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Melina didn’t usually like festivals. Festivals meant people. Celebrations meant being away from her books and the comfort of her own home. It’s not like Melina feared them. She just always found a way to embarrass herself. It was safer to be at home, where the only person that would laugh at her were the voices in her head that always seemed to call her a failure.
This day things would be different. Melina woke up early, earlier than ever before. She was like a child during a holiday. She had been practically bouncing all day. Today would be an event that Melina would be comfortable. The Festival of Flowers was a celebration to honor Chloris, Goddess of Flowers. Melina was known for her love of books. It was rare to find her without her nose in one. When she left her home, it was to go to the Agora and buy more. But to those who truly knew her, they would discover her second love: Flowers.
They were beautiful. From a seed in the ground to bud to full bloom, each was unique. More specifically, Melina founds similarities between flowers and herself. In particular, her favorite, the lily, gave Melina hope and could bring a smile onto her face wherever she saw it. It was simple, pure, and white, just like Melina. Melina was not a beauty like her cousins, nor did she think she was something so hideous people should run from her. She was average. But the simplicity of the flower was where it found it’s majesty, so too should Melina… she hoped. Not only that, but the lily bloomed in late summer after all the other flowers have already started to bloom and wither. Maybe Melina could be like the lily. She was late, later than everyone else, but there was still a chance.
“Oh look at the roses, Xan!” Melina had been running around the festival all day. She had never stopped smiling, nor did the shine of happiness in her eyes ever leave. At each table, she visited Melina got more and more excited. There were so many colors, and smells, and beauty. She was like a puppy, tail wagging excitedly. Melina was in her element. She was in her world.
Melina dressed simply, but for once, she was pleased with what she chose. It was a simple white chiton, clean and pure. She wore a crown of purple and white hyacinths that Melina herself made. Melina failed at a lot of things. It was in her nature, being as cursed as she was. But when it came to arrangements… Melina didn’t fail. In this rare instance, Melina felt proud.
And Melina intended to prove that she could succeed, for something was special with this Festival. Located in a Leventi province, it was, of course, expected that horses were somehow involved. A competition was to be held where two maidens were to decorate the horse, and a male rider, with fresh flowers, ribbons, and other accessories. The competition was to be in two parts. The first was a beauty portion, where the man and horse were to parade around the track and be scored. The second was a race. The aggregate score of both events would be tallied, and a winner would be announced. Melina hasn’t won anything in her life. She wasn’t even good enough to get second place. But in this… Melina felt confident that she could get first. She knew flowers. Melina had Xan. She just needed a man.
And then she saw him… Lord Achilleas. He was at some other table. Upon noticing him, the young lady tucked behind her handmaiden. She didn’t much like him or his family. They were rude and had hurt Melina’s feelings when Melina was younger. Since then, a sour taste remained in her mouth anytime she had seen them, whether it be at court or events like this. Melina didn’t have much desire to be ridiculed or embarrassed. She’d rather avoid him.
“Let’s go this way, X-” Melina had started to say when the idea struck her. She wanted to win, right. Well… he would be an excellent way to win. As much as she hated to admit it, the man was handsome. Women seemed to like him and men, too, at the very least. But would he even remember her? Or would she think that she’s a commoner when she approached him? Should she just try to find some other man, a lower noble or a poor?
I need to prove to everyone that… I can do something right…
“Xan, could you… ask Lord Achilleas if he would be our third? Or… wait, I should, right? I… I should.” What was she doing? He was going to laugh at her. Or be confused as to who she was. Or… or…
She was going to fail.
Melina took a step forward and then another step and then another. Then she turned around. “Nevermind, Xan. Actually, why don’t we go somewhere else? We still need to find a th-” As Melina turning to walk somewhere else, she saw the Lord had left the table. Where did he go? Perhaps this was an omen. She was never meant to talk to hi-
“Oh, Lord Achilleas!” Melina was so lost in her thoughts that she hadn’t realized she had walked straight into a man. Melina straightened the flower crown on her head. “Excuse me,” Great, now she had to talk to him. Stupid, stupid Melina! “Are you joining the competition, my Lord? Do you need two others?” Wait, was that rude? She was supposed to make small talk, wasn’t she? That was what was polite? Melina shot Xan a look. She was messing this up and needed help.
“Excuse me. I should have asked how you’re enjoying the festival. How do you like the festival? Do you have two others to join the competition?” There that was more polite. He couldn’t possibly be rude back after that. Though, of course, history did dictate that he would. How desperate was Melina to win?
Very desperate.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Melina didn’t usually like festivals. Festivals meant people. Celebrations meant being away from her books and the comfort of her own home. It’s not like Melina feared them. She just always found a way to embarrass herself. It was safer to be at home, where the only person that would laugh at her were the voices in her head that always seemed to call her a failure.
This day things would be different. Melina woke up early, earlier than ever before. She was like a child during a holiday. She had been practically bouncing all day. Today would be an event that Melina would be comfortable. The Festival of Flowers was a celebration to honor Chloris, Goddess of Flowers. Melina was known for her love of books. It was rare to find her without her nose in one. When she left her home, it was to go to the Agora and buy more. But to those who truly knew her, they would discover her second love: Flowers.
They were beautiful. From a seed in the ground to bud to full bloom, each was unique. More specifically, Melina founds similarities between flowers and herself. In particular, her favorite, the lily, gave Melina hope and could bring a smile onto her face wherever she saw it. It was simple, pure, and white, just like Melina. Melina was not a beauty like her cousins, nor did she think she was something so hideous people should run from her. She was average. But the simplicity of the flower was where it found it’s majesty, so too should Melina… she hoped. Not only that, but the lily bloomed in late summer after all the other flowers have already started to bloom and wither. Maybe Melina could be like the lily. She was late, later than everyone else, but there was still a chance.
“Oh look at the roses, Xan!” Melina had been running around the festival all day. She had never stopped smiling, nor did the shine of happiness in her eyes ever leave. At each table, she visited Melina got more and more excited. There were so many colors, and smells, and beauty. She was like a puppy, tail wagging excitedly. Melina was in her element. She was in her world.
Melina dressed simply, but for once, she was pleased with what she chose. It was a simple white chiton, clean and pure. She wore a crown of purple and white hyacinths that Melina herself made. Melina failed at a lot of things. It was in her nature, being as cursed as she was. But when it came to arrangements… Melina didn’t fail. In this rare instance, Melina felt proud.
And Melina intended to prove that she could succeed, for something was special with this Festival. Located in a Leventi province, it was, of course, expected that horses were somehow involved. A competition was to be held where two maidens were to decorate the horse, and a male rider, with fresh flowers, ribbons, and other accessories. The competition was to be in two parts. The first was a beauty portion, where the man and horse were to parade around the track and be scored. The second was a race. The aggregate score of both events would be tallied, and a winner would be announced. Melina hasn’t won anything in her life. She wasn’t even good enough to get second place. But in this… Melina felt confident that she could get first. She knew flowers. Melina had Xan. She just needed a man.
And then she saw him… Lord Achilleas. He was at some other table. Upon noticing him, the young lady tucked behind her handmaiden. She didn’t much like him or his family. They were rude and had hurt Melina’s feelings when Melina was younger. Since then, a sour taste remained in her mouth anytime she had seen them, whether it be at court or events like this. Melina didn’t have much desire to be ridiculed or embarrassed. She’d rather avoid him.
“Let’s go this way, X-” Melina had started to say when the idea struck her. She wanted to win, right. Well… he would be an excellent way to win. As much as she hated to admit it, the man was handsome. Women seemed to like him and men, too, at the very least. But would he even remember her? Or would she think that she’s a commoner when she approached him? Should she just try to find some other man, a lower noble or a poor?
I need to prove to everyone that… I can do something right…
“Xan, could you… ask Lord Achilleas if he would be our third? Or… wait, I should, right? I… I should.” What was she doing? He was going to laugh at her. Or be confused as to who she was. Or… or…
She was going to fail.
Melina took a step forward and then another step and then another. Then she turned around. “Nevermind, Xan. Actually, why don’t we go somewhere else? We still need to find a th-” As Melina turning to walk somewhere else, she saw the Lord had left the table. Where did he go? Perhaps this was an omen. She was never meant to talk to hi-
“Oh, Lord Achilleas!” Melina was so lost in her thoughts that she hadn’t realized she had walked straight into a man. Melina straightened the flower crown on her head. “Excuse me,” Great, now she had to talk to him. Stupid, stupid Melina! “Are you joining the competition, my Lord? Do you need two others?” Wait, was that rude? She was supposed to make small talk, wasn’t she? That was what was polite? Melina shot Xan a look. She was messing this up and needed help.
“Excuse me. I should have asked how you’re enjoying the festival. How do you like the festival? Do you have two others to join the competition?” There that was more polite. He couldn’t possibly be rude back after that. Though, of course, history did dictate that he would. How desperate was Melina to win?
Very desperate.
Melina didn’t usually like festivals. Festivals meant people. Celebrations meant being away from her books and the comfort of her own home. It’s not like Melina feared them. She just always found a way to embarrass herself. It was safer to be at home, where the only person that would laugh at her were the voices in her head that always seemed to call her a failure.
This day things would be different. Melina woke up early, earlier than ever before. She was like a child during a holiday. She had been practically bouncing all day. Today would be an event that Melina would be comfortable. The Festival of Flowers was a celebration to honor Chloris, Goddess of Flowers. Melina was known for her love of books. It was rare to find her without her nose in one. When she left her home, it was to go to the Agora and buy more. But to those who truly knew her, they would discover her second love: Flowers.
They were beautiful. From a seed in the ground to bud to full bloom, each was unique. More specifically, Melina founds similarities between flowers and herself. In particular, her favorite, the lily, gave Melina hope and could bring a smile onto her face wherever she saw it. It was simple, pure, and white, just like Melina. Melina was not a beauty like her cousins, nor did she think she was something so hideous people should run from her. She was average. But the simplicity of the flower was where it found it’s majesty, so too should Melina… she hoped. Not only that, but the lily bloomed in late summer after all the other flowers have already started to bloom and wither. Maybe Melina could be like the lily. She was late, later than everyone else, but there was still a chance.
“Oh look at the roses, Xan!” Melina had been running around the festival all day. She had never stopped smiling, nor did the shine of happiness in her eyes ever leave. At each table, she visited Melina got more and more excited. There were so many colors, and smells, and beauty. She was like a puppy, tail wagging excitedly. Melina was in her element. She was in her world.
Melina dressed simply, but for once, she was pleased with what she chose. It was a simple white chiton, clean and pure. She wore a crown of purple and white hyacinths that Melina herself made. Melina failed at a lot of things. It was in her nature, being as cursed as she was. But when it came to arrangements… Melina didn’t fail. In this rare instance, Melina felt proud.
And Melina intended to prove that she could succeed, for something was special with this Festival. Located in a Leventi province, it was, of course, expected that horses were somehow involved. A competition was to be held where two maidens were to decorate the horse, and a male rider, with fresh flowers, ribbons, and other accessories. The competition was to be in two parts. The first was a beauty portion, where the man and horse were to parade around the track and be scored. The second was a race. The aggregate score of both events would be tallied, and a winner would be announced. Melina hasn’t won anything in her life. She wasn’t even good enough to get second place. But in this… Melina felt confident that she could get first. She knew flowers. Melina had Xan. She just needed a man.
And then she saw him… Lord Achilleas. He was at some other table. Upon noticing him, the young lady tucked behind her handmaiden. She didn’t much like him or his family. They were rude and had hurt Melina’s feelings when Melina was younger. Since then, a sour taste remained in her mouth anytime she had seen them, whether it be at court or events like this. Melina didn’t have much desire to be ridiculed or embarrassed. She’d rather avoid him.
“Let’s go this way, X-” Melina had started to say when the idea struck her. She wanted to win, right. Well… he would be an excellent way to win. As much as she hated to admit it, the man was handsome. Women seemed to like him and men, too, at the very least. But would he even remember her? Or would she think that she’s a commoner when she approached him? Should she just try to find some other man, a lower noble or a poor?
I need to prove to everyone that… I can do something right…
“Xan, could you… ask Lord Achilleas if he would be our third? Or… wait, I should, right? I… I should.” What was she doing? He was going to laugh at her. Or be confused as to who she was. Or… or…
She was going to fail.
Melina took a step forward and then another step and then another. Then she turned around. “Nevermind, Xan. Actually, why don’t we go somewhere else? We still need to find a th-” As Melina turning to walk somewhere else, she saw the Lord had left the table. Where did he go? Perhaps this was an omen. She was never meant to talk to hi-
“Oh, Lord Achilleas!” Melina was so lost in her thoughts that she hadn’t realized she had walked straight into a man. Melina straightened the flower crown on her head. “Excuse me,” Great, now she had to talk to him. Stupid, stupid Melina! “Are you joining the competition, my Lord? Do you need two others?” Wait, was that rude? She was supposed to make small talk, wasn’t she? That was what was polite? Melina shot Xan a look. She was messing this up and needed help.
“Excuse me. I should have asked how you’re enjoying the festival. How do you like the festival? Do you have two others to join the competition?” There that was more polite. He couldn’t possibly be rude back after that. Though, of course, history did dictate that he would. How desperate was Melina to win?
Very desperate.
The Festival of Flowers was not Achilleas’ choice of a fun day out, but when his mother had expressed an interest, he’d been hard-pressed not to do the right thing and offer her an escort. She rarely ventured to Vasiliadon these days, and it was a good thing to see her find somewhere she might go where she would not have to be faced with Meena. And so it was that the baron found himself wandering amongst the blooms in Elopia, a province he’d not had much cause to visit before now.
He’d left the Lady Myrto conversing with some distant cousin from the Dimitrou side of the family, and using the excuse of seeking some refreshments for them, had gone for a little wander. Had he thought about it, it might have been a pleasant suggestion to make to Theodora for a trip away from the city, but honestly, he’d had no clue it was even going on until his mother had mentioned it the day prior. He’d received a missive from his Father that morning demanding his presence in the capital. Several days earlier than he had planned to return for the senate meet, Achilleas wasn’t certain what prompted the summons. It played on his mind as he walked amongst the stalls, his attention drifting over the scattered flowers but not really taking any of it in.
So far as he knew, there was little of import to occur at this senate meeting, but the Mikaelidas lord also knew his father well enough to judge that he would not demand his presence unless he wanted something. It was a bitter pill to swallow for one so desperate for the man’s approval, but time had at least given the elder son a healthy dose of realism. So as he walked, he turned over the possibilities in his mind. Perhaps there had been some news from Colchis - he knew their neighbours had been involved in ongoing skirmishes in the North. There was always the possibility that their allies had invoked the treaty that bound them to offer assistance, thought Achilleas had not heard that things were as serious as all that.
He’d stopped to purchase some wine for his mother and her cousin, one clutched in each hand and slight dissatisfied that there wasn’t a jug he could have taken instead when he very nearly upended both over the white chiton of a young woman who walked straight into him. Trying to mitigate any spillage, he’d set the cups down and was surreptitiously shaking the red wine from his hand when his name drew his attention back to his clumsy acquaintance.
'Oh, Lord Achilleas! Excuse me,’
The Mikaelidas man’s gaze came to rest upon the face of Melina of Leventi, and he gave a smile and a slight bow even as his gaze flickered upward toward the flower crown that he was righting. “Lady Melina. Apologies, I didn’t see you there. I hope your gown didn’t suffer from that spillage.”
