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It was a pleasant midsummer afternoon, warm and sunny, but much cooler than it had been over the past several weeks. Early in the day, Xanthippe suggested to her mistress that they might go on a picnic around lunchtime, rather than dine in the Great Hall. She knew how much Melina enjoyed the outdoors, and Xan truly loved to see the young woman happy. Of course, her lady immediately agreed, just as she’d expected. Smiling at Melina’s delight, the handmaid hastened to inform the kitchens of their plans so food would be ready for their departure.
It was a short walk to the nearby woods, Xanthippe content enough to carry the basket of food as she kept pace with her mistress. In public, she had to take the role of subservient attendant, trailing a few steps behind as a gesture of respect. When it was just the two of them, however, they stood on more equal ground. Besides, Melina didn’t know where they were going, and Xan did. It wouldn’t make much sense for her to bring up the rear in that case.
It was only another ten minutes before they came to the clearing Xan selected for their picnic, turning to see Melina’s reaction when they stepped past the tree line. It was a place the handmaid often came to be alone and clear her mind, when the voices in her head clamored so loud that she couldn’t hear herself any more. Most people, she would never dare to bring here—she had no wish for her secret place of peace to be disturbed. But she trusted Melina. If she asked her not to come, she wouldn’t. She couldn’t say the same of most others.
“Here we are,” she announced with a broad gesture of her hand, the charcoal peplos she wore fluttering in the breeze her movement created. “Do you like it?”
The look she gave Melina was almost puppy doggish in her eagerness; if she had a tail, it would have been wagging. Xanthippe thought it was a beautiful spot, the broad-leafed trees ringing the clearing offering a pleasant shade as the nearby babbling of a brook brought a soothing backdrop of natural music. Wildflowers grew in bunches within the tall grass, broad swaths of color painting an otherwise very green landscape.
Like the Elysian fields themselves.
Maybe even better.
“The last time I was here, I couldn’t help but think of you,” she said as she laid out the blanket for them to relax on. Setting the food basket down on one of the corners to keep it anchored, she flashed another smile Melina’s way. Her mistress had a way of bringing that out of her, the genuine smiles that were otherwise so rare. “I always come alone, but I knew you would enjoy it, too.”
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Sept 6, 2020 18:45:25 GMT
Posted In Safe With Me on Sept 6, 2020 18:45:25 GMT
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It was a pleasant midsummer afternoon, warm and sunny, but much cooler than it had been over the past several weeks. Early in the day, Xanthippe suggested to her mistress that they might go on a picnic around lunchtime, rather than dine in the Great Hall. She knew how much Melina enjoyed the outdoors, and Xan truly loved to see the young woman happy. Of course, her lady immediately agreed, just as she’d expected. Smiling at Melina’s delight, the handmaid hastened to inform the kitchens of their plans so food would be ready for their departure.
It was a short walk to the nearby woods, Xanthippe content enough to carry the basket of food as she kept pace with her mistress. In public, she had to take the role of subservient attendant, trailing a few steps behind as a gesture of respect. When it was just the two of them, however, they stood on more equal ground. Besides, Melina didn’t know where they were going, and Xan did. It wouldn’t make much sense for her to bring up the rear in that case.
It was only another ten minutes before they came to the clearing Xan selected for their picnic, turning to see Melina’s reaction when they stepped past the tree line. It was a place the handmaid often came to be alone and clear her mind, when the voices in her head clamored so loud that she couldn’t hear herself any more. Most people, she would never dare to bring here—she had no wish for her secret place of peace to be disturbed. But she trusted Melina. If she asked her not to come, she wouldn’t. She couldn’t say the same of most others.
“Here we are,” she announced with a broad gesture of her hand, the charcoal peplos she wore fluttering in the breeze her movement created. “Do you like it?”
The look she gave Melina was almost puppy doggish in her eagerness; if she had a tail, it would have been wagging. Xanthippe thought it was a beautiful spot, the broad-leafed trees ringing the clearing offering a pleasant shade as the nearby babbling of a brook brought a soothing backdrop of natural music. Wildflowers grew in bunches within the tall grass, broad swaths of color painting an otherwise very green landscape.
Like the Elysian fields themselves.
Maybe even better.
“The last time I was here, I couldn’t help but think of you,” she said as she laid out the blanket for them to relax on. Setting the food basket down on one of the corners to keep it anchored, she flashed another smile Melina’s way. Her mistress had a way of bringing that out of her, the genuine smiles that were otherwise so rare. “I always come alone, but I knew you would enjoy it, too.”
It was a pleasant midsummer afternoon, warm and sunny, but much cooler than it had been over the past several weeks. Early in the day, Xanthippe suggested to her mistress that they might go on a picnic around lunchtime, rather than dine in the Great Hall. She knew how much Melina enjoyed the outdoors, and Xan truly loved to see the young woman happy. Of course, her lady immediately agreed, just as she’d expected. Smiling at Melina’s delight, the handmaid hastened to inform the kitchens of their plans so food would be ready for their departure.
It was a short walk to the nearby woods, Xanthippe content enough to carry the basket of food as she kept pace with her mistress. In public, she had to take the role of subservient attendant, trailing a few steps behind as a gesture of respect. When it was just the two of them, however, they stood on more equal ground. Besides, Melina didn’t know where they were going, and Xan did. It wouldn’t make much sense for her to bring up the rear in that case.
It was only another ten minutes before they came to the clearing Xan selected for their picnic, turning to see Melina’s reaction when they stepped past the tree line. It was a place the handmaid often came to be alone and clear her mind, when the voices in her head clamored so loud that she couldn’t hear herself any more. Most people, she would never dare to bring here—she had no wish for her secret place of peace to be disturbed. But she trusted Melina. If she asked her not to come, she wouldn’t. She couldn’t say the same of most others.
“Here we are,” she announced with a broad gesture of her hand, the charcoal peplos she wore fluttering in the breeze her movement created. “Do you like it?”
The look she gave Melina was almost puppy doggish in her eagerness; if she had a tail, it would have been wagging. Xanthippe thought it was a beautiful spot, the broad-leafed trees ringing the clearing offering a pleasant shade as the nearby babbling of a brook brought a soothing backdrop of natural music. Wildflowers grew in bunches within the tall grass, broad swaths of color painting an otherwise very green landscape.
Like the Elysian fields themselves.
Maybe even better.
“The last time I was here, I couldn’t help but think of you,” she said as she laid out the blanket for them to relax on. Setting the food basket down on one of the corners to keep it anchored, she flashed another smile Melina’s way. Her mistress had a way of bringing that out of her, the genuine smiles that were otherwise so rare. “I always come alone, but I knew you would enjoy it, too.”
Melina’s one desire in the entire world was to be better. Surrounding her were her cousins, one more perfect than the next. Her mother was beautiful and charming, and her father powerful. And then… there was Melina. She was shy, often doubting her words even when she knew them to be correct. She failed time and time again, no matter how hard Melina tried. With each failure, there was one person who was always there. Each time Melina was put down, someone was there to pick her back up.
Xanthippe was not just a handmaiden to Melina. She was her best friend. She was the only person she could fully trust in this world. She was a guide, always coming up with smart ideas of what to do when Melina was lost. And so when she suggested a picnic, Melina did not even question it. She said yes immediately. Xanthippe wouldn’t ever lead her astray. The thoughts of finishing her latest book was instantly cast aside. Besides, going out to getting some air sounded absolutely lovely.
Melina of course didn’t mind when Xanthippe was at her side. In fact, this was what she preferred. She hated when they were in public and she would trail behind her. Even though Xan was still there, that bit of distance made the young Leventi nervous. Xan gave her the confidence that she lacked. Even if she were to fail, Xan would be at the ready to help her. So when she trailed behind, it felt more and more like Melina was alone again. She wasn’t ready for that just yet. Being alone was… just asking for failure.
Casting her thoughts aside, Melina followed Xan as they made their way to the clearing. It wasn’t a long walk, and yet Melina had never seen it before. Her eyes widened with excitement and a large smile lit her face. She was like a child, wishing to run around and laugh. This would have been an amazing place to go to with her sisters when they were young, but it was even more special now knowing it was a secret between her and Xan. Melina quickly moved to the brook, watching as the shallow water flowed over the rocks. She turned back to Xan with glimmering eyes. “I love it!” She said excitedly. She moved over to the flowers picking two lovely ones. She slipped one behind her ear so it would peek out from behind her hair before returning to Xan, holding out the second towards her. “You’re right, I do enjoy it!” Of course, Xan was right. She was always right. Despite their difference in station, Melina strove to be exactly like Xan. She was beautiful, confident, intelligent, strong everything that Melina was not. Honestly, it was a cruel twist of fate that led Melina to be a Lady and Xan to be a handmaiden. It should be the other way around.
“I wish I had known about this sooner.” She continued, twirling around to take another look before sitting back on the blanket. “I would have loved to spend time here reading. I didn’t know a place as perfect as this existed. And so close too!”
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Sept 6, 2020 18:59:53 GMT
Posted In Safe With Me on Sept 6, 2020 18:59:53 GMT
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Melina’s one desire in the entire world was to be better. Surrounding her were her cousins, one more perfect than the next. Her mother was beautiful and charming, and her father powerful. And then… there was Melina. She was shy, often doubting her words even when she knew them to be correct. She failed time and time again, no matter how hard Melina tried. With each failure, there was one person who was always there. Each time Melina was put down, someone was there to pick her back up.
Xanthippe was not just a handmaiden to Melina. She was her best friend. She was the only person she could fully trust in this world. She was a guide, always coming up with smart ideas of what to do when Melina was lost. And so when she suggested a picnic, Melina did not even question it. She said yes immediately. Xanthippe wouldn’t ever lead her astray. The thoughts of finishing her latest book was instantly cast aside. Besides, going out to getting some air sounded absolutely lovely.
Melina of course didn’t mind when Xanthippe was at her side. In fact, this was what she preferred. She hated when they were in public and she would trail behind her. Even though Xan was still there, that bit of distance made the young Leventi nervous. Xan gave her the confidence that she lacked. Even if she were to fail, Xan would be at the ready to help her. So when she trailed behind, it felt more and more like Melina was alone again. She wasn’t ready for that just yet. Being alone was… just asking for failure.
Casting her thoughts aside, Melina followed Xan as they made their way to the clearing. It wasn’t a long walk, and yet Melina had never seen it before. Her eyes widened with excitement and a large smile lit her face. She was like a child, wishing to run around and laugh. This would have been an amazing place to go to with her sisters when they were young, but it was even more special now knowing it was a secret between her and Xan. Melina quickly moved to the brook, watching as the shallow water flowed over the rocks. She turned back to Xan with glimmering eyes. “I love it!” She said excitedly. She moved over to the flowers picking two lovely ones. She slipped one behind her ear so it would peek out from behind her hair before returning to Xan, holding out the second towards her. “You’re right, I do enjoy it!” Of course, Xan was right. She was always right. Despite their difference in station, Melina strove to be exactly like Xan. She was beautiful, confident, intelligent, strong everything that Melina was not. Honestly, it was a cruel twist of fate that led Melina to be a Lady and Xan to be a handmaiden. It should be the other way around.
