fear needed to be dealt with, he was warrior and a leader and the last thing the men needed was a craven man who tucked tail ran when there was danger. For years Maximus attempted to fight those dreams but he could hear the voices of his comrades from the grave condemning him, calling him a coward. Now at his last in Greece, Maximus is faced with that same fear again and there wasn't nothing he can do. Until Celine came.
"Maybe," he whispered. "That you being here was a gift from Ares. That maybe you can be my light to guide me through the darkness."
Maximus shook his head. "I'll do whatever it takes to hide you," he said getting up and helping Celine. "The truth is Celine I'm afraid I'm going to mess up again. I need you to always be there to give me strength."
Instinctively, Maximus leaned his lips towards Celine's. "Please," he said almost begging. "Will you be my light?"
"Not overcame, exactly," Celine admitted. It somehow felt easier with his arms around her to admit that she still wasn't entirely brave, and maybe never would be. "Gods only know the nightmares I'll probably be tormented with after we land. But yes- I’m trying. Though, I’m not entirely sure that you know what you’re getting yourself into- with my nightmares, I mean. You’ve never- we’ve never-“ Celine hesitated for a moment, wanting to make sure he wouldn’t take her next words the wrong way. “We’ve never…um…” She suddenly dropped her head, feeling that she couldn’t look at him, though her embarrassment was more on his behalf, her being unsure how knowledgeable Max was or wasn’t about….
Gods! Why was this so hard? She didn’t want him to think she was talking about sex. She wasn’t- for now, anyway- but sometimes people used some of the same terms whether they were talking about that or not. “We’ve never slept together. In the same space,” she clarified, not wanting him to think that she would dare ask him to share his sleeping roll with her. Unless he wanted to… but that was probably a topic best saved for another conversation entirely. “And the nightmares can get bad. Sometimes I’m like you seemed to me to be just now- not here. And other times I wake up feeling like I’ve run a thousand miles at once, and sometimes I get so cold- from shock or fear, take your pick. Are you ready for that? I mean- a battle must be so physically draining, to say nothing of emotionally…and now this? You really want me with you so much that you’d be willing to try to comfort me- at night, after a fight- like I’ve just tried to do for you?” It was almost enough to make Celine burst into tears again, but she held it in, because the tears would have been happy ones, and despite that they were currently talking about intensely emotional subjects, she felt tears weren’t exactly called for. It warmed her heart that someone would possibly think she mattered that much.
“And as for…why didn’t you tell me? “ Celine asked, her voice gentle even in her confusion. "I’ve never been to a battle, but shock and fear can have many causes, and they’re all horrible. And maybe all we’ve both needed is someone who might understand why we were shocked and fearful. Aren’t close friends supposed to tell each other everything?"
Unless… maybe he didn’t want to mess something up, either, and have her misinterpret it? Why, though? She would never have thought less of him- she tried hard not to be that type of person. “But then, I’m one to talk, aren’t I? I’ve loved you for years and the only reason I’ve told you now is because I got desperate because you were leaving and I was afraid I’d never see you again.” Celine chuckled, though it wasn’t really a happy sound, and her face was burning so hotly with embarrassment that she could literally feel it sting. “I’m still sorry I yelled it in your ear,” she whispered, tempted to hide her face against him forever while he just held her as he was doing now…
But if she did that, it would be from shame as much as from love, and she wanted to enjoy every second of being held like this, so she tried a grin as she felt his hand warming her back.
“But I’m not sorry I was wearing this dress when I told you. I wanted you to see me look the way I knew you liked, and so when it just slipped out that I loved you- even if it was pain and anger at the war that brought it to the surface- you got to kiss me while I wore the dress and earrings you liked best. ” Celine blushed pleasantly this time, remembering. “It was really no trouble at all. I do love you, you know. ”
When he asked her if she would be his light, all she could do was smile softly again and murmur, “Yes…and you’ll be mine, too.” After all, if she’d stayed home, Celine felt she would have been hard-pressed to find anyone she could trust to understand her feelings about all this mess. She loved her family, but it wasn’t fair to take all her worries, fears, hopes, and dreams out on them all the time. Sometimes one needed an unrelated friend- or more, as the case may now have been- to vent to, knowing that sometimes a person’s venting might either offend someone else or make them sad, too.
And this time, as he stood up and helped her do the same, it seemed that Max’s lips were the first to move closer to Celine’s instead of the other way around. When their lips finally parted, she could only ask, “What now?”
What now, now that she was beginning to think he loved her, too? And what now, now that they would have only this time together until she met him again somewhere down the Nile River?
No, no. She’d meet him down the river, but first she would need to pay for a ride on a barge.
Which would, of course, require her, as safely but sneakily as possible, to find a way off the merchant ship. “I might need help. I have a plan- for later- as I’ve said, but that plan does require leaving this ship without getting caught and finding someone to get a ride from. And I don’t know quite how to leave undetected.” Hide and seek as a child was one thing. Hide and seek as the adult Celine now was seemed way more complicated for them both. You’re the one who probably trained in espionage… she wanted to add. How did scouting soldiers accomplish what they needed to while being seen by as few people as possible? It occurred to her as well just then that if she’d been trained in espionage, her family might now know who had started the fire in her childhood that had seemed to put all of Celine’s dreams on hold. Therefore, it bothered her then for more than one reason that she didn’t have any of what might be termed stealth training. But it was too late to do anything about it now, wasn’t it? Celine fought off another blush. There she was, most likely inconveniencing him again!
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"Not overcame, exactly," Celine admitted. It somehow felt easier with his arms around her to admit that she still wasn't entirely brave, and maybe never would be. "Gods only know the nightmares I'll probably be tormented with after we land. But yes- I’m trying. Though, I’m not entirely sure that you know what you’re getting yourself into- with my nightmares, I mean. You’ve never- we’ve never-“ Celine hesitated for a moment, wanting to make sure he wouldn’t take her next words the wrong way. “We’ve never…um…” She suddenly dropped her head, feeling that she couldn’t look at him, though her embarrassment was more on his behalf, her being unsure how knowledgeable Max was or wasn’t about….
Gods! Why was this so hard? She didn’t want him to think she was talking about sex. She wasn’t- for now, anyway- but sometimes people used some of the same terms whether they were talking about that or not. “We’ve never slept together. In the same space,” she clarified, not wanting him to think that she would dare ask him to share his sleeping roll with her. Unless he wanted to… but that was probably a topic best saved for another conversation entirely. “And the nightmares can get bad. Sometimes I’m like you seemed to me to be just now- not here. And other times I wake up feeling like I’ve run a thousand miles at once, and sometimes I get so cold- from shock or fear, take your pick. Are you ready for that? I mean- a battle must be so physically draining, to say nothing of emotionally…and now this? You really want me with you so much that you’d be willing to try to comfort me- at night, after a fight- like I’ve just tried to do for you?” It was almost enough to make Celine burst into tears again, but she held it in, because the tears would have been happy ones, and despite that they were currently talking about intensely emotional subjects, she felt tears weren’t exactly called for. It warmed her heart that someone would possibly think she mattered that much.
“And as for…why didn’t you tell me? “ Celine asked, her voice gentle even in her confusion. "I’ve never been to a battle, but shock and fear can have many causes, and they’re all horrible. And maybe all we’ve both needed is someone who might understand why we were shocked and fearful. Aren’t close friends supposed to tell each other everything?"
Unless… maybe he didn’t want to mess something up, either, and have her misinterpret it? Why, though? She would never have thought less of him- she tried hard not to be that type of person. “But then, I’m one to talk, aren’t I? I’ve loved you for years and the only reason I’ve told you now is because I got desperate because you were leaving and I was afraid I’d never see you again.” Celine chuckled, though it wasn’t really a happy sound, and her face was burning so hotly with embarrassment that she could literally feel it sting. “I’m still sorry I yelled it in your ear,” she whispered, tempted to hide her face against him forever while he just held her as he was doing now…
But if she did that, it would be from shame as much as from love, and she wanted to enjoy every second of being held like this, so she tried a grin as she felt his hand warming her back.
“But I’m not sorry I was wearing this dress when I told you. I wanted you to see me look the way I knew you liked, and so when it just slipped out that I loved you- even if it was pain and anger at the war that brought it to the surface- you got to kiss me while I wore the dress and earrings you liked best. ” Celine blushed pleasantly this time, remembering. “It was really no trouble at all. I do love you, you know. ”
When he asked her if she would be his light, all she could do was smile softly again and murmur, “Yes…and you’ll be mine, too.” After all, if she’d stayed home, Celine felt she would have been hard-pressed to find anyone she could trust to understand her feelings about all this mess. She loved her family, but it wasn’t fair to take all her worries, fears, hopes, and dreams out on them all the time. Sometimes one needed an unrelated friend- or more, as the case may now have been- to vent to, knowing that sometimes a person’s venting might either offend someone else or make them sad, too.
And this time, as he stood up and helped her do the same, it seemed that Max’s lips were the first to move closer to Celine’s instead of the other way around. When their lips finally parted, she could only ask, “What now?”
What now, now that she was beginning to think he loved her, too? And what now, now that they would have only this time together until she met him again somewhere down the Nile River?
No, no. She’d meet him down the river, but first she would need to pay for a ride on a barge.
Which would, of course, require her, as safely but sneakily as possible, to find a way off the merchant ship. “I might need help. I have a plan- for later- as I’ve said, but that plan does require leaving this ship without getting caught and finding someone to get a ride from. And I don’t know quite how to leave undetected.” Hide and seek as a child was one thing. Hide and seek as the adult Celine now was seemed way more complicated for them both. You’re the one who probably trained in espionage… she wanted to add. How did scouting soldiers accomplish what they needed to while being seen by as few people as possible? It occurred to her as well just then that if she’d been trained in espionage, her family might now know who had started the fire in her childhood that had seemed to put all of Celine’s dreams on hold. Therefore, it bothered her then for more than one reason that she didn’t have any of what might be termed stealth training. But it was too late to do anything about it now, wasn’t it? Celine fought off another blush. There she was, most likely inconveniencing him again!
