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The wait for their royal guests did not unnerve Gavriil the way it might have some of the barons. Firstly, he was on good terms with the current king. Secondly, his estate was run with such a degree of excellence that all he’d needed to do was mention to his steward that the king and the future king of Colchis, plus the prince’s cousin and sister, would be staying with them for a period of time and all was taken care of. For the last few days the steward had been doing nothing but preparing to have enough food and entertainment for these royal guests.
The servants were abuzz with activity but inside the household, Gavriil, at least, was unperturbed. His routine went on uninterrupted. He rose early in the morning to walk in the woods, to pray to Artemis, and to hunt. Dorothea usually accompanied him on these trips, or Iason, though his son had lately been wrapped up in his attentions towards Persephone; which was as it should be.
Lord Gavriil had been in his study, seeing to a few missives that had crossed his desk when his steward had come to announce that the awaited party had been seen. Gathering his papers without hurry or concern, Gavriil stacked them in a neat pile, trimmed his pen, closed the inkwell, and stood. He then gathered the nicest of his himations, a dark green - the color of his family’s crest, and sent the man to alert the rest of his family to be outfront and presentable.
He did not look either to his left or his right to check his son and future daughter in law’s positions. Nor did he check if his daughters were standing nicely. Instead, he trusted that everyone within his estate knew their place and knew how to act. They did not need to be coddled into doing it.
It was with grave dignity that he watched Commander Nike lead in the carriage and then his gaze shifted to the two men riding behind it. The golden haired one was as familiar to him as any king should be, while Prince Vangelis was less so, though they were of nearer relation. Gavriil stepped forward and bowed low to the king as the king swept off his horse and reached forward to clasp the lord about the shoulders.
“Welcome, your majesty,” Gavriil said and then bowed more shallowly to Prince Vangelis, and less so still to the princess and not at all to Lady Imeeya, though he did incline his head to her. Once all necessary introductions had been made and cordial invitations sent, Lord Gavriil made sure that he was not needed before retreating back inside.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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The wait for their royal guests did not unnerve Gavriil the way it might have some of the barons. Firstly, he was on good terms with the current king. Secondly, his estate was run with such a degree of excellence that all he’d needed to do was mention to his steward that the king and the future king of Colchis, plus the prince’s cousin and sister, would be staying with them for a period of time and all was taken care of. For the last few days the steward had been doing nothing but preparing to have enough food and entertainment for these royal guests.
The servants were abuzz with activity but inside the household, Gavriil, at least, was unperturbed. His routine went on uninterrupted. He rose early in the morning to walk in the woods, to pray to Artemis, and to hunt. Dorothea usually accompanied him on these trips, or Iason, though his son had lately been wrapped up in his attentions towards Persephone; which was as it should be.
Lord Gavriil had been in his study, seeing to a few missives that had crossed his desk when his steward had come to announce that the awaited party had been seen. Gathering his papers without hurry or concern, Gavriil stacked them in a neat pile, trimmed his pen, closed the inkwell, and stood. He then gathered the nicest of his himations, a dark green - the color of his family’s crest, and sent the man to alert the rest of his family to be outfront and presentable.
He did not look either to his left or his right to check his son and future daughter in law’s positions. Nor did he check if his daughters were standing nicely. Instead, he trusted that everyone within his estate knew their place and knew how to act. They did not need to be coddled into doing it.
It was with grave dignity that he watched Commander Nike lead in the carriage and then his gaze shifted to the two men riding behind it. The golden haired one was as familiar to him as any king should be, while Prince Vangelis was less so, though they were of nearer relation. Gavriil stepped forward and bowed low to the king as the king swept off his horse and reached forward to clasp the lord about the shoulders.
“Welcome, your majesty,” Gavriil said and then bowed more shallowly to Prince Vangelis, and less so still to the princess and not at all to Lady Imeeya, though he did incline his head to her. Once all necessary introductions had been made and cordial invitations sent, Lord Gavriil made sure that he was not needed before retreating back inside.
The wait for their royal guests did not unnerve Gavriil the way it might have some of the barons. Firstly, he was on good terms with the current king. Secondly, his estate was run with such a degree of excellence that all he’d needed to do was mention to his steward that the king and the future king of Colchis, plus the prince’s cousin and sister, would be staying with them for a period of time and all was taken care of. For the last few days the steward had been doing nothing but preparing to have enough food and entertainment for these royal guests.
The servants were abuzz with activity but inside the household, Gavriil, at least, was unperturbed. His routine went on uninterrupted. He rose early in the morning to walk in the woods, to pray to Artemis, and to hunt. Dorothea usually accompanied him on these trips, or Iason, though his son had lately been wrapped up in his attentions towards Persephone; which was as it should be.
Lord Gavriil had been in his study, seeing to a few missives that had crossed his desk when his steward had come to announce that the awaited party had been seen. Gathering his papers without hurry or concern, Gavriil stacked them in a neat pile, trimmed his pen, closed the inkwell, and stood. He then gathered the nicest of his himations, a dark green - the color of his family’s crest, and sent the man to alert the rest of his family to be outfront and presentable.
He did not look either to his left or his right to check his son and future daughter in law’s positions. Nor did he check if his daughters were standing nicely. Instead, he trusted that everyone within his estate knew their place and knew how to act. They did not need to be coddled into doing it.
It was with grave dignity that he watched Commander Nike lead in the carriage and then his gaze shifted to the two men riding behind it. The golden haired one was as familiar to him as any king should be, while Prince Vangelis was less so, though they were of nearer relation. Gavriil stepped forward and bowed low to the king as the king swept off his horse and reached forward to clasp the lord about the shoulders.
“Welcome, your majesty,” Gavriil said and then bowed more shallowly to Prince Vangelis, and less so still to the princess and not at all to Lady Imeeya, though he did incline his head to her. Once all necessary introductions had been made and cordial invitations sent, Lord Gavriil made sure that he was not needed before retreating back inside.
While Chrysanthe was worried that her response might offend either the prince or the king, she was instead ignored. While one might normally be offended by the lack of recognition, Chrysanthe instead felt relieved as her response didn’t seem to provoke a large reaction from the Colcian prince. As things quieted down between the king and the foreign prince, Chrysanthe finally began to relax a little bit. Things did not appear inclined to escalate further and Chrysanthe began to actually enjoy her horseback ride. It was such a different perspective to be able to see the countryside from such a height. She wondered if that was part of why rich people always seemed to act so differently. They had such a different perspective on the world. She also found she was curious about the rest of the group that was traveling to Meganea. But neither the king nor the prince seemed inclined to explain what they were doing or who they were traveling with, so Chrysanthe supposed that those questions would remain unanswered.
Finally, they reached the village Chrysanthe was traveling to, or at least so Chrysanthe assumed. She hadn’t ever traveled to Meganea before. Though as far as she knew, it was going to be the first stop on the road. As she was lowered down off the horse she couldn’t help but feel a bit relieved to finally be back on solid ground. It was nice to imagine she might be a noble for a day, but she couldn’t imagine what it would be like to live that way every day. Chrysanthe bowed deeply to the two men. “Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesties.” The smile on her face was genuine. Despite her fears, it had turned out to be an enjoyable day after all. Her smile only broadened as she caught the silver coin flicked in her direction. “Thank you so much.” she smiled up at the prince, then quickly turned towards the establishment he had indicated before he changed his mind.
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While Chrysanthe was worried that her response might offend either the prince or the king, she was instead ignored. While one might normally be offended by the lack of recognition, Chrysanthe instead felt relieved as her response didn’t seem to provoke a large reaction from the Colcian prince. As things quieted down between the king and the foreign prince, Chrysanthe finally began to relax a little bit. Things did not appear inclined to escalate further and Chrysanthe began to actually enjoy her horseback ride. It was such a different perspective to be able to see the countryside from such a height. She wondered if that was part of why rich people always seemed to act so differently. They had such a different perspective on the world. She also found she was curious about the rest of the group that was traveling to Meganea. But neither the king nor the prince seemed inclined to explain what they were doing or who they were traveling with, so Chrysanthe supposed that those questions would remain unanswered.
Finally, they reached the village Chrysanthe was traveling to, or at least so Chrysanthe assumed. She hadn’t ever traveled to Meganea before. Though as far as she knew, it was going to be the first stop on the road. As she was lowered down off the horse she couldn’t help but feel a bit relieved to finally be back on solid ground. It was nice to imagine she might be a noble for a day, but she couldn’t imagine what it would be like to live that way every day. Chrysanthe bowed deeply to the two men. “Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesties.” The smile on her face was genuine. Despite her fears, it had turned out to be an enjoyable day after all. Her smile only broadened as she caught the silver coin flicked in her direction. “Thank you so much.” she smiled up at the prince, then quickly turned towards the establishment he had indicated before he changed his mind.
While Chrysanthe was worried that her response might offend either the prince or the king, she was instead ignored. While one might normally be offended by the lack of recognition, Chrysanthe instead felt relieved as her response didn’t seem to provoke a large reaction from the Colcian prince. As things quieted down between the king and the foreign prince, Chrysanthe finally began to relax a little bit. Things did not appear inclined to escalate further and Chrysanthe began to actually enjoy her horseback ride. It was such a different perspective to be able to see the countryside from such a height. She wondered if that was part of why rich people always seemed to act so differently. They had such a different perspective on the world. She also found she was curious about the rest of the group that was traveling to Meganea. But neither the king nor the prince seemed inclined to explain what they were doing or who they were traveling with, so Chrysanthe supposed that those questions would remain unanswered.
Finally, they reached the village Chrysanthe was traveling to, or at least so Chrysanthe assumed. She hadn’t ever traveled to Meganea before. Though as far as she knew, it was going to be the first stop on the road. As she was lowered down off the horse she couldn’t help but feel a bit relieved to finally be back on solid ground. It was nice to imagine she might be a noble for a day, but she couldn’t imagine what it would be like to live that way every day. Chrysanthe bowed deeply to the two men. “Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesties.” The smile on her face was genuine. Despite her fears, it had turned out to be an enjoyable day after all. Her smile only broadened as she caught the silver coin flicked in her direction. “Thank you so much.” she smiled up at the prince, then quickly turned towards the establishment he had indicated before he changed his mind.
The news that the king, prince Vangelis, and his female relatives would be arriving in Meganea had set Iason's nerves on end. On the morning of their arrival, he woke with a headache that seemed to extend to his whole body, and he was determined not to be ill. He'd known Stephanos his whole life, and the prince's carousing ways and noted infidelity to his wife made him nervous, nearly as much as the prospect of the crown prince of Colchis being in attendance. These were two men he could never compare to, and though they'd spent much time together bonding and growing fond, he worried that Persephone's gaze would fall upon them and she would see how much more she could easily have.
He was standing close beside her and his sisters as the party rode up the way, laying eyes on his king and the prince who was his cousin. Queen Yanni had once been of house Dimitrou, and though he didn't remember her he had been told enough times what his connections to other royal blooded families were. The man didn't look anything like him, aside from the darkness of his hair, and Iason found himself shifting closer still to his betrothed for fear she might like what she saw.
As his father stepped forward to greet the royal guests, he waited patiently in the rear as pleasantries were exchanged and arrangements settled before his father excused himself and left him and the others of the younger generation to entertain their guests. It was here he finally stepped forward with bows of his own, gesturing for Persephone to step up beside him as was proper given her status, though he longed for them both to be able to fade into the background.
"Your majesty, highnesses. Welcome to Meganea. We will be happy to host and entertain you as long as you wish to stay. There is plenty of good hunting in the forests." The time had come for him to do the proper thing and introduce the others and he gestured first to his sisters, changing the order so he might maintain what he now realized was a somewhat possessive hold on his betrothed.