“I wish I had known about this sooner.” She continued, twirling around to take another look before sitting back on the blanket. “I would have loved to spend time here reading. I didn’t know a place as perfect as this existed. And so close too!”
Melina’s one desire in the entire world was to be better. Surrounding her were her cousins, one more perfect than the next. Her mother was beautiful and charming, and her father powerful. And then… there was Melina. She was shy, often doubting her words even when she knew them to be correct. She failed time and time again, no matter how hard Melina tried. With each failure, there was one person who was always there. Each time Melina was put down, someone was there to pick her back up.
Xanthippe was not just a handmaiden to Melina. She was her best friend. She was the only person she could fully trust in this world. She was a guide, always coming up with smart ideas of what to do when Melina was lost. And so when she suggested a picnic, Melina did not even question it. She said yes immediately. Xanthippe wouldn’t ever lead her astray. The thoughts of finishing her latest book was instantly cast aside. Besides, going out to getting some air sounded absolutely lovely.
Melina of course didn’t mind when Xanthippe was at her side. In fact, this was what she preferred. She hated when they were in public and she would trail behind her. Even though Xan was still there, that bit of distance made the young Leventi nervous. Xan gave her the confidence that she lacked. Even if she were to fail, Xan would be at the ready to help her. So when she trailed behind, it felt more and more like Melina was alone again. She wasn’t ready for that just yet. Being alone was… just asking for failure.
Casting her thoughts aside, Melina followed Xan as they made their way to the clearing. It wasn’t a long walk, and yet Melina had never seen it before. Her eyes widened with excitement and a large smile lit her face. She was like a child, wishing to run around and laugh. This would have been an amazing place to go to with her sisters when they were young, but it was even more special now knowing it was a secret between her and Xan. Melina quickly moved to the brook, watching as the shallow water flowed over the rocks. She turned back to Xan with glimmering eyes. “I love it!” She said excitedly. She moved over to the flowers picking two lovely ones. She slipped one behind her ear so it would peek out from behind her hair before returning to Xan, holding out the second towards her. “You’re right, I do enjoy it!” Of course, Xan was right. She was always right. Despite their difference in station, Melina strove to be exactly like Xan. She was beautiful, confident, intelligent, strong everything that Melina was not. Honestly, it was a cruel twist of fate that led Melina to be a Lady and Xan to be a handmaiden. It should be the other way around.
“I wish I had known about this sooner.” She continued, twirling around to take another look before sitting back on the blanket. “I would have loved to spend time here reading. I didn’t know a place as perfect as this existed. And so close too!”
Xanthippe watched Melina’s reaction with a grin, the glimmer of the woman’s eyes reward enough. Accepting the flower her mistress gifted her, she did not let her distaste for it show as she followed suit and tucked the blossom within her own golden locks. It was silly and not quite her style, but she would put a million flowers in her hair if Melina asked her to. Whatever made her happy. That was all that mattered.
Settling herself on the blanket, she watched as Melina twirled herself around in delight, spouting her excitement for this secret Xan had shared with her. Her smile deepened when the other woman settled herself beside her, her head inclining in acknowledgement of her praise. “It’s our secret now, yours and mine,” she said with a gentle nudge. “Not even your father knows about this spot.” Fotios knew Xanthippe came to the woods when she was overwhelmed, but not the spots she favored. It felt right, that she should share such a secret with Melina instead, especially with all the other secrets she shared with Fotios. She knew Melina could appreciate it for its beauty, even if Fotios would appreciate it for its secrecy.
“I’m glad you like it,” she added, almost shy. “I knew you would.”
You share too many secrets.
Melina can always be trusted.
Says who?
Says me. When has she ever given cause to doubt?
There’s a first time for everything.
Sometimes the gods liked to test her, Xanthippe knew that, but there were times it made her angry. Why should they ever have reason to question Melina, of all people? The mousey girl was the farthest thing from a threat that could be. As much as Xanthippe adored her, it was truly unclear who loved the other more. Melina would never betray her secrets. The gods knew that too.
Why must you always question me?
At this, they were infuriatingly silent, Xanthippe’s lip curling almost imperceptibly. Another test, then. Well, it was one she was going to ignore.
Turning to the basket of food, she started pulling out its contents. Apples, peaches, strips of dried goat, chunks of crusty bread and soft cheese, a jug of water, a jug of wine, two plates, and two cups all lay between the pair, Xanthippe gesturing for Melina to take her pick first. Once she had, the handmaid picked up her own plate, taking a little bit of everything but the wine. She had the occasional glass with dinner or when she sat alone with Fotios in his lordship’s study, but she had learned her lesson about drinking it too often years ago. It was a lesson she had only needed to learn once.
“I brought you here so you could return any time you like,” Xanthippe said once their plates were full, looking over at Melina as she broke up a piece of the meat with her fingers. “But there will be times I ask to be alone. Of course, I’m sure you won’t mind if I stay that way.” While it wasn’t exactly an order, considering their difference in station, it might as well have been. Not exactly the normal relationship when it came to lady and servant, but their dynamic wasn’t quite… ordinary.
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Sept 6, 2020 19:01:41 GMT
Posted In Safe With Me on Sept 6, 2020 19:01:41 GMT
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Xanthippe watched Melina’s reaction with a grin, the glimmer of the woman’s eyes reward enough. Accepting the flower her mistress gifted her, she did not let her distaste for it show as she followed suit and tucked the blossom within her own golden locks. It was silly and not quite her style, but she would put a million flowers in her hair if Melina asked her to. Whatever made her happy. That was all that mattered.
Settling herself on the blanket, she watched as Melina twirled herself around in delight, spouting her excitement for this secret Xan had shared with her. Her smile deepened when the other woman settled herself beside her, her head inclining in acknowledgement of her praise. “It’s our secret now, yours and mine,” she said with a gentle nudge. “Not even your father knows about this spot.” Fotios knew Xanthippe came to the woods when she was overwhelmed, but not the spots she favored. It felt right, that she should share such a secret with Melina instead, especially with all the other secrets she shared with Fotios. She knew Melina could appreciate it for its beauty, even if Fotios would appreciate it for its secrecy.
“I’m glad you like it,” she added, almost shy. “I knew you would.”
You share too many secrets.
Melina can always be trusted.
Says who?
Says me. When has she ever given cause to doubt?
There’s a first time for everything.
Sometimes the gods liked to test her, Xanthippe knew that, but there were times it made her angry. Why should they ever have reason to question Melina, of all people? The mousey girl was the farthest thing from a threat that could be. As much as Xanthippe adored her, it was truly unclear who loved the other more. Melina would never betray her secrets. The gods knew that too.
Why must you always question me?
At this, they were infuriatingly silent, Xanthippe’s lip curling almost imperceptibly. Another test, then. Well, it was one she was going to ignore.
Turning to the basket of food, she started pulling out its contents. Apples, peaches, strips of dried goat, chunks of crusty bread and soft cheese, a jug of water, a jug of wine, two plates, and two cups all lay between the pair, Xanthippe gesturing for Melina to take her pick first. Once she had, the handmaid picked up her own plate, taking a little bit of everything but the wine. She had the occasional glass with dinner or when she sat alone with Fotios in his lordship’s study, but she had learned her lesson about drinking it too often years ago. It was a lesson she had only needed to learn once.
“I brought you here so you could return any time you like,” Xanthippe said once their plates were full, looking over at Melina as she broke up a piece of the meat with her fingers. “But there will be times I ask to be alone. Of course, I’m sure you won’t mind if I stay that way.” While it wasn’t exactly an order, considering their difference in station, it might as well have been. Not exactly the normal relationship when it came to lady and servant, but their dynamic wasn’t quite… ordinary.
Xanthippe watched Melina’s reaction with a grin, the glimmer of the woman’s eyes reward enough. Accepting the flower her mistress gifted her, she did not let her distaste for it show as she followed suit and tucked the blossom within her own golden locks. It was silly and not quite her style, but she would put a million flowers in her hair if Melina asked her to. Whatever made her happy. That was all that mattered.
Settling herself on the blanket, she watched as Melina twirled herself around in delight, spouting her excitement for this secret Xan had shared with her. Her smile deepened when the other woman settled herself beside her, her head inclining in acknowledgement of her praise. “It’s our secret now, yours and mine,” she said with a gentle nudge. “Not even your father knows about this spot.” Fotios knew Xanthippe came to the woods when she was overwhelmed, but not the spots she favored. It felt right, that she should share such a secret with Melina instead, especially with all the other secrets she shared with Fotios. She knew Melina could appreciate it for its beauty, even if Fotios would appreciate it for its secrecy.
“I’m glad you like it,” she added, almost shy. “I knew you would.”
You share too many secrets.
Melina can always be trusted.
Says who?
Says me. When has she ever given cause to doubt?
There’s a first time for everything.
Sometimes the gods liked to test her, Xanthippe knew that, but there were times it made her angry. Why should they ever have reason to question Melina, of all people? The mousey girl was the farthest thing from a threat that could be. As much as Xanthippe adored her, it was truly unclear who loved the other more. Melina would never betray her secrets. The gods knew that too.
Why must you always question me?
At this, they were infuriatingly silent, Xanthippe’s lip curling almost imperceptibly. Another test, then. Well, it was one she was going to ignore.
Turning to the basket of food, she started pulling out its contents. Apples, peaches, strips of dried goat, chunks of crusty bread and soft cheese, a jug of water, a jug of wine, two plates, and two cups all lay between the pair, Xanthippe gesturing for Melina to take her pick first. Once she had, the handmaid picked up her own plate, taking a little bit of everything but the wine. She had the occasional glass with dinner or when she sat alone with Fotios in his lordship’s study, but she had learned her lesson about drinking it too often years ago. It was a lesson she had only needed to learn once.
“I brought you here so you could return any time you like,” Xanthippe said once their plates were full, looking over at Melina as she broke up a piece of the meat with her fingers. “But there will be times I ask to be alone. Of course, I’m sure you won’t mind if I stay that way.” While it wasn’t exactly an order, considering their difference in station, it might as well have been. Not exactly the normal relationship when it came to lady and servant, but their dynamic wasn’t quite… ordinary.
Bread, cheese, wine what more could Melina ask for? A book, perhaps, but with Xan here she didn’t feel the need to withdraw herself to the comfort of her pages. Despite a distinct difference of stature, Melina saw Xan almost as a fourth sister. At the very least she was her closest and dearest friend.
Which was why when Xan said ’Of course, I’m sure you won’t mind if I stay that way.’ Melina did not quirk a brow. She was not offended by her tone or the way she phrased her request. To Melina, there was absolutely nothing wrong with the way Xan spoke. She was not phased, she didn’t even notice that to an outsider this may be seen as rude or uncouth. Xanthippe had every right to speak her mind and say whatever she wished to say- however she wished to say it. Melina would always listen to Xanthippe, without a second thought.
Melina nibbled on some cheese and looked once more at the babbling creek. “Of course I wouldn’t mind, Xan. You absolutely deserve your privacy.” Melina wondered what it was Xan did in those private hours. A thought that hadn’t crossed her mind before. The two spent so much time together, but what were her hobbies? Did Xan come here to exercise? To read?
