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This was not the first time Hesiodos was called to perform for royalty on an important event… not only because of his legendary status, but also because his music was fit for the occasion. He remember having performed for royalty before, too, so he knew how to behave. He accepted the task in a heartbeat, and was given a guest room in the Palati to prepare. There, he spent the night with some pleasurable company, before getting ready for the day.
He dressed in the color of wine red, with his clothes clasped by his golden brooch in the form of a songbird. He reluctantly left his swords in the chamber, however, for obvious reasons: he was not a soldier, or someone expected to be armed, especially in front of a foreign dignitary. He understood them, though being unarmed made him feel naked, and not in the good way.
So he resigned himself to be armed only by his lyre. Fortunately he knew his way around Kemetic, having spent a good chunk of time in Egypt, and he could perform some songs that would please the prince… there was also the fact that he would understand whatever was going on. That could give him an edge, whatever happened…
After having something to eat he got prepared. He waited at the entrance of the Palati alongside the others. They would arrive any time soon…
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This was not the first time Hesiodos was called to perform for royalty on an important event… not only because of his legendary status, but also because his music was fit for the occasion. He remember having performed for royalty before, too, so he knew how to behave. He accepted the task in a heartbeat, and was given a guest room in the Palati to prepare. There, he spent the night with some pleasurable company, before getting ready for the day.
He dressed in the color of wine red, with his clothes clasped by his golden brooch in the form of a songbird. He reluctantly left his swords in the chamber, however, for obvious reasons: he was not a soldier, or someone expected to be armed, especially in front of a foreign dignitary. He understood them, though being unarmed made him feel naked, and not in the good way.
So he resigned himself to be armed only by his lyre. Fortunately he knew his way around Kemetic, having spent a good chunk of time in Egypt, and he could perform some songs that would please the prince… there was also the fact that he would understand whatever was going on. That could give him an edge, whatever happened…
After having something to eat he got prepared. He waited at the entrance of the Palati alongside the others. They would arrive any time soon…
This was not the first time Hesiodos was called to perform for royalty on an important event… not only because of his legendary status, but also because his music was fit for the occasion. He remember having performed for royalty before, too, so he knew how to behave. He accepted the task in a heartbeat, and was given a guest room in the Palati to prepare. There, he spent the night with some pleasurable company, before getting ready for the day.
He dressed in the color of wine red, with his clothes clasped by his golden brooch in the form of a songbird. He reluctantly left his swords in the chamber, however, for obvious reasons: he was not a soldier, or someone expected to be armed, especially in front of a foreign dignitary. He understood them, though being unarmed made him feel naked, and not in the good way.
So he resigned himself to be armed only by his lyre. Fortunately he knew his way around Kemetic, having spent a good chunk of time in Egypt, and he could perform some songs that would please the prince… there was also the fact that he would understand whatever was going on. That could give him an edge, whatever happened…
After having something to eat he got prepared. He waited at the entrance of the Palati alongside the others. They would arrive any time soon…
Gavriil stood with one hand over the other, feet shoulder width apart, not overly thrilled to be on the steps of the palati. Though, with the Baron of Meganea, it was sometimes hard to tell when he was thrilled to be somewhere. His face had an almost continuously grave set to his features and he was not prone to great displays of emotion at any time. He was with the rest of the nobles who had not gone down to the harbor to greet their foreign guests. Standing a little to one side, he was able to see better from this vantage point, the gates where the envoys would march through.
He shifted from one foot to the other and sighed through his nose. The sun blazed down, threatening to bake them all in their fine regalia. Unlike most of the nobles, he’d not affixed his finest jeweled clasps across his himation, nor had he polished the leather of his sandals. While he liked being at peace with the Egyptians, he didn’t like them as a people overly much.
He looked to Hesiodos, standing near the bottom of the steps, ready to pluck tunes on the lyre, and then returned his gaze outward toward the gate. This had better not turn into one of those orgies that sometimes happened at royal functions. Of course, with King Stephanos on house arrest, and Prince Irakles at the helm, this was unlikely, but this was also making Gavriil uneasy. In his opinion, Irakles was just as volatile as the nephew. He just hid it better.
This was a delicate issue that really, King Zennon or Prince Zacharias would have been better suited to field. Gavriil directed his thoughts away from that topic. It did no one any good to dwell on the dead or to mourn what was not to be. Sometimes he wished he never had to come into the city. When he was here, he was obligated to attend people and places he’d rather stay away from.
Ah well.
Movement finally caught his eye and he watched at people made their way through the gate, guiding a striking Egyptian man into their midst. For some reason, he’d expected a cripplingly old diplomat. Not a man who was clearly a general of some kind.
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Gavriil stood with one hand over the other, feet shoulder width apart, not overly thrilled to be on the steps of the palati. Though, with the Baron of Meganea, it was sometimes hard to tell when he was thrilled to be somewhere. His face had an almost continuously grave set to his features and he was not prone to great displays of emotion at any time. He was with the rest of the nobles who had not gone down to the harbor to greet their foreign guests. Standing a little to one side, he was able to see better from this vantage point, the gates where the envoys would march through.
He shifted from one foot to the other and sighed through his nose. The sun blazed down, threatening to bake them all in their fine regalia. Unlike most of the nobles, he’d not affixed his finest jeweled clasps across his himation, nor had he polished the leather of his sandals. While he liked being at peace with the Egyptians, he didn’t like them as a people overly much.
He looked to Hesiodos, standing near the bottom of the steps, ready to pluck tunes on the lyre, and then returned his gaze outward toward the gate. This had better not turn into one of those orgies that sometimes happened at royal functions. Of course, with King Stephanos on house arrest, and Prince Irakles at the helm, this was unlikely, but this was also making Gavriil uneasy. In his opinion, Irakles was just as volatile as the nephew. He just hid it better.
This was a delicate issue that really, King Zennon or Prince Zacharias would have been better suited to field. Gavriil directed his thoughts away from that topic. It did no one any good to dwell on the dead or to mourn what was not to be. Sometimes he wished he never had to come into the city. When he was here, he was obligated to attend people and places he’d rather stay away from.
Ah well.
Movement finally caught his eye and he watched at people made their way through the gate, guiding a striking Egyptian man into their midst. For some reason, he’d expected a cripplingly old diplomat. Not a man who was clearly a general of some kind.
Gavriil stood with one hand over the other, feet shoulder width apart, not overly thrilled to be on the steps of the palati. Though, with the Baron of Meganea, it was sometimes hard to tell when he was thrilled to be somewhere. His face had an almost continuously grave set to his features and he was not prone to great displays of emotion at any time. He was with the rest of the nobles who had not gone down to the harbor to greet their foreign guests. Standing a little to one side, he was able to see better from this vantage point, the gates where the envoys would march through.
He shifted from one foot to the other and sighed through his nose. The sun blazed down, threatening to bake them all in their fine regalia. Unlike most of the nobles, he’d not affixed his finest jeweled clasps across his himation, nor had he polished the leather of his sandals. While he liked being at peace with the Egyptians, he didn’t like them as a people overly much.
He looked to Hesiodos, standing near the bottom of the steps, ready to pluck tunes on the lyre, and then returned his gaze outward toward the gate. This had better not turn into one of those orgies that sometimes happened at royal functions. Of course, with King Stephanos on house arrest, and Prince Irakles at the helm, this was unlikely, but this was also making Gavriil uneasy. In his opinion, Irakles was just as volatile as the nephew. He just hid it better.
This was a delicate issue that really, King Zennon or Prince Zacharias would have been better suited to field. Gavriil directed his thoughts away from that topic. It did no one any good to dwell on the dead or to mourn what was not to be. Sometimes he wished he never had to come into the city. When he was here, he was obligated to attend people and places he’d rather stay away from.
Ah well.
Movement finally caught his eye and he watched at people made their way through the gate, guiding a striking Egyptian man into their midst. For some reason, he’d expected a cripplingly old diplomat. Not a man who was clearly a general of some kind.
Things moved quickly in Taengea, as time waited for no one. Two weeks ago, Basilides left Vasiliádon for his hometown of Acaris, a journey that took just shy of two days itself. Then, once affairs had been handled at home - between loud family dinners and nearly a decade of luxury business affairs to catch up on - he was sanctioned by his family to return to the capital and establish connections, as promised.
Several of the connections made during his time with the troupe would be considered low-hanging fruit, should he decide to think so arrogantly. The Dynastia Leventi had maintained a longstanding relationship with his brother serving as their connection for many of their luxury needs. Conversely, he had also maintained a relationship with them as loyal patrons for the late Children of Mnemosyne. It was no chore at all to reconnect with them, particularly given a missive from the Lady Evelli inviting him to assist with the wedding of her daughter, Theodora. Additionally, having received a missive from Nana of Leventi, he was informed of and formally invited to the arrival of the Egyptian delegation and the session of court that would take place immediately following there arrival.
The timing could not have been better. After many hours were spent placing orders to be shipped to a new location in the capital city, he quickly changed at his new semi-permanent residence, one he gained at a rather respectable rate with the landlord. The suite was just enough space for a bachelor of some taste, and should Zephyrus return, comfortable enough for two. While there, he changed into one of his nicer chitons with a chamlys of pale green, donned with a new clasp bearing the emblem of the Merchant's Guild of Taengea.
Basilides felt the corner of his lips tug at the thought of his lover - his 'former' lover, he supposed - as they had not managed to reconnect following his return. Perhaps the young man had moved along to Athenia, as he expressed interest in doing. Against his better judgement, Basilides felt his mind drifting towards memories often, and shook them away as he peered on over the heads of the average man. His height, while often seen as unusual, was helpful in such situations.
Truthfully, he sought out his patrons for the evening - specifically Nana of Leventi - though his eyes could not help but drift about the crowd for short chocolate curls dancing over hazel green eyes. Still, without issue, he displayed his written permission to be upon Palati grounds, despite his birth, and awaited the arrival of his companion for the evening.
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Things moved quickly in Taengea, as time waited for no one. Two weeks ago, Basilides left Vasiliádon for his hometown of Acaris, a journey that took just shy of two days itself. Then, once affairs had been handled at home - between loud family dinners and nearly a decade of luxury business affairs to catch up on - he was sanctioned by his family to return to the capital and establish connections, as promised.
Several of the connections made during his time with the troupe would be considered low-hanging fruit, should he decide to think so arrogantly. The Dynastia Leventi had maintained a longstanding relationship with his brother serving as their connection for many of their luxury needs. Conversely, he had also maintained a relationship with them as loyal patrons for the late Children of Mnemosyne. It was no chore at all to reconnect with them, particularly given a missive from the Lady Evelli inviting him to assist with the wedding of her daughter, Theodora. Additionally, having received a missive from Nana of Leventi, he was informed of and formally invited to the arrival of the Egyptian delegation and the session of court that would take place immediately following there arrival.
The timing could not have been better. After many hours were spent placing orders to be shipped to a new location in the capital city, he quickly changed at his new semi-permanent residence, one he gained at a rather respectable rate with the landlord. The suite was just enough space for a bachelor of some taste, and should Zephyrus return, comfortable enough for two. While there, he changed into one of his nicer chitons with a chamlys of pale green, donned with a new clasp bearing the emblem of the Merchant's Guild of Taengea.
Basilides felt the corner of his lips tug at the thought of his lover - his 'former' lover, he supposed - as they had not managed to reconnect following his return. Perhaps the young man had moved along to Athenia, as he expressed interest in doing. Against his better judgement, Basilides felt his mind drifting towards memories often, and shook them away as he peered on over the heads of the average man. His height, while often seen as unusual, was helpful in such situations.
Truthfully, he sought out his patrons for the evening - specifically Nana of Leventi - though his eyes could not help but drift about the crowd for short chocolate curls dancing over hazel green eyes. Still, without issue, he displayed his written permission to be upon Palati grounds, despite his birth, and awaited the arrival of his companion for the evening.
Things moved quickly in Taengea, as time waited for no one. Two weeks ago, Basilides left Vasiliádon for his hometown of Acaris, a journey that took just shy of two days itself. Then, once affairs had been handled at home - between loud family dinners and nearly a decade of luxury business affairs to catch up on - he was sanctioned by his family to return to the capital and establish connections, as promised.
Several of the connections made during his time with the troupe would be considered low-hanging fruit, should he decide to think so arrogantly. The Dynastia Leventi had maintained a longstanding relationship with his brother serving as their connection for many of their luxury needs. Conversely, he had also maintained a relationship with them as loyal patrons for the late Children of Mnemosyne. It was no chore at all to reconnect with them, particularly given a missive from the Lady Evelli inviting him to assist with the wedding of her daughter, Theodora. Additionally, having received a missive from Nana of Leventi, he was informed of and formally invited to the arrival of the Egyptian delegation and the session of court that would take place immediately following there arrival.
The timing could not have been better. After many hours were spent placing orders to be shipped to a new location in the capital city, he quickly changed at his new semi-permanent residence, one he gained at a rather respectable rate with the landlord. The suite was just enough space for a bachelor of some taste, and should Zephyrus return, comfortable enough for two. While there, he changed into one of his nicer chitons with a chamlys of pale green, donned with a new clasp bearing the emblem of the Merchant's Guild of Taengea.
Basilides felt the corner of his lips tug at the thought of his lover - his 'former' lover, he supposed - as they had not managed to reconnect following his return. Perhaps the young man had moved along to Athenia, as he expressed interest in doing. Against his better judgement, Basilides felt his mind drifting towards memories often, and shook them away as he peered on over the heads of the average man. His height, while often seen as unusual, was helpful in such situations.
Truthfully, he sought out his patrons for the evening - specifically Nana of Leventi - though his eyes could not help but drift about the crowd for short chocolate curls dancing over hazel green eyes. Still, without issue, he displayed his written permission to be upon Palati grounds, despite his birth, and awaited the arrival of his companion for the evening.
Xene of Mikaelidas was utterly furious. Utterly broken. Utterly missing the mere presence of her brother. But she had not found the courage to visit him, sure that their tempers would ignite against each other after the happenings of the Senate meeting. Absolutely sure that whatever words she said to her brother in parting, however scathing, would haunt her if anything were to happen to him. So, she kept her distance.
And she drank herself into oblivion. She avoided everyone and anyone who crossed her path and would refuse to take visitors. More often than not something would be thrown across the room at any point during the day and the princess would spend her time cleaning it up, insisting that her ladies in waiting not waste time cleaning up messes she made in anger.
It was her own punishment and it seemed to quell the anger at points. But before long, it would be surging back.
The only reprieve from the alcohol that she took was the day that she was to hold court in place of her mother and the imprisoned queen. A frustrating venture but one she knew she needed to spearhead if she was to remain in he good graces of Prince Irakles. The last thing Xene needed was some sort of heinous trial against herself, where all of the evidence was a lie that would land her in her own state of house arrest.
No, she would play nice. But her eyes and ears were everywhere within the Palati. Kalliope and Nephele had been dispatched, mostly to separate herself from them in her darkest moments, to go about their days but to listen to anything that crossed their paths. She needed every bit of information she could gather. Then, maybe, she might be able to find someone to make a case in favor of Stephanos. However unlikely that may end up.
Come the morning of the court, Xene spent time dressing herself. In true Xene fashion, she wore her chiton of crimson and gold, her hair done up in a pile of beautiful golden curls, and her makeup flawless. For once, she wore a simple gold and ruby diadem across her forehead, knowing that, as host, her appearance would be scrutinized to the very ends of the earth. She wanted as little gossip floating about as possible. There would be fewer fires to extinguish later on. Adorning herself with a humble amount of jewelry and soft leather sandals. Staring at herself for only a moment in the looking glass, she was a vision of beauty, though that was such a subjective topic.
Xene's entry into court was quiet, especially since she had been one of the first individuals to arrive. Her ladies were permitted entry, as was their right afforded to them, and Xene had long busied herself with greeting the various courtiers who arrived early. So it was no surprise whatsoever that the princess missed the entry of a number of nobles and courtiers in the process. Keeping a brilliant smile on her features, she started to move about the room, taking hands and making proper greetings before excusing herself to move on to the next lord or lady.
Striding gracefully across the court, the princess spotted Lord Gavriil, her smile growing slightly in that moment when she made the decision to greet him. "Lord Gavriil," Xene said with a musical lilt to her voice as she offered him her hand, "It is a pleasure to see you again," she said softly, not adding the afterthought that told her she should completely tear apart the Senate decision. But the stoic man was a comfort among the gossip and chatter of the courtly ladies. If she had her way, she would afix herself to the side of a single individual in order to keep herself grounded. The Lord Dimitrou was a start and she was more than keen on allowing pleasant conversation before she went about the remainder of her duties.
Silently, she questioned where her sister had gotten off to. She hadn't seen the young woman enter just yet.
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Xene of Mikaelidas was utterly furious. Utterly broken. Utterly missing the mere presence of her brother. But she had not found the courage to visit him, sure that their tempers would ignite against each other after the happenings of the Senate meeting. Absolutely sure that whatever words she said to her brother in parting, however scathing, would haunt her if anything were to happen to him. So, she kept her distance.
And she drank herself into oblivion. She avoided everyone and anyone who crossed her path and would refuse to take visitors. More often than not something would be thrown across the room at any point during the day and the princess would spend her time cleaning it up, insisting that her ladies in waiting not waste time cleaning up messes she made in anger.
It was her own punishment and it seemed to quell the anger at points. But before long, it would be surging back.
The only reprieve from the alcohol that she took was the day that she was to hold court in place of her mother and the imprisoned queen. A frustrating venture but one she knew she needed to spearhead if she was to remain in he good graces of Prince Irakles. The last thing Xene needed was some sort of heinous trial against herself, where all of the evidence was a lie that would land her in her own state of house arrest.
No, she would play nice. But her eyes and ears were everywhere within the Palati. Kalliope and Nephele had been dispatched, mostly to separate herself from them in her darkest moments, to go about their days but to listen to anything that crossed their paths. She needed every bit of information she could gather. Then, maybe, she might be able to find someone to make a case in favor of Stephanos. However unlikely that may end up.