"May I present my sisters, Dorothea and Alexa of Dimitrou. And, this is Queen Persephone of Athenia, my fiancee."
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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The news that the king, prince Vangelis, and his female relatives would be arriving in Meganea had set Iason's nerves on end. On the morning of their arrival, he woke with a headache that seemed to extend to his whole body, and he was determined not to be ill. He'd known Stephanos his whole life, and the prince's carousing ways and noted infidelity to his wife made him nervous, nearly as much as the prospect of the crown prince of Colchis being in attendance. These were two men he could never compare to, and though they'd spent much time together bonding and growing fond, he worried that Persephone's gaze would fall upon them and she would see how much more she could easily have.
He was standing close beside her and his sisters as the party rode up the way, laying eyes on his king and the prince who was his cousin. Queen Yanni had once been of house Dimitrou, and though he didn't remember her he had been told enough times what his connections to other royal blooded families were. The man didn't look anything like him, aside from the darkness of his hair, and Iason found himself shifting closer still to his betrothed for fear she might like what she saw.
As his father stepped forward to greet the royal guests, he waited patiently in the rear as pleasantries were exchanged and arrangements settled before his father excused himself and left him and the others of the younger generation to entertain their guests. It was here he finally stepped forward with bows of his own, gesturing for Persephone to step up beside him as was proper given her status, though he longed for them both to be able to fade into the background.
"Your majesty, highnesses. Welcome to Meganea. We will be happy to host and entertain you as long as you wish to stay. There is plenty of good hunting in the forests." The time had come for him to do the proper thing and introduce the others and he gestured first to his sisters, changing the order so he might maintain what he now realized was a somewhat possessive hold on his betrothed.
"May I present my sisters, Dorothea and Alexa of Dimitrou. And, this is Queen Persephone of Athenia, my fiancee."
The news that the king, prince Vangelis, and his female relatives would be arriving in Meganea had set Iason's nerves on end. On the morning of their arrival, he woke with a headache that seemed to extend to his whole body, and he was determined not to be ill. He'd known Stephanos his whole life, and the prince's carousing ways and noted infidelity to his wife made him nervous, nearly as much as the prospect of the crown prince of Colchis being in attendance. These were two men he could never compare to, and though they'd spent much time together bonding and growing fond, he worried that Persephone's gaze would fall upon them and she would see how much more she could easily have.
He was standing close beside her and his sisters as the party rode up the way, laying eyes on his king and the prince who was his cousin. Queen Yanni had once been of house Dimitrou, and though he didn't remember her he had been told enough times what his connections to other royal blooded families were. The man didn't look anything like him, aside from the darkness of his hair, and Iason found himself shifting closer still to his betrothed for fear she might like what she saw.
As his father stepped forward to greet the royal guests, he waited patiently in the rear as pleasantries were exchanged and arrangements settled before his father excused himself and left him and the others of the younger generation to entertain their guests. It was here he finally stepped forward with bows of his own, gesturing for Persephone to step up beside him as was proper given her status, though he longed for them both to be able to fade into the background.
"Your majesty, highnesses. Welcome to Meganea. We will be happy to host and entertain you as long as you wish to stay. There is plenty of good hunting in the forests." The time had come for him to do the proper thing and introduce the others and he gestured first to his sisters, changing the order so he might maintain what he now realized was a somewhat possessive hold on his betrothed.
"May I present my sisters, Dorothea and Alexa of Dimitrou. And, this is Queen Persephone of Athenia, my fiancee."
It had been over a week since Persephone had been a part of the Dimitrou household. A week in which she felt as if her entire identity had been taken apart and put back together in an entirely different shape. One that she was completely unfamiliar with but was finding herself to quite enjoy the aesthetics of. She was not Queen here. Lord Gavriil had no intention of calling her Your Majesty, and Iason's sisters curtsied upon encountering her but it was clear they would prefer not to and she had gradually started to encourage them that such a formality was not necessary. Iason treated her with a polite level of informality that led her to feeling relaxed in his company. Especially after the kisses they had already shared within her bedchamber. Just one of the actions that Persephone had never thought herself likely to carry out with a man she was not yet married to. Just further evidence of this new sense of self she had been developing in Taengea.
And yet, she hadn't truly and entirely left her old self behind.
The morning that was due for the arrival of the King of Taengea, Persephone had instinctively turned to the gowns she had sent a servant to fetch from the capitol. Lord Gavriil had given her a form of allowance with which she could purchase her own things - as he had promised the day after her arrival in Meganea. And whilst she could not attend to the markets and stores herself, she had been able to send a young serving maid with direct instructions. The maid had returned with gowns that were less the sturdy and elegant cut that the Dimitrou ladies preferred, and more of her own Athenian tastes. The silken gossamers that were more familiar in the Vasiliadon capitol than in the outer provinces. She had no intention of wearing these every day, but the arrival of the King was an exceptional event that required her to dress herself in the appropriate level of raiment. Until she made an official announcement giving up the throne of Athenia, she was still Queen. And as such, she was a representative of her kingdom.
The dress she chose in order to greet the royal guests of the manor was a gown of lightest blue. The colour of the sky and wispy in material, the silken sheen of its layers reflected the sunlight to offer patches of white - as if to mimic the reflection of the clouds in the sky across the surface of water. The chiton was pulled up to be fastened around her neck with a simple circle of silver, rigid around her slim neck. The material was attacked to one side of the hoop and hung down her front before swooping around her sides and joining the small of her back. Her arms, back and sides were all bare to the elements but the day was a fine and balmy one with little to no breeze. Around her upper arms were two bands of silver and her hands sported several matching rings. Her black hair was swept into a complex, braided design that criss-crossed over and around her head in a lattice effect before morphing into a thicker braid that circled her head in a crown. Silver leaves were threaded down beneath the braid on one side of her head. She wore no earrings but two curled tendrils of hair fell before each ear. She had darkened her eyes, and added a sheen to her lips with the powders and paints she had been assured were popular in the Taengean capitol.
Her appearance, in short, had returned to that of Persephone of Xanthos. The Princess and Queen of Athenia.
Strange how easy it was to slip back into the old skin she had started to shed.
When the announcement went around the house that the royal guests were now arriving, Persephone was quick to arrive outside to greet their guests, encountering Iason along the way so that they might stand together in the courtyard just behind her future father-in-law together. As Gavriil made his introductions and then disappeared back inside the House for reasons unknown, Persephone felt Iason's hand move to land upon the exposed small of her back. She attempted not to react.
She also attempted not to show a response when he introduced her as Queen of Athenia. Somehow, that title felt tainted with everything that had passed so far. Her father's death, her sister's assassination, the attack on her home. She disliked the notion of being Queen because it felt like and acceptance that such sacrifices had had to be made for her to hold it. And that she was permitting those events in her own life. She refused to acknowledge such thoughts in this moment, however, and offered a dip of her head and the offering of her hand in greeting to the new King of Taengea. A man she had never met but knew enough about to have a basic impression of his character.
”A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Your Majesty.” She offered him with a tone of dignity and the rising of her chin that was appropriate for a monarch meeting about of equal station. ”And to see you again, Your Highness.” She offered secondly to Prince Vangelis as the women of their party were aided out of the carriage and not yet ready to be introduced. The Prince Vangelis offered a sturdy bow in favour of Persephone’s technical rank and greeted her with warmth.
”Always an honour, Your Majesty.” The Stone Prince offered her in greeting. They had made several times before and if the man had any character on his features rather than simple stone, Persephone might have been drawn to him. She had always liked his diligence and the way his moral compass pointed a truer north than most men. With a smile in his direction, she turned her attentions back to King Stephanos, as this was their first meeting face to face and she was determined to make a good impression, so as to show the Dimitrou family she was not entirely without use.
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It had been over a week since Persephone had been a part of the Dimitrou household. A week in which she felt as if her entire identity had been taken apart and put back together in an entirely different shape. One that she was completely unfamiliar with but was finding herself to quite enjoy the aesthetics of. She was not Queen here. Lord Gavriil had no intention of calling her Your Majesty, and Iason's sisters curtsied upon encountering her but it was clear they would prefer not to and she had gradually started to encourage them that such a formality was not necessary. Iason treated her with a polite level of informality that led her to feeling relaxed in his company. Especially after the kisses they had already shared within her bedchamber. Just one of the actions that Persephone had never thought herself likely to carry out with a man she was not yet married to. Just further evidence of this new sense of self she had been developing in Taengea.
And yet, she hadn't truly and entirely left her old self behind.
The morning that was due for the arrival of the King of Taengea, Persephone had instinctively turned to the gowns she had sent a servant to fetch from the capitol. Lord Gavriil had given her a form of allowance with which she could purchase her own things - as he had promised the day after her arrival in Meganea. And whilst she could not attend to the markets and stores herself, she had been able to send a young serving maid with direct instructions. The maid had returned with gowns that were less the sturdy and elegant cut that the Dimitrou ladies preferred, and more of her own Athenian tastes. The silken gossamers that were more familiar in the Vasiliadon capitol than in the outer provinces. She had no intention of wearing these every day, but the arrival of the King was an exceptional event that required her to dress herself in the appropriate level of raiment. Until she made an official announcement giving up the throne of Athenia, she was still Queen. And as such, she was a representative of her kingdom.
The dress she chose in order to greet the royal guests of the manor was a gown of lightest blue. The colour of the sky and wispy in material, the silken sheen of its layers reflected the sunlight to offer patches of white - as if to mimic the reflection of the clouds in the sky across the surface of water. The chiton was pulled up to be fastened around her neck with a simple circle of silver, rigid around her slim neck. The material was attacked to one side of the hoop and hung down her front before swooping around her sides and joining the small of her back. Her arms, back and sides were all bare to the elements but the day was a fine and balmy one with little to no breeze. Around her upper arms were two bands of silver and her hands sported several matching rings. Her black hair was swept into a complex, braided design that criss-crossed over and around her head in a lattice effect before morphing into a thicker braid that circled her head in a crown. Silver leaves were threaded down beneath the braid on one side of her head. She wore no earrings but two curled tendrils of hair fell before each ear. She had darkened her eyes, and added a sheen to her lips with the powders and paints she had been assured were popular in the Taengean capitol.
Her appearance, in short, had returned to that of Persephone of Xanthos. The Princess and Queen of Athenia.
Strange how easy it was to slip back into the old skin she had started to shed.
When the announcement went around the house that the royal guests were now arriving, Persephone was quick to arrive outside to greet their guests, encountering Iason along the way so that they might stand together in the courtyard just behind her future father-in-law together. As Gavriil made his introductions and then disappeared back inside the House for reasons unknown, Persephone felt Iason's hand move to land upon the exposed small of her back. She attempted not to react.
She also attempted not to show a response when he introduced her as Queen of Athenia. Somehow, that title felt tainted with everything that had passed so far. Her father's death, her sister's assassination, the attack on her home. She disliked the notion of being Queen because it felt like and acceptance that such sacrifices had had to be made for her to hold it. And that she was permitting those events in her own life. She refused to acknowledge such thoughts in this moment, however, and offered a dip of her head and the offering of her hand in greeting to the new King of Taengea. A man she had never met but knew enough about to have a basic impression of his character.
”A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Your Majesty.” She offered him with a tone of dignity and the rising of her chin that was appropriate for a monarch meeting about of equal station. ”And to see you again, Your Highness.” She offered secondly to Prince Vangelis as the women of their party were aided out of the carriage and not yet ready to be introduced. The Prince Vangelis offered a sturdy bow in favour of Persephone’s technical rank and greeted her with warmth.