Maybe she had a secret boyfriend! Melina almost giggled at the thought. Her mind turned to one of the romance novels she kept at her bedside. She couldn’t imagine Xan as some damsel waiting for her prince charming. The thought of Xan even holding a man’s hand and looking at him with eyes filled with love and affection was… well Melina didn’t imagine Xan falling for anyone anytime soon. Though if she were Melina of course would be more than happy for her. She’d miss Xan if she were to leave the Leventi house, but she did deserve happiness, after all.
Melina opened her mouth to ask something when suddenly she heard a cracking of a stick. “Did you hear that?” Just as the words came out of her mouth, a loud sound filled the air. A series of grunts, like a farm animal, could be heard. Then seemingly out of nowhere, something ran between the girls. Food flew everywhere, water and wine spilling onto the ground. Melina scampered back, narrowly missing a charging boar. Her wrist twisted under her as she moved and she heard a crack followed by some pain, but it was not near so painful enough to distract her from the terrifying moment.
Wide-eyed and afraid, Melina looked at the creature. It had black, beady eyes. The lady quivered, unsure as to what to do. Should she run? Judging by its speed she wouldn’t be able to outrun it. Should she climb a tree? With what strength? Should she… fight?
Melina knew at the very least she would have to get to her feet. As she did the creature dug it’s hooves to the ground and charged at the two girls. Melina gave a girlish scream and stumbled back.
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Sept 6, 2020 23:57:54 GMT
Posted In Safe With Me on Sept 6, 2020 23:57:54 GMT
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Bread, cheese, wine what more could Melina ask for? A book, perhaps, but with Xan here she didn’t feel the need to withdraw herself to the comfort of her pages. Despite a distinct difference of stature, Melina saw Xan almost as a fourth sister. At the very least she was her closest and dearest friend.
Which was why when Xan said ’Of course, I’m sure you won’t mind if I stay that way.’ Melina did not quirk a brow. She was not offended by her tone or the way she phrased her request. To Melina, there was absolutely nothing wrong with the way Xan spoke. She was not phased, she didn’t even notice that to an outsider this may be seen as rude or uncouth. Xanthippe had every right to speak her mind and say whatever she wished to say- however she wished to say it. Melina would always listen to Xanthippe, without a second thought.
Melina nibbled on some cheese and looked once more at the babbling creek. “Of course I wouldn’t mind, Xan. You absolutely deserve your privacy.” Melina wondered what it was Xan did in those private hours. A thought that hadn’t crossed her mind before. The two spent so much time together, but what were her hobbies? Did Xan come here to exercise? To read?
Maybe she had a secret boyfriend! Melina almost giggled at the thought. Her mind turned to one of the romance novels she kept at her bedside. She couldn’t imagine Xan as some damsel waiting for her prince charming. The thought of Xan even holding a man’s hand and looking at him with eyes filled with love and affection was… well Melina didn’t imagine Xan falling for anyone anytime soon. Though if she were Melina of course would be more than happy for her. She’d miss Xan if she were to leave the Leventi house, but she did deserve happiness, after all.
Melina opened her mouth to ask something when suddenly she heard a cracking of a stick. “Did you hear that?” Just as the words came out of her mouth, a loud sound filled the air. A series of grunts, like a farm animal, could be heard. Then seemingly out of nowhere, something ran between the girls. Food flew everywhere, water and wine spilling onto the ground. Melina scampered back, narrowly missing a charging boar. Her wrist twisted under her as she moved and she heard a crack followed by some pain, but it was not near so painful enough to distract her from the terrifying moment.
Wide-eyed and afraid, Melina looked at the creature. It had black, beady eyes. The lady quivered, unsure as to what to do. Should she run? Judging by its speed she wouldn’t be able to outrun it. Should she climb a tree? With what strength? Should she… fight?
Melina knew at the very least she would have to get to her feet. As she did the creature dug it’s hooves to the ground and charged at the two girls. Melina gave a girlish scream and stumbled back.
Bread, cheese, wine what more could Melina ask for? A book, perhaps, but with Xan here she didn’t feel the need to withdraw herself to the comfort of her pages. Despite a distinct difference of stature, Melina saw Xan almost as a fourth sister. At the very least she was her closest and dearest friend.
Which was why when Xan said ’Of course, I’m sure you won’t mind if I stay that way.’ Melina did not quirk a brow. She was not offended by her tone or the way she phrased her request. To Melina, there was absolutely nothing wrong with the way Xan spoke. She was not phased, she didn’t even notice that to an outsider this may be seen as rude or uncouth. Xanthippe had every right to speak her mind and say whatever she wished to say- however she wished to say it. Melina would always listen to Xanthippe, without a second thought.
Melina nibbled on some cheese and looked once more at the babbling creek. “Of course I wouldn’t mind, Xan. You absolutely deserve your privacy.” Melina wondered what it was Xan did in those private hours. A thought that hadn’t crossed her mind before. The two spent so much time together, but what were her hobbies? Did Xan come here to exercise? To read?
Maybe she had a secret boyfriend! Melina almost giggled at the thought. Her mind turned to one of the romance novels she kept at her bedside. She couldn’t imagine Xan as some damsel waiting for her prince charming. The thought of Xan even holding a man’s hand and looking at him with eyes filled with love and affection was… well Melina didn’t imagine Xan falling for anyone anytime soon. Though if she were Melina of course would be more than happy for her. She’d miss Xan if she were to leave the Leventi house, but she did deserve happiness, after all.
Melina opened her mouth to ask something when suddenly she heard a cracking of a stick. “Did you hear that?” Just as the words came out of her mouth, a loud sound filled the air. A series of grunts, like a farm animal, could be heard. Then seemingly out of nowhere, something ran between the girls. Food flew everywhere, water and wine spilling onto the ground. Melina scampered back, narrowly missing a charging boar. Her wrist twisted under her as she moved and she heard a crack followed by some pain, but it was not near so painful enough to distract her from the terrifying moment.
Wide-eyed and afraid, Melina looked at the creature. It had black, beady eyes. The lady quivered, unsure as to what to do. Should she run? Judging by its speed she wouldn’t be able to outrun it. Should she climb a tree? With what strength? Should she… fight?
Melina knew at the very least she would have to get to her feet. As she did the creature dug it’s hooves to the ground and charged at the two girls. Melina gave a girlish scream and stumbled back.
Of course I wouldn’t mind, Xan. You absolutely deserve your privacy.
What a sweet girl Melina was, Xanthippe’s lips tilting up into a smile. Nodding, she thanked her, picking up a chunk of the cheese and biting into it. Of course she didn’t mind—Xan knew she wouldn’t. She could be trusted, just like she’d insisted to the gods before. Melina always understood.
Content in both her food and her company, Xanthippe’s guard was down, uncharacteristically so. Her charge was the first one to notice the unusual sounds, a slight frown drawing her brows together when the Leventi commented on them. Lazy and indolent with her contentment, she was too slow to turn, and before she could react, the animal was charging between them and disrupting the careful order of their little picnic site. Eyes wide, Xan jumped to her feet in the nick of time, the wind created by the creature’s passing threatening to knock her over.
She did not fall, however, regaining her senses with an almost unnatural speed. “My lady, run behind the tree line,” she said as she hiked the skirt of her chiton up her leg, unsheathing the knife she kept strapped there. “I will handle this.” There was no time to glance back at her mistress and see if she obeyed; if she was going to keep her safe, she couldn’t let the boar out of her sight. Her only concern in that moment was Melina’s safety, and she cursed herself for bringing her here in the first place.
But this… she hadn’t expected this. She often came to the woods to hunt, but not this place. It had always been a peaceful sanctuary, and she hadn’t even considered the possibility of something like this happening. She would not be making that mistake again.
Xanthippe was tall for a woman, but her slight figure standing off with the massive boar was almost laughable. As it was, however, the handmaid would place the odds in her favor. She spent hours and hours of her week training her body into the weapon it was, and even if a knife was not exactly an… ideal weapon to take down a boar, she knew what she was capable of. Only one of them would be walking away from this alive, and it wouldn’t be the boar.
Idly, she did think it strange that it had come barging out of nowhere like this. Animals did not typically react in ways so counterintuitive to their natures; attack without provocation was rare. Had they disrupted it somehow in their walk? Were their voices too loud? She supposed it was possible, but she thought it more likely the thing was just sick and addled. Which could make it less dangerous… or even more so.
Protect Melina.
Always protect Melina.
Oh, now she’s worthy of it, is she?
She always has been. It was not me that suggested otherwise.
Notice now how the one who did goes silent.
The boar geared up to charge again and Xanthippe shifted her focus to the animal careening toward her. At the last moment, she moved out of its way, striking out with the knife—aiming for the throat, but catching only its shoulder in the passage. Making a face at the swine’s ensuing scream, she shook her head. Great. Now she’d only managed to piss it off.
It charged her again, Xan only moving out of the way fast enough to avoid it bowling her over; as it was, it did nearly manage to take out her knee, its tusk grazing along the flesh to open a gash in the side of her leg. However, she remained silent; pain was an illusion, a measure of strength. And she was stronger.
Warily circling as it eyed her, it ran for her again, and this time when she struck out, she did manage to catch the side of its throat—blood spewing over both of them in a grisly shower of crimson. It wasn’t done yet, though, only slowed down. Death was in its eyes, and Xanthippe knew she had won, but she couldn’t stop yet. She had to outwait its final throes.
However, the prospect of death imbued the creature with its final strength, Xanthippe quickly deciding the best option now would be to draw it off in the opposite direction of where Melina headed. Sprinting that way, she scaled the first tree she saw with low enough branches to grab, halting when she was out of its reach. Hooves struck the base of the tree while Xanthippe glared down at it, repositioning her dagger so she could throw it instead. Taking careful aim for one of the eyes that glared at her so hatefully, she let loose—striking true with a sigh of relief.
Another squeal and it was reeling back and falling to its side—a few kicks where it lay its last rebellion against death. Once it was still, Xanthippe climbed back down, retrieved her knife, wiped it on the stained fabric of her chiton, and scanned the clearing for Melina’s retreat.
“My lady?” she called out with a frown, cupping her hands around her mouth to amplify her voice. “Where are you?”
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Of course I wouldn’t mind, Xan. You absolutely deserve your privacy.
What a sweet girl Melina was, Xanthippe’s lips tilting up into a smile. Nodding, she thanked her, picking up a chunk of the cheese and biting into it. Of course she didn’t mind—Xan knew she wouldn’t. She could be trusted, just like she’d insisted to the gods before. Melina always understood.
Content in both her food and her company, Xanthippe’s guard was down, uncharacteristically so. Her charge was the first one to notice the unusual sounds, a slight frown drawing her brows together when the Leventi commented on them. Lazy and indolent with her contentment, she was too slow to turn, and before she could react, the animal was charging between them and disrupting the careful order of their little picnic site. Eyes wide, Xan jumped to her feet in the nick of time, the wind created by the creature’s passing threatening to knock her over.