Come the morning of the court, Xene spent time dressing herself. In true Xene fashion, she wore her chiton of crimson and gold, her hair done up in a pile of beautiful golden curls, and her makeup flawless. For once, she wore a simple gold and ruby diadem across her forehead, knowing that, as host, her appearance would be scrutinized to the very ends of the earth. She wanted as little gossip floating about as possible. There would be fewer fires to extinguish later on. Adorning herself with a humble amount of jewelry and soft leather sandals. Staring at herself for only a moment in the looking glass, she was a vision of beauty, though that was such a subjective topic.
Xene's entry into court was quiet, especially since she had been one of the first individuals to arrive. Her ladies were permitted entry, as was their right afforded to them, and Xene had long busied herself with greeting the various courtiers who arrived early. So it was no surprise whatsoever that the princess missed the entry of a number of nobles and courtiers in the process. Keeping a brilliant smile on her features, she started to move about the room, taking hands and making proper greetings before excusing herself to move on to the next lord or lady.
Striding gracefully across the court, the princess spotted Lord Gavriil, her smile growing slightly in that moment when she made the decision to greet him. "Lord Gavriil," Xene said with a musical lilt to her voice as she offered him her hand, "It is a pleasure to see you again," she said softly, not adding the afterthought that told her she should completely tear apart the Senate decision. But the stoic man was a comfort among the gossip and chatter of the courtly ladies. If she had her way, she would afix herself to the side of a single individual in order to keep herself grounded. The Lord Dimitrou was a start and she was more than keen on allowing pleasant conversation before she went about the remainder of her duties.
Silently, she questioned where her sister had gotten off to. She hadn't seen the young woman enter just yet.
Xene of Mikaelidas was utterly furious. Utterly broken. Utterly missing the mere presence of her brother. But she had not found the courage to visit him, sure that their tempers would ignite against each other after the happenings of the Senate meeting. Absolutely sure that whatever words she said to her brother in parting, however scathing, would haunt her if anything were to happen to him. So, she kept her distance.
And she drank herself into oblivion. She avoided everyone and anyone who crossed her path and would refuse to take visitors. More often than not something would be thrown across the room at any point during the day and the princess would spend her time cleaning it up, insisting that her ladies in waiting not waste time cleaning up messes she made in anger.
It was her own punishment and it seemed to quell the anger at points. But before long, it would be surging back.
The only reprieve from the alcohol that she took was the day that she was to hold court in place of her mother and the imprisoned queen. A frustrating venture but one she knew she needed to spearhead if she was to remain in he good graces of Prince Irakles. The last thing Xene needed was some sort of heinous trial against herself, where all of the evidence was a lie that would land her in her own state of house arrest.
No, she would play nice. But her eyes and ears were everywhere within the Palati. Kalliope and Nephele had been dispatched, mostly to separate herself from them in her darkest moments, to go about their days but to listen to anything that crossed their paths. She needed every bit of information she could gather. Then, maybe, she might be able to find someone to make a case in favor of Stephanos. However unlikely that may end up.
Come the morning of the court, Xene spent time dressing herself. In true Xene fashion, she wore her chiton of crimson and gold, her hair done up in a pile of beautiful golden curls, and her makeup flawless. For once, she wore a simple gold and ruby diadem across her forehead, knowing that, as host, her appearance would be scrutinized to the very ends of the earth. She wanted as little gossip floating about as possible. There would be fewer fires to extinguish later on. Adorning herself with a humble amount of jewelry and soft leather sandals. Staring at herself for only a moment in the looking glass, she was a vision of beauty, though that was such a subjective topic.
Xene's entry into court was quiet, especially since she had been one of the first individuals to arrive. Her ladies were permitted entry, as was their right afforded to them, and Xene had long busied herself with greeting the various courtiers who arrived early. So it was no surprise whatsoever that the princess missed the entry of a number of nobles and courtiers in the process. Keeping a brilliant smile on her features, she started to move about the room, taking hands and making proper greetings before excusing herself to move on to the next lord or lady.
Striding gracefully across the court, the princess spotted Lord Gavriil, her smile growing slightly in that moment when she made the decision to greet him. "Lord Gavriil," Xene said with a musical lilt to her voice as she offered him her hand, "It is a pleasure to see you again," she said softly, not adding the afterthought that told her she should completely tear apart the Senate decision. But the stoic man was a comfort among the gossip and chatter of the courtly ladies. If she had her way, she would afix herself to the side of a single individual in order to keep herself grounded. The Lord Dimitrou was a start and she was more than keen on allowing pleasant conversation before she went about the remainder of her duties.
Silently, she questioned where her sister had gotten off to. She hadn't seen the young woman enter just yet.
The absolutely last thing on the Gods' mortal earth that Vangelis wanted to do at this moment was attend a formal social function at the royal palati. Standing in his rooms in the Order House and being trussed up like some kind of dining feast, he could not help but believe whole-heartedly that he would rather have been preparing to ride into war than he would be preparing to grace the royal hallways of the palati in order to grace some foreign diplomat.
Firstly, he disliked these sorts of functions immensely. The Kotas were an interesting family to lead an entire kingdom as not many of them enjoyed being the centre of attention. He and almost all of his siblings appeared to have inherited their father's determination for earnest simplicity and found their peace on the battlefield where white was white and black was black. Their mother's social skill, grace and poise seemed to have been lost somewhere down the line with perhaps only Silas having the easy empathy of interaction to get along with all those he came across. Everyone else in the Kotas tribe was too hard-headed and blunt to manage any kind of political decorum. Their power and skill with a blade had saved them from having to pander to others. And the Colchian Courts and nobility were about loyalty to the powerful. So, the Kotas had never been highly judged for their inability to sweet talk. Instead, their fighting prowess had saved them from ever having to showcase such a weakness at all.
But Taengea was very different. A kingdom built on integration, social chatter and business deals. It was impossible to have gold in your pocket in Taengea without first having silver in your mouth. And it appeared that the prince of the kingdom had managed to secure all three: gold, silver and the power of a militant leader. It wasn't really a great wonder as to how he had secured the loyalty and backing of the Taengean nobility enough to outcast the current king.
Which Vangelis had only found out about the night before. Not only had the Lady Theodora paid him a visit and informed him of the severity of King Stephanos' general absence from public. But Master Magnus had returned from his investigations not an hour after the noble woman had left and given Vangelis the entire report. He was now fully informed of exactly how the Senate meet had gone down and how Irakles had snatched at the opportunity to closet Stephanos and his wife Olympia away in their rooms in the palati. And Stephanos' words in Theodora's mouth had been incredibly true as far as Vangelis could see it. The King and Queen of Taengea would not survive until their trial. Especially if (as it was strongly looking) the Creeder Stephanos had tortured proved to have indeed been speaking of Irakles. A man able to kill his own brother and eldest nephew would have no qualms dealing with the rest of that side of his family. Just as soon as he could find the excuse to do it.
Luckily for Stephanos, the man had summoned an Egyptian embassy to Taengea. Irakles would be hard pushed to kill off the king in some horrendously false suicide claim just before a foreign dignitary came for a short stay. As much as Irakles might love war and (who knew) take Taengea abroad in more ways than one, he would want it done on his own terms when he was ready. He wouldn't be able to show weakness surrounding Taengea's king to an ambassador recently housed within a palace that he would know the fortifications of. It just made bad military logistics.
No, Vangelis decided, as he assessed the situation whilst washing his face in the water dish he had been brought. Prince Irakles, if he was behind all of this, would wait until the Egyptian messenger had left and would then make a move to kill the King and Queen before a trial could come to pass.
Vangelis found himself clenching the edges of the wash basin with knuckles the bleached white, his jaw tightening. It was an impossible situation and one that he hated but there was nothing that could be done to save Stephanos and his wife. The only thing that Vangelis could think of was for them to somehow encourage Olympia's labour. Whilst Irakles could claim all kinds of hysteria on a pregnant woman's part in taking her own life prior to the birth, he would have a far harder time convincing the Senate that either the king or queen murdered their own infant child. Especially if the baby was born male.
Irritated, Vangelis growled a little in frustration as he took up a towelling cloth and attacked his wet hair, rubbing back and forth roughly. He had saved Olympia's life once. Rescued her from a cultist intent on holding her until she was beneath the wheels of oncoming chariots. She had been pregnant then so, logical dictated, that Vangelis had also saved the life of her baby. Which left him feeling decidedly hollow that that child was now about to be born into the world and he couldn't save it again. Couldn't give it safe passage to be born.
Pulling his head free of the cloth, Vangelis clamped his jaws together angrily and was tempted to throw something, though he wasn't often a violent man when it came to his emotions.
What he had said to Theodora was true. He could help them. He could help to rescue the King and Queen but if such an attempt failed then the consequences to fall upon Colchis were too great for him to risk. Stephanos was openly regarded as treasonous to his own crown. The helping of a traitor was treason also and to commit such a crime in another kingdom when against the Peace Union made between the Grecian lands. Vangelis would be breaking the strongest agreement to ever have existed between Athenia, Colchis and Taengea and would be opening doors wide to whatever scheme or plan Irakles might be saving for his own reign.
Were he his own man, Vangelis would have done it. His own life he cared little for when it came to what was right and wrong, when it came to innocent life being threatened and when it came down to people who were just plain bullies. But he was not his own man. He was Crown Prince of Colchis. And this was not a decision he himself was allowed to make.
And there was no time to get a letter to and from his father in the Northlands.
Which meant the choice was on him and him alone and Vangelis wasn't willing to make that choice, in a way that could severely hinder the people he was sworn to protect. Stephanos was his friend, Olympia sister to Selene and their child was innocent. But three lives for the sake of the thousands that had died before the Peace Union was in place? There was no argument to that. And he had to be loyal to that logic.
Which was why, the last thing in the world Vangelis wanted to do right now, was attend a royal gathering, help by Prince Irakles, surrounded by Leventis and being watched like a hawk by a foreign military general.
Not to mention playing chaperone to his cousin Imeeya who had insisted on coming along.
War would have seriously been preferable at this point in his morning.
Frustrated at his own impotence over the whole thing, Vangelis threw aside the towel he held and quickly dressed himself.
As this was a formal event, he garbed himself accordingly.
The double shouldered chiton that he gowned himself with were of a navy blue and inscribed with golden thread down each edge. It was sleeveless, fixed only over each shoulder with a leather marker and his upper arms were left bare. His forearms, on the other hand, he strapped on leather bracers. The chiton was cinched at his waist with a few ropes of leather and then trailed to the ground at full length, one side offering a slit to his mid-thigh. His sandals were height quality black leather and tied to his knees. He wore no weapons, as he thought it unlikely he would be permitted to carry them - plus he would have his guards in attendance - and he had even consented to having his hair cut the previous evening. Instead of the longer locks that needed a tie back that he had worn when Theodora had visited, he had had the hair trimmed back to his shorter style. Cut razor short on either side of his head and towards the back of his neck, it was a cut that he often wore when on a war campaign and gave his features a sharper and harsher look to them. Over his chiton he wore another gold worked garment - a himation in white that he wore over one shoulder and fastened to the opposing hip. In his entirety, Vangelis looked quite the well put together prince. Which meant it was only appropriate that he wore the golden band around his head that made the title official.
Despite a whispered compliment from one of the maids that had assisted him in the himation, Vangelis felt utterly ridiculous and was eager to leave the Order House and reach the Palati quickly, if only so that he could return sooner and wear something less official.
His wish was duly granted as Vangelis found Imeeya ready and waiting for his arrival along with Magnus. The man was Master Informer of Colchis and not attending such a public event would only look suspicious. Whether his present at the court session would prove useful or not was still to be seen, but it was worth a try nonetheless.
The journey to the royal palati was quiet and uneventful but this was likely because all were in their own thoughts. Imeeya had wished to attend so was likely pondering upon it. And there was nothing Magnus and Vangelis could discuss regarding his purpose in Taengea with Imeeya present. The carriage of three was a silent affair for the entire journey.
When they arrived at the palati, however, the opposite was true, as the three of them were approached by footmen and servants and aides of all sorts, ensuring that their weapons were removed, their outer garments - if they had any - were taken and stored and that they were greeted and then announced with appropriate aplomb and circumstance. Vangelis bore the entire thing with an expression of sombre stone, his features offering neither his thoughts nor his feelings upon any of the process. His shoulders remained broad in their alert attention and his height dominant as he ensured his stone was straight for a maximum view of the royal gallery where the Egyptian embassy was to be greeted.
The room was already full of Taengean nobility. Men in their finest linens and silks, women in their most ostentatious jewellery, the silk of their oiled hair shining brighter than some of their gowns. It was clear to see that the entirety of Taengea's welcoming and friendly people were intent on ensuring a proper reception for the Egyptian diplomat and general.
Vangelis took a steadying breath. Politics were so hypocritical. Roll out the welcome mat and ensure yourself to be as beautiful as you can in order to greet a man who, if Egypt and Greece were ever at odds again, would be one of the leaders trying to destroy you. It all just felt like a shallow game that Vangelis had no time for.
With the room as crowded as it was, Vangelis narrowed his eyes in order to try and identify who he might already know. Following Magnus' lead as they wandered the room, Vangelis kept his arm out and crooked for his cousin Imeeya to take, escorting her through the room. With things the way they were, he wasn't about to let the girl out of his sight unless he knew her to be in safe hands.
Upon finding an open space in the room where he might be able to hover and still witness the entrance of the ambassador and the Prince when they so arrived, Vangelis was careful to avoid the eyes of those he might not wish to speak to and, instead, kept his attentions scanning the room, assessing who was there and - sometimes more significantly - who was not, not realising he had placed himself near to the Leventi family who stood just behind him...
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The absolutely last thing on the Gods' mortal earth that Vangelis wanted to do at this moment was attend a formal social function at the royal palati. Standing in his rooms in the Order House and being trussed up like some kind of dining feast, he could not help but believe whole-heartedly that he would rather have been preparing to ride into war than he would be preparing to grace the royal hallways of the palati in order to grace some foreign diplomat.
Firstly, he disliked these sorts of functions immensely. The Kotas were an interesting family to lead an entire kingdom as not many of them enjoyed being the centre of attention. He and almost all of his siblings appeared to have inherited their father's determination for earnest simplicity and found their peace on the battlefield where white was white and black was black. Their mother's social skill, grace and poise seemed to have been lost somewhere down the line with perhaps only Silas having the easy empathy of interaction to get along with all those he came across. Everyone else in the Kotas tribe was too hard-headed and blunt to manage any kind of political decorum. Their power and skill with a blade had saved them from having to pander to others. And the Colchian Courts and nobility were about loyalty to the powerful. So, the Kotas had never been highly judged for their inability to sweet talk. Instead, their fighting prowess had saved them from ever having to showcase such a weakness at all.
But Taengea was very different. A kingdom built on integration, social chatter and business deals. It was impossible to have gold in your pocket in Taengea without first having silver in your mouth. And it appeared that the prince of the kingdom had managed to secure all three: gold, silver and the power of a militant leader. It wasn't really a great wonder as to how he had secured the loyalty and backing of the Taengean nobility enough to outcast the current king.
Which Vangelis had only found out about the night before. Not only had the Lady Theodora paid him a visit and informed him of the severity of King Stephanos' general absence from public. But Master Magnus had returned from his investigations not an hour after the noble woman had left and given Vangelis the entire report. He was now fully informed of exactly how the Senate meet had gone down and how Irakles had snatched at the opportunity to closet Stephanos and his wife Olympia away in their rooms in the palati. And Stephanos' words in Theodora's mouth had been incredibly true as far as Vangelis could see it. The King and Queen of Taengea would not survive until their trial. Especially if (as it was strongly looking) the Creeder Stephanos had tortured proved to have indeed been speaking of Irakles. A man able to kill his own brother and eldest nephew would have no qualms dealing with the rest of that side of his family. Just as soon as he could find the excuse to do it.
Luckily for Stephanos, the man had summoned an Egyptian embassy to Taengea. Irakles would be hard pushed to kill off the king in some horrendously false suicide claim just before a foreign dignitary came for a short stay. As much as Irakles might love war and (who knew) take Taengea abroad in more ways than one, he would want it done on his own terms when he was ready. He wouldn't be able to show weakness surrounding Taengea's king to an ambassador recently housed within a palace that he would know the fortifications of. It just made bad military logistics.
No, Vangelis decided, as he assessed the situation whilst washing his face in the water dish he had been brought. Prince Irakles, if he was behind all of this, would wait until the Egyptian messenger had left and would then make a move to kill the King and Queen before a trial could come to pass.
Vangelis found himself clenching the edges of the wash basin with knuckles the bleached white, his jaw tightening. It was an impossible situation and one that he hated but there was nothing that could be done to save Stephanos and his wife. The only thing that Vangelis could think of was for them to somehow encourage Olympia's labour. Whilst Irakles could claim all kinds of hysteria on a pregnant woman's part in taking her own life prior to the birth, he would have a far harder time convincing the Senate that either the king or queen murdered their own infant child. Especially if the baby was born male.
Irritated, Vangelis growled a little in frustration as he took up a towelling cloth and attacked his wet hair, rubbing back and forth roughly. He had saved Olympia's life once. Rescued her from a cultist intent on holding her until she was beneath the wheels of oncoming chariots. She had been pregnant then so, logical dictated, that Vangelis had also saved the life of her baby. Which left him feeling decidedly hollow that that child was now about to be born into the world and he couldn't save it again. Couldn't give it safe passage to be born.
Pulling his head free of the cloth, Vangelis clamped his jaws together angrily and was tempted to throw something, though he wasn't often a violent man when it came to his emotions.
What he had said to Theodora was true. He could help them. He could help to rescue the King and Queen but if such an attempt failed then the consequences to fall upon Colchis were too great for him to risk. Stephanos was openly regarded as treasonous to his own crown. The helping of a traitor was treason also and to commit such a crime in another kingdom when against the Peace Union made between the Grecian lands. Vangelis would be breaking the strongest agreement to ever have existed between Athenia, Colchis and Taengea and would be opening doors wide to whatever scheme or plan Irakles might be saving for his own reign.
