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With steadfast calm, Rene continued to watch the noble from across the seating area, studying his features sharply and logging the memory away for when she would begin his commission. It did not help that the man lived in a state of relentless fester, as if he could not be left alone lest he be inundated with his own torturous thoughts. Perhaps it is why he appeared to be constantly moving, as if stagnation dragged into the pit of his own mental despair.
“She is right to defend what is hers. Not everyone shares the same scruples,” Rene replied with a light smile. She was not one to take part in the bashing of spouses, nor did she know Sera well enough to comment intelligently about her motivations. Inserting oneself into the marriages of others was a dangerous affair, and certainly not a landscape Rene was prepared to tread with the noble.
As the meal came, the adolescent allowed the lord to eat in peace, willing to continue conversation if he initiated such. Interestingly enough, he did. “Your assumption is correct, M’Lord. I fail to comprehend the appeal of violence, but I certainly understand the awful necessity to defend one’s home.” Adding a bit of cream and honey to her tea, Rene ventured a tiny sip, satisfied, before resuming. “You have a very good life, one of privilege and accomplishment. Certainly these are blessings to be counted when one reflects upon his life? As far as a more simple life? To some extent, yes, your station has created a far more expansive load for your shoulders to carry, but are you yourself not the master and commander of your own life? Could things not be more simple if you made them so?”
Rene was delighted to see the noble fervently enjoying the meal, polishing off several plates worth. His last question however caught here completely off guard. For a few seconds, Rene considered the inquiry before responding. “Are you asking me as a courtier or as a sister?”
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Feb 26, 2021 18:46:18 GMT
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With steadfast calm, Rene continued to watch the noble from across the seating area, studying his features sharply and logging the memory away for when she would begin his commission. It did not help that the man lived in a state of relentless fester, as if he could not be left alone lest he be inundated with his own torturous thoughts. Perhaps it is why he appeared to be constantly moving, as if stagnation dragged into the pit of his own mental despair.
“She is right to defend what is hers. Not everyone shares the same scruples,” Rene replied with a light smile. She was not one to take part in the bashing of spouses, nor did she know Sera well enough to comment intelligently about her motivations. Inserting oneself into the marriages of others was a dangerous affair, and certainly not a landscape Rene was prepared to tread with the noble.
As the meal came, the adolescent allowed the lord to eat in peace, willing to continue conversation if he initiated such. Interestingly enough, he did. “Your assumption is correct, M’Lord. I fail to comprehend the appeal of violence, but I certainly understand the awful necessity to defend one’s home.” Adding a bit of cream and honey to her tea, Rene ventured a tiny sip, satisfied, before resuming. “You have a very good life, one of privilege and accomplishment. Certainly these are blessings to be counted when one reflects upon his life? As far as a more simple life? To some extent, yes, your station has created a far more expansive load for your shoulders to carry, but are you yourself not the master and commander of your own life? Could things not be more simple if you made them so?”
Rene was delighted to see the noble fervently enjoying the meal, polishing off several plates worth. His last question however caught here completely off guard. For a few seconds, Rene considered the inquiry before responding. “Are you asking me as a courtier or as a sister?”
With steadfast calm, Rene continued to watch the noble from across the seating area, studying his features sharply and logging the memory away for when she would begin his commission. It did not help that the man lived in a state of relentless fester, as if he could not be left alone lest he be inundated with his own torturous thoughts. Perhaps it is why he appeared to be constantly moving, as if stagnation dragged into the pit of his own mental despair.
“She is right to defend what is hers. Not everyone shares the same scruples,” Rene replied with a light smile. She was not one to take part in the bashing of spouses, nor did she know Sera well enough to comment intelligently about her motivations. Inserting oneself into the marriages of others was a dangerous affair, and certainly not a landscape Rene was prepared to tread with the noble.