She did not fall, however, regaining her senses with an almost unnatural speed. “My lady, run behind the tree line,” she said as she hiked the skirt of her chiton up her leg, unsheathing the knife she kept strapped there. “I will handle this.” There was no time to glance back at her mistress and see if she obeyed; if she was going to keep her safe, she couldn’t let the boar out of her sight. Her only concern in that moment was Melina’s safety, and she cursed herself for bringing her here in the first place.
But this… she hadn’t expected this. She often came to the woods to hunt, but not this place. It had always been a peaceful sanctuary, and she hadn’t even considered the possibility of something like this happening. She would not be making that mistake again.
Xanthippe was tall for a woman, but her slight figure standing off with the massive boar was almost laughable. As it was, however, the handmaid would place the odds in her favor. She spent hours and hours of her week training her body into the weapon it was, and even if a knife was not exactly an… ideal weapon to take down a boar, she knew what she was capable of. Only one of them would be walking away from this alive, and it wouldn’t be the boar.
Idly, she did think it strange that it had come barging out of nowhere like this. Animals did not typically react in ways so counterintuitive to their natures; attack without provocation was rare. Had they disrupted it somehow in their walk? Were their voices too loud? She supposed it was possible, but she thought it more likely the thing was just sick and addled. Which could make it less dangerous… or even more so.
Protect Melina.
Always protect Melina.
Oh, now she’s worthy of it, is she?
She always has been. It was not me that suggested otherwise.
Notice now how the one who did goes silent.
The boar geared up to charge again and Xanthippe shifted her focus to the animal careening toward her. At the last moment, she moved out of its way, striking out with the knife—aiming for the throat, but catching only its shoulder in the passage. Making a face at the swine’s ensuing scream, she shook her head. Great. Now she’d only managed to piss it off.
It charged her again, Xan only moving out of the way fast enough to avoid it bowling her over; as it was, it did nearly manage to take out her knee, its tusk grazing along the flesh to open a gash in the side of her leg. However, she remained silent; pain was an illusion, a measure of strength. And she was stronger.
Warily circling as it eyed her, it ran for her again, and this time when she struck out, she did manage to catch the side of its throat—blood spewing over both of them in a grisly shower of crimson. It wasn’t done yet, though, only slowed down. Death was in its eyes, and Xanthippe knew she had won, but she couldn’t stop yet. She had to outwait its final throes.
However, the prospect of death imbued the creature with its final strength, Xanthippe quickly deciding the best option now would be to draw it off in the opposite direction of where Melina headed. Sprinting that way, she scaled the first tree she saw with low enough branches to grab, halting when she was out of its reach. Hooves struck the base of the tree while Xanthippe glared down at it, repositioning her dagger so she could throw it instead. Taking careful aim for one of the eyes that glared at her so hatefully, she let loose—striking true with a sigh of relief.
Another squeal and it was reeling back and falling to its side—a few kicks where it lay its last rebellion against death. Once it was still, Xanthippe climbed back down, retrieved her knife, wiped it on the stained fabric of her chiton, and scanned the clearing for Melina’s retreat.
“My lady?” she called out with a frown, cupping her hands around her mouth to amplify her voice. “Where are you?”
Of course I wouldn’t mind, Xan. You absolutely deserve your privacy.
What a sweet girl Melina was, Xanthippe’s lips tilting up into a smile. Nodding, she thanked her, picking up a chunk of the cheese and biting into it. Of course she didn’t mind—Xan knew she wouldn’t. She could be trusted, just like she’d insisted to the gods before. Melina always understood.
Content in both her food and her company, Xanthippe’s guard was down, uncharacteristically so. Her charge was the first one to notice the unusual sounds, a slight frown drawing her brows together when the Leventi commented on them. Lazy and indolent with her contentment, she was too slow to turn, and before she could react, the animal was charging between them and disrupting the careful order of their little picnic site. Eyes wide, Xan jumped to her feet in the nick of time, the wind created by the creature’s passing threatening to knock her over.
She did not fall, however, regaining her senses with an almost unnatural speed. “My lady, run behind the tree line,” she said as she hiked the skirt of her chiton up her leg, unsheathing the knife she kept strapped there. “I will handle this.” There was no time to glance back at her mistress and see if she obeyed; if she was going to keep her safe, she couldn’t let the boar out of her sight. Her only concern in that moment was Melina’s safety, and she cursed herself for bringing her here in the first place.
But this… she hadn’t expected this. She often came to the woods to hunt, but not this place. It had always been a peaceful sanctuary, and she hadn’t even considered the possibility of something like this happening. She would not be making that mistake again.
Xanthippe was tall for a woman, but her slight figure standing off with the massive boar was almost laughable. As it was, however, the handmaid would place the odds in her favor. She spent hours and hours of her week training her body into the weapon it was, and even if a knife was not exactly an… ideal weapon to take down a boar, she knew what she was capable of. Only one of them would be walking away from this alive, and it wouldn’t be the boar.
Idly, she did think it strange that it had come barging out of nowhere like this. Animals did not typically react in ways so counterintuitive to their natures; attack without provocation was rare. Had they disrupted it somehow in their walk? Were their voices too loud? She supposed it was possible, but she thought it more likely the thing was just sick and addled. Which could make it less dangerous… or even more so.
Protect Melina.
Always protect Melina.
Oh, now she’s worthy of it, is she?
She always has been. It was not me that suggested otherwise.
Notice now how the one who did goes silent.
The boar geared up to charge again and Xanthippe shifted her focus to the animal careening toward her. At the last moment, she moved out of its way, striking out with the knife—aiming for the throat, but catching only its shoulder in the passage. Making a face at the swine’s ensuing scream, she shook her head. Great. Now she’d only managed to piss it off.
It charged her again, Xan only moving out of the way fast enough to avoid it bowling her over; as it was, it did nearly manage to take out her knee, its tusk grazing along the flesh to open a gash in the side of her leg. However, she remained silent; pain was an illusion, a measure of strength. And she was stronger.
Warily circling as it eyed her, it ran for her again, and this time when she struck out, she did manage to catch the side of its throat—blood spewing over both of them in a grisly shower of crimson. It wasn’t done yet, though, only slowed down. Death was in its eyes, and Xanthippe knew she had won, but she couldn’t stop yet. She had to outwait its final throes.
However, the prospect of death imbued the creature with its final strength, Xanthippe quickly deciding the best option now would be to draw it off in the opposite direction of where Melina headed. Sprinting that way, she scaled the first tree she saw with low enough branches to grab, halting when she was out of its reach. Hooves struck the base of the tree while Xanthippe glared down at it, repositioning her dagger so she could throw it instead. Taking careful aim for one of the eyes that glared at her so hatefully, she let loose—striking true with a sigh of relief.
Another squeal and it was reeling back and falling to its side—a few kicks where it lay its last rebellion against death. Once it was still, Xanthippe climbed back down, retrieved her knife, wiped it on the stained fabric of her chiton, and scanned the clearing for Melina’s retreat.
“My lady?” she called out with a frown, cupping her hands around her mouth to amplify her voice. “Where are you?”
My lady, run behind the tree line.
Melina wanted to protest. But what about Xan? What if she was hurt! Melina, however, was smart. She trusted Xan with her whole heart and knew that this was the best way to get them both out of danger. Xan was stronger than anyone Melina ever knew. She was stronger than even men!
But also Xan would never lead Melina astray. Even in danger, Xan would keep Melina safe. So Melina listened even if her heart was screaming at her not to. She ran into the tree line as fast as she could.
Please, Lady Artemis, protect Xan. Melina prayed as she sprinted. Give her the strength in order to make the predator her prey.
Melina was not by any means an agile, graceful person. She was not like her cousins who walked as if they were hovering off the ground. Melina didn’t just have two left feet, she had two left broken feet. As she sprinted away from the scene, her foot caught on a stray branch.
Thump. Melina fell face-first into the dirt. Her hands went out in front of her, which was a mistake because the already twisted wrist just cracked even more. She bit her tongue to keep her howling in intense pain. She did not wish to attract any more animals when Xan was not around to save her.
She looked down at her wrist. It was purple and gross. It made Melina feel ill. She looked down at her knees and saw that they were scrapped. Blood was running down it.
Blood. Melina paled and looked up at the sky. She could handle pain, even if it brought tears to her eyes. She could handle her purple wrist, even if it was super gross. But what she could not handle was a scrapped need. In specific, Melina could not handle the sight of blood. She felt bile start to rise up her throat that she desperately needed to push down. She saw blackspots being to crowd her vision.
No, Melina. Get a hold of yourself. She wasn’t anywhere safe that she could act this way. She could hear the squeals in the background grow silent. Was the bore dead? Or was Xan…?
My lady? Where are you?
Thank the gods! Melina would have to make sure to stop at the Temple of Artemis and thank her for protecting Xan. Melina hurried towards the voice. “Here, I’m over here, Xan!” Melina called ignoring the stinging of her knee and cradling the injured wrist to her chest.
Melina saw more blood stained on Xan’s chiton. Once more she paled and stared at the sky. Oh how she hoped that was the bore’s blood. It had better be the bore’s blood. “Are you okay, Xan? I was worried! You aren’t injured, are you?” Melina would be beside herself if Xan had hurt herself just to protect Melina. She gave too much to her and her family. Her safety shouldn’t be one of them.
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Sept 9, 2020 19:57:02 GMT
Posted In Safe With Me on Sept 9, 2020 19:57:02 GMT
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My lady, run behind the tree line.
Melina wanted to protest. But what about Xan? What if she was hurt! Melina, however, was smart. She trusted Xan with her whole heart and knew that this was the best way to get them both out of danger. Xan was stronger than anyone Melina ever knew. She was stronger than even men!
But also Xan would never lead Melina astray. Even in danger, Xan would keep Melina safe. So Melina listened even if her heart was screaming at her not to. She ran into the tree line as fast as she could.
Please, Lady Artemis, protect Xan. Melina prayed as she sprinted. Give her the strength in order to make the predator her prey.
Melina was not by any means an agile, graceful person. She was not like her cousins who walked as if they were hovering off the ground. Melina didn’t just have two left feet, she had two left broken feet. As she sprinted away from the scene, her foot caught on a stray branch.
Thump. Melina fell face-first into the dirt. Her hands went out in front of her, which was a mistake because the already twisted wrist just cracked even more. She bit her tongue to keep her howling in intense pain. She did not wish to attract any more animals when Xan was not around to save her.
She looked down at her wrist. It was purple and gross. It made Melina feel ill. She looked down at her knees and saw that they were scrapped. Blood was running down it.
Blood. Melina paled and looked up at the sky. She could handle pain, even if it brought tears to her eyes. She could handle her purple wrist, even if it was super gross. But what she could not handle was a scrapped need. In specific, Melina could not handle the sight of blood. She felt bile start to rise up her throat that she desperately needed to push down. She saw blackspots being to crowd her vision.
No, Melina. Get a hold of yourself. She wasn’t anywhere safe that she could act this way. She could hear the squeals in the background grow silent. Was the bore dead? Or was Xan…?
My lady? Where are you?
Thank the gods! Melina would have to make sure to stop at the Temple of Artemis and thank her for protecting Xan. Melina hurried towards the voice. “Here, I’m over here, Xan!” Melina called ignoring the stinging of her knee and cradling the injured wrist to her chest.