"Not overcame, exactly," Celine admitted. It somehow felt easier with his arms around her to admit that she still wasn't entirely brave, and maybe never would be. "Gods only know the nightmares I'll probably be tormented with after we land. But yes- I’m trying. Though, I’m not entirely sure that you know what you’re getting yourself into- with my nightmares, I mean. You’ve never- we’ve never-“ Celine hesitated for a moment, wanting to make sure he wouldn’t take her next words the wrong way. “We’ve never…um…” She suddenly dropped her head, feeling that she couldn’t look at him, though her embarrassment was more on his behalf, her being unsure how knowledgeable Max was or wasn’t about….
Gods! Why was this so hard? She didn’t want him to think she was talking about sex. She wasn’t- for now, anyway- but sometimes people used some of the same terms whether they were talking about that or not. “We’ve never slept together. In the same space,” she clarified, not wanting him to think that she would dare ask him to share his sleeping roll with her. Unless he wanted to… but that was probably a topic best saved for another conversation entirely. “And the nightmares can get bad. Sometimes I’m like you seemed to me to be just now- not here. And other times I wake up feeling like I’ve run a thousand miles at once, and sometimes I get so cold- from shock or fear, take your pick. Are you ready for that? I mean- a battle must be so physically draining, to say nothing of emotionally…and now this? You really want me with you so much that you’d be willing to try to comfort me- at night, after a fight- like I’ve just tried to do for you?” It was almost enough to make Celine burst into tears again, but she held it in, because the tears would have been happy ones, and despite that they were currently talking about intensely emotional subjects, she felt tears weren’t exactly called for. It warmed her heart that someone would possibly think she mattered that much.
“And as for…why didn’t you tell me? “ Celine asked, her voice gentle even in her confusion. "I’ve never been to a battle, but shock and fear can have many causes, and they’re all horrible. And maybe all we’ve both needed is someone who might understand why we were shocked and fearful. Aren’t close friends supposed to tell each other everything?"
Unless… maybe he didn’t want to mess something up, either, and have her misinterpret it? Why, though? She would never have thought less of him- she tried hard not to be that type of person. “But then, I’m one to talk, aren’t I? I’ve loved you for years and the only reason I’ve told you now is because I got desperate because you were leaving and I was afraid I’d never see you again.” Celine chuckled, though it wasn’t really a happy sound, and her face was burning so hotly with embarrassment that she could literally feel it sting. “I’m still sorry I yelled it in your ear,” she whispered, tempted to hide her face against him forever while he just held her as he was doing now…
But if she did that, it would be from shame as much as from love, and she wanted to enjoy every second of being held like this, so she tried a grin as she felt his hand warming her back.
“But I’m not sorry I was wearing this dress when I told you. I wanted you to see me look the way I knew you liked, and so when it just slipped out that I loved you- even if it was pain and anger at the war that brought it to the surface- you got to kiss me while I wore the dress and earrings you liked best. ” Celine blushed pleasantly this time, remembering. “It was really no trouble at all. I do love you, you know. ”
When he asked her if she would be his light, all she could do was smile softly again and murmur, “Yes…and you’ll be mine, too.” After all, if she’d stayed home, Celine felt she would have been hard-pressed to find anyone she could trust to understand her feelings about all this mess. She loved her family, but it wasn’t fair to take all her worries, fears, hopes, and dreams out on them all the time. Sometimes one needed an unrelated friend- or more, as the case may now have been- to vent to, knowing that sometimes a person’s venting might either offend someone else or make them sad, too.
And this time, as he stood up and helped her do the same, it seemed that Max’s lips were the first to move closer to Celine’s instead of the other way around. When their lips finally parted, she could only ask, “What now?”
What now, now that she was beginning to think he loved her, too? And what now, now that they would have only this time together until she met him again somewhere down the Nile River?
No, no. She’d meet him down the river, but first she would need to pay for a ride on a barge.
Which would, of course, require her, as safely but sneakily as possible, to find a way off the merchant ship. “I might need help. I have a plan- for later- as I’ve said, but that plan does require leaving this ship without getting caught and finding someone to get a ride from. And I don’t know quite how to leave undetected.” Hide and seek as a child was one thing. Hide and seek as the adult Celine now was seemed way more complicated for them both. You’re the one who probably trained in espionage… she wanted to add. How did scouting soldiers accomplish what they needed to while being seen by as few people as possible? It occurred to her as well just then that if she’d been trained in espionage, her family might now know who had started the fire in her childhood that had seemed to put all of Celine’s dreams on hold. Therefore, it bothered her then for more than one reason that she didn’t have any of what might be termed stealth training. But it was too late to do anything about it now, wasn’t it? Celine fought off another blush. There she was, most likely inconveniencing him again!
Celine was always self-deprecating, she always thought about others before herself however it came at a cost to her own personal health. Celine has been through a lot in a short amount of time. The fires in Tangea which destroyed her home and left her younger sister Rhais physically scarred made Celine quiet and withdrawn often clinging to Maximus, Adelpha or her siblings for support. The friendly, intelligent and supportive woman was there but it was mixed with a melancholy a sense doom and dread something Maximus, Adelpha and Basil desperately tried to help Celine. While she was appreciative, Celine never fully recovered from the incident.
Maximus remained silent leaning against the wooden wall, holding Celine tight. His mind was overwhelmed with thoughts on what happens if he was caught with Celine. It was bad enough that he snuck on a ship just to see Celine smuggled herself in. Maximus was already in trouble with his superiors with his tardiness, pulling a stunt like this would no doubt earn him at least forty lashes. A feeling of dread came over Maximus, his heart felt as though it was being placed in a vice grip.
Once again, Maximus struggled to open his mouth to speak. The only thing he can do was hold Celine tight, images of Nethis flickered in and out of his head. Maximus was tempted to tell Celine about his love for Nethis, he wanted to do it perhaps it could calm Celine down and prevent her and himself from doing more foolish acts. But he can not, how could he when Celine confessed her love to Max back Kos and poured her soul into her through her kisses. It break her and Maximus, he was being selfish for the first time in his life. He was taught to care for others but at this moment all Maximus was thinking was himself.
“We’ve never slept together. In the same space,”
Maximus snapped out from his stupor staring at Celine flushed with discomfort. They had a lot of sleepovers when they were children but Celine always slept next to Adelpha. “Not to worry,” he said forcing a smile. “I’ve slept close to my brothers plenty of times during tour. Sleeping together with you won’t be an issue.”
Why was Celine so worried about them sleeping together? It was pretty odd of her to dance around the statement like that.
“And the nightmares can get bad. Sometimes I’m like you seemed to me to be just now- not here. And other times I wake up feeling like I’ve run a thousand miles at once, and sometimes I get so cold- from shock or fear, take your pick. Are you ready for that? I mean- a battle must be so physically draining, to say nothing of emotionally…and now this? You really want me with you so much that you’d be willing to try to comfort me- at night, after a fight- like I’ve just tried to do for you?”
Maximus froze, he didn’t want Celine to be in the battlefield in the first place. But he was drawn to her, he needed her. Even if Celine confessed her love for him, Maximus still saw her as one of the few people he can lean on for strength. “I’ve always tried to help you Celine,” he mumbled touching her chin and hold it up so her eyes can meet his. “What makes you think I won’t comfort you. You-“
Maximus was cut off when Celine dropped her question: “And as for…why didn’t you tell me? .” I’ve never been to a battle, but shock and fear can have many causes, and they’re all horrible. And maybe all we’ve both needed is someone who might understand why we were shocked and fearful. “ Weren’t close friends supposed to tell each other everything?”
Maximus told Adelpha but did not tell Celine, part of Maximus wondered why. Was it guilt or shame? But Celine experienced it during the fires and she can relate. “I was afraid,” Maximus said though he felt like it was a different person speaking his tone laced with bluntness and shame. “That you would see me as a coward.”
Maximus held on to Celine tighter refusing to say anything else. Why oh why did he say that? He did not know.
“But I’m not sorry I was wearing this dress when I told you. I wanted you to see me look the way I knew you liked, and so when it just slipped out that I loved you- even if it was pain and anger at the war that brought it to the surface- you got to kiss me while I wore the dress and earrings you liked best. ” Celine blushed pleasantly this time, remembering. “It was really no trouble at all. I do love you, you know. ”
There it was, Celine confessing her love once again. Maximus mind once again was reduced to mush. His heart began to flutter and his stomach churning. He wiped the tears that came from her eyes with her thumb. “Can you make me a promise,” he said. “For the entire war can you wear that dress and earrings everyday? Can you keep the same hairstyle? It just for some reason I just feel even more at ease seeing you like this even with your bare feet.” It was awkward seeing Celine with no shoes on but it made her look….. prettier. Maximus closed his eyes as he got up and holding Celine’s hands. “I’ll do what I can,” he said instinctively placing his forehead against hers. “But right now we need to escape this ship okay? Then we can spend the rest of our time together just being us Celine because I lov-“ Maximus bit his tongue at the last moment. What did he almost say? Love? He turned to Celine and for a brief moment, Nethis’ face appeared but he blinked her and gulped. “Let’s just get out of here,” he whispered.
This character is currently a work in progress.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Celine was always self-deprecating, she always thought about others before herself however it came at a cost to her own personal health. Celine has been through a lot in a short amount of time. The fires in Tangea which destroyed her home and left her younger sister Rhais physically scarred made Celine quiet and withdrawn often clinging to Maximus, Adelpha or her siblings for support. The friendly, intelligent and supportive woman was there but it was mixed with a melancholy a sense doom and dread something Maximus, Adelpha and Basil desperately tried to help Celine. While she was appreciative, Celine never fully recovered from the incident.