As the meal came, the adolescent allowed the lord to eat in peace, willing to continue conversation if he initiated such. Interestingly enough, he did. “Your assumption is correct, M’Lord. I fail to comprehend the appeal of violence, but I certainly understand the awful necessity to defend one’s home.” Adding a bit of cream and honey to her tea, Rene ventured a tiny sip, satisfied, before resuming. “You have a very good life, one of privilege and accomplishment. Certainly these are blessings to be counted when one reflects upon his life? As far as a more simple life? To some extent, yes, your station has created a far more expansive load for your shoulders to carry, but are you yourself not the master and commander of your own life? Could things not be more simple if you made them so?”
Rene was delighted to see the noble fervently enjoying the meal, polishing off several plates worth. His last question however caught here completely off guard. For a few seconds, Rene considered the inquiry before responding. “Are you asking me as a courtier or as a sister?”
Pavlos couldn't help but laugh lighrlynat the careful way Rene spoke of his wife. She was raised well of course, but it always brought amusement to the lord whenever people spoke of Sera. Even if not in her presence, people spoke of her in reverence and respect. Which was expected as she was still a princess, no matter her age. Pavlos felt more of a comradie with Rene, pleased with her etiquette.
Respect went a long way with Pavlos, and even if she didn't know it, Rene was gaining ground with the aloof lord. Already he was thinking of another project he could pay her for, he'd have to speak to the family of course but that didn't mean he couldn't broach the subject. The excitement almost pushed his previous question out of his mind, of Dione and he had to center himself.
"A sister, I know sometimes siblings can be a handful. Between you and I, sometimes I wonder if Rafail is a bastard my father snuck into the family to hide his shame. I'm sure your relationship with her isn't as...dire?"
Pavlos settled with a last goblet of wine, sitting back in his chair and basking in the easy conversation he was having, as he waited for Rene's answer he put forth his second question.
"I know you haven't a finished product of my portrait yet, and I hate to add on any more pressure...but. I had an idea when I was standing there, second guessing myself. Would you be comfortable doing a portrait of my family? My wife and kids, possibly my father as well. I'd pay you handsomely for your trouble of course. I'll also spread word of your talent if you'd like. You'll be booming with buisness soon enough."
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Feb 26, 2021 20:29:17 GMT
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Pavlos couldn't help but laugh lighrlynat the careful way Rene spoke of his wife. She was raised well of course, but it always brought amusement to the lord whenever people spoke of Sera. Even if not in her presence, people spoke of her in reverence and respect. Which was expected as she was still a princess, no matter her age. Pavlos felt more of a comradie with Rene, pleased with her etiquette.
Respect went a long way with Pavlos, and even if she didn't know it, Rene was gaining ground with the aloof lord. Already he was thinking of another project he could pay her for, he'd have to speak to the family of course but that didn't mean he couldn't broach the subject. The excitement almost pushed his previous question out of his mind, of Dione and he had to center himself.
"A sister, I know sometimes siblings can be a handful. Between you and I, sometimes I wonder if Rafail is a bastard my father snuck into the family to hide his shame. I'm sure your relationship with her isn't as...dire?"
Pavlos settled with a last goblet of wine, sitting back in his chair and basking in the easy conversation he was having, as he waited for Rene's answer he put forth his second question.
"I know you haven't a finished product of my portrait yet, and I hate to add on any more pressure...but. I had an idea when I was standing there, second guessing myself. Would you be comfortable doing a portrait of my family? My wife and kids, possibly my father as well. I'd pay you handsomely for your trouble of course. I'll also spread word of your talent if you'd like. You'll be booming with buisness soon enough."
Pavlos couldn't help but laugh lighrlynat the careful way Rene spoke of his wife. She was raised well of course, but it always brought amusement to the lord whenever people spoke of Sera. Even if not in her presence, people spoke of her in reverence and respect. Which was expected as she was still a princess, no matter her age. Pavlos felt more of a comradie with Rene, pleased with her etiquette.
Respect went a long way with Pavlos, and even if she didn't know it, Rene was gaining ground with the aloof lord. Already he was thinking of another project he could pay her for, he'd have to speak to the family of course but that didn't mean he couldn't broach the subject. The excitement almost pushed his previous question out of his mind, of Dione and he had to center himself.