Were he his own man, Vangelis would have done it. His own life he cared little for when it came to what was right and wrong, when it came to innocent life being threatened and when it came down to people who were just plain bullies. But he was not his own man. He was Crown Prince of Colchis. And this was not a decision he himself was allowed to make.
And there was no time to get a letter to and from his father in the Northlands.
Which meant the choice was on him and him alone and Vangelis wasn't willing to make that choice, in a way that could severely hinder the people he was sworn to protect. Stephanos was his friend, Olympia sister to Selene and their child was innocent. But three lives for the sake of the thousands that had died before the Peace Union was in place? There was no argument to that. And he had to be loyal to that logic.
Which was why, the last thing in the world Vangelis wanted to do right now, was attend a royal gathering, help by Prince Irakles, surrounded by Leventis and being watched like a hawk by a foreign military general.
Not to mention playing chaperone to his cousin Imeeya who had insisted on coming along.
War would have seriously been preferable at this point in his morning.
Frustrated at his own impotence over the whole thing, Vangelis threw aside the towel he held and quickly dressed himself.
As this was a formal event, he garbed himself accordingly.
The double shouldered chiton that he gowned himself with were of a navy blue and inscribed with golden thread down each edge. It was sleeveless, fixed only over each shoulder with a leather marker and his upper arms were left bare. His forearms, on the other hand, he strapped on leather bracers. The chiton was cinched at his waist with a few ropes of leather and then trailed to the ground at full length, one side offering a slit to his mid-thigh. His sandals were height quality black leather and tied to his knees. He wore no weapons, as he thought it unlikely he would be permitted to carry them - plus he would have his guards in attendance - and he had even consented to having his hair cut the previous evening. Instead of the longer locks that needed a tie back that he had worn when Theodora had visited, he had had the hair trimmed back to his shorter style. Cut razor short on either side of his head and towards the back of his neck, it was a cut that he often wore when on a war campaign and gave his features a sharper and harsher look to them. Over his chiton he wore another gold worked garment - a himation in white that he wore over one shoulder and fastened to the opposing hip. In his entirety, Vangelis looked quite the well put together prince. Which meant it was only appropriate that he wore the golden band around his head that made the title official.
Despite a whispered compliment from one of the maids that had assisted him in the himation, Vangelis felt utterly ridiculous and was eager to leave the Order House and reach the Palati quickly, if only so that he could return sooner and wear something less official.
His wish was duly granted as Vangelis found Imeeya ready and waiting for his arrival along with Magnus. The man was Master Informer of Colchis and not attending such a public event would only look suspicious. Whether his present at the court session would prove useful or not was still to be seen, but it was worth a try nonetheless.
The journey to the royal palati was quiet and uneventful but this was likely because all were in their own thoughts. Imeeya had wished to attend so was likely pondering upon it. And there was nothing Magnus and Vangelis could discuss regarding his purpose in Taengea with Imeeya present. The carriage of three was a silent affair for the entire journey.
When they arrived at the palati, however, the opposite was true, as the three of them were approached by footmen and servants and aides of all sorts, ensuring that their weapons were removed, their outer garments - if they had any - were taken and stored and that they were greeted and then announced with appropriate aplomb and circumstance. Vangelis bore the entire thing with an expression of sombre stone, his features offering neither his thoughts nor his feelings upon any of the process. His shoulders remained broad in their alert attention and his height dominant as he ensured his stone was straight for a maximum view of the royal gallery where the Egyptian embassy was to be greeted.
The room was already full of Taengean nobility. Men in their finest linens and silks, women in their most ostentatious jewellery, the silk of their oiled hair shining brighter than some of their gowns. It was clear to see that the entirety of Taengea's welcoming and friendly people were intent on ensuring a proper reception for the Egyptian diplomat and general.
Vangelis took a steadying breath. Politics were so hypocritical. Roll out the welcome mat and ensure yourself to be as beautiful as you can in order to greet a man who, if Egypt and Greece were ever at odds again, would be one of the leaders trying to destroy you. It all just felt like a shallow game that Vangelis had no time for.
With the room as crowded as it was, Vangelis narrowed his eyes in order to try and identify who he might already know. Following Magnus' lead as they wandered the room, Vangelis kept his arm out and crooked for his cousin Imeeya to take, escorting her through the room. With things the way they were, he wasn't about to let the girl out of his sight unless he knew her to be in safe hands.
Upon finding an open space in the room where he might be able to hover and still witness the entrance of the ambassador and the Prince when they so arrived, Vangelis was careful to avoid the eyes of those he might not wish to speak to and, instead, kept his attentions scanning the room, assessing who was there and - sometimes more significantly - who was not, not realising he had placed himself near to the Leventi family who stood just behind him...
The absolutely last thing on the Gods' mortal earth that Vangelis wanted to do at this moment was attend a formal social function at the royal palati. Standing in his rooms in the Order House and being trussed up like some kind of dining feast, he could not help but believe whole-heartedly that he would rather have been preparing to ride into war than he would be preparing to grace the royal hallways of the palati in order to grace some foreign diplomat.
Firstly, he disliked these sorts of functions immensely. The Kotas were an interesting family to lead an entire kingdom as not many of them enjoyed being the centre of attention. He and almost all of his siblings appeared to have inherited their father's determination for earnest simplicity and found their peace on the battlefield where white was white and black was black. Their mother's social skill, grace and poise seemed to have been lost somewhere down the line with perhaps only Silas having the easy empathy of interaction to get along with all those he came across. Everyone else in the Kotas tribe was too hard-headed and blunt to manage any kind of political decorum. Their power and skill with a blade had saved them from having to pander to others. And the Colchian Courts and nobility were about loyalty to the powerful. So, the Kotas had never been highly judged for their inability to sweet talk. Instead, their fighting prowess had saved them from ever having to showcase such a weakness at all.
But Taengea was very different. A kingdom built on integration, social chatter and business deals. It was impossible to have gold in your pocket in Taengea without first having silver in your mouth. And it appeared that the prince of the kingdom had managed to secure all three: gold, silver and the power of a militant leader. It wasn't really a great wonder as to how he had secured the loyalty and backing of the Taengean nobility enough to outcast the current king.
Which Vangelis had only found out about the night before. Not only had the Lady Theodora paid him a visit and informed him of the severity of King Stephanos' general absence from public. But Master Magnus had returned from his investigations not an hour after the noble woman had left and given Vangelis the entire report. He was now fully informed of exactly how the Senate meet had gone down and how Irakles had snatched at the opportunity to closet Stephanos and his wife Olympia away in their rooms in the palati. And Stephanos' words in Theodora's mouth had been incredibly true as far as Vangelis could see it. The King and Queen of Taengea would not survive until their trial. Especially if (as it was strongly looking) the Creeder Stephanos had tortured proved to have indeed been speaking of Irakles. A man able to kill his own brother and eldest nephew would have no qualms dealing with the rest of that side of his family. Just as soon as he could find the excuse to do it.
Luckily for Stephanos, the man had summoned an Egyptian embassy to Taengea. Irakles would be hard pushed to kill off the king in some horrendously false suicide claim just before a foreign dignitary came for a short stay. As much as Irakles might love war and (who knew) take Taengea abroad in more ways than one, he would want it done on his own terms when he was ready. He wouldn't be able to show weakness surrounding Taengea's king to an ambassador recently housed within a palace that he would know the fortifications of. It just made bad military logistics.
No, Vangelis decided, as he assessed the situation whilst washing his face in the water dish he had been brought. Prince Irakles, if he was behind all of this, would wait until the Egyptian messenger had left and would then make a move to kill the King and Queen before a trial could come to pass.
Vangelis found himself clenching the edges of the wash basin with knuckles the bleached white, his jaw tightening. It was an impossible situation and one that he hated but there was nothing that could be done to save Stephanos and his wife. The only thing that Vangelis could think of was for them to somehow encourage Olympia's labour. Whilst Irakles could claim all kinds of hysteria on a pregnant woman's part in taking her own life prior to the birth, he would have a far harder time convincing the Senate that either the king or queen murdered their own infant child. Especially if the baby was born male.
Irritated, Vangelis growled a little in frustration as he took up a towelling cloth and attacked his wet hair, rubbing back and forth roughly. He had saved Olympia's life once. Rescued her from a cultist intent on holding her until she was beneath the wheels of oncoming chariots. She had been pregnant then so, logical dictated, that Vangelis had also saved the life of her baby. Which left him feeling decidedly hollow that that child was now about to be born into the world and he couldn't save it again. Couldn't give it safe passage to be born.
Pulling his head free of the cloth, Vangelis clamped his jaws together angrily and was tempted to throw something, though he wasn't often a violent man when it came to his emotions.
What he had said to Theodora was true. He could help them. He could help to rescue the King and Queen but if such an attempt failed then the consequences to fall upon Colchis were too great for him to risk. Stephanos was openly regarded as treasonous to his own crown. The helping of a traitor was treason also and to commit such a crime in another kingdom when against the Peace Union made between the Grecian lands. Vangelis would be breaking the strongest agreement to ever have existed between Athenia, Colchis and Taengea and would be opening doors wide to whatever scheme or plan Irakles might be saving for his own reign.
Were he his own man, Vangelis would have done it. His own life he cared little for when it came to what was right and wrong, when it came to innocent life being threatened and when it came down to people who were just plain bullies. But he was not his own man. He was Crown Prince of Colchis. And this was not a decision he himself was allowed to make.
And there was no time to get a letter to and from his father in the Northlands.
Which meant the choice was on him and him alone and Vangelis wasn't willing to make that choice, in a way that could severely hinder the people he was sworn to protect. Stephanos was his friend, Olympia sister to Selene and their child was innocent. But three lives for the sake of the thousands that had died before the Peace Union was in place? There was no argument to that. And he had to be loyal to that logic.
Which was why, the last thing in the world Vangelis wanted to do right now, was attend a royal gathering, help by Prince Irakles, surrounded by Leventis and being watched like a hawk by a foreign military general.
Not to mention playing chaperone to his cousin Imeeya who had insisted on coming along.
War would have seriously been preferable at this point in his morning.
Frustrated at his own impotence over the whole thing, Vangelis threw aside the towel he held and quickly dressed himself.
As this was a formal event, he garbed himself accordingly.
The double shouldered chiton that he gowned himself with were of a navy blue and inscribed with golden thread down each edge. It was sleeveless, fixed only over each shoulder with a leather marker and his upper arms were left bare. His forearms, on the other hand, he strapped on leather bracers. The chiton was cinched at his waist with a few ropes of leather and then trailed to the ground at full length, one side offering a slit to his mid-thigh. His sandals were height quality black leather and tied to his knees. He wore no weapons, as he thought it unlikely he would be permitted to carry them - plus he would have his guards in attendance - and he had even consented to having his hair cut the previous evening. Instead of the longer locks that needed a tie back that he had worn when Theodora had visited, he had had the hair trimmed back to his shorter style. Cut razor short on either side of his head and towards the back of his neck, it was a cut that he often wore when on a war campaign and gave his features a sharper and harsher look to them. Over his chiton he wore another gold worked garment - a himation in white that he wore over one shoulder and fastened to the opposing hip. In his entirety, Vangelis looked quite the well put together prince. Which meant it was only appropriate that he wore the golden band around his head that made the title official.
Despite a whispered compliment from one of the maids that had assisted him in the himation, Vangelis felt utterly ridiculous and was eager to leave the Order House and reach the Palati quickly, if only so that he could return sooner and wear something less official.
His wish was duly granted as Vangelis found Imeeya ready and waiting for his arrival along with Magnus. The man was Master Informer of Colchis and not attending such a public event would only look suspicious. Whether his present at the court session would prove useful or not was still to be seen, but it was worth a try nonetheless.
The journey to the royal palati was quiet and uneventful but this was likely because all were in their own thoughts. Imeeya had wished to attend so was likely pondering upon it. And there was nothing Magnus and Vangelis could discuss regarding his purpose in Taengea with Imeeya present. The carriage of three was a silent affair for the entire journey.
When they arrived at the palati, however, the opposite was true, as the three of them were approached by footmen and servants and aides of all sorts, ensuring that their weapons were removed, their outer garments - if they had any - were taken and stored and that they were greeted and then announced with appropriate aplomb and circumstance. Vangelis bore the entire thing with an expression of sombre stone, his features offering neither his thoughts nor his feelings upon any of the process. His shoulders remained broad in their alert attention and his height dominant as he ensured his stone was straight for a maximum view of the royal gallery where the Egyptian embassy was to be greeted.
The room was already full of Taengean nobility. Men in their finest linens and silks, women in their most ostentatious jewellery, the silk of their oiled hair shining brighter than some of their gowns. It was clear to see that the entirety of Taengea's welcoming and friendly people were intent on ensuring a proper reception for the Egyptian diplomat and general.
Vangelis took a steadying breath. Politics were so hypocritical. Roll out the welcome mat and ensure yourself to be as beautiful as you can in order to greet a man who, if Egypt and Greece were ever at odds again, would be one of the leaders trying to destroy you. It all just felt like a shallow game that Vangelis had no time for.
With the room as crowded as it was, Vangelis narrowed his eyes in order to try and identify who he might already know. Following Magnus' lead as they wandered the room, Vangelis kept his arm out and crooked for his cousin Imeeya to take, escorting her through the room. With things the way they were, he wasn't about to let the girl out of his sight unless he knew her to be in safe hands.
Upon finding an open space in the room where he might be able to hover and still witness the entrance of the ambassador and the Prince when they so arrived, Vangelis was careful to avoid the eyes of those he might not wish to speak to and, instead, kept his attentions scanning the room, assessing who was there and - sometimes more significantly - who was not, not realising he had placed himself near to the Leventi family who stood just behind him...
Courtly affairs, especially those in which the mangled Royalty of the Mikaelidas family were involved, were events in which Nikos spared no expense of time or preparation. Stately occasions meant the opportunity to mingle amongst the nobles of Taengea, which translated to an occasion to showcase the wealth and power of the Condos family and, more importantly, to garner both favor and favors with his fellow elites.
As per the usual with these sort of formal gatherings, Nikos was draped in his house colors and dripping in gold. House pride was, to Nikos, the name of the game, and he certainly never disappointed in that field. He donned the Condos crest on his shoulder fibula, and golden grapevines (the export of his House that garnered the most respect) coiled around his body in the form of bracelets, circlets, rings, belts, and the like. Though his father never flaunted their affluence so much as Nikos did, he knew that in order to be heard, one must first be seen.
Fresh from the baths and garbed in his regalia, Nikos arrived at the steps of the Palati, already swarming with throngs of nobles and other guests anxious for the arrival of the Egyptian convoy. Indeed, they were surely docked at port by now, perhaps even moving towards the assembly at this very moment.
Nikos didn't particularly care for the Egyptians one way or another, but he did hope the peace treaties would be bolstered. More wars would mean less production, and peaceful relations would hopefully lead towards future trade agreements that would further benefit his House. Although he greatly favored Prince Irakles over Stephanos (Zenon's line was the one to blame for the seizure of the throne; Stephanos got what was coming to him.), he was unsure how the Prince would handle dealings with the Egyptians, but he wouldn't be surprised if the other branch of the Mikaelidas family proved as incapable as the first.
With the convoy set to arrive at any moment, and with so very little time left for conversation, Nikos thought it best to not fight the crowds inside for only a handful of brief greetings. Intent on loitering outside for the time being, he spotted Lord Gavriil perched near the top of the steps, and Nikos thought it good to join him as he peered out towards the gate. House Dimitrou had proven good friends and strong partners in trade for years, and Nikos and Nikolias had always been on pleasant terms with the Head of House himself.
He ascended the steps about as quickly as his finery would allow, but as he neared the top Xene of Mikaelidas had already settled into conversation with him. With Stephanos imprisoned, Nikos felt a little less embittered towards the family and instead leaned more into smugness, what with the internal struggles and powershifts that have plagued them recently. Of course, his blood still boiled at the sight of her, for Mikaelidas still sat on the throne, but he would not allow his anger and resentment to crack the mask of peace and friendliness that he had learned to don so effortlessly over the years.
With warm demeanor and a coquettish grin, Nikos approached the pair, intending to greet them with the affection that Houses so closely tied together as the three might demand. "Please pardon my intrusion, but I was hopeful that I might first greet two close friends of my House upon my arrival," he stated quite amiably with a slight bow. "Lord Gavriil, Princess Xene."
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Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Courtly affairs, especially those in which the mangled Royalty of the Mikaelidas family were involved, were events in which Nikos spared no expense of time or preparation. Stately occasions meant the opportunity to mingle amongst the nobles of Taengea, which translated to an occasion to showcase the wealth and power of the Condos family and, more importantly, to garner both favor and favors with his fellow elites.
As per the usual with these sort of formal gatherings, Nikos was draped in his house colors and dripping in gold. House pride was, to Nikos, the name of the game, and he certainly never disappointed in that field. He donned the Condos crest on his shoulder fibula, and golden grapevines (the export of his House that garnered the most respect) coiled around his body in the form of bracelets, circlets, rings, belts, and the like. Though his father never flaunted their affluence so much as Nikos did, he knew that in order to be heard, one must first be seen.
Fresh from the baths and garbed in his regalia, Nikos arrived at the steps of the Palati, already swarming with throngs of nobles and other guests anxious for the arrival of the Egyptian convoy. Indeed, they were surely docked at port by now, perhaps even moving towards the assembly at this very moment.
Nikos didn't particularly care for the Egyptians one way or another, but he did hope the peace treaties would be bolstered. More wars would mean less production, and peaceful relations would hopefully lead towards future trade agreements that would further benefit his House. Although he greatly favored Prince Irakles over Stephanos (Zenon's line was the one to blame for the seizure of the throne; Stephanos got what was coming to him.), he was unsure how the Prince would handle dealings with the Egyptians, but he wouldn't be surprised if the other branch of the Mikaelidas family proved as incapable as the first.
