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If Zenais happened to look hard enough into Alexios' eyes she would have seen it. A flash of self-doubt that darkened the azure hue of his gaze and furrowed his brow. The evidence that beneath the tan, a battle raged. He'd put himself; put them both in this situation but it was one he could scarce remember how to manoeuver. He knew well enough what it was to say the right things to turn a pretty head and charm someone to whatever illicit ends he had in mind but for them to actually want that ... no one yielded to him like this. No one placed herself so willingly into his hands and yielded her trust like the breathtaking brunette had. He was brought back to his usual surfeit of confidence by the sight of the maid biting her lip again, and let out a low, guttural groan of appreciation before clasping her surrendered hand in his palm. "You don't need to do anything beyond be yourself, Zenais. That is pleasing enough," the swarthy commander assured her, not that this truth would permit him to abandon their trip into the city. "But let's try to improve on perfection, just the same."
He took great pride in drawing her back through the manor, insistently but gently, and noticing the glances they got from other servants. By Athena's teats he'd likely catch hell for this later from Eirini but the game was worth the candle. Grinning boyishly from ear to ear, Alexios led the way out into the bright Taengean sunshine and the scrum of the city with its profusion of passing carts, litters, shop stalls, and excitement. "I miss this when I'm in Judea," Alex had to holler to be heard over the din amidst their journey towards the central marketplace. "The noise of civilisation. It's like a heartbeat, the city a living thing that breathes and sighs and groans. Doesn't it make you feel alive? Whup!"
As a cart passed them close by Alexios pulled Zenais hard against his chest, a breathy laugh sounding from his smiling lips. He marked how she felt; how her body fit to his own. "Careful, little nightingale," he teased. "You'll get us both run over and I can think of far more pleasurable ways to die than that. But not yet. I want to watch you fly first." The less-than-literal intention behind his statement was clear as the pair meanded towards and thence into a ladies' shop, one of the finest in the city attested to by the exquisite cloth and glittering jewelry on display at its doors. "Now, then," the bold officer finally let go of Zenais' hand, their destination reached and the better for him to turn and crook his head curiously to one side, gauging what reaction might pass over her flawless face. "What's the first thing in here that takes your breath away and stokes want thumping hard in your breast? Don't think. Just feel. Look and feel and show me what strikes your fancy purely on impulse. All of life's best decisions should be made that way."
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Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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If Zenais happened to look hard enough into Alexios' eyes she would have seen it. A flash of self-doubt that darkened the azure hue of his gaze and furrowed his brow. The evidence that beneath the tan, a battle raged. He'd put himself; put them both in this situation but it was one he could scarce remember how to manoeuver. He knew well enough what it was to say the right things to turn a pretty head and charm someone to whatever illicit ends he had in mind but for them to actually want that ... no one yielded to him like this. No one placed herself so willingly into his hands and yielded her trust like the breathtaking brunette had. He was brought back to his usual surfeit of confidence by the sight of the maid biting her lip again, and let out a low, guttural groan of appreciation before clasping her surrendered hand in his palm. "You don't need to do anything beyond be yourself, Zenais. That is pleasing enough," the swarthy commander assured her, not that this truth would permit him to abandon their trip into the city. "But let's try to improve on perfection, just the same."
He took great pride in drawing her back through the manor, insistently but gently, and noticing the glances they got from other servants. By Athena's teats he'd likely catch hell for this later from Eirini but the game was worth the candle. Grinning boyishly from ear to ear, Alexios led the way out into the bright Taengean sunshine and the scrum of the city with its profusion of passing carts, litters, shop stalls, and excitement. "I miss this when I'm in Judea," Alex had to holler to be heard over the din amidst their journey towards the central marketplace. "The noise of civilisation. It's like a heartbeat, the city a living thing that breathes and sighs and groans. Doesn't it make you feel alive? Whup!"
As a cart passed them close by Alexios pulled Zenais hard against his chest, a breathy laugh sounding from his smiling lips. He marked how she felt; how her body fit to his own. "Careful, little nightingale," he teased. "You'll get us both run over and I can think of far more pleasurable ways to die than that. But not yet. I want to watch you fly first." The less-than-literal intention behind his statement was clear as the pair meanded towards and thence into a ladies' shop, one of the finest in the city attested to by the exquisite cloth and glittering jewelry on display at its doors. "Now, then," the bold officer finally let go of Zenais' hand, their destination reached and the better for him to turn and crook his head curiously to one side, gauging what reaction might pass over her flawless face. "What's the first thing in here that takes your breath away and stokes want thumping hard in your breast? Don't think. Just feel. Look and feel and show me what strikes your fancy purely on impulse. All of life's best decisions should be made that way."
If Zenais happened to look hard enough into Alexios' eyes she would have seen it. A flash of self-doubt that darkened the azure hue of his gaze and furrowed his brow. The evidence that beneath the tan, a battle raged. He'd put himself; put them both in this situation but it was one he could scarce remember how to manoeuver. He knew well enough what it was to say the right things to turn a pretty head and charm someone to whatever illicit ends he had in mind but for them to actually want that ... no one yielded to him like this. No one placed herself so willingly into his hands and yielded her trust like the breathtaking brunette had. He was brought back to his usual surfeit of confidence by the sight of the maid biting her lip again, and let out a low, guttural groan of appreciation before clasping her surrendered hand in his palm. "You don't need to do anything beyond be yourself, Zenais. That is pleasing enough," the swarthy commander assured her, not that this truth would permit him to abandon their trip into the city. "But let's try to improve on perfection, just the same."