Melina saw more blood stained on Xan’s chiton. Once more she paled and stared at the sky. Oh how she hoped that was the bore’s blood. It had better be the bore’s blood. “Are you okay, Xan? I was worried! You aren’t injured, are you?” Melina would be beside herself if Xan had hurt herself just to protect Melina. She gave too much to her and her family. Her safety shouldn’t be one of them.
My lady, run behind the tree line.
Melina wanted to protest. But what about Xan? What if she was hurt! Melina, however, was smart. She trusted Xan with her whole heart and knew that this was the best way to get them both out of danger. Xan was stronger than anyone Melina ever knew. She was stronger than even men!
But also Xan would never lead Melina astray. Even in danger, Xan would keep Melina safe. So Melina listened even if her heart was screaming at her not to. She ran into the tree line as fast as she could.
Please, Lady Artemis, protect Xan. Melina prayed as she sprinted. Give her the strength in order to make the predator her prey.
Melina was not by any means an agile, graceful person. She was not like her cousins who walked as if they were hovering off the ground. Melina didn’t just have two left feet, she had two left broken feet. As she sprinted away from the scene, her foot caught on a stray branch.
Thump. Melina fell face-first into the dirt. Her hands went out in front of her, which was a mistake because the already twisted wrist just cracked even more. She bit her tongue to keep her howling in intense pain. She did not wish to attract any more animals when Xan was not around to save her.
She looked down at her wrist. It was purple and gross. It made Melina feel ill. She looked down at her knees and saw that they were scrapped. Blood was running down it.
Blood. Melina paled and looked up at the sky. She could handle pain, even if it brought tears to her eyes. She could handle her purple wrist, even if it was super gross. But what she could not handle was a scrapped need. In specific, Melina could not handle the sight of blood. She felt bile start to rise up her throat that she desperately needed to push down. She saw blackspots being to crowd her vision.
No, Melina. Get a hold of yourself. She wasn’t anywhere safe that she could act this way. She could hear the squeals in the background grow silent. Was the bore dead? Or was Xan…?
My lady? Where are you?
Thank the gods! Melina would have to make sure to stop at the Temple of Artemis and thank her for protecting Xan. Melina hurried towards the voice. “Here, I’m over here, Xan!” Melina called ignoring the stinging of her knee and cradling the injured wrist to her chest.
Melina saw more blood stained on Xan’s chiton. Once more she paled and stared at the sky. Oh how she hoped that was the bore’s blood. It had better be the bore’s blood. “Are you okay, Xan? I was worried! You aren’t injured, are you?” Melina would be beside herself if Xan had hurt herself just to protect Melina. She gave too much to her and her family. Her safety shouldn’t be one of them.
The relief that flooded her at the sight of Melina limping toward her, intact, was indescribable. Releasing a breath she didn’t even realize she’d been holding, she rushed toward her mistress, looking her over for potential injury, while thanking the gods within her head for sparing her beloved charge. When she saw the bloodied knees and purple wrist, her vision clouded, ushering Melina over to the disheveled blanket.
“Sit, my lady, please,” she told her, gently helping her lower herself down. Shrugging off Melina’s concern, she shook her head. “I’m fine. Just a scratch.” Truthfully, she didn’t know how deep the gash from the boar was, but her own misfortune did not concern her in that moment. She would be fine. Idly flexing the hand where half of her pinky no longer resided, she shook her head. She had sustained worse.
Once Melina was settled relatively comfortably, she warned her, “I’m going to lift your skirt. Look away if you don’t want to see.” She wasn’t really sure which to tend first, but considering the blood, she thought she would look at her leg first and make sure it wasn’t anything that needed to be stitched. What she did know, however, was Melina’s distaste for blood, and the woman already looked faint. She didn’t want to be hauling her unconscious body back to the manor.
She made a face as she lifted the chiton—Melina’s knees were a bloody mess. Grabbing up the jug of water, she poured it over the wounds and nodded as the sanguine fluid started dripping away. It looked messier than it really was; the wounds were minor and would heal without too much trouble. Ripping off a length of her own chiton, she dabbed gently at the scrapes and nodded again. Good, they were already starting to clot. They shouldn’t have to do anything further.
Her wrist, on the other hand… Xanthippe frowned as she asked Melina, “Hold out your arm, please?” Waiting until she did so, she very carefully took her hand and turned it as gently as she could. In most, she would have relished the pain such an action caused—deliberately twisting until the limb snapped. But not Melina. Her pain was not a pain Xan could bear.
“I think it might be broken,” she said with a grimace. “Sprained, at least. It will need to be splinted and wrapped, and I do not have the skill or the materials to do so. We’ll need to head back home.” While Xan could patch minor wounds with some ease, she could not set broken bones, nor would she try. What if she set it wrong and Melina had a crippled hand forever? No, that would not do. Someone else would have to tend her, as much as the thought repelled Xanthippe.
“Are you all right, other than this?” she asked, a slight frown forming between her brows as she looked Melina over again for anything she might have missed. “How did this happen? Did you fall?”
For once, the gods had nothing to say, even with Melina sitting damaged before her. It was curious, the silence they always adopted after she killed. Normally, she relished it, but now… she could have used their advice.
Why are you never around when I need you?
Silence.
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The relief that flooded her at the sight of Melina limping toward her, intact, was indescribable. Releasing a breath she didn’t even realize she’d been holding, she rushed toward her mistress, looking her over for potential injury, while thanking the gods within her head for sparing her beloved charge. When she saw the bloodied knees and purple wrist, her vision clouded, ushering Melina over to the disheveled blanket.
“Sit, my lady, please,” she told her, gently helping her lower herself down. Shrugging off Melina’s concern, she shook her head. “I’m fine. Just a scratch.” Truthfully, she didn’t know how deep the gash from the boar was, but her own misfortune did not concern her in that moment. She would be fine. Idly flexing the hand where half of her pinky no longer resided, she shook her head. She had sustained worse.
Once Melina was settled relatively comfortably, she warned her, “I’m going to lift your skirt. Look away if you don’t want to see.” She wasn’t really sure which to tend first, but considering the blood, she thought she would look at her leg first and make sure it wasn’t anything that needed to be stitched. What she did know, however, was Melina’s distaste for blood, and the woman already looked faint. She didn’t want to be hauling her unconscious body back to the manor.
She made a face as she lifted the chiton—Melina’s knees were a bloody mess. Grabbing up the jug of water, she poured it over the wounds and nodded as the sanguine fluid started dripping away. It looked messier than it really was; the wounds were minor and would heal without too much trouble. Ripping off a length of her own chiton, she dabbed gently at the scrapes and nodded again. Good, they were already starting to clot. They shouldn’t have to do anything further.
Her wrist, on the other hand… Xanthippe frowned as she asked Melina, “Hold out your arm, please?” Waiting until she did so, she very carefully took her hand and turned it as gently as she could. In most, she would have relished the pain such an action caused—deliberately twisting until the limb snapped. But not Melina. Her pain was not a pain Xan could bear.
“I think it might be broken,” she said with a grimace. “Sprained, at least. It will need to be splinted and wrapped, and I do not have the skill or the materials to do so. We’ll need to head back home.” While Xan could patch minor wounds with some ease, she could not set broken bones, nor would she try. What if she set it wrong and Melina had a crippled hand forever? No, that would not do. Someone else would have to tend her, as much as the thought repelled Xanthippe.
“Are you all right, other than this?” she asked, a slight frown forming between her brows as she looked Melina over again for anything she might have missed. “How did this happen? Did you fall?”
For once, the gods had nothing to say, even with Melina sitting damaged before her. It was curious, the silence they always adopted after she killed. Normally, she relished it, but now… she could have used their advice.
Why are you never around when I need you?
Silence.
The relief that flooded her at the sight of Melina limping toward her, intact, was indescribable. Releasing a breath she didn’t even realize she’d been holding, she rushed toward her mistress, looking her over for potential injury, while thanking the gods within her head for sparing her beloved charge. When she saw the bloodied knees and purple wrist, her vision clouded, ushering Melina over to the disheveled blanket.
“Sit, my lady, please,” she told her, gently helping her lower herself down. Shrugging off Melina’s concern, she shook her head. “I’m fine. Just a scratch.” Truthfully, she didn’t know how deep the gash from the boar was, but her own misfortune did not concern her in that moment. She would be fine. Idly flexing the hand where half of her pinky no longer resided, she shook her head. She had sustained worse.
Once Melina was settled relatively comfortably, she warned her, “I’m going to lift your skirt. Look away if you don’t want to see.” She wasn’t really sure which to tend first, but considering the blood, she thought she would look at her leg first and make sure it wasn’t anything that needed to be stitched. What she did know, however, was Melina’s distaste for blood, and the woman already looked faint. She didn’t want to be hauling her unconscious body back to the manor.
She made a face as she lifted the chiton—Melina’s knees were a bloody mess. Grabbing up the jug of water, she poured it over the wounds and nodded as the sanguine fluid started dripping away. It looked messier than it really was; the wounds were minor and would heal without too much trouble. Ripping off a length of her own chiton, she dabbed gently at the scrapes and nodded again. Good, they were already starting to clot. They shouldn’t have to do anything further.
Her wrist, on the other hand… Xanthippe frowned as she asked Melina, “Hold out your arm, please?” Waiting until she did so, she very carefully took her hand and turned it as gently as she could. In most, she would have relished the pain such an action caused—deliberately twisting until the limb snapped. But not Melina. Her pain was not a pain Xan could bear.
“I think it might be broken,” she said with a grimace. “Sprained, at least. It will need to be splinted and wrapped, and I do not have the skill or the materials to do so. We’ll need to head back home.” While Xan could patch minor wounds with some ease, she could not set broken bones, nor would she try. What if she set it wrong and Melina had a crippled hand forever? No, that would not do. Someone else would have to tend her, as much as the thought repelled Xanthippe.
“Are you all right, other than this?” she asked, a slight frown forming between her brows as she looked Melina over again for anything she might have missed. “How did this happen? Did you fall?”
For once, the gods had nothing to say, even with Melina sitting damaged before her. It was curious, the silence they always adopted after she killed. Normally, she relished it, but now… she could have used their advice.
Why are you never around when I need you?
Silence.
If there was one word to describe the woman before her it was selfless. Xanthippe’s heart was bigger than anyone she has ever known. She doubted it would be possible for another person to be like her. Xan decided to let Melina into this secret. She showed her a beautiful little hideaway. She carried the basket of food all the way here, served Melina first. Yes, there was a boar there to ruin the peace. But then Xan put her own safety in danger for Melina. And what did she do after the boar was dead and the two were reunited? She cared for Melina first.
Melina wasn’t brave enough to see her own blood. And Xan was brave enough to protect them… to care for her… There were so many things wrong with Melina. She wasn’t pretty, she wasn’t charismatic, she wasn’t cunning. Where she may not have been blessed like her cousins were, there was one thing the gods did to remedy that and it was giving her Xanthippe.
Did you fall? Of course Melina fell. She could trip on air- and quite often did. But Melina didn’t say that. Instead, she just gave Xan a meek smile, reaching her uninjured hand to hers. “Stop worrying about me right now, Xan. I’m fine. Please worry about yourself. Are you sure it’s just a scratch? Have you checked?”