"A sister, I know sometimes siblings can be a handful. Between you and I, sometimes I wonder if Rafail is a bastard my father snuck into the family to hide his shame. I'm sure your relationship with her isn't as...dire?"
Pavlos settled with a last goblet of wine, sitting back in his chair and basking in the easy conversation he was having, as he waited for Rene's answer he put forth his second question.
"I know you haven't a finished product of my portrait yet, and I hate to add on any more pressure...but. I had an idea when I was standing there, second guessing myself. Would you be comfortable doing a portrait of my family? My wife and kids, possibly my father as well. I'd pay you handsomely for your trouble of course. I'll also spread word of your talent if you'd like. You'll be booming with buisness soon enough."
And then a groundbreaking event occurred; Pavlos laughed. For the most fleeting of moments, the stiff-lipped noble with a hard gaze actually cracked into joviality. The display was nearly alien considering his usual demeanor, and it drew a rather bemused smile from Rene herself. “His Lordship’s face is strikingly more handsome when he smiles. He should do so more often, as he wears it quite well,” she noted, following it with another sip of tea.
If she did not know better, Rene might have thought Pavlos to be inquiring about Dione had he any sons for a union. As he did not, it struck the adolescent curious that he would ask about family dynamics, and even more so, offer up a bit of his own. Curious indeed. Rene found it a rather nice conversational morsel, to which she gladly returned in kind. “Dione is...doing well, as far as I know. My mother has ensured she is perfectly prepared for court and a fitting union.” That was the diplomatic answer for the surface. “As far as our relationship as sisters…..well…..unfortunately, the days spent together in childhood have yielded to the distant obligations of adulthood. We used to be closer, at least in the sense I think I was more a living doll for her to play with, but opportunity to visit has lessened over the years. I am more a stranger in her life than a sister,” Rene confessed, her own smile having thinned out, taking on a hundred meter stare as she reflected on the march of time. “But such is life, is it not? Times change, and we shall all be different.” It was a sobering conversation, at least for a handful of heartbeats before Rene’s focus snapped back to the noble seated across from her, brandishing a glowing smile to replace the laconic daze she’d succumbed to. “I only know Lord Rafail in reputation rather than any first-hand account, but there seems a black sheep in every family, no?” Rene had to think on that, but essentially drew the conclusion she was the black sheep of the Nikoloas house. “Hyla used to tell me I was adopted when I was small, and I remember being very upset about it. I was dumped down the chimney unceremoniously or some such thing, he would say,” it was Rene’s turn to chuckle, recalling the torment Hyla had put her through, and he was only a year older than she. “I suppose it is the nature of siblings to harbor some inclination to vex each other,” she shook her head, grinning.
Pavlos’ next question was even more surprising. It seemed the noble was blossoming into pleasantries after all. Rene’s eyebrows lifted, head canting. A second commission? When she’d hardly begun the first? The praise of a noble such as Lord Pavlos would go a long way in establishing herself as a professional. A small smile slowly crept over the perfect lips of the blonde teen. “I would be honored, M’Lord.”
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And then a groundbreaking event occurred; Pavlos laughed. For the most fleeting of moments, the stiff-lipped noble with a hard gaze actually cracked into joviality. The display was nearly alien considering his usual demeanor, and it drew a rather bemused smile from Rene herself. “His Lordship’s face is strikingly more handsome when he smiles. He should do so more often, as he wears it quite well,” she noted, following it with another sip of tea.