He took great pride in drawing her back through the manor, insistently but gently, and noticing the glances they got from other servants. By Athena's teats he'd likely catch hell for this later from Eirini but the game was worth the candle. Grinning boyishly from ear to ear, Alexios led the way out into the bright Taengean sunshine and the scrum of the city with its profusion of passing carts, litters, shop stalls, and excitement. "I miss this when I'm in Judea," Alex had to holler to be heard over the din amidst their journey towards the central marketplace. "The noise of civilisation. It's like a heartbeat, the city a living thing that breathes and sighs and groans. Doesn't it make you feel alive? Whup!"
As a cart passed them close by Alexios pulled Zenais hard against his chest, a breathy laugh sounding from his smiling lips. He marked how she felt; how her body fit to his own. "Careful, little nightingale," he teased. "You'll get us both run over and I can think of far more pleasurable ways to die than that. But not yet. I want to watch you fly first." The less-than-literal intention behind his statement was clear as the pair meanded towards and thence into a ladies' shop, one of the finest in the city attested to by the exquisite cloth and glittering jewelry on display at its doors. "Now, then," the bold officer finally let go of Zenais' hand, their destination reached and the better for him to turn and crook his head curiously to one side, gauging what reaction might pass over her flawless face. "What's the first thing in here that takes your breath away and stokes want thumping hard in your breast? Don't think. Just feel. Look and feel and show me what strikes your fancy purely on impulse. All of life's best decisions should be made that way."
This was not something Zenais did on a regular basis. Or at all really. Even back when she had been with Yiannis, the third prince of Colchis had been careful and calculated in his moves with her, as she had with him. They had been young, nubile and unaware of the dangers of the world that lurked and would appear in their lives at much later junctures. Now at her age, Zenais was much more aware... and highly attuned to everything that may go wrong.
Yet with her hands enveloped in his large, warm ones as Alexios dragged her out of her mistress's manor, down to the streets of Vasiliadon, Zenais found the warning bells in her head muted. Silently, her feet followed his down to the warm Taengean susnhine, and there, she couldn't help but smile at the boyish way in which he grinned once they reached the busy streets of the capitol. Zenais usually tried to stay away from them, often telling the girls in the tavern what she'd need. The few times she would venture to the streets, she would wear a hood, simply for fear of who she may meet, so the brunette couldn't help but tilt her head up towards the sun as they strolled, enjoying the gentle heat on her fair skin. No doubt, she'd get freckles over the next few days... but the heat was worth it for a short while.
"Is Judea not as busy as we have here?" the blue-eyed maiden couldn't help but ask curiously, drawing closer to Alexios so her voice could be heard. Having never been beyond the borders of Greece before, Zenais suddenly found a curiosity spark from his talk of being in a different realm entirely. Were they very different? She had seen a few here before, who were definitely not of Grecian descent, but with how little she spoke with others, she had learnt very little.
Curious gaze trained on Alexios, she would have missed the cart entirely and gotten hit, had the large commander not drag her against his chest, causing her to stumble and have her face pressed against his front. The flush that was now becoming almost a permanent fixture on her face appeared again when she felt his heat envelope her wholly now, quickly picking herself up again. For once though, she let a small, shy smile grace her lips when he mentioned wanting to watch her fly - the man was incorrigible, but Zenais found herself enjoying his absurd praises more and more.
Not missing the fact that he did not release her hand as he guided her down the streets, she had to hurry her paces to keep up. A small bloom of regret filled her chest when Alexios finally dropped her hands, but the words he spoke next quickly distracted her.
When her blue eyes swept the wares on display of the merchant's store that the bold officer had guided her to, her eyes widened at the garish display of baubles and jewelry on sale, things Zenais had never entertained before on her meagre salary.
"I-..All of them?" she murmured under her breathe, not even sure if he caugt her words as she blinked rapidly at the exquisite cloth that glinted in the sunlight, the gold that was almost illegally shiny. Hands that had previously been held by Alexios now pressed tightly against her chest, her lips open a little in a small gape as she stared, Zenais scanned the stall, and then turned her glittering azure gaze back to the man who had brought her here. "Would impulse not bring danger, Sir Alexios?" The last time she had acted on impulse, it had resulted in her being exiled from her own home, and losing her whole family. Zenais did not put much stock in impulse, really.
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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This was not something Zenais did on a regular basis. Or at all really. Even back when she had been with Yiannis, the third prince of Colchis had been careful and calculated in his moves with her, as she had with him. They had been young, nubile and unaware of the dangers of the world that lurked and would appear in their lives at much later junctures. Now at her age, Zenais was much more aware... and highly attuned to everything that may go wrong.
Yet with her hands enveloped in his large, warm ones as Alexios dragged her out of her mistress's manor, down to the streets of Vasiliadon, Zenais found the warning bells in her head muted. Silently, her feet followed his down to the warm Taengean susnhine, and there, she couldn't help but smile at the boyish way in which he grinned once they reached the busy streets of the capitol. Zenais usually tried to stay away from them, often telling the girls in the tavern what she'd need. The few times she would venture to the streets, she would wear a hood, simply for fear of who she may meet, so the brunette couldn't help but tilt her head up towards the sun as they strolled, enjoying the gentle heat on her fair skin. No doubt, she'd get freckles over the next few days... but the heat was worth it for a short while.