Never mind that she had walked into him, Achilleas was nothing if not polite. His gaze flickered briefly toward the girl’s companion and then paused as he realised he knew her face too—the one who had come to the archontiko. The smile remained in place though if one was paying close enough attention, there was a little tension as the lord recalled the day she’d happened to deliver her missive.
'Are you joining the competition, my Lord? Do you need two others?'
“Oh, I….” He turned back to Melina and frowned slightly. “ I didn’t realise there was a competition” The Leventi girl seemed to reconsider and looked a little flustered before she reframed the same question again.
‘Excuse me. I should have asked how you’re enjoying the festival. How do you like the festival? Do you have two others to join the competition?’
Achilleas’ brows rose, and he took a glance about them before giving a shrug. “It is a fair day for it. I admit I’m here as an escort to my Mother rather than some sudden interest in flora., but it’s pleasant enough. I don’t know about any competition though, so no, I am thoroughly without ‘others’” And then with a touch of curiosity. “What do you need others for?”
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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The Festival of Flowers was not Achilleas’ choice of a fun day out, but when his mother had expressed an interest, he’d been hard-pressed not to do the right thing and offer her an escort. She rarely ventured to Vasiliadon these days, and it was a good thing to see her find somewhere she might go where she would not have to be faced with Meena. And so it was that the baron found himself wandering amongst the blooms in Elopia, a province he’d not had much cause to visit before now.
He’d left the Lady Myrto conversing with some distant cousin from the Dimitrou side of the family, and using the excuse of seeking some refreshments for them, had gone for a little wander. Had he thought about it, it might have been a pleasant suggestion to make to Theodora for a trip away from the city, but honestly, he’d had no clue it was even going on until his mother had mentioned it the day prior. He’d received a missive from his Father that morning demanding his presence in the capital. Several days earlier than he had planned to return for the senate meet, Achilleas wasn’t certain what prompted the summons. It played on his mind as he walked amongst the stalls, his attention drifting over the scattered flowers but not really taking any of it in.
So far as he knew, there was little of import to occur at this senate meeting, but the Mikaelidas lord also knew his father well enough to judge that he would not demand his presence unless he wanted something. It was a bitter pill to swallow for one so desperate for the man’s approval, but time had at least given the elder son a healthy dose of realism. So as he walked, he turned over the possibilities in his mind. Perhaps there had been some news from Colchis - he knew their neighbours had been involved in ongoing skirmishes in the North. There was always the possibility that their allies had invoked the treaty that bound them to offer assistance, thought Achilleas had not heard that things were as serious as all that.
He’d stopped to purchase some wine for his mother and her cousin, one clutched in each hand and slight dissatisfied that there wasn’t a jug he could have taken instead when he very nearly upended both over the white chiton of a young woman who walked straight into him. Trying to mitigate any spillage, he’d set the cups down and was surreptitiously shaking the red wine from his hand when his name drew his attention back to his clumsy acquaintance.
'Oh, Lord Achilleas! Excuse me,’
The Mikaelidas man’s gaze came to rest upon the face of Melina of Leventi, and he gave a smile and a slight bow even as his gaze flickered upward toward the flower crown that he was righting. “Lady Melina. Apologies, I didn’t see you there. I hope your gown didn’t suffer from that spillage.”
Never mind that she had walked into him, Achilleas was nothing if not polite. His gaze flickered briefly toward the girl’s companion and then paused as he realised he knew her face too—the one who had come to the archontiko. The smile remained in place though if one was paying close enough attention, there was a little tension as the lord recalled the day she’d happened to deliver her missive.
'Are you joining the competition, my Lord? Do you need two others?'
“Oh, I….” He turned back to Melina and frowned slightly. “ I didn’t realise there was a competition” The Leventi girl seemed to reconsider and looked a little flustered before she reframed the same question again.
‘Excuse me. I should have asked how you’re enjoying the festival. How do you like the festival? Do you have two others to join the competition?’
Achilleas’ brows rose, and he took a glance about them before giving a shrug. “It is a fair day for it. I admit I’m here as an escort to my Mother rather than some sudden interest in flora., but it’s pleasant enough. I don’t know about any competition though, so no, I am thoroughly without ‘others’” And then with a touch of curiosity. “What do you need others for?”
The Festival of Flowers was not Achilleas’ choice of a fun day out, but when his mother had expressed an interest, he’d been hard-pressed not to do the right thing and offer her an escort. She rarely ventured to Vasiliadon these days, and it was a good thing to see her find somewhere she might go where she would not have to be faced with Meena. And so it was that the baron found himself wandering amongst the blooms in Elopia, a province he’d not had much cause to visit before now.
He’d left the Lady Myrto conversing with some distant cousin from the Dimitrou side of the family, and using the excuse of seeking some refreshments for them, had gone for a little wander. Had he thought about it, it might have been a pleasant suggestion to make to Theodora for a trip away from the city, but honestly, he’d had no clue it was even going on until his mother had mentioned it the day prior. He’d received a missive from his Father that morning demanding his presence in the capital. Several days earlier than he had planned to return for the senate meet, Achilleas wasn’t certain what prompted the summons. It played on his mind as he walked amongst the stalls, his attention drifting over the scattered flowers but not really taking any of it in.
So far as he knew, there was little of import to occur at this senate meeting, but the Mikaelidas lord also knew his father well enough to judge that he would not demand his presence unless he wanted something. It was a bitter pill to swallow for one so desperate for the man’s approval, but time had at least given the elder son a healthy dose of realism. So as he walked, he turned over the possibilities in his mind. Perhaps there had been some news from Colchis - he knew their neighbours had been involved in ongoing skirmishes in the North. There was always the possibility that their allies had invoked the treaty that bound them to offer assistance, thought Achilleas had not heard that things were as serious as all that.
He’d stopped to purchase some wine for his mother and her cousin, one clutched in each hand and slight dissatisfied that there wasn’t a jug he could have taken instead when he very nearly upended both over the white chiton of a young woman who walked straight into him. Trying to mitigate any spillage, he’d set the cups down and was surreptitiously shaking the red wine from his hand when his name drew his attention back to his clumsy acquaintance.
'Oh, Lord Achilleas! Excuse me,’
The Mikaelidas man’s gaze came to rest upon the face of Melina of Leventi, and he gave a smile and a slight bow even as his gaze flickered upward toward the flower crown that he was righting. “Lady Melina. Apologies, I didn’t see you there. I hope your gown didn’t suffer from that spillage.”
Never mind that she had walked into him, Achilleas was nothing if not polite. His gaze flickered briefly toward the girl’s companion and then paused as he realised he knew her face too—the one who had come to the archontiko. The smile remained in place though if one was paying close enough attention, there was a little tension as the lord recalled the day she’d happened to deliver her missive.
'Are you joining the competition, my Lord? Do you need two others?'
“Oh, I….” He turned back to Melina and frowned slightly. “ I didn’t realise there was a competition” The Leventi girl seemed to reconsider and looked a little flustered before she reframed the same question again.
‘Excuse me. I should have asked how you’re enjoying the festival. How do you like the festival? Do you have two others to join the competition?’
Achilleas’ brows rose, and he took a glance about them before giving a shrug. “It is a fair day for it. I admit I’m here as an escort to my Mother rather than some sudden interest in flora., but it’s pleasant enough. I don’t know about any competition though, so no, I am thoroughly without ‘others’” And then with a touch of curiosity. “What do you need others for?”
The day’s only saving grace was Melina’s happiness.
When her mistress had asked her to accompany her to this festival, she had only accepted out of a sense of obligation. Xanthippe cared little for flowers or revelry, and this event involved both. Melina had even managed to convince her to tuck a purple iris behind her ear, and she wasn’t sure if she had ever felt sillier. She didn’t have the patience for things like flowers and festivals. They were just temporary things that faded with the passage of time and left nothing but decay behind them. What was the point?
But she couldn’t resist her mistress’s smile.
So here she was, garbed in a plain gray chiton, a flower tucked behind her ear, and her hair set in loose curls tumbling down her back. She would have made a pretty sight with her clear skin, golden locks, and sky blue eyes, looking half a Leventi herself, had it not been for the scowl resting on her features. Of course, whenever Melina looked at her, she was quick to wipe it away and replace it with a smile, but as soon as her ladyship’s back was turned, it made its comeback. Ugh. The things she did for love.
She was only halfway paying attention when Melina was nervously chattering at her side, asking Xan if she would go ask Lord Achilleas to join them. She couldn’t even hide the frown that marred her brow this time, looking up from the flower arrangement she had been fiddling with. That Mikaelidas cub was here? But why? Wasn’t this a Leventi festival?
Then again, he was engaged to a Leventi now, so she supposed it made sense. However, when she looked up to see where he was, there was no sight of the Lady Theodora, and she wondered once more why he was in attendance. Well, he was a noble, she supposed, it ought not to be that surprising.
Before she could suggest that perhaps they might choose someone else, Melina was stuttering about doing it herself instead, then abruptly changing her mind and suggesting they ought to go somewhere else. Xanthippe was all for that idea, nodding along in agreement, but it would seem their fate had already been sealed. Just as Melina made to walk away, she was literally colliding with the aforementioned man, and Xanthippe suppressed a sigh. Well, so much for that.
Maybe he’ll fall from his horse and do us all a favor.
One can hope.
Her smile was polite as she curtsied in greeting to the Mikaelidas lord, her face schooled to careful neutrality when Melina asked him if he would be their third in this ridiculous competition. Not only did she have to suffer this inane festival, but now they had to have him intrude on their day? This just got worse and worse, didn’t it?
“I’m surprised your mother didn’t join the competition with you herself, my lord,” she murmured as she kept her eyes humbly averted and her hands folded in front of her. A subtle suggestion he might be happier with Lady Myrto instead. Why did they need to join this competition, anyway? Melina didn’t even like horses or Achilleas. Why couldn’t they just make their rounds and go home?
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The day’s only saving grace was Melina’s happiness.
When her mistress had asked her to accompany her to this festival, she had only accepted out of a sense of obligation. Xanthippe cared little for flowers or revelry, and this event involved both. Melina had even managed to convince her to tuck a purple iris behind her ear, and she wasn’t sure if she had ever felt sillier. She didn’t have the patience for things like flowers and festivals. They were just temporary things that faded with the passage of time and left nothing but decay behind them. What was the point?
But she couldn’t resist her mistress’s smile.
So here she was, garbed in a plain gray chiton, a flower tucked behind her ear, and her hair set in loose curls tumbling down her back. She would have made a pretty sight with her clear skin, golden locks, and sky blue eyes, looking half a Leventi herself, had it not been for the scowl resting on her features. Of course, whenever Melina looked at her, she was quick to wipe it away and replace it with a smile, but as soon as her ladyship’s back was turned, it made its comeback. Ugh. The things she did for love.
She was only halfway paying attention when Melina was nervously chattering at her side, asking Xan if she would go ask Lord Achilleas to join them. She couldn’t even hide the frown that marred her brow this time, looking up from the flower arrangement she had been fiddling with. That Mikaelidas cub was here? But why? Wasn’t this a Leventi festival?
Then again, he was engaged to a Leventi now, so she supposed it made sense. However, when she looked up to see where he was, there was no sight of the Lady Theodora, and she wondered once more why he was in attendance. Well, he was a noble, she supposed, it ought not to be that surprising.
Before she could suggest that perhaps they might choose someone else, Melina was stuttering about doing it herself instead, then abruptly changing her mind and suggesting they ought to go somewhere else. Xanthippe was all for that idea, nodding along in agreement, but it would seem their fate had already been sealed. Just as Melina made to walk away, she was literally colliding with the aforementioned man, and Xanthippe suppressed a sigh. Well, so much for that.
Maybe he’ll fall from his horse and do us all a favor.
One can hope.
Her smile was polite as she curtsied in greeting to the Mikaelidas lord, her face schooled to careful neutrality when Melina asked him if he would be their third in this ridiculous competition. Not only did she have to suffer this inane festival, but now they had to have him intrude on their day? This just got worse and worse, didn’t it?
“I’m surprised your mother didn’t join the competition with you herself, my lord,” she murmured as she kept her eyes humbly averted and her hands folded in front of her. A subtle suggestion he might be happier with Lady Myrto instead. Why did they need to join this competition, anyway? Melina didn’t even like horses or Achilleas. Why couldn’t they just make their rounds and go home?
The day’s only saving grace was Melina’s happiness.
When her mistress had asked her to accompany her to this festival, she had only accepted out of a sense of obligation. Xanthippe cared little for flowers or revelry, and this event involved both. Melina had even managed to convince her to tuck a purple iris behind her ear, and she wasn’t sure if she had ever felt sillier. She didn’t have the patience for things like flowers and festivals. They were just temporary things that faded with the passage of time and left nothing but decay behind them. What was the point?
But she couldn’t resist her mistress’s smile.
So here she was, garbed in a plain gray chiton, a flower tucked behind her ear, and her hair set in loose curls tumbling down her back. She would have made a pretty sight with her clear skin, golden locks, and sky blue eyes, looking half a Leventi herself, had it not been for the scowl resting on her features. Of course, whenever Melina looked at her, she was quick to wipe it away and replace it with a smile, but as soon as her ladyship’s back was turned, it made its comeback. Ugh. The things she did for love.
She was only halfway paying attention when Melina was nervously chattering at her side, asking Xan if she would go ask Lord Achilleas to join them. She couldn’t even hide the frown that marred her brow this time, looking up from the flower arrangement she had been fiddling with. That Mikaelidas cub was here? But why? Wasn’t this a Leventi festival?
Then again, he was engaged to a Leventi now, so she supposed it made sense. However, when she looked up to see where he was, there was no sight of the Lady Theodora, and she wondered once more why he was in attendance. Well, he was a noble, she supposed, it ought not to be that surprising.
Before she could suggest that perhaps they might choose someone else, Melina was stuttering about doing it herself instead, then abruptly changing her mind and suggesting they ought to go somewhere else. Xanthippe was all for that idea, nodding along in agreement, but it would seem their fate had already been sealed. Just as Melina made to walk away, she was literally colliding with the aforementioned man, and Xanthippe suppressed a sigh. Well, so much for that.
Maybe he’ll fall from his horse and do us all a favor.
One can hope.
Her smile was polite as she curtsied in greeting to the Mikaelidas lord, her face schooled to careful neutrality when Melina asked him if he would be their third in this ridiculous competition. Not only did she have to suffer this inane festival, but now they had to have him intrude on their day? This just got worse and worse, didn’t it?
“I’m surprised your mother didn’t join the competition with you herself, my lord,” she murmured as she kept her eyes humbly averted and her hands folded in front of her. A subtle suggestion he might be happier with Lady Myrto instead. Why did they need to join this competition, anyway? Melina didn’t even like horses or Achilleas. Why couldn’t they just make their rounds and go home?
Melina still couldn’t believe she was talking to a Mikaelidas, let alone asking a favor of him. She half expected Achilleas to belittle her question, or make fun of her flower crown by calling it childish or forget her name. But none of the above happened. He was surprisingly polite. Melina could be suspicious. He could be trying to be kind to her for some ulterior motive, but Melina didn’t have anything to offer him aside from being a target at which he could laugh. He didn’t need to be kind to her just for that.
Maybe he turned over a new leaf? Melina questioned. Or maybe she caught him in a good day. Oh maybe it’s the flowers! Of course! It had to be flowers! Who could be upset when there were so many beautiful colors and aromas in the air? Butterflies, too, were seemingly everywhere, drawn to the sweet blooms! Who could be upset and mean in a place that is so beautiful?