Maximus remained silent leaning against the wooden wall, holding Celine tight. His mind was overwhelmed with thoughts on what happens if he was caught with Celine. It was bad enough that he snuck on a ship just to see Celine smuggled herself in. Maximus was already in trouble with his superiors with his tardiness, pulling a stunt like this would no doubt earn him at least forty lashes. A feeling of dread came over Maximus, his heart felt as though it was being placed in a vice grip.
Once again, Maximus struggled to open his mouth to speak. The only thing he can do was hold Celine tight, images of Nethis flickered in and out of his head. Maximus was tempted to tell Celine about his love for Nethis, he wanted to do it perhaps it could calm Celine down and prevent her and himself from doing more foolish acts. But he can not, how could he when Celine confessed her love to Max back Kos and poured her soul into her through her kisses. It break her and Maximus, he was being selfish for the first time in his life. He was taught to care for others but at this moment all Maximus was thinking was himself.
“We’ve never slept together. In the same space,”
Maximus snapped out from his stupor staring at Celine flushed with discomfort. They had a lot of sleepovers when they were children but Celine always slept next to Adelpha. “Not to worry,” he said forcing a smile. “I’ve slept close to my brothers plenty of times during tour. Sleeping together with you won’t be an issue.”
Why was Celine so worried about them sleeping together? It was pretty odd of her to dance around the statement like that.
“And the nightmares can get bad. Sometimes I’m like you seemed to me to be just now- not here. And other times I wake up feeling like I’ve run a thousand miles at once, and sometimes I get so cold- from shock or fear, take your pick. Are you ready for that? I mean- a battle must be so physically draining, to say nothing of emotionally…and now this? You really want me with you so much that you’d be willing to try to comfort me- at night, after a fight- like I’ve just tried to do for you?”
Maximus froze, he didn’t want Celine to be in the battlefield in the first place. But he was drawn to her, he needed her. Even if Celine confessed her love for him, Maximus still saw her as one of the few people he can lean on for strength. “I’ve always tried to help you Celine,” he mumbled touching her chin and hold it up so her eyes can meet his. “What makes you think I won’t comfort you. You-“
Maximus was cut off when Celine dropped her question: “And as for…why didn’t you tell me? .” I’ve never been to a battle, but shock and fear can have many causes, and they’re all horrible. And maybe all we’ve both needed is someone who might understand why we were shocked and fearful. “ Weren’t close friends supposed to tell each other everything?”
Maximus told Adelpha but did not tell Celine, part of Maximus wondered why. Was it guilt or shame? But Celine experienced it during the fires and she can relate. “I was afraid,” Maximus said though he felt like it was a different person speaking his tone laced with bluntness and shame. “That you would see me as a coward.”
Maximus held on to Celine tighter refusing to say anything else. Why oh why did he say that? He did not know.
“But I’m not sorry I was wearing this dress when I told you. I wanted you to see me look the way I knew you liked, and so when it just slipped out that I loved you- even if it was pain and anger at the war that brought it to the surface- you got to kiss me while I wore the dress and earrings you liked best. ” Celine blushed pleasantly this time, remembering. “It was really no trouble at all. I do love you, you know. ”
There it was, Celine confessing her love once again. Maximus mind once again was reduced to mush. His heart began to flutter and his stomach churning. He wiped the tears that came from her eyes with her thumb. “Can you make me a promise,” he said. “For the entire war can you wear that dress and earrings everyday? Can you keep the same hairstyle? It just for some reason I just feel even more at ease seeing you like this even with your bare feet.” It was awkward seeing Celine with no shoes on but it made her look….. prettier. Maximus closed his eyes as he got up and holding Celine’s hands. “I’ll do what I can,” he said instinctively placing his forehead against hers. “But right now we need to escape this ship okay? Then we can spend the rest of our time together just being us Celine because I lov-“ Maximus bit his tongue at the last moment. What did he almost say? Love? He turned to Celine and for a brief moment, Nethis’ face appeared but he blinked her and gulped. “Let’s just get out of here,” he whispered.
Celine was always self-deprecating, she always thought about others before herself however it came at a cost to her own personal health. Celine has been through a lot in a short amount of time. The fires in Tangea which destroyed her home and left her younger sister Rhais physically scarred made Celine quiet and withdrawn often clinging to Maximus, Adelpha or her siblings for support. The friendly, intelligent and supportive woman was there but it was mixed with a melancholy a sense doom and dread something Maximus, Adelpha and Basil desperately tried to help Celine. While she was appreciative, Celine never fully recovered from the incident.
Maximus remained silent leaning against the wooden wall, holding Celine tight. His mind was overwhelmed with thoughts on what happens if he was caught with Celine. It was bad enough that he snuck on a ship just to see Celine smuggled herself in. Maximus was already in trouble with his superiors with his tardiness, pulling a stunt like this would no doubt earn him at least forty lashes. A feeling of dread came over Maximus, his heart felt as though it was being placed in a vice grip.
Once again, Maximus struggled to open his mouth to speak. The only thing he can do was hold Celine tight, images of Nethis flickered in and out of his head. Maximus was tempted to tell Celine about his love for Nethis, he wanted to do it perhaps it could calm Celine down and prevent her and himself from doing more foolish acts. But he can not, how could he when Celine confessed her love to Max back Kos and poured her soul into her through her kisses. It break her and Maximus, he was being selfish for the first time in his life. He was taught to care for others but at this moment all Maximus was thinking was himself.
“We’ve never slept together. In the same space,”
Maximus snapped out from his stupor staring at Celine flushed with discomfort. They had a lot of sleepovers when they were children but Celine always slept next to Adelpha. “Not to worry,” he said forcing a smile. “I’ve slept close to my brothers plenty of times during tour. Sleeping together with you won’t be an issue.”
Why was Celine so worried about them sleeping together? It was pretty odd of her to dance around the statement like that.
“And the nightmares can get bad. Sometimes I’m like you seemed to me to be just now- not here. And other times I wake up feeling like I’ve run a thousand miles at once, and sometimes I get so cold- from shock or fear, take your pick. Are you ready for that? I mean- a battle must be so physically draining, to say nothing of emotionally…and now this? You really want me with you so much that you’d be willing to try to comfort me- at night, after a fight- like I’ve just tried to do for you?”
Maximus froze, he didn’t want Celine to be in the battlefield in the first place. But he was drawn to her, he needed her. Even if Celine confessed her love for him, Maximus still saw her as one of the few people he can lean on for strength. “I’ve always tried to help you Celine,” he mumbled touching her chin and hold it up so her eyes can meet his. “What makes you think I won’t comfort you. You-“
Maximus was cut off when Celine dropped her question: “And as for…why didn’t you tell me? .” I’ve never been to a battle, but shock and fear can have many causes, and they’re all horrible. And maybe all we’ve both needed is someone who might understand why we were shocked and fearful. “ Weren’t close friends supposed to tell each other everything?”
Maximus told Adelpha but did not tell Celine, part of Maximus wondered why. Was it guilt or shame? But Celine experienced it during the fires and she can relate. “I was afraid,” Maximus said though he felt like it was a different person speaking his tone laced with bluntness and shame. “That you would see me as a coward.”
Maximus held on to Celine tighter refusing to say anything else. Why oh why did he say that? He did not know.
“But I’m not sorry I was wearing this dress when I told you. I wanted you to see me look the way I knew you liked, and so when it just slipped out that I loved you- even if it was pain and anger at the war that brought it to the surface- you got to kiss me while I wore the dress and earrings you liked best. ” Celine blushed pleasantly this time, remembering. “It was really no trouble at all. I do love you, you know. ”
There it was, Celine confessing her love once again. Maximus mind once again was reduced to mush. His heart began to flutter and his stomach churning. He wiped the tears that came from her eyes with her thumb. “Can you make me a promise,” he said. “For the entire war can you wear that dress and earrings everyday? Can you keep the same hairstyle? It just for some reason I just feel even more at ease seeing you like this even with your bare feet.” It was awkward seeing Celine with no shoes on but it made her look….. prettier. Maximus closed his eyes as he got up and holding Celine’s hands. “I’ll do what I can,” he said instinctively placing his forehead against hers. “But right now we need to escape this ship okay? Then we can spend the rest of our time together just being us Celine because I lov-“ Maximus bit his tongue at the last moment. What did he almost say? Love? He turned to Celine and for a brief moment, Nethis’ face appeared but he blinked her and gulped. “Let’s just get out of here,” he whispered.
Celine relaxed considerably as Max held her; still, she was a little tense at the thought of having to return to the ship after Max left. She should see if there were any barges here in Taengea that weren’t currently being used for the war effort. And then she stiffened again, and wished he’d rub her back again to soothe her and keep her warm.
Gods. What was she doing? She didn’t regret a second of this, other than having to leave her sister behind, but it suddenly hit her just where they were. She hadn't been in Taengea since she was 11. Had she finally mentally snapped at last? Maybe she could become an oracle once this was all over. She had heard people say that some of them could be insane, too….
“Gods, Max, what have I done? I-I don’t mean I regret anything, other than leaving Rhais- but I’m in Taengea for the first time since….” A shudder went through her entire body and she struggled mightily to keep from crying, but though she made almost no noise, he would likely feel the tears slip out and land on his chest. The realization that this was the first time she'd been to Taengea since the fire was still hitting her hard, even if she no longer feared detection quite so much. “I’m sorry…” She wished at that moment that he would hold her forever; it felt like the only thing keeping her from panicking more than she was already starting to. “I don’t care where we go, just make sure I can always see you, until you absolutely have to be back with your unit. What if I see someone I'd rather not?”
And even though she was the one feeling terrified at the moment, Celine somehow felt better that Max admitted he had thought she would think he was a coward if he told her about his own trauma. She squeezed his hand in comfort.
“Why would you ever think that? We’ve been friends since...”