"Is Judea not as busy as we have here?" the blue-eyed maiden couldn't help but ask curiously, drawing closer to Alexios so her voice could be heard. Having never been beyond the borders of Greece before, Zenais suddenly found a curiosity spark from his talk of being in a different realm entirely. Were they very different? She had seen a few here before, who were definitely not of Grecian descent, but with how little she spoke with others, she had learnt very little.
Curious gaze trained on Alexios, she would have missed the cart entirely and gotten hit, had the large commander not drag her against his chest, causing her to stumble and have her face pressed against his front. The flush that was now becoming almost a permanent fixture on her face appeared again when she felt his heat envelope her wholly now, quickly picking herself up again. For once though, she let a small, shy smile grace her lips when he mentioned wanting to watch her fly - the man was incorrigible, but Zenais found herself enjoying his absurd praises more and more.
Not missing the fact that he did not release her hand as he guided her down the streets, she had to hurry her paces to keep up. A small bloom of regret filled her chest when Alexios finally dropped her hands, but the words he spoke next quickly distracted her.
When her blue eyes swept the wares on display of the merchant's store that the bold officer had guided her to, her eyes widened at the garish display of baubles and jewelry on sale, things Zenais had never entertained before on her meagre salary.
"I-..All of them?" she murmured under her breathe, not even sure if he caugt her words as she blinked rapidly at the exquisite cloth that glinted in the sunlight, the gold that was almost illegally shiny. Hands that had previously been held by Alexios now pressed tightly against her chest, her lips open a little in a small gape as she stared, Zenais scanned the stall, and then turned her glittering azure gaze back to the man who had brought her here. "Would impulse not bring danger, Sir Alexios?" The last time she had acted on impulse, it had resulted in her being exiled from her own home, and losing her whole family. Zenais did not put much stock in impulse, really.
This was not something Zenais did on a regular basis. Or at all really. Even back when she had been with Yiannis, the third prince of Colchis had been careful and calculated in his moves with her, as she had with him. They had been young, nubile and unaware of the dangers of the world that lurked and would appear in their lives at much later junctures. Now at her age, Zenais was much more aware... and highly attuned to everything that may go wrong.
Yet with her hands enveloped in his large, warm ones as Alexios dragged her out of her mistress's manor, down to the streets of Vasiliadon, Zenais found the warning bells in her head muted. Silently, her feet followed his down to the warm Taengean susnhine, and there, she couldn't help but smile at the boyish way in which he grinned once they reached the busy streets of the capitol. Zenais usually tried to stay away from them, often telling the girls in the tavern what she'd need. The few times she would venture to the streets, she would wear a hood, simply for fear of who she may meet, so the brunette couldn't help but tilt her head up towards the sun as they strolled, enjoying the gentle heat on her fair skin. No doubt, she'd get freckles over the next few days... but the heat was worth it for a short while.
"Is Judea not as busy as we have here?" the blue-eyed maiden couldn't help but ask curiously, drawing closer to Alexios so her voice could be heard. Having never been beyond the borders of Greece before, Zenais suddenly found a curiosity spark from his talk of being in a different realm entirely. Were they very different? She had seen a few here before, who were definitely not of Grecian descent, but with how little she spoke with others, she had learnt very little.
Curious gaze trained on Alexios, she would have missed the cart entirely and gotten hit, had the large commander not drag her against his chest, causing her to stumble and have her face pressed against his front. The flush that was now becoming almost a permanent fixture on her face appeared again when she felt his heat envelope her wholly now, quickly picking herself up again. For once though, she let a small, shy smile grace her lips when he mentioned wanting to watch her fly - the man was incorrigible, but Zenais found herself enjoying his absurd praises more and more.
Not missing the fact that he did not release her hand as he guided her down the streets, she had to hurry her paces to keep up. A small bloom of regret filled her chest when Alexios finally dropped her hands, but the words he spoke next quickly distracted her.
When her blue eyes swept the wares on display of the merchant's store that the bold officer had guided her to, her eyes widened at the garish display of baubles and jewelry on sale, things Zenais had never entertained before on her meagre salary.
"I-..All of them?" she murmured under her breathe, not even sure if he caugt her words as she blinked rapidly at the exquisite cloth that glinted in the sunlight, the gold that was almost illegally shiny. Hands that had previously been held by Alexios now pressed tightly against her chest, her lips open a little in a small gape as she stared, Zenais scanned the stall, and then turned her glittering azure gaze back to the man who had brought her here. "Would impulse not bring danger, Sir Alexios?" The last time she had acted on impulse, it had resulted in her being exiled from her own home, and losing her whole family. Zenais did not put much stock in impulse, really.