With the convoy set to arrive at any moment, and with so very little time left for conversation, Nikos thought it best to not fight the crowds inside for only a handful of brief greetings. Intent on loitering outside for the time being, he spotted Lord Gavriil perched near the top of the steps, and Nikos thought it good to join him as he peered out towards the gate. House Dimitrou had proven good friends and strong partners in trade for years, and Nikos and Nikolias had always been on pleasant terms with the Head of House himself.
He ascended the steps about as quickly as his finery would allow, but as he neared the top Xene of Mikaelidas had already settled into conversation with him. With Stephanos imprisoned, Nikos felt a little less embittered towards the family and instead leaned more into smugness, what with the internal struggles and powershifts that have plagued them recently. Of course, his blood still boiled at the sight of her, for Mikaelidas still sat on the throne, but he would not allow his anger and resentment to crack the mask of peace and friendliness that he had learned to don so effortlessly over the years.
With warm demeanor and a coquettish grin, Nikos approached the pair, intending to greet them with the affection that Houses so closely tied together as the three might demand. "Please pardon my intrusion, but I was hopeful that I might first greet two close friends of my House upon my arrival," he stated quite amiably with a slight bow. "Lord Gavriil, Princess Xene."
Courtly affairs, especially those in which the mangled Royalty of the Mikaelidas family were involved, were events in which Nikos spared no expense of time or preparation. Stately occasions meant the opportunity to mingle amongst the nobles of Taengea, which translated to an occasion to showcase the wealth and power of the Condos family and, more importantly, to garner both favor and favors with his fellow elites.
As per the usual with these sort of formal gatherings, Nikos was draped in his house colors and dripping in gold. House pride was, to Nikos, the name of the game, and he certainly never disappointed in that field. He donned the Condos crest on his shoulder fibula, and golden grapevines (the export of his House that garnered the most respect) coiled around his body in the form of bracelets, circlets, rings, belts, and the like. Though his father never flaunted their affluence so much as Nikos did, he knew that in order to be heard, one must first be seen.
Fresh from the baths and garbed in his regalia, Nikos arrived at the steps of the Palati, already swarming with throngs of nobles and other guests anxious for the arrival of the Egyptian convoy. Indeed, they were surely docked at port by now, perhaps even moving towards the assembly at this very moment.
Nikos didn't particularly care for the Egyptians one way or another, but he did hope the peace treaties would be bolstered. More wars would mean less production, and peaceful relations would hopefully lead towards future trade agreements that would further benefit his House. Although he greatly favored Prince Irakles over Stephanos (Zenon's line was the one to blame for the seizure of the throne; Stephanos got what was coming to him.), he was unsure how the Prince would handle dealings with the Egyptians, but he wouldn't be surprised if the other branch of the Mikaelidas family proved as incapable as the first.
With the convoy set to arrive at any moment, and with so very little time left for conversation, Nikos thought it best to not fight the crowds inside for only a handful of brief greetings. Intent on loitering outside for the time being, he spotted Lord Gavriil perched near the top of the steps, and Nikos thought it good to join him as he peered out towards the gate. House Dimitrou had proven good friends and strong partners in trade for years, and Nikos and Nikolias had always been on pleasant terms with the Head of House himself.
He ascended the steps about as quickly as his finery would allow, but as he neared the top Xene of Mikaelidas had already settled into conversation with him. With Stephanos imprisoned, Nikos felt a little less embittered towards the family and instead leaned more into smugness, what with the internal struggles and powershifts that have plagued them recently. Of course, his blood still boiled at the sight of her, for Mikaelidas still sat on the throne, but he would not allow his anger and resentment to crack the mask of peace and friendliness that he had learned to don so effortlessly over the years.
With warm demeanor and a coquettish grin, Nikos approached the pair, intending to greet them with the affection that Houses so closely tied together as the three might demand. "Please pardon my intrusion, but I was hopeful that I might first greet two close friends of my House upon my arrival," he stated quite amiably with a slight bow. "Lord Gavriil, Princess Xene."
Dorothea was never exactly pleased to attend events at the royal palati. She did, of course, because her father asked. Today was no exception to that rule. The thought of standing for hours to wait for a delegation of foreigners to talk to anyone but her was so utterly boring, she was already bored upon waking that morning. Naturally, the real reason she was there was to remind any and all eligible (and probably at this point, ineligible) bachelors of Taengea that she was still available to be married off. Who wouldn’t want to find their match at a stuffy royal event?
Yet, there was far too much going on in the kingdom for the whole day to be entirely stuffy. Not directly living in the action, Dorothea had not been able to keep abreast of every issue at hand, but sufficiently bothered her father enough to have a picture of what was happening. While Dorothea had a mind for knowledge and understood politics well enough for a woman in her position, she’d always had trouble stimulating enough interest in the matters of state. She’d rather expand her knowledge of lands afar and other languages than muddle her way through the thick bog of politics. Even if that meant leaving out her extended family in this case.
And so, she was far more interested in what the Egyptian party would entail and was quite intent on speaking with a member of the group. No doubt her father would be concerned, but Dorothea wouldn’t do anything to harm anyone’s position. She glanced at Gavriil, standing besides her, impassive. The fact that he wasn’t scouring the crowd, searching for a suitable suitor for her had Dorothea happy enough. Though she was sure it was only a matter of time. No doubt he would latch on to the next man he saw.
Dorothea was wearing one of her finer dresses, a soft green sleeveless chiton that was modest but becoming. Like her father, she wore relatively little jewelry, but had focused her attention on her hair. Her naturally curling locks cascaded down her back, but were pinned just so to allow for some air flow on her neck. If she couldn’t wear her usual braid, this was the next most comfortable, yet stylish option.
Sharp eyes noted when her father was looking away, clearly studying something else, and with that Dorothea made a quiet escape before he could find any men to throw at her. She’d return before he’d miss her too much. It was her preference to find a quiet corner to occupy, but the area was quickly filling with the arrival of others. She had just managed to find a spot when she was bumped into by a man not paying attention, clearly scanning the room for another.
“Pardon me,” she said, biting back a retort that he ought to pay attention to where he was going. “Perhaps I can assist in your search so as not to be stepped on again?” Ah, well, she couldn’t help it. And her father wondered why she’d never managed to attract any men…
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Dorothea was never exactly pleased to attend events at the royal palati. She did, of course, because her father asked. Today was no exception to that rule. The thought of standing for hours to wait for a delegation of foreigners to talk to anyone but her was so utterly boring, she was already bored upon waking that morning. Naturally, the real reason she was there was to remind any and all eligible (and probably at this point, ineligible) bachelors of Taengea that she was still available to be married off. Who wouldn’t want to find their match at a stuffy royal event?
Yet, there was far too much going on in the kingdom for the whole day to be entirely stuffy. Not directly living in the action, Dorothea had not been able to keep abreast of every issue at hand, but sufficiently bothered her father enough to have a picture of what was happening. While Dorothea had a mind for knowledge and understood politics well enough for a woman in her position, she’d always had trouble stimulating enough interest in the matters of state. She’d rather expand her knowledge of lands afar and other languages than muddle her way through the thick bog of politics. Even if that meant leaving out her extended family in this case.
And so, she was far more interested in what the Egyptian party would entail and was quite intent on speaking with a member of the group. No doubt her father would be concerned, but Dorothea wouldn’t do anything to harm anyone’s position. She glanced at Gavriil, standing besides her, impassive. The fact that he wasn’t scouring the crowd, searching for a suitable suitor for her had Dorothea happy enough. Though she was sure it was only a matter of time. No doubt he would latch on to the next man he saw.
Dorothea was wearing one of her finer dresses, a soft green sleeveless chiton that was modest but becoming. Like her father, she wore relatively little jewelry, but had focused her attention on her hair. Her naturally curling locks cascaded down her back, but were pinned just so to allow for some air flow on her neck. If she couldn’t wear her usual braid, this was the next most comfortable, yet stylish option.
Sharp eyes noted when her father was looking away, clearly studying something else, and with that Dorothea made a quiet escape before he could find any men to throw at her. She’d return before he’d miss her too much. It was her preference to find a quiet corner to occupy, but the area was quickly filling with the arrival of others. She had just managed to find a spot when she was bumped into by a man not paying attention, clearly scanning the room for another.
“Pardon me,” she said, biting back a retort that he ought to pay attention to where he was going. “Perhaps I can assist in your search so as not to be stepped on again?” Ah, well, she couldn’t help it. And her father wondered why she’d never managed to attract any men…
Dorothea was never exactly pleased to attend events at the royal palati. She did, of course, because her father asked. Today was no exception to that rule. The thought of standing for hours to wait for a delegation of foreigners to talk to anyone but her was so utterly boring, she was already bored upon waking that morning. Naturally, the real reason she was there was to remind any and all eligible (and probably at this point, ineligible) bachelors of Taengea that she was still available to be married off. Who wouldn’t want to find their match at a stuffy royal event?
Yet, there was far too much going on in the kingdom for the whole day to be entirely stuffy. Not directly living in the action, Dorothea had not been able to keep abreast of every issue at hand, but sufficiently bothered her father enough to have a picture of what was happening. While Dorothea had a mind for knowledge and understood politics well enough for a woman in her position, she’d always had trouble stimulating enough interest in the matters of state. She’d rather expand her knowledge of lands afar and other languages than muddle her way through the thick bog of politics. Even if that meant leaving out her extended family in this case.
And so, she was far more interested in what the Egyptian party would entail and was quite intent on speaking with a member of the group. No doubt her father would be concerned, but Dorothea wouldn’t do anything to harm anyone’s position. She glanced at Gavriil, standing besides her, impassive. The fact that he wasn’t scouring the crowd, searching for a suitable suitor for her had Dorothea happy enough. Though she was sure it was only a matter of time. No doubt he would latch on to the next man he saw.
Dorothea was wearing one of her finer dresses, a soft green sleeveless chiton that was modest but becoming. Like her father, she wore relatively little jewelry, but had focused her attention on her hair. Her naturally curling locks cascaded down her back, but were pinned just so to allow for some air flow on her neck. If she couldn’t wear her usual braid, this was the next most comfortable, yet stylish option.
Sharp eyes noted when her father was looking away, clearly studying something else, and with that Dorothea made a quiet escape before he could find any men to throw at her. She’d return before he’d miss her too much. It was her preference to find a quiet corner to occupy, but the area was quickly filling with the arrival of others. She had just managed to find a spot when she was bumped into by a man not paying attention, clearly scanning the room for another.
“Pardon me,” she said, biting back a retort that he ought to pay attention to where he was going. “Perhaps I can assist in your search so as not to be stepped on again?” Ah, well, she couldn’t help it. And her father wondered why she’d never managed to attract any men…
The pieces of a world that Gianna of Mikaelidas had been so desperate to hold together had finally shattered with a single Senate vote. The implementation of their decided punishment was simply insult to injury. The visceral reaction she had experienced at the Senate meet was merely the beginning. She had become so fear-stricken, so terrified of Irakles finally achieving his goals that she had become physically ill and confined to her chambers by order of the royal healer.
Despite her fierce desire to visit Stephanos in his isolation, frequent bouts of emesis had greatly weakened the youngest princess and she had found herself bedridden. With the impending court session, the royal healer had offered Gianna a brew containing chicory extract hoping to stem her illness. She had sipped the bitter concoction with the fear it may be poison sent by Irakles to continue his usurpation of power unsettling her stomach once again, much to the healer’s chagrin.
Waving the man off, Gianna pulled herself out of her bed, refusing to be held captive by her thoughts while the rest of the gentry welcomed the Egyptian emissary. With their brother confined within the palati, she knew Xene would need her presence. Even if the youngest princess would provide little support, she was at the very least determined to be there for her sister as she led the court. A momentary glance in her looking glass was enough to tell Gianna she desperately needed assistance if she wished to be presentable.
She summoned her handmaid who was quick to draw a bath and kind not to mention the princess’s pallor. Elpis washed Gianna’s hair as she attended to her body, carefully washing away the days she had spent in her bed. The hot bath had been long overdue and Gianna could feel some of the color returning to her cheeks even without Elpis’s comment. A deep crimson chiton with gold embroidery had been laid out.
Once dressed, Elpis plaited her hair into a series of braids, twisting them until they encircled her head and were amassed at the nape of her neck. With careful consideration, Gianna chose a necklace of gold that bore the Mikaelidas crest and a pair of simple gold bangles. Sticking to the house colors, she forwent her favored silver diadem for one of gold with rubies inlaid in its rounded peaks. Elpis settled the crown on Gianna’s head and helped her into a pair of leather sandals.
With strengthened resolve and one last sip of her chicory tea, Gianna made her way to court. She was not early, of course, but she was not late by any standard. A few nobles had already arrived, but she noticed there were quite a few who had yet to make their appearance as she took in the familiar faces. While the youngest princess had a small number of friends within the noble ranks, she had never felt truly comfortable at court, far preferring the markets of the city to the rigid social expectations of the other nobles.
Another sweep of the crowd revealed her sister in conversation with Lord Gavriil of Dimitrou and Lord Nikos of Condos. Having come exclusively to support Xene, at least in her mind, Gianna strode to her sister’s side with a deceptive grace. For a fleeting moment, she herself had forgotten she had been ailing only hours before and with a slight inclination of her head, the princess greeted her sister and the lords.
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The pieces of a world that Gianna of Mikaelidas had been so desperate to hold together had finally shattered with a single Senate vote. The implementation of their decided punishment was simply insult to injury. The visceral reaction she had experienced at the Senate meet was merely the beginning. She had become so fear-stricken, so terrified of Irakles finally achieving his goals that she had become physically ill and confined to her chambers by order of the royal healer.
Despite her fierce desire to visit Stephanos in his isolation, frequent bouts of emesis had greatly weakened the youngest princess and she had found herself bedridden. With the impending court session, the royal healer had offered Gianna a brew containing chicory extract hoping to stem her illness. She had sipped the bitter concoction with the fear it may be poison sent by Irakles to continue his usurpation of power unsettling her stomach once again, much to the healer’s chagrin.
Waving the man off, Gianna pulled herself out of her bed, refusing to be held captive by her thoughts while the rest of the gentry welcomed the Egyptian emissary. With their brother confined within the palati, she knew Xene would need her presence. Even if the youngest princess would provide little support, she was at the very least determined to be there for her sister as she led the court. A momentary glance in her looking glass was enough to tell Gianna she desperately needed assistance if she wished to be presentable.
She summoned her handmaid who was quick to draw a bath and kind not to mention the princess’s pallor. Elpis washed Gianna’s hair as she attended to her body, carefully washing away the days she had spent in her bed. The hot bath had been long overdue and Gianna could feel some of the color returning to her cheeks even without Elpis’s comment. A deep crimson chiton with gold embroidery had been laid out.
Once dressed, Elpis plaited her hair into a series of braids, twisting them until they encircled her head and were amassed at the nape of her neck. With careful consideration, Gianna chose a necklace of gold that bore the Mikaelidas crest and a pair of simple gold bangles. Sticking to the house colors, she forwent her favored silver diadem for one of gold with rubies inlaid in its rounded peaks. Elpis settled the crown on Gianna’s head and helped her into a pair of leather sandals.
With strengthened resolve and one last sip of her chicory tea, Gianna made her way to court. She was not early, of course, but she was not late by any standard. A few nobles had already arrived, but she noticed there were quite a few who had yet to make their appearance as she took in the familiar faces. While the youngest princess had a small number of friends within the noble ranks, she had never felt truly comfortable at court, far preferring the markets of the city to the rigid social expectations of the other nobles.
Another sweep of the crowd revealed her sister in conversation with Lord Gavriil of Dimitrou and Lord Nikos of Condos. Having come exclusively to support Xene, at least in her mind, Gianna strode to her sister’s side with a deceptive grace. For a fleeting moment, she herself had forgotten she had been ailing only hours before and with a slight inclination of her head, the princess greeted her sister and the lords.
The pieces of a world that Gianna of Mikaelidas had been so desperate to hold together had finally shattered with a single Senate vote. The implementation of their decided punishment was simply insult to injury. The visceral reaction she had experienced at the Senate meet was merely the beginning. She had become so fear-stricken, so terrified of Irakles finally achieving his goals that she had become physically ill and confined to her chambers by order of the royal healer.
Despite her fierce desire to visit Stephanos in his isolation, frequent bouts of emesis had greatly weakened the youngest princess and she had found herself bedridden. With the impending court session, the royal healer had offered Gianna a brew containing chicory extract hoping to stem her illness. She had sipped the bitter concoction with the fear it may be poison sent by Irakles to continue his usurpation of power unsettling her stomach once again, much to the healer’s chagrin.
Waving the man off, Gianna pulled herself out of her bed, refusing to be held captive by her thoughts while the rest of the gentry welcomed the Egyptian emissary. With their brother confined within the palati, she knew Xene would need her presence. Even if the youngest princess would provide little support, she was at the very least determined to be there for her sister as she led the court. A momentary glance in her looking glass was enough to tell Gianna she desperately needed assistance if she wished to be presentable.
She summoned her handmaid who was quick to draw a bath and kind not to mention the princess’s pallor. Elpis washed Gianna’s hair as she attended to her body, carefully washing away the days she had spent in her bed. The hot bath had been long overdue and Gianna could feel some of the color returning to her cheeks even without Elpis’s comment. A deep crimson chiton with gold embroidery had been laid out.
Once dressed, Elpis plaited her hair into a series of braids, twisting them until they encircled her head and were amassed at the nape of her neck. With careful consideration, Gianna chose a necklace of gold that bore the Mikaelidas crest and a pair of simple gold bangles. Sticking to the house colors, she forwent her favored silver diadem for one of gold with rubies inlaid in its rounded peaks. Elpis settled the crown on Gianna’s head and helped her into a pair of leather sandals.