For once, Melina felt very fortunate. Luck was on her side! And the lord seemed interested in the competition! “I find that to be very fortunate, Xan.” Melina said to her, a large smile dancing on her face. And then her eyes widen, “Oh, my lord! Excuse me, I should have introduced my handmaiden, Xanthippe. She’s of course helping during the competition.” How rude of Melina. Teammates should know each other’s name! Assuming Achilleas would join them, of course….
But how did she convince him that this was a competition he would be interested in? He didn’t seem the type to prance around a beauty pageant. If there was one thing she learned in her household, however, was how to lie by omission. The Lord didn’t need to know about the first part of the competition, did he? And by the time it happens, it would be too late anyway! Yes, that would be the plan. Melina just had to… not feel guilty about it.
“It’s a competition that melds flowers and the Leventi love of horses,” a creature Melina very secretly hated to her core. They terrified her. “The maidens, that’s us, is in charge of decoration. Then the rider, that would be you, will go around the track and race!” And by around the track, Melina meant he would show off the beautiful arrangements. Right, that’s not a lie. Not a lie at all.
Melina looked around. There had to be a sign up- oh no! Melina narrowed her eyes. He was here?! Of all places! It was that jerk jeweler! The one from the Agora that had left a needle on a nice lady’s table to completely rip Melina’s chiton! And he was signing up with two giggling girls on both arms.
Oh, he was going down. It was time for Melina’s revenge- Leventi style.
“And we have to win,” Melina squinted at that merchant’s back. “I have unfinished business with that man.” And a Leventi always had their revenge. “Come on! Let’s sign up!”
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Melina still couldn’t believe she was talking to a Mikaelidas, let alone asking a favor of him. She half expected Achilleas to belittle her question, or make fun of her flower crown by calling it childish or forget her name. But none of the above happened. He was surprisingly polite. Melina could be suspicious. He could be trying to be kind to her for some ulterior motive, but Melina didn’t have anything to offer him aside from being a target at which he could laugh. He didn’t need to be kind to her just for that.
Maybe he turned over a new leaf? Melina questioned. Or maybe she caught him in a good day. Oh maybe it’s the flowers! Of course! It had to be flowers! Who could be upset when there were so many beautiful colors and aromas in the air? Butterflies, too, were seemingly everywhere, drawn to the sweet blooms! Who could be upset and mean in a place that is so beautiful?
For once, Melina felt very fortunate. Luck was on her side! And the lord seemed interested in the competition! “I find that to be very fortunate, Xan.” Melina said to her, a large smile dancing on her face. And then her eyes widen, “Oh, my lord! Excuse me, I should have introduced my handmaiden, Xanthippe. She’s of course helping during the competition.” How rude of Melina. Teammates should know each other’s name! Assuming Achilleas would join them, of course….
But how did she convince him that this was a competition he would be interested in? He didn’t seem the type to prance around a beauty pageant. If there was one thing she learned in her household, however, was how to lie by omission. The Lord didn’t need to know about the first part of the competition, did he? And by the time it happens, it would be too late anyway! Yes, that would be the plan. Melina just had to… not feel guilty about it.
“It’s a competition that melds flowers and the Leventi love of horses,” a creature Melina very secretly hated to her core. They terrified her. “The maidens, that’s us, is in charge of decoration. Then the rider, that would be you, will go around the track and race!” And by around the track, Melina meant he would show off the beautiful arrangements. Right, that’s not a lie. Not a lie at all.
Melina looked around. There had to be a sign up- oh no! Melina narrowed her eyes. He was here?! Of all places! It was that jerk jeweler! The one from the Agora that had left a needle on a nice lady’s table to completely rip Melina’s chiton! And he was signing up with two giggling girls on both arms.
Oh, he was going down. It was time for Melina’s revenge- Leventi style.
“And we have to win,” Melina squinted at that merchant’s back. “I have unfinished business with that man.” And a Leventi always had their revenge. “Come on! Let’s sign up!”
Melina still couldn’t believe she was talking to a Mikaelidas, let alone asking a favor of him. She half expected Achilleas to belittle her question, or make fun of her flower crown by calling it childish or forget her name. But none of the above happened. He was surprisingly polite. Melina could be suspicious. He could be trying to be kind to her for some ulterior motive, but Melina didn’t have anything to offer him aside from being a target at which he could laugh. He didn’t need to be kind to her just for that.
Maybe he turned over a new leaf? Melina questioned. Or maybe she caught him in a good day. Oh maybe it’s the flowers! Of course! It had to be flowers! Who could be upset when there were so many beautiful colors and aromas in the air? Butterflies, too, were seemingly everywhere, drawn to the sweet blooms! Who could be upset and mean in a place that is so beautiful?
For once, Melina felt very fortunate. Luck was on her side! And the lord seemed interested in the competition! “I find that to be very fortunate, Xan.” Melina said to her, a large smile dancing on her face. And then her eyes widen, “Oh, my lord! Excuse me, I should have introduced my handmaiden, Xanthippe. She’s of course helping during the competition.” How rude of Melina. Teammates should know each other’s name! Assuming Achilleas would join them, of course….
But how did she convince him that this was a competition he would be interested in? He didn’t seem the type to prance around a beauty pageant. If there was one thing she learned in her household, however, was how to lie by omission. The Lord didn’t need to know about the first part of the competition, did he? And by the time it happens, it would be too late anyway! Yes, that would be the plan. Melina just had to… not feel guilty about it.
“It’s a competition that melds flowers and the Leventi love of horses,” a creature Melina very secretly hated to her core. They terrified her. “The maidens, that’s us, is in charge of decoration. Then the rider, that would be you, will go around the track and race!” And by around the track, Melina meant he would show off the beautiful arrangements. Right, that’s not a lie. Not a lie at all.
Melina looked around. There had to be a sign up- oh no! Melina narrowed her eyes. He was here?! Of all places! It was that jerk jeweler! The one from the Agora that had left a needle on a nice lady’s table to completely rip Melina’s chiton! And he was signing up with two giggling girls on both arms.
Oh, he was going down. It was time for Melina’s revenge- Leventi style.
“And we have to win,” Melina squinted at that merchant’s back. “I have unfinished business with that man.” And a Leventi always had their revenge. “Come on! Let’s sign up!”
The Lord was oblivious to the surprise his cordial response generated. He’d had very little to do with Lady Melina as he could recall, and so had no reason to think she might have any different expectation of him. Besides, it was in his interests to be polite to the family that was to be joined with his own in a matter of weeks. He looked a little bemused at the servant’s suggestion that his mother might have some interest in this mystery competition and recalled that she had been a chatty little thing when he’d met her the first time.
Still, he gave her a bland smile before turning to Melina as she kindly reminded him of the name of the blonde which he had to admit he’d not committed to memory. “ Xanthippe and I are already acquainted actually” he replied. “She delivered a missive from your Father to the house in Vasiliadon only a little while ago. Nice to see you again, Xanthippe.”
It wasn’t actually. She’d caught him at a terrible moment, and some of her questions had bordered on impertinent, but there wasn’t much to be done about that now. He still couldn’t fathom why a [i[handmaiden[/i] had been sent to deliver letters, but he supposed that wasn’t really any of his concern. Lady Melina was relaying the detail of this supposed content to him anyway, so Achilleas focused on that instead.
‘It’s a competition that melds flowers and the Leventi love of horses. The maidens, that’s us, is in charge of decoration. Then the rider, that would be you will go around the track and race!’
Well didn’t that sound..peculiar. Achilleas was already thinking up how he could politely decline. For one, the Mikaelidas lord was no small man. Standing over 6ft tall and with a body designed and moulded by his training as a soldier, the commander was not exactly lightweight. He could sit on a horse well enough, but racing? That was better suited to those of a slighter form. And he wasn’t sure he liked the sound of decoration either.
About to make his apologies under the excuse of needing to rejoin his companions, he was cut off by Lady Melina glancing past him to what appeared to be another competitor, her face taking on a determined set.
‘And we have to win, I have unfinished business with that man. Come on! Let’s sign up!’
Gods. Looking vaguely harried, Achilleas made a non-commital sound in his throat as he considered this. He didn’t want to offend, this was Theodora’s cousin after all, and she did seem rather determined about the contest. He shot a curious look at the man who had so provoked her but decided against asking any questions.
“I’m really not certain I am your best option,” he said, brow creased and looking around as if he might personally find them, someone, better. Picking up the cups of wine he’d set down earlier, he scanned the crows, but to his dismay, Achilleas didn’t spot anyone he knew that he could offer up in his place. If only he’d roped Krysto into coming along. Weighing the pros and cons of denying the Leventi girl her wish, it was with an inner sigh of resignation that he answered.
“ I suppose if you don’t have anyone else, then who am I to refuse you your shot at victory” he hedged. “But first, I really must take these back to my party and let them know that House Leventi has enlisted me for a few moments. If you’ll excuse me?”
If there was the slightest temptation to walk away and not return then it was quashed by the knowledge that he couldn’t afford to go offending his future in-laws, and so Achilleas returned within a few moments, sans wine and with another polished smile. Not without his own competitive spirit, the Mikaelidas man raised his brows toward Melina and her companion.
“Shall we then?”
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The Lord was oblivious to the surprise his cordial response generated. He’d had very little to do with Lady Melina as he could recall, and so had no reason to think she might have any different expectation of him. Besides, it was in his interests to be polite to the family that was to be joined with his own in a matter of weeks. He looked a little bemused at the servant’s suggestion that his mother might have some interest in this mystery competition and recalled that she had been a chatty little thing when he’d met her the first time.
Still, he gave her a bland smile before turning to Melina as she kindly reminded him of the name of the blonde which he had to admit he’d not committed to memory. “ Xanthippe and I are already acquainted actually” he replied. “She delivered a missive from your Father to the house in Vasiliadon only a little while ago. Nice to see you again, Xanthippe.”
It wasn’t actually. She’d caught him at a terrible moment, and some of her questions had bordered on impertinent, but there wasn’t much to be done about that now. He still couldn’t fathom why a [i[handmaiden[/i] had been sent to deliver letters, but he supposed that wasn’t really any of his concern. Lady Melina was relaying the detail of this supposed content to him anyway, so Achilleas focused on that instead.
‘It’s a competition that melds flowers and the Leventi love of horses. The maidens, that’s us, is in charge of decoration. Then the rider, that would be you will go around the track and race!’
Well didn’t that sound..peculiar. Achilleas was already thinking up how he could politely decline. For one, the Mikaelidas lord was no small man. Standing over 6ft tall and with a body designed and moulded by his training as a soldier, the commander was not exactly lightweight. He could sit on a horse well enough, but racing? That was better suited to those of a slighter form. And he wasn’t sure he liked the sound of decoration either.
About to make his apologies under the excuse of needing to rejoin his companions, he was cut off by Lady Melina glancing past him to what appeared to be another competitor, her face taking on a determined set.
‘And we have to win, I have unfinished business with that man. Come on! Let’s sign up!’
Gods. Looking vaguely harried, Achilleas made a non-commital sound in his throat as he considered this. He didn’t want to offend, this was Theodora’s cousin after all, and she did seem rather determined about the contest. He shot a curious look at the man who had so provoked her but decided against asking any questions.
“I’m really not certain I am your best option,” he said, brow creased and looking around as if he might personally find them, someone, better. Picking up the cups of wine he’d set down earlier, he scanned the crows, but to his dismay, Achilleas didn’t spot anyone he knew that he could offer up in his place. If only he’d roped Krysto into coming along. Weighing the pros and cons of denying the Leventi girl her wish, it was with an inner sigh of resignation that he answered.
“ I suppose if you don’t have anyone else, then who am I to refuse you your shot at victory” he hedged. “But first, I really must take these back to my party and let them know that House Leventi has enlisted me for a few moments. If you’ll excuse me?”
If there was the slightest temptation to walk away and not return then it was quashed by the knowledge that he couldn’t afford to go offending his future in-laws, and so Achilleas returned within a few moments, sans wine and with another polished smile. Not without his own competitive spirit, the Mikaelidas man raised his brows toward Melina and her companion.
“Shall we then?”
The Lord was oblivious to the surprise his cordial response generated. He’d had very little to do with Lady Melina as he could recall, and so had no reason to think she might have any different expectation of him. Besides, it was in his interests to be polite to the family that was to be joined with his own in a matter of weeks. He looked a little bemused at the servant’s suggestion that his mother might have some interest in this mystery competition and recalled that she had been a chatty little thing when he’d met her the first time.
Still, he gave her a bland smile before turning to Melina as she kindly reminded him of the name of the blonde which he had to admit he’d not committed to memory. “ Xanthippe and I are already acquainted actually” he replied. “She delivered a missive from your Father to the house in Vasiliadon only a little while ago. Nice to see you again, Xanthippe.”
It wasn’t actually. She’d caught him at a terrible moment, and some of her questions had bordered on impertinent, but there wasn’t much to be done about that now. He still couldn’t fathom why a [i[handmaiden[/i] had been sent to deliver letters, but he supposed that wasn’t really any of his concern. Lady Melina was relaying the detail of this supposed content to him anyway, so Achilleas focused on that instead.
‘It’s a competition that melds flowers and the Leventi love of horses. The maidens, that’s us, is in charge of decoration. Then the rider, that would be you will go around the track and race!’
Well didn’t that sound..peculiar. Achilleas was already thinking up how he could politely decline. For one, the Mikaelidas lord was no small man. Standing over 6ft tall and with a body designed and moulded by his training as a soldier, the commander was not exactly lightweight. He could sit on a horse well enough, but racing? That was better suited to those of a slighter form. And he wasn’t sure he liked the sound of decoration either.
About to make his apologies under the excuse of needing to rejoin his companions, he was cut off by Lady Melina glancing past him to what appeared to be another competitor, her face taking on a determined set.
‘And we have to win, I have unfinished business with that man. Come on! Let’s sign up!’
Gods. Looking vaguely harried, Achilleas made a non-commital sound in his throat as he considered this. He didn’t want to offend, this was Theodora’s cousin after all, and she did seem rather determined about the contest. He shot a curious look at the man who had so provoked her but decided against asking any questions.
“I’m really not certain I am your best option,” he said, brow creased and looking around as if he might personally find them, someone, better. Picking up the cups of wine he’d set down earlier, he scanned the crows, but to his dismay, Achilleas didn’t spot anyone he knew that he could offer up in his place. If only he’d roped Krysto into coming along. Weighing the pros and cons of denying the Leventi girl her wish, it was with an inner sigh of resignation that he answered.
“ I suppose if you don’t have anyone else, then who am I to refuse you your shot at victory” he hedged. “But first, I really must take these back to my party and let them know that House Leventi has enlisted me for a few moments. If you’ll excuse me?”
If there was the slightest temptation to walk away and not return then it was quashed by the knowledge that he couldn’t afford to go offending his future in-laws, and so Achilleas returned within a few moments, sans wine and with another polished smile. Not without his own competitive spirit, the Mikaelidas man raised his brows toward Melina and her companion.
“Shall we then?”
‘Nice to see you again, Xanthippe.’
Her smile was pretty and polite as she nodded in response, though she fought to keep her lip from curling. “And you, my lord.” No more than that did she say; with Melina right beside her, Xan couldn’t afford to behave the way she had on their first meeting. Melina was mostly oblivious to the errands Lord Fotios had her run, and especially oblivious to the intent behind them. She didn’t need to suspect that her demure handmaiden was anything more than she appeared to be.