The women who usually pressed themselves against Alexios did so with a knowing look in their eyes and a sultry smile on their lips. They were seductresses, as bred to it as his famous sister, and knew precisely the lurid thoughts they were putting into his head. Zenais, though, looked up at him with such innocence and, yes, trust, it stole his breath away. There was just enough left to murmur, astounded, "Gods help me," before the spell was broken and they were on their way once more in the wake of the clattering cart that had nearly done her a mischief. When her face had been pressed to his chest, though, could she hear and feel his heartbeat through the thin linen of his tunic? He was convinced that if it'd beat any harder it would have shot forth from his breast like the shot of a catapult. "Judea is a crossroads, an intersection between our world and the limitless horizons to the east. It has its own sounds but they're different. They're ... restrained in a way. Maybe you'll find that out one day, if the light of Helios' fire-darting steeds can steal in through ornate, grilled window screens to fall upon your blushing cheek and kiss you good morning in Israel. "
The city made for a momentary distraction, as much as one could suffice, from the lissome fingers clasping his. That, too, was unusual for the officer, a relatively innocent point of contact but even more provocative because of that innocence. It cemented the conviction that Zenais possessed remarkable gifts which were being squandered, imprisoned by her own inhibitions. It pleased him to be the one to dash headlong through the streets of Vasiliadon with the brunette. Foolish a sight as they may have made, it reminded him of more carefree days in his youth and of the pleasures of spontaneity rather than the calculated life he had lived these many years. He marked the blush on her cheeks and flit a teasing wink just before they found the sanctuary of the shop he'd been guiding his handmaid companion towards.
Alexios laughed, genuinely and openly and loudly; chances are there were few in the shop who weren't enthralled by how overwhelmed Zenais' reaction was. Had she truly been without creature comforts like these? "Finery like this can be found even in Judea, but not many women worthy of it. If you'll allow me, I have a suggestion," he offered, the wisdom of a checquered life vibrating in each syllable. And in his movements, too, reaching for a particularly daring peplos cut from an imported silken weave so fine the light half shone through it. So would any flesh beneath, hinted at in a thousand ways but with the fine details barely, tantalizingly obscured. Light as a feather, its diaphanous folds billowed as Alexios held the garment up for Zenais' appraisal. "Here is impulse given form. Could it be dangerous? On you, even Aphrodite would have just reason to be jealous." He leaned in close, guiding the expensive Eastern fabric towards the hand he'd clasped all the way from her mistress' manor. "Danger, properly flirted with, can be a wonderful thing. It sets all the senses on fire; makes you feel alive. Feed your impulses, Zenais. They've gone without for so long, a feast is overdue."
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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The women who usually pressed themselves against Alexios did so with a knowing look in their eyes and a sultry smile on their lips. They were seductresses, as bred to it as his famous sister, and knew precisely the lurid thoughts they were putting into his head. Zenais, though, looked up at him with such innocence and, yes, trust, it stole his breath away. There was just enough left to murmur, astounded, "Gods help me," before the spell was broken and they were on their way once more in the wake of the clattering cart that had nearly done her a mischief. When her face had been pressed to his chest, though, could she hear and feel his heartbeat through the thin linen of his tunic? He was convinced that if it'd beat any harder it would have shot forth from his breast like the shot of a catapult. "Judea is a crossroads, an intersection between our world and the limitless horizons to the east. It has its own sounds but they're different. They're ... restrained in a way. Maybe you'll find that out one day, if the light of Helios' fire-darting steeds can steal in through ornate, grilled window screens to fall upon your blushing cheek and kiss you good morning in Israel. "
The city made for a momentary distraction, as much as one could suffice, from the lissome fingers clasping his. That, too, was unusual for the officer, a relatively innocent point of contact but even more provocative because of that innocence. It cemented the conviction that Zenais possessed remarkable gifts which were being squandered, imprisoned by her own inhibitions. It pleased him to be the one to dash headlong through the streets of Vasiliadon with the brunette. Foolish a sight as they may have made, it reminded him of more carefree days in his youth and of the pleasures of spontaneity rather than the calculated life he had lived these many years. He marked the blush on her cheeks and flit a teasing wink just before they found the sanctuary of the shop he'd been guiding his handmaid companion towards.
Alexios laughed, genuinely and openly and loudly; chances are there were few in the shop who weren't enthralled by how overwhelmed Zenais' reaction was. Had she truly been without creature comforts like these? "Finery like this can be found even in Judea, but not many women worthy of it. If you'll allow me, I have a suggestion," he offered, the wisdom of a checquered life vibrating in each syllable. And in his movements, too, reaching for a particularly daring peplos cut from an imported silken weave so fine the light half shone through it. So would any flesh beneath, hinted at in a thousand ways but with the fine details barely, tantalizingly obscured. Light as a feather, its diaphanous folds billowed as Alexios held the garment up for Zenais' appraisal. "Here is impulse given form. Could it be dangerous? On you, even Aphrodite would have just reason to be jealous." He leaned in close, guiding the expensive Eastern fabric towards the hand he'd clasped all the way from her mistress' manor. "Danger, properly flirted with, can be a wonderful thing. It sets all the senses on fire; makes you feel alive. Feed your impulses, Zenais. They've gone without for so long, a feast is overdue."