Melina didn’t want to lower her eyes further than Xan’s own gaze. She was afraid she’d see a gash or a rush of blood. But… she had to put away that fear. At least for this moment, right? Xan couldn’t be carrying back the unconscious Melina, and if Xan was hurt then something must be done. Xan was perhaps the only person that Melina could muster some semblance of courage for. If it helped Xan, Melina was willing to do anything.
“Do you… Do you want me to look?” Her voice was soft and her lip quivered. Better her lip than her knees. She at least stood firm. The pounding of her wrist, the fear of blood, none of that mattered. She just had to… glance down.
Dark eyes flickered downward. Melina felt her stomach twist in knots. Her face paled more and dark spots began to cloud her vision. No, deep breaths. Melina sucked in air through her nose and out through her mouth. What Xan had was not a scratch. Partly covered by a blood-stained, torn chiton was a gore at the side of her knee. Xan showed no flicker of pain, not like Melina who’s purple wrist was a clear bother. And yet, that gash looked far more painful. It was another testament to how selfless and strong Xan was. If this were Melina, she would be on the ground sobbing (if not completely knocked out), and yet Xan cared for her lady before herself. Melina would almost be angry if she wasn’t touched.
“Xan, that must hurt!” Melina’s forced her eyes back up. “Here, lean on me. Let’s sit you down somewhere. Maybe there’s something in the basket that we can use to wrap it.” If there’s anything that remained. “Or… Or I can run for help.”
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Sept 17, 2020 2:08:00 GMT
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If there was one word to describe the woman before her it was selfless. Xanthippe’s heart was bigger than anyone she has ever known. She doubted it would be possible for another person to be like her. Xan decided to let Melina into this secret. She showed her a beautiful little hideaway. She carried the basket of food all the way here, served Melina first. Yes, there was a boar there to ruin the peace. But then Xan put her own safety in danger for Melina. And what did she do after the boar was dead and the two were reunited? She cared for Melina first.
Melina wasn’t brave enough to see her own blood. And Xan was brave enough to protect them… to care for her… There were so many things wrong with Melina. She wasn’t pretty, she wasn’t charismatic, she wasn’t cunning. Where she may not have been blessed like her cousins were, there was one thing the gods did to remedy that and it was giving her Xanthippe.
Did you fall? Of course Melina fell. She could trip on air- and quite often did. But Melina didn’t say that. Instead, she just gave Xan a meek smile, reaching her uninjured hand to hers. “Stop worrying about me right now, Xan. I’m fine. Please worry about yourself. Are you sure it’s just a scratch? Have you checked?”
Melina didn’t want to lower her eyes further than Xan’s own gaze. She was afraid she’d see a gash or a rush of blood. But… she had to put away that fear. At least for this moment, right? Xan couldn’t be carrying back the unconscious Melina, and if Xan was hurt then something must be done. Xan was perhaps the only person that Melina could muster some semblance of courage for. If it helped Xan, Melina was willing to do anything.
“Do you… Do you want me to look?” Her voice was soft and her lip quivered. Better her lip than her knees. She at least stood firm. The pounding of her wrist, the fear of blood, none of that mattered. She just had to… glance down.
Dark eyes flickered downward. Melina felt her stomach twist in knots. Her face paled more and dark spots began to cloud her vision. No, deep breaths. Melina sucked in air through her nose and out through her mouth. What Xan had was not a scratch. Partly covered by a blood-stained, torn chiton was a gore at the side of her knee. Xan showed no flicker of pain, not like Melina who’s purple wrist was a clear bother. And yet, that gash looked far more painful. It was another testament to how selfless and strong Xan was. If this were Melina, she would be on the ground sobbing (if not completely knocked out), and yet Xan cared for her lady before herself. Melina would almost be angry if she wasn’t touched.
“Xan, that must hurt!” Melina’s forced her eyes back up. “Here, lean on me. Let’s sit you down somewhere. Maybe there’s something in the basket that we can use to wrap it.” If there’s anything that remained. “Or… Or I can run for help.”
If there was one word to describe the woman before her it was selfless. Xanthippe’s heart was bigger than anyone she has ever known. She doubted it would be possible for another person to be like her. Xan decided to let Melina into this secret. She showed her a beautiful little hideaway. She carried the basket of food all the way here, served Melina first. Yes, there was a boar there to ruin the peace. But then Xan put her own safety in danger for Melina. And what did she do after the boar was dead and the two were reunited? She cared for Melina first.
Melina wasn’t brave enough to see her own blood. And Xan was brave enough to protect them… to care for her… There were so many things wrong with Melina. She wasn’t pretty, she wasn’t charismatic, she wasn’t cunning. Where she may not have been blessed like her cousins were, there was one thing the gods did to remedy that and it was giving her Xanthippe.
Did you fall? Of course Melina fell. She could trip on air- and quite often did. But Melina didn’t say that. Instead, she just gave Xan a meek smile, reaching her uninjured hand to hers. “Stop worrying about me right now, Xan. I’m fine. Please worry about yourself. Are you sure it’s just a scratch? Have you checked?”
Melina didn’t want to lower her eyes further than Xan’s own gaze. She was afraid she’d see a gash or a rush of blood. But… she had to put away that fear. At least for this moment, right? Xan couldn’t be carrying back the unconscious Melina, and if Xan was hurt then something must be done. Xan was perhaps the only person that Melina could muster some semblance of courage for. If it helped Xan, Melina was willing to do anything.
“Do you… Do you want me to look?” Her voice was soft and her lip quivered. Better her lip than her knees. She at least stood firm. The pounding of her wrist, the fear of blood, none of that mattered. She just had to… glance down.
Dark eyes flickered downward. Melina felt her stomach twist in knots. Her face paled more and dark spots began to cloud her vision. No, deep breaths. Melina sucked in air through her nose and out through her mouth. What Xan had was not a scratch. Partly covered by a blood-stained, torn chiton was a gore at the side of her knee. Xan showed no flicker of pain, not like Melina who’s purple wrist was a clear bother. And yet, that gash looked far more painful. It was another testament to how selfless and strong Xan was. If this were Melina, she would be on the ground sobbing (if not completely knocked out), and yet Xan cared for her lady before herself. Melina would almost be angry if she wasn’t touched.
“Xan, that must hurt!” Melina’s forced her eyes back up. “Here, lean on me. Let’s sit you down somewhere. Maybe there’s something in the basket that we can use to wrap it.” If there’s anything that remained. “Or… Or I can run for help.”
Stop worrying about me right now, Xan. I’m fine.
“That’s never going to happen,” the handmaid replied, shaking her head. “Not when you continue to give me ample reason.” Xanthippe eyed Melina’s swollen wrist with a tsk-ing sound. “Trust me, that right there is far more pressing than anything wrong with me.”
She wasn’t entirely sure that was true; though she would never admit it, her knee was starting to throb something fierce. Her mistress asked if she was sure it was nothing serious and if she’d checked, and again, Xan shook her head. “Truly, my lady, I’m fine. Don’t concern yourself with me.”
Do you… Do you want me to look?
It was sweet, really, Melina’s concern. Such a lovely thing she was, so caring and soft and gentle—everything Xanthippe was not. It touched her, that someone beyond Lord Fotios should care so fiercely for her well-being, and she offered the younger woman a tight smile. “Do not trouble yourself, my lady. I don’t want to be carrying your limp body back to the manor when you pass out at the blood.”
Though she hadn’t checked the wound extensively, she knew it was bleeding, could feel the warm trickle down the side of her calf. Of course, Melina looked anyway, her face changing in her horror. “My lady,” she protested as the Leventi’s eyes came back to meet hers, sighing and looking down at the blood-soaked mess of her chiton. Okay, yes, that was even messier than she’d thought, and maybe it wasn’t such a good thing to ignore her own pain, and why were there sparkle on the edges of her vision, and…
Blinking rapidly, Xanthippe took a deep breath and snapped herself out of it, forcing down her body’s natural response and smoothing out her face. “I’m fine,” she insisted again with another forced smile. “I will make it back to the house. Your wrist needs more tending than I do.” Though perhaps Melina had a point, and maybe she ought to at least wrap her leg before the blood flow got any worse.
Looking down at the blanket beneath her, she sighed. Penelope wouldn’t be happy about her ripping it up after she’d been kind enough to supply them with it, but the little bitch could get over it this time. Would she rather Xanthippe leave a blood trail to the Leventi manor? Well, maybe she would.
Grabbing the corner of the blanket, she took her dagger and hacked a few strips of it away, enough to tie around her knee and hopefully let the wound clot as they walked. “My lady, I may need a little help, after all,” she said as she folded a couple of the strips of fabric over each other, thick enough to form a pad to catch the blood. Gesturing to Melina, she indicated the cloth she held. “If you can just hold this in place while I tie it to my leg, that’s all I need,” she said, pressing it against the side of her knee so her mistress wouldn’t even have to see the wound. “You can close your eyes if that helps. I only need you to hold it for a minute. Then, I’ll get everything cleaned up, and we can head back home.”
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Sept 20, 2020 20:07:40 GMT
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Stop worrying about me right now, Xan. I’m fine.
“That’s never going to happen,” the handmaid replied, shaking her head. “Not when you continue to give me ample reason.” Xanthippe eyed Melina’s swollen wrist with a tsk-ing sound. “Trust me, that right there is far more pressing than anything wrong with me.”
She wasn’t entirely sure that was true; though she would never admit it, her knee was starting to throb something fierce. Her mistress asked if she was sure it was nothing serious and if she’d checked, and again, Xan shook her head. “Truly, my lady, I’m fine. Don’t concern yourself with me.”
Do you… Do you want me to look?
It was sweet, really, Melina’s concern. Such a lovely thing she was, so caring and soft and gentle—everything Xanthippe was not. It touched her, that someone beyond Lord Fotios should care so fiercely for her well-being, and she offered the younger woman a tight smile. “Do not trouble yourself, my lady. I don’t want to be carrying your limp body back to the manor when you pass out at the blood.”
Though she hadn’t checked the wound extensively, she knew it was bleeding, could feel the warm trickle down the side of her calf. Of course, Melina looked anyway, her face changing in her horror. “My lady,” she protested as the Leventi’s eyes came back to meet hers, sighing and looking down at the blood-soaked mess of her chiton. Okay, yes, that was even messier than she’d thought, and maybe it wasn’t such a good thing to ignore her own pain, and why were there sparkle on the edges of her vision, and…
Blinking rapidly, Xanthippe took a deep breath and snapped herself out of it, forcing down her body’s natural response and smoothing out her face. “I’m fine,” she insisted again with another forced smile. “I will make it back to the house. Your wrist needs more tending than I do.” Though perhaps Melina had a point, and maybe she ought to at least wrap her leg before the blood flow got any worse.
Looking down at the blanket beneath her, she sighed. Penelope wouldn’t be happy about her ripping it up after she’d been kind enough to supply them with it, but the little bitch could get over it this time. Would she rather Xanthippe leave a blood trail to the Leventi manor? Well, maybe she would.