Melina described the competition to Achilleas, and Xan made a study of his face—was that hesitation she saw? Maybe he didn’t want to join any more than she wanted him to, and wouldn’t that just work out nicely? Affirming it aloud, he expressed doubt that he would be the right choice, and Xan opened her mouth to add her voice to his before snapping it shut at Melina’s mention of another man she needed to defeat.
Her gaze cut to the man in question, eyes narrowing in anger. Unfinished business, eh? What manner of unfinished business? Xanthippe was certain she could settle it, somewhere away from this pageantry, but of course that wasn’t what her mistress seemed to want. She bit back a sigh when Achilleas appeared to agree to all this nonsense and turned back to Melina, resigned. It seemed they were going through with this, after all.
The Mikaelidas lord drifted away for a moment to speak to those he arrived with, and Xanthippe took advantage of that time to shoot Melina a look. “Are you really sure you want his help?” she asked doubtfully, her eyebrow raising in contention. “Do you not remember the dreadful way he and his cousin treated you?” Glancing over toward the man’s back, she only just stopped her glare before it betrayed her. “Because I do.”
Of course, she would go along with whatever Melina wanted, but that didn’t mean she would like it. Then again, spending more time with Achilleas would be to her benefit, she supposed, no matter how distasteful she found the notion. Any information she could gather on those in power (and those she didn’t like) was valuable. She could suck it up for an afternoon. At least he was marrying into the other branch of the Leventi clan, and an afternoon was all it would have to be. For now.
At his return, she wiped the resentment from her face and offered him a more bland smile. “Well, my lord? Do you have a preference on flowers?” Xan really didn’t want to be part of this competition, but if she could shove a few rose thorns into a few operative locations, well… why not?
Poke one into his eye.
That would be a quick way to see an end to this, huh?
No downside.
Except for the one where I get, you know… arrested.
We can figure that out later.
Rather than replying, she just rolled her eyes at the gods’ unrealistic suggestions, no matter how she might wish she could follow through with them. Watching blood drip down the lion’s face would certainly be the highlight of her day.
Looking at Melina instead, her face took on a more genuine smile. “Though I will defer to you, my lady, of course. You’ve much more of an eye for beauty than I have.”
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‘Nice to see you again, Xanthippe.’
Her smile was pretty and polite as she nodded in response, though she fought to keep her lip from curling. “And you, my lord.” No more than that did she say; with Melina right beside her, Xan couldn’t afford to behave the way she had on their first meeting. Melina was mostly oblivious to the errands Lord Fotios had her run, and especially oblivious to the intent behind them. She didn’t need to suspect that her demure handmaiden was anything more than she appeared to be.
Melina described the competition to Achilleas, and Xan made a study of his face—was that hesitation she saw? Maybe he didn’t want to join any more than she wanted him to, and wouldn’t that just work out nicely? Affirming it aloud, he expressed doubt that he would be the right choice, and Xan opened her mouth to add her voice to his before snapping it shut at Melina’s mention of another man she needed to defeat.
Her gaze cut to the man in question, eyes narrowing in anger. Unfinished business, eh? What manner of unfinished business? Xanthippe was certain she could settle it, somewhere away from this pageantry, but of course that wasn’t what her mistress seemed to want. She bit back a sigh when Achilleas appeared to agree to all this nonsense and turned back to Melina, resigned. It seemed they were going through with this, after all.
The Mikaelidas lord drifted away for a moment to speak to those he arrived with, and Xanthippe took advantage of that time to shoot Melina a look. “Are you really sure you want his help?” she asked doubtfully, her eyebrow raising in contention. “Do you not remember the dreadful way he and his cousin treated you?” Glancing over toward the man’s back, she only just stopped her glare before it betrayed her. “Because I do.”
Of course, she would go along with whatever Melina wanted, but that didn’t mean she would like it. Then again, spending more time with Achilleas would be to her benefit, she supposed, no matter how distasteful she found the notion. Any information she could gather on those in power (and those she didn’t like) was valuable. She could suck it up for an afternoon. At least he was marrying into the other branch of the Leventi clan, and an afternoon was all it would have to be. For now.
At his return, she wiped the resentment from her face and offered him a more bland smile. “Well, my lord? Do you have a preference on flowers?” Xan really didn’t want to be part of this competition, but if she could shove a few rose thorns into a few operative locations, well… why not?
Poke one into his eye.
That would be a quick way to see an end to this, huh?
No downside.
Except for the one where I get, you know… arrested.
We can figure that out later.
Rather than replying, she just rolled her eyes at the gods’ unrealistic suggestions, no matter how she might wish she could follow through with them. Watching blood drip down the lion’s face would certainly be the highlight of her day.
Looking at Melina instead, her face took on a more genuine smile. “Though I will defer to you, my lady, of course. You’ve much more of an eye for beauty than I have.”
‘Nice to see you again, Xanthippe.’
Her smile was pretty and polite as she nodded in response, though she fought to keep her lip from curling. “And you, my lord.” No more than that did she say; with Melina right beside her, Xan couldn’t afford to behave the way she had on their first meeting. Melina was mostly oblivious to the errands Lord Fotios had her run, and especially oblivious to the intent behind them. She didn’t need to suspect that her demure handmaiden was anything more than she appeared to be.
Melina described the competition to Achilleas, and Xan made a study of his face—was that hesitation she saw? Maybe he didn’t want to join any more than she wanted him to, and wouldn’t that just work out nicely? Affirming it aloud, he expressed doubt that he would be the right choice, and Xan opened her mouth to add her voice to his before snapping it shut at Melina’s mention of another man she needed to defeat.
Her gaze cut to the man in question, eyes narrowing in anger. Unfinished business, eh? What manner of unfinished business? Xanthippe was certain she could settle it, somewhere away from this pageantry, but of course that wasn’t what her mistress seemed to want. She bit back a sigh when Achilleas appeared to agree to all this nonsense and turned back to Melina, resigned. It seemed they were going through with this, after all.
The Mikaelidas lord drifted away for a moment to speak to those he arrived with, and Xanthippe took advantage of that time to shoot Melina a look. “Are you really sure you want his help?” she asked doubtfully, her eyebrow raising in contention. “Do you not remember the dreadful way he and his cousin treated you?” Glancing over toward the man’s back, she only just stopped her glare before it betrayed her. “Because I do.”
Of course, she would go along with whatever Melina wanted, but that didn’t mean she would like it. Then again, spending more time with Achilleas would be to her benefit, she supposed, no matter how distasteful she found the notion. Any information she could gather on those in power (and those she didn’t like) was valuable. She could suck it up for an afternoon. At least he was marrying into the other branch of the Leventi clan, and an afternoon was all it would have to be. For now.
At his return, she wiped the resentment from her face and offered him a more bland smile. “Well, my lord? Do you have a preference on flowers?” Xan really didn’t want to be part of this competition, but if she could shove a few rose thorns into a few operative locations, well… why not?
Poke one into his eye.
That would be a quick way to see an end to this, huh?
No downside.
Except for the one where I get, you know… arrested.
We can figure that out later.
Rather than replying, she just rolled her eyes at the gods’ unrealistic suggestions, no matter how she might wish she could follow through with them. Watching blood drip down the lion’s face would certainly be the highlight of her day.
Looking at Melina instead, her face took on a more genuine smile. “Though I will defer to you, my lady, of course. You’ve much more of an eye for beauty than I have.”
Melina had no idea that Xan and Lord Achilleas had met- but then again her father did go to the palatai often and it wasn’t far fetched to believe that Xan would accompany him. But for her to be remembered by him (when Melina herself wasn’t) was surprising. Then again, Xan was wonderful so of course, she’d leave a lasting impression. Not only that, but she was beautiful too. If Xan had a name attached to her then people like Achilleas (who probably only cared about a woman’s looks- after all, he’s marrying the most beautiful of the Leventi) would be throwing themselves at Xan.
That all didn’t matter because then he said the words I’m really not certain I’m your best option. Melina tried to not let her face fall. He didn’t want to do this with her, did he? He was going to run off and pretend he didn’t even see her! He probably even regretted even rem-
I suppose if you don’t have anyone else, then who am I to refuse you your shot at victory.
Melina perked right up, her smile growing so wide. When he left, it was Xan’s turn to speak. Are you really sure you want his help? The truth of the matter was… Melina wasn’t so sure. He was terribly rude to her. Melina hadn’t forgotten that day and how embarrassed she felt, especially in front of someone who would become her best friend. And she didn’t trust that he wanted to do this… maybe he was only doing it because she was Theodora’s cousin. That was absolutely a possibility.
But then Melina looked at that merchant again and she felt fire in her stomach. “That man over there was far ruder,” Melina tilted her chin in explanation to Xan. “He sabotaged a nice woman’s table at the Agora all because she said no to him. And his deeds led to my favorite chiton being ripped. I had to hide under the table, in the dirt just to not be seen, Xan. It was humiliating. I want that man to feel humiliated too! So if it means asking Lord Achilleas for help then I shall! And… and… I want to win Xan. For once in my life I want to win something.” Was that so much to ask?
Melina bit her lip to keep from saying more. When the Lord returned Melina put that smile back on her face, though perhaps not as genuine as it was before. “Thank you so much, my lord,” Melina said sincerely. She didn’t want to believe there was no trick afoot but… well, for now, she’d take the lord at his word. It was the only choice that she had.
Approaching the table there was a young girl and a man seemingly working it. Upon asking their names Melina answered, causing the pair to straighten up realizing just who they were talking to. “Oh, my lord!” They of course greeted Achilleas first. “My Lady!” They outright ignored Xan, something Melina took note of. Her smiled turned down into a frown.
“And Xanthippe,” Melina repeated her handmaiden’s name. Xan was here too, and not to be forgotten.
“A-And Xanthippe ma’am,” they greeted Xan now. “The horse in stall 12 is our very best horse. We would be honored for that one to be yours’s for the competition.”
… It clicked all of a sudden. Melina was about to do a competition… a competition she wasn’t entirely honest about to a Lord and the competition involved… horses.
“I… I’ll go get flowers!” Melina said suddenly, as her heart rate picked up so fast that she could heart it. Thumpthumpthump. “I’ll… I’ll meet you at the stall!” Melina quickly walked from the pair as she went to search for the flowers, the whole time trying to think of how in the gods names was she going to pull this off.
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Melina had no idea that Xan and Lord Achilleas had met- but then again her father did go to the palatai often and it wasn’t far fetched to believe that Xan would accompany him. But for her to be remembered by him (when Melina herself wasn’t) was surprising. Then again, Xan was wonderful so of course, she’d leave a lasting impression. Not only that, but she was beautiful too. If Xan had a name attached to her then people like Achilleas (who probably only cared about a woman’s looks- after all, he’s marrying the most beautiful of the Leventi) would be throwing themselves at Xan.
That all didn’t matter because then he said the words I’m really not certain I’m your best option. Melina tried to not let her face fall. He didn’t want to do this with her, did he? He was going to run off and pretend he didn’t even see her! He probably even regretted even rem-
I suppose if you don’t have anyone else, then who am I to refuse you your shot at victory.
Melina perked right up, her smile growing so wide. When he left, it was Xan’s turn to speak. Are you really sure you want his help? The truth of the matter was… Melina wasn’t so sure. He was terribly rude to her. Melina hadn’t forgotten that day and how embarrassed she felt, especially in front of someone who would become her best friend. And she didn’t trust that he wanted to do this… maybe he was only doing it because she was Theodora’s cousin. That was absolutely a possibility.
But then Melina looked at that merchant again and she felt fire in her stomach. “That man over there was far ruder,” Melina tilted her chin in explanation to Xan. “He sabotaged a nice woman’s table at the Agora all because she said no to him. And his deeds led to my favorite chiton being ripped. I had to hide under the table, in the dirt just to not be seen, Xan. It was humiliating. I want that man to feel humiliated too! So if it means asking Lord Achilleas for help then I shall! And… and… I want to win Xan. For once in my life I want to win something.” Was that so much to ask?
Melina bit her lip to keep from saying more. When the Lord returned Melina put that smile back on her face, though perhaps not as genuine as it was before. “Thank you so much, my lord,” Melina said sincerely. She didn’t want to believe there was no trick afoot but… well, for now, she’d take the lord at his word. It was the only choice that she had.
Approaching the table there was a young girl and a man seemingly working it. Upon asking their names Melina answered, causing the pair to straighten up realizing just who they were talking to. “Oh, my lord!” They of course greeted Achilleas first. “My Lady!” They outright ignored Xan, something Melina took note of. Her smiled turned down into a frown.
“And Xanthippe,” Melina repeated her handmaiden’s name. Xan was here too, and not to be forgotten.
“A-And Xanthippe ma’am,” they greeted Xan now. “The horse in stall 12 is our very best horse. We would be honored for that one to be yours’s for the competition.”
… It clicked all of a sudden. Melina was about to do a competition… a competition she wasn’t entirely honest about to a Lord and the competition involved… horses.
“I… I’ll go get flowers!” Melina said suddenly, as her heart rate picked up so fast that she could heart it. Thumpthumpthump. “I’ll… I’ll meet you at the stall!” Melina quickly walked from the pair as she went to search for the flowers, the whole time trying to think of how in the gods names was she going to pull this off.
Melina had no idea that Xan and Lord Achilleas had met- but then again her father did go to the palatai often and it wasn’t far fetched to believe that Xan would accompany him. But for her to be remembered by him (when Melina herself wasn’t) was surprising. Then again, Xan was wonderful so of course, she’d leave a lasting impression. Not only that, but she was beautiful too. If Xan had a name attached to her then people like Achilleas (who probably only cared about a woman’s looks- after all, he’s marrying the most beautiful of the Leventi) would be throwing themselves at Xan.
That all didn’t matter because then he said the words I’m really not certain I’m your best option. Melina tried to not let her face fall. He didn’t want to do this with her, did he? He was going to run off and pretend he didn’t even see her! He probably even regretted even rem-
I suppose if you don’t have anyone else, then who am I to refuse you your shot at victory.
Melina perked right up, her smile growing so wide. When he left, it was Xan’s turn to speak. Are you really sure you want his help? The truth of the matter was… Melina wasn’t so sure. He was terribly rude to her. Melina hadn’t forgotten that day and how embarrassed she felt, especially in front of someone who would become her best friend. And she didn’t trust that he wanted to do this… maybe he was only doing it because she was Theodora’s cousin. That was absolutely a possibility.
But then Melina looked at that merchant again and she felt fire in her stomach. “That man over there was far ruder,” Melina tilted her chin in explanation to Xan. “He sabotaged a nice woman’s table at the Agora all because she said no to him. And his deeds led to my favorite chiton being ripped. I had to hide under the table, in the dirt just to not be seen, Xan. It was humiliating. I want that man to feel humiliated too! So if it means asking Lord Achilleas for help then I shall! And… and… I want to win Xan. For once in my life I want to win something.” Was that so much to ask?
Melina bit her lip to keep from saying more. When the Lord returned Melina put that smile back on her face, though perhaps not as genuine as it was before. “Thank you so much, my lord,” Melina said sincerely. She didn’t want to believe there was no trick afoot but… well, for now, she’d take the lord at his word. It was the only choice that she had.
Approaching the table there was a young girl and a man seemingly working it. Upon asking their names Melina answered, causing the pair to straighten up realizing just who they were talking to. “Oh, my lord!” They of course greeted Achilleas first. “My Lady!” They outright ignored Xan, something Melina took note of. Her smiled turned down into a frown.