If she did not know better, Rene might have thought Pavlos to be inquiring about Dione had he any sons for a union. As he did not, it struck the adolescent curious that he would ask about family dynamics, and even more so, offer up a bit of his own. Curious indeed. Rene found it a rather nice conversational morsel, to which she gladly returned in kind. “Dione is...doing well, as far as I know. My mother has ensured she is perfectly prepared for court and a fitting union.” That was the diplomatic answer for the surface. “As far as our relationship as sisters…..well…..unfortunately, the days spent together in childhood have yielded to the distant obligations of adulthood. We used to be closer, at least in the sense I think I was more a living doll for her to play with, but opportunity to visit has lessened over the years. I am more a stranger in her life than a sister,” Rene confessed, her own smile having thinned out, taking on a hundred meter stare as she reflected on the march of time. “But such is life, is it not? Times change, and we shall all be different.” It was a sobering conversation, at least for a handful of heartbeats before Rene’s focus snapped back to the noble seated across from her, brandishing a glowing smile to replace the laconic daze she’d succumbed to. “I only know Lord Rafail in reputation rather than any first-hand account, but there seems a black sheep in every family, no?” Rene had to think on that, but essentially drew the conclusion she was the black sheep of the Nikoloas house. “Hyla used to tell me I was adopted when I was small, and I remember being very upset about it. I was dumped down the chimney unceremoniously or some such thing, he would say,” it was Rene’s turn to chuckle, recalling the torment Hyla had put her through, and he was only a year older than she. “I suppose it is the nature of siblings to harbor some inclination to vex each other,” she shook her head, grinning.
Pavlos’ next question was even more surprising. It seemed the noble was blossoming into pleasantries after all. Rene’s eyebrows lifted, head canting. A second commission? When she’d hardly begun the first? The praise of a noble such as Lord Pavlos would go a long way in establishing herself as a professional. A small smile slowly crept over the perfect lips of the blonde teen. “I would be honored, M’Lord.”
And then a groundbreaking event occurred; Pavlos laughed. For the most fleeting of moments, the stiff-lipped noble with a hard gaze actually cracked into joviality. The display was nearly alien considering his usual demeanor, and it drew a rather bemused smile from Rene herself. “His Lordship’s face is strikingly more handsome when he smiles. He should do so more often, as he wears it quite well,” she noted, following it with another sip of tea.
If she did not know better, Rene might have thought Pavlos to be inquiring about Dione had he any sons for a union. As he did not, it struck the adolescent curious that he would ask about family dynamics, and even more so, offer up a bit of his own. Curious indeed. Rene found it a rather nice conversational morsel, to which she gladly returned in kind. “Dione is...doing well, as far as I know. My mother has ensured she is perfectly prepared for court and a fitting union.” That was the diplomatic answer for the surface. “As far as our relationship as sisters…..well…..unfortunately, the days spent together in childhood have yielded to the distant obligations of adulthood. We used to be closer, at least in the sense I think I was more a living doll for her to play with, but opportunity to visit has lessened over the years. I am more a stranger in her life than a sister,” Rene confessed, her own smile having thinned out, taking on a hundred meter stare as she reflected on the march of time. “But such is life, is it not? Times change, and we shall all be different.” It was a sobering conversation, at least for a handful of heartbeats before Rene’s focus snapped back to the noble seated across from her, brandishing a glowing smile to replace the laconic daze she’d succumbed to. “I only know Lord Rafail in reputation rather than any first-hand account, but there seems a black sheep in every family, no?” Rene had to think on that, but essentially drew the conclusion she was the black sheep of the Nikoloas house. “Hyla used to tell me I was adopted when I was small, and I remember being very upset about it. I was dumped down the chimney unceremoniously or some such thing, he would say,” it was Rene’s turn to chuckle, recalling the torment Hyla had put her through, and he was only a year older than she. “I suppose it is the nature of siblings to harbor some inclination to vex each other,” she shook her head, grinning.
Pavlos’ next question was even more surprising. It seemed the noble was blossoming into pleasantries after all. Rene’s eyebrows lifted, head canting. A second commission? When she’d hardly begun the first? The praise of a noble such as Lord Pavlos would go a long way in establishing herself as a professional. A small smile slowly crept over the perfect lips of the blonde teen. “I would be honored, M’Lord.”
A low snort would escape the lord as he sat back away from the food, sated and feeling content. He didn't know if it was Rene's calming presence or the atmosphere, but he was the most relaxed he had been a long time. The aging man even went as far as to rub the slight swelling of his abdomen.
"The funny thing is Raf thinks that I am the black sheep of the family. He is so oblivious to the fact that father actually prefers me when it comes to political matters. He is too busy thinking so highly of himself that he fails to see basic things. He actually used to tell me when we were growing up that my head is shaped like an egg? Well...actually he still tells me that."