Grabbing the corner of the blanket, she took her dagger and hacked a few strips of it away, enough to tie around her knee and hopefully let the wound clot as they walked. “My lady, I may need a little help, after all,” she said as she folded a couple of the strips of fabric over each other, thick enough to form a pad to catch the blood. Gesturing to Melina, she indicated the cloth she held. “If you can just hold this in place while I tie it to my leg, that’s all I need,” she said, pressing it against the side of her knee so her mistress wouldn’t even have to see the wound. “You can close your eyes if that helps. I only need you to hold it for a minute. Then, I’ll get everything cleaned up, and we can head back home.”
Stop worrying about me right now, Xan. I’m fine.
“That’s never going to happen,” the handmaid replied, shaking her head. “Not when you continue to give me ample reason.” Xanthippe eyed Melina’s swollen wrist with a tsk-ing sound. “Trust me, that right there is far more pressing than anything wrong with me.”
She wasn’t entirely sure that was true; though she would never admit it, her knee was starting to throb something fierce. Her mistress asked if she was sure it was nothing serious and if she’d checked, and again, Xan shook her head. “Truly, my lady, I’m fine. Don’t concern yourself with me.”
Do you… Do you want me to look?
It was sweet, really, Melina’s concern. Such a lovely thing she was, so caring and soft and gentle—everything Xanthippe was not. It touched her, that someone beyond Lord Fotios should care so fiercely for her well-being, and she offered the younger woman a tight smile. “Do not trouble yourself, my lady. I don’t want to be carrying your limp body back to the manor when you pass out at the blood.”
Though she hadn’t checked the wound extensively, she knew it was bleeding, could feel the warm trickle down the side of her calf. Of course, Melina looked anyway, her face changing in her horror. “My lady,” she protested as the Leventi’s eyes came back to meet hers, sighing and looking down at the blood-soaked mess of her chiton. Okay, yes, that was even messier than she’d thought, and maybe it wasn’t such a good thing to ignore her own pain, and why were there sparkle on the edges of her vision, and…
Blinking rapidly, Xanthippe took a deep breath and snapped herself out of it, forcing down her body’s natural response and smoothing out her face. “I’m fine,” she insisted again with another forced smile. “I will make it back to the house. Your wrist needs more tending than I do.” Though perhaps Melina had a point, and maybe she ought to at least wrap her leg before the blood flow got any worse.
Looking down at the blanket beneath her, she sighed. Penelope wouldn’t be happy about her ripping it up after she’d been kind enough to supply them with it, but the little bitch could get over it this time. Would she rather Xanthippe leave a blood trail to the Leventi manor? Well, maybe she would.
Grabbing the corner of the blanket, she took her dagger and hacked a few strips of it away, enough to tie around her knee and hopefully let the wound clot as they walked. “My lady, I may need a little help, after all,” she said as she folded a couple of the strips of fabric over each other, thick enough to form a pad to catch the blood. Gesturing to Melina, she indicated the cloth she held. “If you can just hold this in place while I tie it to my leg, that’s all I need,” she said, pressing it against the side of her knee so her mistress wouldn’t even have to see the wound. “You can close your eyes if that helps. I only need you to hold it for a minute. Then, I’ll get everything cleaned up, and we can head back home.”
Melina knew Xan was hiding her pain. She had to be. There was no way that gash didn’t hurt. The smile didn’t seem natural either. She was trying her best to soothe Melina. But Melina was no idiot. Xan didn’t need to lie.
A part of her was touched though. Even when Xan was in pain, she put on a brave face for her. She still cared for Melina, even if her problems were far more important. This was how close the friends were. She wasn’t simply a retainer to the Leventis, she was a friend that Melina cared for and one that cared right back. They would do this for each other. And so Melina wouldn’t chastise Xan, even if she wished she would worry about herself for once.
When Xan started to blink rapidly Melina took a worried step forward. Was she about to collapse? Was she in too much pain? Then the smile returned, but Melina’s face was creased with stress. Xan needed to sit down. She doesn’t blink like that. That wasn’t natural for Xan.
Before Melina could insist, Xan moved again. It was not towards the direction out of the forest, but back to the blanket where she cut some strips with her dagger. Good. Xan was caring for herself. Would this be good enough for her? At least until they returned and she could see a proper healer? It would have to be. Melina thought. Try as she might, she would not be able to carry an unconscious Xan through the woods, and the thought of leaving her alone bleeding was terrifying. What if Melina couldn’t get back? What if she got lost? This would have to do.
“Of course, Xan.” Melina said quickly as she went to her. Without even hesitating her uninjured hand went to grip the cloth. Melina did, however, take her advice and closed her eyes. She tried not to think of the scarlet liquid that was rushing beneath this fabric. She tried not to think about how it felt unnaturally warm and sticky. She tried not to think about how-
Melina tried not to think at all. It was easier not think. Her mind was less likely to wander to… places it ought not wander to. Instead, she focused on feeling Xan’s movement. She was quick and skilled, easily tying the fabric off all the while making it quite simple for Melina to keep it still while blind and with one hand.
As soon as she felt the movement was done, Melina dropped her hand to her side and looked back to Xan. “Are you sure you’re okay to walk Xan? You know you can lean on me right?” Melina asked one more time. It was so unusual for her to fret on Xan. But would she be a true friend if she didn’t? No. Melina cared for her more than anything in the whole wide world. She’d be nothing without Xan. “You promise you will? Even if it hurts a little?”
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Sept 20, 2020 22:17:14 GMT
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Melina knew Xan was hiding her pain. She had to be. There was no way that gash didn’t hurt. The smile didn’t seem natural either. She was trying her best to soothe Melina. But Melina was no idiot. Xan didn’t need to lie.
A part of her was touched though. Even when Xan was in pain, she put on a brave face for her. She still cared for Melina, even if her problems were far more important. This was how close the friends were. She wasn’t simply a retainer to the Leventis, she was a friend that Melina cared for and one that cared right back. They would do this for each other. And so Melina wouldn’t chastise Xan, even if she wished she would worry about herself for once.
When Xan started to blink rapidly Melina took a worried step forward. Was she about to collapse? Was she in too much pain? Then the smile returned, but Melina’s face was creased with stress. Xan needed to sit down. She doesn’t blink like that. That wasn’t natural for Xan.
Before Melina could insist, Xan moved again. It was not towards the direction out of the forest, but back to the blanket where she cut some strips with her dagger. Good. Xan was caring for herself. Would this be good enough for her? At least until they returned and she could see a proper healer? It would have to be. Melina thought. Try as she might, she would not be able to carry an unconscious Xan through the woods, and the thought of leaving her alone bleeding was terrifying. What if Melina couldn’t get back? What if she got lost? This would have to do.
“Of course, Xan.” Melina said quickly as she went to her. Without even hesitating her uninjured hand went to grip the cloth. Melina did, however, take her advice and closed her eyes. She tried not to think of the scarlet liquid that was rushing beneath this fabric. She tried not to think about how it felt unnaturally warm and sticky. She tried not to think about how-
Melina tried not to think at all. It was easier not think. Her mind was less likely to wander to… places it ought not wander to. Instead, she focused on feeling Xan’s movement. She was quick and skilled, easily tying the fabric off all the while making it quite simple for Melina to keep it still while blind and with one hand.
As soon as she felt the movement was done, Melina dropped her hand to her side and looked back to Xan. “Are you sure you’re okay to walk Xan? You know you can lean on me right?” Melina asked one more time. It was so unusual for her to fret on Xan. But would she be a true friend if she didn’t? No. Melina cared for her more than anything in the whole wide world. She’d be nothing without Xan. “You promise you will? Even if it hurts a little?”
Melina knew Xan was hiding her pain. She had to be. There was no way that gash didn’t hurt. The smile didn’t seem natural either. She was trying her best to soothe Melina. But Melina was no idiot. Xan didn’t need to lie.
A part of her was touched though. Even when Xan was in pain, she put on a brave face for her. She still cared for Melina, even if her problems were far more important. This was how close the friends were. She wasn’t simply a retainer to the Leventis, she was a friend that Melina cared for and one that cared right back. They would do this for each other. And so Melina wouldn’t chastise Xan, even if she wished she would worry about herself for once.
When Xan started to blink rapidly Melina took a worried step forward. Was she about to collapse? Was she in too much pain? Then the smile returned, but Melina’s face was creased with stress. Xan needed to sit down. She doesn’t blink like that. That wasn’t natural for Xan.
Before Melina could insist, Xan moved again. It was not towards the direction out of the forest, but back to the blanket where she cut some strips with her dagger. Good. Xan was caring for herself. Would this be good enough for her? At least until they returned and she could see a proper healer? It would have to be. Melina thought. Try as she might, she would not be able to carry an unconscious Xan through the woods, and the thought of leaving her alone bleeding was terrifying. What if Melina couldn’t get back? What if she got lost? This would have to do.
“Of course, Xan.” Melina said quickly as she went to her. Without even hesitating her uninjured hand went to grip the cloth. Melina did, however, take her advice and closed her eyes. She tried not to think of the scarlet liquid that was rushing beneath this fabric. She tried not to think about how it felt unnaturally warm and sticky. She tried not to think about how-
Melina tried not to think at all. It was easier not think. Her mind was less likely to wander to… places it ought not wander to. Instead, she focused on feeling Xan’s movement. She was quick and skilled, easily tying the fabric off all the while making it quite simple for Melina to keep it still while blind and with one hand.
As soon as she felt the movement was done, Melina dropped her hand to her side and looked back to Xan. “Are you sure you’re okay to walk Xan? You know you can lean on me right?” Melina asked one more time. It was so unusual for her to fret on Xan. But would she be a true friend if she didn’t? No. Melina cared for her more than anything in the whole wide world. She’d be nothing without Xan. “You promise you will? Even if it hurts a little?”
Melina was so quick to help her, the precious thing. Even at her own expense, she flopped down beside her and held the cloth to her leg, closing her eyes as Xan had suggested. “Thank you,” she murmured as she set to work on wrapping her leg, taking strips of fabric and knotting them around the pad her mistress held. Gently nudging Melina’s hand away when she no longer needed the pressure applied, she finished securing the makeshift bandage with a satisfied nod. It wasn’t perfect, but it would serve well enough until they made it back to the manor. She supposed she ought to have a healer look at it on their return, but she was far more concerned with ensuring Melina did that first. If need be, she could stitch her own leg, anyway.
The Leventi took a few steps back as Xanthippe finished her task, the handmaid offering her mistress a quick smile. “That was perfect, thank you,” she said again as she carefully raised herself to her feet. Ah, yes, that felt… great. However, not a twitch of pain showed on her face; weakness could not be betrayed in front of anyone, not even Melina. Especially not Melina. She had to be the strong one.
“I will be fine,” she reassured her mistress once more, waving off her offer of help. “I can walk.” She could, and she would, even if the walk back to the manor seemed much longer than it had on their way out here. First, though, she needed to clean up this scattered picnic site; the boar had certainly done her no favors in that regard, either. Sighing, she shook her head at the mess and leaned down to start gathering up the ruined food.
You promise you will? Even if it hurts a little?