The women who usually pressed themselves against Alexios did so with a knowing look in their eyes and a sultry smile on their lips. They were seductresses, as bred to it as his famous sister, and knew precisely the lurid thoughts they were putting into his head. Zenais, though, looked up at him with such innocence and, yes, trust, it stole his breath away. There was just enough left to murmur, astounded, "Gods help me," before the spell was broken and they were on their way once more in the wake of the clattering cart that had nearly done her a mischief. When her face had been pressed to his chest, though, could she hear and feel his heartbeat through the thin linen of his tunic? He was convinced that if it'd beat any harder it would have shot forth from his breast like the shot of a catapult. "Judea is a crossroads, an intersection between our world and the limitless horizons to the east. It has its own sounds but they're different. They're ... restrained in a way. Maybe you'll find that out one day, if the light of Helios' fire-darting steeds can steal in through ornate, grilled window screens to fall upon your blushing cheek and kiss you good morning in Israel. "
The city made for a momentary distraction, as much as one could suffice, from the lissome fingers clasping his. That, too, was unusual for the officer, a relatively innocent point of contact but even more provocative because of that innocence. It cemented the conviction that Zenais possessed remarkable gifts which were being squandered, imprisoned by her own inhibitions. It pleased him to be the one to dash headlong through the streets of Vasiliadon with the brunette. Foolish a sight as they may have made, it reminded him of more carefree days in his youth and of the pleasures of spontaneity rather than the calculated life he had lived these many years. He marked the blush on her cheeks and flit a teasing wink just before they found the sanctuary of the shop he'd been guiding his handmaid companion towards.
Alexios laughed, genuinely and openly and loudly; chances are there were few in the shop who weren't enthralled by how overwhelmed Zenais' reaction was. Had she truly been without creature comforts like these? "Finery like this can be found even in Judea, but not many women worthy of it. If you'll allow me, I have a suggestion," he offered, the wisdom of a checquered life vibrating in each syllable. And in his movements, too, reaching for a particularly daring peplos cut from an imported silken weave so fine the light half shone through it. So would any flesh beneath, hinted at in a thousand ways but with the fine details barely, tantalizingly obscured. Light as a feather, its diaphanous folds billowed as Alexios held the garment up for Zenais' appraisal. "Here is impulse given form. Could it be dangerous? On you, even Aphrodite would have just reason to be jealous." He leaned in close, guiding the expensive Eastern fabric towards the hand he'd clasped all the way from her mistress' manor. "Danger, properly flirted with, can be a wonderful thing. It sets all the senses on fire; makes you feel alive. Feed your impulses, Zenais. They've gone without for so long, a feast is overdue."
The way he described Judea had Zenais's imagination run wild. It had a wont to do such. Effie of Alastaire used to tell her all sorts of stories at bedtime, and when her younger brother was born, Zenais took up the mantle of storyteller once her brother was old enough to ask of them. She made up all sorts of stories to tell Calix before bed, and often accompanied him on his make-believe play time as well, all in her effort to entertain her younger brother.
It had been years since she had exercised that part of her brain, yet as Alexios described the land in which he mostly resided in, her blue eyes lit up wih delight at the picture he painted in her mind's eye. A small smile ghosted over her lips, before he returned to guiding her through the bustling city streets. His laugh brought a smile to her lips, how free it sounded that it reminded Zenais of a time when she used to freely gambol with her brother through the fields of Lyncaea, without fear of repercussion, days that felt lightyears away now.
Beguiling eyes turned towards Alexios as he spoke, turning away from the shine and glitter that was the finery on display, only to flush. How could he consider her to Aphrodite? He would anger the goddess, and then where would they be? So distracted she was, Zenais had not noticed the way in which he guided her hand until it brushed against the expensive Eastern fabric. Despite the years spent in the tavern, Zenais still recognized quality when she felt it, even if she had self-trained herself to be fine with rough cotton and linen.
Gasping as she felt how fine and soft the material was, the little gap of her lips was turned to Alexios again as he spoke, only to stumble backwards a little when she realized just how close he was, and how close they were when she turned towards him, so close she could almost feel his breathe ghosting across her skin, so close, she almost did not catch what he said.
"I-I do not have the coin for such finery." she hesitated as she pulled away, as much as it showed how she longed for the fine silk, the bejeweled finery. "One day, I will. I intend to.... Lady Eirini has promised me she will guide me, and I promised her I will learn." There was a glint of determination in her as she said as such, her shoulders steeling its way backwards, a hardened gaze of diamond in her cerulean gaze. "And then, I shall return and purchase it all."
This character is currently a work in progress.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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The way he described Judea had Zenais's imagination run wild. It had a wont to do such. Effie of Alastaire used to tell her all sorts of stories at bedtime, and when her younger brother was born, Zenais took up the mantle of storyteller once her brother was old enough to ask of them. She made up all sorts of stories to tell Calix before bed, and often accompanied him on his make-believe play time as well, all in her effort to entertain her younger brother.
It had been years since she had exercised that part of her brain, yet as Alexios described the land in which he mostly resided in, her blue eyes lit up wih delight at the picture he painted in her mind's eye. A small smile ghosted over her lips, before he returned to guiding her through the bustling city streets. His laugh brought a smile to her lips, how free it sounded that it reminded Zenais of a time when she used to freely gambol with her brother through the fields of Lyncaea, without fear of repercussion, days that felt lightyears away now.
Beguiling eyes turned towards Alexios as he spoke, turning away from the shine and glitter that was the finery on display, only to flush. How could he consider her to Aphrodite? He would anger the goddess, and then where would they be? So distracted she was, Zenais had not noticed the way in which he guided her hand until it brushed against the expensive Eastern fabric. Despite the years spent in the tavern, Zenais still recognized quality when she felt it, even if she had self-trained herself to be fine with rough cotton and linen.
Gasping as she felt how fine and soft the material was, the little gap of her lips was turned to Alexios again as he spoke, only to stumble backwards a little when she realized just how close he was, and how close they were when she turned towards him, so close she could almost feel his breathe ghosting across her skin, so close, she almost did not catch what he said.
