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Nana was, of course, happy as ever to meander over to Princess Xene. As much as she despised the royal's elder brother, she very much enjoyed the company of the elder Mikaelidas daughter. Who wouldn't, really? She was quite kind - not gossipy like most of the idiotic women in court - and, of course, always impeccably dressed, so Nana had taken a shine to her early on in her time at court.
"Your highnesses," the Leventi greeted, beaming sweetly at the royals as they approached. "It is so wonderful to see you both in such fine form." It filled the blonde with delight to see two of her dearest friends getting on so well, turning her gaze up to bestow the same sweet smile on her beloved companion. Perhaps Basilides would be able to garner more business from tonight, something Nana wanted dearly for him. He truly had exquisite taste, and as much as it seemed he loved his troupe, Nana wondered if his talents were perhaps wasted on them. But, of course, they had disbanded, so it was of no consequence anymore.
It seemed that Nana's spirits would only continue to rise. As soon as Xene made the mistake of complimenting the Leventi's outfit, Nana just about gushed. As sunny as the girl looked in that moment, it was a wonder she hadn't blinded anyone. "Really? You think so?" The blonde looked down to her skirts and removed herself momentarily from her guest, gathering the fabric in her hands and swaying from side to side. Oh, how she loved the way the fabric spun! "I often worry that purple isn't quite my color, so that is a relief." She turned her gaze back up to the two girls in front of her, and once again took ahold of Basilides' arm. "Of course, it's gorgeous, anyhow. Basilides gave it to me as a gift, the dear! Pure silk. He knows me so well." A giggle escaped the Leventi's lips as she once again glanced in his direction.
"But, to answer your question, I am quite enjoying myself, especially now in the company of your highnesses." As much as her words were true, Nana was quite good at flattery: at least, when she wanted to be. And it was quite apparent in this very moment. In fact, she was about to ask Princess Xene about her outfit, when the Mikaelidas so abruptly had to excuse herself. If she weren't at court, perhaps she would have let her disappointment show. Instead, she did as Xene asked, making small talk with the younger of the two princesses.
"Princess Gianna, may I say, you look absolutely gorgeous tonight. Crimson suits you beautifully."
Yet, it seemed it didn't suit Nana. At least, not tonight. No sooner had the complimented the princess than her entire backside was drenched in wine, from her hair all the way down to her sandals.
Immediately, the blonde stiffened up as she felt crimson liquid drip down her back in rivulets, and seep into the very light purple of her gown. It would certainly stain. Though at first, the Leventi stood speechless, it didn't take long for Nana to let out a piercing shriek, before turning around to look for the perpetrator of this crime. Her hands clenched into fists at her side, her jaw trembling before she clenched it shut as well. Nana wanted answers.
And she quickly found them when she spotted a servant on the floor, and a pair of nobles in an extremely heated argument. Aha. So these two were the cause.
Nana feigned a smile as she stepped over to the two, clearing her throat, before interrupting them.
"Gentlemen. Might I speak to you for a moment?" It seemed at first that the girl had secretly turned over a new leaf, and looked to be peaceful and polite. However, that illusion was quickly destroyed. "I see from your behavior that you fools were too drunk to notice, but your little brawl has cost me a beautiful gown!" The Leventi turned for a short second to show the wine that stained the back of her dress, before turning back, her face quickly turning pink. "You see that? This is silk, you idiots! SILK! Perhaps if I wasn't a lady, I would escort you myself to Tartarus, but seeing as I am, you two have found yourselves very lucky. Now get out of my sight before you invoke my wrath any further. You hear me? OUT!"
It seemed that they didn't have much of a choice, as the two were quickly escorted out by guards, but Nana remained irritated nonetheless. If it were up to her, she would have had them stoned in the streets. But, she was not a queen yet, so, she couldn't make it happen, unfortunately.
When the Leventi turned back around to return to Basilides, she was quite irritated to find that the servant who had bumped into her with the wine had disappeared from the scene, when she had quite big plans to give them the worst haranguing of their life. It took everything in her not to make even more of a scene, but it was quite obvious from her face and general body language that she was quite close to snapping, and she needed to escape the scene before things got any worse for her. Those that were bold enough to stand close to Nana could easily see the tears starting to well up in her eyes. A meltdown was imminent.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Nana was, of course, happy as ever to meander over to Princess Xene. As much as she despised the royal's elder brother, she very much enjoyed the company of the elder Mikaelidas daughter. Who wouldn't, really? She was quite kind - not gossipy like most of the idiotic women in court - and, of course, always impeccably dressed, so Nana had taken a shine to her early on in her time at court.
"Your highnesses," the Leventi greeted, beaming sweetly at the royals as they approached. "It is so wonderful to see you both in such fine form." It filled the blonde with delight to see two of her dearest friends getting on so well, turning her gaze up to bestow the same sweet smile on her beloved companion. Perhaps Basilides would be able to garner more business from tonight, something Nana wanted dearly for him. He truly had exquisite taste, and as much as it seemed he loved his troupe, Nana wondered if his talents were perhaps wasted on them. But, of course, they had disbanded, so it was of no consequence anymore.
It seemed that Nana's spirits would only continue to rise. As soon as Xene made the mistake of complimenting the Leventi's outfit, Nana just about gushed. As sunny as the girl looked in that moment, it was a wonder she hadn't blinded anyone. "Really? You think so?" The blonde looked down to her skirts and removed herself momentarily from her guest, gathering the fabric in her hands and swaying from side to side. Oh, how she loved the way the fabric spun! "I often worry that purple isn't quite my color, so that is a relief." She turned her gaze back up to the two girls in front of her, and once again took ahold of Basilides' arm. "Of course, it's gorgeous, anyhow. Basilides gave it to me as a gift, the dear! Pure silk. He knows me so well." A giggle escaped the Leventi's lips as she once again glanced in his direction.
"But, to answer your question, I am quite enjoying myself, especially now in the company of your highnesses." As much as her words were true, Nana was quite good at flattery: at least, when she wanted to be. And it was quite apparent in this very moment. In fact, she was about to ask Princess Xene about her outfit, when the Mikaelidas so abruptly had to excuse herself. If she weren't at court, perhaps she would have let her disappointment show. Instead, she did as Xene asked, making small talk with the younger of the two princesses.
"Princess Gianna, may I say, you look absolutely gorgeous tonight. Crimson suits you beautifully."
Yet, it seemed it didn't suit Nana. At least, not tonight. No sooner had the complimented the princess than her entire backside was drenched in wine, from her hair all the way down to her sandals.
Immediately, the blonde stiffened up as she felt crimson liquid drip down her back in rivulets, and seep into the very light purple of her gown. It would certainly stain. Though at first, the Leventi stood speechless, it didn't take long for Nana to let out a piercing shriek, before turning around to look for the perpetrator of this crime. Her hands clenched into fists at her side, her jaw trembling before she clenched it shut as well. Nana wanted answers.
And she quickly found them when she spotted a servant on the floor, and a pair of nobles in an extremely heated argument. Aha. So these two were the cause.
Nana feigned a smile as she stepped over to the two, clearing her throat, before interrupting them.
"Gentlemen. Might I speak to you for a moment?" It seemed at first that the girl had secretly turned over a new leaf, and looked to be peaceful and polite. However, that illusion was quickly destroyed. "I see from your behavior that you fools were too drunk to notice, but your little brawl has cost me a beautiful gown!" The Leventi turned for a short second to show the wine that stained the back of her dress, before turning back, her face quickly turning pink. "You see that? This is silk, you idiots! SILK! Perhaps if I wasn't a lady, I would escort you myself to Tartarus, but seeing as I am, you two have found yourselves very lucky. Now get out of my sight before you invoke my wrath any further. You hear me? OUT!"
It seemed that they didn't have much of a choice, as the two were quickly escorted out by guards, but Nana remained irritated nonetheless. If it were up to her, she would have had them stoned in the streets. But, she was not a queen yet, so, she couldn't make it happen, unfortunately.
When the Leventi turned back around to return to Basilides, she was quite irritated to find that the servant who had bumped into her with the wine had disappeared from the scene, when she had quite big plans to give them the worst haranguing of their life. It took everything in her not to make even more of a scene, but it was quite obvious from her face and general body language that she was quite close to snapping, and she needed to escape the scene before things got any worse for her. Those that were bold enough to stand close to Nana could easily see the tears starting to well up in her eyes. A meltdown was imminent.
Nana was, of course, happy as ever to meander over to Princess Xene. As much as she despised the royal's elder brother, she very much enjoyed the company of the elder Mikaelidas daughter. Who wouldn't, really? She was quite kind - not gossipy like most of the idiotic women in court - and, of course, always impeccably dressed, so Nana had taken a shine to her early on in her time at court.
"Your highnesses," the Leventi greeted, beaming sweetly at the royals as they approached. "It is so wonderful to see you both in such fine form." It filled the blonde with delight to see two of her dearest friends getting on so well, turning her gaze up to bestow the same sweet smile on her beloved companion. Perhaps Basilides would be able to garner more business from tonight, something Nana wanted dearly for him. He truly had exquisite taste, and as much as it seemed he loved his troupe, Nana wondered if his talents were perhaps wasted on them. But, of course, they had disbanded, so it was of no consequence anymore.
It seemed that Nana's spirits would only continue to rise. As soon as Xene made the mistake of complimenting the Leventi's outfit, Nana just about gushed. As sunny as the girl looked in that moment, it was a wonder she hadn't blinded anyone. "Really? You think so?" The blonde looked down to her skirts and removed herself momentarily from her guest, gathering the fabric in her hands and swaying from side to side. Oh, how she loved the way the fabric spun! "I often worry that purple isn't quite my color, so that is a relief." She turned her gaze back up to the two girls in front of her, and once again took ahold of Basilides' arm. "Of course, it's gorgeous, anyhow. Basilides gave it to me as a gift, the dear! Pure silk. He knows me so well." A giggle escaped the Leventi's lips as she once again glanced in his direction.
"But, to answer your question, I am quite enjoying myself, especially now in the company of your highnesses." As much as her words were true, Nana was quite good at flattery: at least, when she wanted to be. And it was quite apparent in this very moment. In fact, she was about to ask Princess Xene about her outfit, when the Mikaelidas so abruptly had to excuse herself. If she weren't at court, perhaps she would have let her disappointment show. Instead, she did as Xene asked, making small talk with the younger of the two princesses.
"Princess Gianna, may I say, you look absolutely gorgeous tonight. Crimson suits you beautifully."
Yet, it seemed it didn't suit Nana. At least, not tonight. No sooner had the complimented the princess than her entire backside was drenched in wine, from her hair all the way down to her sandals.
Immediately, the blonde stiffened up as she felt crimson liquid drip down her back in rivulets, and seep into the very light purple of her gown. It would certainly stain. Though at first, the Leventi stood speechless, it didn't take long for Nana to let out a piercing shriek, before turning around to look for the perpetrator of this crime. Her hands clenched into fists at her side, her jaw trembling before she clenched it shut as well. Nana wanted answers.
And she quickly found them when she spotted a servant on the floor, and a pair of nobles in an extremely heated argument. Aha. So these two were the cause.
Nana feigned a smile as she stepped over to the two, clearing her throat, before interrupting them.
"Gentlemen. Might I speak to you for a moment?" It seemed at first that the girl had secretly turned over a new leaf, and looked to be peaceful and polite. However, that illusion was quickly destroyed. "I see from your behavior that you fools were too drunk to notice, but your little brawl has cost me a beautiful gown!" The Leventi turned for a short second to show the wine that stained the back of her dress, before turning back, her face quickly turning pink. "You see that? This is silk, you idiots! SILK! Perhaps if I wasn't a lady, I would escort you myself to Tartarus, but seeing as I am, you two have found yourselves very lucky. Now get out of my sight before you invoke my wrath any further. You hear me? OUT!"
It seemed that they didn't have much of a choice, as the two were quickly escorted out by guards, but Nana remained irritated nonetheless. If it were up to her, she would have had them stoned in the streets. But, she was not a queen yet, so, she couldn't make it happen, unfortunately.
When the Leventi turned back around to return to Basilides, she was quite irritated to find that the servant who had bumped into her with the wine had disappeared from the scene, when she had quite big plans to give them the worst haranguing of their life. It took everything in her not to make even more of a scene, but it was quite obvious from her face and general body language that she was quite close to snapping, and she needed to escape the scene before things got any worse for her. Those that were bold enough to stand close to Nana could easily see the tears starting to well up in her eyes. A meltdown was imminent.
There were many things he could attribute his bad mood to. Lack of sleep after worrying over Theodora’s words the night before, the unfortunate attempt at speaking with his Father and subsequent inglorious dismissal, this Egyptian embassy, Nikos of Condos and his smarmy attempts to ingratiate himself with Irakles.
The list could go on.
All of which Achilleas attempted to cast from his mind as he followed Theodora back inside, his hand resting on the small of her back though he could feel her tense beneath his touch. He could attribute that to his inability to say the right thing it would seem, but he plastered on an amiable expression anyway, his father’s words ringing in his ears. It would not do to have them both return with faces like thunder.
Inside, it seemed as though their esteemed guest was mingling as he had expressed a wont to do, though Achilleas was hard pressed to suppress an eye roll as he saw his father introducing Meena of all people.
“Has he no decency” he muttered, glaring daggers at the man for a moment before he caught himself and looked away. Instinctively he sought out his mother, as if he could find some way to shield her from this further indignity.
He had not yet located her amongst the throngs of people, however, before his attention was drawn to raised voices, and the Lord Mikaeildas frowned at the brashness of the two men, the expression only settling more resolutely as he caught the tail end of their conversation, if it could be termed such.
Wine soaked fools. They forgot themselves and where they were, and Achilleas’ gaze moved sharply from them to locate the Sirdar once again, wary of what echoes of the men’s words he might have caught. That he was far enough away to have missed them was a relief, but not one that should have been necessary, and Achilleas’ hand had already fallen from Theo’s back as he prepared to go and intervene when things escalated.
A misguided shove and unsteady feet was all it took, setting in motion a chain of events that moved the uncouth argument to something less containable. There was a shriek that broke through the music and chatter, and a fountain of the Condos’ finest red showering all over young Nana Leventi and the Princess Gianna. Achilleas cringed and exchanged a look with Theo, forgetting their disagreement of earlier in a shared concern at how exactly her younger sister might react to being so doused in claret.
They were lucky perhaps that the Princess Xene was so quick to make it to the scene, and Achilleas did not hesitate in responding to her call, handing off his own cup of wine to Theodora as he went. In the time it took long strides to carry him over to the Princesses’ side, the idiots responsible were already being harangued by a bedraggled looking Nana of Leventi. And whilst the Lord looked pained at the shrillness of her voice as she berated the men, he could hardly blame her, and so was less that gentle in the hold he took upon the arm of one of the perpetrators. There was some recognition but neither of the nobles were men he knew well - unsurprising as Achilleas did not tolerate fools gladly, and these two had proven themselves that if nothing else. His face was flinty as he firmly walked the man toward the door, taking a moment to appreciate the ignominy of finding himself demoted to the role of guard, a fact that fed his irritation when he began to speak upon exiting the court chamber.
“You have successfully disgraced yourselves and this House” Achilleas said, quietly but with a grimness that belied his opinion of their conduct. “ And whatever idiocy possesses you to speak of what is sensitive information so flagrantly before a foreign embassy I cannot fathom.” He pulled the man he walked with to a halt, looking between the two Lords. “ I suggest you sober up and then find some suitable words of apology to account for yourselves.” He slid a sideways glance at Heron. “...to the Princess Xene. And you can present yourselves to me two days hence, at the archontiko Mikaelidas.”
He was angry, but it was wasted on the men as they were, so the Lord would save his wrath for when it could be better appreciated. “ And if you do not, I will have you fetched and dragged through the streets like dogs to face me.” He released the man with a shove towards the palace guards who could escort them off the premises, staring after the pair in disbelief before he turned toward the Princess Xene’s guard, giving the man a speculative look. Achilleas did not know much of the man, he was a relatively new face around the Palati, but still, he gave him a nod before turning on his heel to return to court.
The Lord Mikaelidas was still seething when he re-entered the great hall, and he took a measure of the room to try and gauge the level of disruption the little drama had caused, before he looked for Theodora. Finding his betrothed not far from where he had left her, Achilleas paused as he was about to take a step toward her.
The Colchian Crown Prince was beside her, his head bent towards hers in a manner a little too close for casual acquaintance, and then the man straightened, smiled at Theodora which would usually mean little if it weren't for the fact that Achilleas could not recall ever having seen the man smile in the time he had known him. His eyes narrowed, and there was an unfamiliar feeling in his gut. Jealousy? Insecurity? He did not know what name to give it, but it was unwelcome nonetheless. For a moment longer he was still, and then he had crossed the room, forgetting his intent to update the Princess on their troublesome guests, in what suddenly felt like a pressing need to get back to the side of his betrothed.
When he did so, there was a false lightness to his tone as he addressed Vangelis, and his smile was pleasant but did not quite reach his eyes. “Your Highness. I did not know you were still with us. How fortunate that you did not miss seeing our foreign friends.”. Had he not just seen what he had seen, Achilleas would have been glad of the presence of the grim faced General. He had respect for the man, both as a warrior and in his seeming no nonsense persona, a thing Achilleas found easier to manage that those who spoke in circles all the time. But, to his surprise, the Lord Mikaelidas found himself altogether less comfortable with the Crown Prince of Colchis hovering solicitously around Theodora.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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There were many things he could attribute his bad mood to. Lack of sleep after worrying over Theodora’s words the night before, the unfortunate attempt at speaking with his Father and subsequent inglorious dismissal, this Egyptian embassy, Nikos of Condos and his smarmy attempts to ingratiate himself with Irakles.
The list could go on.
All of which Achilleas attempted to cast from his mind as he followed Theodora back inside, his hand resting on the small of her back though he could feel her tense beneath his touch. He could attribute that to his inability to say the right thing it would seem, but he plastered on an amiable expression anyway, his father’s words ringing in his ears. It would not do to have them both return with faces like thunder.
Inside, it seemed as though their esteemed guest was mingling as he had expressed a wont to do, though Achilleas was hard pressed to suppress an eye roll as he saw his father introducing Meena of all people.
“Has he no decency” he muttered, glaring daggers at the man for a moment before he caught himself and looked away. Instinctively he sought out his mother, as if he could find some way to shield her from this further indignity.
He had not yet located her amongst the throngs of people, however, before his attention was drawn to raised voices, and the Lord Mikaeildas frowned at the brashness of the two men, the expression only settling more resolutely as he caught the tail end of their conversation, if it could be termed such.