And then it hit her so fast her eyes widened and felt about to pop out of her head. Her breath caught in her throat. “Stupid me. Max, I’m not going to stop…”
Loving you. So miracles were possible after all. If only this one would stay. She needed one to last right now after all she’d recently been through. Could it be that….?
Then, he seemed to confirm that he loved her- maybe he had been potentially thinking about her in that way, as a possible spouse, for a few years, too, because it sounded better to her to marry a friend if it were possible- and her heart thrilled, beating a little faster. He’d almost said the word, already, faster than she perhaps would have expected for someone who had seemed so shocked when she kissed him the first time. Celine would never forget how her pulse had raced and all her love had raged- and her anger, too, at the war and all it might be capable of taking from her. She would never forget how he’d kissed her back, particularly the second time. It seemed almost as if he’d been born knowing how to kiss like that, but had somehow saved all of his passion just for her…. She blushed madly again. Gods, she’d never been kissed like that!
“Do you know what I was thinking when we kissed for the first time? ‘I love you, I love you, I love you…ten thousand times and more…’” she whispered tenderly in his ear.
She couldn’t resist another kiss while she was still in his arms, hoping it would relax them both, because he was right- they still had to get off the ship- and then, afterwards, she would have to travel alone…. “And of course I’ll wear the dress- though I’ll probably burn my toes once we get to Egypt.” Celine winced at the very thought, wondering what Max would do to solve that potential problem, if anything.
“But I didn’t bring any shoes anyway. I was so concerned I’d miss everyone…” She giggled, shaking her head at herself. “The daughter of Cassander and Andromache of Acaris- barefoot to wish her friends and brothers luck? If nothing else, I’ve given them something to talk about in Colchis besides the war itself!” She shook her head, still chuckling, but then sobered as she considered the next problem besides them getting off the ship.
“I hope I can find a barge to get out of here- to take me to Egypt. I- I can’t go back here, I can’t- even if I believed I could hide again. Behind those crates, gods forbid someone could- the Greek fire could explode…” In truth, Celine didn’t know precisely what was in those crates- but the very possibility of it being anything other than food supplies frightened her silly.
“Okay. Okay, breathe…that’s not going to happen…” she muttered under what breath she still had. But she trembled violently regardless, though she still managed to get up. “Okay. How do we get off the ship?” Celine would rather consider a thousand different solutions to that conundrum than think about how something could explode.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Celine relaxed considerably as Max held her; still, she was a little tense at the thought of having to return to the ship after Max left. She should see if there were any barges here in Taengea that weren’t currently being used for the war effort. And then she stiffened again, and wished he’d rub her back again to soothe her and keep her warm.
Gods. What was she doing? She didn’t regret a second of this, other than having to leave her sister behind, but it suddenly hit her just where they were. She hadn't been in Taengea since she was 11. Had she finally mentally snapped at last? Maybe she could become an oracle once this was all over. She had heard people say that some of them could be insane, too….
“Gods, Max, what have I done? I-I don’t mean I regret anything, other than leaving Rhais- but I’m in Taengea for the first time since….” A shudder went through her entire body and she struggled mightily to keep from crying, but though she made almost no noise, he would likely feel the tears slip out and land on his chest. The realization that this was the first time she'd been to Taengea since the fire was still hitting her hard, even if she no longer feared detection quite so much. “I’m sorry…” She wished at that moment that he would hold her forever; it felt like the only thing keeping her from panicking more than she was already starting to. “I don’t care where we go, just make sure I can always see you, until you absolutely have to be back with your unit. What if I see someone I'd rather not?”
And even though she was the one feeling terrified at the moment, Celine somehow felt better that Max admitted he had thought she would think he was a coward if he told her about his own trauma. She squeezed his hand in comfort.
“Why would you ever think that? We’ve been friends since...”
And then it hit her so fast her eyes widened and felt about to pop out of her head. Her breath caught in her throat. “Stupid me. Max, I’m not going to stop…”
Loving you. So miracles were possible after all. If only this one would stay. She needed one to last right now after all she’d recently been through. Could it be that….?
Then, he seemed to confirm that he loved her- maybe he had been potentially thinking about her in that way, as a possible spouse, for a few years, too, because it sounded better to her to marry a friend if it were possible- and her heart thrilled, beating a little faster. He’d almost said the word, already, faster than she perhaps would have expected for someone who had seemed so shocked when she kissed him the first time. Celine would never forget how her pulse had raced and all her love had raged- and her anger, too, at the war and all it might be capable of taking from her. She would never forget how he’d kissed her back, particularly the second time. It seemed almost as if he’d been born knowing how to kiss like that, but had somehow saved all of his passion just for her…. She blushed madly again. Gods, she’d never been kissed like that!
“Do you know what I was thinking when we kissed for the first time? ‘I love you, I love you, I love you…ten thousand times and more…’” she whispered tenderly in his ear.
She couldn’t resist another kiss while she was still in his arms, hoping it would relax them both, because he was right- they still had to get off the ship- and then, afterwards, she would have to travel alone…. “And of course I’ll wear the dress- though I’ll probably burn my toes once we get to Egypt.” Celine winced at the very thought, wondering what Max would do to solve that potential problem, if anything.
“But I didn’t bring any shoes anyway. I was so concerned I’d miss everyone…” She giggled, shaking her head at herself. “The daughter of Cassander and Andromache of Acaris- barefoot to wish her friends and brothers luck? If nothing else, I’ve given them something to talk about in Colchis besides the war itself!” She shook her head, still chuckling, but then sobered as she considered the next problem besides them getting off the ship.
“I hope I can find a barge to get out of here- to take me to Egypt. I- I can’t go back here, I can’t- even if I believed I could hide again. Behind those crates, gods forbid someone could- the Greek fire could explode…” In truth, Celine didn’t know precisely what was in those crates- but the very possibility of it being anything other than food supplies frightened her silly.
“Okay. Okay, breathe…that’s not going to happen…” she muttered under what breath she still had. But she trembled violently regardless, though she still managed to get up. “Okay. How do we get off the ship?” Celine would rather consider a thousand different solutions to that conundrum than think about how something could explode.
Celine relaxed considerably as Max held her; still, she was a little tense at the thought of having to return to the ship after Max left. She should see if there were any barges here in Taengea that weren’t currently being used for the war effort. And then she stiffened again, and wished he’d rub her back again to soothe her and keep her warm.
Gods. What was she doing? She didn’t regret a second of this, other than having to leave her sister behind, but it suddenly hit her just where they were. She hadn't been in Taengea since she was 11. Had she finally mentally snapped at last? Maybe she could become an oracle once this was all over. She had heard people say that some of them could be insane, too….
“Gods, Max, what have I done? I-I don’t mean I regret anything, other than leaving Rhais- but I’m in Taengea for the first time since….” A shudder went through her entire body and she struggled mightily to keep from crying, but though she made almost no noise, he would likely feel the tears slip out and land on his chest. The realization that this was the first time she'd been to Taengea since the fire was still hitting her hard, even if she no longer feared detection quite so much. “I’m sorry…” She wished at that moment that he would hold her forever; it felt like the only thing keeping her from panicking more than she was already starting to. “I don’t care where we go, just make sure I can always see you, until you absolutely have to be back with your unit. What if I see someone I'd rather not?”
And even though she was the one feeling terrified at the moment, Celine somehow felt better that Max admitted he had thought she would think he was a coward if he told her about his own trauma. She squeezed his hand in comfort.
“Why would you ever think that? We’ve been friends since...”
And then it hit her so fast her eyes widened and felt about to pop out of her head. Her breath caught in her throat. “Stupid me. Max, I’m not going to stop…”
Loving you. So miracles were possible after all. If only this one would stay. She needed one to last right now after all she’d recently been through. Could it be that….?
Then, he seemed to confirm that he loved her- maybe he had been potentially thinking about her in that way, as a possible spouse, for a few years, too, because it sounded better to her to marry a friend if it were possible- and her heart thrilled, beating a little faster. He’d almost said the word, already, faster than she perhaps would have expected for someone who had seemed so shocked when she kissed him the first time. Celine would never forget how her pulse had raced and all her love had raged- and her anger, too, at the war and all it might be capable of taking from her. She would never forget how he’d kissed her back, particularly the second time. It seemed almost as if he’d been born knowing how to kiss like that, but had somehow saved all of his passion just for her…. She blushed madly again. Gods, she’d never been kissed like that!
“Do you know what I was thinking when we kissed for the first time? ‘I love you, I love you, I love you…ten thousand times and more…’” she whispered tenderly in his ear.
She couldn’t resist another kiss while she was still in his arms, hoping it would relax them both, because he was right- they still had to get off the ship- and then, afterwards, she would have to travel alone…. “And of course I’ll wear the dress- though I’ll probably burn my toes once we get to Egypt.” Celine winced at the very thought, wondering what Max would do to solve that potential problem, if anything.
“But I didn’t bring any shoes anyway. I was so concerned I’d miss everyone…” She giggled, shaking her head at herself. “The daughter of Cassander and Andromache of Acaris- barefoot to wish her friends and brothers luck? If nothing else, I’ve given them something to talk about in Colchis besides the war itself!” She shook her head, still chuckling, but then sobered as she considered the next problem besides them getting off the ship.
“I hope I can find a barge to get out of here- to take me to Egypt. I- I can’t go back here, I can’t- even if I believed I could hide again. Behind those crates, gods forbid someone could- the Greek fire could explode…” In truth, Celine didn’t know precisely what was in those crates- but the very possibility of it being anything other than food supplies frightened her silly.
“Okay. Okay, breathe…that’s not going to happen…” she muttered under what breath she still had. But she trembled violently regardless, though she still managed to get up. “Okay. How do we get off the ship?” Celine would rather consider a thousand different solutions to that conundrum than think about how something could explode.