"I-I do not have the coin for such finery." she hesitated as she pulled away, as much as it showed how she longed for the fine silk, the bejeweled finery. "One day, I will. I intend to.... Lady Eirini has promised me she will guide me, and I promised her I will learn." There was a glint of determination in her as she said as such, her shoulders steeling its way backwards, a hardened gaze of diamond in her cerulean gaze. "And then, I shall return and purchase it all."
The way he described Judea had Zenais's imagination run wild. It had a wont to do such. Effie of Alastaire used to tell her all sorts of stories at bedtime, and when her younger brother was born, Zenais took up the mantle of storyteller once her brother was old enough to ask of them. She made up all sorts of stories to tell Calix before bed, and often accompanied him on his make-believe play time as well, all in her effort to entertain her younger brother.
It had been years since she had exercised that part of her brain, yet as Alexios described the land in which he mostly resided in, her blue eyes lit up wih delight at the picture he painted in her mind's eye. A small smile ghosted over her lips, before he returned to guiding her through the bustling city streets. His laugh brought a smile to her lips, how free it sounded that it reminded Zenais of a time when she used to freely gambol with her brother through the fields of Lyncaea, without fear of repercussion, days that felt lightyears away now.
Beguiling eyes turned towards Alexios as he spoke, turning away from the shine and glitter that was the finery on display, only to flush. How could he consider her to Aphrodite? He would anger the goddess, and then where would they be? So distracted she was, Zenais had not noticed the way in which he guided her hand until it brushed against the expensive Eastern fabric. Despite the years spent in the tavern, Zenais still recognized quality when she felt it, even if she had self-trained herself to be fine with rough cotton and linen.
Gasping as she felt how fine and soft the material was, the little gap of her lips was turned to Alexios again as he spoke, only to stumble backwards a little when she realized just how close he was, and how close they were when she turned towards him, so close she could almost feel his breathe ghosting across her skin, so close, she almost did not catch what he said.
"I-I do not have the coin for such finery." she hesitated as she pulled away, as much as it showed how she longed for the fine silk, the bejeweled finery. "One day, I will. I intend to.... Lady Eirini has promised me she will guide me, and I promised her I will learn." There was a glint of determination in her as she said as such, her shoulders steeling its way backwards, a hardened gaze of diamond in her cerulean gaze. "And then, I shall return and purchase it all."
Alexios felt no real affinity to Judea. It was, for him, a stopping point, a stepping stone in the path of his ambitions and his attentions were already turned towards opportunities to the south but the picture of actually waking up next to someone, limned golden in the dawning light of day, was a fetching thought. He had not known that in many years. Liaisons were a matter for the night, evaporating like fog before morning could come and those they were shared with vanished. He hated the loneliness of it, the desolation of memory and what it was, once upon a time, to open his eyes with someone curled up against him who felt safe and warm and protected in his arms. There was space, however little, for sentimentality in the man ... and it had scarred him deeply beneath the bronze facade.
Those notions were discarded, trampled under heel like smouldering joss sticks as he hurtled into the shop with Zenais in tow. The sense of wonder on her expressive, lovely face was enough to burn away the lingering traces of ghosts from his mind and restored Alexios' good mood instantly. The peplos would suit her, its luxuriant fabric made to accentuate a woman's glory. Perhaps he raked a cobalt stare over her for that reason, imagining how the garment might caress every feature of the maid's form. Or it may have been to commit to memory how she appeared now, beguiling but restrained, heedless of the potential Eirini must have understood. But not for long.
"You may not have the coin for such finery but I do," he insisted in a hushed, teasing rumble of voice but one that did not fail to carry the firm smack of stubborn decision. "Lady Eirini will be a marvelous tutor but some things need the input of the opposite sex if they're among those you want to please ... and want to please you." His rugged features smiled expectantly, guiding the gossamer fabric back between her fingers and leaving his own to knit there, fitting his grasp against hers. "The most important thing you can learn is to express what you want when you want it. Do you want this, nightingale? Be truthful ..."
He joined their palms, the silk between them but the heat of flesh radiating through the ephemeral barrier to tantalize its counterpart on the other side. "All you have to do is admit your desires and there isn't a door that won't be opened for you, a person or a place or a thing that won't yield wherever those incomparable eyes travel." The rise of determination in Zenais beckoned the same in Alexios, and with it that bold nature that would not be denied what he desired, either. "I brought you here to give you want you want ... if you'll only say yes."
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Alexios felt no real affinity to Judea. It was, for him, a stopping point, a stepping stone in the path of his ambitions and his attentions were already turned towards opportunities to the south but the picture of actually waking up next to someone, limned golden in the dawning light of day, was a fetching thought. He had not known that in many years. Liaisons were a matter for the night, evaporating like fog before morning could come and those they were shared with vanished. He hated the loneliness of it, the desolation of memory and what it was, once upon a time, to open his eyes with someone curled up against him who felt safe and warm and protected in his arms. There was space, however little, for sentimentality in the man ... and it had scarred him deeply beneath the bronze facade.