Wine soaked fools. They forgot themselves and where they were, and Achilleas’ gaze moved sharply from them to locate the Sirdar once again, wary of what echoes of the men’s words he might have caught. That he was far enough away to have missed them was a relief, but not one that should have been necessary, and Achilleas’ hand had already fallen from Theo’s back as he prepared to go and intervene when things escalated.
A misguided shove and unsteady feet was all it took, setting in motion a chain of events that moved the uncouth argument to something less containable. There was a shriek that broke through the music and chatter, and a fountain of the Condos’ finest red showering all over young Nana Leventi and the Princess Gianna. Achilleas cringed and exchanged a look with Theo, forgetting their disagreement of earlier in a shared concern at how exactly her younger sister might react to being so doused in claret.
They were lucky perhaps that the Princess Xene was so quick to make it to the scene, and Achilleas did not hesitate in responding to her call, handing off his own cup of wine to Theodora as he went. In the time it took long strides to carry him over to the Princesses’ side, the idiots responsible were already being harangued by a bedraggled looking Nana of Leventi. And whilst the Lord looked pained at the shrillness of her voice as she berated the men, he could hardly blame her, and so was less that gentle in the hold he took upon the arm of one of the perpetrators. There was some recognition but neither of the nobles were men he knew well - unsurprising as Achilleas did not tolerate fools gladly, and these two had proven themselves that if nothing else. His face was flinty as he firmly walked the man toward the door, taking a moment to appreciate the ignominy of finding himself demoted to the role of guard, a fact that fed his irritation when he began to speak upon exiting the court chamber.
“You have successfully disgraced yourselves and this House” Achilleas said, quietly but with a grimness that belied his opinion of their conduct. “ And whatever idiocy possesses you to speak of what is sensitive information so flagrantly before a foreign embassy I cannot fathom.” He pulled the man he walked with to a halt, looking between the two Lords. “ I suggest you sober up and then find some suitable words of apology to account for yourselves.” He slid a sideways glance at Heron. “...to the Princess Xene. And you can present yourselves to me two days hence, at the archontiko Mikaelidas.”
He was angry, but it was wasted on the men as they were, so the Lord would save his wrath for when it could be better appreciated. “ And if you do not, I will have you fetched and dragged through the streets like dogs to face me.” He released the man with a shove towards the palace guards who could escort them off the premises, staring after the pair in disbelief before he turned toward the Princess Xene’s guard, giving the man a speculative look. Achilleas did not know much of the man, he was a relatively new face around the Palati, but still, he gave him a nod before turning on his heel to return to court.
The Lord Mikaelidas was still seething when he re-entered the great hall, and he took a measure of the room to try and gauge the level of disruption the little drama had caused, before he looked for Theodora. Finding his betrothed not far from where he had left her, Achilleas paused as he was about to take a step toward her.
The Colchian Crown Prince was beside her, his head bent towards hers in a manner a little too close for casual acquaintance, and then the man straightened, smiled at Theodora which would usually mean little if it weren't for the fact that Achilleas could not recall ever having seen the man smile in the time he had known him. His eyes narrowed, and there was an unfamiliar feeling in his gut. Jealousy? Insecurity? He did not know what name to give it, but it was unwelcome nonetheless. For a moment longer he was still, and then he had crossed the room, forgetting his intent to update the Princess on their troublesome guests, in what suddenly felt like a pressing need to get back to the side of his betrothed.
When he did so, there was a false lightness to his tone as he addressed Vangelis, and his smile was pleasant but did not quite reach his eyes. “Your Highness. I did not know you were still with us. How fortunate that you did not miss seeing our foreign friends.”. Had he not just seen what he had seen, Achilleas would have been glad of the presence of the grim faced General. He had respect for the man, both as a warrior and in his seeming no nonsense persona, a thing Achilleas found easier to manage that those who spoke in circles all the time. But, to his surprise, the Lord Mikaelidas found himself altogether less comfortable with the Crown Prince of Colchis hovering solicitously around Theodora.
There were many things he could attribute his bad mood to. Lack of sleep after worrying over Theodora’s words the night before, the unfortunate attempt at speaking with his Father and subsequent inglorious dismissal, this Egyptian embassy, Nikos of Condos and his smarmy attempts to ingratiate himself with Irakles.
The list could go on.
All of which Achilleas attempted to cast from his mind as he followed Theodora back inside, his hand resting on the small of her back though he could feel her tense beneath his touch. He could attribute that to his inability to say the right thing it would seem, but he plastered on an amiable expression anyway, his father’s words ringing in his ears. It would not do to have them both return with faces like thunder.
Inside, it seemed as though their esteemed guest was mingling as he had expressed a wont to do, though Achilleas was hard pressed to suppress an eye roll as he saw his father introducing Meena of all people.
“Has he no decency” he muttered, glaring daggers at the man for a moment before he caught himself and looked away. Instinctively he sought out his mother, as if he could find some way to shield her from this further indignity.
He had not yet located her amongst the throngs of people, however, before his attention was drawn to raised voices, and the Lord Mikaeildas frowned at the brashness of the two men, the expression only settling more resolutely as he caught the tail end of their conversation, if it could be termed such.
Wine soaked fools. They forgot themselves and where they were, and Achilleas’ gaze moved sharply from them to locate the Sirdar once again, wary of what echoes of the men’s words he might have caught. That he was far enough away to have missed them was a relief, but not one that should have been necessary, and Achilleas’ hand had already fallen from Theo’s back as he prepared to go and intervene when things escalated.
A misguided shove and unsteady feet was all it took, setting in motion a chain of events that moved the uncouth argument to something less containable. There was a shriek that broke through the music and chatter, and a fountain of the Condos’ finest red showering all over young Nana Leventi and the Princess Gianna. Achilleas cringed and exchanged a look with Theo, forgetting their disagreement of earlier in a shared concern at how exactly her younger sister might react to being so doused in claret.
They were lucky perhaps that the Princess Xene was so quick to make it to the scene, and Achilleas did not hesitate in responding to her call, handing off his own cup of wine to Theodora as he went. In the time it took long strides to carry him over to the Princesses’ side, the idiots responsible were already being harangued by a bedraggled looking Nana of Leventi. And whilst the Lord looked pained at the shrillness of her voice as she berated the men, he could hardly blame her, and so was less that gentle in the hold he took upon the arm of one of the perpetrators. There was some recognition but neither of the nobles were men he knew well - unsurprising as Achilleas did not tolerate fools gladly, and these two had proven themselves that if nothing else. His face was flinty as he firmly walked the man toward the door, taking a moment to appreciate the ignominy of finding himself demoted to the role of guard, a fact that fed his irritation when he began to speak upon exiting the court chamber.
“You have successfully disgraced yourselves and this House” Achilleas said, quietly but with a grimness that belied his opinion of their conduct. “ And whatever idiocy possesses you to speak of what is sensitive information so flagrantly before a foreign embassy I cannot fathom.” He pulled the man he walked with to a halt, looking between the two Lords. “ I suggest you sober up and then find some suitable words of apology to account for yourselves.” He slid a sideways glance at Heron. “...to the Princess Xene. And you can present yourselves to me two days hence, at the archontiko Mikaelidas.”
He was angry, but it was wasted on the men as they were, so the Lord would save his wrath for when it could be better appreciated. “ And if you do not, I will have you fetched and dragged through the streets like dogs to face me.” He released the man with a shove towards the palace guards who could escort them off the premises, staring after the pair in disbelief before he turned toward the Princess Xene’s guard, giving the man a speculative look. Achilleas did not know much of the man, he was a relatively new face around the Palati, but still, he gave him a nod before turning on his heel to return to court.
The Lord Mikaelidas was still seething when he re-entered the great hall, and he took a measure of the room to try and gauge the level of disruption the little drama had caused, before he looked for Theodora. Finding his betrothed not far from where he had left her, Achilleas paused as he was about to take a step toward her.
The Colchian Crown Prince was beside her, his head bent towards hers in a manner a little too close for casual acquaintance, and then the man straightened, smiled at Theodora which would usually mean little if it weren't for the fact that Achilleas could not recall ever having seen the man smile in the time he had known him. His eyes narrowed, and there was an unfamiliar feeling in his gut. Jealousy? Insecurity? He did not know what name to give it, but it was unwelcome nonetheless. For a moment longer he was still, and then he had crossed the room, forgetting his intent to update the Princess on their troublesome guests, in what suddenly felt like a pressing need to get back to the side of his betrothed.
When he did so, there was a false lightness to his tone as he addressed Vangelis, and his smile was pleasant but did not quite reach his eyes. “Your Highness. I did not know you were still with us. How fortunate that you did not miss seeing our foreign friends.”. Had he not just seen what he had seen, Achilleas would have been glad of the presence of the grim faced General. He had respect for the man, both as a warrior and in his seeming no nonsense persona, a thing Achilleas found easier to manage that those who spoke in circles all the time. But, to his surprise, the Lord Mikaelidas found himself altogether less comfortable with the Crown Prince of Colchis hovering solicitously around Theodora.
The gods were listening tonight. No sooner had Basilides asked Lady Nana to allow him to present his thanks to the host of the court for the night did Princess Xene and Princess Gianna step into their small circle. There was a bright smile curling across his face, much like a cat who got the cream, when Princess Xene said his name. The past several weeks following the disbanding of the troupe and his subsequent severance with Zephyrus had been some of the most trying times in his life. Rejoining his family's trade and re-establishing these connections was simply a fact of life. However, he had to admit that he did not see himself standing here, surrounded by nobles and royals. For the briefest of moments he sent up a thanks to his patron god for his good fortune. Somehow, somewere along the line, he must have done something right.
"Your Highness," he crooned, gracefully bowing deeply then raising to his full height once again, "It is a charge I always accept willingly, as taxing as it may be at times." He voice was all teasing a mirth. He could not help it and it did not seem to offend, as he followed it with a grin at Lady Nana. After the brief exchange, he returned a second bow to Princess Gianna, noting that he had not ever formally been introduced.
"I have not, but I am overjoyed to remedy that now. Basilides of Acaris with the Merchants Guild of Taengea, your charmed and humble servant, Princess."
No sooner had he bowed and raised did Lady Nana move to display her dress for the night. It was difficult for Basilides to contain the slightly smug expression on his face - it was one of the finest pieces he found among his parents collections and he knew it had to return with him to Midas in order to re-establish himself as a man of means for those who had the means to afford it. As she mentioned him offering it as a gift, he simply inclined his head slightly at Princess Gianna, his hands behind his back formally as she twirled.
During this, Basilides could not help but hear raised voices behind where they stood and glanced over his shoulder to see two noblemen quarreling. It was odd, but the ladies before him did not seem to give much thought to hit. He was not well versed enough to interfere by any means, so he turned to face the ladies again.
Once the display was done, Basilides had hoped to express that he was to make a voyage to Judea to obtain more, if the ladies were interested in such things. However, Princess Xene excuse herself swiftly, apparently summoned from across the room. A hostess' duties are never done, even for smaller affairs. Despite Prince Irakles taking the lead with the Egyptian envoy, he was a guest at the permission of Princess Xene's court.
Everything happened so quickly.
Bas turned his head just quickly enough at the sound of the scuffle behind him to see the shocking silver glint of a tray flying through the air, as well as the unmistakable glisten of wine arcing through the air and along Nana of Leventi's backside. Time seemed to stand still as he watched his friend's eyes go wide and she stood stock still for a moment, his own mouth gaping open in a silent gasp. He was just as shocked as those around him when she released her shock and frustration in an ear-piercing shriek.
There was nothing he could do as she removed her hold from his arm, and he felt as though he swallowed a rock as she saw the gorgeous lilac of her gown bleed crimson through the pleats. The weight of the liquid soaking into the fabric caused the shape of the gown to change, clinging indecently to her hips and thighs instead of fluttering around like the wings of a butterfly.
Princess Xene's voice silenced the room and her order was made clearly as Basilides saw the guards approaching. As the took hold of the men, Lady Nana had taken a moment to compose herself - or so he thought - to address them for this incident. Bas could not help but notice the terrified looking servant on the ground, himself drenched head to toe and sitting surrounded by his mess, one that was not entirely his fault but he would catch the full blame for based on his birth and station.
Basilides reached down to help the servant up, murmuring closely to him, "You may want to get out of here before she's done..."
As Lady Nana's voice grew and grew in volume and tone, the servant's eyes widened and he cleared out quickly. Moving back to standing, Bas immediately started to unclasp the fibulae at his shoulder, releasing his pale green chlamys from around his shoulders and swiftly standing before Nana as she turned to him and the men were escorted away. In a flutter, he took his chlamys and draped it over her shoulders delicately, more than aware of the eyes upon them. Midway through his motion, he glanced to see Princess Gianna also affected by the wine, though moreso on her front-side than scandalously on her rear like the Leventi noble. Lady Dorothea seemed to have dodged it entirely, for which he was grateful. Much like most men who wore clothes like normal people in Greece, he only wore one chlamys at a time.
Internally groaning, he tried to shake off his second-guessing, doing what he believed to be a noble thing by trying to protect the young woman's decency from further embarrassment. There was a fine line to toe as a guest of a noble but not being of noble birth, of familiarity between friendship and that which could cause conversations. Life was much easier when things were just simple, business transactions and less of....this.
Still, he could see his friend's eyes as they brimmed with tears that she was embarrassed and furious beyond words. The fact that she had fallen silent was both a good and terrible thing, as there was no telling what would set her off next. He placed his hand very delicately on her shoulder, almost as if to just keep his chlamys in place around her and shielding the worst of the stain from the world, and he tried to think of words that could comfort her. Out of the corner of her eye, he saw with some relief that Lady Evelli and Lady Selene were approaching, likely to take care of her in a way that would be far more appropriate.
He wished above wishes that he knew the right thing to say in that moment or to offer her some form or sign of comfort, but even though Hesiodos had restarted the music and the murmuring began across the room, there were too many eyes for comfort here. It was uncomfortable to be there, with just one hand on a shoulder, offering his arm in one sense as he awaited for her family to come help her.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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The gods were listening tonight. No sooner had Basilides asked Lady Nana to allow him to present his thanks to the host of the court for the night did Princess Xene and Princess Gianna step into their small circle. There was a bright smile curling across his face, much like a cat who got the cream, when Princess Xene said his name. The past several weeks following the disbanding of the troupe and his subsequent severance with Zephyrus had been some of the most trying times in his life. Rejoining his family's trade and re-establishing these connections was simply a fact of life. However, he had to admit that he did not see himself standing here, surrounded by nobles and royals. For the briefest of moments he sent up a thanks to his patron god for his good fortune. Somehow, somewere along the line, he must have done something right.
"Your Highness," he crooned, gracefully bowing deeply then raising to his full height once again, "It is a charge I always accept willingly, as taxing as it may be at times." He voice was all teasing a mirth. He could not help it and it did not seem to offend, as he followed it with a grin at Lady Nana. After the brief exchange, he returned a second bow to Princess Gianna, noting that he had not ever formally been introduced.
"I have not, but I am overjoyed to remedy that now. Basilides of Acaris with the Merchants Guild of Taengea, your charmed and humble servant, Princess."
No sooner had he bowed and raised did Lady Nana move to display her dress for the night. It was difficult for Basilides to contain the slightly smug expression on his face - it was one of the finest pieces he found among his parents collections and he knew it had to return with him to Midas in order to re-establish himself as a man of means for those who had the means to afford it. As she mentioned him offering it as a gift, he simply inclined his head slightly at Princess Gianna, his hands behind his back formally as she twirled.
During this, Basilides could not help but hear raised voices behind where they stood and glanced over his shoulder to see two noblemen quarreling. It was odd, but the ladies before him did not seem to give much thought to hit. He was not well versed enough to interfere by any means, so he turned to face the ladies again.
Once the display was done, Basilides had hoped to express that he was to make a voyage to Judea to obtain more, if the ladies were interested in such things. However, Princess Xene excuse herself swiftly, apparently summoned from across the room. A hostess' duties are never done, even for smaller affairs. Despite Prince Irakles taking the lead with the Egyptian envoy, he was a guest at the permission of Princess Xene's court.
Everything happened so quickly.
Bas turned his head just quickly enough at the sound of the scuffle behind him to see the shocking silver glint of a tray flying through the air, as well as the unmistakable glisten of wine arcing through the air and along Nana of Leventi's backside. Time seemed to stand still as he watched his friend's eyes go wide and she stood stock still for a moment, his own mouth gaping open in a silent gasp. He was just as shocked as those around him when she released her shock and frustration in an ear-piercing shriek.
There was nothing he could do as she removed her hold from his arm, and he felt as though he swallowed a rock as she saw the gorgeous lilac of her gown bleed crimson through the pleats. The weight of the liquid soaking into the fabric caused the shape of the gown to change, clinging indecently to her hips and thighs instead of fluttering around like the wings of a butterfly.
Princess Xene's voice silenced the room and her order was made clearly as Basilides saw the guards approaching. As the took hold of the men, Lady Nana had taken a moment to compose herself - or so he thought - to address them for this incident. Bas could not help but notice the terrified looking servant on the ground, himself drenched head to toe and sitting surrounded by his mess, one that was not entirely his fault but he would catch the full blame for based on his birth and station.
Basilides reached down to help the servant up, murmuring closely to him, "You may want to get out of here before she's done..."
As Lady Nana's voice grew and grew in volume and tone, the servant's eyes widened and he cleared out quickly. Moving back to standing, Bas immediately started to unclasp the fibulae at his shoulder, releasing his pale green chlamys from around his shoulders and swiftly standing before Nana as she turned to him and the men were escorted away. In a flutter, he took his chlamys and draped it over her shoulders delicately, more than aware of the eyes upon them. Midway through his motion, he glanced to see Princess Gianna also affected by the wine, though moreso on her front-side than scandalously on her rear like the Leventi noble. Lady Dorothea seemed to have dodged it entirely, for which he was grateful. Much like most men who wore clothes like normal people in Greece, he only wore one chlamys at a time.
Internally groaning, he tried to shake off his second-guessing, doing what he believed to be a noble thing by trying to protect the young woman's decency from further embarrassment. There was a fine line to toe as a guest of a noble but not being of noble birth, of familiarity between friendship and that which could cause conversations. Life was much easier when things were just simple, business transactions and less of....this.
Still, he could see his friend's eyes as they brimmed with tears that she was embarrassed and furious beyond words. The fact that she had fallen silent was both a good and terrible thing, as there was no telling what would set her off next. He placed his hand very delicately on her shoulder, almost as if to just keep his chlamys in place around her and shielding the worst of the stain from the world, and he tried to think of words that could comfort her. Out of the corner of her eye, he saw with some relief that Lady Evelli and Lady Selene were approaching, likely to take care of her in a way that would be far more appropriate.