For a moment Maximus thought he opened Pandora’s Box. What did he almost say? Love? Was Maximus in love with Celine? Impossible! Yes he was aware for some reason that Celine was in love with him for all those years. How can he let slip that he loves Celine? The young man felt like his feet were rooted to the ground. For a moment, Maximus thought he saw the hands of his dead comrades clawing at his ankles attempting to pull him to the Underworld. Maximus deserved for the selfish thoughts in his head, trying to spurn Celine for Nethis. He loved Nethis he really did but what about that slip to Celine? What is going on with him? Maximus remained silent holding on to Celine rubbing her exposed and smooth back yet again. “It’s okay Celine,” the young man whispered hoarsely. “Just please don’t cry I’m here,” Maximus then rose Celine’s head to meet his eyes. “I’m here,” he said. “I have always been there for you, a Greek woman must have strength.” He was falling back what his father taught him it was best counter to this conundrum. Years of discipline, his mind some overwhelmed with emotion that he forgot the core tenets. A Colchian is taught to be hard and strong yet Maximus was neither and it wasn’t in front of the enemy but against the friend who is love with him. “Stupid me. Max, I’m not going to stop…”
Stop what? What was Celine about to say? She never had a problem expressing herself but then again she didn’t confess her love to Max until he was about to leave. “Do you know what I was thinking when we kissed for the first time?” Celine whispered in Maximus’ ear. Her honeyed words entering his ear and forming a tingling sensation that moved from his head down to his spine giving a feeling of euphoria. Maximus never felt this way before except with Nethis was this a sign? Why did the Gods had have him fall in love with two women?! “‘I love you, I love you, I love you…ten thousand times and more…’” Maximus stood there stunned by her words. Of all the time she said: “I love you” this phrase struck him as though Aphrodite had casted a love spell in his heart. The passion, behind it combined with a soft wet kiss from Celine all but destroyed all of the defensive barriers that Maximus built over the years. His mind has become loose, his discipline eroded. A cold shiver ran down his spine as he caressed Celine’s cheek. “I love you too,” he said dropping to his knees. “I don’t know I’m overwhelmed.” He practically confessed his love for Nethis through a letter, how can he say that he loved Celine as well? What was he thinking? “J-just keep the barefeet,” he said rather clumsily. “And follow me.” He unleashed hell upon himself.
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For a moment Maximus thought he opened Pandora’s Box. What did he almost say? Love? Was Maximus in love with Celine? Impossible! Yes he was aware for some reason that Celine was in love with him for all those years. How can he let slip that he loves Celine? The young man felt like his feet were rooted to the ground. For a moment, Maximus thought he saw the hands of his dead comrades clawing at his ankles attempting to pull him to the Underworld. Maximus deserved for the selfish thoughts in his head, trying to spurn Celine for Nethis. He loved Nethis he really did but what about that slip to Celine? What is going on with him? Maximus remained silent holding on to Celine rubbing her exposed and smooth back yet again. “It’s okay Celine,” the young man whispered hoarsely. “Just please don’t cry I’m here,” Maximus then rose Celine’s head to meet his eyes. “I’m here,” he said. “I have always been there for you, a Greek woman must have strength.” He was falling back what his father taught him it was best counter to this conundrum. Years of discipline, his mind some overwhelmed with emotion that he forgot the core tenets. A Colchian is taught to be hard and strong yet Maximus was neither and it wasn’t in front of the enemy but against the friend who is love with him. “Stupid me. Max, I’m not going to stop…”
Stop what? What was Celine about to say? She never had a problem expressing herself but then again she didn’t confess her love to Max until he was about to leave. “Do you know what I was thinking when we kissed for the first time?” Celine whispered in Maximus’ ear. Her honeyed words entering his ear and forming a tingling sensation that moved from his head down to his spine giving a feeling of euphoria. Maximus never felt this way before except with Nethis was this a sign? Why did the Gods had have him fall in love with two women?! “‘I love you, I love you, I love you…ten thousand times and more…’” Maximus stood there stunned by her words. Of all the time she said: “I love you” this phrase struck him as though Aphrodite had casted a love spell in his heart. The passion, behind it combined with a soft wet kiss from Celine all but destroyed all of the defensive barriers that Maximus built over the years. His mind has become loose, his discipline eroded. A cold shiver ran down his spine as he caressed Celine’s cheek. “I love you too,” he said dropping to his knees. “I don’t know I’m overwhelmed.” He practically confessed his love for Nethis through a letter, how can he say that he loved Celine as well? What was he thinking? “J-just keep the barefeet,” he said rather clumsily. “And follow me.” He unleashed hell upon himself.
For a moment Maximus thought he opened Pandora’s Box. What did he almost say? Love? Was Maximus in love with Celine? Impossible! Yes he was aware for some reason that Celine was in love with him for all those years. How can he let slip that he loves Celine? The young man felt like his feet were rooted to the ground. For a moment, Maximus thought he saw the hands of his dead comrades clawing at his ankles attempting to pull him to the Underworld. Maximus deserved for the selfish thoughts in his head, trying to spurn Celine for Nethis. He loved Nethis he really did but what about that slip to Celine? What is going on with him? Maximus remained silent holding on to Celine rubbing her exposed and smooth back yet again. “It’s okay Celine,” the young man whispered hoarsely. “Just please don’t cry I’m here,” Maximus then rose Celine’s head to meet his eyes. “I’m here,” he said. “I have always been there for you, a Greek woman must have strength.” He was falling back what his father taught him it was best counter to this conundrum. Years of discipline, his mind some overwhelmed with emotion that he forgot the core tenets. A Colchian is taught to be hard and strong yet Maximus was neither and it wasn’t in front of the enemy but against the friend who is love with him. “Stupid me. Max, I’m not going to stop…”
Stop what? What was Celine about to say? She never had a problem expressing herself but then again she didn’t confess her love to Max until he was about to leave. “Do you know what I was thinking when we kissed for the first time?” Celine whispered in Maximus’ ear. Her honeyed words entering his ear and forming a tingling sensation that moved from his head down to his spine giving a feeling of euphoria. Maximus never felt this way before except with Nethis was this a sign? Why did the Gods had have him fall in love with two women?! “‘I love you, I love you, I love you…ten thousand times and more…’” Maximus stood there stunned by her words. Of all the time she said: “I love you” this phrase struck him as though Aphrodite had casted a love spell in his heart. The passion, behind it combined with a soft wet kiss from Celine all but destroyed all of the defensive barriers that Maximus built over the years. His mind has become loose, his discipline eroded. A cold shiver ran down his spine as he caressed Celine’s cheek. “I love you too,” he said dropping to his knees. “I don’t know I’m overwhelmed.” He practically confessed his love for Nethis through a letter, how can he say that he loved Celine as well? What was he thinking? “J-just keep the barefeet,” he said rather clumsily. “And follow me.” He unleashed hell upon himself.
“You…” Celine stopped in her tracks and couldn’t continue speaking for a minute. “How long have you felt this way, too? I’ve been so afraid to tell you because- because I thought you would think I was just…Celine of Acaris.” Somehow, she still couldn’t seem to shake that thought away- that her love might well have been a hopeless case. While Celine obviously had her reasons for loving Max- starting, most importantly, with the way he respected Adelpha and herself- she had not thought that there might be any reason for him to begin to love her. It was not that she saw herself as unattractive, nor unintelligent (though sometimes she thought she might be over some people’s heads), but rather that she saw herself as ordinary, in the sense that she had never tried to be anything other than what she was. She was the daughter of someone with a fairly important position, but not a noble, and she knew it very well. Why she thought that would matter to Max, Celine had no idea, but the thought remained, even if in saying it aloud she put it a slightly different way than she could have. “I’d have thought you’d have chosen another more like yourself, maybe Adelpha….” And then it seemed that Celine actually consciously heard herself speaking for the first time.
Okay, on second thought, maybe not Adelpha. Adelpha seemed much too independent to need a man, and while Celine wouldn’t say she needed a man either, per se, she did get lonely sometimes.
She snickered at herself. “No, not Adelpha, not really. But you know what I mean, right? So why me- and I mean that in only the best way possible- and what did you notice first, and how in the world did we get so fortunate as to both love each other at the same time?”
Celine was a little flustered, actually, but it was a pleasant kind of shock, one she almost wanted to remember the feeling of forever.
“For myself, I noticed that you respect Adelpha and me. And then, I noticed…other things. You without a shirt.” Celine was now grinning so hard her cheeks hurt and her face turned the color of a deep red rose, but she was far too happy to care how her face looked.
“When Brutus ripped my celadon dress, that’s why I was running. I didn’t want you to notice…um… that I noticed you training, so I tried to make it appear as though I’d been running, to explain my red face.” Celine finished awkwardly. “I did wonder, though, if you noticed that I usually wore that dress when you saw me after you trained. I still miss that dress, a little. Did it help you notice my eyes?” She gave him a wink before pulling him into just one more raging kiss, what felt to her like a seal to their love. She might set the ship ablaze herself, at this rate. Celine shook her head, and this time she wasn’t sure if it was at him for being the cause of her passion or at herself for heeding to it. “Passion…is a strange thing,” she sighed happily. “And a very heady thing, too.”
But now, there was another problem, one that she felt that Max still hadn’t properly addressed. “I’d love to keep the bare feet, actually. It might remind me that I was actually brave enough to do this! But we’re going to be in Egypt, and I might burn my toes on the sand. Who knows how I’d walk then?” Even in love, Celine wouldn’t dare ask him to carry her- if he even could for very long in the first place. As much as she’d felt compelled to come to Egypt- or at least to Taengea- to tell him of her love and explain because he’d seemed confused about the whole thing- this was still a war, and maybe she ought to go home again now.
Love and war did not mix. Well, usually not very well…did they?
But speaking of possibly going home….