”Always an honour, Your Majesty.” The Stone Prince offered her in greeting. They had made several times before and if the man had any character on his features rather than simple stone, Persephone might have been drawn to him. She had always liked his diligence and the way his moral compass pointed a truer north than most men. With a smile in his direction, she turned her attentions back to King Stephanos, as this was their first meeting face to face and she was determined to make a good impression, so as to show the Dimitrou family she was not entirely without use.
It had been over a week since Persephone had been a part of the Dimitrou household. A week in which she felt as if her entire identity had been taken apart and put back together in an entirely different shape. One that she was completely unfamiliar with but was finding herself to quite enjoy the aesthetics of. She was not Queen here. Lord Gavriil had no intention of calling her Your Majesty, and Iason's sisters curtsied upon encountering her but it was clear they would prefer not to and she had gradually started to encourage them that such a formality was not necessary. Iason treated her with a polite level of informality that led her to feeling relaxed in his company. Especially after the kisses they had already shared within her bedchamber. Just one of the actions that Persephone had never thought herself likely to carry out with a man she was not yet married to. Just further evidence of this new sense of self she had been developing in Taengea.
And yet, she hadn't truly and entirely left her old self behind.
The morning that was due for the arrival of the King of Taengea, Persephone had instinctively turned to the gowns she had sent a servant to fetch from the capitol. Lord Gavriil had given her a form of allowance with which she could purchase her own things - as he had promised the day after her arrival in Meganea. And whilst she could not attend to the markets and stores herself, she had been able to send a young serving maid with direct instructions. The maid had returned with gowns that were less the sturdy and elegant cut that the Dimitrou ladies preferred, and more of her own Athenian tastes. The silken gossamers that were more familiar in the Vasiliadon capitol than in the outer provinces. She had no intention of wearing these every day, but the arrival of the King was an exceptional event that required her to dress herself in the appropriate level of raiment. Until she made an official announcement giving up the throne of Athenia, she was still Queen. And as such, she was a representative of her kingdom.
The dress she chose in order to greet the royal guests of the manor was a gown of lightest blue. The colour of the sky and wispy in material, the silken sheen of its layers reflected the sunlight to offer patches of white - as if to mimic the reflection of the clouds in the sky across the surface of water. The chiton was pulled up to be fastened around her neck with a simple circle of silver, rigid around her slim neck. The material was attacked to one side of the hoop and hung down her front before swooping around her sides and joining the small of her back. Her arms, back and sides were all bare to the elements but the day was a fine and balmy one with little to no breeze. Around her upper arms were two bands of silver and her hands sported several matching rings. Her black hair was swept into a complex, braided design that criss-crossed over and around her head in a lattice effect before morphing into a thicker braid that circled her head in a crown. Silver leaves were threaded down beneath the braid on one side of her head. She wore no earrings but two curled tendrils of hair fell before each ear. She had darkened her eyes, and added a sheen to her lips with the powders and paints she had been assured were popular in the Taengean capitol.
Her appearance, in short, had returned to that of Persephone of Xanthos. The Princess and Queen of Athenia.
Strange how easy it was to slip back into the old skin she had started to shed.
When the announcement went around the house that the royal guests were now arriving, Persephone was quick to arrive outside to greet their guests, encountering Iason along the way so that they might stand together in the courtyard just behind her future father-in-law together. As Gavriil made his introductions and then disappeared back inside the House for reasons unknown, Persephone felt Iason's hand move to land upon the exposed small of her back. She attempted not to react.
She also attempted not to show a response when he introduced her as Queen of Athenia. Somehow, that title felt tainted with everything that had passed so far. Her father's death, her sister's assassination, the attack on her home. She disliked the notion of being Queen because it felt like and acceptance that such sacrifices had had to be made for her to hold it. And that she was permitting those events in her own life. She refused to acknowledge such thoughts in this moment, however, and offered a dip of her head and the offering of her hand in greeting to the new King of Taengea. A man she had never met but knew enough about to have a basic impression of his character.
”A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Your Majesty.” She offered him with a tone of dignity and the rising of her chin that was appropriate for a monarch meeting about of equal station. ”And to see you again, Your Highness.” She offered secondly to Prince Vangelis as the women of their party were aided out of the carriage and not yet ready to be introduced. The Prince Vangelis offered a sturdy bow in favour of Persephone’s technical rank and greeted her with warmth.
”Always an honour, Your Majesty.” The Stone Prince offered her in greeting. They had made several times before and if the man had any character on his features rather than simple stone, Persephone might have been drawn to him. She had always liked his diligence and the way his moral compass pointed a truer north than most men. With a smile in his direction, she turned her attentions back to King Stephanos, as this was their first meeting face to face and she was determined to make a good impression, so as to show the Dimitrou family she was not entirely without use.
There were some days that Alexa preferred the gentle touch of her sister over that of their handservants. It was not as if the women serving them weren’t gentle, they just didn’t always have the patience for the squirming young woman that Alexa was quickly shaping up to be. She had not yet mastered the art of sitting patiently while someone else did her hair and makeup. She, not unlike Dorothea at that age, was always eager to rush out and move on to the next task. Even on a day as important as this one, Alexa was half out of her seat before they had even started.
Dorothea had not even waited to be summoned to their rooms, as they were sharing one currently, to assist. She had a feeling that Alexa would need her patient hands. The servants looked about gratefully as she arrived, departing from the room at her nod. Dorothea set her hands on Alexa’s shoulders, gently applying pressure, calming the girl. As was often the case, Alexa settled around her sister. Dorothea had always played a dual role: one part sister the other part mother. Alexa had never gotten the chance to know their mother and there had been certain things Gavriil and Iason had no notion on how to teach.
The girls chatted idly as Dorothea prepared her sister’s hair and then gently dressed her. She was already dressed for the day in one of her more elegant chitons, a flowing emerald gown tied at the shoulders so her arms were bare. Her hair hung down, curled in tresses, one part from each side tied back in a braid amongst her locks. She dressed partly for her father, as if to prove that she could make an effort when she wanted. The other part was to prove that she had “tried” when it came to wooing her cousin into marrying her. She also felt a bit badly for having laughed out loud at the suggestion, so she thought she ought to prove it in some manner.
Finally, someone announced that the party was approaching. Straightening her hair and her gown one last time, Dorothea took Alexa’s hand and moved towards the entrance of their home. Once outside, they were joined by her father, brother, and Persephone. Dorothea shot the other woman a smile, knowing that she was far more likely to be at ease in such a situation than both of the Dimitrou daughters. Although Dorothea had spent some time in court, their home and the outdoors were far more comfortable to her. Yet, she could entertain when called upon.
She watched silently as the party approached and as greetings were made. Her eyes took in every member of the party, trying to gather as much information as possible from their appearance, noting that it wasn’t everything. Her father had the luxury of making greetings and leaving the younger people to do all of the entertaining. It wasn’t terribly host-like of him, but Gavriil had never much cared for the pageantry of formal life.
Dorothea waited for Iason and Persephone to make their greetings before she and Alexa would follow suit. They both made their curtseys, even Alexa managing to look graceful in the moment. “Welcome to our lands,” she smiled pleasantly, echoing her brother’s sentiments. “I hope your time here is happy and I look forward to my lessons with the Lady Athanasia.” That much was meant with sincerity. Dorothea very much enjoyed giving lessons and she looked forward to what the young woman had to show her.
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There were some days that Alexa preferred the gentle touch of her sister over that of their handservants. It was not as if the women serving them weren’t gentle, they just didn’t always have the patience for the squirming young woman that Alexa was quickly shaping up to be. She had not yet mastered the art of sitting patiently while someone else did her hair and makeup. She, not unlike Dorothea at that age, was always eager to rush out and move on to the next task. Even on a day as important as this one, Alexa was half out of her seat before they had even started.
Dorothea had not even waited to be summoned to their rooms, as they were sharing one currently, to assist. She had a feeling that Alexa would need her patient hands. The servants looked about gratefully as she arrived, departing from the room at her nod. Dorothea set her hands on Alexa’s shoulders, gently applying pressure, calming the girl. As was often the case, Alexa settled around her sister. Dorothea had always played a dual role: one part sister the other part mother. Alexa had never gotten the chance to know their mother and there had been certain things Gavriil and Iason had no notion on how to teach.
The girls chatted idly as Dorothea prepared her sister’s hair and then gently dressed her. She was already dressed for the day in one of her more elegant chitons, a flowing emerald gown tied at the shoulders so her arms were bare. Her hair hung down, curled in tresses, one part from each side tied back in a braid amongst her locks. She dressed partly for her father, as if to prove that she could make an effort when she wanted. The other part was to prove that she had “tried” when it came to wooing her cousin into marrying her. She also felt a bit badly for having laughed out loud at the suggestion, so she thought she ought to prove it in some manner.
Finally, someone announced that the party was approaching. Straightening her hair and her gown one last time, Dorothea took Alexa’s hand and moved towards the entrance of their home. Once outside, they were joined by her father, brother, and Persephone. Dorothea shot the other woman a smile, knowing that she was far more likely to be at ease in such a situation than both of the Dimitrou daughters. Although Dorothea had spent some time in court, their home and the outdoors were far more comfortable to her. Yet, she could entertain when called upon.
She watched silently as the party approached and as greetings were made. Her eyes took in every member of the party, trying to gather as much information as possible from their appearance, noting that it wasn’t everything. Her father had the luxury of making greetings and leaving the younger people to do all of the entertaining. It wasn’t terribly host-like of him, but Gavriil had never much cared for the pageantry of formal life.
Dorothea waited for Iason and Persephone to make their greetings before she and Alexa would follow suit. They both made their curtseys, even Alexa managing to look graceful in the moment. “Welcome to our lands,” she smiled pleasantly, echoing her brother’s sentiments. “I hope your time here is happy and I look forward to my lessons with the Lady Athanasia.” That much was meant with sincerity. Dorothea very much enjoyed giving lessons and she looked forward to what the young woman had to show her.
There were some days that Alexa preferred the gentle touch of her sister over that of their handservants. It was not as if the women serving them weren’t gentle, they just didn’t always have the patience for the squirming young woman that Alexa was quickly shaping up to be. She had not yet mastered the art of sitting patiently while someone else did her hair and makeup. She, not unlike Dorothea at that age, was always eager to rush out and move on to the next task. Even on a day as important as this one, Alexa was half out of her seat before they had even started.
Dorothea had not even waited to be summoned to their rooms, as they were sharing one currently, to assist. She had a feeling that Alexa would need her patient hands. The servants looked about gratefully as she arrived, departing from the room at her nod. Dorothea set her hands on Alexa’s shoulders, gently applying pressure, calming the girl. As was often the case, Alexa settled around her sister. Dorothea had always played a dual role: one part sister the other part mother. Alexa had never gotten the chance to know their mother and there had been certain things Gavriil and Iason had no notion on how to teach.
The girls chatted idly as Dorothea prepared her sister’s hair and then gently dressed her. She was already dressed for the day in one of her more elegant chitons, a flowing emerald gown tied at the shoulders so her arms were bare. Her hair hung down, curled in tresses, one part from each side tied back in a braid amongst her locks. She dressed partly for her father, as if to prove that she could make an effort when she wanted. The other part was to prove that she had “tried” when it came to wooing her cousin into marrying her. She also felt a bit badly for having laughed out loud at the suggestion, so she thought she ought to prove it in some manner.
Finally, someone announced that the party was approaching. Straightening her hair and her gown one last time, Dorothea took Alexa’s hand and moved towards the entrance of their home. Once outside, they were joined by her father, brother, and Persephone. Dorothea shot the other woman a smile, knowing that she was far more likely to be at ease in such a situation than both of the Dimitrou daughters. Although Dorothea had spent some time in court, their home and the outdoors were far more comfortable to her. Yet, she could entertain when called upon.