He wished above wishes that he knew the right thing to say in that moment or to offer her some form or sign of comfort, but even though Hesiodos had restarted the music and the murmuring began across the room, there were too many eyes for comfort here. It was uncomfortable to be there, with just one hand on a shoulder, offering his arm in one sense as he awaited for her family to come help her.
The gods were listening tonight. No sooner had Basilides asked Lady Nana to allow him to present his thanks to the host of the court for the night did Princess Xene and Princess Gianna step into their small circle. There was a bright smile curling across his face, much like a cat who got the cream, when Princess Xene said his name. The past several weeks following the disbanding of the troupe and his subsequent severance with Zephyrus had been some of the most trying times in his life. Rejoining his family's trade and re-establishing these connections was simply a fact of life. However, he had to admit that he did not see himself standing here, surrounded by nobles and royals. For the briefest of moments he sent up a thanks to his patron god for his good fortune. Somehow, somewere along the line, he must have done something right.
"Your Highness," he crooned, gracefully bowing deeply then raising to his full height once again, "It is a charge I always accept willingly, as taxing as it may be at times." He voice was all teasing a mirth. He could not help it and it did not seem to offend, as he followed it with a grin at Lady Nana. After the brief exchange, he returned a second bow to Princess Gianna, noting that he had not ever formally been introduced.
"I have not, but I am overjoyed to remedy that now. Basilides of Acaris with the Merchants Guild of Taengea, your charmed and humble servant, Princess."
No sooner had he bowed and raised did Lady Nana move to display her dress for the night. It was difficult for Basilides to contain the slightly smug expression on his face - it was one of the finest pieces he found among his parents collections and he knew it had to return with him to Midas in order to re-establish himself as a man of means for those who had the means to afford it. As she mentioned him offering it as a gift, he simply inclined his head slightly at Princess Gianna, his hands behind his back formally as she twirled.
During this, Basilides could not help but hear raised voices behind where they stood and glanced over his shoulder to see two noblemen quarreling. It was odd, but the ladies before him did not seem to give much thought to hit. He was not well versed enough to interfere by any means, so he turned to face the ladies again.
Once the display was done, Basilides had hoped to express that he was to make a voyage to Judea to obtain more, if the ladies were interested in such things. However, Princess Xene excuse herself swiftly, apparently summoned from across the room. A hostess' duties are never done, even for smaller affairs. Despite Prince Irakles taking the lead with the Egyptian envoy, he was a guest at the permission of Princess Xene's court.
Everything happened so quickly.
Bas turned his head just quickly enough at the sound of the scuffle behind him to see the shocking silver glint of a tray flying through the air, as well as the unmistakable glisten of wine arcing through the air and along Nana of Leventi's backside. Time seemed to stand still as he watched his friend's eyes go wide and she stood stock still for a moment, his own mouth gaping open in a silent gasp. He was just as shocked as those around him when she released her shock and frustration in an ear-piercing shriek.
There was nothing he could do as she removed her hold from his arm, and he felt as though he swallowed a rock as she saw the gorgeous lilac of her gown bleed crimson through the pleats. The weight of the liquid soaking into the fabric caused the shape of the gown to change, clinging indecently to her hips and thighs instead of fluttering around like the wings of a butterfly.
Princess Xene's voice silenced the room and her order was made clearly as Basilides saw the guards approaching. As the took hold of the men, Lady Nana had taken a moment to compose herself - or so he thought - to address them for this incident. Bas could not help but notice the terrified looking servant on the ground, himself drenched head to toe and sitting surrounded by his mess, one that was not entirely his fault but he would catch the full blame for based on his birth and station.
Basilides reached down to help the servant up, murmuring closely to him, "You may want to get out of here before she's done..."
As Lady Nana's voice grew and grew in volume and tone, the servant's eyes widened and he cleared out quickly. Moving back to standing, Bas immediately started to unclasp the fibulae at his shoulder, releasing his pale green chlamys from around his shoulders and swiftly standing before Nana as she turned to him and the men were escorted away. In a flutter, he took his chlamys and draped it over her shoulders delicately, more than aware of the eyes upon them. Midway through his motion, he glanced to see Princess Gianna also affected by the wine, though moreso on her front-side than scandalously on her rear like the Leventi noble. Lady Dorothea seemed to have dodged it entirely, for which he was grateful. Much like most men who wore clothes like normal people in Greece, he only wore one chlamys at a time.
Internally groaning, he tried to shake off his second-guessing, doing what he believed to be a noble thing by trying to protect the young woman's decency from further embarrassment. There was a fine line to toe as a guest of a noble but not being of noble birth, of familiarity between friendship and that which could cause conversations. Life was much easier when things were just simple, business transactions and less of....this.
Still, he could see his friend's eyes as they brimmed with tears that she was embarrassed and furious beyond words. The fact that she had fallen silent was both a good and terrible thing, as there was no telling what would set her off next. He placed his hand very delicately on her shoulder, almost as if to just keep his chlamys in place around her and shielding the worst of the stain from the world, and he tried to think of words that could comfort her. Out of the corner of her eye, he saw with some relief that Lady Evelli and Lady Selene were approaching, likely to take care of her in a way that would be far more appropriate.
He wished above wishes that he knew the right thing to say in that moment or to offer her some form or sign of comfort, but even though Hesiodos had restarted the music and the murmuring began across the room, there were too many eyes for comfort here. It was uncomfortable to be there, with just one hand on a shoulder, offering his arm in one sense as he awaited for her family to come help her.
She knew her youngest simply wanted to assist her cousin, but to have a lord pointedly wander away from them was unbecoming, and Evelli couldn't say she was entirely pleased. Yet one look at Evangelina was enough to tell Evelli her young niece was not herself. Allowing the gentle Lord Gavriil to lead her away with a mental note to speak to her brother-in-law regarding Evangelina at a later date, she turned back to Imma, her wound up face melting into a soft smile as she nodded to Imma's quiet sigh. She likely did not mean it, but in a crush of this magnitude, not wandering would perhaps be the best course of action.
The next moment however, Evelli found herself caught by surprise, her only - short term - warning was her husband approaching her, before the next thing she knew, Evelli found herself face to face with the Egyptian Sirdar himself. Quick to ensure Imma was ready at least, the woman nudged her daughter forward as the current acting King of the kingdom introduce her daughter after she had given her own respectful curtsy next to Georgios's bow at the Sirdar. Not having noticed Lady Meena approach them, Evelli also gave a respectful bow to the lady of teh court. While she was of no noble birth, no royal or noble of any worth would dare offend her, for with friends like Lady Eirini, and a lover like Prince Irakles (for the knowledge wasn't exactly secret, though no one spoke of it), Lady Meena was a commendable force to be reckoned with.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Sirdar, as well as yourself, Lady Imeeya." she murmured, allowing the translator she had noticed hanging in the shadows to step forward and translate should it be necessary. Evelli knew of no coptic, so she did not bother trying, and merely spoke in her mother tongue. She noted a dark haired male standing just behind the shoulder of the Colchian royal lady, but did not make a move to address him as she did not know who he was for now. Instead, she swung her gaze back to the Egyptian to continue, "Your presence would-" But before the woman could finish her phrase, the next thing she knew, an ear splitting scream rent through the air, and all eyes turned to the direction of the sound.
And Evelli's heart dropped to her feet.
Nana.
Exchanging a look with Georgios as the way her daughter had reacted made it obvious that, at the very least to her fourth born, it was no light manner, Evelli muttered quick apologies to the Sirdar, murmuring at Imma to stay with her father and the Egyptian delegate, before picking up her chiton's and hurrying as quick as she could to the side of Nana, weaving through the crush of bodies all eager to see what had happened. While she was too far to see just yet, Evelli had to wince when whispers began to start over how her daughter was berating a servant in front of public eye, and made a mental note to have some serious words with her daughter upon their return home.
By the time she got to the front where Nana would be, Evelli was just in time to see a figure she knew as Basilides swinging a green himation over what she briefly glimpsed as a soaked chiton that Nana now wore. The red liquid puddling around her feet was enough for the female to know it was wine that had spilled over, and from the way things looked, it was no small amount either. That Nana had merely shrieked surprised Evelli, for she had half expected her daugter to come marching over ordering her to have whoever it was responsible to be hanged, but as things stood, Evelli was quick to give a nod of thanks to the young men, and hurried over to Nana's side, using her own body to shield her daughter's once she's seen the glimmer and sheen of unshed tears in her eyes.
"Princess Gianna, perhaps we could go together and get both yourself and my daughter a change of outfits? Wine is not a good color on anyone, I'm afraid." she tried her hand with a smile, curtsying respectfully before turning to Basilides. "Thank you, Basilides. Your help is much appreciated, I assure you. Would you be so kind as to escort Lady Dorothea for now, whilst we leave to change?" With the most respectful of ways, as expected of one well versed in the ways of court, Evelli swiftly took up Basilides's hands at holding up the chlamys covering Nana, and then turned to ensure Gianna was under her proverbial mother hen wings as well, before shuffling the two ladies who needed a wardrobe change out of the way
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Check out their information page here.
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She knew her youngest simply wanted to assist her cousin, but to have a lord pointedly wander away from them was unbecoming, and Evelli couldn't say she was entirely pleased. Yet one look at Evangelina was enough to tell Evelli her young niece was not herself. Allowing the gentle Lord Gavriil to lead her away with a mental note to speak to her brother-in-law regarding Evangelina at a later date, she turned back to Imma, her wound up face melting into a soft smile as she nodded to Imma's quiet sigh. She likely did not mean it, but in a crush of this magnitude, not wandering would perhaps be the best course of action.
The next moment however, Evelli found herself caught by surprise, her only - short term - warning was her husband approaching her, before the next thing she knew, Evelli found herself face to face with the Egyptian Sirdar himself. Quick to ensure Imma was ready at least, the woman nudged her daughter forward as the current acting King of the kingdom introduce her daughter after she had given her own respectful curtsy next to Georgios's bow at the Sirdar. Not having noticed Lady Meena approach them, Evelli also gave a respectful bow to the lady of teh court. While she was of no noble birth, no royal or noble of any worth would dare offend her, for with friends like Lady Eirini, and a lover like Prince Irakles (for the knowledge wasn't exactly secret, though no one spoke of it), Lady Meena was a commendable force to be reckoned with.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Sirdar, as well as yourself, Lady Imeeya." she murmured, allowing the translator she had noticed hanging in the shadows to step forward and translate should it be necessary. Evelli knew of no coptic, so she did not bother trying, and merely spoke in her mother tongue. She noted a dark haired male standing just behind the shoulder of the Colchian royal lady, but did not make a move to address him as she did not know who he was for now. Instead, she swung her gaze back to the Egyptian to continue, "Your presence would-" But before the woman could finish her phrase, the next thing she knew, an ear splitting scream rent through the air, and all eyes turned to the direction of the sound.
And Evelli's heart dropped to her feet.
Nana.
Exchanging a look with Georgios as the way her daughter had reacted made it obvious that, at the very least to her fourth born, it was no light manner, Evelli muttered quick apologies to the Sirdar, murmuring at Imma to stay with her father and the Egyptian delegate, before picking up her chiton's and hurrying as quick as she could to the side of Nana, weaving through the crush of bodies all eager to see what had happened. While she was too far to see just yet, Evelli had to wince when whispers began to start over how her daughter was berating a servant in front of public eye, and made a mental note to have some serious words with her daughter upon their return home.
By the time she got to the front where Nana would be, Evelli was just in time to see a figure she knew as Basilides swinging a green himation over what she briefly glimpsed as a soaked chiton that Nana now wore. The red liquid puddling around her feet was enough for the female to know it was wine that had spilled over, and from the way things looked, it was no small amount either. That Nana had merely shrieked surprised Evelli, for she had half expected her daugter to come marching over ordering her to have whoever it was responsible to be hanged, but as things stood, Evelli was quick to give a nod of thanks to the young men, and hurried over to Nana's side, using her own body to shield her daughter's once she's seen the glimmer and sheen of unshed tears in her eyes.
"Princess Gianna, perhaps we could go together and get both yourself and my daughter a change of outfits? Wine is not a good color on anyone, I'm afraid." she tried her hand with a smile, curtsying respectfully before turning to Basilides. "Thank you, Basilides. Your help is much appreciated, I assure you. Would you be so kind as to escort Lady Dorothea for now, whilst we leave to change?" With the most respectful of ways, as expected of one well versed in the ways of court, Evelli swiftly took up Basilides's hands at holding up the chlamys covering Nana, and then turned to ensure Gianna was under her proverbial mother hen wings as well, before shuffling the two ladies who needed a wardrobe change out of the way
She knew her youngest simply wanted to assist her cousin, but to have a lord pointedly wander away from them was unbecoming, and Evelli couldn't say she was entirely pleased. Yet one look at Evangelina was enough to tell Evelli her young niece was not herself. Allowing the gentle Lord Gavriil to lead her away with a mental note to speak to her brother-in-law regarding Evangelina at a later date, she turned back to Imma, her wound up face melting into a soft smile as she nodded to Imma's quiet sigh. She likely did not mean it, but in a crush of this magnitude, not wandering would perhaps be the best course of action.
The next moment however, Evelli found herself caught by surprise, her only - short term - warning was her husband approaching her, before the next thing she knew, Evelli found herself face to face with the Egyptian Sirdar himself. Quick to ensure Imma was ready at least, the woman nudged her daughter forward as the current acting King of the kingdom introduce her daughter after she had given her own respectful curtsy next to Georgios's bow at the Sirdar. Not having noticed Lady Meena approach them, Evelli also gave a respectful bow to the lady of teh court. While she was of no noble birth, no royal or noble of any worth would dare offend her, for with friends like Lady Eirini, and a lover like Prince Irakles (for the knowledge wasn't exactly secret, though no one spoke of it), Lady Meena was a commendable force to be reckoned with.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Sirdar, as well as yourself, Lady Imeeya." she murmured, allowing the translator she had noticed hanging in the shadows to step forward and translate should it be necessary. Evelli knew of no coptic, so she did not bother trying, and merely spoke in her mother tongue. She noted a dark haired male standing just behind the shoulder of the Colchian royal lady, but did not make a move to address him as she did not know who he was for now. Instead, she swung her gaze back to the Egyptian to continue, "Your presence would-" But before the woman could finish her phrase, the next thing she knew, an ear splitting scream rent through the air, and all eyes turned to the direction of the sound.
And Evelli's heart dropped to her feet.
Nana.
Exchanging a look with Georgios as the way her daughter had reacted made it obvious that, at the very least to her fourth born, it was no light manner, Evelli muttered quick apologies to the Sirdar, murmuring at Imma to stay with her father and the Egyptian delegate, before picking up her chiton's and hurrying as quick as she could to the side of Nana, weaving through the crush of bodies all eager to see what had happened. While she was too far to see just yet, Evelli had to wince when whispers began to start over how her daughter was berating a servant in front of public eye, and made a mental note to have some serious words with her daughter upon their return home.
By the time she got to the front where Nana would be, Evelli was just in time to see a figure she knew as Basilides swinging a green himation over what she briefly glimpsed as a soaked chiton that Nana now wore. The red liquid puddling around her feet was enough for the female to know it was wine that had spilled over, and from the way things looked, it was no small amount either. That Nana had merely shrieked surprised Evelli, for she had half expected her daugter to come marching over ordering her to have whoever it was responsible to be hanged, but as things stood, Evelli was quick to give a nod of thanks to the young men, and hurried over to Nana's side, using her own body to shield her daughter's once she's seen the glimmer and sheen of unshed tears in her eyes.
"Princess Gianna, perhaps we could go together and get both yourself and my daughter a change of outfits? Wine is not a good color on anyone, I'm afraid." she tried her hand with a smile, curtsying respectfully before turning to Basilides. "Thank you, Basilides. Your help is much appreciated, I assure you. Would you be so kind as to escort Lady Dorothea for now, whilst we leave to change?" With the most respectful of ways, as expected of one well versed in the ways of court, Evelli swiftly took up Basilides's hands at holding up the chlamys covering Nana, and then turned to ensure Gianna was under her proverbial mother hen wings as well, before shuffling the two ladies who needed a wardrobe change out of the way
With all that had happened in the short time she’d been there, Imma was beginning to truly wonder if she would have perhaps been better off staying home. As certain as her mother had been that she was ready, she wasn’t convinced. Nothing had worked out as she intended so far. Though to be fair the night had really only just begun. Nevertheless making so many foolish mistakes right from the start did not bode entirely well for the remainder of her evening. Thankfully her mother did not press the issue any further. If she had then the hint of tears that had begun to build into a glassy case about her eyes might have truly sprung free. As it were she had time to gather herself as her father stepped up to distract her mother. It was a short lived moment of course as her father’s arrival had been a precursor to a far more significant approach.
The nudge her mother gave her earned a momentary glance of befuddlement before her dark eyes found their way toward the group that had caused her to initiate the gesture. A flit of her long lashes snapped her from her surprise in an instant. Following her mother’s lead she curtsied when appropriate, paying each member of the group the suitable respect. The only real difference was that she did not immediately greet them as she was not the first introduced. The honor was her mother’s to have, which ensured that Imma remained relatively quiet as her mother took the lead. As she exchanged pleasantries Imma allowed her attention to move fluidly between them. Imeeya she had met once before at the temple. Seeing her again earned the softest of smiles, though she noted the girl’s gaze dropping in what seemed frustration. The urge to try and fix the situation brewed within her once more but she kept herself bound to a still quiet. The last time she had tried to help it had all but ruined everything.
The shriek broke her thought process and tore her eyes away in the direction of the loud commotion. Seeing who was responsible made her jaw go slack and her eyes widen. Before her mother spoke she already knew what was about to happen. The panic in her mind was buzzing like a hive of bees, too many thoughts flying in every possible direction. Imma wanted to reach out and grab her mother and tell her not to go but she knew better. Nana would need help and she was just going to have to figure out how to behave without making an utter fool of herself. That of course was much easier said than done when you were not in a state of panic. The physical aspects of her part were through. With the curtsy past she had to now rely on her voice and her voice alone to carry the situation. Goddess help her she was about to make a grand fool of herself.