She paused in her task and looked back at Melina, her face softening a little. “I promise, my lady,” she lied to placate her, for she couldn’t bear to disappoint her. Xan would not lean on her for support, but she would say she would if that set Melina’s heart at ease. She was stronger than that. She did not need help to walk.
It was a slow and painstaking mission to get their site cleaned up, her knee throbbing beneath the hacked up bits of blanket. Pain is an illusion, she repeated to herself again and again as she began folding up what remained of said blanket, placing it and the ruined food in the basket. Regardless of if Melina moved to help her or not, she was winded by the time it was finished, a little paler than when she began.
“All right, my lady, I think we’re ready,” she said as she hefted the basket, her arm trembling the slightest bit at the weight. When she noticed it, she clamped down hard on the muscles and forced it back to stillness, her jaw clenching in the effort. She couldn’t worry Melina. She needed to make sure she was okay.
“Shall we head back?”
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Sept 25, 2020 19:58:06 GMT
Posted In Safe With Me on Sept 25, 2020 19:58:06 GMT
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Melina was so quick to help her, the precious thing. Even at her own expense, she flopped down beside her and held the cloth to her leg, closing her eyes as Xan had suggested. “Thank you,” she murmured as she set to work on wrapping her leg, taking strips of fabric and knotting them around the pad her mistress held. Gently nudging Melina’s hand away when she no longer needed the pressure applied, she finished securing the makeshift bandage with a satisfied nod. It wasn’t perfect, but it would serve well enough until they made it back to the manor. She supposed she ought to have a healer look at it on their return, but she was far more concerned with ensuring Melina did that first. If need be, she could stitch her own leg, anyway.
The Leventi took a few steps back as Xanthippe finished her task, the handmaid offering her mistress a quick smile. “That was perfect, thank you,” she said again as she carefully raised herself to her feet. Ah, yes, that felt… great. However, not a twitch of pain showed on her face; weakness could not be betrayed in front of anyone, not even Melina. Especially not Melina. She had to be the strong one.
“I will be fine,” she reassured her mistress once more, waving off her offer of help. “I can walk.” She could, and she would, even if the walk back to the manor seemed much longer than it had on their way out here. First, though, she needed to clean up this scattered picnic site; the boar had certainly done her no favors in that regard, either. Sighing, she shook her head at the mess and leaned down to start gathering up the ruined food.
You promise you will? Even if it hurts a little?
She paused in her task and looked back at Melina, her face softening a little. “I promise, my lady,” she lied to placate her, for she couldn’t bear to disappoint her. Xan would not lean on her for support, but she would say she would if that set Melina’s heart at ease. She was stronger than that. She did not need help to walk.
It was a slow and painstaking mission to get their site cleaned up, her knee throbbing beneath the hacked up bits of blanket. Pain is an illusion, she repeated to herself again and again as she began folding up what remained of said blanket, placing it and the ruined food in the basket. Regardless of if Melina moved to help her or not, she was winded by the time it was finished, a little paler than when she began.
“All right, my lady, I think we’re ready,” she said as she hefted the basket, her arm trembling the slightest bit at the weight. When she noticed it, she clamped down hard on the muscles and forced it back to stillness, her jaw clenching in the effort. She couldn’t worry Melina. She needed to make sure she was okay.
“Shall we head back?”
Melina was so quick to help her, the precious thing. Even at her own expense, she flopped down beside her and held the cloth to her leg, closing her eyes as Xan had suggested. “Thank you,” she murmured as she set to work on wrapping her leg, taking strips of fabric and knotting them around the pad her mistress held. Gently nudging Melina’s hand away when she no longer needed the pressure applied, she finished securing the makeshift bandage with a satisfied nod. It wasn’t perfect, but it would serve well enough until they made it back to the manor. She supposed she ought to have a healer look at it on their return, but she was far more concerned with ensuring Melina did that first. If need be, she could stitch her own leg, anyway.
The Leventi took a few steps back as Xanthippe finished her task, the handmaid offering her mistress a quick smile. “That was perfect, thank you,” she said again as she carefully raised herself to her feet. Ah, yes, that felt… great. However, not a twitch of pain showed on her face; weakness could not be betrayed in front of anyone, not even Melina. Especially not Melina. She had to be the strong one.
“I will be fine,” she reassured her mistress once more, waving off her offer of help. “I can walk.” She could, and she would, even if the walk back to the manor seemed much longer than it had on their way out here. First, though, she needed to clean up this scattered picnic site; the boar had certainly done her no favors in that regard, either. Sighing, she shook her head at the mess and leaned down to start gathering up the ruined food.
You promise you will? Even if it hurts a little?
She paused in her task and looked back at Melina, her face softening a little. “I promise, my lady,” she lied to placate her, for she couldn’t bear to disappoint her. Xan would not lean on her for support, but she would say she would if that set Melina’s heart at ease. She was stronger than that. She did not need help to walk.
It was a slow and painstaking mission to get their site cleaned up, her knee throbbing beneath the hacked up bits of blanket. Pain is an illusion, she repeated to herself again and again as she began folding up what remained of said blanket, placing it and the ruined food in the basket. Regardless of if Melina moved to help her or not, she was winded by the time it was finished, a little paler than when she began.
“All right, my lady, I think we’re ready,” she said as she hefted the basket, her arm trembling the slightest bit at the weight. When she noticed it, she clamped down hard on the muscles and forced it back to stillness, her jaw clenching in the effort. She couldn’t worry Melina. She needed to make sure she was okay.
“Shall we head back?”
She’s standing. She’s walking. Everything is okay. Melina had to remind herself of this the entire time. Her eyes rarely left Xan, ready to dive in a moment’s notice in case she had grown dizzy or felt pain. But Xan, as always, was the strongest person she knew. Her face not once betrayed any discomfort, and she never swayed from her path.
I wish I could be like her. The growing pain in her wrist was truly becoming too much to bear for the girl. Melina did not cry out, or even shed a tear (even if she would normally). But occasionally her face would twist and grimmace. Melina wasn’t like Xan. She wasn’t brave, she wasn’t strong, she wasn’t beautiful and she wasn’t selfless. Xan was more perfect than her perfect cousins, only she was born without a name. The gods could be cruel in that way. They gave Melina a name that she could never live up to, and Xan all the potential but no name.
Melina finally moved closer to Xan’s side, grabbing one side of the handle with her uninjured hand. “I want to help,” She said quietly. Xan hadn’t betrayed even a hint of pain, but Melina’s heart ached enough that she knew she had to do something. Xan might not ever lean on Melina, she might not even need to. At the very least Melina hoped she would accept sharing the weight of the basket, especially since her arm was clenched so tightly.
It was not long after that the forest line broke and they were back in familiar territory. Finally it felt like a whole weight was lifted from Melina’s shoulders. She could breathe again. They both would get to visit healers now, and Xan would be safe. Melina didn’t have to worry about her passing out from blood loss (or Melina passing out from seeing blood). The worst was behind them now.
It was odd, Melina would later ponder. It was odd how the entire time she never once worried about her own safety, but Xan’s. Melina knew with all of her heart that with Xan she would be safe. How long did she have this confidence in Xan? Was it when she was a child? She was always there to save Melina, no matter what the danger may be. Melina only hoped that one day she could return the favor.
“Thank you, Xan,” Melina said quietly, so quiet she may not even hear. They were home. They were safe.
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Sept 29, 2020 13:06:55 GMT
Posted In Safe With Me on Sept 29, 2020 13:06:55 GMT
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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She’s standing. She’s walking. Everything is okay. Melina had to remind herself of this the entire time. Her eyes rarely left Xan, ready to dive in a moment’s notice in case she had grown dizzy or felt pain. But Xan, as always, was the strongest person she knew. Her face not once betrayed any discomfort, and she never swayed from her path.
I wish I could be like her. The growing pain in her wrist was truly becoming too much to bear for the girl. Melina did not cry out, or even shed a tear (even if she would normally). But occasionally her face would twist and grimmace. Melina wasn’t like Xan. She wasn’t brave, she wasn’t strong, she wasn’t beautiful and she wasn’t selfless. Xan was more perfect than her perfect cousins, only she was born without a name. The gods could be cruel in that way. They gave Melina a name that she could never live up to, and Xan all the potential but no name.
Melina finally moved closer to Xan’s side, grabbing one side of the handle with her uninjured hand. “I want to help,” She said quietly. Xan hadn’t betrayed even a hint of pain, but Melina’s heart ached enough that she knew she had to do something. Xan might not ever lean on Melina, she might not even need to. At the very least Melina hoped she would accept sharing the weight of the basket, especially since her arm was clenched so tightly.
It was not long after that the forest line broke and they were back in familiar territory. Finally it felt like a whole weight was lifted from Melina’s shoulders. She could breathe again. They both would get to visit healers now, and Xan would be safe. Melina didn’t have to worry about her passing out from blood loss (or Melina passing out from seeing blood). The worst was behind them now.
It was odd, Melina would later ponder. It was odd how the entire time she never once worried about her own safety, but Xan’s. Melina knew with all of her heart that with Xan she would be safe. How long did she have this confidence in Xan? Was it when she was a child? She was always there to save Melina, no matter what the danger may be. Melina only hoped that one day she could return the favor.
“Thank you, Xan,” Melina said quietly, so quiet she may not even hear. They were home. They were safe.
She’s standing. She’s walking. Everything is okay. Melina had to remind herself of this the entire time. Her eyes rarely left Xan, ready to dive in a moment’s notice in case she had grown dizzy or felt pain. But Xan, as always, was the strongest person she knew. Her face not once betrayed any discomfort, and she never swayed from her path.
I wish I could be like her. The growing pain in her wrist was truly becoming too much to bear for the girl. Melina did not cry out, or even shed a tear (even if she would normally). But occasionally her face would twist and grimmace. Melina wasn’t like Xan. She wasn’t brave, she wasn’t strong, she wasn’t beautiful and she wasn’t selfless. Xan was more perfect than her perfect cousins, only she was born without a name. The gods could be cruel in that way. They gave Melina a name that she could never live up to, and Xan all the potential but no name.
Melina finally moved closer to Xan’s side, grabbing one side of the handle with her uninjured hand. “I want to help,” She said quietly. Xan hadn’t betrayed even a hint of pain, but Melina’s heart ached enough that she knew she had to do something. Xan might not ever lean on Melina, she might not even need to. At the very least Melina hoped she would accept sharing the weight of the basket, especially since her arm was clenched so tightly.
It was not long after that the forest line broke and they were back in familiar territory. Finally it felt like a whole weight was lifted from Melina’s shoulders. She could breathe again. They both would get to visit healers now, and Xan would be safe. Melina didn’t have to worry about her passing out from blood loss (or Melina passing out from seeing blood). The worst was behind them now.
It was odd, Melina would later ponder. It was odd how the entire time she never once worried about her own safety, but Xan’s. Melina knew with all of her heart that with Xan she would be safe. How long did she have this confidence in Xan? Was it when she was a child? She was always there to save Melina, no matter what the danger may be. Melina only hoped that one day she could return the favor.
“Thank you, Xan,” Melina said quietly, so quiet she may not even hear. They were home. They were safe.