“Oh gods, I’m an idiot!” Celine put a hand to her forehead in agitation. “I have your dust- but only yours. Not Adelpha’s or Basil’s or my brothers’. I hope they’ll forgive me.” The fact that few if any of them probably followed that Bedoan tradition didn’t matter much at the moment. She’d remembered Max at the near-exclusion of everyone else- that was her point. “I…care about them. But today, I loved you more.” Gods, now she felt she couldn’t even care about people right anymore, now that she had finally confessed her love to Max.
But she’d confessed her love.
And he’d said he loved her back. And that meant everything- even more than getting off the ship would mean, though that was pretty important at the moment as well. Celine tried to keep her breathing light, even though her legs and stomach seemed to be quivering from excitement.
“Okay. Now…how do we get off, and where do we go afterwards?” she whispered.
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“You…” Celine stopped in her tracks and couldn’t continue speaking for a minute. “How long have you felt this way, too? I’ve been so afraid to tell you because- because I thought you would think I was just…Celine of Acaris.” Somehow, she still couldn’t seem to shake that thought away- that her love might well have been a hopeless case. While Celine obviously had her reasons for loving Max- starting, most importantly, with the way he respected Adelpha and herself- she had not thought that there might be any reason for him to begin to love her. It was not that she saw herself as unattractive, nor unintelligent (though sometimes she thought she might be over some people’s heads), but rather that she saw herself as ordinary, in the sense that she had never tried to be anything other than what she was. She was the daughter of someone with a fairly important position, but not a noble, and she knew it very well. Why she thought that would matter to Max, Celine had no idea, but the thought remained, even if in saying it aloud she put it a slightly different way than she could have. “I’d have thought you’d have chosen another more like yourself, maybe Adelpha….” And then it seemed that Celine actually consciously heard herself speaking for the first time.
Okay, on second thought, maybe not Adelpha. Adelpha seemed much too independent to need a man, and while Celine wouldn’t say she needed a man either, per se, she did get lonely sometimes.
She snickered at herself. “No, not Adelpha, not really. But you know what I mean, right? So why me- and I mean that in only the best way possible- and what did you notice first, and how in the world did we get so fortunate as to both love each other at the same time?”
Celine was a little flustered, actually, but it was a pleasant kind of shock, one she almost wanted to remember the feeling of forever.
“For myself, I noticed that you respect Adelpha and me. And then, I noticed…other things. You without a shirt.” Celine was now grinning so hard her cheeks hurt and her face turned the color of a deep red rose, but she was far too happy to care how her face looked.
“When Brutus ripped my celadon dress, that’s why I was running. I didn’t want you to notice…um… that I noticed you training, so I tried to make it appear as though I’d been running, to explain my red face.” Celine finished awkwardly. “I did wonder, though, if you noticed that I usually wore that dress when you saw me after you trained. I still miss that dress, a little. Did it help you notice my eyes?” She gave him a wink before pulling him into just one more raging kiss, what felt to her like a seal to their love. She might set the ship ablaze herself, at this rate. Celine shook her head, and this time she wasn’t sure if it was at him for being the cause of her passion or at herself for heeding to it. “Passion…is a strange thing,” she sighed happily. “And a very heady thing, too.”
But now, there was another problem, one that she felt that Max still hadn’t properly addressed. “I’d love to keep the bare feet, actually. It might remind me that I was actually brave enough to do this! But we’re going to be in Egypt, and I might burn my toes on the sand. Who knows how I’d walk then?” Even in love, Celine wouldn’t dare ask him to carry her- if he even could for very long in the first place. As much as she’d felt compelled to come to Egypt- or at least to Taengea- to tell him of her love and explain because he’d seemed confused about the whole thing- this was still a war, and maybe she ought to go home again now.
Love and war did not mix. Well, usually not very well…did they?
But speaking of possibly going home….
“Oh gods, I’m an idiot!” Celine put a hand to her forehead in agitation. “I have your dust- but only yours. Not Adelpha’s or Basil’s or my brothers’. I hope they’ll forgive me.” The fact that few if any of them probably followed that Bedoan tradition didn’t matter much at the moment. She’d remembered Max at the near-exclusion of everyone else- that was her point. “I…care about them. But today, I loved you more.” Gods, now she felt she couldn’t even care about people right anymore, now that she had finally confessed her love to Max.
But she’d confessed her love.
And he’d said he loved her back. And that meant everything- even more than getting off the ship would mean, though that was pretty important at the moment as well. Celine tried to keep her breathing light, even though her legs and stomach seemed to be quivering from excitement.
“Okay. Now…how do we get off, and where do we go afterwards?” she whispered.
“You…” Celine stopped in her tracks and couldn’t continue speaking for a minute. “How long have you felt this way, too? I’ve been so afraid to tell you because- because I thought you would think I was just…Celine of Acaris.” Somehow, she still couldn’t seem to shake that thought away- that her love might well have been a hopeless case. While Celine obviously had her reasons for loving Max- starting, most importantly, with the way he respected Adelpha and herself- she had not thought that there might be any reason for him to begin to love her. It was not that she saw herself as unattractive, nor unintelligent (though sometimes she thought she might be over some people’s heads), but rather that she saw herself as ordinary, in the sense that she had never tried to be anything other than what she was. She was the daughter of someone with a fairly important position, but not a noble, and she knew it very well. Why she thought that would matter to Max, Celine had no idea, but the thought remained, even if in saying it aloud she put it a slightly different way than she could have. “I’d have thought you’d have chosen another more like yourself, maybe Adelpha….” And then it seemed that Celine actually consciously heard herself speaking for the first time.
Okay, on second thought, maybe not Adelpha. Adelpha seemed much too independent to need a man, and while Celine wouldn’t say she needed a man either, per se, she did get lonely sometimes.
She snickered at herself. “No, not Adelpha, not really. But you know what I mean, right? So why me- and I mean that in only the best way possible- and what did you notice first, and how in the world did we get so fortunate as to both love each other at the same time?”
Celine was a little flustered, actually, but it was a pleasant kind of shock, one she almost wanted to remember the feeling of forever.
“For myself, I noticed that you respect Adelpha and me. And then, I noticed…other things. You without a shirt.” Celine was now grinning so hard her cheeks hurt and her face turned the color of a deep red rose, but she was far too happy to care how her face looked.
“When Brutus ripped my celadon dress, that’s why I was running. I didn’t want you to notice…um… that I noticed you training, so I tried to make it appear as though I’d been running, to explain my red face.” Celine finished awkwardly. “I did wonder, though, if you noticed that I usually wore that dress when you saw me after you trained. I still miss that dress, a little. Did it help you notice my eyes?” She gave him a wink before pulling him into just one more raging kiss, what felt to her like a seal to their love. She might set the ship ablaze herself, at this rate. Celine shook her head, and this time she wasn’t sure if it was at him for being the cause of her passion or at herself for heeding to it. “Passion…is a strange thing,” she sighed happily. “And a very heady thing, too.”
But now, there was another problem, one that she felt that Max still hadn’t properly addressed. “I’d love to keep the bare feet, actually. It might remind me that I was actually brave enough to do this! But we’re going to be in Egypt, and I might burn my toes on the sand. Who knows how I’d walk then?” Even in love, Celine wouldn’t dare ask him to carry her- if he even could for very long in the first place. As much as she’d felt compelled to come to Egypt- or at least to Taengea- to tell him of her love and explain because he’d seemed confused about the whole thing- this was still a war, and maybe she ought to go home again now.
Love and war did not mix. Well, usually not very well…did they?
But speaking of possibly going home….
“Oh gods, I’m an idiot!” Celine put a hand to her forehead in agitation. “I have your dust- but only yours. Not Adelpha’s or Basil’s or my brothers’. I hope they’ll forgive me.” The fact that few if any of them probably followed that Bedoan tradition didn’t matter much at the moment. She’d remembered Max at the near-exclusion of everyone else- that was her point. “I…care about them. But today, I loved you more.” Gods, now she felt she couldn’t even care about people right anymore, now that she had finally confessed her love to Max.
But she’d confessed her love.
And he’d said he loved her back. And that meant everything- even more than getting off the ship would mean, though that was pretty important at the moment as well. Celine tried to keep her breathing light, even though her legs and stomach seemed to be quivering from excitement.
“Okay. Now…how do we get off, and where do we go afterwards?” she whispered.