Lifting her gaze upward to meet Osorsen’s eyes she looked a bit like a puppy. Adorable without question, harmless as could be, and most importantly new to the world she found herself in. All she had to do was follow her mother’s lead, right? That had been the advice she’d been given. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Sirdar.” The second she said it she felt as though it sounded somehow off. While the words were right they simply felt disingenuine when they were an exact copy of what her mother had said seconds prior. That of course is when she chose to open her pretty little mouth again and say likely more than she should have. “I imagine you have heard that all night, haven’t you? I think if I heard the same thing so often it would be hard to believe it was true any longer. Not that I think anyone is displeased to meet you…” Tilting her head in thought she seemed to discover she might not have been doing the best possible job at greeting him.
“Please forgive me… this is my first time at the palati and as far as overwhelming circumstances go this is about as much so as one could hope for.” Just breathe. The touch of her father’s hand on her elbow steadied her for a moment, causing her gaze to drop bashfully before she tried to recuperate. “Have you been enjoying your evening thus far, Sirdar?” Imma peeked up at him again through her lashes, trying her best not to blush ten different shades of red. This would have been so much easier if she’d had someone to hide behind. Some voice of reason. Maybe someone else would take over and then she could stop babbling on like a stream. Surely one of those present would step up, they were all a great deal better suited for this than she was.
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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With all that had happened in the short time she’d been there, Imma was beginning to truly wonder if she would have perhaps been better off staying home. As certain as her mother had been that she was ready, she wasn’t convinced. Nothing had worked out as she intended so far. Though to be fair the night had really only just begun. Nevertheless making so many foolish mistakes right from the start did not bode entirely well for the remainder of her evening. Thankfully her mother did not press the issue any further. If she had then the hint of tears that had begun to build into a glassy case about her eyes might have truly sprung free. As it were she had time to gather herself as her father stepped up to distract her mother. It was a short lived moment of course as her father’s arrival had been a precursor to a far more significant approach.
The nudge her mother gave her earned a momentary glance of befuddlement before her dark eyes found their way toward the group that had caused her to initiate the gesture. A flit of her long lashes snapped her from her surprise in an instant. Following her mother’s lead she curtsied when appropriate, paying each member of the group the suitable respect. The only real difference was that she did not immediately greet them as she was not the first introduced. The honor was her mother’s to have, which ensured that Imma remained relatively quiet as her mother took the lead. As she exchanged pleasantries Imma allowed her attention to move fluidly between them. Imeeya she had met once before at the temple. Seeing her again earned the softest of smiles, though she noted the girl’s gaze dropping in what seemed frustration. The urge to try and fix the situation brewed within her once more but she kept herself bound to a still quiet. The last time she had tried to help it had all but ruined everything.
The shriek broke her thought process and tore her eyes away in the direction of the loud commotion. Seeing who was responsible made her jaw go slack and her eyes widen. Before her mother spoke she already knew what was about to happen. The panic in her mind was buzzing like a hive of bees, too many thoughts flying in every possible direction. Imma wanted to reach out and grab her mother and tell her not to go but she knew better. Nana would need help and she was just going to have to figure out how to behave without making an utter fool of herself. That of course was much easier said than done when you were not in a state of panic. The physical aspects of her part were through. With the curtsy past she had to now rely on her voice and her voice alone to carry the situation. Goddess help her she was about to make a grand fool of herself.
Lifting her gaze upward to meet Osorsen’s eyes she looked a bit like a puppy. Adorable without question, harmless as could be, and most importantly new to the world she found herself in. All she had to do was follow her mother’s lead, right? That had been the advice she’d been given. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Sirdar.” The second she said it she felt as though it sounded somehow off. While the words were right they simply felt disingenuine when they were an exact copy of what her mother had said seconds prior. That of course is when she chose to open her pretty little mouth again and say likely more than she should have. “I imagine you have heard that all night, haven’t you? I think if I heard the same thing so often it would be hard to believe it was true any longer. Not that I think anyone is displeased to meet you…” Tilting her head in thought she seemed to discover she might not have been doing the best possible job at greeting him.
“Please forgive me… this is my first time at the palati and as far as overwhelming circumstances go this is about as much so as one could hope for.” Just breathe. The touch of her father’s hand on her elbow steadied her for a moment, causing her gaze to drop bashfully before she tried to recuperate. “Have you been enjoying your evening thus far, Sirdar?” Imma peeked up at him again through her lashes, trying her best not to blush ten different shades of red. This would have been so much easier if she’d had someone to hide behind. Some voice of reason. Maybe someone else would take over and then she could stop babbling on like a stream. Surely one of those present would step up, they were all a great deal better suited for this than she was.
With all that had happened in the short time she’d been there, Imma was beginning to truly wonder if she would have perhaps been better off staying home. As certain as her mother had been that she was ready, she wasn’t convinced. Nothing had worked out as she intended so far. Though to be fair the night had really only just begun. Nevertheless making so many foolish mistakes right from the start did not bode entirely well for the remainder of her evening. Thankfully her mother did not press the issue any further. If she had then the hint of tears that had begun to build into a glassy case about her eyes might have truly sprung free. As it were she had time to gather herself as her father stepped up to distract her mother. It was a short lived moment of course as her father’s arrival had been a precursor to a far more significant approach.
The nudge her mother gave her earned a momentary glance of befuddlement before her dark eyes found their way toward the group that had caused her to initiate the gesture. A flit of her long lashes snapped her from her surprise in an instant. Following her mother’s lead she curtsied when appropriate, paying each member of the group the suitable respect. The only real difference was that she did not immediately greet them as she was not the first introduced. The honor was her mother’s to have, which ensured that Imma remained relatively quiet as her mother took the lead. As she exchanged pleasantries Imma allowed her attention to move fluidly between them. Imeeya she had met once before at the temple. Seeing her again earned the softest of smiles, though she noted the girl’s gaze dropping in what seemed frustration. The urge to try and fix the situation brewed within her once more but she kept herself bound to a still quiet. The last time she had tried to help it had all but ruined everything.
The shriek broke her thought process and tore her eyes away in the direction of the loud commotion. Seeing who was responsible made her jaw go slack and her eyes widen. Before her mother spoke she already knew what was about to happen. The panic in her mind was buzzing like a hive of bees, too many thoughts flying in every possible direction. Imma wanted to reach out and grab her mother and tell her not to go but she knew better. Nana would need help and she was just going to have to figure out how to behave without making an utter fool of herself. That of course was much easier said than done when you were not in a state of panic. The physical aspects of her part were through. With the curtsy past she had to now rely on her voice and her voice alone to carry the situation. Goddess help her she was about to make a grand fool of herself.
Lifting her gaze upward to meet Osorsen’s eyes she looked a bit like a puppy. Adorable without question, harmless as could be, and most importantly new to the world she found herself in. All she had to do was follow her mother’s lead, right? That had been the advice she’d been given. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Sirdar.” The second she said it she felt as though it sounded somehow off. While the words were right they simply felt disingenuine when they were an exact copy of what her mother had said seconds prior. That of course is when she chose to open her pretty little mouth again and say likely more than she should have. “I imagine you have heard that all night, haven’t you? I think if I heard the same thing so often it would be hard to believe it was true any longer. Not that I think anyone is displeased to meet you…” Tilting her head in thought she seemed to discover she might not have been doing the best possible job at greeting him.
“Please forgive me… this is my first time at the palati and as far as overwhelming circumstances go this is about as much so as one could hope for.” Just breathe. The touch of her father’s hand on her elbow steadied her for a moment, causing her gaze to drop bashfully before she tried to recuperate. “Have you been enjoying your evening thus far, Sirdar?” Imma peeked up at him again through her lashes, trying her best not to blush ten different shades of red. This would have been so much easier if she’d had someone to hide behind. Some voice of reason. Maybe someone else would take over and then she could stop babbling on like a stream. Surely one of those present would step up, they were all a great deal better suited for this than she was.
Like a shadow, Meena lingered in the background as the events of court unfolded before her. When Irakles informed her that the Egyptian general would be visiting, Meena couldn’t ignore the excitement that she felt. She was well aware of the hard feelings that floated around amongst both sides, but she was never one to let such distant, political hostility get to her. Afterall, her vendettas were usually personal. Besides, it wasn’t as if nothing had ever happened in Taengea it was just, well... Nothing ever happened. So, she pounced at the chance to organize, much less attend, the reception ceremony for the Egyptian embassy whenever Irakles had so graciously requested her presence and helping hand in the matter. She’d spent a good portion of the evening greeting guests and ensuring that all was in place for the Egpytians’ arrival, only to slink away to steal a few desired moments alone.
An elegant, deep navy peplos, reminiscent of the night sky, hung from her frame. Small flecks of silver fanned out across the celestial fabric, creating almost a soft overlay of sheen. A slit in the gown enhanced her smooth movements, exposing the shape and curve of her leg. The silky fabric clung sweetly to her bodice, merely embellishing the provocative dip of her waist, before falling into a straight line to the floor at the peak of her hips. Lining the bottom of the gown were an array of silver, gold, and glass beads all glistening and chiming with each step. Ornate silver fibulae, fashioned after a sprig of three laurel leaves, were pinned at her shoulders and her neckline dipped teasingly low, though not quite pure decolletage. A silver necklace rested just above the dip to her bosoms and at its center - a stunning, luminescent opal with a silvery-blue sheen. Like stars, silver earrings dangled from her lobes and never ceased to catch the light with each turn of her head whilst silver bands were fastened around both upper arms. Her jewelry, less ostentatious than usual, only served as adornment on an already exquisitely beautiful woman. It was a line of elegance and seduction that she’d long ago learned to walk, not entirely scandalous, but enough to turn heads.
Her olive complexion set nicely against the regal deep blue and silvery colors that she wore. Her smooth face was confidently fresh of any makeup, save for an outline atop her eyes which only enhanced her dark lashes and amber-toned orbs. Deep umber, loose curls were swept over to one side with silver, pearl pins. A coy smile ever-toying at her lips and her eyes lit with something secret and wild, Meena glowed with an unbridled spirit, a feat most of the noble women in that court would never have. Once a girl sold to a whorehouse as the guarantor of her father’s debts, Meena had become something of a force to be reckoned with throughout her years, if only out of spite to the other women.
That is why her heart sang and a gleam peeked through her eyes whenever the eldest Leventi girl came out into view with the ensemble that she wore. Meena’s golden goblet paused at her lips as she gleefully took in the spectacle that played out before her. If she were not otherwise preoccupied with drinking on the sidelines, she very well would have fallen into a fit of laughter. She couldn’t stifle the snort that she gave whenever the young noble procured a string of stares, coupled with both horror and awe from the crowd.
Selene, much like few of the other women, was beautiful in her own right. But, Meena couldn’t recall the last time she’d seen the noblewoman dressed so provocatively, if ever. It was both beautiful and terrifying and Meena’s brow raised when the question of what the woman could be planning arose. For no woman, no matter how beautiful, would flaunt herself like that without an ulterior motive. Whether it be simple self-satisfaction of knowing that you can steal a man’s eye or something more sinister... Meena knew better than anyone the power gained by means of seduction - otherwise seen as self-deprivation in the eyes of others. But, Meena had always thought of it as a wild, passionate confidence that was unbiased with who it drew in. Perhaps, that is why she could so openly be who she was. Either way, she was the last person to fault Selene and silently cheered the vixen on from the sidelines, coming to the conclusion that she was either loose from the wine or the entire scenario was truly that hilarious.
Her attention waivered to Irakles as he brought Myrto forefront to the Egyption general. Seventeen years, and she still couldn’t rid herself of the irritation that she felt every time she looked at the woman. It wasn’t that she saw her as a threat, but more of an obsolete piece in Irakles’ puzzle of plans. Yet, she didn’t envy the woman’s position. She could never suffer being married, let alone married to a man like Irakles. She rather enjoyed the freedom she had in life. She was free to act out in her wild ways without the restraints of society. For nothing was ever shocking if a whore did such things.
Lost in her thoughts she almost missed Urjarak. Her head dipped in as the man beckoned her forward. It was time. She took a final sip from the goblet before placing it on a silver tray. Meena’s stride was slow and deliberate towards her lover. Her head was held high, as always, and her eyes flickered with untamed fire as she passed through the parting of people. Making her approach she allowed her keen gaze to set upon the Leventi’s giving her own greeting with a kind smile before sweeping over Irakles and resting on the Sirdar.
He was much taller than she’d anticipated and had this been under different circumstances she might have even gushed at him, bombarding him with questions about his culture and people. But pride and gaining of class kept her lips sealed as they curved into a coy smile and her eyes flickered upwards at Irakles’ introduction. “Welcome, Sirdar.” She greeted warmly, her words effortlessly falling from her lips before honoring him with respectful bow. Afterwards, her head tilted slightly as she took in the sight of his dress, very aware of their differentiating cultures before casting him an intriguing smile. “How do you fare here?” She was sure that the man must miss home, as anyone rightfully would. “Is Taengea even comparable to the majesty that Egypt is said to be?”
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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Like a shadow, Meena lingered in the background as the events of court unfolded before her. When Irakles informed her that the Egyptian general would be visiting, Meena couldn’t ignore the excitement that she felt. She was well aware of the hard feelings that floated around amongst both sides, but she was never one to let such distant, political hostility get to her. Afterall, her vendettas were usually personal. Besides, it wasn’t as if nothing had ever happened in Taengea it was just, well... Nothing ever happened. So, she pounced at the chance to organize, much less attend, the reception ceremony for the Egyptian embassy whenever Irakles had so graciously requested her presence and helping hand in the matter. She’d spent a good portion of the evening greeting guests and ensuring that all was in place for the Egpytians’ arrival, only to slink away to steal a few desired moments alone.
An elegant, deep navy peplos, reminiscent of the night sky, hung from her frame. Small flecks of silver fanned out across the celestial fabric, creating almost a soft overlay of sheen. A slit in the gown enhanced her smooth movements, exposing the shape and curve of her leg. The silky fabric clung sweetly to her bodice, merely embellishing the provocative dip of her waist, before falling into a straight line to the floor at the peak of her hips. Lining the bottom of the gown were an array of silver, gold, and glass beads all glistening and chiming with each step. Ornate silver fibulae, fashioned after a sprig of three laurel leaves, were pinned at her shoulders and her neckline dipped teasingly low, though not quite pure decolletage. A silver necklace rested just above the dip to her bosoms and at its center - a stunning, luminescent opal with a silvery-blue sheen. Like stars, silver earrings dangled from her lobes and never ceased to catch the light with each turn of her head whilst silver bands were fastened around both upper arms. Her jewelry, less ostentatious than usual, only served as adornment on an already exquisitely beautiful woman. It was a line of elegance and seduction that she’d long ago learned to walk, not entirely scandalous, but enough to turn heads.
Her olive complexion set nicely against the regal deep blue and silvery colors that she wore. Her smooth face was confidently fresh of any makeup, save for an outline atop her eyes which only enhanced her dark lashes and amber-toned orbs. Deep umber, loose curls were swept over to one side with silver, pearl pins. A coy smile ever-toying at her lips and her eyes lit with something secret and wild, Meena glowed with an unbridled spirit, a feat most of the noble women in that court would never have. Once a girl sold to a whorehouse as the guarantor of her father’s debts, Meena had become something of a force to be reckoned with throughout her years, if only out of spite to the other women.
That is why her heart sang and a gleam peeked through her eyes whenever the eldest Leventi girl came out into view with the ensemble that she wore. Meena’s golden goblet paused at her lips as she gleefully took in the spectacle that played out before her. If she were not otherwise preoccupied with drinking on the sidelines, she very well would have fallen into a fit of laughter. She couldn’t stifle the snort that she gave whenever the young noble procured a string of stares, coupled with both horror and awe from the crowd.
Selene, much like few of the other women, was beautiful in her own right. But, Meena couldn’t recall the last time she’d seen the noblewoman dressed so provocatively, if ever. It was both beautiful and terrifying and Meena’s brow raised when the question of what the woman could be planning arose. For no woman, no matter how beautiful, would flaunt herself like that without an ulterior motive. Whether it be simple self-satisfaction of knowing that you can steal a man’s eye or something more sinister... Meena knew better than anyone the power gained by means of seduction - otherwise seen as self-deprivation in the eyes of others. But, Meena had always thought of it as a wild, passionate confidence that was unbiased with who it drew in. Perhaps, that is why she could so openly be who she was. Either way, she was the last person to fault Selene and silently cheered the vixen on from the sidelines, coming to the conclusion that she was either loose from the wine or the entire scenario was truly that hilarious.
Her attention waivered to Irakles as he brought Myrto forefront to the Egyption general. Seventeen years, and she still couldn’t rid herself of the irritation that she felt every time she looked at the woman. It wasn’t that she saw her as a threat, but more of an obsolete piece in Irakles’ puzzle of plans. Yet, she didn’t envy the woman’s position. She could never suffer being married, let alone married to a man like Irakles. She rather enjoyed the freedom she had in life. She was free to act out in her wild ways without the restraints of society. For nothing was ever shocking if a whore did such things.
Lost in her thoughts she almost missed Urjarak. Her head dipped in as the man beckoned her forward. It was time. She took a final sip from the goblet before placing it on a silver tray. Meena’s stride was slow and deliberate towards her lover. Her head was held high, as always, and her eyes flickered with untamed fire as she passed through the parting of people. Making her approach she allowed her keen gaze to set upon the Leventi’s giving her own greeting with a kind smile before sweeping over Irakles and resting on the Sirdar.
He was much taller than she’d anticipated and had this been under different circumstances she might have even gushed at him, bombarding him with questions about his culture and people. But pride and gaining of class kept her lips sealed as they curved into a coy smile and her eyes flickered upwards at Irakles’ introduction. “Welcome, Sirdar.” She greeted warmly, her words effortlessly falling from her lips before honoring him with respectful bow. Afterwards, her head tilted slightly as she took in the sight of his dress, very aware of their differentiating cultures before casting him an intriguing smile. “How do you fare here?” She was sure that the man must miss home, as anyone rightfully would. “Is Taengea even comparable to the majesty that Egypt is said to be?”
Like a shadow, Meena lingered in the background as the events of court unfolded before her. When Irakles informed her that the Egyptian general would be visiting, Meena couldn’t ignore the excitement that she felt. She was well aware of the hard feelings that floated around amongst both sides, but she was never one to let such distant, political hostility get to her. Afterall, her vendettas were usually personal. Besides, it wasn’t as if nothing had ever happened in Taengea it was just, well... Nothing ever happened. So, she pounced at the chance to organize, much less attend, the reception ceremony for the Egyptian embassy whenever Irakles had so graciously requested her presence and helping hand in the matter. She’d spent a good portion of the evening greeting guests and ensuring that all was in place for the Egpytians’ arrival, only to slink away to steal a few desired moments alone.