With strengthened resolve and one last sip of her chicory tea, Gianna made her way to court. She was not early, of course, but she was not late by any standard. A few nobles had already arrived, but she noticed there were quite a few who had yet to make their appearance as she took in the familiar faces. While the youngest princess had a small number of friends within the noble ranks, she had never felt truly comfortable at court, far preferring the markets of the city to the rigid social expectations of the other nobles.
Another sweep of the crowd revealed her sister in conversation with Lord Gavriil of Dimitrou and Lord Nikos of Condos. Having come exclusively to support Xene, at least in her mind, Gianna strode to her sister’s side with a deceptive grace. For a fleeting moment, she herself had forgotten she had been ailing only hours before and with a slight inclination of her head, the princess greeted her sister and the lords.
To say that Nana was excited about tonight would be an understatement. Nana usually enjoyed her time at court, even more so with her sister as the queen, although she surely wasn't a fan of the gossip of lesser women who were obviously jealous of her beauty and prestige. It wasn't Nana's fault that she'd turned out so gorgeous. They needed to take up their complaints with the gods.
As the carriage rolled along, Nana found herself more quiet than usual. Pensive was not a word that anyone had ever used to describe Nana, but tonight, she was wrapped up in her thoughts. What would the Egyptians look like? She'd only seen a few in her time, and in general, she considered them to be quite handsome, so she could only hope that the incoming envoy would not betray the image she had conjured in her head.
The ride to the palace was short, just the way that Nana would have it. Though she loved travel, she hated sitting in a carriage for too long. It felt like a cage, almost. An uncomfortable one, at that.
When the carriage stopped, Nana was quick to break out of it, almost dramatic in her display of relief upon exiting. But, her excitement upon reaching the palace was quickly dampened by her mother's commands. What was Mother at, trying to shackle her to Selene? Obviously she was trying to test her patience. Nana was quick to voice her opinion on the matter. "Really, Mother? You want this frump to be my babysitter?" Nana's gaze flicked over to her eldest sister with a look of annoyance, before turning back to her mother. "I won't have it. I'd rather have Charon row me across the River Styx. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go inside and find Basilides."
Nana was quick to excuse herself from the group, not only because she was eager to see her beloved friend, but also to avoid any sort of inspection by her parents. Sure, her outfit wasn't out of the ordinary for her, but it was a bit more...racy than usual. The young Leventi was dressed in a vivid purple silk, her neckline still low, but a bit more conservative than usual, made up for with her shoulders and back being left on display, the fabric revealing most of it above the small of her waist. At the shoulders, she'd fastened her outfit with two golden pins, embedded with amethysts. On her neck she wore a thick gold choker, almost like a collar, paired with a dainty chain that dripped amethysts down her back. On her wrists, a simple pair of matching gold cuffs. Though purple wasn't her color, Nana thought she'd managed to work with it quite well.
As the young noble neared the palati, she kept her eyes peeled for her date. Sure, she only invited Basilides as a friend, but that didn't mean she couldn't imagine him as more than. If only he was a noble, Nana would have jumped on a marriage agreement faster than a hound on a rabbit. But, that didn't mean she couldn't have fun with him, and he seemed to feel the same way, considering how much they laughed together.
Soon after she entered the grand building, Nana spotted Basilides' heap of dark curls and immediately made a beeline for him, her face lighting up instantly. Upon reaching the man, the Leventi quickly grabbed onto one arm with both of hers and gave it a light squeeze, smiling up at him sweetly.
"I'm so happy to see you've come, my dear Basilides. It gets so dull around these parts without your company, you know. I've had barely any opportunities to wear anything you've sent me." The blonde turned her gaze from the man to look out at the crowd.
"I can't wait to see just who the Pharaoh has sent us." The Egyptian envoy would be quite a sight to be seen. And, perhaps, to flirt with as well. The night was still young, and so was Nana, after all.
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To say that Nana was excited about tonight would be an understatement. Nana usually enjoyed her time at court, even more so with her sister as the queen, although she surely wasn't a fan of the gossip of lesser women who were obviously jealous of her beauty and prestige. It wasn't Nana's fault that she'd turned out so gorgeous. They needed to take up their complaints with the gods.
As the carriage rolled along, Nana found herself more quiet than usual. Pensive was not a word that anyone had ever used to describe Nana, but tonight, she was wrapped up in her thoughts. What would the Egyptians look like? She'd only seen a few in her time, and in general, she considered them to be quite handsome, so she could only hope that the incoming envoy would not betray the image she had conjured in her head.
The ride to the palace was short, just the way that Nana would have it. Though she loved travel, she hated sitting in a carriage for too long. It felt like a cage, almost. An uncomfortable one, at that.
When the carriage stopped, Nana was quick to break out of it, almost dramatic in her display of relief upon exiting. But, her excitement upon reaching the palace was quickly dampened by her mother's commands. What was Mother at, trying to shackle her to Selene? Obviously she was trying to test her patience. Nana was quick to voice her opinion on the matter. "Really, Mother? You want this frump to be my babysitter?" Nana's gaze flicked over to her eldest sister with a look of annoyance, before turning back to her mother. "I won't have it. I'd rather have Charon row me across the River Styx. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go inside and find Basilides."
Nana was quick to excuse herself from the group, not only because she was eager to see her beloved friend, but also to avoid any sort of inspection by her parents. Sure, her outfit wasn't out of the ordinary for her, but it was a bit more...racy than usual. The young Leventi was dressed in a vivid purple silk, her neckline still low, but a bit more conservative than usual, made up for with her shoulders and back being left on display, the fabric revealing most of it above the small of her waist. At the shoulders, she'd fastened her outfit with two golden pins, embedded with amethysts. On her neck she wore a thick gold choker, almost like a collar, paired with a dainty chain that dripped amethysts down her back. On her wrists, a simple pair of matching gold cuffs. Though purple wasn't her color, Nana thought she'd managed to work with it quite well.
As the young noble neared the palati, she kept her eyes peeled for her date. Sure, she only invited Basilides as a friend, but that didn't mean she couldn't imagine him as more than. If only he was a noble, Nana would have jumped on a marriage agreement faster than a hound on a rabbit. But, that didn't mean she couldn't have fun with him, and he seemed to feel the same way, considering how much they laughed together.
Soon after she entered the grand building, Nana spotted Basilides' heap of dark curls and immediately made a beeline for him, her face lighting up instantly. Upon reaching the man, the Leventi quickly grabbed onto one arm with both of hers and gave it a light squeeze, smiling up at him sweetly.
"I'm so happy to see you've come, my dear Basilides. It gets so dull around these parts without your company, you know. I've had barely any opportunities to wear anything you've sent me." The blonde turned her gaze from the man to look out at the crowd.
"I can't wait to see just who the Pharaoh has sent us." The Egyptian envoy would be quite a sight to be seen. And, perhaps, to flirt with as well. The night was still young, and so was Nana, after all.
To say that Nana was excited about tonight would be an understatement. Nana usually enjoyed her time at court, even more so with her sister as the queen, although she surely wasn't a fan of the gossip of lesser women who were obviously jealous of her beauty and prestige. It wasn't Nana's fault that she'd turned out so gorgeous. They needed to take up their complaints with the gods.
As the carriage rolled along, Nana found herself more quiet than usual. Pensive was not a word that anyone had ever used to describe Nana, but tonight, she was wrapped up in her thoughts. What would the Egyptians look like? She'd only seen a few in her time, and in general, she considered them to be quite handsome, so she could only hope that the incoming envoy would not betray the image she had conjured in her head.
The ride to the palace was short, just the way that Nana would have it. Though she loved travel, she hated sitting in a carriage for too long. It felt like a cage, almost. An uncomfortable one, at that.
When the carriage stopped, Nana was quick to break out of it, almost dramatic in her display of relief upon exiting. But, her excitement upon reaching the palace was quickly dampened by her mother's commands. What was Mother at, trying to shackle her to Selene? Obviously she was trying to test her patience. Nana was quick to voice her opinion on the matter. "Really, Mother? You want this frump to be my babysitter?" Nana's gaze flicked over to her eldest sister with a look of annoyance, before turning back to her mother. "I won't have it. I'd rather have Charon row me across the River Styx. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go inside and find Basilides."
Nana was quick to excuse herself from the group, not only because she was eager to see her beloved friend, but also to avoid any sort of inspection by her parents. Sure, her outfit wasn't out of the ordinary for her, but it was a bit more...racy than usual. The young Leventi was dressed in a vivid purple silk, her neckline still low, but a bit more conservative than usual, made up for with her shoulders and back being left on display, the fabric revealing most of it above the small of her waist. At the shoulders, she'd fastened her outfit with two golden pins, embedded with amethysts. On her neck she wore a thick gold choker, almost like a collar, paired with a dainty chain that dripped amethysts down her back. On her wrists, a simple pair of matching gold cuffs. Though purple wasn't her color, Nana thought she'd managed to work with it quite well.
As the young noble neared the palati, she kept her eyes peeled for her date. Sure, she only invited Basilides as a friend, but that didn't mean she couldn't imagine him as more than. If only he was a noble, Nana would have jumped on a marriage agreement faster than a hound on a rabbit. But, that didn't mean she couldn't have fun with him, and he seemed to feel the same way, considering how much they laughed together.
Soon after she entered the grand building, Nana spotted Basilides' heap of dark curls and immediately made a beeline for him, her face lighting up instantly. Upon reaching the man, the Leventi quickly grabbed onto one arm with both of hers and gave it a light squeeze, smiling up at him sweetly.
"I'm so happy to see you've come, my dear Basilides. It gets so dull around these parts without your company, you know. I've had barely any opportunities to wear anything you've sent me." The blonde turned her gaze from the man to look out at the crowd.
"I can't wait to see just who the Pharaoh has sent us." The Egyptian envoy would be quite a sight to be seen. And, perhaps, to flirt with as well. The night was still young, and so was Nana, after all.
The entourage drew plenty of attention as they went along the main pathway of Vasiliadon to head to the royal palati where the party was hosted. The people of the capitol whispered and called out to one another to see the mysterious arrival of the Egyptian entourage, fascinated as they were to see men of bronzer skin, darker hair and different looks then the ones they were used to. Not used at all to people of different coloration being atop horses in regal attire, as compared to slaves that served them, whispers were abound, but Irakles tried to calm as much of them as he could with his signature easy-going smile, greeting a few merchants he knew by name as they rode past.
Hearing the general's response in Greek surprised Irakles, and it showed on the prince's face for the briefest of moments. It may be unpolished and accented, but it was understandable. Irakles paused as he considered his answer - it would be a farce to try and pretend the relationship between Egypt and Taengea had been anything but fraught and strained with tension. The two kingdoms had never been the best of friends, but a truce had been called. While it had not been a truce that Irakles had been happy with back when Zenon had called off his forces from finalizing their attack with a killing blow, there was no sense in bringing it up now.
Therefore, instead of falling for the intended jab, as Irakles assumed, he swallowed his anger and exchanged a look with Fotios, before an uneasy smile appeared on his face. "The countryside is indeed beautiful, when one visits for a holiday." he murmured, intentionally avoiding the previous comment whilst slipping in one of his own. Pulling on the reins of Aeneaus to take a right path that eventually revealed the looming, grand structure of the Mikaelidas palati, Irakles finished his words. "If you have a chance, Acharist would be perfect to visit. The lands house the best of horseflesh by the House of Leventi themselves," at that, he nodded at Fotios. "Otherwise, Macendia is but a few hours boat ride away, with snow capped mountains... and the most beautiful ladies Taengea can offer."
By then, he they had entered the royal gates that signified the first entrance to the palace, and from there, it was simply a short ride away to the main entry. Nodding with respectful decorum to the general, a pointed look to Fotios was enough for the prince to tell his friend to entertain the Egyptian general, as he kicked his heels into the sides of his gelding, heading towards where he quickly dismounted at the steps of the palace. Handing off the reins to a waiting stableboy, Irakles straightened his royal chiton as he ascended the steps, smiling as Ujarak nodded stating that all had to be present was at the hall. He had expressly announced for his two sons to be present, or face the consequences, and had told Ujarak much of the same, for he couldn't be on hand himself to ensure that happened whilst he was waiting to receive the entourage at the docks.
Spying the Lady Evelli at the entrance, as with Lord Gavriil and his daughter together with Lord Nikos and Princess Xene, he smiled at both them from afar, but flagged down Ujarak to convey the message that the entourage was to arrive soon, and it would do best for them to wait inside. The servants were quick to do as they were told, and soon all of the nobility loitering at the top of the steps were ushered in, and the golden gilded doors that was the entrance to the Grand Hall was sealed shut, just in time for Irakles to turn and affix his usual, political ease of a smile as the entourage rode up to the steps.
Descending the steps, he gave another bow at the General once he had dismounted, and waved a hand at the door. "The nobles and royal families of Taengea are anxious to welcome you to our kingdom, General. Please, if you would allow me." Taking the lead, he led the way to the sealed doors, and with a nod of his head, the two guards standing on either side of the doors swung the doors opened. As if one cue that was carefully instructed by Irakles, who had conveyed the instructions to Meena for the evening to go off without a hitch, a dozen of tibia players started up a gentle music as Irakles stepped in to the crowd awaiting. Smiling at them first whilst Ujarak announced his arrival, he lifted a hand once the applause died, and addressed the hall in a booming voice he reserved for such functions.
"It pleases me greatly, to welcome to our beautiful Taengean soil, Sirdar Moghadam, General to the royal Egyptian Pharoah. He is here as a guest in our lands and will be residing within the Palati during such time. I wish we will all give him and his entourage a warm welcome, and make sure his stay here will be a memorable one."
Stepping to a side, he motioned at the general to come forward, before joining in the rest of the applause given by the Taengean nobility in attendance. Leading the Egyptian down the short steps to the main hall, a young lady's maid was quick to step forward and offer Osorsen the finest of Condos wines produced in the lands, as Irakles gestured for his two sons to step forward. "Sirdar, I present to you my two sons, General Achilleas of the Taengean Lions, and Lord Emilios, who is currently acting Head of the Mikaelidas Dynasteia as I assist my nephew in the running of the kingdom." The man's eyes swivelled again, and then smiled when he noticed Nikos nearby. Gesturing at him to step closer, Irakles all but stepped to the side as he presented Nikos. "And this is Lord Nikos of Condos, heir to his father, and a man who is industrious as he is ambitious, and would achieve greatness one day, I am sure of it."
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The entourage drew plenty of attention as they went along the main pathway of Vasiliadon to head to the royal palati where the party was hosted. The people of the capitol whispered and called out to one another to see the mysterious arrival of the Egyptian entourage, fascinated as they were to see men of bronzer skin, darker hair and different looks then the ones they were used to. Not used at all to people of different coloration being atop horses in regal attire, as compared to slaves that served them, whispers were abound, but Irakles tried to calm as much of them as he could with his signature easy-going smile, greeting a few merchants he knew by name as they rode past.
Hearing the general's response in Greek surprised Irakles, and it showed on the prince's face for the briefest of moments. It may be unpolished and accented, but it was understandable. Irakles paused as he considered his answer - it would be a farce to try and pretend the relationship between Egypt and Taengea had been anything but fraught and strained with tension. The two kingdoms had never been the best of friends, but a truce had been called. While it had not been a truce that Irakles had been happy with back when Zenon had called off his forces from finalizing their attack with a killing blow, there was no sense in bringing it up now.
Therefore, instead of falling for the intended jab, as Irakles assumed, he swallowed his anger and exchanged a look with Fotios, before an uneasy smile appeared on his face. "The countryside is indeed beautiful, when one visits for a holiday." he murmured, intentionally avoiding the previous comment whilst slipping in one of his own. Pulling on the reins of Aeneaus to take a right path that eventually revealed the looming, grand structure of the Mikaelidas palati, Irakles finished his words. "If you have a chance, Acharist would be perfect to visit. The lands house the best of horseflesh by the House of Leventi themselves," at that, he nodded at Fotios. "Otherwise, Macendia is but a few hours boat ride away, with snow capped mountains... and the most beautiful ladies Taengea can offer."
By then, he they had entered the royal gates that signified the first entrance to the palace, and from there, it was simply a short ride away to the main entry. Nodding with respectful decorum to the general, a pointed look to Fotios was enough for the prince to tell his friend to entertain the Egyptian general, as he kicked his heels into the sides of his gelding, heading towards where he quickly dismounted at the steps of the palace. Handing off the reins to a waiting stableboy, Irakles straightened his royal chiton as he ascended the steps, smiling as Ujarak nodded stating that all had to be present was at the hall. He had expressly announced for his two sons to be present, or face the consequences, and had told Ujarak much of the same, for he couldn't be on hand himself to ensure that happened whilst he was waiting to receive the entourage at the docks.
Spying the Lady Evelli at the entrance, as with Lord Gavriil and his daughter together with Lord Nikos and Princess Xene, he smiled at both them from afar, but flagged down Ujarak to convey the message that the entourage was to arrive soon, and it would do best for them to wait inside. The servants were quick to do as they were told, and soon all of the nobility loitering at the top of the steps were ushered in, and the golden gilded doors that was the entrance to the Grand Hall was sealed shut, just in time for Irakles to turn and affix his usual, political ease of a smile as the entourage rode up to the steps.
Descending the steps, he gave another bow at the General once he had dismounted, and waved a hand at the door. "The nobles and royal families of Taengea are anxious to welcome you to our kingdom, General. Please, if you would allow me." Taking the lead, he led the way to the sealed doors, and with a nod of his head, the two guards standing on either side of the doors swung the doors opened. As if one cue that was carefully instructed by Irakles, who had conveyed the instructions to Meena for the evening to go off without a hitch, a dozen of tibia players started up a gentle music as Irakles stepped in to the crowd awaiting. Smiling at them first whilst Ujarak announced his arrival, he lifted a hand once the applause died, and addressed the hall in a booming voice he reserved for such functions.
"It pleases me greatly, to welcome to our beautiful Taengean soil, Sirdar Moghadam, General to the royal Egyptian Pharoah. He is here as a guest in our lands and will be residing within the Palati during such time. I wish we will all give him and his entourage a warm welcome, and make sure his stay here will be a memorable one."