She watched silently as the party approached and as greetings were made. Her eyes took in every member of the party, trying to gather as much information as possible from their appearance, noting that it wasn’t everything. Her father had the luxury of making greetings and leaving the younger people to do all of the entertaining. It wasn’t terribly host-like of him, but Gavriil had never much cared for the pageantry of formal life.
Dorothea waited for Iason and Persephone to make their greetings before she and Alexa would follow suit. They both made their curtseys, even Alexa managing to look graceful in the moment. “Welcome to our lands,” she smiled pleasantly, echoing her brother’s sentiments. “I hope your time here is happy and I look forward to my lessons with the Lady Athanasia.” That much was meant with sincerity. Dorothea very much enjoyed giving lessons and she looked forward to what the young woman had to show her.
The trip to the Dimitrou estate in Meganea had been largely uneventful. The carriage with her and Asia had left them mostly isolated by the banter of King Stephanos and Prince Vangelis. Instead, Imeeya listened as Asia shared her enthusiasm about the archery lessons that had been their primary reason to travel to Taengea in the first place. While Imeeya wasn’t much for the martial arts herself, she had always been supportive of her cousin’s desire to learn archery. As far as she was concerned, it was a useful way a woman could help in a war, and still be spared from the brutal fighting of hand to hand combat. Not that it was likely that the princess would ever end up anywhere near an actual battle. Princes were expected to fight for their country, but for a princess, that would be unheard of. Frankly, after what Imeeya had just witnessed in Vasiliadon, she was glad that her sex offered her this protection from the horrors of war.
Although Imeeya thought of this, the topic within the carriage remained light, touching mostly on technique and training exercises that Imeeya had little to add to except for encouragement. When the group stopped momentarily, the conversation briefly turned to what could be causing the delay, but by the time Imeeya had volunteered to step out and ask what was going on the convoy was already moving again. Then it was not much longer until they all arrived in Meganea.
Once they stopped she and Asia were helped out of the carriage by Vangelis, with Asia escorted first, which was her right by rank. Then they were introduced to those people staying at the Dimitrou estate. Accompanied by the King of Taengea, and a prince and princess of Colchis, Imeeya was by far the lowest ranking of those being introduced, a distinction she was not used to having, though she was beginning to get accustomed to in on this trip. Still, it meant that she was not expected to be the one responding. While she was trained to handle the politeness that it was required, she still found it uncomfortable to have to remain quiet, being much more used to expressing her own opinion without reservation.
While she had expected the presence of the Dimitrou patriarch, and his daughter, and might have expected his son, had she thought of who they would be meeting, Imeeya was surprised to find herself being introduced to the Queen of Athenia. Imeeya frowned slightly as lots of questions lept into her mind. As far as she could recall, last she heard, Athenia had a king, though he had not been in good health. Perhaps that answered the question of why there was a queen now, though she had to admit she was surprised that they would allow the succession to follow the female line. But if she had been so newly crowned queen, what was she doing here in Taengea? There had to be a story there, but certainly, none of these questions would appropriate for the current situation. Instead, Imeeya made the effort to return her expression to a pleasant neutral one as she bowed slightly to the foreign monarch.
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The trip to the Dimitrou estate in Meganea had been largely uneventful. The carriage with her and Asia had left them mostly isolated by the banter of King Stephanos and Prince Vangelis. Instead, Imeeya listened as Asia shared her enthusiasm about the archery lessons that had been their primary reason to travel to Taengea in the first place. While Imeeya wasn’t much for the martial arts herself, she had always been supportive of her cousin’s desire to learn archery. As far as she was concerned, it was a useful way a woman could help in a war, and still be spared from the brutal fighting of hand to hand combat. Not that it was likely that the princess would ever end up anywhere near an actual battle. Princes were expected to fight for their country, but for a princess, that would be unheard of. Frankly, after what Imeeya had just witnessed in Vasiliadon, she was glad that her sex offered her this protection from the horrors of war.
Although Imeeya thought of this, the topic within the carriage remained light, touching mostly on technique and training exercises that Imeeya had little to add to except for encouragement. When the group stopped momentarily, the conversation briefly turned to what could be causing the delay, but by the time Imeeya had volunteered to step out and ask what was going on the convoy was already moving again. Then it was not much longer until they all arrived in Meganea.
Once they stopped she and Asia were helped out of the carriage by Vangelis, with Asia escorted first, which was her right by rank. Then they were introduced to those people staying at the Dimitrou estate. Accompanied by the King of Taengea, and a prince and princess of Colchis, Imeeya was by far the lowest ranking of those being introduced, a distinction she was not used to having, though she was beginning to get accustomed to in on this trip. Still, it meant that she was not expected to be the one responding. While she was trained to handle the politeness that it was required, she still found it uncomfortable to have to remain quiet, being much more used to expressing her own opinion without reservation.
While she had expected the presence of the Dimitrou patriarch, and his daughter, and might have expected his son, had she thought of who they would be meeting, Imeeya was surprised to find herself being introduced to the Queen of Athenia. Imeeya frowned slightly as lots of questions lept into her mind. As far as she could recall, last she heard, Athenia had a king, though he had not been in good health. Perhaps that answered the question of why there was a queen now, though she had to admit she was surprised that they would allow the succession to follow the female line. But if she had been so newly crowned queen, what was she doing here in Taengea? There had to be a story there, but certainly, none of these questions would appropriate for the current situation. Instead, Imeeya made the effort to return her expression to a pleasant neutral one as she bowed slightly to the foreign monarch.
The trip to the Dimitrou estate in Meganea had been largely uneventful. The carriage with her and Asia had left them mostly isolated by the banter of King Stephanos and Prince Vangelis. Instead, Imeeya listened as Asia shared her enthusiasm about the archery lessons that had been their primary reason to travel to Taengea in the first place. While Imeeya wasn’t much for the martial arts herself, she had always been supportive of her cousin’s desire to learn archery. As far as she was concerned, it was a useful way a woman could help in a war, and still be spared from the brutal fighting of hand to hand combat. Not that it was likely that the princess would ever end up anywhere near an actual battle. Princes were expected to fight for their country, but for a princess, that would be unheard of. Frankly, after what Imeeya had just witnessed in Vasiliadon, she was glad that her sex offered her this protection from the horrors of war.
Although Imeeya thought of this, the topic within the carriage remained light, touching mostly on technique and training exercises that Imeeya had little to add to except for encouragement. When the group stopped momentarily, the conversation briefly turned to what could be causing the delay, but by the time Imeeya had volunteered to step out and ask what was going on the convoy was already moving again. Then it was not much longer until they all arrived in Meganea.
Once they stopped she and Asia were helped out of the carriage by Vangelis, with Asia escorted first, which was her right by rank. Then they were introduced to those people staying at the Dimitrou estate. Accompanied by the King of Taengea, and a prince and princess of Colchis, Imeeya was by far the lowest ranking of those being introduced, a distinction she was not used to having, though she was beginning to get accustomed to in on this trip. Still, it meant that she was not expected to be the one responding. While she was trained to handle the politeness that it was required, she still found it uncomfortable to have to remain quiet, being much more used to expressing her own opinion without reservation.
While she had expected the presence of the Dimitrou patriarch, and his daughter, and might have expected his son, had she thought of who they would be meeting, Imeeya was surprised to find herself being introduced to the Queen of Athenia. Imeeya frowned slightly as lots of questions lept into her mind. As far as she could recall, last she heard, Athenia had a king, though he had not been in good health. Perhaps that answered the question of why there was a queen now, though she had to admit she was surprised that they would allow the succession to follow the female line. But if she had been so newly crowned queen, what was she doing here in Taengea? There had to be a story there, but certainly, none of these questions would appropriate for the current situation. Instead, Imeeya made the effort to return her expression to a pleasant neutral one as she bowed slightly to the foreign monarch.
Because Vangelis was not the most talkative of traveling companions, Stephanos had had to make do with the commoner he'd snatched up. However, despite her pretty face, which, to him, had promised a pleasant rest of the journey, he was left with yet another person who would not, or could not, speak beyond a few sentences. The whole thing had been hours and hours of a dull ride, mitigated only by brief stints of attempting to pull blood from the stone general, as it were, by making ridiculous conversation. Stephanos was not above stooping low to find entertainment.
However, as the miles crawled by and his companions kept up their silence, even he ran out of energy to make them talk. He resorted to singing and was doing that as his horse plodded along after the carriage into the Dimitrou compound. He stayed on his horse long enough for Lord Gavriil to come up to him and dismounted only to greet the baron. Then his gaze swept the present company and stopped on Iason, not moving yet to Persephone except to take her in at a glance.
He watched as Lord Gavriil retreated and was on the point of demanding that the baron come back when Iason took over and greeted them all in extreme politeness. Dorothea followed suit and Stephanos was forced to shelf his burning questions. At the introduction of Queen Persephone, his gaze at last, properly, landed on her. It was interesting to meet, in person, a woman he’d toyed with the idea of asking his father to set up a match for but had never gotten around to bothering asking about.
His gaze wandered her face, liking what he saw, and then down to the protective hold that Iason held on her. That alone was proof enough of the man’s words, but it made more questions rise than it solved. “Your majesty,” he greeted her in the same manner she had, not bowing to her either. He frowned at the rise of her chin, thinking that the gesture was unusually graceful which was...odd. How did one gracefully raise one’s chin?
Glancing back at Vangelis, he was looking to see if the other prince had known about this but looking to Vangleis for any sort of emotion was like expecting a statue to cry. Wasn’t going to happen. He sighed and turned back to Iason and Persephone, thinking that he really needed to stop treating Vangelis like a person and more like a shadow. They had about that level of conversation.
To Dorothea and Alexa, he looked next and smiled at Dorothea. “Don’t you clean up nicely?” he teased, dropping all formality for the moment. With Gavriil absent and only themselves to see to, he felt very little need to preserve the vast differences in rank. At least for now. Frowning, he gestured between Iason and Persephone. "While I am vastly happy to make your acquaintance," he said to Persephone, “I’m confused as to why you’re here…” his gaze had slid to Iason for the last part of the question, seeking an answer from the person he knew best out of the whole group.
“I thought you were staying in Athenia. With you.” Here he pointed lightly to Persephone, and then gesturing over his shoulder at Vangelis, he said, “Or are you just dropping in unannounced like this one does?”
Was Taengea the only one that followed royal protocol? Because the Colchian prince moved about the country like he owned it, which Stephanos had already resolved to speak to him about. But that could be done later.
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Because Vangelis was not the most talkative of traveling companions, Stephanos had had to make do with the commoner he'd snatched up. However, despite her pretty face, which, to him, had promised a pleasant rest of the journey, he was left with yet another person who would not, or could not, speak beyond a few sentences. The whole thing had been hours and hours of a dull ride, mitigated only by brief stints of attempting to pull blood from the stone general, as it were, by making ridiculous conversation. Stephanos was not above stooping low to find entertainment.
However, as the miles crawled by and his companions kept up their silence, even he ran out of energy to make them talk. He resorted to singing and was doing that as his horse plodded along after the carriage into the Dimitrou compound. He stayed on his horse long enough for Lord Gavriil to come up to him and dismounted only to greet the baron. Then his gaze swept the present company and stopped on Iason, not moving yet to Persephone except to take her in at a glance.