An elegant, deep navy peplos, reminiscent of the night sky, hung from her frame. Small flecks of silver fanned out across the celestial fabric, creating almost a soft overlay of sheen. A slit in the gown enhanced her smooth movements, exposing the shape and curve of her leg. The silky fabric clung sweetly to her bodice, merely embellishing the provocative dip of her waist, before falling into a straight line to the floor at the peak of her hips. Lining the bottom of the gown were an array of silver, gold, and glass beads all glistening and chiming with each step. Ornate silver fibulae, fashioned after a sprig of three laurel leaves, were pinned at her shoulders and her neckline dipped teasingly low, though not quite pure decolletage. A silver necklace rested just above the dip to her bosoms and at its center - a stunning, luminescent opal with a silvery-blue sheen. Like stars, silver earrings dangled from her lobes and never ceased to catch the light with each turn of her head whilst silver bands were fastened around both upper arms. Her jewelry, less ostentatious than usual, only served as adornment on an already exquisitely beautiful woman. It was a line of elegance and seduction that she’d long ago learned to walk, not entirely scandalous, but enough to turn heads.
Her olive complexion set nicely against the regal deep blue and silvery colors that she wore. Her smooth face was confidently fresh of any makeup, save for an outline atop her eyes which only enhanced her dark lashes and amber-toned orbs. Deep umber, loose curls were swept over to one side with silver, pearl pins. A coy smile ever-toying at her lips and her eyes lit with something secret and wild, Meena glowed with an unbridled spirit, a feat most of the noble women in that court would never have. Once a girl sold to a whorehouse as the guarantor of her father’s debts, Meena had become something of a force to be reckoned with throughout her years, if only out of spite to the other women.
That is why her heart sang and a gleam peeked through her eyes whenever the eldest Leventi girl came out into view with the ensemble that she wore. Meena’s golden goblet paused at her lips as she gleefully took in the spectacle that played out before her. If she were not otherwise preoccupied with drinking on the sidelines, she very well would have fallen into a fit of laughter. She couldn’t stifle the snort that she gave whenever the young noble procured a string of stares, coupled with both horror and awe from the crowd.
Selene, much like few of the other women, was beautiful in her own right. But, Meena couldn’t recall the last time she’d seen the noblewoman dressed so provocatively, if ever. It was both beautiful and terrifying and Meena’s brow raised when the question of what the woman could be planning arose. For no woman, no matter how beautiful, would flaunt herself like that without an ulterior motive. Whether it be simple self-satisfaction of knowing that you can steal a man’s eye or something more sinister... Meena knew better than anyone the power gained by means of seduction - otherwise seen as self-deprivation in the eyes of others. But, Meena had always thought of it as a wild, passionate confidence that was unbiased with who it drew in. Perhaps, that is why she could so openly be who she was. Either way, she was the last person to fault Selene and silently cheered the vixen on from the sidelines, coming to the conclusion that she was either loose from the wine or the entire scenario was truly that hilarious.
Her attention waivered to Irakles as he brought Myrto forefront to the Egyption general. Seventeen years, and she still couldn’t rid herself of the irritation that she felt every time she looked at the woman. It wasn’t that she saw her as a threat, but more of an obsolete piece in Irakles’ puzzle of plans. Yet, she didn’t envy the woman’s position. She could never suffer being married, let alone married to a man like Irakles. She rather enjoyed the freedom she had in life. She was free to act out in her wild ways without the restraints of society. For nothing was ever shocking if a whore did such things.
Lost in her thoughts she almost missed Urjarak. Her head dipped in as the man beckoned her forward. It was time. She took a final sip from the goblet before placing it on a silver tray. Meena’s stride was slow and deliberate towards her lover. Her head was held high, as always, and her eyes flickered with untamed fire as she passed through the parting of people. Making her approach she allowed her keen gaze to set upon the Leventi’s giving her own greeting with a kind smile before sweeping over Irakles and resting on the Sirdar.
He was much taller than she’d anticipated and had this been under different circumstances she might have even gushed at him, bombarding him with questions about his culture and people. But pride and gaining of class kept her lips sealed as they curved into a coy smile and her eyes flickered upwards at Irakles’ introduction. “Welcome, Sirdar.” She greeted warmly, her words effortlessly falling from her lips before honoring him with respectful bow. Afterwards, her head tilted slightly as she took in the sight of his dress, very aware of their differentiating cultures before casting him an intriguing smile. “How do you fare here?” She was sure that the man must miss home, as anyone rightfully would. “Is Taengea even comparable to the majesty that Egypt is said to be?”
Her head was spinning.
She had tried, the entire journey back to the crowd, to get him to tell her his plan. Selene had needed to know what his intentions were so that she could plan her own place in the fray. Would he need her to create further distractions? Or perhaps she would need to prepare the horses for their escape? If he was going to do this, she needed to be in on it, at least until they were safe. She hadn’t lied when she told him this was her burden to bare, that protecting her siblings was the most important thing to her. But he refused to say more, instead focusing on whatever his plan was. She should have been grateful; nerves would not allow for it.
Coming back into the room, she was once again the picture of serenity. There was no indication what they may have spoke about, no ill looks for foreboding or upset. Her eyes, having not cried outright, were not puffy or red. She was glad that her hair had been down, as his comforting actions could have caused it to shift and would have brought questions. But she looked put together and perfect as she came back into the room. Eyes searching for a familiar face, she was surprised to watch Vangelis make a direct path for Theo, of all people. She almost followed, almost needed to know what he and her sister had to speak about, so closely after his assurance. Wishing to frown but refraining, Selene started to follow until she heard the shrieks of Nana. Anyone close to her would have heard a soft groan coming from the eldest.
She turned towards the noise and suddenly, her heart went out to the poor girl. Covered in wine, it was easy to see that Nana had every reason to be upset. But, in the current company they were in, it would have been better for her to handle it with a bit more… decorum. Selene immediately redirected her focus for the current crisis, making it to her sister’s side only moments after her mother had. Even though she was told to keep her sister out of trouble, she was sure she would be forgiven once her mother knew what she had been doing. Greeting Giana with a bow, she caught the tail end of her mother’s suggestion and nodded. ”I have a dress or two you can fit into back in my rooms, Nana. Ones from Pia’s personal collection, too. I am sure we can find something that works. And we can leave this dress with the palati slaves, who I am sure can remove the stains from it.”
She wasn’t sure how her sister would react to the suggestion— it seemed everything she did only made Nana more upset.
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Her head was spinning.
She had tried, the entire journey back to the crowd, to get him to tell her his plan. Selene had needed to know what his intentions were so that she could plan her own place in the fray. Would he need her to create further distractions? Or perhaps she would need to prepare the horses for their escape? If he was going to do this, she needed to be in on it, at least until they were safe. She hadn’t lied when she told him this was her burden to bare, that protecting her siblings was the most important thing to her. But he refused to say more, instead focusing on whatever his plan was. She should have been grateful; nerves would not allow for it.
Coming back into the room, she was once again the picture of serenity. There was no indication what they may have spoke about, no ill looks for foreboding or upset. Her eyes, having not cried outright, were not puffy or red. She was glad that her hair had been down, as his comforting actions could have caused it to shift and would have brought questions. But she looked put together and perfect as she came back into the room. Eyes searching for a familiar face, she was surprised to watch Vangelis make a direct path for Theo, of all people. She almost followed, almost needed to know what he and her sister had to speak about, so closely after his assurance. Wishing to frown but refraining, Selene started to follow until she heard the shrieks of Nana. Anyone close to her would have heard a soft groan coming from the eldest.
She turned towards the noise and suddenly, her heart went out to the poor girl. Covered in wine, it was easy to see that Nana had every reason to be upset. But, in the current company they were in, it would have been better for her to handle it with a bit more… decorum. Selene immediately redirected her focus for the current crisis, making it to her sister’s side only moments after her mother had. Even though she was told to keep her sister out of trouble, she was sure she would be forgiven once her mother knew what she had been doing. Greeting Giana with a bow, she caught the tail end of her mother’s suggestion and nodded. ”I have a dress or two you can fit into back in my rooms, Nana. Ones from Pia’s personal collection, too. I am sure we can find something that works. And we can leave this dress with the palati slaves, who I am sure can remove the stains from it.”
She wasn’t sure how her sister would react to the suggestion— it seemed everything she did only made Nana more upset.
Her head was spinning.
She had tried, the entire journey back to the crowd, to get him to tell her his plan. Selene had needed to know what his intentions were so that she could plan her own place in the fray. Would he need her to create further distractions? Or perhaps she would need to prepare the horses for their escape? If he was going to do this, she needed to be in on it, at least until they were safe. She hadn’t lied when she told him this was her burden to bare, that protecting her siblings was the most important thing to her. But he refused to say more, instead focusing on whatever his plan was. She should have been grateful; nerves would not allow for it.
Coming back into the room, she was once again the picture of serenity. There was no indication what they may have spoke about, no ill looks for foreboding or upset. Her eyes, having not cried outright, were not puffy or red. She was glad that her hair had been down, as his comforting actions could have caused it to shift and would have brought questions. But she looked put together and perfect as she came back into the room. Eyes searching for a familiar face, she was surprised to watch Vangelis make a direct path for Theo, of all people. She almost followed, almost needed to know what he and her sister had to speak about, so closely after his assurance. Wishing to frown but refraining, Selene started to follow until she heard the shrieks of Nana. Anyone close to her would have heard a soft groan coming from the eldest.
She turned towards the noise and suddenly, her heart went out to the poor girl. Covered in wine, it was easy to see that Nana had every reason to be upset. But, in the current company they were in, it would have been better for her to handle it with a bit more… decorum. Selene immediately redirected her focus for the current crisis, making it to her sister’s side only moments after her mother had. Even though she was told to keep her sister out of trouble, she was sure she would be forgiven once her mother knew what she had been doing. Greeting Giana with a bow, she caught the tail end of her mother’s suggestion and nodded. ”I have a dress or two you can fit into back in my rooms, Nana. Ones from Pia’s personal collection, too. I am sure we can find something that works. And we can leave this dress with the palati slaves, who I am sure can remove the stains from it.”
She wasn’t sure how her sister would react to the suggestion— it seemed everything she did only made Nana more upset.
Once again, Theodora felt herself struck with the surge of emotion that always snuck up on her and controlled her very being. This time though, it was far easier to control. There was quite the difference between pleading for the man to help save the life of her sister, and being annoyed at his idiocy.
Having perfected the art of poised grace, whatever annoyance surged through her body did not show on her face as the two stepped back into the room.
Though she wanted nothing more to shrug his hand off and go see either her sisters or her mother, Theodora remained. She could feel her muscles coil under his touch, and though she tried telling herself it was merely the annoyance speaking, she couldn't help herself.
Perhaps she was a tad overemotional after all.
Just a tad, though.
A little happy about the distraction that was offered, Theodora glanced in the direction of the commotion. The shriek ― all too familiar to the brunette's ears. Immediately, Theodora bit down on her bottom lip. No, Nana was never one to take things easily, and especially not in public.
As Theodora prepared herself to go to her sister's aid, she found Achilleas' cup shoved into her hands instead, leaving her presence with as much bravado as he always did. Slumping her shoulders a little, the brunette bit down on a sigh. Perhaps it was for the better, anyway. Perhaps her presence by her sister's side would only make things worse.
Putting the glass down on the plate of a passing server, Theodora pushed herself out into the crowd. She eventually found herself a good vantage point among the peers of the court and let her eyes wander.
It was only when Theodora heard the familiar voice of Vang that her eyes stopped moving. For just second, she could feel her body tense, only to relax again just as quickly. Despite the surprise, the brunette attempted to keep her expression as neutral as she possibly could.
Turning her head to peer up at him ― even having to dip her head back a little to properly look at him, Theodora pursed her lips. "Thank you." She murmured in the same low tone he himself had used. No, she didn't want to know the details. It was likely better that they spoke no more of the subject. "Truly."
It was a good thing then, as Theodora noticed Achilleas' return from the corner of her eye. Immediately, she tilted her head at the Crown Prince and smiled a pleasant smile, "Does that mean you're enjoying the festivities then, your highness?" She asked, lifting a hand to gesture out at the room. "I sincerely hope Tangea has not yet disappointed."
It was then that Achilleas seemed to reach their side, and Theodora turned her head to look at him. Though Theodora had only recently gotten to know Achilleas again, even she could see the... stiffness of which he seemed to regard the Crown Prince. She wondered why, though figured it was really none of her business, and if it was war related, she didn't really care to hear of it, if she was being honest. "Achilleas." She greeted him.
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Once again, Theodora felt herself struck with the surge of emotion that always snuck up on her and controlled her very being. This time though, it was far easier to control. There was quite the difference between pleading for the man to help save the life of her sister, and being annoyed at his idiocy.
Having perfected the art of poised grace, whatever annoyance surged through her body did not show on her face as the two stepped back into the room.
Though she wanted nothing more to shrug his hand off and go see either her sisters or her mother, Theodora remained. She could feel her muscles coil under his touch, and though she tried telling herself it was merely the annoyance speaking, she couldn't help herself.
Perhaps she was a tad overemotional after all.
Just a tad, though.
A little happy about the distraction that was offered, Theodora glanced in the direction of the commotion. The shriek ― all too familiar to the brunette's ears. Immediately, Theodora bit down on her bottom lip. No, Nana was never one to take things easily, and especially not in public.
As Theodora prepared herself to go to her sister's aid, she found Achilleas' cup shoved into her hands instead, leaving her presence with as much bravado as he always did. Slumping her shoulders a little, the brunette bit down on a sigh. Perhaps it was for the better, anyway. Perhaps her presence by her sister's side would only make things worse.
Putting the glass down on the plate of a passing server, Theodora pushed herself out into the crowd. She eventually found herself a good vantage point among the peers of the court and let her eyes wander.
It was only when Theodora heard the familiar voice of Vang that her eyes stopped moving. For just second, she could feel her body tense, only to relax again just as quickly. Despite the surprise, the brunette attempted to keep her expression as neutral as she possibly could.
Turning her head to peer up at him ― even having to dip her head back a little to properly look at him, Theodora pursed her lips. "Thank you." She murmured in the same low tone he himself had used. No, she didn't want to know the details. It was likely better that they spoke no more of the subject. "Truly."
It was a good thing then, as Theodora noticed Achilleas' return from the corner of her eye. Immediately, she tilted her head at the Crown Prince and smiled a pleasant smile, "Does that mean you're enjoying the festivities then, your highness?" She asked, lifting a hand to gesture out at the room. "I sincerely hope Tangea has not yet disappointed."
It was then that Achilleas seemed to reach their side, and Theodora turned her head to look at him. Though Theodora had only recently gotten to know Achilleas again, even she could see the... stiffness of which he seemed to regard the Crown Prince. She wondered why, though figured it was really none of her business, and if it was war related, she didn't really care to hear of it, if she was being honest. "Achilleas." She greeted him.
Once again, Theodora felt herself struck with the surge of emotion that always snuck up on her and controlled her very being. This time though, it was far easier to control. There was quite the difference between pleading for the man to help save the life of her sister, and being annoyed at his idiocy.
Having perfected the art of poised grace, whatever annoyance surged through her body did not show on her face as the two stepped back into the room.
Though she wanted nothing more to shrug his hand off and go see either her sisters or her mother, Theodora remained. She could feel her muscles coil under his touch, and though she tried telling herself it was merely the annoyance speaking, she couldn't help herself.
Perhaps she was a tad overemotional after all.
Just a tad, though.
A little happy about the distraction that was offered, Theodora glanced in the direction of the commotion. The shriek ― all too familiar to the brunette's ears. Immediately, Theodora bit down on her bottom lip. No, Nana was never one to take things easily, and especially not in public.
As Theodora prepared herself to go to her sister's aid, she found Achilleas' cup shoved into her hands instead, leaving her presence with as much bravado as he always did. Slumping her shoulders a little, the brunette bit down on a sigh. Perhaps it was for the better, anyway. Perhaps her presence by her sister's side would only make things worse.
Putting the glass down on the plate of a passing server, Theodora pushed herself out into the crowd. She eventually found herself a good vantage point among the peers of the court and let her eyes wander.
It was only when Theodora heard the familiar voice of Vang that her eyes stopped moving. For just second, she could feel her body tense, only to relax again just as quickly. Despite the surprise, the brunette attempted to keep her expression as neutral as she possibly could.
Turning her head to peer up at him ― even having to dip her head back a little to properly look at him, Theodora pursed her lips. "Thank you." She murmured in the same low tone he himself had used. No, she didn't want to know the details. It was likely better that they spoke no more of the subject. "Truly."
It was a good thing then, as Theodora noticed Achilleas' return from the corner of her eye. Immediately, she tilted her head at the Crown Prince and smiled a pleasant smile, "Does that mean you're enjoying the festivities then, your highness?" She asked, lifting a hand to gesture out at the room. "I sincerely hope Tangea has not yet disappointed."
It was then that Achilleas seemed to reach their side, and Theodora turned her head to look at him. Though Theodora had only recently gotten to know Achilleas again, even she could see the... stiffness of which he seemed to regard the Crown Prince. She wondered why, though figured it was really none of her business, and if it was war related, she didn't really care to hear of it, if she was being honest. "Achilleas." She greeted him.
Oso filed away the note that he had picked up in the voice of the translator, that his niece was as yet not formally bound to anyone. Perhaps he ought to voice his intentions and desires, as his culture was not one trapped to one wife he could seek out a Greek connection and still have his own Egyptian born sons. But his attention now turned to the youngest woman in their immediate circle.
”A fine answer, my lady. She should be proud of her child.”
Imeeya’s correction brought a quirk of a smile to his lips. He did not know her family, nor had he heard of her mother, but that she was bold enough to do so was oddly endearing, as was her pointed gaze. She was not quite as beautiful as some of the other women he had met, but her face was one that held danger for another reason. If her mind was as sharp as her tongue, and fierce as her cousin, she could be a deadly enemy and a powerful ally. Filing her name in the back of his mind, he gave a bow of his head in acknowledgement before the other Colchian man with her spoke.
”I am in fact still somewhat confused as to why I am here, sir. I was called by a king who seems to have trouble showing his face. He has a queen, does he not? Why does she not then join us if her husband is indisposed? Or is the entire royal family ill with this mysterious malady?”
Osorsen sipped on his wine, he had an interest in seeing the rest of what Greece had to offer, but the more people around him dodged the question of where the king was and why he was being shunted off on a minor prince, the more wary he grew. Men did not send such letters to their old enemies and ask them to visit only to disappear. Unless there was some ulterior plan here at work.