Stepping to a side, he motioned at the general to come forward, before joining in the rest of the applause given by the Taengean nobility in attendance. Leading the Egyptian down the short steps to the main hall, a young lady's maid was quick to step forward and offer Osorsen the finest of Condos wines produced in the lands, as Irakles gestured for his two sons to step forward. "Sirdar, I present to you my two sons, General Achilleas of the Taengean Lions, and Lord Emilios, who is currently acting Head of the Mikaelidas Dynasteia as I assist my nephew in the running of the kingdom." The man's eyes swivelled again, and then smiled when he noticed Nikos nearby. Gesturing at him to step closer, Irakles all but stepped to the side as he presented Nikos. "And this is Lord Nikos of Condos, heir to his father, and a man who is industrious as he is ambitious, and would achieve greatness one day, I am sure of it."
The entourage drew plenty of attention as they went along the main pathway of Vasiliadon to head to the royal palati where the party was hosted. The people of the capitol whispered and called out to one another to see the mysterious arrival of the Egyptian entourage, fascinated as they were to see men of bronzer skin, darker hair and different looks then the ones they were used to. Not used at all to people of different coloration being atop horses in regal attire, as compared to slaves that served them, whispers were abound, but Irakles tried to calm as much of them as he could with his signature easy-going smile, greeting a few merchants he knew by name as they rode past.
Hearing the general's response in Greek surprised Irakles, and it showed on the prince's face for the briefest of moments. It may be unpolished and accented, but it was understandable. Irakles paused as he considered his answer - it would be a farce to try and pretend the relationship between Egypt and Taengea had been anything but fraught and strained with tension. The two kingdoms had never been the best of friends, but a truce had been called. While it had not been a truce that Irakles had been happy with back when Zenon had called off his forces from finalizing their attack with a killing blow, there was no sense in bringing it up now.
Therefore, instead of falling for the intended jab, as Irakles assumed, he swallowed his anger and exchanged a look with Fotios, before an uneasy smile appeared on his face. "The countryside is indeed beautiful, when one visits for a holiday." he murmured, intentionally avoiding the previous comment whilst slipping in one of his own. Pulling on the reins of Aeneaus to take a right path that eventually revealed the looming, grand structure of the Mikaelidas palati, Irakles finished his words. "If you have a chance, Acharist would be perfect to visit. The lands house the best of horseflesh by the House of Leventi themselves," at that, he nodded at Fotios. "Otherwise, Macendia is but a few hours boat ride away, with snow capped mountains... and the most beautiful ladies Taengea can offer."
By then, he they had entered the royal gates that signified the first entrance to the palace, and from there, it was simply a short ride away to the main entry. Nodding with respectful decorum to the general, a pointed look to Fotios was enough for the prince to tell his friend to entertain the Egyptian general, as he kicked his heels into the sides of his gelding, heading towards where he quickly dismounted at the steps of the palace. Handing off the reins to a waiting stableboy, Irakles straightened his royal chiton as he ascended the steps, smiling as Ujarak nodded stating that all had to be present was at the hall. He had expressly announced for his two sons to be present, or face the consequences, and had told Ujarak much of the same, for he couldn't be on hand himself to ensure that happened whilst he was waiting to receive the entourage at the docks.
Spying the Lady Evelli at the entrance, as with Lord Gavriil and his daughter together with Lord Nikos and Princess Xene, he smiled at both them from afar, but flagged down Ujarak to convey the message that the entourage was to arrive soon, and it would do best for them to wait inside. The servants were quick to do as they were told, and soon all of the nobility loitering at the top of the steps were ushered in, and the golden gilded doors that was the entrance to the Grand Hall was sealed shut, just in time for Irakles to turn and affix his usual, political ease of a smile as the entourage rode up to the steps.
Descending the steps, he gave another bow at the General once he had dismounted, and waved a hand at the door. "The nobles and royal families of Taengea are anxious to welcome you to our kingdom, General. Please, if you would allow me." Taking the lead, he led the way to the sealed doors, and with a nod of his head, the two guards standing on either side of the doors swung the doors opened. As if one cue that was carefully instructed by Irakles, who had conveyed the instructions to Meena for the evening to go off without a hitch, a dozen of tibia players started up a gentle music as Irakles stepped in to the crowd awaiting. Smiling at them first whilst Ujarak announced his arrival, he lifted a hand once the applause died, and addressed the hall in a booming voice he reserved for such functions.
"It pleases me greatly, to welcome to our beautiful Taengean soil, Sirdar Moghadam, General to the royal Egyptian Pharoah. He is here as a guest in our lands and will be residing within the Palati during such time. I wish we will all give him and his entourage a warm welcome, and make sure his stay here will be a memorable one."
Stepping to a side, he motioned at the general to come forward, before joining in the rest of the applause given by the Taengean nobility in attendance. Leading the Egyptian down the short steps to the main hall, a young lady's maid was quick to step forward and offer Osorsen the finest of Condos wines produced in the lands, as Irakles gestured for his two sons to step forward. "Sirdar, I present to you my two sons, General Achilleas of the Taengean Lions, and Lord Emilios, who is currently acting Head of the Mikaelidas Dynasteia as I assist my nephew in the running of the kingdom." The man's eyes swivelled again, and then smiled when he noticed Nikos nearby. Gesturing at him to step closer, Irakles all but stepped to the side as he presented Nikos. "And this is Lord Nikos of Condos, heir to his father, and a man who is industrious as he is ambitious, and would achieve greatness one day, I am sure of it."
Magnus had been in Taengea for a scarce few days, but he has seen more night then he has day. Spending much of his days late awake, the reason for that was due to Magnus's need to first seek out as many of his informants as he could, collecting the information before the arrival of the Egyptian entourage today. Having been summoned to Taengea on short notice, the man had been working many hours and resting little, if only so they could be prepared for the day today. A man of his word, he had been ready long before Vangelis made his appearance, a red chiton layered by a black, thinner one beneath, held up by silver belts and plain circular fibulae's over each shoulder.
Despite the waiting foyer being silent, the Order House was not exactly the most private place for discussions of matters, and as such, he did not converse with Imeeya as they both awaited the arrival of the Crown Prince before they could make their way to the royal palati. No doubt, Prince Vangelis was eager to go, if only to see the Egyptian entourage. Magnus knew that, while the Egyptians and Greecians have not had good relationships over the past few decades, an uneasy truce meant bloodshed would not be on the agenda.
At least not for the evening.
Yet, his knowledge meant that he knew all was not peaceful in Egypt, and as far as he remembered, the General in attendance today was not far different from the Prince Irakles himself, something which Magnus had mentioned to Vangelis in passing, just the night before. Hoping the prince would take the tidbit of information to heart, the fact that they had to remove weapons at the entrance to the hall made the spymaster uneasy.
Falling in step in front of the prince in order to cut a path for him and Imeeya, by the time Vangelis decided upon an open space which they were to stand and hover, Magnus's eyes had already picked out as many faces as he could, and pulled up the information needed from his memory to convey to Vangelis.
Standing on the other side of the prince, his hair was combed up straight to prevent it from disturbing his vision, and that proved useful as he leaned in to murmur to Vangelis, out of Imeeya's earshot. "Lord Achilleas did not make a motion within the Senate meet, and after that, has been rumored to have returned from a visit to his father in less then a stellar mood." While it may sound like gossip to some, Magnus hoped Vangelis would be able to see the link between the two, as he returned to his own spot, and continued surveying the area, eyes catching upon the baron of Meganea, and briefly, Magnus frowned. He had caught wind of Lord Gavriil housing a guest of mysterious background in Meganea, but who it was, Magnus would have to travel there to find out further himself.
That was not his main goal on this visit, however. This visit, was to assist in all that his crown prince needed, and that involved seeking for information regarding what had happened during the Senate meet, and how had that led to the house arrest of the young Taengean King.
The faster he did that, the faster he could return to Arcanaes.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Magnus had been in Taengea for a scarce few days, but he has seen more night then he has day. Spending much of his days late awake, the reason for that was due to Magnus's need to first seek out as many of his informants as he could, collecting the information before the arrival of the Egyptian entourage today. Having been summoned to Taengea on short notice, the man had been working many hours and resting little, if only so they could be prepared for the day today. A man of his word, he had been ready long before Vangelis made his appearance, a red chiton layered by a black, thinner one beneath, held up by silver belts and plain circular fibulae's over each shoulder.
Despite the waiting foyer being silent, the Order House was not exactly the most private place for discussions of matters, and as such, he did not converse with Imeeya as they both awaited the arrival of the Crown Prince before they could make their way to the royal palati. No doubt, Prince Vangelis was eager to go, if only to see the Egyptian entourage. Magnus knew that, while the Egyptians and Greecians have not had good relationships over the past few decades, an uneasy truce meant bloodshed would not be on the agenda.
At least not for the evening.
Yet, his knowledge meant that he knew all was not peaceful in Egypt, and as far as he remembered, the General in attendance today was not far different from the Prince Irakles himself, something which Magnus had mentioned to Vangelis in passing, just the night before. Hoping the prince would take the tidbit of information to heart, the fact that they had to remove weapons at the entrance to the hall made the spymaster uneasy.
Falling in step in front of the prince in order to cut a path for him and Imeeya, by the time Vangelis decided upon an open space which they were to stand and hover, Magnus's eyes had already picked out as many faces as he could, and pulled up the information needed from his memory to convey to Vangelis.
Standing on the other side of the prince, his hair was combed up straight to prevent it from disturbing his vision, and that proved useful as he leaned in to murmur to Vangelis, out of Imeeya's earshot. "Lord Achilleas did not make a motion within the Senate meet, and after that, has been rumored to have returned from a visit to his father in less then a stellar mood." While it may sound like gossip to some, Magnus hoped Vangelis would be able to see the link between the two, as he returned to his own spot, and continued surveying the area, eyes catching upon the baron of Meganea, and briefly, Magnus frowned. He had caught wind of Lord Gavriil housing a guest of mysterious background in Meganea, but who it was, Magnus would have to travel there to find out further himself.
That was not his main goal on this visit, however. This visit, was to assist in all that his crown prince needed, and that involved seeking for information regarding what had happened during the Senate meet, and how had that led to the house arrest of the young Taengean King.
The faster he did that, the faster he could return to Arcanaes.
Magnus had been in Taengea for a scarce few days, but he has seen more night then he has day. Spending much of his days late awake, the reason for that was due to Magnus's need to first seek out as many of his informants as he could, collecting the information before the arrival of the Egyptian entourage today. Having been summoned to Taengea on short notice, the man had been working many hours and resting little, if only so they could be prepared for the day today. A man of his word, he had been ready long before Vangelis made his appearance, a red chiton layered by a black, thinner one beneath, held up by silver belts and plain circular fibulae's over each shoulder.
Despite the waiting foyer being silent, the Order House was not exactly the most private place for discussions of matters, and as such, he did not converse with Imeeya as they both awaited the arrival of the Crown Prince before they could make their way to the royal palati. No doubt, Prince Vangelis was eager to go, if only to see the Egyptian entourage. Magnus knew that, while the Egyptians and Greecians have not had good relationships over the past few decades, an uneasy truce meant bloodshed would not be on the agenda.
At least not for the evening.
Yet, his knowledge meant that he knew all was not peaceful in Egypt, and as far as he remembered, the General in attendance today was not far different from the Prince Irakles himself, something which Magnus had mentioned to Vangelis in passing, just the night before. Hoping the prince would take the tidbit of information to heart, the fact that they had to remove weapons at the entrance to the hall made the spymaster uneasy.
Falling in step in front of the prince in order to cut a path for him and Imeeya, by the time Vangelis decided upon an open space which they were to stand and hover, Magnus's eyes had already picked out as many faces as he could, and pulled up the information needed from his memory to convey to Vangelis.
Standing on the other side of the prince, his hair was combed up straight to prevent it from disturbing his vision, and that proved useful as he leaned in to murmur to Vangelis, out of Imeeya's earshot. "Lord Achilleas did not make a motion within the Senate meet, and after that, has been rumored to have returned from a visit to his father in less then a stellar mood." While it may sound like gossip to some, Magnus hoped Vangelis would be able to see the link between the two, as he returned to his own spot, and continued surveying the area, eyes catching upon the baron of Meganea, and briefly, Magnus frowned. He had caught wind of Lord Gavriil housing a guest of mysterious background in Meganea, but who it was, Magnus would have to travel there to find out further himself.
That was not his main goal on this visit, however. This visit, was to assist in all that his crown prince needed, and that involved seeking for information regarding what had happened during the Senate meet, and how had that led to the house arrest of the young Taengean King.
The faster he did that, the faster he could return to Arcanaes.
Selene had always been the daughter that gave her the least problems, and the girl soothed Evelli's heart as she dutifully nodded in accordance to what the matriarch instructed. While she may not be entirely approving of the dress Selene had donned, she simply gave it a once over and mildly frowned at her eldest, but allowed the father to fully disapprove as she instead turned to Achilleas as he joined the group. Evelli bestowed him a smile, but said nothing as Theodora moved off to join him - as she should. Her second-born would be getting married to the man soon, and Evelli did not see a reason she should keep a tight rein, as all that was left of the union was a formal ceremony.
With a final warning look to Theodora to behave as she allowed her to move away with her betrothed, Nana's words had sharp eyes immediately swivelling to her second youngest, a glare fierce enough to make anyone shiver and shrivel.
Anyone but the headstrong Nana of Leventi, it seems.
"Don't you speak of your sister that way, Nana of Leventi." Evelli scolded in a tone she rarely used with any of her daughters, yet it seemed to fall on deaf ears. Squeezing her eyes shut, she heaved a heavy sigh and rubbed her temples. Georgios would go after the younger one, but Evelli held a hand out for her husband, and shook her head. "Selene, go and look for Nana, and keep an eye on her, would you. Just... make sure she doesn't get herself in trouble. She's not been the easiest, of late. Imma, come with me." Evelli murmured, ignoring the low pound at the back of her head. Unsure if it had been the stress of Taengean turmoil of late, or she was still recovering from caring for her sick husband, but whichever it was, Evelli found her temper short and her patience thin with Nana of late, and Georgios was not exactly in the best of healths to deal with a headstrong child as Nana, especially not when he too had health issues.
As if on cue, the servants sent by Prince Irakles appeared, and Evelli nodded to the instructions, giving a small, respectful curtsy to the prince, before calling out to Theodora, and waving at her to enter.
Descending the short steps to the hall on her husband's arms, her hazel irises was quick to sweep the area for anyone she would know. With the tips of her purple chiton in her grip to ensure she did not trip over her own outfit, Evelli smiled as she greeted a few who came to her, even the barons of the lands owned and controlled by her brother in law. Ensuring she kept Imma by her side as she introduced her youngest to a few, it did not take long before the soft music from the pipes had everyone in attendance turning around to focus on the entrance, the door swinging open to admit the current functioning king regeant.
But the main course, was to come later, of course.
When the general eventually stepped through the doors, Evelli's eyes widened. She had assumed that whichever delegate would be sent by Egypt would be an old crone, derelict and wise perhaps. But the general as introduced by Prince Irakles was... one she would consider for her own daughters. Did she like the idea of marrying one of her own across the oceans, so far away she wasn't even sure if she would ever see them again? No, of course she wasn't. But did she have much choice? If she wanted glory, security and prestige for her girls, no, she had little choice.
"Georgios..." she started, but only received a warning glance from her husband, which quickly quelled Evelli's words. But only her words. It did not stop ideas from brewing in her head, even as Evelli's eyes roamed to look for Selene. If she had made no progress with her Colchian prince... well, Evelli was waiting no longer.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Selene had always been the daughter that gave her the least problems, and the girl soothed Evelli's heart as she dutifully nodded in accordance to what the matriarch instructed. While she may not be entirely approving of the dress Selene had donned, she simply gave it a once over and mildly frowned at her eldest, but allowed the father to fully disapprove as she instead turned to Achilleas as he joined the group. Evelli bestowed him a smile, but said nothing as Theodora moved off to join him - as she should. Her second-born would be getting married to the man soon, and Evelli did not see a reason she should keep a tight rein, as all that was left of the union was a formal ceremony.
With a final warning look to Theodora to behave as she allowed her to move away with her betrothed, Nana's words had sharp eyes immediately swivelling to her second youngest, a glare fierce enough to make anyone shiver and shrivel.
Anyone but the headstrong Nana of Leventi, it seems.
"Don't you speak of your sister that way, Nana of Leventi." Evelli scolded in a tone she rarely used with any of her daughters, yet it seemed to fall on deaf ears. Squeezing her eyes shut, she heaved a heavy sigh and rubbed her temples. Georgios would go after the younger one, but Evelli held a hand out for her husband, and shook her head. "Selene, go and look for Nana, and keep an eye on her, would you. Just... make sure she doesn't get herself in trouble. She's not been the easiest, of late. Imma, come with me." Evelli murmured, ignoring the low pound at the back of her head. Unsure if it had been the stress of Taengean turmoil of late, or she was still recovering from caring for her sick husband, but whichever it was, Evelli found her temper short and her patience thin with Nana of late, and Georgios was not exactly in the best of healths to deal with a headstrong child as Nana, especially not when he too had health issues.
As if on cue, the servants sent by Prince Irakles appeared, and Evelli nodded to the instructions, giving a small, respectful curtsy to the prince, before calling out to Theodora, and waving at her to enter.
Descending the short steps to the hall on her husband's arms, her hazel irises was quick to sweep the area for anyone she would know. With the tips of her purple chiton in her grip to ensure she did not trip over her own outfit, Evelli smiled as she greeted a few who came to her, even the barons of the lands owned and controlled by her brother in law. Ensuring she kept Imma by her side as she introduced her youngest to a few, it did not take long before the soft music from the pipes had everyone in attendance turning around to focus on the entrance, the door swinging open to admit the current functioning king regeant.