“And Xanthippe,” Melina repeated her handmaiden’s name. Xan was here too, and not to be forgotten.
“A-And Xanthippe ma’am,” they greeted Xan now. “The horse in stall 12 is our very best horse. We would be honored for that one to be yours’s for the competition.”
… It clicked all of a sudden. Melina was about to do a competition… a competition she wasn’t entirely honest about to a Lord and the competition involved… horses.
“I… I’ll go get flowers!” Melina said suddenly, as her heart rate picked up so fast that she could heart it. Thumpthumpthump. “I’ll… I’ll meet you at the stall!” Melina quickly walked from the pair as she went to search for the flowers, the whole time trying to think of how in the gods names was she going to pull this off.
Any hope he had that his party might have some terribly urgent reason for him not to return to help the Leventi girl was dashed when Myrto simply smiled and bid him go on, and so Achilleas had resigned himself to the fact that this was happening - whatever this turned out to be. When he rejoined Lady Melina and her handmaiden, the lord cast a sideways glance at the blonde when she asked him his preference in flowers.
“I’m sure whatever you have in mind will be fine” he answered, some vague confusion regarding what the event actually entailed lingering. And then he turned a smile upon Melina, a slight nod of his head as he waved away her thanks. “It’s no bother. How could I leave you unable to wreak your revenge upon..” His gaze lifted over her shoulder to the man who had somehow earned her ire “...whomever your foe is.”
He followed Lady Melina and her handmaiden to the people who seemed to be organising the contest, as it was, and Achilleas smiled blandly at them, not thinking much of their exclusion to address the servant until Lady Melina mentioned it herself and the Lord swept the surprised look from his face as soon as he was able. There was clearly some friendship there, and the Mikaelidas man was not one to judge.
He himself had blurred those boundaries before now, though he had drawn a line under that. He did look upon Xanthippe a touch more speculatively then though, thinking on the conversation that had passed between them slightly differently know he knew she likely had the ear of one of the Leventi. The one who was just excusing herself and walking away, leaving him with the servant who looked no more pleased about it than he did.
“...stall 12 then,” Achilleas said, glancing at Xanthippe and then away as he began to move down the lines of fenced enclosures until they reached the one marked with their number. Within stood a fine-looking horse - unsurprising given its heritage - but Achilleas was more pleased to see that the beast was a good size and that his height would not leave his feet dragging upon the floor.
He wasn’t entirely sure what they were supposed to be doing and so looked down the line of stalls to see what was happening around them. He raised an eyebrow at the floral garlands being draped over both horse and rider in the next-door stall, and he turned to Xanthippe with a slightly guarded expression upon his face. “It is the horses that are decorated, yes?”
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Any hope he had that his party might have some terribly urgent reason for him not to return to help the Leventi girl was dashed when Myrto simply smiled and bid him go on, and so Achilleas had resigned himself to the fact that this was happening - whatever this turned out to be. When he rejoined Lady Melina and her handmaiden, the lord cast a sideways glance at the blonde when she asked him his preference in flowers.
“I’m sure whatever you have in mind will be fine” he answered, some vague confusion regarding what the event actually entailed lingering. And then he turned a smile upon Melina, a slight nod of his head as he waved away her thanks. “It’s no bother. How could I leave you unable to wreak your revenge upon..” His gaze lifted over her shoulder to the man who had somehow earned her ire “...whomever your foe is.”
He followed Lady Melina and her handmaiden to the people who seemed to be organising the contest, as it was, and Achilleas smiled blandly at them, not thinking much of their exclusion to address the servant until Lady Melina mentioned it herself and the Lord swept the surprised look from his face as soon as he was able. There was clearly some friendship there, and the Mikaelidas man was not one to judge.
He himself had blurred those boundaries before now, though he had drawn a line under that. He did look upon Xanthippe a touch more speculatively then though, thinking on the conversation that had passed between them slightly differently know he knew she likely had the ear of one of the Leventi. The one who was just excusing herself and walking away, leaving him with the servant who looked no more pleased about it than he did.
“...stall 12 then,” Achilleas said, glancing at Xanthippe and then away as he began to move down the lines of fenced enclosures until they reached the one marked with their number. Within stood a fine-looking horse - unsurprising given its heritage - but Achilleas was more pleased to see that the beast was a good size and that his height would not leave his feet dragging upon the floor.
He wasn’t entirely sure what they were supposed to be doing and so looked down the line of stalls to see what was happening around them. He raised an eyebrow at the floral garlands being draped over both horse and rider in the next-door stall, and he turned to Xanthippe with a slightly guarded expression upon his face. “It is the horses that are decorated, yes?”
Any hope he had that his party might have some terribly urgent reason for him not to return to help the Leventi girl was dashed when Myrto simply smiled and bid him go on, and so Achilleas had resigned himself to the fact that this was happening - whatever this turned out to be. When he rejoined Lady Melina and her handmaiden, the lord cast a sideways glance at the blonde when she asked him his preference in flowers.
“I’m sure whatever you have in mind will be fine” he answered, some vague confusion regarding what the event actually entailed lingering. And then he turned a smile upon Melina, a slight nod of his head as he waved away her thanks. “It’s no bother. How could I leave you unable to wreak your revenge upon..” His gaze lifted over her shoulder to the man who had somehow earned her ire “...whomever your foe is.”
He followed Lady Melina and her handmaiden to the people who seemed to be organising the contest, as it was, and Achilleas smiled blandly at them, not thinking much of their exclusion to address the servant until Lady Melina mentioned it herself and the Lord swept the surprised look from his face as soon as he was able. There was clearly some friendship there, and the Mikaelidas man was not one to judge.
He himself had blurred those boundaries before now, though he had drawn a line under that. He did look upon Xanthippe a touch more speculatively then though, thinking on the conversation that had passed between them slightly differently know he knew she likely had the ear of one of the Leventi. The one who was just excusing herself and walking away, leaving him with the servant who looked no more pleased about it than he did.
“...stall 12 then,” Achilleas said, glancing at Xanthippe and then away as he began to move down the lines of fenced enclosures until they reached the one marked with their number. Within stood a fine-looking horse - unsurprising given its heritage - but Achilleas was more pleased to see that the beast was a good size and that his height would not leave his feet dragging upon the floor.
He wasn’t entirely sure what they were supposed to be doing and so looked down the line of stalls to see what was happening around them. He raised an eyebrow at the floral garlands being draped over both horse and rider in the next-door stall, and he turned to Xanthippe with a slightly guarded expression upon his face. “It is the horses that are decorated, yes?”
‘I want that man to feel humiliated too! So if it means asking Lord Achilleas for help then I shall! And… and… I want to win, Xan. For once in my life I want to win something.’
The handmaid’s face hardened ever so slightly as Melina told her story about the man she wanted to humiliate, casting a spiteful glance in the merchant’s direction. It seemed a rather mild offense in comparison to other things he could have done, but a slight against her lady was also a slight against herself. If Melina wanted him humiliated, then that’s what would happen.
Her gaze turned more speculative as she trailed it back onto Melina, the hint of a smirk playing around the edge of her lips. Though most thought her ladyship to be just a soft-spoken and tender-hearted wallflower (and they were not entirely wrong), Xanthippe knew better. Melina was a Leventi, even if she wasn’t as vocal as her sisters and cousins, and there was iron in her, just buried a little deeper. The fact that she felt so inclined to humiliate this man over his behavior… well, in a perverse way, Xan was proud of her.
“Of course, my lady. We’ll make sure he’s never felt more shame in his life.”
Achilleas returned then, and they dropped their conversation, Xanthippe falling quiet as she listened to the lord converse with her mistress. Of course, she still wasn’t thrilled about this whole event, but for Melina’s sake, she would do her best to ensure they won this ridiculous contest. And the sooner, the better.
She trailed a few steps behind the other two as they approached the table where they would sign up, the man sitting there addressing Achilleas and Melina, but paying no mind to her. It didn’t bother her, truly; she was used to it long before now, and it often served her better to remain unnoticed. Melina, however, didn’t take too kindly to that omission, insisting he acknowledge her, as well. More than a little bewildered, he did so, the handmaid offering a nod and a half smile in return. It was sweet of her mistress to include her, if unnecessary. But it was just one of the many things about Melina that proved strength of character did not always lie in the most obvious traits.
They were directed toward the twelfth stall, and Xanthippe turned expectantly in that direction, ready to follow Melina and Achilleas there. Except Melina suddenly got a hair up her tail about fetching flowers and bolted off quicker than the horse they’d been assigned. Blinking a few times at the Leventi’s retreating back, Xan suppressed a sigh. Well, wasn’t this just lovely? Stuck alone with Achilleas for a contest she didn’t even want to participate in. Perfect.
It won’t be that bad.
I mean, I’m sure it’s supposed to honor one of you. Of course you wouldn’t complain.
You’d do well not to, as well. Show some respect.
Xanthippe rolled her eyes and walked silently next to her unwanted companion as they made their way to the twelfth stall. Idly patting the horse’s nose when they arrived, she cocked a brow and looked over at Achilleas as he posed his question. “The horses, yes,” she answered, her lip twitching in amusement. “And you, as well.” She bit back a laugh, clearing her throat and straightening her face. “Sure you don’t want to reconsider leaving the flower choices up to me? Thought you might know which shade of petal goes best with your eyes.”
And speaking of flowers… Xanthippe cast an annoyed glance at the already full basket of flowers left on the ground next to the stall. Of course, they were already provided, and Melina had left her alone with this man for no reason. Just her luck, wasn’t it?
She supposed she ought to get started while she waited for her mistress to return, idly picking through the flowers left for them. “Red and purple, maybe,” she mused aloud, figuring the colors of the two Houses represented ought to work for such a contest. But, what did she know? She hardly spent her downtime arranging flowers or decorating grown men. What was she really expected to do?
Selecting a handful of irises, roses, and peonies, she showed them to Achilleas. “What do you think of these for your crown, my lord?” she asked with a carefully neutral expression as she fought to keep the amusement from her face. “Or perhaps a nice corsage for your wrist…”
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‘I want that man to feel humiliated too! So if it means asking Lord Achilleas for help then I shall! And… and… I want to win, Xan. For once in my life I want to win something.’
The handmaid’s face hardened ever so slightly as Melina told her story about the man she wanted to humiliate, casting a spiteful glance in the merchant’s direction. It seemed a rather mild offense in comparison to other things he could have done, but a slight against her lady was also a slight against herself. If Melina wanted him humiliated, then that’s what would happen.
Her gaze turned more speculative as she trailed it back onto Melina, the hint of a smirk playing around the edge of her lips. Though most thought her ladyship to be just a soft-spoken and tender-hearted wallflower (and they were not entirely wrong), Xanthippe knew better. Melina was a Leventi, even if she wasn’t as vocal as her sisters and cousins, and there was iron in her, just buried a little deeper. The fact that she felt so inclined to humiliate this man over his behavior… well, in a perverse way, Xan was proud of her.
“Of course, my lady. We’ll make sure he’s never felt more shame in his life.”
Achilleas returned then, and they dropped their conversation, Xanthippe falling quiet as she listened to the lord converse with her mistress. Of course, she still wasn’t thrilled about this whole event, but for Melina’s sake, she would do her best to ensure they won this ridiculous contest. And the sooner, the better.
She trailed a few steps behind the other two as they approached the table where they would sign up, the man sitting there addressing Achilleas and Melina, but paying no mind to her. It didn’t bother her, truly; she was used to it long before now, and it often served her better to remain unnoticed. Melina, however, didn’t take too kindly to that omission, insisting he acknowledge her, as well. More than a little bewildered, he did so, the handmaid offering a nod and a half smile in return. It was sweet of her mistress to include her, if unnecessary. But it was just one of the many things about Melina that proved strength of character did not always lie in the most obvious traits.
They were directed toward the twelfth stall, and Xanthippe turned expectantly in that direction, ready to follow Melina and Achilleas there. Except Melina suddenly got a hair up her tail about fetching flowers and bolted off quicker than the horse they’d been assigned. Blinking a few times at the Leventi’s retreating back, Xan suppressed a sigh. Well, wasn’t this just lovely? Stuck alone with Achilleas for a contest she didn’t even want to participate in. Perfect.
It won’t be that bad.
I mean, I’m sure it’s supposed to honor one of you. Of course you wouldn’t complain.
You’d do well not to, as well. Show some respect.
Xanthippe rolled her eyes and walked silently next to her unwanted companion as they made their way to the twelfth stall. Idly patting the horse’s nose when they arrived, she cocked a brow and looked over at Achilleas as he posed his question. “The horses, yes,” she answered, her lip twitching in amusement. “And you, as well.” She bit back a laugh, clearing her throat and straightening her face. “Sure you don’t want to reconsider leaving the flower choices up to me? Thought you might know which shade of petal goes best with your eyes.”
And speaking of flowers… Xanthippe cast an annoyed glance at the already full basket of flowers left on the ground next to the stall. Of course, they were already provided, and Melina had left her alone with this man for no reason. Just her luck, wasn’t it?
She supposed she ought to get started while she waited for her mistress to return, idly picking through the flowers left for them. “Red and purple, maybe,” she mused aloud, figuring the colors of the two Houses represented ought to work for such a contest. But, what did she know? She hardly spent her downtime arranging flowers or decorating grown men. What was she really expected to do?
Selecting a handful of irises, roses, and peonies, she showed them to Achilleas. “What do you think of these for your crown, my lord?” she asked with a carefully neutral expression as she fought to keep the amusement from her face. “Or perhaps a nice corsage for your wrist…”
‘I want that man to feel humiliated too! So if it means asking Lord Achilleas for help then I shall! And… and… I want to win, Xan. For once in my life I want to win something.’
The handmaid’s face hardened ever so slightly as Melina told her story about the man she wanted to humiliate, casting a spiteful glance in the merchant’s direction. It seemed a rather mild offense in comparison to other things he could have done, but a slight against her lady was also a slight against herself. If Melina wanted him humiliated, then that’s what would happen.
Her gaze turned more speculative as she trailed it back onto Melina, the hint of a smirk playing around the edge of her lips. Though most thought her ladyship to be just a soft-spoken and tender-hearted wallflower (and they were not entirely wrong), Xanthippe knew better. Melina was a Leventi, even if she wasn’t as vocal as her sisters and cousins, and there was iron in her, just buried a little deeper. The fact that she felt so inclined to humiliate this man over his behavior… well, in a perverse way, Xan was proud of her.
“Of course, my lady. We’ll make sure he’s never felt more shame in his life.”
Achilleas returned then, and they dropped their conversation, Xanthippe falling quiet as she listened to the lord converse with her mistress. Of course, she still wasn’t thrilled about this whole event, but for Melina’s sake, she would do her best to ensure they won this ridiculous contest. And the sooner, the better.
She trailed a few steps behind the other two as they approached the table where they would sign up, the man sitting there addressing Achilleas and Melina, but paying no mind to her. It didn’t bother her, truly; she was used to it long before now, and it often served her better to remain unnoticed. Melina, however, didn’t take too kindly to that omission, insisting he acknowledge her, as well. More than a little bewildered, he did so, the handmaid offering a nod and a half smile in return. It was sweet of her mistress to include her, if unnecessary. But it was just one of the many things about Melina that proved strength of character did not always lie in the most obvious traits.