Pavlos shook his head a little, his mood soured a little. It always got that way when he spoke of his younger sibling, how could they be such polar opposites and yet be related in full blood? This would not be the first time, Pavlos thought that maybe his father had Rafail by some whore and just didn't tell anyone. The lord pulled himself from his thoughts and returned his attention the Rene, a smile automatically lifting his lips.
"Unfortunately, you are correct. The carefree days as just kids playing are tragically short, but bittersweet. Adulthood comes far too quickly, and lasts longer." Pavlos drank from the goblet, savoring the wine for a bit before swallowing.
"Yes, of course there would be a break in between, but once you are done with mine just let me know and I can gather my family for the larger portrait."
Pavlos dreaded telling his family about this. It seemed no matter how reasonable a request he made seemed, the ladies of Marikas always had a rebuttal or some reason that they should not do as he asked. Still, he was looking forward to this, and he would face them for it. Sera of course would think something fishy was going on between Rene and him. She had called him handsome, but he would do his best to assure her that nothing was going on. The lord stood then, frowning as he looked around. He had a vague idea on why he had come here, but now it didn't seem as important as before and he had other matters to attend to. He placed the goblet on the platter left behind and offered his hand towards Rene.
"I better get going, it was a pleasure to meet you."
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A low snort would escape the lord as he sat back away from the food, sated and feeling content. He didn't know if it was Rene's calming presence or the atmosphere, but he was the most relaxed he had been a long time. The aging man even went as far as to rub the slight swelling of his abdomen.
"The funny thing is Raf thinks that I am the black sheep of the family. He is so oblivious to the fact that father actually prefers me when it comes to political matters. He is too busy thinking so highly of himself that he fails to see basic things. He actually used to tell me when we were growing up that my head is shaped like an egg? Well...actually he still tells me that."
Pavlos shook his head a little, his mood soured a little. It always got that way when he spoke of his younger sibling, how could they be such polar opposites and yet be related in full blood? This would not be the first time, Pavlos thought that maybe his father had Rafail by some whore and just didn't tell anyone. The lord pulled himself from his thoughts and returned his attention the Rene, a smile automatically lifting his lips.
"Unfortunately, you are correct. The carefree days as just kids playing are tragically short, but bittersweet. Adulthood comes far too quickly, and lasts longer." Pavlos drank from the goblet, savoring the wine for a bit before swallowing.
"Yes, of course there would be a break in between, but once you are done with mine just let me know and I can gather my family for the larger portrait."
Pavlos dreaded telling his family about this. It seemed no matter how reasonable a request he made seemed, the ladies of Marikas always had a rebuttal or some reason that they should not do as he asked. Still, he was looking forward to this, and he would face them for it. Sera of course would think something fishy was going on between Rene and him. She had called him handsome, but he would do his best to assure her that nothing was going on. The lord stood then, frowning as he looked around. He had a vague idea on why he had come here, but now it didn't seem as important as before and he had other matters to attend to. He placed the goblet on the platter left behind and offered his hand towards Rene.
"I better get going, it was a pleasure to meet you."
A low snort would escape the lord as he sat back away from the food, sated and feeling content. He didn't know if it was Rene's calming presence or the atmosphere, but he was the most relaxed he had been a long time. The aging man even went as far as to rub the slight swelling of his abdomen.
"The funny thing is Raf thinks that I am the black sheep of the family. He is so oblivious to the fact that father actually prefers me when it comes to political matters. He is too busy thinking so highly of himself that he fails to see basic things. He actually used to tell me when we were growing up that my head is shaped like an egg? Well...actually he still tells me that."
Pavlos shook his head a little, his mood soured a little. It always got that way when he spoke of his younger sibling, how could they be such polar opposites and yet be related in full blood? This would not be the first time, Pavlos thought that maybe his father had Rafail by some whore and just didn't tell anyone. The lord pulled himself from his thoughts and returned his attention the Rene, a smile automatically lifting his lips.