But the main course, was to come later, of course.
When the general eventually stepped through the doors, Evelli's eyes widened. She had assumed that whichever delegate would be sent by Egypt would be an old crone, derelict and wise perhaps. But the general as introduced by Prince Irakles was... one she would consider for her own daughters. Did she like the idea of marrying one of her own across the oceans, so far away she wasn't even sure if she would ever see them again? No, of course she wasn't. But did she have much choice? If she wanted glory, security and prestige for her girls, no, she had little choice.
"Georgios..." she started, but only received a warning glance from her husband, which quickly quelled Evelli's words. But only her words. It did not stop ideas from brewing in her head, even as Evelli's eyes roamed to look for Selene. If she had made no progress with her Colchian prince... well, Evelli was waiting no longer.
Selene had always been the daughter that gave her the least problems, and the girl soothed Evelli's heart as she dutifully nodded in accordance to what the matriarch instructed. While she may not be entirely approving of the dress Selene had donned, she simply gave it a once over and mildly frowned at her eldest, but allowed the father to fully disapprove as she instead turned to Achilleas as he joined the group. Evelli bestowed him a smile, but said nothing as Theodora moved off to join him - as she should. Her second-born would be getting married to the man soon, and Evelli did not see a reason she should keep a tight rein, as all that was left of the union was a formal ceremony.
With a final warning look to Theodora to behave as she allowed her to move away with her betrothed, Nana's words had sharp eyes immediately swivelling to her second youngest, a glare fierce enough to make anyone shiver and shrivel.
Anyone but the headstrong Nana of Leventi, it seems.
"Don't you speak of your sister that way, Nana of Leventi." Evelli scolded in a tone she rarely used with any of her daughters, yet it seemed to fall on deaf ears. Squeezing her eyes shut, she heaved a heavy sigh and rubbed her temples. Georgios would go after the younger one, but Evelli held a hand out for her husband, and shook her head. "Selene, go and look for Nana, and keep an eye on her, would you. Just... make sure she doesn't get herself in trouble. She's not been the easiest, of late. Imma, come with me." Evelli murmured, ignoring the low pound at the back of her head. Unsure if it had been the stress of Taengean turmoil of late, or she was still recovering from caring for her sick husband, but whichever it was, Evelli found her temper short and her patience thin with Nana of late, and Georgios was not exactly in the best of healths to deal with a headstrong child as Nana, especially not when he too had health issues.
As if on cue, the servants sent by Prince Irakles appeared, and Evelli nodded to the instructions, giving a small, respectful curtsy to the prince, before calling out to Theodora, and waving at her to enter.
Descending the short steps to the hall on her husband's arms, her hazel irises was quick to sweep the area for anyone she would know. With the tips of her purple chiton in her grip to ensure she did not trip over her own outfit, Evelli smiled as she greeted a few who came to her, even the barons of the lands owned and controlled by her brother in law. Ensuring she kept Imma by her side as she introduced her youngest to a few, it did not take long before the soft music from the pipes had everyone in attendance turning around to focus on the entrance, the door swinging open to admit the current functioning king regeant.
But the main course, was to come later, of course.
When the general eventually stepped through the doors, Evelli's eyes widened. She had assumed that whichever delegate would be sent by Egypt would be an old crone, derelict and wise perhaps. But the general as introduced by Prince Irakles was... one she would consider for her own daughters. Did she like the idea of marrying one of her own across the oceans, so far away she wasn't even sure if she would ever see them again? No, of course she wasn't. But did she have much choice? If she wanted glory, security and prestige for her girls, no, she had little choice.
"Georgios..." she started, but only received a warning glance from her husband, which quickly quelled Evelli's words. But only her words. It did not stop ideas from brewing in her head, even as Evelli's eyes roamed to look for Selene. If she had made no progress with her Colchian prince... well, Evelli was waiting no longer.
Once inside the Palati, Basilides found himself still fixated on the approaching crowd through a window, which seemed to swell like a tidal wave slowly approaching the gates. Above the crowd appeared figures on horseback, features not quite distinct enough - nor Bas familiar enough - to be recognizable. Noting that they would soon be entering the building, he set himself towards the main room, lurking enough along the edges for the time being to try to find his companion.
In doing so, he took a rather sharp turn around a column to quickly find himself colliding with a shorter figure with a quiet oof and trying not to make too noticeable of a pained sound as the offender's sandal clipped his toe just right. Immediately holding his breath to keep from releasing a curse amongst such refined company, he bent down slightly to check his toe. This set him just about eye-to-eye with a young woman whose eyes looked just about ready to take a stab at his other toes while she was there. Clearly a noble by her dress - Dimitrou, if his memory of house heraldry was correct - her words were framed politely as court dictated, but her eyes - quite honestly - frightened Basilides. By the gods, he hoped he was not about to be swarmed by guards for accidental assault...
"The fault is all mine, My Lady," the merchant replied through a held breath and gritted teeth, using the pressure he placed between them to provide an appropriate smile. Taking the moment to turn his pain into a bow to distinguish the difference between their social positions, he could not help but add a small flourish of his chamlys at the same time. Once theatrical, always theatrical he supposed. Standing to his full height, with his weight shifted to his uninjured foot, he finally released the breath he was holding to take in the sight of the young woman. If he were to fulfill his new role within his family's luxury business, garnering more favor than pain would be preferable.
Basilides offered a small laugh at her jest regarding being stepped on again...at least, he thought it was a jest. To keep it light, he would take it that way.
"I would be forever in your debt," Basilides replied, turning his attention to his usual charms rather than the throbbing in his foot, "I am Basilides, a friend of the Dynastia Leventi and here at the invitation of Lady Nana. Have you seen her?"
Basilides doubted the young woman would take it, but offered the crook of his arm as a peace offering to see if the young woman would accompany him on his search for his patron and friend. He offered a congenial smile and a softer expression, hopefully as not to get himself slapped for being forward, as he knew many men his age could be seen as overly forward around women, particularly noble women.
No sooner had he offered one arm to the young noblewoman did he feel a set of hands envelop his other arm. For the briefest of moments he thought he was, in fact, being arrested by a Palace guard for having his toe stepped on by a noble woman, but much to his relief found Nana of Leventi dangling off his arm, much like the jewelry that adorned hers - many items which he recognized as gifts from him. Unable to stop the smile that spread across his features as she complimented the jewelry, he replied, "I am glad you have found the opportunity, my Lady. You are the epitome of radiance."
After giving his companion's hand a squeeze as it nestled into the crook of his arm, he nodded at her curiosity, sharing some of it himself. Still, he was not in the business of offending the dark-haired young woman in front of them, and still extended his arm to her as well.
"Perhaps, we could all take a closer look? If you wish," stated, directing it more towards the Lady Dimitrou than the Lady Leventi - he knew for a fact she would be interested.
Together, they all shifted closer to the excitement, garnering a better view as some moved clear of Lady Nana's path. It was not long before the retinue made their entrance to much applause and an announcement from the Prince Irakles. Basilides could not stop his eyes from making repeated glances up and down the image of the Egyptian General, eyebrows expressing interest on various levels, from simple curiosity and beyond...
"By the gods, will you look at that..." he murmured under his breath, half-smiling as he watched the entrance.
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Once inside the Palati, Basilides found himself still fixated on the approaching crowd through a window, which seemed to swell like a tidal wave slowly approaching the gates. Above the crowd appeared figures on horseback, features not quite distinct enough - nor Bas familiar enough - to be recognizable. Noting that they would soon be entering the building, he set himself towards the main room, lurking enough along the edges for the time being to try to find his companion.
In doing so, he took a rather sharp turn around a column to quickly find himself colliding with a shorter figure with a quiet oof and trying not to make too noticeable of a pained sound as the offender's sandal clipped his toe just right. Immediately holding his breath to keep from releasing a curse amongst such refined company, he bent down slightly to check his toe. This set him just about eye-to-eye with a young woman whose eyes looked just about ready to take a stab at his other toes while she was there. Clearly a noble by her dress - Dimitrou, if his memory of house heraldry was correct - her words were framed politely as court dictated, but her eyes - quite honestly - frightened Basilides. By the gods, he hoped he was not about to be swarmed by guards for accidental assault...
"The fault is all mine, My Lady," the merchant replied through a held breath and gritted teeth, using the pressure he placed between them to provide an appropriate smile. Taking the moment to turn his pain into a bow to distinguish the difference between their social positions, he could not help but add a small flourish of his chamlys at the same time. Once theatrical, always theatrical he supposed. Standing to his full height, with his weight shifted to his uninjured foot, he finally released the breath he was holding to take in the sight of the young woman. If he were to fulfill his new role within his family's luxury business, garnering more favor than pain would be preferable.
Basilides offered a small laugh at her jest regarding being stepped on again...at least, he thought it was a jest. To keep it light, he would take it that way.
"I would be forever in your debt," Basilides replied, turning his attention to his usual charms rather than the throbbing in his foot, "I am Basilides, a friend of the Dynastia Leventi and here at the invitation of Lady Nana. Have you seen her?"
Basilides doubted the young woman would take it, but offered the crook of his arm as a peace offering to see if the young woman would accompany him on his search for his patron and friend. He offered a congenial smile and a softer expression, hopefully as not to get himself slapped for being forward, as he knew many men his age could be seen as overly forward around women, particularly noble women.
No sooner had he offered one arm to the young noblewoman did he feel a set of hands envelop his other arm. For the briefest of moments he thought he was, in fact, being arrested by a Palace guard for having his toe stepped on by a noble woman, but much to his relief found Nana of Leventi dangling off his arm, much like the jewelry that adorned hers - many items which he recognized as gifts from him. Unable to stop the smile that spread across his features as she complimented the jewelry, he replied, "I am glad you have found the opportunity, my Lady. You are the epitome of radiance."
After giving his companion's hand a squeeze as it nestled into the crook of his arm, he nodded at her curiosity, sharing some of it himself. Still, he was not in the business of offending the dark-haired young woman in front of them, and still extended his arm to her as well.
"Perhaps, we could all take a closer look? If you wish," stated, directing it more towards the Lady Dimitrou than the Lady Leventi - he knew for a fact she would be interested.
Together, they all shifted closer to the excitement, garnering a better view as some moved clear of Lady Nana's path. It was not long before the retinue made their entrance to much applause and an announcement from the Prince Irakles. Basilides could not stop his eyes from making repeated glances up and down the image of the Egyptian General, eyebrows expressing interest on various levels, from simple curiosity and beyond...
"By the gods, will you look at that..." he murmured under his breath, half-smiling as he watched the entrance.
Once inside the Palati, Basilides found himself still fixated on the approaching crowd through a window, which seemed to swell like a tidal wave slowly approaching the gates. Above the crowd appeared figures on horseback, features not quite distinct enough - nor Bas familiar enough - to be recognizable. Noting that they would soon be entering the building, he set himself towards the main room, lurking enough along the edges for the time being to try to find his companion.
In doing so, he took a rather sharp turn around a column to quickly find himself colliding with a shorter figure with a quiet oof and trying not to make too noticeable of a pained sound as the offender's sandal clipped his toe just right. Immediately holding his breath to keep from releasing a curse amongst such refined company, he bent down slightly to check his toe. This set him just about eye-to-eye with a young woman whose eyes looked just about ready to take a stab at his other toes while she was there. Clearly a noble by her dress - Dimitrou, if his memory of house heraldry was correct - her words were framed politely as court dictated, but her eyes - quite honestly - frightened Basilides. By the gods, he hoped he was not about to be swarmed by guards for accidental assault...
"The fault is all mine, My Lady," the merchant replied through a held breath and gritted teeth, using the pressure he placed between them to provide an appropriate smile. Taking the moment to turn his pain into a bow to distinguish the difference between their social positions, he could not help but add a small flourish of his chamlys at the same time. Once theatrical, always theatrical he supposed. Standing to his full height, with his weight shifted to his uninjured foot, he finally released the breath he was holding to take in the sight of the young woman. If he were to fulfill his new role within his family's luxury business, garnering more favor than pain would be preferable.
Basilides offered a small laugh at her jest regarding being stepped on again...at least, he thought it was a jest. To keep it light, he would take it that way.
"I would be forever in your debt," Basilides replied, turning his attention to his usual charms rather than the throbbing in his foot, "I am Basilides, a friend of the Dynastia Leventi and here at the invitation of Lady Nana. Have you seen her?"
Basilides doubted the young woman would take it, but offered the crook of his arm as a peace offering to see if the young woman would accompany him on his search for his patron and friend. He offered a congenial smile and a softer expression, hopefully as not to get himself slapped for being forward, as he knew many men his age could be seen as overly forward around women, particularly noble women.
No sooner had he offered one arm to the young noblewoman did he feel a set of hands envelop his other arm. For the briefest of moments he thought he was, in fact, being arrested by a Palace guard for having his toe stepped on by a noble woman, but much to his relief found Nana of Leventi dangling off his arm, much like the jewelry that adorned hers - many items which he recognized as gifts from him. Unable to stop the smile that spread across his features as she complimented the jewelry, he replied, "I am glad you have found the opportunity, my Lady. You are the epitome of radiance."
After giving his companion's hand a squeeze as it nestled into the crook of his arm, he nodded at her curiosity, sharing some of it himself. Still, he was not in the business of offending the dark-haired young woman in front of them, and still extended his arm to her as well.
"Perhaps, we could all take a closer look? If you wish," stated, directing it more towards the Lady Dimitrou than the Lady Leventi - he knew for a fact she would be interested.
Together, they all shifted closer to the excitement, garnering a better view as some moved clear of Lady Nana's path. It was not long before the retinue made their entrance to much applause and an announcement from the Prince Irakles. Basilides could not stop his eyes from making repeated glances up and down the image of the Egyptian General, eyebrows expressing interest on various levels, from simple curiosity and beyond...
"By the gods, will you look at that..." he murmured under his breath, half-smiling as he watched the entrance.
Achilleas had smiled at Selene’s words, sure that many of those gathered would share in her sentiments.This Egyptian contingent were fascinating , a novelty to those of the Court that had not been privy to those of their culture before now. He did not share such excitement however, unsure as to what would have motivated his cousin to have invited them here as guests, those with whom such an uneasy peace was held. He for one was not relaxed about this embassy, and he wished he’d had opportunity to speak to Stephanos, to understand what he sought out of calling them here.
But the opportunity for that had passed, and the General had been forced to leave his weapons at the door, so he set his shoulders and reminded himself that he was not a soldier, not here, now.
He turned to Theodora then, and it was a similarly forced smile that he directed to her as he offered his arm. He had no idea what to expect after the manner in which she had left him yesterday, and he was praying that she knew better than to cause any such scene in their current locale. “Are you feeling better” he asked quietly, as the two of them moved a little way from her family. She certainly looked well, he could not help but notice. In fact, all of the Leventi girls made quite the picture, though it was Theodora that held his eye, as it had long been.
Achilleas wanted to address the awkwardness of their parting the day before but also did not. His nerves already felt stretched thin after his disastrous meeting that morning, and he wasn’t sure he had the patience to navigate the mystery that was Theodora’s emotional state, or his admittedly lacklustre attempts in dealing with it. He still had not decided if he would tell her of his attempt to speak with his father. On one hand, his sense of pride wished him to keep it to himself. It had not gone as he had hoped, and he knew in part that was because he had lost his hold on his own temper, and he did not much like acknowledging his own faults. But then, he also wanted Theodora to know that he had tried, that he had not ignored her request. It seemed important to show her that he was not the kind of man that would do that. He wanted her to trust him, wanted her to feel like she could come to him with such things if she needed, and Achilleas had the nagging feeling that his initial reaction the day before had done no such thing.
It was not the easiest subject to broach though, not in this setting, and he began a little uncertainly. “ Listen, Theodora, I wanted to...”
Before he could finish though, the sudden presence of a man at his elbow had Achilleas stop short, and he glanced at the servant in irritation. “What?”
"The Prince requests your presence to receive the Egyptian Emissary, Lord"
Brows lifted in surprise, Achilleas had then turned an apologetic look upon his betrothed. “ I..forgive me. I will find you". He did not dare risk provoking his father anymore than he had already managed to that day, and was surprised almost by the request for him to be there, half expecting to be ignored. Extracting himself from Theodora’s grasp, he nodded at the servant, and made his way back to the bottom of the steps, at the head of which the great gold doors had been sealed in anticipation of the grand entrance of their guests. There was a glance at his brother who had clearly been similarly summoned, and then Achilleas straightened, smoothed his expression into one of neutrality as an expectant sort of hush fell over the grand hall, softened only by the music that had begun playing without him noticing.
The doors were opened, and then all at once it was his father’s voice introducing ….a general. A curious ambassador to send, the Lord observed, and his attention focused on the man being led forwards. Achilleas was altogether unimpressed by the ostentatious - and insubstantial- attire that the General wore, but his face remained impassive until his father beckoned him forward, and then he pasted on a welcoming smile.
Of course, he should not have been surprised that Irakles made a point of introducing Emilios as the acting Head of House, and should not have found it such an irritant that the man proceeded to positively gush about his cousin Nikos who had appeared from..somewhere. But Achilleas was only human, and perhaps his smile had grown a little strained by the end of it. Nevertheless, the oldest son of Irakles did not let it throw him.
“Welcome, Sirdar” He gave a nod to the Egyptian man, somewhere between a bow and not, and then straightened, hands clasped behind his back as he wondered if this man had led attacks against his own men. And whilst his expression remained pleasant, his tone cordial,there was a sense of appraisal in the gaze that rested upon their esteemed guest. It could never be an entirely comfortable meeting, the instinctive urge to take a measure of one’s counterpart akin to the stand off between two cats coming across each other for the first time. Achilleas could almost feel his hackles rise.
An interesting emissary indeed.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Achilleas had smiled at Selene’s words, sure that many of those gathered would share in her sentiments.This Egyptian contingent were fascinating , a novelty to those of the Court that had not been privy to those of their culture before now. He did not share such excitement however, unsure as to what would have motivated his cousin to have invited them here as guests, those with whom such an uneasy peace was held. He for one was not relaxed about this embassy, and he wished he’d had opportunity to speak to Stephanos, to understand what he sought out of calling them here.