He watched as Lord Gavriil retreated and was on the point of demanding that the baron come back when Iason took over and greeted them all in extreme politeness. Dorothea followed suit and Stephanos was forced to shelf his burning questions. At the introduction of Queen Persephone, his gaze at last, properly, landed on her. It was interesting to meet, in person, a woman he’d toyed with the idea of asking his father to set up a match for but had never gotten around to bothering asking about.
His gaze wandered her face, liking what he saw, and then down to the protective hold that Iason held on her. That alone was proof enough of the man’s words, but it made more questions rise than it solved. “Your majesty,” he greeted her in the same manner she had, not bowing to her either. He frowned at the rise of her chin, thinking that the gesture was unusually graceful which was...odd. How did one gracefully raise one’s chin?
Glancing back at Vangelis, he was looking to see if the other prince had known about this but looking to Vangleis for any sort of emotion was like expecting a statue to cry. Wasn’t going to happen. He sighed and turned back to Iason and Persephone, thinking that he really needed to stop treating Vangelis like a person and more like a shadow. They had about that level of conversation.
To Dorothea and Alexa, he looked next and smiled at Dorothea. “Don’t you clean up nicely?” he teased, dropping all formality for the moment. With Gavriil absent and only themselves to see to, he felt very little need to preserve the vast differences in rank. At least for now. Frowning, he gestured between Iason and Persephone. "While I am vastly happy to make your acquaintance," he said to Persephone, “I’m confused as to why you’re here…” his gaze had slid to Iason for the last part of the question, seeking an answer from the person he knew best out of the whole group.
“I thought you were staying in Athenia. With you.” Here he pointed lightly to Persephone, and then gesturing over his shoulder at Vangelis, he said, “Or are you just dropping in unannounced like this one does?”
Was Taengea the only one that followed royal protocol? Because the Colchian prince moved about the country like he owned it, which Stephanos had already resolved to speak to him about. But that could be done later.
Because Vangelis was not the most talkative of traveling companions, Stephanos had had to make do with the commoner he'd snatched up. However, despite her pretty face, which, to him, had promised a pleasant rest of the journey, he was left with yet another person who would not, or could not, speak beyond a few sentences. The whole thing had been hours and hours of a dull ride, mitigated only by brief stints of attempting to pull blood from the stone general, as it were, by making ridiculous conversation. Stephanos was not above stooping low to find entertainment.
However, as the miles crawled by and his companions kept up their silence, even he ran out of energy to make them talk. He resorted to singing and was doing that as his horse plodded along after the carriage into the Dimitrou compound. He stayed on his horse long enough for Lord Gavriil to come up to him and dismounted only to greet the baron. Then his gaze swept the present company and stopped on Iason, not moving yet to Persephone except to take her in at a glance.
He watched as Lord Gavriil retreated and was on the point of demanding that the baron come back when Iason took over and greeted them all in extreme politeness. Dorothea followed suit and Stephanos was forced to shelf his burning questions. At the introduction of Queen Persephone, his gaze at last, properly, landed on her. It was interesting to meet, in person, a woman he’d toyed with the idea of asking his father to set up a match for but had never gotten around to bothering asking about.
His gaze wandered her face, liking what he saw, and then down to the protective hold that Iason held on her. That alone was proof enough of the man’s words, but it made more questions rise than it solved. “Your majesty,” he greeted her in the same manner she had, not bowing to her either. He frowned at the rise of her chin, thinking that the gesture was unusually graceful which was...odd. How did one gracefully raise one’s chin?
Glancing back at Vangelis, he was looking to see if the other prince had known about this but looking to Vangleis for any sort of emotion was like expecting a statue to cry. Wasn’t going to happen. He sighed and turned back to Iason and Persephone, thinking that he really needed to stop treating Vangelis like a person and more like a shadow. They had about that level of conversation.
To Dorothea and Alexa, he looked next and smiled at Dorothea. “Don’t you clean up nicely?” he teased, dropping all formality for the moment. With Gavriil absent and only themselves to see to, he felt very little need to preserve the vast differences in rank. At least for now. Frowning, he gestured between Iason and Persephone. "While I am vastly happy to make your acquaintance," he said to Persephone, “I’m confused as to why you’re here…” his gaze had slid to Iason for the last part of the question, seeking an answer from the person he knew best out of the whole group.
“I thought you were staying in Athenia. With you.” Here he pointed lightly to Persephone, and then gesturing over his shoulder at Vangelis, he said, “Or are you just dropping in unannounced like this one does?”
Was Taengea the only one that followed royal protocol? Because the Colchian prince moved about the country like he owned it, which Stephanos had already resolved to speak to him about. But that could be done later.
Persephone watched as the two sides seemed to line up, addressing one another in formal fashion until the King of Taengea was brave or perhaps unconventional enough to break with propriety and decorum and fall into the grips of informality - something Persephone had never done, even with the nobles with whom she considered herself to have a personal friendship with. Taengea, however, it was clear, held a different level of what was considered right and proper. And the King, it would seem, was perfectly allowed to break with traditional discourse and greetings if he so chose. Given that she was in his kingdom, Persephone had little option but to follow his lead or else appear impolite.
She awaited her turn to speak as King Stephanos greeted her initially, turned to address the Dimitrou ladies, breaking the spell of formality that had fallen upon them all like a stifling mist and then spoke freely to herself and Iason, clearly surprised as to her presence. Judging by the expressions of the Colchian women who had now joined the party and been offered greetings, Persephone was certain he wasn't the only one mystified at her presence.
Straightening her spine, her gown shifting a little over her form at the gesture and her neck turning to look upon the Dimitrou land before moving back to hold the monarch's gaze, Persephone spoke with neither lie nor full truth in her words...
"It is not unconventional for a woman, no matter her rank, to attend upon her intended's family and lands." She stated, her words factual but far from honest. The man was regent of his kingdom. He would find out the truth soon enough from whatever network of informers he had across the land. And she would be proven to be - not a liar - but someone who had hidden clear elements of her story - as was appropriate. There was no sense in offering her kingdom's failings and weaknesses, laid out in humbling public exposure, for all to see. Dignity could be kept at least a little longer, even if it had to be secured through holding her head up in a time that was clearly trying, despite her refusal to admit to the trials themselves. To that effect, she held the king's gaze steadily, her stare taking in his height and impressive stature quickly, before remaining on his handsome face without compromise.
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Persephone watched as the two sides seemed to line up, addressing one another in formal fashion until the King of Taengea was brave or perhaps unconventional enough to break with propriety and decorum and fall into the grips of informality - something Persephone had never done, even with the nobles with whom she considered herself to have a personal friendship with. Taengea, however, it was clear, held a different level of what was considered right and proper. And the King, it would seem, was perfectly allowed to break with traditional discourse and greetings if he so chose. Given that she was in his kingdom, Persephone had little option but to follow his lead or else appear impolite.
She awaited her turn to speak as King Stephanos greeted her initially, turned to address the Dimitrou ladies, breaking the spell of formality that had fallen upon them all like a stifling mist and then spoke freely to herself and Iason, clearly surprised as to her presence. Judging by the expressions of the Colchian women who had now joined the party and been offered greetings, Persephone was certain he wasn't the only one mystified at her presence.
Straightening her spine, her gown shifting a little over her form at the gesture and her neck turning to look upon the Dimitrou land before moving back to hold the monarch's gaze, Persephone spoke with neither lie nor full truth in her words...
"It is not unconventional for a woman, no matter her rank, to attend upon her intended's family and lands." She stated, her words factual but far from honest. The man was regent of his kingdom. He would find out the truth soon enough from whatever network of informers he had across the land. And she would be proven to be - not a liar - but someone who had hidden clear elements of her story - as was appropriate. There was no sense in offering her kingdom's failings and weaknesses, laid out in humbling public exposure, for all to see. Dignity could be kept at least a little longer, even if it had to be secured through holding her head up in a time that was clearly trying, despite her refusal to admit to the trials themselves. To that effect, she held the king's gaze steadily, her stare taking in his height and impressive stature quickly, before remaining on his handsome face without compromise.
Persephone watched as the two sides seemed to line up, addressing one another in formal fashion until the King of Taengea was brave or perhaps unconventional enough to break with propriety and decorum and fall into the grips of informality - something Persephone had never done, even with the nobles with whom she considered herself to have a personal friendship with. Taengea, however, it was clear, held a different level of what was considered right and proper. And the King, it would seem, was perfectly allowed to break with traditional discourse and greetings if he so chose. Given that she was in his kingdom, Persephone had little option but to follow his lead or else appear impolite.
She awaited her turn to speak as King Stephanos greeted her initially, turned to address the Dimitrou ladies, breaking the spell of formality that had fallen upon them all like a stifling mist and then spoke freely to herself and Iason, clearly surprised as to her presence. Judging by the expressions of the Colchian women who had now joined the party and been offered greetings, Persephone was certain he wasn't the only one mystified at her presence.
Straightening her spine, her gown shifting a little over her form at the gesture and her neck turning to look upon the Dimitrou land before moving back to hold the monarch's gaze, Persephone spoke with neither lie nor full truth in her words...
"It is not unconventional for a woman, no matter her rank, to attend upon her intended's family and lands." She stated, her words factual but far from honest. The man was regent of his kingdom. He would find out the truth soon enough from whatever network of informers he had across the land. And she would be proven to be - not a liar - but someone who had hidden clear elements of her story - as was appropriate. There was no sense in offering her kingdom's failings and weaknesses, laid out in humbling public exposure, for all to see. Dignity could be kept at least a little longer, even if it had to be secured through holding her head up in a time that was clearly trying, despite her refusal to admit to the trials themselves. To that effect, she held the king's gaze steadily, her stare taking in his height and impressive stature quickly, before remaining on his handsome face without compromise.
As the King of Taengea moved in - as per usual - to immediately greet the pretty woman of highest rank amongst them, Vangelis resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He resisted the impulse again when the King commented on his habit of dropping by unannounced. It was on the tip of his tongue to suggest that he no longer do so and allow the Taengean ruler to fight his own battles with the Creed and, had they been alone or in a smaller party of people, he might have done so. But the meet and greet in the front grounds of the Dimitrou manor was now a larger and more formal affair than he had been expecting - especially with the presence of the Athenian Queen whom he had not known was in the neighbouring land of the South.
Instead, he turned his attentions to the others of the group as conversation seemed to naturally split in two - the crowned monarchs and their spouses to one side and the relatives of royalty to the other.
Having guided his sister and cousin down from the carriage and offered them a hand towards the group, Vangelis found himself making the introductions between the four ladies: Imeeya and Athanasia, and Dorothea and Alexa. Given that they were all his relatives in some way - one sister, three cousins - it made sense that it would fall upon him to make the initial greetings and form the conversational bridge between the Colchians and the Taengeans. Not a position he was particularly comfortable taking on, nor that he had the discussion skills himself to aid in, but he got everyone's rank and name correct at least.
It was then that the Lady Dorothea commented on looking forward to lessons with his sister and Athanasia was eager to step forward assuring her that the feeling was mutual.
"My sister has been eager for our trip to your kingdom." Vangelis offered when his sister appeared to fall quiet with a little uncertainty. Normally a vivacious and almost aggressive speaker, Athanasia had spoken with him at length on the boat ride to Taengea, regarding how she might become a more appropriate lady of nobility in her actions and mannerisms. It made sense that she was now nervous putting that to the test for the first time with a stranger, despite their blood connection. "And I'm of the opinion that Lady Imeeya has been eager to make the acquaintance of our cousins, also." He added, attempting to draw his cousin onto the conversation with all the expected grace of someone not used to informal chatter...