They were directed toward the twelfth stall, and Xanthippe turned expectantly in that direction, ready to follow Melina and Achilleas there. Except Melina suddenly got a hair up her tail about fetching flowers and bolted off quicker than the horse they’d been assigned. Blinking a few times at the Leventi’s retreating back, Xan suppressed a sigh. Well, wasn’t this just lovely? Stuck alone with Achilleas for a contest she didn’t even want to participate in. Perfect.
It won’t be that bad.
I mean, I’m sure it’s supposed to honor one of you. Of course you wouldn’t complain.
You’d do well not to, as well. Show some respect.
Xanthippe rolled her eyes and walked silently next to her unwanted companion as they made their way to the twelfth stall. Idly patting the horse’s nose when they arrived, she cocked a brow and looked over at Achilleas as he posed his question. “The horses, yes,” she answered, her lip twitching in amusement. “And you, as well.” She bit back a laugh, clearing her throat and straightening her face. “Sure you don’t want to reconsider leaving the flower choices up to me? Thought you might know which shade of petal goes best with your eyes.”
And speaking of flowers… Xanthippe cast an annoyed glance at the already full basket of flowers left on the ground next to the stall. Of course, they were already provided, and Melina had left her alone with this man for no reason. Just her luck, wasn’t it?
She supposed she ought to get started while she waited for her mistress to return, idly picking through the flowers left for them. “Red and purple, maybe,” she mused aloud, figuring the colors of the two Houses represented ought to work for such a contest. But, what did she know? She hardly spent her downtime arranging flowers or decorating grown men. What was she really expected to do?
Selecting a handful of irises, roses, and peonies, she showed them to Achilleas. “What do you think of these for your crown, my lord?” she asked with a carefully neutral expression as she fought to keep the amusement from her face. “Or perhaps a nice corsage for your wrist…”
“Why did I do that? Why did I do that?” Melina whispered to herself over and over again as she had left the pair. She’d have to go back. She’d have to be near the… horse. Worst of all- she’d have to confront that this was a horrible idea, she mislead Achilleas, and let’s face it… what were the real chances of her winning? And even if she did win, would it even be legitimate or would it be awarded just because of their name? And even if it was legitimate… would anyone believe that?
Not only did they have to win, they would have to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were deserving of first prize. And nothing Melina could do would ever guarantee that- not without cheating and being completely underhanded which Melina was above. This was a mess. This was a mistake. She should just march back to them and tell the pair this was a horrible idea and to profusely apologize for insulting Achilleas by stringing him along. That was what she should do.
But the problem was, Melina had pride. Perhaps this was the only real evidence that connected her to her family- she was far too proud to admit this was a terrible mistake. She was headed towards humiliation either way, but at least not taking blame allowed her to keep some dignity. Besides, there was a chance, albeit small, that they could win. Even if Melina wouldn’t ever properly be recognized for that win, and in fact Achilleas was more than likely to overshadow her being handsome…. And tall… and the one in front of a crowd… and, well, being better in many ways than Melina- but at the end of the day, it’s a win. Right?
She was doomed.
But Melina continued with the charade. She just had to think about what colors would go best. Red and purple? It wasn’t bad, symbolizing their two families, but the two were very bold colors. And with a bold man such as Achilleas (at least, as far as appearances are concerned) it could be overwhelming. Something would need to be mixed to soften everything… hm.
Or maybe… Bold would be just what they needed. Melina lacked confidence, but Achilleas didn’t. And while flowers could be girly they also… could be fierce. The competitors were more likely to be soft, or colorful, and miss an overall theme. But Melina knew flowers- and she knew their meanings. She could go with the color theme, the reds, and the purples, but beyond that, she could have a story with the flowers.
The Gladiolus went by another name, a more ancient name… that meant sword. And the Hyacinth, personally Melina’s least favorite flower as it had connections with death, also had power within its origin. Melina didn’t want to be the prettiest on the track- she wanted to be the most powerful.
With her decision set, she went off to find those flowers, before returning to Xan and Achilleas. “Okay, I have a plan. This flower here means sword- and this flower here has a story that involves death. So I want us to be powerful. People are going to be preening and prancing- but no. We’re going to be strong. We are going to be- Whaaa!” Melina cut off when the horse made a sudden sound and moved its giant head. She dived behind Xan, instinctively.
“Strike that- Lord Achilleas is going to be strong.” Melina mumbled, stepping back from Xan once she was sure the horse wasn’t going to kill her. She handed the flowers to Xan and then looked at the bucket, looking for anything that could at least balance the colors slightly. Ah- she picked some off white fillers. “Could you put this on the horse? I’ll work on the Lord.”
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“Why did I do that? Why did I do that?” Melina whispered to herself over and over again as she had left the pair. She’d have to go back. She’d have to be near the… horse. Worst of all- she’d have to confront that this was a horrible idea, she mislead Achilleas, and let’s face it… what were the real chances of her winning? And even if she did win, would it even be legitimate or would it be awarded just because of their name? And even if it was legitimate… would anyone believe that?
Not only did they have to win, they would have to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were deserving of first prize. And nothing Melina could do would ever guarantee that- not without cheating and being completely underhanded which Melina was above. This was a mess. This was a mistake. She should just march back to them and tell the pair this was a horrible idea and to profusely apologize for insulting Achilleas by stringing him along. That was what she should do.
But the problem was, Melina had pride. Perhaps this was the only real evidence that connected her to her family- she was far too proud to admit this was a terrible mistake. She was headed towards humiliation either way, but at least not taking blame allowed her to keep some dignity. Besides, there was a chance, albeit small, that they could win. Even if Melina wouldn’t ever properly be recognized for that win, and in fact Achilleas was more than likely to overshadow her being handsome…. And tall… and the one in front of a crowd… and, well, being better in many ways than Melina- but at the end of the day, it’s a win. Right?
She was doomed.
But Melina continued with the charade. She just had to think about what colors would go best. Red and purple? It wasn’t bad, symbolizing their two families, but the two were very bold colors. And with a bold man such as Achilleas (at least, as far as appearances are concerned) it could be overwhelming. Something would need to be mixed to soften everything… hm.
Or maybe… Bold would be just what they needed. Melina lacked confidence, but Achilleas didn’t. And while flowers could be girly they also… could be fierce. The competitors were more likely to be soft, or colorful, and miss an overall theme. But Melina knew flowers- and she knew their meanings. She could go with the color theme, the reds, and the purples, but beyond that, she could have a story with the flowers.
The Gladiolus went by another name, a more ancient name… that meant sword. And the Hyacinth, personally Melina’s least favorite flower as it had connections with death, also had power within its origin. Melina didn’t want to be the prettiest on the track- she wanted to be the most powerful.
With her decision set, she went off to find those flowers, before returning to Xan and Achilleas. “Okay, I have a plan. This flower here means sword- and this flower here has a story that involves death. So I want us to be powerful. People are going to be preening and prancing- but no. We’re going to be strong. We are going to be- Whaaa!” Melina cut off when the horse made a sudden sound and moved its giant head. She dived behind Xan, instinctively.
“Strike that- Lord Achilleas is going to be strong.” Melina mumbled, stepping back from Xan once she was sure the horse wasn’t going to kill her. She handed the flowers to Xan and then looked at the bucket, looking for anything that could at least balance the colors slightly. Ah- she picked some off white fillers. “Could you put this on the horse? I’ll work on the Lord.”
“Why did I do that? Why did I do that?” Melina whispered to herself over and over again as she had left the pair. She’d have to go back. She’d have to be near the… horse. Worst of all- she’d have to confront that this was a horrible idea, she mislead Achilleas, and let’s face it… what were the real chances of her winning? And even if she did win, would it even be legitimate or would it be awarded just because of their name? And even if it was legitimate… would anyone believe that?
Not only did they have to win, they would have to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were deserving of first prize. And nothing Melina could do would ever guarantee that- not without cheating and being completely underhanded which Melina was above. This was a mess. This was a mistake. She should just march back to them and tell the pair this was a horrible idea and to profusely apologize for insulting Achilleas by stringing him along. That was what she should do.
But the problem was, Melina had pride. Perhaps this was the only real evidence that connected her to her family- she was far too proud to admit this was a terrible mistake. She was headed towards humiliation either way, but at least not taking blame allowed her to keep some dignity. Besides, there was a chance, albeit small, that they could win. Even if Melina wouldn’t ever properly be recognized for that win, and in fact Achilleas was more than likely to overshadow her being handsome…. And tall… and the one in front of a crowd… and, well, being better in many ways than Melina- but at the end of the day, it’s a win. Right?
She was doomed.
But Melina continued with the charade. She just had to think about what colors would go best. Red and purple? It wasn’t bad, symbolizing their two families, but the two were very bold colors. And with a bold man such as Achilleas (at least, as far as appearances are concerned) it could be overwhelming. Something would need to be mixed to soften everything… hm.
Or maybe… Bold would be just what they needed. Melina lacked confidence, but Achilleas didn’t. And while flowers could be girly they also… could be fierce. The competitors were more likely to be soft, or colorful, and miss an overall theme. But Melina knew flowers- and she knew their meanings. She could go with the color theme, the reds, and the purples, but beyond that, she could have a story with the flowers.
The Gladiolus went by another name, a more ancient name… that meant sword. And the Hyacinth, personally Melina’s least favorite flower as it had connections with death, also had power within its origin. Melina didn’t want to be the prettiest on the track- she wanted to be the most powerful.
With her decision set, she went off to find those flowers, before returning to Xan and Achilleas. “Okay, I have a plan. This flower here means sword- and this flower here has a story that involves death. So I want us to be powerful. People are going to be preening and prancing- but no. We’re going to be strong. We are going to be- Whaaa!” Melina cut off when the horse made a sudden sound and moved its giant head. She dived behind Xan, instinctively.
“Strike that- Lord Achilleas is going to be strong.” Melina mumbled, stepping back from Xan once she was sure the horse wasn’t going to kill her. She handed the flowers to Xan and then looked at the bucket, looking for anything that could at least balance the colors slightly. Ah- she picked some off white fillers. “Could you put this on the horse? I’ll work on the Lord.”
The lord had stepped back from the horse to look down the row of stalls, his question following him witnessing a man being draped with garlands. He had an uncomfortable feeling he already knew the answer, and the servant didn’t do an outstanding job of hiding her glee at giving it to him.
‘The horses, yes. And you, as well. Sure, you don’t want to reconsider leaving the flower choices up to me? Thought you might know which shade of petal goes best with your eyes.’
He realised he was scowling at her a touch too late, his unhappiness visible on his face clearly for a moment before he turned away and took a long breath through his nose. He might not have been so generous with his time if he had known the full detail of what he was agreeing to.
“Red and purple sound fine,” he said curtly after a few seconds. He’d reached up and was stroking a hand down the horse’s neck, though it wasn’t clear if the repetitive motion was to soothe the animal or himself. And when Xanthippe turned toward him and offered up her choice of blooms, he turned a deliberately bland look upon her, betrayed only by the flicker of a muscle in his jaw.
“If that’s what is required” he managed, trying to muster something akin to enthusiasm. Lady Melina's return had him turn and summon a smile, to at least appear accepting of whatever her grand plan might be.
That flower..meant sword? He was nodding, his gaze shifting to each of the blooms Melina held up. He really didn’t care what message she was going to construct. Now he knew what he’d inadvertently signed up for, he really just wanted it done.
Only given that the Leventi girl squealed when the horse simply turned to snuffle at the flowers she held, he was beginning to think it might not be a speedy process.
“Are you...afraid of horses?” he asked, with a quizzical expression upon his face. A Leventi? Afraid of horses?. He quietened the horse even as he spoke, looking between the two women as he waited for confirmation. But Lady Melina was busy rooting through a basket of flowers, and he was...just supposed to stand there and be ‘worked on’ apparently.
Feeling more than a little foolish, Achilleas took a couple of steps away from the horse, so Melina wouldn’t have to get too close at least, and then side-eyed the other competitors again. He was dismayed at what he saw- the man in the stall next door now wearing a flower crown and festooned with garlands. He resolved then that he would never again agree to anything that involved public appearance without checking what was entailed first. Never mind if it was to endear him to his betrothed’s family or not. He’d never hear the end of this if word got out to his brother or cousin.
“Do your worst then my lady?” he said to Melina, opening up his arms and attempting levity, though his tone sounded a little more resigned than amused. It was the best he could offer.
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The lord had stepped back from the horse to look down the row of stalls, his question following him witnessing a man being draped with garlands. He had an uncomfortable feeling he already knew the answer, and the servant didn’t do an outstanding job of hiding her glee at giving it to him.
‘The horses, yes. And you, as well. Sure, you don’t want to reconsider leaving the flower choices up to me? Thought you might know which shade of petal goes best with your eyes.’
He realised he was scowling at her a touch too late, his unhappiness visible on his face clearly for a moment before he turned away and took a long breath through his nose. He might not have been so generous with his time if he had known the full detail of what he was agreeing to.
“Red and purple sound fine,” he said curtly after a few seconds. He’d reached up and was stroking a hand down the horse’s neck, though it wasn’t clear if the repetitive motion was to soothe the animal or himself. And when Xanthippe turned toward him and offered up her choice of blooms, he turned a deliberately bland look upon her, betrayed only by the flicker of a muscle in his jaw.
“If that’s what is required” he managed, trying to muster something akin to enthusiasm. Lady Melina's return had him turn and summon a smile, to at least appear accepting of whatever her grand plan might be.
That flower..meant sword? He was nodding, his gaze shifting to each of the blooms Melina held up. He really didn’t care what message she was going to construct. Now he knew what he’d inadvertently signed up for, he really just wanted it done.
Only given that the Leventi girl squealed when the horse simply turned to snuffle at the flowers she held, he was beginning to think it might not be a speedy process.
“Are you...afraid of horses?” he asked, with a quizzical expression upon his face. A Leventi? Afraid of horses?. He quietened the horse even as he spoke, looking between the two women as he waited for confirmation. But Lady Melina was busy rooting through a basket of flowers, and he was...just supposed to stand there and be ‘worked on’ apparently.
Feeling more than a little foolish, Achilleas took a couple of steps away from the horse, so Melina wouldn’t have to get too close at least, and then side-eyed the other competitors again. He was dismayed at what he saw- the man in the stall next door now wearing a flower crown and festooned with garlands. He resolved then that he would never again agree to anything that involved public appearance without checking what was entailed first. Never mind if it was to endear him to his betrothed’s family or not. He’d never hear the end of this if word got out to his brother or cousin.
“Do your worst then my lady?” he said to Melina, opening up his arms and attempting levity, though his tone sounded a little more resigned than amused. It was the best he could offer.
The lord had stepped back from the horse to look down the row of stalls, his question following him witnessing a man being draped with garlands. He had an uncomfortable feeling he already knew the answer, and the servant didn’t do an outstanding job of hiding her glee at giving it to him.
‘The horses, yes. And you, as well. Sure, you don’t want to reconsider leaving the flower choices up to me? Thought you might know which shade of petal goes best with your eyes.’
He realised he was scowling at her a touch too late, his unhappiness visible on his face clearly for a moment before he turned away and took a long breath through his nose. He might not have been so generous with his time if he had known the full detail of what he was agreeing to.
“Red and purple sound fine,” he said curtly after a few seconds. He’d reached up and was stroking a hand down the horse’s neck, though it wasn’t clear if the repetitive motion was to soothe the animal or himself. And when Xanthippe turned toward him and offered up her choice of blooms, he turned a deliberately bland look upon her, betrayed only by the flicker of a muscle in his jaw.