Those notions were discarded, trampled under heel like smouldering joss sticks as he hurtled into the shop with Zenais in tow. The sense of wonder on her expressive, lovely face was enough to burn away the lingering traces of ghosts from his mind and restored Alexios' good mood instantly. The peplos would suit her, its luxuriant fabric made to accentuate a woman's glory. Perhaps he raked a cobalt stare over her for that reason, imagining how the garment might caress every feature of the maid's form. Or it may have been to commit to memory how she appeared now, beguiling but restrained, heedless of the potential Eirini must have understood. But not for long.
"You may not have the coin for such finery but I do," he insisted in a hushed, teasing rumble of voice but one that did not fail to carry the firm smack of stubborn decision. "Lady Eirini will be a marvelous tutor but some things need the input of the opposite sex if they're among those you want to please ... and want to please you." His rugged features smiled expectantly, guiding the gossamer fabric back between her fingers and leaving his own to knit there, fitting his grasp against hers. "The most important thing you can learn is to express what you want when you want it. Do you want this, nightingale? Be truthful ..."
He joined their palms, the silk between them but the heat of flesh radiating through the ephemeral barrier to tantalize its counterpart on the other side. "All you have to do is admit your desires and there isn't a door that won't be opened for you, a person or a place or a thing that won't yield wherever those incomparable eyes travel." The rise of determination in Zenais beckoned the same in Alexios, and with it that bold nature that would not be denied what he desired, either. "I brought you here to give you want you want ... if you'll only say yes."
Alexios felt no real affinity to Judea. It was, for him, a stopping point, a stepping stone in the path of his ambitions and his attentions were already turned towards opportunities to the south but the picture of actually waking up next to someone, limned golden in the dawning light of day, was a fetching thought. He had not known that in many years. Liaisons were a matter for the night, evaporating like fog before morning could come and those they were shared with vanished. He hated the loneliness of it, the desolation of memory and what it was, once upon a time, to open his eyes with someone curled up against him who felt safe and warm and protected in his arms. There was space, however little, for sentimentality in the man ... and it had scarred him deeply beneath the bronze facade.
Those notions were discarded, trampled under heel like smouldering joss sticks as he hurtled into the shop with Zenais in tow. The sense of wonder on her expressive, lovely face was enough to burn away the lingering traces of ghosts from his mind and restored Alexios' good mood instantly. The peplos would suit her, its luxuriant fabric made to accentuate a woman's glory. Perhaps he raked a cobalt stare over her for that reason, imagining how the garment might caress every feature of the maid's form. Or it may have been to commit to memory how she appeared now, beguiling but restrained, heedless of the potential Eirini must have understood. But not for long.
"You may not have the coin for such finery but I do," he insisted in a hushed, teasing rumble of voice but one that did not fail to carry the firm smack of stubborn decision. "Lady Eirini will be a marvelous tutor but some things need the input of the opposite sex if they're among those you want to please ... and want to please you." His rugged features smiled expectantly, guiding the gossamer fabric back between her fingers and leaving his own to knit there, fitting his grasp against hers. "The most important thing you can learn is to express what you want when you want it. Do you want this, nightingale? Be truthful ..."
He joined their palms, the silk between them but the heat of flesh radiating through the ephemeral barrier to tantalize its counterpart on the other side. "All you have to do is admit your desires and there isn't a door that won't be opened for you, a person or a place or a thing that won't yield wherever those incomparable eyes travel." The rise of determination in Zenais beckoned the same in Alexios, and with it that bold nature that would not be denied what he desired, either. "I brought you here to give you want you want ... if you'll only say yes."
His eyes on her made her feel as if she was on fire. Did he think she could not feel it? It was as if Alexios made every sense she had come alive, and she found herself simultaneously confused yet enjoying such attention. The way he looked at her was something Zenais had not had the chance of feeling in over the past decade, at least not from men who weren't just lecherously staring at her in hopes of a one night romp, something Zenais did not give. She may peddle her talents for her living and food, but she did not peddle her body.
But Alexios made her feel. As he spoke, the timbre of his voice drew and made Zenais feel warm from the inside out, the tease only serving to make a small smile appear on her lips as she turned to look at him in uncertainty. Was he saying he would pay for the fine clothe her fingers brushed upon? But for what ends? She would serve no purpose to him.
He held her on a pedestal, made her want to believe in things Zenais found hard to believe. She did not have the power he seemed to be convinced she did.... did she? Her cerulean eyes strayed to the silken beauty that the shopkeeper held up for them, and then back at Alexios, before a smile blossomed across her lips, unexpected as it was uncertain. "Then.... yes?" While the word was hesitant, her smile was brighter then the half-given ones Alexios had received before.
Turning, she laughed when the shopkeeper hurried to wrap up the purchase he was sure Alexios would go with, before the brunette turned to Alexios, a question in her eyes. "But why? What benefit would it bring you... to come with me here? I work for Lady Eirini, and while I vow to learn as much as I could to serve my lady... I do not see how this would benefit you." Call it curiosity, but Zenais had never been one to take a situation and accept it with no query of her own. Her mind had always been a curious one since young, and she would not have been content to be a wife back in Lyncaea, had things turned out differently. Perhaps, in a way, life had given her this lot so Zenais could explore so much more then being a simpering wife to a noble lord.
Reaching out, she closed her fingers around Alexios's wrists, and turned his palms upwards so she may draw nonsensical designs over the calluses and scars they were sure to have, an occupational hazard of his job as a Commander. Pausing halfway from studying the lines on his palms, letting her fingers linger a little longer then was proper, Zenais turned her face to look at him, tilting her head sideways in a curious manner. "What good does all of this do... for you?" She was no fool. No human would do all of this with no benefit for themselves afterall. Or so she believes.