Another woman perhaps closer to his age had been brought forth and introduced as hostess and once again his hackles were raised. His spies had informed him of the basic relationships within the royal family, and he knew full well what this “Lady” Meena’s relationship was to the family. Putting names and faces together made him even more uneasy, and with the next passing of a tray he set aside his wine. Not even the princesses or dowager queen had been a part of this, it had been done by an old man’s whore. Some respect to show to guests.
The mother of Lady Selene and the new young, yet another blonde woman, was just as stunning as her daughters, and he was about to make such a comment in spite of his suspicion when a shriek broke the bubble of monotone conversation. Turning about with a hand at the hilt of his ornamental dagger, he was almost disappointed to see it was simply another woman who had been a victim of a wine soaking. With a sigh as he relaxed his stance, Osorsen turned back to face the young girl as she was left by her mother to attend to the others.
Lady Selene’s youngest sister had a similar look and charm about her, though her youth and innocence was very much on display in this moment. There was something endearing in speaking to someone now who was not either hoping he would die or leave, and as she babbled on clearly had little in ways of courtly manners. If he could have been left with Imeeya’s wit and this girl’s sweetness, it would have been fine company indeed.
”I have, thank you Lady Imma. And I understand your feeling, this is my first time in this palace too.” He offered her a wink and a smile before turning to her father. ”Perhaps, since we will get no talk of politics done this evening, I might be permitted to escort the lady in a dance? We can save discussions of fierce mothers and absent kings for a crowd of fewer eyes and ears.”
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Oso filed away the note that he had picked up in the voice of the translator, that his niece was as yet not formally bound to anyone. Perhaps he ought to voice his intentions and desires, as his culture was not one trapped to one wife he could seek out a Greek connection and still have his own Egyptian born sons. But his attention now turned to the youngest woman in their immediate circle.
”A fine answer, my lady. She should be proud of her child.”
Imeeya’s correction brought a quirk of a smile to his lips. He did not know her family, nor had he heard of her mother, but that she was bold enough to do so was oddly endearing, as was her pointed gaze. She was not quite as beautiful as some of the other women he had met, but her face was one that held danger for another reason. If her mind was as sharp as her tongue, and fierce as her cousin, she could be a deadly enemy and a powerful ally. Filing her name in the back of his mind, he gave a bow of his head in acknowledgement before the other Colchian man with her spoke.
”I am in fact still somewhat confused as to why I am here, sir. I was called by a king who seems to have trouble showing his face. He has a queen, does he not? Why does she not then join us if her husband is indisposed? Or is the entire royal family ill with this mysterious malady?”
Osorsen sipped on his wine, he had an interest in seeing the rest of what Greece had to offer, but the more people around him dodged the question of where the king was and why he was being shunted off on a minor prince, the more wary he grew. Men did not send such letters to their old enemies and ask them to visit only to disappear. Unless there was some ulterior plan here at work.
Another woman perhaps closer to his age had been brought forth and introduced as hostess and once again his hackles were raised. His spies had informed him of the basic relationships within the royal family, and he knew full well what this “Lady” Meena’s relationship was to the family. Putting names and faces together made him even more uneasy, and with the next passing of a tray he set aside his wine. Not even the princesses or dowager queen had been a part of this, it had been done by an old man’s whore. Some respect to show to guests.
The mother of Lady Selene and the new young, yet another blonde woman, was just as stunning as her daughters, and he was about to make such a comment in spite of his suspicion when a shriek broke the bubble of monotone conversation. Turning about with a hand at the hilt of his ornamental dagger, he was almost disappointed to see it was simply another woman who had been a victim of a wine soaking. With a sigh as he relaxed his stance, Osorsen turned back to face the young girl as she was left by her mother to attend to the others.
Lady Selene’s youngest sister had a similar look and charm about her, though her youth and innocence was very much on display in this moment. There was something endearing in speaking to someone now who was not either hoping he would die or leave, and as she babbled on clearly had little in ways of courtly manners. If he could have been left with Imeeya’s wit and this girl’s sweetness, it would have been fine company indeed.
”I have, thank you Lady Imma. And I understand your feeling, this is my first time in this palace too.” He offered her a wink and a smile before turning to her father. ”Perhaps, since we will get no talk of politics done this evening, I might be permitted to escort the lady in a dance? We can save discussions of fierce mothers and absent kings for a crowd of fewer eyes and ears.”
Oso filed away the note that he had picked up in the voice of the translator, that his niece was as yet not formally bound to anyone. Perhaps he ought to voice his intentions and desires, as his culture was not one trapped to one wife he could seek out a Greek connection and still have his own Egyptian born sons. But his attention now turned to the youngest woman in their immediate circle.
”A fine answer, my lady. She should be proud of her child.”
Imeeya’s correction brought a quirk of a smile to his lips. He did not know her family, nor had he heard of her mother, but that she was bold enough to do so was oddly endearing, as was her pointed gaze. She was not quite as beautiful as some of the other women he had met, but her face was one that held danger for another reason. If her mind was as sharp as her tongue, and fierce as her cousin, she could be a deadly enemy and a powerful ally. Filing her name in the back of his mind, he gave a bow of his head in acknowledgement before the other Colchian man with her spoke.
”I am in fact still somewhat confused as to why I am here, sir. I was called by a king who seems to have trouble showing his face. He has a queen, does he not? Why does she not then join us if her husband is indisposed? Or is the entire royal family ill with this mysterious malady?”
Osorsen sipped on his wine, he had an interest in seeing the rest of what Greece had to offer, but the more people around him dodged the question of where the king was and why he was being shunted off on a minor prince, the more wary he grew. Men did not send such letters to their old enemies and ask them to visit only to disappear. Unless there was some ulterior plan here at work.
Another woman perhaps closer to his age had been brought forth and introduced as hostess and once again his hackles were raised. His spies had informed him of the basic relationships within the royal family, and he knew full well what this “Lady” Meena’s relationship was to the family. Putting names and faces together made him even more uneasy, and with the next passing of a tray he set aside his wine. Not even the princesses or dowager queen had been a part of this, it had been done by an old man’s whore. Some respect to show to guests.
The mother of Lady Selene and the new young, yet another blonde woman, was just as stunning as her daughters, and he was about to make such a comment in spite of his suspicion when a shriek broke the bubble of monotone conversation. Turning about with a hand at the hilt of his ornamental dagger, he was almost disappointed to see it was simply another woman who had been a victim of a wine soaking. With a sigh as he relaxed his stance, Osorsen turned back to face the young girl as she was left by her mother to attend to the others.
Lady Selene’s youngest sister had a similar look and charm about her, though her youth and innocence was very much on display in this moment. There was something endearing in speaking to someone now who was not either hoping he would die or leave, and as she babbled on clearly had little in ways of courtly manners. If he could have been left with Imeeya’s wit and this girl’s sweetness, it would have been fine company indeed.
”I have, thank you Lady Imma. And I understand your feeling, this is my first time in this palace too.” He offered her a wink and a smile before turning to her father. ”Perhaps, since we will get no talk of politics done this evening, I might be permitted to escort the lady in a dance? We can save discussions of fierce mothers and absent kings for a crowd of fewer eyes and ears.”
With Xene’s familiar greeting in her ear, Gianna became aware of how tense she had been as she drifted through the bodies of nobles to her sister’s side. There was safety and comfort to be found in Xene’s presence and Gianna found herself seeking refuge more often than not as events continued to unfold in Taengea. With their present company, they would need one another before the night was through, she was sure of it.
When her uncle finally arrived ahead of the Egyptian envoy, he was quick to stir up a flurry of movement in preparation for their official arrival. Gianna bristled. Was it not enough that the man had locked Stephanos and Olympia out of sight? Was he so thirsty for power that he would commandeer the evening from Xene, too? The girl was so focused on Irakles that the arrival of the Sirdar seemed...anticlimactic, to say the least.
It was the voice of Heron, first Zacharias and now Xene’s guard, that finally reached Gianna. She offered the man a smile in return for his greeting. He had always been something of a mystery for the youngest Mikaelidas, but she knew he had been fiercely loyal to the late Crown Prince and was proving himself just as faithful to Xene. And where Xene placed her trust, Gianna too would follow. Perhaps her greatest blindspot, but she so desperately needed something and someone to trust.
A tug on her arm pulled her from her thoughts. Looking to her side, Gianna could see her sister leading them towards Nana of Leventi and a man she had not encountered in previous court sessions. A stolen glance at Xene’s face revealed a devious glint she had not seen in the elder’s eyes for some time. Before she could offer her opinion—Gianna was much more inclined to keep the mischief to a minimum for once—she was being presented to one Basilides of Acaris, guest of Nana she presumed.
“I must say, sir, you have excellent taste and quite the eye for color,” Gianna complimented as Nana sported the purple silk gown for the newcomers—a gift from Basilides, of course. She watched with the first hint of real amusement she had displayed in weeks while the young woman swayed from side to side with fistfuls of fabric, causing the skirts to sweep and spin about her ankles. It was right as she was beginning to relax into her sister’s company that Xene quietly excused herself from their conversation.
Gianna did not want to release her sister’s hand as they parted ways. She wanted to reach out, to beg Xene not to leave her side. She had found her strength once more by the elder’s side only to have courtly duties come between them all too soon. Gianna watched her sister gingerly navigate the floor until she was swallowed up from view, a hollowness left in her wake, and the youngest was truly alone. Returning her attention to her companions, Gianna endeavored to hide the fresh sorrow undoubtedly present in her doe eyes.
Nana’s own attempt to do Xene’s bidding, while commendable, was met with the spillover of a quarrel the elder princess had not quite prevented. Gianna was forced to bear witness as the gift Basilides has bestowed upon Nana was soaked in wine the color of Gianna’s chiton—a deep crimson and certainly not complementary of Nana’s violet gown. Gianna was spared much of Nana’s fate, the front of her skirts taking the bulk of the liquid. It was Nana’s piercing shriek, though, that drew the crowd’s attention.
“I will have your chambers prepared for you and Lady Nana, your Highness.” Gianna had been so consumed with Nana’s berating of the men who had caused her humiliation that she failed to notice Elpis. With a glance to see her sister dealing with the disorderly noblemen, Gianna nodded her approval to the girl who withdrew as quickly and quietly as she had appeared. For once she was grateful to be entirely surrounded. While she was usually one to handle things independently, the blonde would have been utterly lost as to where to even begin.
Taking Nana’s hand in her own to offer the girl a comforting squeeze, Gianna nodded in agreement to Evelli’s suggestion, “Yes, of course, Lady Evelli,”—then to Nana—“There will be a hot bath waiting, should you wish to indulge.” As Lady Evelli shuffled the young women out, they were intercepted by Selene who had her own contributions for the cause. “Lady Selene, if you would send a slave to fetch them to my chambers? My handmaid is preparing for our arrival and I believe Lady Nana may prefer a variety of options.” Still grasping Nana’s hand, Gianna led the small parade of Leventis to her rooms.
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With Xene’s familiar greeting in her ear, Gianna became aware of how tense she had been as she drifted through the bodies of nobles to her sister’s side. There was safety and comfort to be found in Xene’s presence and Gianna found herself seeking refuge more often than not as events continued to unfold in Taengea. With their present company, they would need one another before the night was through, she was sure of it.
When her uncle finally arrived ahead of the Egyptian envoy, he was quick to stir up a flurry of movement in preparation for their official arrival. Gianna bristled. Was it not enough that the man had locked Stephanos and Olympia out of sight? Was he so thirsty for power that he would commandeer the evening from Xene, too? The girl was so focused on Irakles that the arrival of the Sirdar seemed...anticlimactic, to say the least.
It was the voice of Heron, first Zacharias and now Xene’s guard, that finally reached Gianna. She offered the man a smile in return for his greeting. He had always been something of a mystery for the youngest Mikaelidas, but she knew he had been fiercely loyal to the late Crown Prince and was proving himself just as faithful to Xene. And where Xene placed her trust, Gianna too would follow. Perhaps her greatest blindspot, but she so desperately needed something and someone to trust.
A tug on her arm pulled her from her thoughts. Looking to her side, Gianna could see her sister leading them towards Nana of Leventi and a man she had not encountered in previous court sessions. A stolen glance at Xene’s face revealed a devious glint she had not seen in the elder’s eyes for some time. Before she could offer her opinion—Gianna was much more inclined to keep the mischief to a minimum for once—she was being presented to one Basilides of Acaris, guest of Nana she presumed.
“I must say, sir, you have excellent taste and quite the eye for color,” Gianna complimented as Nana sported the purple silk gown for the newcomers—a gift from Basilides, of course. She watched with the first hint of real amusement she had displayed in weeks while the young woman swayed from side to side with fistfuls of fabric, causing the skirts to sweep and spin about her ankles. It was right as she was beginning to relax into her sister’s company that Xene quietly excused herself from their conversation.
Gianna did not want to release her sister’s hand as they parted ways. She wanted to reach out, to beg Xene not to leave her side. She had found her strength once more by the elder’s side only to have courtly duties come between them all too soon. Gianna watched her sister gingerly navigate the floor until she was swallowed up from view, a hollowness left in her wake, and the youngest was truly alone. Returning her attention to her companions, Gianna endeavored to hide the fresh sorrow undoubtedly present in her doe eyes.
Nana’s own attempt to do Xene’s bidding, while commendable, was met with the spillover of a quarrel the elder princess had not quite prevented. Gianna was forced to bear witness as the gift Basilides has bestowed upon Nana was soaked in wine the color of Gianna’s chiton—a deep crimson and certainly not complementary of Nana’s violet gown. Gianna was spared much of Nana’s fate, the front of her skirts taking the bulk of the liquid. It was Nana’s piercing shriek, though, that drew the crowd’s attention.
“I will have your chambers prepared for you and Lady Nana, your Highness.” Gianna had been so consumed with Nana’s berating of the men who had caused her humiliation that she failed to notice Elpis. With a glance to see her sister dealing with the disorderly noblemen, Gianna nodded her approval to the girl who withdrew as quickly and quietly as she had appeared. For once she was grateful to be entirely surrounded. While she was usually one to handle things independently, the blonde would have been utterly lost as to where to even begin.
Taking Nana’s hand in her own to offer the girl a comforting squeeze, Gianna nodded in agreement to Evelli’s suggestion, “Yes, of course, Lady Evelli,”—then to Nana—“There will be a hot bath waiting, should you wish to indulge.” As Lady Evelli shuffled the young women out, they were intercepted by Selene who had her own contributions for the cause. “Lady Selene, if you would send a slave to fetch them to my chambers? My handmaid is preparing for our arrival and I believe Lady Nana may prefer a variety of options.” Still grasping Nana’s hand, Gianna led the small parade of Leventis to her rooms.
With Xene’s familiar greeting in her ear, Gianna became aware of how tense she had been as she drifted through the bodies of nobles to her sister’s side. There was safety and comfort to be found in Xene’s presence and Gianna found herself seeking refuge more often than not as events continued to unfold in Taengea. With their present company, they would need one another before the night was through, she was sure of it.
When her uncle finally arrived ahead of the Egyptian envoy, he was quick to stir up a flurry of movement in preparation for their official arrival. Gianna bristled. Was it not enough that the man had locked Stephanos and Olympia out of sight? Was he so thirsty for power that he would commandeer the evening from Xene, too? The girl was so focused on Irakles that the arrival of the Sirdar seemed...anticlimactic, to say the least.
It was the voice of Heron, first Zacharias and now Xene’s guard, that finally reached Gianna. She offered the man a smile in return for his greeting. He had always been something of a mystery for the youngest Mikaelidas, but she knew he had been fiercely loyal to the late Crown Prince and was proving himself just as faithful to Xene. And where Xene placed her trust, Gianna too would follow. Perhaps her greatest blindspot, but she so desperately needed something and someone to trust.
A tug on her arm pulled her from her thoughts. Looking to her side, Gianna could see her sister leading them towards Nana of Leventi and a man she had not encountered in previous court sessions. A stolen glance at Xene’s face revealed a devious glint she had not seen in the elder’s eyes for some time. Before she could offer her opinion—Gianna was much more inclined to keep the mischief to a minimum for once—she was being presented to one Basilides of Acaris, guest of Nana she presumed.
“I must say, sir, you have excellent taste and quite the eye for color,” Gianna complimented as Nana sported the purple silk gown for the newcomers—a gift from Basilides, of course. She watched with the first hint of real amusement she had displayed in weeks while the young woman swayed from side to side with fistfuls of fabric, causing the skirts to sweep and spin about her ankles. It was right as she was beginning to relax into her sister’s company that Xene quietly excused herself from their conversation.
Gianna did not want to release her sister’s hand as they parted ways. She wanted to reach out, to beg Xene not to leave her side. She had found her strength once more by the elder’s side only to have courtly duties come between them all too soon. Gianna watched her sister gingerly navigate the floor until she was swallowed up from view, a hollowness left in her wake, and the youngest was truly alone. Returning her attention to her companions, Gianna endeavored to hide the fresh sorrow undoubtedly present in her doe eyes.
Nana’s own attempt to do Xene’s bidding, while commendable, was met with the spillover of a quarrel the elder princess had not quite prevented. Gianna was forced to bear witness as the gift Basilides has bestowed upon Nana was soaked in wine the color of Gianna’s chiton—a deep crimson and certainly not complementary of Nana’s violet gown. Gianna was spared much of Nana’s fate, the front of her skirts taking the bulk of the liquid. It was Nana’s piercing shriek, though, that drew the crowd’s attention.
“I will have your chambers prepared for you and Lady Nana, your Highness.” Gianna had been so consumed with Nana’s berating of the men who had caused her humiliation that she failed to notice Elpis. With a glance to see her sister dealing with the disorderly noblemen, Gianna nodded her approval to the girl who withdrew as quickly and quietly as she had appeared. For once she was grateful to be entirely surrounded. While she was usually one to handle things independently, the blonde would have been utterly lost as to where to even begin.
Taking Nana’s hand in her own to offer the girl a comforting squeeze, Gianna nodded in agreement to Evelli’s suggestion, “Yes, of course, Lady Evelli,”—then to Nana—“There will be a hot bath waiting, should you wish to indulge.” As Lady Evelli shuffled the young women out, they were intercepted by Selene who had her own contributions for the cause. “Lady Selene, if you would send a slave to fetch them to my chambers? My handmaid is preparing for our arrival and I believe Lady Nana may prefer a variety of options.” Still grasping Nana’s hand, Gianna led the small parade of Leventis to her rooms.
Dorothea found herself wishing rather fervently that she hadn’t wandered away from her father and into this situation. At least with Gavriil, she knew that she would be able to get away without making small talk that was utterly boring to her. At least she knew exactly what his ulterior motive was when it came to her. He wanted to find her a husband, but wouldn’t protest too greatly when she failed to bring in anyone promising.