"You have grown well, Lady Dorothea." Vangelis offered with a stony expression but polite and calm tone. For it was true: the young lady had grown into a pretty girl who might not have been as obviously stunning as some of the Leventi ladies they had been staying with since their arrival in Taengea. But she held herself with a confidence and sturdy strength that was appealing and could be spotted in those of Kotas blood too. "I believe last I saw of you, you were no taller than the bow you attempted to carry around at the time." He offered a slight curling of his lips that might have passed as a smile if one was being exceedingly generous.
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As the King of Taengea moved in - as per usual - to immediately greet the pretty woman of highest rank amongst them, Vangelis resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He resisted the impulse again when the King commented on his habit of dropping by unannounced. It was on the tip of his tongue to suggest that he no longer do so and allow the Taengean ruler to fight his own battles with the Creed and, had they been alone or in a smaller party of people, he might have done so. But the meet and greet in the front grounds of the Dimitrou manor was now a larger and more formal affair than he had been expecting - especially with the presence of the Athenian Queen whom he had not known was in the neighbouring land of the South.
Instead, he turned his attentions to the others of the group as conversation seemed to naturally split in two - the crowned monarchs and their spouses to one side and the relatives of royalty to the other.
Having guided his sister and cousin down from the carriage and offered them a hand towards the group, Vangelis found himself making the introductions between the four ladies: Imeeya and Athanasia, and Dorothea and Alexa. Given that they were all his relatives in some way - one sister, three cousins - it made sense that it would fall upon him to make the initial greetings and form the conversational bridge between the Colchians and the Taengeans. Not a position he was particularly comfortable taking on, nor that he had the discussion skills himself to aid in, but he got everyone's rank and name correct at least.
It was then that the Lady Dorothea commented on looking forward to lessons with his sister and Athanasia was eager to step forward assuring her that the feeling was mutual.
"My sister has been eager for our trip to your kingdom." Vangelis offered when his sister appeared to fall quiet with a little uncertainty. Normally a vivacious and almost aggressive speaker, Athanasia had spoken with him at length on the boat ride to Taengea, regarding how she might become a more appropriate lady of nobility in her actions and mannerisms. It made sense that she was now nervous putting that to the test for the first time with a stranger, despite their blood connection. "And I'm of the opinion that Lady Imeeya has been eager to make the acquaintance of our cousins, also." He added, attempting to draw his cousin onto the conversation with all the expected grace of someone not used to informal chatter...
"You have grown well, Lady Dorothea." Vangelis offered with a stony expression but polite and calm tone. For it was true: the young lady had grown into a pretty girl who might not have been as obviously stunning as some of the Leventi ladies they had been staying with since their arrival in Taengea. But she held herself with a confidence and sturdy strength that was appealing and could be spotted in those of Kotas blood too. "I believe last I saw of you, you were no taller than the bow you attempted to carry around at the time." He offered a slight curling of his lips that might have passed as a smile if one was being exceedingly generous.
As the King of Taengea moved in - as per usual - to immediately greet the pretty woman of highest rank amongst them, Vangelis resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He resisted the impulse again when the King commented on his habit of dropping by unannounced. It was on the tip of his tongue to suggest that he no longer do so and allow the Taengean ruler to fight his own battles with the Creed and, had they been alone or in a smaller party of people, he might have done so. But the meet and greet in the front grounds of the Dimitrou manor was now a larger and more formal affair than he had been expecting - especially with the presence of the Athenian Queen whom he had not known was in the neighbouring land of the South.
Instead, he turned his attentions to the others of the group as conversation seemed to naturally split in two - the crowned monarchs and their spouses to one side and the relatives of royalty to the other.
Having guided his sister and cousin down from the carriage and offered them a hand towards the group, Vangelis found himself making the introductions between the four ladies: Imeeya and Athanasia, and Dorothea and Alexa. Given that they were all his relatives in some way - one sister, three cousins - it made sense that it would fall upon him to make the initial greetings and form the conversational bridge between the Colchians and the Taengeans. Not a position he was particularly comfortable taking on, nor that he had the discussion skills himself to aid in, but he got everyone's rank and name correct at least.
It was then that the Lady Dorothea commented on looking forward to lessons with his sister and Athanasia was eager to step forward assuring her that the feeling was mutual.
"My sister has been eager for our trip to your kingdom." Vangelis offered when his sister appeared to fall quiet with a little uncertainty. Normally a vivacious and almost aggressive speaker, Athanasia had spoken with him at length on the boat ride to Taengea, regarding how she might become a more appropriate lady of nobility in her actions and mannerisms. It made sense that she was now nervous putting that to the test for the first time with a stranger, despite their blood connection. "And I'm of the opinion that Lady Imeeya has been eager to make the acquaintance of our cousins, also." He added, attempting to draw his cousin onto the conversation with all the expected grace of someone not used to informal chatter...
"You have grown well, Lady Dorothea." Vangelis offered with a stony expression but polite and calm tone. For it was true: the young lady had grown into a pretty girl who might not have been as obviously stunning as some of the Leventi ladies they had been staying with since their arrival in Taengea. But she held herself with a confidence and sturdy strength that was appealing and could be spotted in those of Kotas blood too. "I believe last I saw of you, you were no taller than the bow you attempted to carry around at the time." He offered a slight curling of his lips that might have passed as a smile if one was being exceedingly generous.
Trying to be ladylike was more trouble than it was worth.
The long trip to the Dimitrou estate was insufferably boring and after about two hours, Athanasia was so restless that she wished she had begged Vang to let her ride with him, King Stephanos, and Commander Nike. She doubted he would have agreed, since he and the ruler of Taengea had much to talk about after the defeat of the Creed and he wouldn't want her in the way. So she had not complained about having to ride in the carriage with Imeeya.
Her attire wasn't made for riding either. She had chosen a beautiful violet peplos with wide bands of gold beaded with purple around the edges … a gift from her father for the journey that she had thought far too fancy for her tastes. It did look good on her, she had to admit. It complimented her eyes and brought out the highlights in her auburn-gold hair. Belted with a golden girdle to which her pouch of juggling balls had been attached, it was held up at the shoulders with gold and amethyst fibulae.
Her hair had been arranged into one long braid down her back and woven through with violet ribbons. Athanasia's jewelry consisted of a tiara, necklace, bracelets, and rings in a matching design of amethyst and gold. She felt awkward dressed so finely, and even more so when she saw that Imeeya had not done the same. Still, maybe she would make a good impression on the Dimitrou family by looking like the princess she was.
She spent most of the trip talking with her cousin. They were on good terms again, but she had known that they wouldn't stay angry at each other for long. They never could, but she was glad that the tension between them was gone and they could chatter happily together instead of glaring at each other the entire time. Athanasia tried to juggle to subdue her restlessness but the roads were too bumpy and she stopped before one of her balls accidentally hit Imeeya. The only good thing about being stuck in the carriage was that she was protected from the sun and didn't have to worry about overheating.
It was evening when they finally arrived at their destination, and she stepped out of the carriage with Vang's assistance. Her legs felt stiff after so much sitting and she suppressed the urge to stretch each one over her head in turn. Perhaps there would be a chance for that once they got to their rooms. Would she and Imeeya be roommates, she wondered, or would she have a chamber of her own? Her cousin was accustomed to her acrobatic stretching, so it didn't really matter. She had done a lot of it on the ship.
They were greeted cordially by Lord Gavrill. Athanasia's eyes lit up when Lord Iason said there was good hunting in the forests, but she remained silent instead of expressing her enthusiasm. She smiled at Dorothea and Alexa, studying the elder with a critical eye. Would she really be able to teach the princess anything about archery that she didn't already know? Perhaps Athanasia would wind up as Dorothea's instructor instead.
And the Queen of Athenia was present too. That was a surprise. A King, a Queen, and a Crown Prince all in one place. What was the chance of that? One auburn eyebrow quirked upward but she curtsied and greeted Queen Persephone with the proper deference as well as a candid curiosity. Rising, she glanced over at Vang as if to say 'See, brother, I remember my manners.'
When Dorothea's turn came to greet them, she said she looked forward to their archery lessons. “So do I,” Athanasia replied. She almost suggested that they practice while hunting, but thought better of it. Now was not the time to speak of such things. As Vangelis complimented her cousin, she wished that the introductions were over. Her stomach was growling ominously. Hopefully, they had arrived in time for dinner.
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Trying to be ladylike was more trouble than it was worth.
The long trip to the Dimitrou estate was insufferably boring and after about two hours, Athanasia was so restless that she wished she had begged Vang to let her ride with him, King Stephanos, and Commander Nike. She doubted he would have agreed, since he and the ruler of Taengea had much to talk about after the defeat of the Creed and he wouldn't want her in the way. So she had not complained about having to ride in the carriage with Imeeya.
Her attire wasn't made for riding either. She had chosen a beautiful violet peplos with wide bands of gold beaded with purple around the edges … a gift from her father for the journey that she had thought far too fancy for her tastes. It did look good on her, she had to admit. It complimented her eyes and brought out the highlights in her auburn-gold hair. Belted with a golden girdle to which her pouch of juggling balls had been attached, it was held up at the shoulders with gold and amethyst fibulae.
Her hair had been arranged into one long braid down her back and woven through with violet ribbons. Athanasia's jewelry consisted of a tiara, necklace, bracelets, and rings in a matching design of amethyst and gold. She felt awkward dressed so finely, and even more so when she saw that Imeeya had not done the same. Still, maybe she would make a good impression on the Dimitrou family by looking like the princess she was.
She spent most of the trip talking with her cousin. They were on good terms again, but she had known that they wouldn't stay angry at each other for long. They never could, but she was glad that the tension between them was gone and they could chatter happily together instead of glaring at each other the entire time. Athanasia tried to juggle to subdue her restlessness but the roads were too bumpy and she stopped before one of her balls accidentally hit Imeeya. The only good thing about being stuck in the carriage was that she was protected from the sun and didn't have to worry about overheating.
It was evening when they finally arrived at their destination, and she stepped out of the carriage with Vang's assistance. Her legs felt stiff after so much sitting and she suppressed the urge to stretch each one over her head in turn. Perhaps there would be a chance for that once they got to their rooms. Would she and Imeeya be roommates, she wondered, or would she have a chamber of her own? Her cousin was accustomed to her acrobatic stretching, so it didn't really matter. She had done a lot of it on the ship.
They were greeted cordially by Lord Gavrill. Athanasia's eyes lit up when Lord Iason said there was good hunting in the forests, but she remained silent instead of expressing her enthusiasm. She smiled at Dorothea and Alexa, studying the elder with a critical eye. Would she really be able to teach the princess anything about archery that she didn't already know? Perhaps Athanasia would wind up as Dorothea's instructor instead.
And the Queen of Athenia was present too. That was a surprise. A King, a Queen, and a Crown Prince all in one place. What was the chance of that? One auburn eyebrow quirked upward but she curtsied and greeted Queen Persephone with the proper deference as well as a candid curiosity. Rising, she glanced over at Vang as if to say 'See, brother, I remember my manners.'
When Dorothea's turn came to greet them, she said she looked forward to their archery lessons. “So do I,” Athanasia replied. She almost suggested that they practice while hunting, but thought better of it. Now was not the time to speak of such things. As Vangelis complimented her cousin, she wished that the introductions were over. Her stomach was growling ominously. Hopefully, they had arrived in time for dinner.
Trying to be ladylike was more trouble than it was worth.
The long trip to the Dimitrou estate was insufferably boring and after about two hours, Athanasia was so restless that she wished she had begged Vang to let her ride with him, King Stephanos, and Commander Nike. She doubted he would have agreed, since he and the ruler of Taengea had much to talk about after the defeat of the Creed and he wouldn't want her in the way. So she had not complained about having to ride in the carriage with Imeeya.