What did he just say?! The words just slipped from Maximus’ mouth and he said it with such confidence and conviction. Well as confidence and conviction as his fractured mind will allow. But in Maximus’ heart he knew he spoke the truth, something that confused the young man. “I love Nethis,” he thought and that rung true as well. What was going on? Maximus loved Nethis and Celine? It is possible for men to be in love with multiple women but this one felt different somehow. Nethis and Celine they were one in the same. “How long have you felt this way, too?” Those were the only words that Maximus heard the rest were drowned out by his overwhelmed mind. He remembered the Teacher telling him to beware of women for their simple presence can make a man destroy the world or Maximus’ case be reduced to a blubbering wreck of a man. The young man thought that Celine would be crying or even pelting with kisses but she was merely stunned as he was. “From the moment I kissed your hand for luck,” there it was that feeling again, Maximus’ words traveled from his mouth like a servant accidentally spilling wine all over the floor. Yet his heart was at ease as though they were feelings that were long buried and were finally unleashed. Yet Maximus never felt this strongly about Celine until now. He looked at the young woman and hugged Celine tight rubbing her exposed back. “Adelpha is like the sister I never had,” for the first time Maximus did not resist the words that were coming out of his mouth. He wanted to know who was truly speaking for him, he swore that It was not him but the words that Maximus spoke to Celine felt like the truth. If so why didn’t he know about this? “But you Celine of Acaris is much more, a woman who is calm and graceful. Yet has a mind of a Philosopher, I’ve always loved you Celine but…..” Celine said that Maximus might love another and it was true, Maximus loved Nethis with a fiery passion that matched his unearthed love for Celine. This was something that the young man will have to contend with the moment he sails to Egypt. “Nice,” Maximus thought. “Just what I needed right now more doubt why couldn’t this happened after the war?!” Maximus had dreams of achieving glory on the battlefield. Now with the events with Celine, that glory could be fading away. However, Maximus felt as though a weight was lifted from his shoulders, It was if a Minotaur finally got off his back leaving Maximus spry. “I do miss that dress,” he said. “It bought out eyes and your-“ Maximus couldn’t get any more words out since Celine pulled him into another passionate kiss. The young man wrapped his powerful arms around Celine’s slender waist. He could feel his heart pulsing rapidly, he felt the hairs on his arms stand up as he felt a tingling sensation going through him. “This passion,” Maximus said releasing himself from Celine’s kiss. “It feels different, I’m passionate about being a soldier for Colchis but I’ve never experienced anything like this.” He didn’t want to tell Celine, but it genuinely made Maximus afraid. It created a sense of uncertainty that he fought hard to prevent. An uncertain solider is a dead soldier and in an Phalanx that meant if you died, then your brother is likely dead. Maximus disciplined himself to purge all uncertainty out of him for his brother’s life was in his hands in a Phalanx formation. But here it was, Maximus was drawn to the warm and soft kisses of Celine and he while he enjoyed it, it left him confused and muddled. “I’d love to keep the bare feet, actually. It might remind me that I was actually brave enough to do this! But we’re going to be in Egypt, and I might burn my toes on the sand. Who knows how I’d walk then?” It was then Maximus swept Celine off of her feet carrying her into a bridal carry. He looked down on Celine and smiled. “If you complain about burning your toes on the sand,” he said giving Celine a huge smile. “Then something like this will happen.” The young man then stared at the surface sighing. “I’ll just carry you like this,” he said. “While I sneak around.”
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What did he just say?! The words just slipped from Maximus’ mouth and he said it with such confidence and conviction. Well as confidence and conviction as his fractured mind will allow. But in Maximus’ heart he knew he spoke the truth, something that confused the young man. “I love Nethis,” he thought and that rung true as well. What was going on? Maximus loved Nethis and Celine? It is possible for men to be in love with multiple women but this one felt different somehow. Nethis and Celine they were one in the same. “How long have you felt this way, too?” Those were the only words that Maximus heard the rest were drowned out by his overwhelmed mind. He remembered the Teacher telling him to beware of women for their simple presence can make a man destroy the world or Maximus’ case be reduced to a blubbering wreck of a man. The young man thought that Celine would be crying or even pelting with kisses but she was merely stunned as he was. “From the moment I kissed your hand for luck,” there it was that feeling again, Maximus’ words traveled from his mouth like a servant accidentally spilling wine all over the floor. Yet his heart was at ease as though they were feelings that were long buried and were finally unleashed. Yet Maximus never felt this strongly about Celine until now. He looked at the young woman and hugged Celine tight rubbing her exposed back. “Adelpha is like the sister I never had,” for the first time Maximus did not resist the words that were coming out of his mouth. He wanted to know who was truly speaking for him, he swore that It was not him but the words that Maximus spoke to Celine felt like the truth. If so why didn’t he know about this? “But you Celine of Acaris is much more, a woman who is calm and graceful. Yet has a mind of a Philosopher, I’ve always loved you Celine but…..” Celine said that Maximus might love another and it was true, Maximus loved Nethis with a fiery passion that matched his unearthed love for Celine. This was something that the young man will have to contend with the moment he sails to Egypt. “Nice,” Maximus thought. “Just what I needed right now more doubt why couldn’t this happened after the war?!” Maximus had dreams of achieving glory on the battlefield. Now with the events with Celine, that glory could be fading away. However, Maximus felt as though a weight was lifted from his shoulders, It was if a Minotaur finally got off his back leaving Maximus spry. “I do miss that dress,” he said. “It bought out eyes and your-“ Maximus couldn’t get any more words out since Celine pulled him into another passionate kiss. The young man wrapped his powerful arms around Celine’s slender waist. He could feel his heart pulsing rapidly, he felt the hairs on his arms stand up as he felt a tingling sensation going through him. “This passion,” Maximus said releasing himself from Celine’s kiss. “It feels different, I’m passionate about being a soldier for Colchis but I’ve never experienced anything like this.” He didn’t want to tell Celine, but it genuinely made Maximus afraid. It created a sense of uncertainty that he fought hard to prevent. An uncertain solider is a dead soldier and in an Phalanx that meant if you died, then your brother is likely dead. Maximus disciplined himself to purge all uncertainty out of him for his brother’s life was in his hands in a Phalanx formation. But here it was, Maximus was drawn to the warm and soft kisses of Celine and he while he enjoyed it, it left him confused and muddled. “I’d love to keep the bare feet, actually. It might remind me that I was actually brave enough to do this! But we’re going to be in Egypt, and I might burn my toes on the sand. Who knows how I’d walk then?” It was then Maximus swept Celine off of her feet carrying her into a bridal carry. He looked down on Celine and smiled. “If you complain about burning your toes on the sand,” he said giving Celine a huge smile. “Then something like this will happen.” The young man then stared at the surface sighing. “I’ll just carry you like this,” he said. “While I sneak around.”
What did he just say?! The words just slipped from Maximus’ mouth and he said it with such confidence and conviction. Well as confidence and conviction as his fractured mind will allow. But in Maximus’ heart he knew he spoke the truth, something that confused the young man. “I love Nethis,” he thought and that rung true as well. What was going on? Maximus loved Nethis and Celine? It is possible for men to be in love with multiple women but this one felt different somehow. Nethis and Celine they were one in the same. “How long have you felt this way, too?” Those were the only words that Maximus heard the rest were drowned out by his overwhelmed mind. He remembered the Teacher telling him to beware of women for their simple presence can make a man destroy the world or Maximus’ case be reduced to a blubbering wreck of a man. The young man thought that Celine would be crying or even pelting with kisses but she was merely stunned as he was. “From the moment I kissed your hand for luck,” there it was that feeling again, Maximus’ words traveled from his mouth like a servant accidentally spilling wine all over the floor. Yet his heart was at ease as though they were feelings that were long buried and were finally unleashed. Yet Maximus never felt this strongly about Celine until now. He looked at the young woman and hugged Celine tight rubbing her exposed back. “Adelpha is like the sister I never had,” for the first time Maximus did not resist the words that were coming out of his mouth. He wanted to know who was truly speaking for him, he swore that It was not him but the words that Maximus spoke to Celine felt like the truth. If so why didn’t he know about this? “But you Celine of Acaris is much more, a woman who is calm and graceful. Yet has a mind of a Philosopher, I’ve always loved you Celine but…..” Celine said that Maximus might love another and it was true, Maximus loved Nethis with a fiery passion that matched his unearthed love for Celine. This was something that the young man will have to contend with the moment he sails to Egypt. “Nice,” Maximus thought. “Just what I needed right now more doubt why couldn’t this happened after the war?!” Maximus had dreams of achieving glory on the battlefield. Now with the events with Celine, that glory could be fading away. However, Maximus felt as though a weight was lifted from his shoulders, It was if a Minotaur finally got off his back leaving Maximus spry. “I do miss that dress,” he said. “It bought out eyes and your-“ Maximus couldn’t get any more words out since Celine pulled him into another passionate kiss. The young man wrapped his powerful arms around Celine’s slender waist. He could feel his heart pulsing rapidly, he felt the hairs on his arms stand up as he felt a tingling sensation going through him. “This passion,” Maximus said releasing himself from Celine’s kiss. “It feels different, I’m passionate about being a soldier for Colchis but I’ve never experienced anything like this.” He didn’t want to tell Celine, but it genuinely made Maximus afraid. It created a sense of uncertainty that he fought hard to prevent. An uncertain solider is a dead soldier and in an Phalanx that meant if you died, then your brother is likely dead. Maximus disciplined himself to purge all uncertainty out of him for his brother’s life was in his hands in a Phalanx formation. But here it was, Maximus was drawn to the warm and soft kisses of Celine and he while he enjoyed it, it left him confused and muddled. “I’d love to keep the bare feet, actually. It might remind me that I was actually brave enough to do this! But we’re going to be in Egypt, and I might burn my toes on the sand. Who knows how I’d walk then?” It was then Maximus swept Celine off of her feet carrying her into a bridal carry. He looked down on Celine and smiled. “If you complain about burning your toes on the sand,” he said giving Celine a huge smile. “Then something like this will happen.” The young man then stared at the surface sighing. “I’ll just carry you like this,” he said. “While I sneak around.”
“Even then?” Celine whispered rhetorically, in awe. “I had just been being polite, then, you know. I-I mean, I thought it was just what a lady did. I’m an ambassador’s daughter.” She smiled ironically, then added…”Who also cringes at being touched by strangers- but one had to cancel out the other. I-I don’t even know why I was brave enough to let myself be kissed- even on the hand. Being kissed is somehow different from climbing into the treetops, but I guess it didn’t seem so bad since you were my age, too. But if you loved me after that, it does explain a lot. Those earrings on my fifteenth birthday…” Celine stopped talking to finger one of the earrings she’d just mentioned, securely in her ears now. “The dress I’m wearing now, the way you would look at me afterwards when you noticed I was wearing it… yes, I knew, at least occasionally.” She winked and grinned, then thought of her celadon dress.Her heart fluttered. He'd noticed that one, too! "Silly me, for thinking you were oblivious. I know it might seem like such a small thing, but I did want you to notice how my eyes are almost hazel and turned blue when I wore the other one.
As she reminisced, her mind caressing the pleasant memories, she unfortunately also realized just what she might be getting into, though- although she had technically known way before now. But she hadn't thought about it much as long as she'd assumed there was no way she could go with him!