“If that’s what is required” he managed, trying to muster something akin to enthusiasm. Lady Melina's return had him turn and summon a smile, to at least appear accepting of whatever her grand plan might be.
That flower..meant sword? He was nodding, his gaze shifting to each of the blooms Melina held up. He really didn’t care what message she was going to construct. Now he knew what he’d inadvertently signed up for, he really just wanted it done.
Only given that the Leventi girl squealed when the horse simply turned to snuffle at the flowers she held, he was beginning to think it might not be a speedy process.
“Are you...afraid of horses?” he asked, with a quizzical expression upon his face. A Leventi? Afraid of horses?. He quietened the horse even as he spoke, looking between the two women as he waited for confirmation. But Lady Melina was busy rooting through a basket of flowers, and he was...just supposed to stand there and be ‘worked on’ apparently.
Feeling more than a little foolish, Achilleas took a couple of steps away from the horse, so Melina wouldn’t have to get too close at least, and then side-eyed the other competitors again. He was dismayed at what he saw- the man in the stall next door now wearing a flower crown and festooned with garlands. He resolved then that he would never again agree to anything that involved public appearance without checking what was entailed first. Never mind if it was to endear him to his betrothed’s family or not. He’d never hear the end of this if word got out to his brother or cousin.
“Do your worst then my lady?” he said to Melina, opening up his arms and attempting levity, though his tone sounded a little more resigned than amused. It was the best he could offer.
Xanthippe couldn’t help but revel in the lord’s obvious lack of enthusiasm, though she kept her own face carefully calm and bland. His bad mood only served to fuel hers into a better one, the hint of a smile cracking through every now and then as she held the flowers up against his face to see what might look better. Okay, maybe this wasn’t so bad if she got to see the lion cub squirm.
When Melina returned, the handmaid took a step back and listened to her lady detail her plan. Nodding along with a thoughtful hum, she took the flowers without comment. She didn’t care what these flowers meant, but if this was what Melina wanted, this is what she would get. Today was for her, and if she wanted that foolish man out there humiliated, that’s what they would do. She thought the riders were the ones who really ought to be humiliated, but hey. Why not both?
The horse nickered and moved its head, and Melina was ducking behind her, Xan reaching back with a soothing pat to her shoulder. This was exactly why she hadn’t understood why her mistress wanted to participate in this contest at all—Melina had been afraid of horses since childhood, and she couldn’t really see the appeal of a festival that involved close contact with the creatures. Of course, Achilleas noticed the way Melina retreated, a comment sent her way that had Xanthippe cutting a sharp glance in his direction.
So arrogant. So disrespectful.
I’d expect nothing less. His ilk think they’re better than the rest of us.
Pitiful.
Agreed. A true gentlemen never would have made a comment.
“It only startled her, that’s all,” Xanthippe was quick to rush to Melina’s defense. They didn’t need word getting out that one of Fotios’s daughters was afraid of the very creature that formed their livelihood. “My lady has other things on her mind and wasn’t paying attention.”
Melina then asked if she would tend to the horse while she tended to Achilleas, showing her the rest of the flowers she wanted used. “Of course, my lady. It would be my pleasure,” she murmured in return, waiting until the woman’s back was turned before she made a face. Oh, well. At least she wouldn’t have to be up close with the Mikaelidas lord. The horse was far better company, as it was.
Eyeing the beast with a brow raised, she took up some of the roses and started braiding the blooms through its mane. “I hope you’ve been trained well,” she told it as one of its ears flicked back toward her. “You kick me, and we’re going to have a problem, you hear? I’m only doing what I’ve been told. Can’t imagine you’re too thrilled, either.”
To its credit, though, the animal was remarkably patient, standing still as Xanthippe continued her braiding with alternating blooms of scarlet and violet. She supposed it looked nice enough, and she just hoped Melina would be happy with it. Steadily weaving some of the other flowers into a long garland she would wind around the horse’s neck, she peeked over at her ladyship and Lord Achilleas to see what sort of progress had been made and ducked her head to hide yet another laugh. What a day.
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Xanthippe couldn’t help but revel in the lord’s obvious lack of enthusiasm, though she kept her own face carefully calm and bland. His bad mood only served to fuel hers into a better one, the hint of a smile cracking through every now and then as she held the flowers up against his face to see what might look better. Okay, maybe this wasn’t so bad if she got to see the lion cub squirm.
When Melina returned, the handmaid took a step back and listened to her lady detail her plan. Nodding along with a thoughtful hum, she took the flowers without comment. She didn’t care what these flowers meant, but if this was what Melina wanted, this is what she would get. Today was for her, and if she wanted that foolish man out there humiliated, that’s what they would do. She thought the riders were the ones who really ought to be humiliated, but hey. Why not both?
The horse nickered and moved its head, and Melina was ducking behind her, Xan reaching back with a soothing pat to her shoulder. This was exactly why she hadn’t understood why her mistress wanted to participate in this contest at all—Melina had been afraid of horses since childhood, and she couldn’t really see the appeal of a festival that involved close contact with the creatures. Of course, Achilleas noticed the way Melina retreated, a comment sent her way that had Xanthippe cutting a sharp glance in his direction.
So arrogant. So disrespectful.
I’d expect nothing less. His ilk think they’re better than the rest of us.
Pitiful.
Agreed. A true gentlemen never would have made a comment.
“It only startled her, that’s all,” Xanthippe was quick to rush to Melina’s defense. They didn’t need word getting out that one of Fotios’s daughters was afraid of the very creature that formed their livelihood. “My lady has other things on her mind and wasn’t paying attention.”
Melina then asked if she would tend to the horse while she tended to Achilleas, showing her the rest of the flowers she wanted used. “Of course, my lady. It would be my pleasure,” she murmured in return, waiting until the woman’s back was turned before she made a face. Oh, well. At least she wouldn’t have to be up close with the Mikaelidas lord. The horse was far better company, as it was.
Eyeing the beast with a brow raised, she took up some of the roses and started braiding the blooms through its mane. “I hope you’ve been trained well,” she told it as one of its ears flicked back toward her. “You kick me, and we’re going to have a problem, you hear? I’m only doing what I’ve been told. Can’t imagine you’re too thrilled, either.”
To its credit, though, the animal was remarkably patient, standing still as Xanthippe continued her braiding with alternating blooms of scarlet and violet. She supposed it looked nice enough, and she just hoped Melina would be happy with it. Steadily weaving some of the other flowers into a long garland she would wind around the horse’s neck, she peeked over at her ladyship and Lord Achilleas to see what sort of progress had been made and ducked her head to hide yet another laugh. What a day.
Xanthippe couldn’t help but revel in the lord’s obvious lack of enthusiasm, though she kept her own face carefully calm and bland. His bad mood only served to fuel hers into a better one, the hint of a smile cracking through every now and then as she held the flowers up against his face to see what might look better. Okay, maybe this wasn’t so bad if she got to see the lion cub squirm.
When Melina returned, the handmaid took a step back and listened to her lady detail her plan. Nodding along with a thoughtful hum, she took the flowers without comment. She didn’t care what these flowers meant, but if this was what Melina wanted, this is what she would get. Today was for her, and if she wanted that foolish man out there humiliated, that’s what they would do. She thought the riders were the ones who really ought to be humiliated, but hey. Why not both?
The horse nickered and moved its head, and Melina was ducking behind her, Xan reaching back with a soothing pat to her shoulder. This was exactly why she hadn’t understood why her mistress wanted to participate in this contest at all—Melina had been afraid of horses since childhood, and she couldn’t really see the appeal of a festival that involved close contact with the creatures. Of course, Achilleas noticed the way Melina retreated, a comment sent her way that had Xanthippe cutting a sharp glance in his direction.
So arrogant. So disrespectful.
I’d expect nothing less. His ilk think they’re better than the rest of us.
Pitiful.
Agreed. A true gentlemen never would have made a comment.
“It only startled her, that’s all,” Xanthippe was quick to rush to Melina’s defense. They didn’t need word getting out that one of Fotios’s daughters was afraid of the very creature that formed their livelihood. “My lady has other things on her mind and wasn’t paying attention.”
Melina then asked if she would tend to the horse while she tended to Achilleas, showing her the rest of the flowers she wanted used. “Of course, my lady. It would be my pleasure,” she murmured in return, waiting until the woman’s back was turned before she made a face. Oh, well. At least she wouldn’t have to be up close with the Mikaelidas lord. The horse was far better company, as it was.
Eyeing the beast with a brow raised, she took up some of the roses and started braiding the blooms through its mane. “I hope you’ve been trained well,” she told it as one of its ears flicked back toward her. “You kick me, and we’re going to have a problem, you hear? I’m only doing what I’ve been told. Can’t imagine you’re too thrilled, either.”
To its credit, though, the animal was remarkably patient, standing still as Xanthippe continued her braiding with alternating blooms of scarlet and violet. She supposed it looked nice enough, and she just hoped Melina would be happy with it. Steadily weaving some of the other flowers into a long garland she would wind around the horse’s neck, she peeked over at her ladyship and Lord Achilleas to see what sort of progress had been made and ducked her head to hide yet another laugh. What a day.
Melina felt her stomach sink when Achilleas asked Are you… afraid of horses? The question was simple enough, but the look on his face and the tone of his voice did not match. He was making fun of her. Melina was sure of it. He was probably fighting laughter over how ridiculous it was that a Leventi of all people were afraid of horses. He was probably thinking that she was pathetic. Soon it’ll spread across the whole court how much of a coward she was.
Melina could come up with no retort. She couldn’t even issue a denial. Her mouth hung open like a fish. Luckily Xan was quick to jump to her defense. It only startled her, that’s all. My lady has other things on her mind and she wasn’t paying attention.
No, her lady was an idiot thinking she could do this contest and not give away her fear of horses. And yet, Melina found herself nodding quite quickly, “Yeah, I was lost in thought thinking of how we were going to decorate you.” Thank the Gods for Xanthippe.
Speaking of, it was time to completely decorate Achilleas. She went to the bucket and instead of flowers she grabbed some wire. She used the wire to fashion a crown that would sit upon the Lord’s head, using it to weave the red flowers into it. The purple she chose to match for this particular piece was dark, more like a night sky than the fluorescent purple found on the Leventi crest.
Once she finished that, she stepped closer to Achilleas and placed it upon his head. She hadn’t realized just how close she was until she was staring at his blue eyes. And then…
Nothing. There was no heart flutter. There was no red in her cheeks. No spark between the pair. This wasn’t like the books that Melina read. All that was left with the Lady was one question: What did her cousin see in him?
Forever will it be a mystery. Melina continued to decorate the Lord, using the wire when necessary as she weaved flowers into his clothes. Surely it won’t damage them. Melina had been practicing! She was fairly good at things dealing with flowers now. And she was going to prove it to the world.
Melina took a step back and tilted her head at Achilleas. She thought he looked strong… for a man decorated with flowers. “What do you think, Xan? Do you think he’ll be go-”
”Gentlemen, just five minutes until the first round begins! Please lead your horses to the track!
“Oh! No time!” Melina’s eyes widened, and she looked over to Achilleas and then the horse. Well… she didn’t have to lead it at least. “The first round is the pageant where you do one loop around the track. Remember, you’re to be strong! Everyone else will be smiley and waving. We’re to be above them. We aren’t playing their games.” Well, except they were because they were competing. “The second round starts immediately after that. You’ll get to the starting line again, ready the horses, and the race will begin. After that they’ll just need a moment for judgement. We’ll join you for that.”
Melina went behind Achilleas and tried to push the giant towards the horse. “Now go! We’ll get docked points if you’re late to the track!”
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Melina felt her stomach sink when Achilleas asked Are you… afraid of horses? The question was simple enough, but the look on his face and the tone of his voice did not match. He was making fun of her. Melina was sure of it. He was probably fighting laughter over how ridiculous it was that a Leventi of all people were afraid of horses. He was probably thinking that she was pathetic. Soon it’ll spread across the whole court how much of a coward she was.
Melina could come up with no retort. She couldn’t even issue a denial. Her mouth hung open like a fish. Luckily Xan was quick to jump to her defense. It only startled her, that’s all. My lady has other things on her mind and she wasn’t paying attention.
No, her lady was an idiot thinking she could do this contest and not give away her fear of horses. And yet, Melina found herself nodding quite quickly, “Yeah, I was lost in thought thinking of how we were going to decorate you.” Thank the Gods for Xanthippe.
Speaking of, it was time to completely decorate Achilleas. She went to the bucket and instead of flowers she grabbed some wire. She used the wire to fashion a crown that would sit upon the Lord’s head, using it to weave the red flowers into it. The purple she chose to match for this particular piece was dark, more like a night sky than the fluorescent purple found on the Leventi crest.
Once she finished that, she stepped closer to Achilleas and placed it upon his head. She hadn’t realized just how close she was until she was staring at his blue eyes. And then…
Nothing. There was no heart flutter. There was no red in her cheeks. No spark between the pair. This wasn’t like the books that Melina read. All that was left with the Lady was one question: What did her cousin see in him?
Forever will it be a mystery. Melina continued to decorate the Lord, using the wire when necessary as she weaved flowers into his clothes. Surely it won’t damage them. Melina had been practicing! She was fairly good at things dealing with flowers now. And she was going to prove it to the world.
Melina took a step back and tilted her head at Achilleas. She thought he looked strong… for a man decorated with flowers. “What do you think, Xan? Do you think he’ll be go-”
”Gentlemen, just five minutes until the first round begins! Please lead your horses to the track!
“Oh! No time!” Melina’s eyes widened, and she looked over to Achilleas and then the horse. Well… she didn’t have to lead it at least. “The first round is the pageant where you do one loop around the track. Remember, you’re to be strong! Everyone else will be smiley and waving. We’re to be above them. We aren’t playing their games.” Well, except they were because they were competing. “The second round starts immediately after that. You’ll get to the starting line again, ready the horses, and the race will begin. After that they’ll just need a moment for judgement. We’ll join you for that.”
Melina went behind Achilleas and tried to push the giant towards the horse. “Now go! We’ll get docked points if you’re late to the track!”
Melina felt her stomach sink when Achilleas asked Are you… afraid of horses? The question was simple enough, but the look on his face and the tone of his voice did not match. He was making fun of her. Melina was sure of it. He was probably fighting laughter over how ridiculous it was that a Leventi of all people were afraid of horses. He was probably thinking that she was pathetic. Soon it’ll spread across the whole court how much of a coward she was.
Melina could come up with no retort. She couldn’t even issue a denial. Her mouth hung open like a fish. Luckily Xan was quick to jump to her defense. It only startled her, that’s all. My lady has other things on her mind and she wasn’t paying attention.
No, her lady was an idiot thinking she could do this contest and not give away her fear of horses. And yet, Melina found herself nodding quite quickly, “Yeah, I was lost in thought thinking of how we were going to decorate you.” Thank the Gods for Xanthippe.
Speaking of, it was time to completely decorate Achilleas. She went to the bucket and instead of flowers she grabbed some wire. She used the wire to fashion a crown that would sit upon the Lord’s head, using it to weave the red flowers into it. The purple she chose to match for this particular piece was dark, more like a night sky than the fluorescent purple found on the Leventi crest.
Once she finished that, she stepped closer to Achilleas and placed it upon his head. She hadn’t realized just how close she was until she was staring at his blue eyes. And then…
Nothing. There was no heart flutter. There was no red in her cheeks. No spark between the pair. This wasn’t like the books that Melina read. All that was left with the Lady was one question: What did her cousin see in him?