Her attire wasn't made for riding either. She had chosen a beautiful violet peplos with wide bands of gold beaded with purple around the edges … a gift from her father for the journey that she had thought far too fancy for her tastes. It did look good on her, she had to admit. It complimented her eyes and brought out the highlights in her auburn-gold hair. Belted with a golden girdle to which her pouch of juggling balls had been attached, it was held up at the shoulders with gold and amethyst fibulae.
Her hair had been arranged into one long braid down her back and woven through with violet ribbons. Athanasia's jewelry consisted of a tiara, necklace, bracelets, and rings in a matching design of amethyst and gold. She felt awkward dressed so finely, and even more so when she saw that Imeeya had not done the same. Still, maybe she would make a good impression on the Dimitrou family by looking like the princess she was.
She spent most of the trip talking with her cousin. They were on good terms again, but she had known that they wouldn't stay angry at each other for long. They never could, but she was glad that the tension between them was gone and they could chatter happily together instead of glaring at each other the entire time. Athanasia tried to juggle to subdue her restlessness but the roads were too bumpy and she stopped before one of her balls accidentally hit Imeeya. The only good thing about being stuck in the carriage was that she was protected from the sun and didn't have to worry about overheating.
It was evening when they finally arrived at their destination, and she stepped out of the carriage with Vang's assistance. Her legs felt stiff after so much sitting and she suppressed the urge to stretch each one over her head in turn. Perhaps there would be a chance for that once they got to their rooms. Would she and Imeeya be roommates, she wondered, or would she have a chamber of her own? Her cousin was accustomed to her acrobatic stretching, so it didn't really matter. She had done a lot of it on the ship.
They were greeted cordially by Lord Gavrill. Athanasia's eyes lit up when Lord Iason said there was good hunting in the forests, but she remained silent instead of expressing her enthusiasm. She smiled at Dorothea and Alexa, studying the elder with a critical eye. Would she really be able to teach the princess anything about archery that she didn't already know? Perhaps Athanasia would wind up as Dorothea's instructor instead.
And the Queen of Athenia was present too. That was a surprise. A King, a Queen, and a Crown Prince all in one place. What was the chance of that? One auburn eyebrow quirked upward but she curtsied and greeted Queen Persephone with the proper deference as well as a candid curiosity. Rising, she glanced over at Vang as if to say 'See, brother, I remember my manners.'
When Dorothea's turn came to greet them, she said she looked forward to their archery lessons. “So do I,” Athanasia replied. She almost suggested that they practice while hunting, but thought better of it. Now was not the time to speak of such things. As Vangelis complimented her cousin, she wished that the introductions were over. Her stomach was growling ominously. Hopefully, they had arrived in time for dinner.
Imeeya found herself relieved as Vangelis directed both herself and Asia towards their cousins and proceeded with the introductions. This was what they had come here for in the first place. Imeeya would just have to put aside her questions about the monarch of Athenia for more appropriate time and place. Instead, she turned towards Dorothea and Alexa and greeted them, deferring slightly to the princess and her response. Imeeya was a bit surprised to find her more subdued than normal, but perhaps it was for the best. She knew how much Asia had been looking forward to this trip, but Imeeya was glad to see that she had seemed to gain a bit more maturity in these situations.
Imeeya grinned a bit conspiratorially turning towards Asia, as she heard the princess’s stomach growl, a low rumble that she could only hear by virtue of standing right next to her. But no, now was not the time to make a joke at Asia’s expense, though only moments before she would have had no problem with teasing her cousin in the privacy of their carriage. Instead, what Imeeya could do was direct the conversation so that Asia might have the opportunity to eat before her stomach noises embarrassed either the princess or their hosts for providing inadequate refreshment to their guests.
Imeeya smiled politely towards her hostesses. “Thank you so much for graciously welcoming us into your home. It has been a long and tiring journey. Perhaps this conversation might be best continued inside?” Imeeya hoped that her suggestion might be just enough to suggest that they should go inside sit down and have refreshments without making it obvious that they had failed in providing these amenities so far. Imeeya glanced back towards Asia with a smile, hoping that she would appreciate the suggestion that they might head inside.
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Imeeya found herself relieved as Vangelis directed both herself and Asia towards their cousins and proceeded with the introductions. This was what they had come here for in the first place. Imeeya would just have to put aside her questions about the monarch of Athenia for more appropriate time and place. Instead, she turned towards Dorothea and Alexa and greeted them, deferring slightly to the princess and her response. Imeeya was a bit surprised to find her more subdued than normal, but perhaps it was for the best. She knew how much Asia had been looking forward to this trip, but Imeeya was glad to see that she had seemed to gain a bit more maturity in these situations.
Imeeya grinned a bit conspiratorially turning towards Asia, as she heard the princess’s stomach growl, a low rumble that she could only hear by virtue of standing right next to her. But no, now was not the time to make a joke at Asia’s expense, though only moments before she would have had no problem with teasing her cousin in the privacy of their carriage. Instead, what Imeeya could do was direct the conversation so that Asia might have the opportunity to eat before her stomach noises embarrassed either the princess or their hosts for providing inadequate refreshment to their guests.
Imeeya smiled politely towards her hostesses. “Thank you so much for graciously welcoming us into your home. It has been a long and tiring journey. Perhaps this conversation might be best continued inside?” Imeeya hoped that her suggestion might be just enough to suggest that they should go inside sit down and have refreshments without making it obvious that they had failed in providing these amenities so far. Imeeya glanced back towards Asia with a smile, hoping that she would appreciate the suggestion that they might head inside.
Imeeya found herself relieved as Vangelis directed both herself and Asia towards their cousins and proceeded with the introductions. This was what they had come here for in the first place. Imeeya would just have to put aside her questions about the monarch of Athenia for more appropriate time and place. Instead, she turned towards Dorothea and Alexa and greeted them, deferring slightly to the princess and her response. Imeeya was a bit surprised to find her more subdued than normal, but perhaps it was for the best. She knew how much Asia had been looking forward to this trip, but Imeeya was glad to see that she had seemed to gain a bit more maturity in these situations.
Imeeya grinned a bit conspiratorially turning towards Asia, as she heard the princess’s stomach growl, a low rumble that she could only hear by virtue of standing right next to her. But no, now was not the time to make a joke at Asia’s expense, though only moments before she would have had no problem with teasing her cousin in the privacy of their carriage. Instead, what Imeeya could do was direct the conversation so that Asia might have the opportunity to eat before her stomach noises embarrassed either the princess or their hosts for providing inadequate refreshment to their guests.
Imeeya smiled politely towards her hostesses. “Thank you so much for graciously welcoming us into your home. It has been a long and tiring journey. Perhaps this conversation might be best continued inside?” Imeeya hoped that her suggestion might be just enough to suggest that they should go inside sit down and have refreshments without making it obvious that they had failed in providing these amenities so far. Imeeya glanced back towards Asia with a smile, hoping that she would appreciate the suggestion that they might head inside.
"It is not unconventional for a woman, no matter her rank, to attend upon her intended's family and lands."
He eyed her while she spoke, a smile ghosting across his features and growing the longer her explanation went. “You’re right,” he nodded, clasping his hands behind his back and glancing at Iason while he spoke. “It’s just an awfully long way to attend upon a man so well looked after.” His gaze then shifted through the window where he could just make out Lord Dimitrou heading into where he knew the man’s study to be. Apparently the elder Dimitrou was not in the mood for crowds. Shame.
“Forgive me, that was ungenerous. Taengea has lands upon lands and families upon families that need looking into. I’m sure Lord Iason will give you an in depth tour of all that this fair island boasts, won’t you, Lord Iason?” It shouldn’t have been, but this was comical. One of the prettiest girls in Greece, engaged to one of the most, if not the most awkward and under experienced men he’d ever met. Not that Iason was a bad man - far from it. And as a person, Stephanos had nothing but the utmost respect for Iason. But as a husband? Just the thought of it made him press his lips together but he was unable to suppress the grin.
“I’d like to formally extend my congratulations on the upcoming union,” he said, placing his hand over his heart for added sincerity. “May the gods bless you bountifully.” You’ll need it, he thought. His thoughts were traveling back to when Iason had literally run from a truly beautiful whore when he and his cousins had turned up to Iason’s estate for an impromptu party. Now that Iason had an even more gorgeous girl on his arm and a Queen at that, Stephanos didn’t think the man would do much better. Probably he’d freeze up and he found himself simultaneously embarrassed for him and yet thinking this was the funniest thing he’d ever seen.
“Have you taken her hunting yet, Lord Iason?” Turning to Persephone, he gestured to Iason. “One of the best hunters I’ve ever seen. Perfect with his shot and aim.” He grinned. “Aren’t you, my lord?”
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"It is not unconventional for a woman, no matter her rank, to attend upon her intended's family and lands."
He eyed her while she spoke, a smile ghosting across his features and growing the longer her explanation went. “You’re right,” he nodded, clasping his hands behind his back and glancing at Iason while he spoke. “It’s just an awfully long way to attend upon a man so well looked after.” His gaze then shifted through the window where he could just make out Lord Dimitrou heading into where he knew the man’s study to be. Apparently the elder Dimitrou was not in the mood for crowds. Shame.
“Forgive me, that was ungenerous. Taengea has lands upon lands and families upon families that need looking into. I’m sure Lord Iason will give you an in depth tour of all that this fair island boasts, won’t you, Lord Iason?” It shouldn’t have been, but this was comical. One of the prettiest girls in Greece, engaged to one of the most, if not the most awkward and under experienced men he’d ever met. Not that Iason was a bad man - far from it. And as a person, Stephanos had nothing but the utmost respect for Iason. But as a husband? Just the thought of it made him press his lips together but he was unable to suppress the grin.
“I’d like to formally extend my congratulations on the upcoming union,” he said, placing his hand over his heart for added sincerity. “May the gods bless you bountifully.” You’ll need it, he thought. His thoughts were traveling back to when Iason had literally run from a truly beautiful whore when he and his cousins had turned up to Iason’s estate for an impromptu party. Now that Iason had an even more gorgeous girl on his arm and a Queen at that, Stephanos didn’t think the man would do much better. Probably he’d freeze up and he found himself simultaneously embarrassed for him and yet thinking this was the funniest thing he’d ever seen.
“Have you taken her hunting yet, Lord Iason?” Turning to Persephone, he gestured to Iason. “One of the best hunters I’ve ever seen. Perfect with his shot and aim.” He grinned. “Aren’t you, my lord?”
"It is not unconventional for a woman, no matter her rank, to attend upon her intended's family and lands."
He eyed her while she spoke, a smile ghosting across his features and growing the longer her explanation went. “You’re right,” he nodded, clasping his hands behind his back and glancing at Iason while he spoke. “It’s just an awfully long way to attend upon a man so well looked after.” His gaze then shifted through the window where he could just make out Lord Dimitrou heading into where he knew the man’s study to be. Apparently the elder Dimitrou was not in the mood for crowds. Shame.
“Forgive me, that was ungenerous. Taengea has lands upon lands and families upon families that need looking into. I’m sure Lord Iason will give you an in depth tour of all that this fair island boasts, won’t you, Lord Iason?” It shouldn’t have been, but this was comical. One of the prettiest girls in Greece, engaged to one of the most, if not the most awkward and under experienced men he’d ever met. Not that Iason was a bad man - far from it. And as a person, Stephanos had nothing but the utmost respect for Iason. But as a husband? Just the thought of it made him press his lips together but he was unable to suppress the grin.