Though this man, Basilides, as he introduced himself, was probably exactly the type she should be pursuing. There was no chance of marriage between them, but so she could consider herself safe as it were. Yet, it seemed that he was a charmer, though any observation from across the room could be made regarding that. The way Nana hung on him indicated as much. Though she was always one to hang, Dorothea could tell that this man had wormed his way in somehow. As men were wont to do. Dorothea didn’t judge whatever their relationship was, but instead was simply very happy that she could remove herself from any equation.
Although he did a very good job of hiding it, Dorothea could tell that he was slightly irked when she did not take his arm. No, she would not do him the pleasure of having two women hang off him. She was perfectly capable of walking on her own.
Basilides’ answer to her query was enough to pique her interest slightly. At least he was a man with some substance and his penchant for this showmanship clearly had an origin. She was much more interested in his travel experience. Although Dorothea was perfectly content to live in the wilds of their land, there had been a budding desire to travel as of late. She hadn’t learned so many languages for no reason at all. Some days she wished to use her skills.
“Start with Hebrew,” she advised. “It comes easier than Coptic. Though less relevant in our current situation.”
The conversation moved to wine and quickly to an audience with Xene. Dorothea was unsure why she had been dragged along and remained silently in the background, aside from the required greetings. She should have left when Basilides and Nana moved away, but somehow had been tethered to them. Rather than pay much attention to the pleasantries being exchanged, Doro scanned the room, watching the delegation making small talk with the Greeks. She wished she was close enough to pick up some of what was being said, though doubtless it was nothing of much importance. She would have to keep her ears ready for sounds of their native language to catch any true conversations amongst them.
It was perhaps her engagement in the world around them that kept her averted from the disaster that soon befell Nana. Dorothea noted the argument and moved wisely out of the way just in time for wine to be spilled on Nana’s dress. Dorothea could see the tantrum coming from a mile away and melted further into the background. She had no desire to be part of this and was, at that moment, fervently glad that her own sister was not one to behave in such a manner. It was only a gown, after all. If it couldn’t be cleaned, then it could be replaced. And she had a rather good group of people around her so far that were quick to protect her modesty.
Before she could melt away entirely, several Leventi women swooped in and whisked Nana away. Of course, not before leaving Dorothea in the company of Basilides. The Lady Evelli had asked him to escort her. As if she needed escorting. However, she bit her tongue as they moved off to make the wardrobe change, leaving her alone with the man.
“How is it you came to know the Leventis so well?” she asked, partly curious, partly looking to pass the time until he could be distracted by another woman and leave her to her own devices.
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Dorothea found herself wishing rather fervently that she hadn’t wandered away from her father and into this situation. At least with Gavriil, she knew that she would be able to get away without making small talk that was utterly boring to her. At least she knew exactly what his ulterior motive was when it came to her. He wanted to find her a husband, but wouldn’t protest too greatly when she failed to bring in anyone promising.
Though this man, Basilides, as he introduced himself, was probably exactly the type she should be pursuing. There was no chance of marriage between them, but so she could consider herself safe as it were. Yet, it seemed that he was a charmer, though any observation from across the room could be made regarding that. The way Nana hung on him indicated as much. Though she was always one to hang, Dorothea could tell that this man had wormed his way in somehow. As men were wont to do. Dorothea didn’t judge whatever their relationship was, but instead was simply very happy that she could remove herself from any equation.
Although he did a very good job of hiding it, Dorothea could tell that he was slightly irked when she did not take his arm. No, she would not do him the pleasure of having two women hang off him. She was perfectly capable of walking on her own.
Basilides’ answer to her query was enough to pique her interest slightly. At least he was a man with some substance and his penchant for this showmanship clearly had an origin. She was much more interested in his travel experience. Although Dorothea was perfectly content to live in the wilds of their land, there had been a budding desire to travel as of late. She hadn’t learned so many languages for no reason at all. Some days she wished to use her skills.
“Start with Hebrew,” she advised. “It comes easier than Coptic. Though less relevant in our current situation.”
The conversation moved to wine and quickly to an audience with Xene. Dorothea was unsure why she had been dragged along and remained silently in the background, aside from the required greetings. She should have left when Basilides and Nana moved away, but somehow had been tethered to them. Rather than pay much attention to the pleasantries being exchanged, Doro scanned the room, watching the delegation making small talk with the Greeks. She wished she was close enough to pick up some of what was being said, though doubtless it was nothing of much importance. She would have to keep her ears ready for sounds of their native language to catch any true conversations amongst them.
It was perhaps her engagement in the world around them that kept her averted from the disaster that soon befell Nana. Dorothea noted the argument and moved wisely out of the way just in time for wine to be spilled on Nana’s dress. Dorothea could see the tantrum coming from a mile away and melted further into the background. She had no desire to be part of this and was, at that moment, fervently glad that her own sister was not one to behave in such a manner. It was only a gown, after all. If it couldn’t be cleaned, then it could be replaced. And she had a rather good group of people around her so far that were quick to protect her modesty.
Before she could melt away entirely, several Leventi women swooped in and whisked Nana away. Of course, not before leaving Dorothea in the company of Basilides. The Lady Evelli had asked him to escort her. As if she needed escorting. However, she bit her tongue as they moved off to make the wardrobe change, leaving her alone with the man.
“How is it you came to know the Leventis so well?” she asked, partly curious, partly looking to pass the time until he could be distracted by another woman and leave her to her own devices.
Dorothea found herself wishing rather fervently that she hadn’t wandered away from her father and into this situation. At least with Gavriil, she knew that she would be able to get away without making small talk that was utterly boring to her. At least she knew exactly what his ulterior motive was when it came to her. He wanted to find her a husband, but wouldn’t protest too greatly when she failed to bring in anyone promising.
Though this man, Basilides, as he introduced himself, was probably exactly the type she should be pursuing. There was no chance of marriage between them, but so she could consider herself safe as it were. Yet, it seemed that he was a charmer, though any observation from across the room could be made regarding that. The way Nana hung on him indicated as much. Though she was always one to hang, Dorothea could tell that this man had wormed his way in somehow. As men were wont to do. Dorothea didn’t judge whatever their relationship was, but instead was simply very happy that she could remove herself from any equation.
Although he did a very good job of hiding it, Dorothea could tell that he was slightly irked when she did not take his arm. No, she would not do him the pleasure of having two women hang off him. She was perfectly capable of walking on her own.
Basilides’ answer to her query was enough to pique her interest slightly. At least he was a man with some substance and his penchant for this showmanship clearly had an origin. She was much more interested in his travel experience. Although Dorothea was perfectly content to live in the wilds of their land, there had been a budding desire to travel as of late. She hadn’t learned so many languages for no reason at all. Some days she wished to use her skills.
“Start with Hebrew,” she advised. “It comes easier than Coptic. Though less relevant in our current situation.”
The conversation moved to wine and quickly to an audience with Xene. Dorothea was unsure why she had been dragged along and remained silently in the background, aside from the required greetings. She should have left when Basilides and Nana moved away, but somehow had been tethered to them. Rather than pay much attention to the pleasantries being exchanged, Doro scanned the room, watching the delegation making small talk with the Greeks. She wished she was close enough to pick up some of what was being said, though doubtless it was nothing of much importance. She would have to keep her ears ready for sounds of their native language to catch any true conversations amongst them.
It was perhaps her engagement in the world around them that kept her averted from the disaster that soon befell Nana. Dorothea noted the argument and moved wisely out of the way just in time for wine to be spilled on Nana’s dress. Dorothea could see the tantrum coming from a mile away and melted further into the background. She had no desire to be part of this and was, at that moment, fervently glad that her own sister was not one to behave in such a manner. It was only a gown, after all. If it couldn’t be cleaned, then it could be replaced. And she had a rather good group of people around her so far that were quick to protect her modesty.
Before she could melt away entirely, several Leventi women swooped in and whisked Nana away. Of course, not before leaving Dorothea in the company of Basilides. The Lady Evelli had asked him to escort her. As if she needed escorting. However, she bit her tongue as they moved off to make the wardrobe change, leaving her alone with the man.
“How is it you came to know the Leventis so well?” she asked, partly curious, partly looking to pass the time until he could be distracted by another woman and leave her to her own devices.
Apparently, the woman that bumped into him didn’t quite appreciate his help, even less his flirting… it happened, sometimes, and he knew he could get in trouble for it. Though he didn’t care. Nothing that two blades of sharp bronze couldn’t solve…
But then he caught the whisper of one of the nobles, Lord Fotios, who gave him pretty clear order… play something lively. Hesiodos was not dumb enough to realize tensions were rising, so he quickly thought of a song that would help with the mood…
Something came to mind. He smiled.
He gave an order to the other musicians to follow his lead in certain tone and notes, and thus he began to play a lively song he wrote some time ago, which would certainly cause a sensation.
"Anything may start a quarrel
Love, misunderstanding or an insult
No matter if the reason seems immoral
One has to solve disputes as adults
I had two swords, him a long one
Bronze clashed like lighting in the night
Blessed by Ares, we know who would have won
But my swords still fiercely bite
Clash of metal, teeth bared white
We meet our blades, deadly as a viper’s hiss
On that moment, I knew what to do, alright
So I surprised him with a lovely kiss
Out of balance, the warrior seemed to be
But anger flashed in his eyes, I could see
With a headbutt, the world went black around me
But his desire, his desire was set free"
He continued playing the same tone of the song, lost in the music, with a silly smile on his face. He wrote that song in honor of the man he dueled and kissed: Achilleas, that one guard blessed by Ares himself. The fight was one of the most blood pumping ones he ever had in his life, and while he lost, he was sure he made the man ponder a couple of things on the dark of his room…
Needless to say, Hesiodos loved his job.
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Apparently, the woman that bumped into him didn’t quite appreciate his help, even less his flirting… it happened, sometimes, and he knew he could get in trouble for it. Though he didn’t care. Nothing that two blades of sharp bronze couldn’t solve…
But then he caught the whisper of one of the nobles, Lord Fotios, who gave him pretty clear order… play something lively. Hesiodos was not dumb enough to realize tensions were rising, so he quickly thought of a song that would help with the mood…
Something came to mind. He smiled.
He gave an order to the other musicians to follow his lead in certain tone and notes, and thus he began to play a lively song he wrote some time ago, which would certainly cause a sensation.
"Anything may start a quarrel
Love, misunderstanding or an insult
No matter if the reason seems immoral
One has to solve disputes as adults
I had two swords, him a long one
Bronze clashed like lighting in the night
Blessed by Ares, we know who would have won
But my swords still fiercely bite
Clash of metal, teeth bared white
We meet our blades, deadly as a viper’s hiss
On that moment, I knew what to do, alright
So I surprised him with a lovely kiss
Out of balance, the warrior seemed to be
But anger flashed in his eyes, I could see
With a headbutt, the world went black around me
But his desire, his desire was set free"
He continued playing the same tone of the song, lost in the music, with a silly smile on his face. He wrote that song in honor of the man he dueled and kissed: Achilleas, that one guard blessed by Ares himself. The fight was one of the most blood pumping ones he ever had in his life, and while he lost, he was sure he made the man ponder a couple of things on the dark of his room…
Needless to say, Hesiodos loved his job.
Apparently, the woman that bumped into him didn’t quite appreciate his help, even less his flirting… it happened, sometimes, and he knew he could get in trouble for it. Though he didn’t care. Nothing that two blades of sharp bronze couldn’t solve…
But then he caught the whisper of one of the nobles, Lord Fotios, who gave him pretty clear order… play something lively. Hesiodos was not dumb enough to realize tensions were rising, so he quickly thought of a song that would help with the mood…
Something came to mind. He smiled.
He gave an order to the other musicians to follow his lead in certain tone and notes, and thus he began to play a lively song he wrote some time ago, which would certainly cause a sensation.
"Anything may start a quarrel
Love, misunderstanding or an insult
No matter if the reason seems immoral
One has to solve disputes as adults
I had two swords, him a long one
Bronze clashed like lighting in the night
Blessed by Ares, we know who would have won
But my swords still fiercely bite
Clash of metal, teeth bared white
We meet our blades, deadly as a viper’s hiss
On that moment, I knew what to do, alright
So I surprised him with a lovely kiss
Out of balance, the warrior seemed to be
But anger flashed in his eyes, I could see
With a headbutt, the world went black around me
But his desire, his desire was set free"
He continued playing the same tone of the song, lost in the music, with a silly smile on his face. He wrote that song in honor of the man he dueled and kissed: Achilleas, that one guard blessed by Ares himself. The fight was one of the most blood pumping ones he ever had in his life, and while he lost, he was sure he made the man ponder a couple of things on the dark of his room…
Needless to say, Hesiodos loved his job.
This evening had not gone anything like he had planned, for now he stood without his companion, lacking his chlamys and feeling quite overexposed in the company of someone who look none too pleased to have him as her escort. Instinct had urged him to use his covering to help Lady Nana with her embarrassment, but he did not think he would then linger long enough to feel so plain in the company of nobility. Now, the stormy grey-blue of his chiton seemed rather dull and dimensionless without the soft sage accent color of his covering, and he could not help but feel self-conscious about it.
Almost as an attempt to salvage his appearance, a semi-frustrated hand ran through his curls before moving to at least attach his fibulae to the remains of his outfit. In doing so, he let his eyes glance down at the offending spill just as several servants came to clean it away with roughspun cloth.
He watched quietly as the Leventi sisters and mother made their exit along with Princess Gianna, until they disappeared along a corridor. His brows seemed to flatten a bit as he released a sigh, his eyes cutting over to Lady Dorothea as she asked her question.
In an attempt to soften his expression yet failing to approach the levels of his earlier charm, he replied, "They have long been patrons of the arts. For many years, I worked with them to organize various performances for the Festival of Dionysus and other smaller festivals in Taengea."
There it was again. That slight pang in his chest, rattling around between his ribs as he was once again reminded of the troupe's demise - likely by some incompetence on his part, his subconscious added, cuttingly. That flicker of self-loathing seemed to swell in his throat, forcing him to swallow to mentally push it back down.
"My father and brothers are merchants by trade as well, and we have had the pleasure of frequently importing luxuries for the Leventi family from Lands Afar."
For a moment, he let his eyes linger on the young noblewoman for a moment - her stern expression seeming rather stark for her lovely features. It was quite clear, even from the distance they stood from one another that she would rather be anywhere but at his side. Still, Lady Evelli charged him to escort her in the meanwhile, and until he was formally dismissed, he would not disappoint...or so he hoped.
"In fact, I know at least one of our entertainers tonight rather well," he began, gesturing with a now-bare arm toward Hesiodos and his players and serving as a guide for them to step away from the soiled area of the grand gallery. It was an invitation for her to lead the way towards the musicians, something Bas hoped she would accept and prefer over a crooked escort's elbow.
As they moved in the direction of the musicians, he added, "If travel interests you, I assure you he has more stories than can be told in a single night about Egypt, Judea, and beyond. He is a well-traveled scoundrel, which makes him an excellent bard."
All of this flattery took place a few long strides out of earshot of the bard, who was midway through a song. Approaching, Basilides could not help the smirk and raised brow as he heard the curious lyrics - as story that he had yet to be told since their last meeting during the Arts Festival in Argothia. A flurry of small emotions washed over him, catching his breath as he felt a rush of remembering the thrills of that night, the guilt that followed, once again leading his mind to ponder across his errant lover, Zephyrus...wherever he may be.
The note he left and most of Zeph's belongings were still at the tavern where they stayed before their argument, but some of his items and all of the coins he left were gone. Perhaps, he chose not to read it, take his things, and sail for Athenia. It was what he wanted, right? Basilides made a mental note to make his way by the docks to check the records of vessels that sailed for Athenia in the past few weeks, but that thought was cut short as the song came to an end, leading to a small smattering of applause and the start of a simple instrumental number.
Sidling over to the musician, who kept playing through as the two approached, Basilides flashed a cat-like grin at the man, "My friend. Allow me to introduce to you- Hesiodos of Phossis, may I present Lady Dorothea of Dimitrou. Lady Dorothea has an interest in travel, I believe, and I am certain your tales will either encourage that interest or dissuade her completely."
Taking a step back slightly so the Lady of Dimitrou could be introduced, Bas could not help himself - silently catching Hesiodos' attention then glancing towards the Egyptian General with a slight tilt of his head, as if to say "Did you take a look at that?"
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This evening had not gone anything like he had planned, for now he stood without his companion, lacking his chlamys and feeling quite overexposed in the company of someone who look none too pleased to have him as her escort. Instinct had urged him to use his covering to help Lady Nana with her embarrassment, but he did not think he would then linger long enough to feel so plain in the company of nobility. Now, the stormy grey-blue of his chiton seemed rather dull and dimensionless without the soft sage accent color of his covering, and he could not help but feel self-conscious about it.
Almost as an attempt to salvage his appearance, a semi-frustrated hand ran through his curls before moving to at least attach his fibulae to the remains of his outfit. In doing so, he let his eyes glance down at the offending spill just as several servants came to clean it away with roughspun cloth.
He watched quietly as the Leventi sisters and mother made their exit along with Princess Gianna, until they disappeared along a corridor. His brows seemed to flatten a bit as he released a sigh, his eyes cutting over to Lady Dorothea as she asked her question.
In an attempt to soften his expression yet failing to approach the levels of his earlier charm, he replied, "They have long been patrons of the arts. For many years, I worked with them to organize various performances for the Festival of Dionysus and other smaller festivals in Taengea."
There it was again. That slight pang in his chest, rattling around between his ribs as he was once again reminded of the troupe's demise - likely by some incompetence on his part, his subconscious added, cuttingly. That flicker of self-loathing seemed to swell in his throat, forcing him to swallow to mentally push it back down.
"My father and brothers are merchants by trade as well, and we have had the pleasure of frequently importing luxuries for the Leventi family from Lands Afar."
For a moment, he let his eyes linger on the young noblewoman for a moment - her stern expression seeming rather stark for her lovely features. It was quite clear, even from the distance they stood from one another that she would rather be anywhere but at his side. Still, Lady Evelli charged him to escort her in the meanwhile, and until he was formally dismissed, he would not disappoint...or so he hoped.
"In fact, I know at least one of our entertainers tonight rather well," he began, gesturing with a now-bare arm toward Hesiodos and his players and serving as a guide for them to step away from the soiled area of the grand gallery. It was an invitation for her to lead the way towards the musicians, something Bas hoped she would accept and prefer over a crooked escort's elbow.
As they moved in the direction of the musicians, he added, "If travel interests you, I assure you he has more stories than can be told in a single night about Egypt, Judea, and beyond. He is a well-traveled scoundrel, which makes him an excellent bard."