Forever will it be a mystery. Melina continued to decorate the Lord, using the wire when necessary as she weaved flowers into his clothes. Surely it won’t damage them. Melina had been practicing! She was fairly good at things dealing with flowers now. And she was going to prove it to the world.
Melina took a step back and tilted her head at Achilleas. She thought he looked strong… for a man decorated with flowers. “What do you think, Xan? Do you think he’ll be go-”
”Gentlemen, just five minutes until the first round begins! Please lead your horses to the track!
“Oh! No time!” Melina’s eyes widened, and she looked over to Achilleas and then the horse. Well… she didn’t have to lead it at least. “The first round is the pageant where you do one loop around the track. Remember, you’re to be strong! Everyone else will be smiley and waving. We’re to be above them. We aren’t playing their games.” Well, except they were because they were competing. “The second round starts immediately after that. You’ll get to the starting line again, ready the horses, and the race will begin. After that they’ll just need a moment for judgement. We’ll join you for that.”
Melina went behind Achilleas and tried to push the giant towards the horse. “Now go! We’ll get docked points if you’re late to the track!”
Achilleas hadn’t meant anything by his question. It just seemed so incongruous to think one the Leventi girls might be anything less than comfortable around horses. Still, he didn’t miss the lost expression upon Lady Melina’s face, nor the way the servant was quick to jump in and so the Lord pressed his lips together in a thin smile and said no more about it.
There was a bit of an awkward silence afterwards though, one that left him feeling like he’d stepped on a nerve somehow and he was trying to think of something to say that might smooth things over as the young women worked quietly on the flowers.
Observing them was an unwanted reminder of what he’d committed to, and Achilleas could only be resigned and stoic as the Lady Melina sat a wreath of flowers atop his head. Outwardly, he gave a bland smile, even as he was glancing around them and hoping there was no one he knew present. Or even anyone who would recognise him and potentially recount the story to anyone he knew. Eyes closing for the briefest moments in dismay at the idea, he flinched a little in the next as a bit of wire poked him in the chest.
“Carefully,” he said lightly, as he reached up to adjust the angle, so the wire didn’t send him home with any piercings he hadn’t asked for. “Blood would rather spoil the effect of all your efforts, don’t you think?”
He felt like a prize idiot though, by the time the young woman had finished her work and stepped away, looking at him critically. No he reminded himself. She wasn’t looking at him; she was assessing the ridiculous flowers he was draped in. Oddly, the thought didn’t make him feel much better.
‘Gentlemen, just five minutes until the first round begins! Please lead your horses to the track!’
Usually an exceedingly punctual person, the Mikaelidas lord found himself quite happy to drag his feet upon this occasion. Trying to keep his dissatisfaction from his face, he nodded along with the briefing he was apparently getting from the Leventi girl. Strong. Well, he supposed it was better than smiling and waving like a goon.
“As you wish” He allowed the girl’s hands to urge him forward, taking the reins from the surly servant girl and reluctantly moving off to join the rest of the competitors in what he’d decided was the most ridiculous competition he’d ever come across.
It was just as painful as he thought, wandering around the circuit being gawped at, and Achilleas found no trouble in being less demonstrative than the fellow who walked in front of him, waving like he was a royal or something. He did manage a beleaguered smile for his mother and her cousin as he passed them by before he tried to distract himself by assessing the competition so he might beat them in the next portion of this ordeal.
Achillea was a competent enough rider, and if nothing else, did not enjoy being beaten in anything, so as he shortened the reins and leant forward at the starting line, he was not planning on taking any prisoners. The sooner they got round the track, the sooner this whole affair would be over, and he could consign it to one of those things he would pretend had never happened at all.
As the square of linen was dropped, he dug his heels into the horse’s flanks and leant low along its neck. “I know” he muttered to the creature. “It’s demeaning but here is your chance to regain your dignity.”
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Achilleas hadn’t meant anything by his question. It just seemed so incongruous to think one the Leventi girls might be anything less than comfortable around horses. Still, he didn’t miss the lost expression upon Lady Melina’s face, nor the way the servant was quick to jump in and so the Lord pressed his lips together in a thin smile and said no more about it.
There was a bit of an awkward silence afterwards though, one that left him feeling like he’d stepped on a nerve somehow and he was trying to think of something to say that might smooth things over as the young women worked quietly on the flowers.
Observing them was an unwanted reminder of what he’d committed to, and Achilleas could only be resigned and stoic as the Lady Melina sat a wreath of flowers atop his head. Outwardly, he gave a bland smile, even as he was glancing around them and hoping there was no one he knew present. Or even anyone who would recognise him and potentially recount the story to anyone he knew. Eyes closing for the briefest moments in dismay at the idea, he flinched a little in the next as a bit of wire poked him in the chest.
“Carefully,” he said lightly, as he reached up to adjust the angle, so the wire didn’t send him home with any piercings he hadn’t asked for. “Blood would rather spoil the effect of all your efforts, don’t you think?”
He felt like a prize idiot though, by the time the young woman had finished her work and stepped away, looking at him critically. No he reminded himself. She wasn’t looking at him; she was assessing the ridiculous flowers he was draped in. Oddly, the thought didn’t make him feel much better.
‘Gentlemen, just five minutes until the first round begins! Please lead your horses to the track!’
Usually an exceedingly punctual person, the Mikaelidas lord found himself quite happy to drag his feet upon this occasion. Trying to keep his dissatisfaction from his face, he nodded along with the briefing he was apparently getting from the Leventi girl. Strong. Well, he supposed it was better than smiling and waving like a goon.
“As you wish” He allowed the girl’s hands to urge him forward, taking the reins from the surly servant girl and reluctantly moving off to join the rest of the competitors in what he’d decided was the most ridiculous competition he’d ever come across.
It was just as painful as he thought, wandering around the circuit being gawped at, and Achilleas found no trouble in being less demonstrative than the fellow who walked in front of him, waving like he was a royal or something. He did manage a beleaguered smile for his mother and her cousin as he passed them by before he tried to distract himself by assessing the competition so he might beat them in the next portion of this ordeal.
Achillea was a competent enough rider, and if nothing else, did not enjoy being beaten in anything, so as he shortened the reins and leant forward at the starting line, he was not planning on taking any prisoners. The sooner they got round the track, the sooner this whole affair would be over, and he could consign it to one of those things he would pretend had never happened at all.
As the square of linen was dropped, he dug his heels into the horse’s flanks and leant low along its neck. “I know” he muttered to the creature. “It’s demeaning but here is your chance to regain your dignity.”
Achilleas hadn’t meant anything by his question. It just seemed so incongruous to think one the Leventi girls might be anything less than comfortable around horses. Still, he didn’t miss the lost expression upon Lady Melina’s face, nor the way the servant was quick to jump in and so the Lord pressed his lips together in a thin smile and said no more about it.
There was a bit of an awkward silence afterwards though, one that left him feeling like he’d stepped on a nerve somehow and he was trying to think of something to say that might smooth things over as the young women worked quietly on the flowers.
Observing them was an unwanted reminder of what he’d committed to, and Achilleas could only be resigned and stoic as the Lady Melina sat a wreath of flowers atop his head. Outwardly, he gave a bland smile, even as he was glancing around them and hoping there was no one he knew present. Or even anyone who would recognise him and potentially recount the story to anyone he knew. Eyes closing for the briefest moments in dismay at the idea, he flinched a little in the next as a bit of wire poked him in the chest.
“Carefully,” he said lightly, as he reached up to adjust the angle, so the wire didn’t send him home with any piercings he hadn’t asked for. “Blood would rather spoil the effect of all your efforts, don’t you think?”
He felt like a prize idiot though, by the time the young woman had finished her work and stepped away, looking at him critically. No he reminded himself. She wasn’t looking at him; she was assessing the ridiculous flowers he was draped in. Oddly, the thought didn’t make him feel much better.
‘Gentlemen, just five minutes until the first round begins! Please lead your horses to the track!’
Usually an exceedingly punctual person, the Mikaelidas lord found himself quite happy to drag his feet upon this occasion. Trying to keep his dissatisfaction from his face, he nodded along with the briefing he was apparently getting from the Leventi girl. Strong. Well, he supposed it was better than smiling and waving like a goon.
“As you wish” He allowed the girl’s hands to urge him forward, taking the reins from the surly servant girl and reluctantly moving off to join the rest of the competitors in what he’d decided was the most ridiculous competition he’d ever come across.
It was just as painful as he thought, wandering around the circuit being gawped at, and Achilleas found no trouble in being less demonstrative than the fellow who walked in front of him, waving like he was a royal or something. He did manage a beleaguered smile for his mother and her cousin as he passed them by before he tried to distract himself by assessing the competition so he might beat them in the next portion of this ordeal.
Achillea was a competent enough rider, and if nothing else, did not enjoy being beaten in anything, so as he shortened the reins and leant forward at the starting line, he was not planning on taking any prisoners. The sooner they got round the track, the sooner this whole affair would be over, and he could consign it to one of those things he would pretend had never happened at all.
As the square of linen was dropped, he dug his heels into the horse’s flanks and leant low along its neck. “I know” he muttered to the creature. “It’s demeaning but here is your chance to regain your dignity.”
Why was it that Theodora always seemed so chronically late?
Even after twenty six years, the woman could never seem to arrive anywhere on time, but at least, this festival would not suffer for the lack of her presence. By the time the carriage arrived in Elopia and a servant was helping to hand her out of it, it seemed the contest was already set to begin. Hurrying Althaia along so they could get a good view of the competitors, she finally found a spot near the stable where they would have made their preparations.
While Theo had never participated in the contest herself, she still enjoyed the festival overall. A celebration of horses, flowers, and handsome men? Why wouldn’t she want to be there? She was only surprised that it seemed she was the only member of her family in attendance, considering it was a Leventi festival. Maybe a few others were scattered around somewhere…
Ah, there. Catching sight of Melina and the handmaid that always seemed attached to her side, she walked over to join them. “Good afternoon, Melina,” she greeted her cousin with an amiable smile before nodding to the woman at her side. “Such a nice day for this, isn’t it? Did you enter the contest?”
Though she and Melina had never been close, per say, she still preferred the quiet woman to her sisters, particularly Dafni. They had a shared love of reading that could keep them occupied at family gatherings when pushed into each other’s company. Because of that, she figured watching the contest with her would be pleasant enough and far preferable to spending the time with Althaia alone.
“I wonder what sort of competition they’ve got this year,” she remarked as the announcement was made for the contest to begin, peering over at the decorated horses. “I’ve seen some pretty outlandish displays in years past.”
Wait… was that…? No. No, it couldn’t be. Theodora had even thought of asking if Achilleas would like to accompany her this afternoon, but figured it wasn’t something that he’d be even remotely interested in. There was no way, and yet…
“That… that’s not Achilleas, is it?” she asked her cousin as she narrowed her gaze and looked in closer. The strong cut of the jaw, broad depth of shoulder… gods, it was, and her eyebrows shot up in surprise. She couldn’t help the giggle that spilled from her lips, clapping her hands over her mouth before it got out of hand.
“Well, he cuts quite the dashing figure, at least,” she added once she got her mirth under control. Thank the gods she’d made it here before everything was over. “Do you know who it was that decorated him? I’d like to know how they convinced him to do it.”
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Why was it that Theodora always seemed so chronically late?
Even after twenty six years, the woman could never seem to arrive anywhere on time, but at least, this festival would not suffer for the lack of her presence. By the time the carriage arrived in Elopia and a servant was helping to hand her out of it, it seemed the contest was already set to begin. Hurrying Althaia along so they could get a good view of the competitors, she finally found a spot near the stable where they would have made their preparations.
While Theo had never participated in the contest herself, she still enjoyed the festival overall. A celebration of horses, flowers, and handsome men? Why wouldn’t she want to be there? She was only surprised that it seemed she was the only member of her family in attendance, considering it was a Leventi festival. Maybe a few others were scattered around somewhere…
Ah, there. Catching sight of Melina and the handmaid that always seemed attached to her side, she walked over to join them. “Good afternoon, Melina,” she greeted her cousin with an amiable smile before nodding to the woman at her side. “Such a nice day for this, isn’t it? Did you enter the contest?”
Though she and Melina had never been close, per say, she still preferred the quiet woman to her sisters, particularly Dafni. They had a shared love of reading that could keep them occupied at family gatherings when pushed into each other’s company. Because of that, she figured watching the contest with her would be pleasant enough and far preferable to spending the time with Althaia alone.
“I wonder what sort of competition they’ve got this year,” she remarked as the announcement was made for the contest to begin, peering over at the decorated horses. “I’ve seen some pretty outlandish displays in years past.”
Wait… was that…? No. No, it couldn’t be. Theodora had even thought of asking if Achilleas would like to accompany her this afternoon, but figured it wasn’t something that he’d be even remotely interested in. There was no way, and yet…
“That… that’s not Achilleas, is it?” she asked her cousin as she narrowed her gaze and looked in closer. The strong cut of the jaw, broad depth of shoulder… gods, it was, and her eyebrows shot up in surprise. She couldn’t help the giggle that spilled from her lips, clapping her hands over her mouth before it got out of hand.
“Well, he cuts quite the dashing figure, at least,” she added once she got her mirth under control. Thank the gods she’d made it here before everything was over. “Do you know who it was that decorated him? I’d like to know how they convinced him to do it.”
Why was it that Theodora always seemed so chronically late?
Even after twenty six years, the woman could never seem to arrive anywhere on time, but at least, this festival would not suffer for the lack of her presence. By the time the carriage arrived in Elopia and a servant was helping to hand her out of it, it seemed the contest was already set to begin. Hurrying Althaia along so they could get a good view of the competitors, she finally found a spot near the stable where they would have made their preparations.
While Theo had never participated in the contest herself, she still enjoyed the festival overall. A celebration of horses, flowers, and handsome men? Why wouldn’t she want to be there? She was only surprised that it seemed she was the only member of her family in attendance, considering it was a Leventi festival. Maybe a few others were scattered around somewhere…
Ah, there. Catching sight of Melina and the handmaid that always seemed attached to her side, she walked over to join them. “Good afternoon, Melina,” she greeted her cousin with an amiable smile before nodding to the woman at her side. “Such a nice day for this, isn’t it? Did you enter the contest?”
Though she and Melina had never been close, per say, she still preferred the quiet woman to her sisters, particularly Dafni. They had a shared love of reading that could keep them occupied at family gatherings when pushed into each other’s company. Because of that, she figured watching the contest with her would be pleasant enough and far preferable to spending the time with Althaia alone.
“I wonder what sort of competition they’ve got this year,” she remarked as the announcement was made for the contest to begin, peering over at the decorated horses. “I’ve seen some pretty outlandish displays in years past.”
Wait… was that…? No. No, it couldn’t be. Theodora had even thought of asking if Achilleas would like to accompany her this afternoon, but figured it wasn’t something that he’d be even remotely interested in. There was no way, and yet…
“That… that’s not Achilleas, is it?” she asked her cousin as she narrowed her gaze and looked in closer. The strong cut of the jaw, broad depth of shoulder… gods, it was, and her eyebrows shot up in surprise. She couldn’t help the giggle that spilled from her lips, clapping her hands over her mouth before it got out of hand.
“Well, he cuts quite the dashing figure, at least,” she added once she got her mirth under control. Thank the gods she’d made it here before everything was over. “Do you know who it was that decorated him? I’d like to know how they convinced him to do it.”