“Max, you’re in a phalanx…” she paled. “If you die, then I’m going to know- more than just in the deepest part of my being- and it might be the day I’m discovered. I have strength, even in spite of the fact that I’m uneasy about being in Taengea right now, but- but I’m not sure I’m strong enough for…“ Celine tried to swallow past a lump in her throat the size of Sisyphus’ boulder. “To wait at home- to not know whether or not you loved me- would have been intolerable, too, though.”. It seemed she couldn’t win either way. “I said I was going to come with you, and I will, but I feel so stupid for not fully comprehending….” Max was a lieutenant. Even if he didn't die first, supposing one of the soldiers in his phalanx died, he would most likely die as well.
To blame herself for her lack of such thoughts might have been at least a little understandable, but at least for the moment, she didn’t do that, though her breath was a little shaky. and while she did not cry again, her eyes burned.
“Well, even with all the backstabbing and political turmoil I’m aware of, it’s not like we go to war every day, or even every year, so I guess no one would blame me too badly. Still, you’d think with my father being who he is, I might have realized before now. But there are always times of peace-“Her breath caught again. “And I have to believe that you and I will see ours, even if I potentially go insane while waiting for it.”
For a moment, Celine silently considered Max’s words about her having the mind of a philosopher. She almost scoffed, until she reacquainted herself with the fact that there could be many types of philosophers.
“Maybe… but I am absolutely not a Stoic- able to try to be resilient to misfortune. There would be some value to that, but what I’m saying is that I can’t be resilient to the extent that I am… not really, but almost, emotionless. That’s why I have to try to be optimistic. “
That being said, this decision might cost her a lot, but she thought she’d rather be with him than anywhere else.
She sighed and tried to smile. “Well, maybe my being with you will bring us luck- even if it might make it harder to concentrate on the war- I’m not completely insensitive to that, even if rubbing my back for luck might help us both.”
Or other places, her mind added. But if she looked forward to certain other things eagerly, she was also equally happy right now with the way things were already.
‘I’ve always loved you, Celine, but…”
“But…? “ She asked, hopefully urging him to continue. She was happily flushed from hearing him talk about the passion he felt. “I knew you saved it for me, that passion… that second kiss…I’ve never been kissed like that!” If she had known she had been the first to kiss Max, Celine might perhaps have felt even more surprised.
And then, after they kissed, he swept her off her feet.
‘I’ll just carry you like this,’ he said. ‘While I sneak around,’
She was well aware that he was referring only to the time when he wouldn’t be fighting battles, but she grinned up at him, her heart warm with adoration.
“And I’ll enjoy every second.”
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“Even then?” Celine whispered rhetorically, in awe. “I had just been being polite, then, you know. I-I mean, I thought it was just what a lady did. I’m an ambassador’s daughter.” She smiled ironically, then added…”Who also cringes at being touched by strangers- but one had to cancel out the other. I-I don’t even know why I was brave enough to let myself be kissed- even on the hand. Being kissed is somehow different from climbing into the treetops, but I guess it didn’t seem so bad since you were my age, too. But if you loved me after that, it does explain a lot. Those earrings on my fifteenth birthday…” Celine stopped talking to finger one of the earrings she’d just mentioned, securely in her ears now. “The dress I’m wearing now, the way you would look at me afterwards when you noticed I was wearing it… yes, I knew, at least occasionally.” She winked and grinned, then thought of her celadon dress.Her heart fluttered. He'd noticed that one, too! "Silly me, for thinking you were oblivious. I know it might seem like such a small thing, but I did want you to notice how my eyes are almost hazel and turned blue when I wore the other one.
As she reminisced, her mind caressing the pleasant memories, she unfortunately also realized just what she might be getting into, though- although she had technically known way before now. But she hadn't thought about it much as long as she'd assumed there was no way she could go with him!
“Max, you’re in a phalanx…” she paled. “If you die, then I’m going to know- more than just in the deepest part of my being- and it might be the day I’m discovered. I have strength, even in spite of the fact that I’m uneasy about being in Taengea right now, but- but I’m not sure I’m strong enough for…“ Celine tried to swallow past a lump in her throat the size of Sisyphus’ boulder. “To wait at home- to not know whether or not you loved me- would have been intolerable, too, though.”. It seemed she couldn’t win either way. “I said I was going to come with you, and I will, but I feel so stupid for not fully comprehending….” Max was a lieutenant. Even if he didn't die first, supposing one of the soldiers in his phalanx died, he would most likely die as well.
To blame herself for her lack of such thoughts might have been at least a little understandable, but at least for the moment, she didn’t do that, though her breath was a little shaky. and while she did not cry again, her eyes burned.
“Well, even with all the backstabbing and political turmoil I’m aware of, it’s not like we go to war every day, or even every year, so I guess no one would blame me too badly. Still, you’d think with my father being who he is, I might have realized before now. But there are always times of peace-“Her breath caught again. “And I have to believe that you and I will see ours, even if I potentially go insane while waiting for it.”
For a moment, Celine silently considered Max’s words about her having the mind of a philosopher. She almost scoffed, until she reacquainted herself with the fact that there could be many types of philosophers.
“Maybe… but I am absolutely not a Stoic- able to try to be resilient to misfortune. There would be some value to that, but what I’m saying is that I can’t be resilient to the extent that I am… not really, but almost, emotionless. That’s why I have to try to be optimistic. “
That being said, this decision might cost her a lot, but she thought she’d rather be with him than anywhere else.
She sighed and tried to smile. “Well, maybe my being with you will bring us luck- even if it might make it harder to concentrate on the war- I’m not completely insensitive to that, even if rubbing my back for luck might help us both.”
Or other places, her mind added. But if she looked forward to certain other things eagerly, she was also equally happy right now with the way things were already.
‘I’ve always loved you, Celine, but…”
“But…? “ She asked, hopefully urging him to continue. She was happily flushed from hearing him talk about the passion he felt. “I knew you saved it for me, that passion… that second kiss…I’ve never been kissed like that!” If she had known she had been the first to kiss Max, Celine might perhaps have felt even more surprised.
And then, after they kissed, he swept her off her feet.
‘I’ll just carry you like this,’ he said. ‘While I sneak around,’
She was well aware that he was referring only to the time when he wouldn’t be fighting battles, but she grinned up at him, her heart warm with adoration.
“And I’ll enjoy every second.”
“Even then?” Celine whispered rhetorically, in awe. “I had just been being polite, then, you know. I-I mean, I thought it was just what a lady did. I’m an ambassador’s daughter.” She smiled ironically, then added…”Who also cringes at being touched by strangers- but one had to cancel out the other. I-I don’t even know why I was brave enough to let myself be kissed- even on the hand. Being kissed is somehow different from climbing into the treetops, but I guess it didn’t seem so bad since you were my age, too. But if you loved me after that, it does explain a lot. Those earrings on my fifteenth birthday…” Celine stopped talking to finger one of the earrings she’d just mentioned, securely in her ears now. “The dress I’m wearing now, the way you would look at me afterwards when you noticed I was wearing it… yes, I knew, at least occasionally.” She winked and grinned, then thought of her celadon dress.Her heart fluttered. He'd noticed that one, too! "Silly me, for thinking you were oblivious. I know it might seem like such a small thing, but I did want you to notice how my eyes are almost hazel and turned blue when I wore the other one.
As she reminisced, her mind caressing the pleasant memories, she unfortunately also realized just what she might be getting into, though- although she had technically known way before now. But she hadn't thought about it much as long as she'd assumed there was no way she could go with him!
“Max, you’re in a phalanx…” she paled. “If you die, then I’m going to know- more than just in the deepest part of my being- and it might be the day I’m discovered. I have strength, even in spite of the fact that I’m uneasy about being in Taengea right now, but- but I’m not sure I’m strong enough for…“ Celine tried to swallow past a lump in her throat the size of Sisyphus’ boulder. “To wait at home- to not know whether or not you loved me- would have been intolerable, too, though.”. It seemed she couldn’t win either way. “I said I was going to come with you, and I will, but I feel so stupid for not fully comprehending….” Max was a lieutenant. Even if he didn't die first, supposing one of the soldiers in his phalanx died, he would most likely die as well.
To blame herself for her lack of such thoughts might have been at least a little understandable, but at least for the moment, she didn’t do that, though her breath was a little shaky. and while she did not cry again, her eyes burned.
“Well, even with all the backstabbing and political turmoil I’m aware of, it’s not like we go to war every day, or even every year, so I guess no one would blame me too badly. Still, you’d think with my father being who he is, I might have realized before now. But there are always times of peace-“Her breath caught again. “And I have to believe that you and I will see ours, even if I potentially go insane while waiting for it.”
For a moment, Celine silently considered Max’s words about her having the mind of a philosopher. She almost scoffed, until she reacquainted herself with the fact that there could be many types of philosophers.
“Maybe… but I am absolutely not a Stoic- able to try to be resilient to misfortune. There would be some value to that, but what I’m saying is that I can’t be resilient to the extent that I am… not really, but almost, emotionless. That’s why I have to try to be optimistic. “
That being said, this decision might cost her a lot, but she thought she’d rather be with him than anywhere else.
She sighed and tried to smile. “Well, maybe my being with you will bring us luck- even if it might make it harder to concentrate on the war- I’m not completely insensitive to that, even if rubbing my back for luck might help us both.”
Or other places, her mind added. But if she looked forward to certain other things eagerly, she was also equally happy right now with the way things were already.
‘I’ve always loved you, Celine, but…”
“But…? “ She asked, hopefully urging him to continue. She was happily flushed from hearing him talk about the passion he felt. “I knew you saved it for me, that passion… that second kiss…I’ve never been kissed like that!” If she had known she had been the first to kiss Max, Celine might perhaps have felt even more surprised.
And then, after they kissed, he swept her off her feet.
‘I’ll just carry you like this,’ he said. ‘While I sneak around,’
She was well aware that he was referring only to the time when he wouldn’t be fighting battles, but she grinned up at him, her heart warm with adoration.