"Unfortunately, you are correct. The carefree days as just kids playing are tragically short, but bittersweet. Adulthood comes far too quickly, and lasts longer." Pavlos drank from the goblet, savoring the wine for a bit before swallowing.
"Yes, of course there would be a break in between, but once you are done with mine just let me know and I can gather my family for the larger portrait."
Pavlos dreaded telling his family about this. It seemed no matter how reasonable a request he made seemed, the ladies of Marikas always had a rebuttal or some reason that they should not do as he asked. Still, he was looking forward to this, and he would face them for it. Sera of course would think something fishy was going on between Rene and him. She had called him handsome, but he would do his best to assure her that nothing was going on. The lord stood then, frowning as he looked around. He had a vague idea on why he had come here, but now it didn't seem as important as before and he had other matters to attend to. He placed the goblet on the platter left behind and offered his hand towards Rene.
"I better get going, it was a pleasure to meet you."
As the Marikas lord began to slow and ultimately withdraw from the spread before him, Rene remained seated across from him, should he require anything further, and likewise that she found herself thoroughly enjoying the surprising conversation with the otherwise cantankerous noble. However, the most curious display had yet to come until such moment. Upon satiating his hunger, the man leaned back in relaxation, and gave his full belly a satisfactory rub. It was so….human, so primordial, so denuded that it struck in her mind as the absolute highlight of the entire encounter. In the inner sanctum of her mind, she wondered if this was what it was like to be married; that people became so comfortable around each other that they had no hesitation dispensing mannerisms and behaviors that were all but unflattering and uncouth. In some bizarre way, it was almost adorable and charming.
Such contemplation evaporated when he spoke again. Sporting an ever charismatic grin, Rene seemed engrossed with Pavlos’ blooming social skills, bemused as he divulged his own experiences with sibling rivalry. At least until……. “An egg?!” That seemed entirely like something brothers would insult each other with, casting Rene into all out laughter. For a fraction of a second, they were merely two human beings sharing comedic stories as common fiber, devoid of titles and stuffy behavior and the cavalier tendencies of the aristocracy. The sound of beautiful and unbridled girlish laughter lifted from the terrace, around the archontikó and spread of surrounding gardens. Instinctively she put a hand over her mouth as it felt rude to be merely human, for some reason. “I can assure his Lordship, he does not appear to resemble an egg in any way,” she giggled. “His Lordship is a very attractive specimen and a credit to his lineage. Our siblings know how best to elicit a response from us, do they not?” It was rhetorical really, as despite the generational difference, they compared notes to find that some things never changed.
With the moment shared humor lightening, Rene nodded once to Pavlos. “Of course M’Lord. I shall keep you abreast of my progress,” she avowed, following his lead and getting to her feet. Having thoroughly enjoyed the impromptu visit, Rene adopted a warm smile, and offered her hand as Pavlos had offered his. “It was indeed, M’Lord. I apologize that my father seems to have been delayed, but it has been my pleasure to entertain his Lordship in his stead. The Lord Pavlos and his family are welcome any time,” she said genuinely in closing. “Safe return home.”
One of the house staff emerged to escort the noble to the entrance of the crown jewel of Magnestis mansions, Rene kept her bright blue eyes on the man until he'd disappeared from view, pleased with the encounter that she'd preserved, and maybe even fostered, good relations with the Marikas.
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As the Marikas lord began to slow and ultimately withdraw from the spread before him, Rene remained seated across from him, should he require anything further, and likewise that she found herself thoroughly enjoying the surprising conversation with the otherwise cantankerous noble. However, the most curious display had yet to come until such moment. Upon satiating his hunger, the man leaned back in relaxation, and gave his full belly a satisfactory rub. It was so….human, so primordial, so denuded that it struck in her mind as the absolute highlight of the entire encounter. In the inner sanctum of her mind, she wondered if this was what it was like to be married; that people became so comfortable around each other that they had no hesitation dispensing mannerisms and behaviors that were all but unflattering and uncouth. In some bizarre way, it was almost adorable and charming.