But the opportunity for that had passed, and the General had been forced to leave his weapons at the door, so he set his shoulders and reminded himself that he was not a soldier, not here, now.
He turned to Theodora then, and it was a similarly forced smile that he directed to her as he offered his arm. He had no idea what to expect after the manner in which she had left him yesterday, and he was praying that she knew better than to cause any such scene in their current locale. “Are you feeling better” he asked quietly, as the two of them moved a little way from her family. She certainly looked well, he could not help but notice. In fact, all of the Leventi girls made quite the picture, though it was Theodora that held his eye, as it had long been.
Achilleas wanted to address the awkwardness of their parting the day before but also did not. His nerves already felt stretched thin after his disastrous meeting that morning, and he wasn’t sure he had the patience to navigate the mystery that was Theodora’s emotional state, or his admittedly lacklustre attempts in dealing with it. He still had not decided if he would tell her of his attempt to speak with his father. On one hand, his sense of pride wished him to keep it to himself. It had not gone as he had hoped, and he knew in part that was because he had lost his hold on his own temper, and he did not much like acknowledging his own faults. But then, he also wanted Theodora to know that he had tried, that he had not ignored her request. It seemed important to show her that he was not the kind of man that would do that. He wanted her to trust him, wanted her to feel like she could come to him with such things if she needed, and Achilleas had the nagging feeling that his initial reaction the day before had done no such thing.
It was not the easiest subject to broach though, not in this setting, and he began a little uncertainly. “ Listen, Theodora, I wanted to...”
Before he could finish though, the sudden presence of a man at his elbow had Achilleas stop short, and he glanced at the servant in irritation. “What?”
"The Prince requests your presence to receive the Egyptian Emissary, Lord"
Brows lifted in surprise, Achilleas had then turned an apologetic look upon his betrothed. “ I..forgive me. I will find you". He did not dare risk provoking his father anymore than he had already managed to that day, and was surprised almost by the request for him to be there, half expecting to be ignored. Extracting himself from Theodora’s grasp, he nodded at the servant, and made his way back to the bottom of the steps, at the head of which the great gold doors had been sealed in anticipation of the grand entrance of their guests. There was a glance at his brother who had clearly been similarly summoned, and then Achilleas straightened, smoothed his expression into one of neutrality as an expectant sort of hush fell over the grand hall, softened only by the music that had begun playing without him noticing.
The doors were opened, and then all at once it was his father’s voice introducing ….a general. A curious ambassador to send, the Lord observed, and his attention focused on the man being led forwards. Achilleas was altogether unimpressed by the ostentatious - and insubstantial- attire that the General wore, but his face remained impassive until his father beckoned him forward, and then he pasted on a welcoming smile.
Of course, he should not have been surprised that Irakles made a point of introducing Emilios as the acting Head of House, and should not have found it such an irritant that the man proceeded to positively gush about his cousin Nikos who had appeared from..somewhere. But Achilleas was only human, and perhaps his smile had grown a little strained by the end of it. Nevertheless, the oldest son of Irakles did not let it throw him.
“Welcome, Sirdar” He gave a nod to the Egyptian man, somewhere between a bow and not, and then straightened, hands clasped behind his back as he wondered if this man had led attacks against his own men. And whilst his expression remained pleasant, his tone cordial,there was a sense of appraisal in the gaze that rested upon their esteemed guest. It could never be an entirely comfortable meeting, the instinctive urge to take a measure of one’s counterpart akin to the stand off between two cats coming across each other for the first time. Achilleas could almost feel his hackles rise.
An interesting emissary indeed.
Achilleas had smiled at Selene’s words, sure that many of those gathered would share in her sentiments.This Egyptian contingent were fascinating , a novelty to those of the Court that had not been privy to those of their culture before now. He did not share such excitement however, unsure as to what would have motivated his cousin to have invited them here as guests, those with whom such an uneasy peace was held. He for one was not relaxed about this embassy, and he wished he’d had opportunity to speak to Stephanos, to understand what he sought out of calling them here.
But the opportunity for that had passed, and the General had been forced to leave his weapons at the door, so he set his shoulders and reminded himself that he was not a soldier, not here, now.
He turned to Theodora then, and it was a similarly forced smile that he directed to her as he offered his arm. He had no idea what to expect after the manner in which she had left him yesterday, and he was praying that she knew better than to cause any such scene in their current locale. “Are you feeling better” he asked quietly, as the two of them moved a little way from her family. She certainly looked well, he could not help but notice. In fact, all of the Leventi girls made quite the picture, though it was Theodora that held his eye, as it had long been.
Achilleas wanted to address the awkwardness of their parting the day before but also did not. His nerves already felt stretched thin after his disastrous meeting that morning, and he wasn’t sure he had the patience to navigate the mystery that was Theodora’s emotional state, or his admittedly lacklustre attempts in dealing with it. He still had not decided if he would tell her of his attempt to speak with his father. On one hand, his sense of pride wished him to keep it to himself. It had not gone as he had hoped, and he knew in part that was because he had lost his hold on his own temper, and he did not much like acknowledging his own faults. But then, he also wanted Theodora to know that he had tried, that he had not ignored her request. It seemed important to show her that he was not the kind of man that would do that. He wanted her to trust him, wanted her to feel like she could come to him with such things if she needed, and Achilleas had the nagging feeling that his initial reaction the day before had done no such thing.
It was not the easiest subject to broach though, not in this setting, and he began a little uncertainly. “ Listen, Theodora, I wanted to...”
Before he could finish though, the sudden presence of a man at his elbow had Achilleas stop short, and he glanced at the servant in irritation. “What?”
"The Prince requests your presence to receive the Egyptian Emissary, Lord"
Brows lifted in surprise, Achilleas had then turned an apologetic look upon his betrothed. “ I..forgive me. I will find you". He did not dare risk provoking his father anymore than he had already managed to that day, and was surprised almost by the request for him to be there, half expecting to be ignored. Extracting himself from Theodora’s grasp, he nodded at the servant, and made his way back to the bottom of the steps, at the head of which the great gold doors had been sealed in anticipation of the grand entrance of their guests. There was a glance at his brother who had clearly been similarly summoned, and then Achilleas straightened, smoothed his expression into one of neutrality as an expectant sort of hush fell over the grand hall, softened only by the music that had begun playing without him noticing.
The doors were opened, and then all at once it was his father’s voice introducing ….a general. A curious ambassador to send, the Lord observed, and his attention focused on the man being led forwards. Achilleas was altogether unimpressed by the ostentatious - and insubstantial- attire that the General wore, but his face remained impassive until his father beckoned him forward, and then he pasted on a welcoming smile.
Of course, he should not have been surprised that Irakles made a point of introducing Emilios as the acting Head of House, and should not have found it such an irritant that the man proceeded to positively gush about his cousin Nikos who had appeared from..somewhere. But Achilleas was only human, and perhaps his smile had grown a little strained by the end of it. Nevertheless, the oldest son of Irakles did not let it throw him.
“Welcome, Sirdar” He gave a nod to the Egyptian man, somewhere between a bow and not, and then straightened, hands clasped behind his back as he wondered if this man had led attacks against his own men. And whilst his expression remained pleasant, his tone cordial,there was a sense of appraisal in the gaze that rested upon their esteemed guest. It could never be an entirely comfortable meeting, the instinctive urge to take a measure of one’s counterpart akin to the stand off between two cats coming across each other for the first time. Achilleas could almost feel his hackles rise.
An interesting emissary indeed.
Since the meeting of the Senate, Taengea had been in an uproar. With the king and queen confined to house arrest, all of Taengea seemed to be walking around stunned at what had happened, at least amongst those in the upper classes with whom Imeeya associated. In spite of that, life continued on. Even in the midst of the turmoil, an embassy was arriving from Egypt to visit the Taengean court, and everyone would be coming out to the greet the Egyptian party, even Vangelis, who Imeeya had had to convince to attend.
Eager to make a good impression on the visiting dignitaries, Imeeya dressed very carefully. She chose one of her favorite chitons. A sleek sky blue silk frock, with embroidery on the neckline and hems in spun gold thread, an export of her own province. Likewise, her jewelry also came from the mines and craftsmen of Dolomesa, a careful display of her province’s wealth. She wore several thin gold bracelets around each wrist that jingled faintly as she moved. Her gold necklace was elaborately wrought, with many small handcrafted gold flowers dangling from the thick gold chain. Imeeya’s hair was elaborately twisted up to crown her head, held up with ribbon the same shade blue as her chiton. A few tendrils of hair escaped to frame her face.
Imeeya was prepared to visit the court before Vangelis. At first, she was worried that Vangelis might have decided not to attend after all until Magnus appeared to wait with her as well. While she had been cordial with Magnus since he had arrived, Imeeya had not gone out of her way to speak with the man. She had not been too fond of the implications he had made last time they had met, and she had no desire to revisit that conversation. Fortunately, Magnus also showed no inclination to conversation, and they waited in silence for Vangelis to appear. They did not have to wait for long, as the prince soon appeared, dressed with a formality that Imeeya was not accustomed to seeing in Vangelis, yet it did very much convey his position of Crown Prince of Colchis.
Their carriage quickly made its way to the palati, the journey made in silence. Imeeya herself was unsure what to expect, never having met anyone from outside Greece. While she had read about Egypt, much of the written accounts were focused on battles or histories, not on what to expect from a visiting delegation of Egyptians. She supposed the only thing to do was to treat them as one might treat any Greek visitors, assuming they even spoke the language. There were too many unknowns to know what to expect. Imeeya did not like it, she always preferred to be able to prepare a plan.
They arrived at the Palati and were greeted and escorted into the room where it seemed all of the Taengean nobility had gathered, although the lack of the King and Queen was conspicuous. While the decorations and the dress reflected that of a festive occasion, there still ran an undercurrent of tension throughout the whole event. Imeeya followed Vangelis until he selected a vantage spot for them within the large room. Imeeya spotted a few familiar faces within the crowd but stayed near to Vangelis and Magnus. The volume of chatter in the group rose as the Taengean nobility awaited the arrival of the embassy. A hush fell over the crowd as music started up and the doors opened to reveal Prince Irakles and the delegation of Egyptians.
At Irakles’s announcement, Imeeya strained to look over the crowds of people to see the visiting Egyptian general. She was lucky to have inherited some height from her mother’s side of the family, which meant that she had a better chance of a view over the heads of the other women. Imeeya was shocked to discover that this General Osorsen was nothing like she expected. Darker, yes, that she knew of Egyptians. Yet his clothing, well it would be generous to even call it that. He wore so little clothing, that somehow it seemed more scandalous than if he had worn nothing at all. As she tried to comprehend what she was seeing Imeeya realized that she had been staring in his direction for longer than would be considered appropriate, especially considering the man was half-naked. She quickly looked away, hoping that no one else had noticed. Yet she couldn’t help but glance back from time to time, not wanting to miss what was going on with the foreign visitors.
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Since the meeting of the Senate, Taengea had been in an uproar. With the king and queen confined to house arrest, all of Taengea seemed to be walking around stunned at what had happened, at least amongst those in the upper classes with whom Imeeya associated. In spite of that, life continued on. Even in the midst of the turmoil, an embassy was arriving from Egypt to visit the Taengean court, and everyone would be coming out to the greet the Egyptian party, even Vangelis, who Imeeya had had to convince to attend.
Eager to make a good impression on the visiting dignitaries, Imeeya dressed very carefully. She chose one of her favorite chitons. A sleek sky blue silk frock, with embroidery on the neckline and hems in spun gold thread, an export of her own province. Likewise, her jewelry also came from the mines and craftsmen of Dolomesa, a careful display of her province’s wealth. She wore several thin gold bracelets around each wrist that jingled faintly as she moved. Her gold necklace was elaborately wrought, with many small handcrafted gold flowers dangling from the thick gold chain. Imeeya’s hair was elaborately twisted up to crown her head, held up with ribbon the same shade blue as her chiton. A few tendrils of hair escaped to frame her face.
Imeeya was prepared to visit the court before Vangelis. At first, she was worried that Vangelis might have decided not to attend after all until Magnus appeared to wait with her as well. While she had been cordial with Magnus since he had arrived, Imeeya had not gone out of her way to speak with the man. She had not been too fond of the implications he had made last time they had met, and she had no desire to revisit that conversation. Fortunately, Magnus also showed no inclination to conversation, and they waited in silence for Vangelis to appear. They did not have to wait for long, as the prince soon appeared, dressed with a formality that Imeeya was not accustomed to seeing in Vangelis, yet it did very much convey his position of Crown Prince of Colchis.
Their carriage quickly made its way to the palati, the journey made in silence. Imeeya herself was unsure what to expect, never having met anyone from outside Greece. While she had read about Egypt, much of the written accounts were focused on battles or histories, not on what to expect from a visiting delegation of Egyptians. She supposed the only thing to do was to treat them as one might treat any Greek visitors, assuming they even spoke the language. There were too many unknowns to know what to expect. Imeeya did not like it, she always preferred to be able to prepare a plan.
They arrived at the Palati and were greeted and escorted into the room where it seemed all of the Taengean nobility had gathered, although the lack of the King and Queen was conspicuous. While the decorations and the dress reflected that of a festive occasion, there still ran an undercurrent of tension throughout the whole event. Imeeya followed Vangelis until he selected a vantage spot for them within the large room. Imeeya spotted a few familiar faces within the crowd but stayed near to Vangelis and Magnus. The volume of chatter in the group rose as the Taengean nobility awaited the arrival of the embassy. A hush fell over the crowd as music started up and the doors opened to reveal Prince Irakles and the delegation of Egyptians.
At Irakles’s announcement, Imeeya strained to look over the crowds of people to see the visiting Egyptian general. She was lucky to have inherited some height from her mother’s side of the family, which meant that she had a better chance of a view over the heads of the other women. Imeeya was shocked to discover that this General Osorsen was nothing like she expected. Darker, yes, that she knew of Egyptians. Yet his clothing, well it would be generous to even call it that. He wore so little clothing, that somehow it seemed more scandalous than if he had worn nothing at all. As she tried to comprehend what she was seeing Imeeya realized that she had been staring in his direction for longer than would be considered appropriate, especially considering the man was half-naked. She quickly looked away, hoping that no one else had noticed. Yet she couldn’t help but glance back from time to time, not wanting to miss what was going on with the foreign visitors.
Since the meeting of the Senate, Taengea had been in an uproar. With the king and queen confined to house arrest, all of Taengea seemed to be walking around stunned at what had happened, at least amongst those in the upper classes with whom Imeeya associated. In spite of that, life continued on. Even in the midst of the turmoil, an embassy was arriving from Egypt to visit the Taengean court, and everyone would be coming out to the greet the Egyptian party, even Vangelis, who Imeeya had had to convince to attend.
Eager to make a good impression on the visiting dignitaries, Imeeya dressed very carefully. She chose one of her favorite chitons. A sleek sky blue silk frock, with embroidery on the neckline and hems in spun gold thread, an export of her own province. Likewise, her jewelry also came from the mines and craftsmen of Dolomesa, a careful display of her province’s wealth. She wore several thin gold bracelets around each wrist that jingled faintly as she moved. Her gold necklace was elaborately wrought, with many small handcrafted gold flowers dangling from the thick gold chain. Imeeya’s hair was elaborately twisted up to crown her head, held up with ribbon the same shade blue as her chiton. A few tendrils of hair escaped to frame her face.
Imeeya was prepared to visit the court before Vangelis. At first, she was worried that Vangelis might have decided not to attend after all until Magnus appeared to wait with her as well. While she had been cordial with Magnus since he had arrived, Imeeya had not gone out of her way to speak with the man. She had not been too fond of the implications he had made last time they had met, and she had no desire to revisit that conversation. Fortunately, Magnus also showed no inclination to conversation, and they waited in silence for Vangelis to appear. They did not have to wait for long, as the prince soon appeared, dressed with a formality that Imeeya was not accustomed to seeing in Vangelis, yet it did very much convey his position of Crown Prince of Colchis.
Their carriage quickly made its way to the palati, the journey made in silence. Imeeya herself was unsure what to expect, never having met anyone from outside Greece. While she had read about Egypt, much of the written accounts were focused on battles or histories, not on what to expect from a visiting delegation of Egyptians. She supposed the only thing to do was to treat them as one might treat any Greek visitors, assuming they even spoke the language. There were too many unknowns to know what to expect. Imeeya did not like it, she always preferred to be able to prepare a plan.
They arrived at the Palati and were greeted and escorted into the room where it seemed all of the Taengean nobility had gathered, although the lack of the King and Queen was conspicuous. While the decorations and the dress reflected that of a festive occasion, there still ran an undercurrent of tension throughout the whole event. Imeeya followed Vangelis until he selected a vantage spot for them within the large room. Imeeya spotted a few familiar faces within the crowd but stayed near to Vangelis and Magnus. The volume of chatter in the group rose as the Taengean nobility awaited the arrival of the embassy. A hush fell over the crowd as music started up and the doors opened to reveal Prince Irakles and the delegation of Egyptians.
At Irakles’s announcement, Imeeya strained to look over the crowds of people to see the visiting Egyptian general. She was lucky to have inherited some height from her mother’s side of the family, which meant that she had a better chance of a view over the heads of the other women. Imeeya was shocked to discover that this General Osorsen was nothing like she expected. Darker, yes, that she knew of Egyptians. Yet his clothing, well it would be generous to even call it that. He wore so little clothing, that somehow it seemed more scandalous than if he had worn nothing at all. As she tried to comprehend what she was seeing Imeeya realized that she had been staring in his direction for longer than would be considered appropriate, especially considering the man was half-naked. She quickly looked away, hoping that no one else had noticed. Yet she couldn’t help but glance back from time to time, not wanting to miss what was going on with the foreign visitors.