All of this flattery took place a few long strides out of earshot of the bard, who was midway through a song. Approaching, Basilides could not help the smirk and raised brow as he heard the curious lyrics - as story that he had yet to be told since their last meeting during the Arts Festival in Argothia. A flurry of small emotions washed over him, catching his breath as he felt a rush of remembering the thrills of that night, the guilt that followed, once again leading his mind to ponder across his errant lover, Zephyrus...wherever he may be.
The note he left and most of Zeph's belongings were still at the tavern where they stayed before their argument, but some of his items and all of the coins he left were gone. Perhaps, he chose not to read it, take his things, and sail for Athenia. It was what he wanted, right? Basilides made a mental note to make his way by the docks to check the records of vessels that sailed for Athenia in the past few weeks, but that thought was cut short as the song came to an end, leading to a small smattering of applause and the start of a simple instrumental number.
Sidling over to the musician, who kept playing through as the two approached, Basilides flashed a cat-like grin at the man, "My friend. Allow me to introduce to you- Hesiodos of Phossis, may I present Lady Dorothea of Dimitrou. Lady Dorothea has an interest in travel, I believe, and I am certain your tales will either encourage that interest or dissuade her completely."
Taking a step back slightly so the Lady of Dimitrou could be introduced, Bas could not help himself - silently catching Hesiodos' attention then glancing towards the Egyptian General with a slight tilt of his head, as if to say "Did you take a look at that?"
This evening had not gone anything like he had planned, for now he stood without his companion, lacking his chlamys and feeling quite overexposed in the company of someone who look none too pleased to have him as her escort. Instinct had urged him to use his covering to help Lady Nana with her embarrassment, but he did not think he would then linger long enough to feel so plain in the company of nobility. Now, the stormy grey-blue of his chiton seemed rather dull and dimensionless without the soft sage accent color of his covering, and he could not help but feel self-conscious about it.
Almost as an attempt to salvage his appearance, a semi-frustrated hand ran through his curls before moving to at least attach his fibulae to the remains of his outfit. In doing so, he let his eyes glance down at the offending spill just as several servants came to clean it away with roughspun cloth.
He watched quietly as the Leventi sisters and mother made their exit along with Princess Gianna, until they disappeared along a corridor. His brows seemed to flatten a bit as he released a sigh, his eyes cutting over to Lady Dorothea as she asked her question.
In an attempt to soften his expression yet failing to approach the levels of his earlier charm, he replied, "They have long been patrons of the arts. For many years, I worked with them to organize various performances for the Festival of Dionysus and other smaller festivals in Taengea."
There it was again. That slight pang in his chest, rattling around between his ribs as he was once again reminded of the troupe's demise - likely by some incompetence on his part, his subconscious added, cuttingly. That flicker of self-loathing seemed to swell in his throat, forcing him to swallow to mentally push it back down.
"My father and brothers are merchants by trade as well, and we have had the pleasure of frequently importing luxuries for the Leventi family from Lands Afar."
For a moment, he let his eyes linger on the young noblewoman for a moment - her stern expression seeming rather stark for her lovely features. It was quite clear, even from the distance they stood from one another that she would rather be anywhere but at his side. Still, Lady Evelli charged him to escort her in the meanwhile, and until he was formally dismissed, he would not disappoint...or so he hoped.
"In fact, I know at least one of our entertainers tonight rather well," he began, gesturing with a now-bare arm toward Hesiodos and his players and serving as a guide for them to step away from the soiled area of the grand gallery. It was an invitation for her to lead the way towards the musicians, something Bas hoped she would accept and prefer over a crooked escort's elbow.
As they moved in the direction of the musicians, he added, "If travel interests you, I assure you he has more stories than can be told in a single night about Egypt, Judea, and beyond. He is a well-traveled scoundrel, which makes him an excellent bard."
All of this flattery took place a few long strides out of earshot of the bard, who was midway through a song. Approaching, Basilides could not help the smirk and raised brow as he heard the curious lyrics - as story that he had yet to be told since their last meeting during the Arts Festival in Argothia. A flurry of small emotions washed over him, catching his breath as he felt a rush of remembering the thrills of that night, the guilt that followed, once again leading his mind to ponder across his errant lover, Zephyrus...wherever he may be.
The note he left and most of Zeph's belongings were still at the tavern where they stayed before their argument, but some of his items and all of the coins he left were gone. Perhaps, he chose not to read it, take his things, and sail for Athenia. It was what he wanted, right? Basilides made a mental note to make his way by the docks to check the records of vessels that sailed for Athenia in the past few weeks, but that thought was cut short as the song came to an end, leading to a small smattering of applause and the start of a simple instrumental number.
Sidling over to the musician, who kept playing through as the two approached, Basilides flashed a cat-like grin at the man, "My friend. Allow me to introduce to you- Hesiodos of Phossis, may I present Lady Dorothea of Dimitrou. Lady Dorothea has an interest in travel, I believe, and I am certain your tales will either encourage that interest or dissuade her completely."
Taking a step back slightly so the Lady of Dimitrou could be introduced, Bas could not help himself - silently catching Hesiodos' attention then glancing towards the Egyptian General with a slight tilt of his head, as if to say "Did you take a look at that?"
When she mentioned circling wolves, he glanced back into the room and spotted Nikos roaming about. Beyond being friends with the boy’s father, he didn’t have much of an opinion on Lord Nikos - save that he wouldn’t have been overly pleased to learn that Iason spent a lot of time with him. Thankfully, this was not the case. His children, he liked to think, had good, solid, practical heads on their shoulders. They knew whom to spend time with, and whom not to. Evangelina Leventi, it would seem, had that insight, at least. He looked down at her and nodded.
“The whole of the room is full of wolves and fawns.” Shifting his gaze from her to the view off the balcony, he continued, “More wolves than deer, it would seem.” He’d yet to meet the Egyptian contingency, but, apart from being aware of the comings and goings of court, he had no wish to be an active participant. The Egyptians were responsible for quite a few of the ills that Taengea had suffered. He’d dealt with them first hand years ago. Aside from being polite, he did not want to have anything to do with the visiting general.
His thoughts were interrupted when Evangeline asked a question. Why did he intervene? He didn’t answer her immediately. Instead he continued to gaze out across the garden, glowing brilliantly under the evening sun. When he did not speak, she continued, observing that he was a hunter and that should make him willing to see things suffer. Without smiling, he finally pulled his gaze back to her, observing her profile.
“There is a difference between killing for pleasure, and killing for necessity. On my land, if I do not cull the deer or the boar, they’ll overrun my forest. I hunt in honor of Artemis. I would be a poor steward of her forest if I allowed the balance to be overturned because I was too soft.” He paused for a moment, not unable to hold a conversation, but not overly great at it either. “I do not think the court needs another wolf,” he finally looked away.
Probably it wasn’t a good thing to agree with her that Lord Nikos might not be the best person for her to spend a lot of time and energy on. However, she didn’t strike him as the kind of person to set about spreading idle gossip either. It was alright to share his real opinion. Not that he would have dulled it, in any case. He just probably wouldn’t have been so free with it if he were speaking to, say, her cousin Nana.
When she mentioned the fine horses potentially turning into bad horses under the wrong guidance, he nodded. “Just so.” Taking in a breath, he glanced back inside and spotted his daughter moving about. That reminded him that Evangelina was now rescued and likely did not want to stay out here all night with him for company. “Whenever you are ready rejoin the feastivities,” he gestured with his wine cup toward the room. He planned to collect Dorothea soon and leave whenever it was easiest and best to do so.
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When she mentioned circling wolves, he glanced back into the room and spotted Nikos roaming about. Beyond being friends with the boy’s father, he didn’t have much of an opinion on Lord Nikos - save that he wouldn’t have been overly pleased to learn that Iason spent a lot of time with him. Thankfully, this was not the case. His children, he liked to think, had good, solid, practical heads on their shoulders. They knew whom to spend time with, and whom not to. Evangelina Leventi, it would seem, had that insight, at least. He looked down at her and nodded.
“The whole of the room is full of wolves and fawns.” Shifting his gaze from her to the view off the balcony, he continued, “More wolves than deer, it would seem.” He’d yet to meet the Egyptian contingency, but, apart from being aware of the comings and goings of court, he had no wish to be an active participant. The Egyptians were responsible for quite a few of the ills that Taengea had suffered. He’d dealt with them first hand years ago. Aside from being polite, he did not want to have anything to do with the visiting general.
His thoughts were interrupted when Evangeline asked a question. Why did he intervene? He didn’t answer her immediately. Instead he continued to gaze out across the garden, glowing brilliantly under the evening sun. When he did not speak, she continued, observing that he was a hunter and that should make him willing to see things suffer. Without smiling, he finally pulled his gaze back to her, observing her profile.
“There is a difference between killing for pleasure, and killing for necessity. On my land, if I do not cull the deer or the boar, they’ll overrun my forest. I hunt in honor of Artemis. I would be a poor steward of her forest if I allowed the balance to be overturned because I was too soft.” He paused for a moment, not unable to hold a conversation, but not overly great at it either. “I do not think the court needs another wolf,” he finally looked away.
Probably it wasn’t a good thing to agree with her that Lord Nikos might not be the best person for her to spend a lot of time and energy on. However, she didn’t strike him as the kind of person to set about spreading idle gossip either. It was alright to share his real opinion. Not that he would have dulled it, in any case. He just probably wouldn’t have been so free with it if he were speaking to, say, her cousin Nana.
When she mentioned the fine horses potentially turning into bad horses under the wrong guidance, he nodded. “Just so.” Taking in a breath, he glanced back inside and spotted his daughter moving about. That reminded him that Evangelina was now rescued and likely did not want to stay out here all night with him for company. “Whenever you are ready rejoin the feastivities,” he gestured with his wine cup toward the room. He planned to collect Dorothea soon and leave whenever it was easiest and best to do so.
When she mentioned circling wolves, he glanced back into the room and spotted Nikos roaming about. Beyond being friends with the boy’s father, he didn’t have much of an opinion on Lord Nikos - save that he wouldn’t have been overly pleased to learn that Iason spent a lot of time with him. Thankfully, this was not the case. His children, he liked to think, had good, solid, practical heads on their shoulders. They knew whom to spend time with, and whom not to. Evangelina Leventi, it would seem, had that insight, at least. He looked down at her and nodded.
“The whole of the room is full of wolves and fawns.” Shifting his gaze from her to the view off the balcony, he continued, “More wolves than deer, it would seem.” He’d yet to meet the Egyptian contingency, but, apart from being aware of the comings and goings of court, he had no wish to be an active participant. The Egyptians were responsible for quite a few of the ills that Taengea had suffered. He’d dealt with them first hand years ago. Aside from being polite, he did not want to have anything to do with the visiting general.
His thoughts were interrupted when Evangeline asked a question. Why did he intervene? He didn’t answer her immediately. Instead he continued to gaze out across the garden, glowing brilliantly under the evening sun. When he did not speak, she continued, observing that he was a hunter and that should make him willing to see things suffer. Without smiling, he finally pulled his gaze back to her, observing her profile.
“There is a difference between killing for pleasure, and killing for necessity. On my land, if I do not cull the deer or the boar, they’ll overrun my forest. I hunt in honor of Artemis. I would be a poor steward of her forest if I allowed the balance to be overturned because I was too soft.” He paused for a moment, not unable to hold a conversation, but not overly great at it either. “I do not think the court needs another wolf,” he finally looked away.
Probably it wasn’t a good thing to agree with her that Lord Nikos might not be the best person for her to spend a lot of time and energy on. However, she didn’t strike him as the kind of person to set about spreading idle gossip either. It was alright to share his real opinion. Not that he would have dulled it, in any case. He just probably wouldn’t have been so free with it if he were speaking to, say, her cousin Nana.
When she mentioned the fine horses potentially turning into bad horses under the wrong guidance, he nodded. “Just so.” Taking in a breath, he glanced back inside and spotted his daughter moving about. That reminded him that Evangelina was now rescued and likely did not want to stay out here all night with him for company. “Whenever you are ready rejoin the feastivities,” he gestured with his wine cup toward the room. He planned to collect Dorothea soon and leave whenever it was easiest and best to do so.
Gavriil and Evangelina on the Balcony
As Gavriil mentioned the whole of the room being full of wolves and fawns, she let her gaze twist over her shoulder for a brief moment to look back into the room. He was right. Drawing her gaze back to the view off of the balcony she gave a tight smile.
“Hmmm…” It was a closed mouth response to his words but what else was she to say. It wasn’t just that room that was full of wolves and deer but the world. In the world of wolves and fawns, she’d decided to be a fox. Not as hated as the wolves and not as helpless as a fawn.
When she’d asked the question, she’d not actually thought he’d answer her but he did. He turned a little to her, those too sharp of eyes of his pinning her to where she stood. Her breathing stilled and she held his gaze as he spoke. She wasn’t going to waver in front of him even if his gaze could do more damage to her then her uncle’s.
He’d said exactly what she’d been thinking, there was a difference in hunters and killers and she had experience with both. Her father didn’t kill for pleasure. He didn’t tear things down without cause. He wasn’t the sort of man who smelled blood and went in for the kill. Maybe it had earned her father a bit of a reputation for being a coward amongst the family but it made him admirable to her.
Evangelina’s dark eyes softened as he finally looked away from her and she was able to breathe again.
“I doubt that my opinion matters,” Evangelina offered softly, her gaze still focused on him. She continued, “But I find that admirable.” Her gaze still held his for a moment or two before she pulled it away to look back across the garden.
Compelled to bring up the matter of the horses once again, she wasn’t sure he understood it was a compliment that she was offering to him and his family rather than blathering on about the misfortunes of her good horses. His reply caused her pause, and she looked back at him finding at him staring back inside. A pang hit her. Of course, he had other things to do than to stand outside and keep an eye on her. His next words proved it.
Her eyes dropped and she nodded faintly, “Of course. I don’t want to keep you… please return to the festivities if you please.” She bit her bottom lip and glanced back out to the garden. She’d wait until he returned and then she’d slip away in hopefully the evening shadows and find a litter to take her home. The festivities had somewhat dampened her enthusiasm. She’d done enough damage for one evening at this party. Turning a little towards him she offered a half-smile, “Thank you again, Lord Dimitrou. I truly appreciate someone saving me from the wolves.”
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Gavriil and Evangelina on the Balcony
As Gavriil mentioned the whole of the room being full of wolves and fawns, she let her gaze twist over her shoulder for a brief moment to look back into the room. He was right. Drawing her gaze back to the view off of the balcony she gave a tight smile.
“Hmmm…” It was a closed mouth response to his words but what else was she to say. It wasn’t just that room that was full of wolves and deer but the world. In the world of wolves and fawns, she’d decided to be a fox. Not as hated as the wolves and not as helpless as a fawn.
When she’d asked the question, she’d not actually thought he’d answer her but he did. He turned a little to her, those too sharp of eyes of his pinning her to where she stood. Her breathing stilled and she held his gaze as he spoke. She wasn’t going to waver in front of him even if his gaze could do more damage to her then her uncle’s.
He’d said exactly what she’d been thinking, there was a difference in hunters and killers and she had experience with both. Her father didn’t kill for pleasure. He didn’t tear things down without cause. He wasn’t the sort of man who smelled blood and went in for the kill. Maybe it had earned her father a bit of a reputation for being a coward amongst the family but it made him admirable to her.
Evangelina’s dark eyes softened as he finally looked away from her and she was able to breathe again.
“I doubt that my opinion matters,” Evangelina offered softly, her gaze still focused on him. She continued, “But I find that admirable.” Her gaze still held his for a moment or two before she pulled it away to look back across the garden.
Compelled to bring up the matter of the horses once again, she wasn’t sure he understood it was a compliment that she was offering to him and his family rather than blathering on about the misfortunes of her good horses. His reply caused her pause, and she looked back at him finding at him staring back inside. A pang hit her. Of course, he had other things to do than to stand outside and keep an eye on her. His next words proved it.
Her eyes dropped and she nodded faintly, “Of course. I don’t want to keep you… please return to the festivities if you please.” She bit her bottom lip and glanced back out to the garden. She’d wait until he returned and then she’d slip away in hopefully the evening shadows and find a litter to take her home. The festivities had somewhat dampened her enthusiasm. She’d done enough damage for one evening at this party. Turning a little towards him she offered a half-smile, “Thank you again, Lord Dimitrou. I truly appreciate someone saving me from the wolves.”
Gavriil and Evangelina on the Balcony
As Gavriil mentioned the whole of the room being full of wolves and fawns, she let her gaze twist over her shoulder for a brief moment to look back into the room. He was right. Drawing her gaze back to the view off of the balcony she gave a tight smile.
“Hmmm…” It was a closed mouth response to his words but what else was she to say. It wasn’t just that room that was full of wolves and deer but the world. In the world of wolves and fawns, she’d decided to be a fox. Not as hated as the wolves and not as helpless as a fawn.
When she’d asked the question, she’d not actually thought he’d answer her but he did. He turned a little to her, those too sharp of eyes of his pinning her to where she stood. Her breathing stilled and she held his gaze as he spoke. She wasn’t going to waver in front of him even if his gaze could do more damage to her then her uncle’s.
He’d said exactly what she’d been thinking, there was a difference in hunters and killers and she had experience with both. Her father didn’t kill for pleasure. He didn’t tear things down without cause. He wasn’t the sort of man who smelled blood and went in for the kill. Maybe it had earned her father a bit of a reputation for being a coward amongst the family but it made him admirable to her.
Evangelina’s dark eyes softened as he finally looked away from her and she was able to breathe again.
“I doubt that my opinion matters,” Evangelina offered softly, her gaze still focused on him. She continued, “But I find that admirable.” Her gaze still held his for a moment or two before she pulled it away to look back across the garden.
Compelled to bring up the matter of the horses once again, she wasn’t sure he understood it was a compliment that she was offering to him and his family rather than blathering on about the misfortunes of her good horses. His reply caused her pause, and she looked back at him finding at him staring back inside. A pang hit her. Of course, he had other things to do than to stand outside and keep an eye on her. His next words proved it.
Her eyes dropped and she nodded faintly, “Of course. I don’t want to keep you… please return to the festivities if you please.” She bit her bottom lip and glanced back out to the garden. She’d wait until he returned and then she’d slip away in hopefully the evening shadows and find a litter to take her home. The festivities had somewhat dampened her enthusiasm. She’d done enough damage for one evening at this party. Turning a little towards him she offered a half-smile, “Thank you again, Lord Dimitrou. I truly appreciate someone saving me from the wolves.”