“I’d like to formally extend my congratulations on the upcoming union,” he said, placing his hand over his heart for added sincerity. “May the gods bless you bountifully.” You’ll need it, he thought. His thoughts were traveling back to when Iason had literally run from a truly beautiful whore when he and his cousins had turned up to Iason’s estate for an impromptu party. Now that Iason had an even more gorgeous girl on his arm and a Queen at that, Stephanos didn’t think the man would do much better. Probably he’d freeze up and he found himself simultaneously embarrassed for him and yet thinking this was the funniest thing he’d ever seen.
“Have you taken her hunting yet, Lord Iason?” Turning to Persephone, he gestured to Iason. “One of the best hunters I’ve ever seen. Perfect with his shot and aim.” He grinned. “Aren’t you, my lord?”
Dorothea found herself utterly impressed with Stephanos’ greeting to her. Of course it was some ridiculous comment about her looks. Because that was all most men were destined to ever comment on when around a woman. She hoped he would fare better in his conversation with Persephone. Though, she was more likely to put up with it than Doro was. However, the young woman found it in herself to hold back her eye roll and give the man a terse smile. Luckily, he moved his gaze and conversation away almost immediately, allowing Doro a quiet sigh.
She found herself relieved to be suddenly grouped with her cousins. Although she had distant memories of them, it felt like the more comfortable group to be in. Alexa shifted a bit more comfortably at her side. Dorothea gave her sister’s arm a slight squeeze for a moment, reassuring her, before dropping her arm back to her side.
The woman gave the two younger ladies a warm smile, genuinely reacting to Vangelis’ words. Although she often took on pupils, she hadn’t yet taught any with exceptional talent. If all she had heard was true, then perhaps Athanasia would finally be the one. She observed the girl for a moment, wondering if it was the formality of the moment that had her so reserved or if this was a usually display of behavior. She would learn soon enough, she supposed.
Dorothea offered a kind smile to her cousin, who had once again spoke. “Yes,” she said, recalling the memory. “I’m happy to report that I’ve grown into the bow. But I was always rather ambitious.” She paused a moment, smiling slightly at the thought. “I hope you’ve had a pleasant stay in Taengea so far. It’s nice to have you here with us.”
It was a moment later that Athanasia’s stomach rumbled audibly and Dorothea put together why the young woman might be so quiet. The Lady Imeeya went to her cousin’s aid immediately, both introducing herself and suggesting that they move inside. “Excellent suggestion,” Dorothea replied, not at all bothered by the suggestion. “Perhaps we can tempt you with some refreshments after your long journey? And a promise not to keep you long before letting you rest.”
She looked towards the doorway where a young servant was standing. The girl gave her a nod, indicating all was ready and Dorothea gestured towards the group. She interrupted the conversation between her brother and the king with a polite smile and hand movement towards their home. “Perhaps we may continue our conversations inside where you may rest and refresh after your journey?” The smile continued, but inwardly Doro sighed. What boring life this formal one was. She wished for nothing more than to join her father in hiding.
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Dorothea found herself utterly impressed with Stephanos’ greeting to her. Of course it was some ridiculous comment about her looks. Because that was all most men were destined to ever comment on when around a woman. She hoped he would fare better in his conversation with Persephone. Though, she was more likely to put up with it than Doro was. However, the young woman found it in herself to hold back her eye roll and give the man a terse smile. Luckily, he moved his gaze and conversation away almost immediately, allowing Doro a quiet sigh.
She found herself relieved to be suddenly grouped with her cousins. Although she had distant memories of them, it felt like the more comfortable group to be in. Alexa shifted a bit more comfortably at her side. Dorothea gave her sister’s arm a slight squeeze for a moment, reassuring her, before dropping her arm back to her side.
The woman gave the two younger ladies a warm smile, genuinely reacting to Vangelis’ words. Although she often took on pupils, she hadn’t yet taught any with exceptional talent. If all she had heard was true, then perhaps Athanasia would finally be the one. She observed the girl for a moment, wondering if it was the formality of the moment that had her so reserved or if this was a usually display of behavior. She would learn soon enough, she supposed.
Dorothea offered a kind smile to her cousin, who had once again spoke. “Yes,” she said, recalling the memory. “I’m happy to report that I’ve grown into the bow. But I was always rather ambitious.” She paused a moment, smiling slightly at the thought. “I hope you’ve had a pleasant stay in Taengea so far. It’s nice to have you here with us.”
It was a moment later that Athanasia’s stomach rumbled audibly and Dorothea put together why the young woman might be so quiet. The Lady Imeeya went to her cousin’s aid immediately, both introducing herself and suggesting that they move inside. “Excellent suggestion,” Dorothea replied, not at all bothered by the suggestion. “Perhaps we can tempt you with some refreshments after your long journey? And a promise not to keep you long before letting you rest.”
She looked towards the doorway where a young servant was standing. The girl gave her a nod, indicating all was ready and Dorothea gestured towards the group. She interrupted the conversation between her brother and the king with a polite smile and hand movement towards their home. “Perhaps we may continue our conversations inside where you may rest and refresh after your journey?” The smile continued, but inwardly Doro sighed. What boring life this formal one was. She wished for nothing more than to join her father in hiding.
Dorothea found herself utterly impressed with Stephanos’ greeting to her. Of course it was some ridiculous comment about her looks. Because that was all most men were destined to ever comment on when around a woman. She hoped he would fare better in his conversation with Persephone. Though, she was more likely to put up with it than Doro was. However, the young woman found it in herself to hold back her eye roll and give the man a terse smile. Luckily, he moved his gaze and conversation away almost immediately, allowing Doro a quiet sigh.
She found herself relieved to be suddenly grouped with her cousins. Although she had distant memories of them, it felt like the more comfortable group to be in. Alexa shifted a bit more comfortably at her side. Dorothea gave her sister’s arm a slight squeeze for a moment, reassuring her, before dropping her arm back to her side.
The woman gave the two younger ladies a warm smile, genuinely reacting to Vangelis’ words. Although she often took on pupils, she hadn’t yet taught any with exceptional talent. If all she had heard was true, then perhaps Athanasia would finally be the one. She observed the girl for a moment, wondering if it was the formality of the moment that had her so reserved or if this was a usually display of behavior. She would learn soon enough, she supposed.
Dorothea offered a kind smile to her cousin, who had once again spoke. “Yes,” she said, recalling the memory. “I’m happy to report that I’ve grown into the bow. But I was always rather ambitious.” She paused a moment, smiling slightly at the thought. “I hope you’ve had a pleasant stay in Taengea so far. It’s nice to have you here with us.”
It was a moment later that Athanasia’s stomach rumbled audibly and Dorothea put together why the young woman might be so quiet. The Lady Imeeya went to her cousin’s aid immediately, both introducing herself and suggesting that they move inside. “Excellent suggestion,” Dorothea replied, not at all bothered by the suggestion. “Perhaps we can tempt you with some refreshments after your long journey? And a promise not to keep you long before letting you rest.”
She looked towards the doorway where a young servant was standing. The girl gave her a nod, indicating all was ready and Dorothea gestured towards the group. She interrupted the conversation between her brother and the king with a polite smile and hand movement towards their home. “Perhaps we may continue our conversations inside where you may rest and refresh after your journey?” The smile continued, but inwardly Doro sighed. What boring life this formal one was. She wished for nothing more than to join her father in hiding.
Iason was instantly wary of the expression that Stephanos wore, the way the king looked at his betrothed made his hackles raise. He'd never been overly close to the former second prince though they were of similar age. Through his Mikaelidas cousins he had spent a good deal of time with Stephanos, and he liked the man well enough, though his more outrageous habits of drinking and whoring were incompatible with his own preferences. Persephone's response was simple and honest enough, and though it might have broken some rule of decorum, he reached a hand to settle on her back as if in reassurance that her secrets were safe between them. He let it linger as he met the other man's gaze with an impassive expression, trying to establish an understanding in the silence and giving a nod.
"I am sure once we have had more time to settle we will be able to see more of the country. Perhaps my estate in Chaoedia next."
A slight smile broke across the seriousness and he gave a bow of his head in thanks and acknowledgement to the king's congratulations, finally allowing his hand to drop as the younger women exchanged excitements over their shared pursuits. Perhaps with his new crown and impending child the other man had gained a maturity he had previously lacked.
"Not yet."
It was hard to respond further when he felt a flush of discomfort at the comment about his hunting skills. It felt as if there was a euphemism of sorts somewhere in the mix, but he didn't have a clever response. Dorothea's suggestion that they retire inside was a blessing and he gave a nod in agreement, gesturing towards the manor house for the guests to follow his sister.
"Please, come inside and rest. We can discuss a hunting trip if you have time during your stay."
Iason brought up the rear as the party walked inside, falling in silently beside his cousin Vangelis as the royal party entered the Dimitrou residence.
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Iason was instantly wary of the expression that Stephanos wore, the way the king looked at his betrothed made his hackles raise. He'd never been overly close to the former second prince though they were of similar age. Through his Mikaelidas cousins he had spent a good deal of time with Stephanos, and he liked the man well enough, though his more outrageous habits of drinking and whoring were incompatible with his own preferences. Persephone's response was simple and honest enough, and though it might have broken some rule of decorum, he reached a hand to settle on her back as if in reassurance that her secrets were safe between them. He let it linger as he met the other man's gaze with an impassive expression, trying to establish an understanding in the silence and giving a nod.
"I am sure once we have had more time to settle we will be able to see more of the country. Perhaps my estate in Chaoedia next."
A slight smile broke across the seriousness and he gave a bow of his head in thanks and acknowledgement to the king's congratulations, finally allowing his hand to drop as the younger women exchanged excitements over their shared pursuits. Perhaps with his new crown and impending child the other man had gained a maturity he had previously lacked.
"Not yet."
It was hard to respond further when he felt a flush of discomfort at the comment about his hunting skills. It felt as if there was a euphemism of sorts somewhere in the mix, but he didn't have a clever response. Dorothea's suggestion that they retire inside was a blessing and he gave a nod in agreement, gesturing towards the manor house for the guests to follow his sister.
"Please, come inside and rest. We can discuss a hunting trip if you have time during your stay."
Iason brought up the rear as the party walked inside, falling in silently beside his cousin Vangelis as the royal party entered the Dimitrou residence.
Iason was instantly wary of the expression that Stephanos wore, the way the king looked at his betrothed made his hackles raise. He'd never been overly close to the former second prince though they were of similar age. Through his Mikaelidas cousins he had spent a good deal of time with Stephanos, and he liked the man well enough, though his more outrageous habits of drinking and whoring were incompatible with his own preferences. Persephone's response was simple and honest enough, and though it might have broken some rule of decorum, he reached a hand to settle on her back as if in reassurance that her secrets were safe between them. He let it linger as he met the other man's gaze with an impassive expression, trying to establish an understanding in the silence and giving a nod.
"I am sure once we have had more time to settle we will be able to see more of the country. Perhaps my estate in Chaoedia next."
A slight smile broke across the seriousness and he gave a bow of his head in thanks and acknowledgement to the king's congratulations, finally allowing his hand to drop as the younger women exchanged excitements over their shared pursuits. Perhaps with his new crown and impending child the other man had gained a maturity he had previously lacked.
"Not yet."
It was hard to respond further when he felt a flush of discomfort at the comment about his hunting skills. It felt as if there was a euphemism of sorts somewhere in the mix, but he didn't have a clever response. Dorothea's suggestion that they retire inside was a blessing and he gave a nod in agreement, gesturing towards the manor house for the guests to follow his sister.
"Please, come inside and rest. We can discuss a hunting trip if you have time during your stay."
Iason brought up the rear as the party walked inside, falling in silently beside his cousin Vangelis as the royal party entered the Dimitrou residence.