Such contemplation evaporated when he spoke again. Sporting an ever charismatic grin, Rene seemed engrossed with Pavlos’ blooming social skills, bemused as he divulged his own experiences with sibling rivalry. At least until……. “An egg?!” That seemed entirely like something brothers would insult each other with, casting Rene into all out laughter. For a fraction of a second, they were merely two human beings sharing comedic stories as common fiber, devoid of titles and stuffy behavior and the cavalier tendencies of the aristocracy. The sound of beautiful and unbridled girlish laughter lifted from the terrace, around the archontikó and spread of surrounding gardens. Instinctively she put a hand over her mouth as it felt rude to be merely human, for some reason. “I can assure his Lordship, he does not appear to resemble an egg in any way,” she giggled. “His Lordship is a very attractive specimen and a credit to his lineage. Our siblings know how best to elicit a response from us, do they not?” It was rhetorical really, as despite the generational difference, they compared notes to find that some things never changed.
With the moment shared humor lightening, Rene nodded once to Pavlos. “Of course M’Lord. I shall keep you abreast of my progress,” she avowed, following his lead and getting to her feet. Having thoroughly enjoyed the impromptu visit, Rene adopted a warm smile, and offered her hand as Pavlos had offered his. “It was indeed, M’Lord. I apologize that my father seems to have been delayed, but it has been my pleasure to entertain his Lordship in his stead. The Lord Pavlos and his family are welcome any time,” she said genuinely in closing. “Safe return home.”
One of the house staff emerged to escort the noble to the entrance of the crown jewel of Magnestis mansions, Rene kept her bright blue eyes on the man until he'd disappeared from view, pleased with the encounter that she'd preserved, and maybe even fostered, good relations with the Marikas.
As the Marikas lord began to slow and ultimately withdraw from the spread before him, Rene remained seated across from him, should he require anything further, and likewise that she found herself thoroughly enjoying the surprising conversation with the otherwise cantankerous noble. However, the most curious display had yet to come until such moment. Upon satiating his hunger, the man leaned back in relaxation, and gave his full belly a satisfactory rub. It was so….human, so primordial, so denuded that it struck in her mind as the absolute highlight of the entire encounter. In the inner sanctum of her mind, she wondered if this was what it was like to be married; that people became so comfortable around each other that they had no hesitation dispensing mannerisms and behaviors that were all but unflattering and uncouth. In some bizarre way, it was almost adorable and charming.
Such contemplation evaporated when he spoke again. Sporting an ever charismatic grin, Rene seemed engrossed with Pavlos’ blooming social skills, bemused as he divulged his own experiences with sibling rivalry. At least until……. “An egg?!” That seemed entirely like something brothers would insult each other with, casting Rene into all out laughter. For a fraction of a second, they were merely two human beings sharing comedic stories as common fiber, devoid of titles and stuffy behavior and the cavalier tendencies of the aristocracy. The sound of beautiful and unbridled girlish laughter lifted from the terrace, around the archontikó and spread of surrounding gardens. Instinctively she put a hand over her mouth as it felt rude to be merely human, for some reason. “I can assure his Lordship, he does not appear to resemble an egg in any way,” she giggled. “His Lordship is a very attractive specimen and a credit to his lineage. Our siblings know how best to elicit a response from us, do they not?” It was rhetorical really, as despite the generational difference, they compared notes to find that some things never changed.
With the moment shared humor lightening, Rene nodded once to Pavlos. “Of course M’Lord. I shall keep you abreast of my progress,” she avowed, following his lead and getting to her feet. Having thoroughly enjoyed the impromptu visit, Rene adopted a warm smile, and offered her hand as Pavlos had offered his. “It was indeed, M’Lord. I apologize that my father seems to have been delayed, but it has been my pleasure to entertain his Lordship in his stead. The Lord Pavlos and his family are welcome any time,” she said genuinely in closing. “Safe return home.”
One of the house staff emerged to escort the noble to the entrance of the crown jewel of Magnestis mansions, Rene kept her bright blue eyes on the man until he'd disappeared from view, pleased with the encounter that she'd preserved, and maybe even fostered, good relations with the Marikas.