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His eyes on her made her feel as if she was on fire. Did he think she could not feel it? It was as if Alexios made every sense she had come alive, and she found herself simultaneously confused yet enjoying such attention. The way he looked at her was something Zenais had not had the chance of feeling in over the past decade, at least not from men who weren't just lecherously staring at her in hopes of a one night romp, something Zenais did not give. She may peddle her talents for her living and food, but she did not peddle her body.
But Alexios made her feel. As he spoke, the timbre of his voice drew and made Zenais feel warm from the inside out, the tease only serving to make a small smile appear on her lips as she turned to look at him in uncertainty. Was he saying he would pay for the fine clothe her fingers brushed upon? But for what ends? She would serve no purpose to him.
He held her on a pedestal, made her want to believe in things Zenais found hard to believe. She did not have the power he seemed to be convinced she did.... did she? Her cerulean eyes strayed to the silken beauty that the shopkeeper held up for them, and then back at Alexios, before a smile blossomed across her lips, unexpected as it was uncertain. "Then.... yes?" While the word was hesitant, her smile was brighter then the half-given ones Alexios had received before.
Turning, she laughed when the shopkeeper hurried to wrap up the purchase he was sure Alexios would go with, before the brunette turned to Alexios, a question in her eyes. "But why? What benefit would it bring you... to come with me here? I work for Lady Eirini, and while I vow to learn as much as I could to serve my lady... I do not see how this would benefit you." Call it curiosity, but Zenais had never been one to take a situation and accept it with no query of her own. Her mind had always been a curious one since young, and she would not have been content to be a wife back in Lyncaea, had things turned out differently. Perhaps, in a way, life had given her this lot so Zenais could explore so much more then being a simpering wife to a noble lord.
Reaching out, she closed her fingers around Alexios's wrists, and turned his palms upwards so she may draw nonsensical designs over the calluses and scars they were sure to have, an occupational hazard of his job as a Commander. Pausing halfway from studying the lines on his palms, letting her fingers linger a little longer then was proper, Zenais turned her face to look at him, tilting her head sideways in a curious manner. "What good does all of this do... for you?" She was no fool. No human would do all of this with no benefit for themselves afterall. Or so she believes.
His eyes on her made her feel as if she was on fire. Did he think she could not feel it? It was as if Alexios made every sense she had come alive, and she found herself simultaneously confused yet enjoying such attention. The way he looked at her was something Zenais had not had the chance of feeling in over the past decade, at least not from men who weren't just lecherously staring at her in hopes of a one night romp, something Zenais did not give. She may peddle her talents for her living and food, but she did not peddle her body.
But Alexios made her feel. As he spoke, the timbre of his voice drew and made Zenais feel warm from the inside out, the tease only serving to make a small smile appear on her lips as she turned to look at him in uncertainty. Was he saying he would pay for the fine clothe her fingers brushed upon? But for what ends? She would serve no purpose to him.
He held her on a pedestal, made her want to believe in things Zenais found hard to believe. She did not have the power he seemed to be convinced she did.... did she? Her cerulean eyes strayed to the silken beauty that the shopkeeper held up for them, and then back at Alexios, before a smile blossomed across her lips, unexpected as it was uncertain. "Then.... yes?" While the word was hesitant, her smile was brighter then the half-given ones Alexios had received before.
Turning, she laughed when the shopkeeper hurried to wrap up the purchase he was sure Alexios would go with, before the brunette turned to Alexios, a question in her eyes. "But why? What benefit would it bring you... to come with me here? I work for Lady Eirini, and while I vow to learn as much as I could to serve my lady... I do not see how this would benefit you." Call it curiosity, but Zenais had never been one to take a situation and accept it with no query of her own. Her mind had always been a curious one since young, and she would not have been content to be a wife back in Lyncaea, had things turned out differently. Perhaps, in a way, life had given her this lot so Zenais could explore so much more then being a simpering wife to a noble lord.
Reaching out, she closed her fingers around Alexios's wrists, and turned his palms upwards so she may draw nonsensical designs over the calluses and scars they were sure to have, an occupational hazard of his job as a Commander. Pausing halfway from studying the lines on his palms, letting her fingers linger a little longer then was proper, Zenais turned her face to look at him, tilting her head sideways in a curious manner. "What good does all of this do... for you?" She was no fool. No human would do all of this with no benefit for themselves afterall. Or so she believes.
Alexios was not an inherently selfish man but boundless ambition kept his focus squarely upon his own lot in life and that of his family. It rarely extended beyond that ... but there was seldom any reason for it too. There had been none since Hypatia and before her the great love of his life, Lydia. Friends were a cursory acquaintance on campaign and camaraderie only extended so far once the fighting was done and the celebrations over. What had he to return to in Vasiliadon? His brother and sister, both of who were increasingly busy with their own lives. Other than that, he had a quiet home, and a state of serenity had never been to Alexios' liking. He boiled for diversion and had no one to focus upon.
Which made the delight of Zenais all the more potent as her reaction washed over him, a balm to a life unfulfilled and so very many dreams deferred. The glinting sapphire eyes that drank in her smile supped at the beatific expression gratefully, and for the pleasure of itself rather than any expectations. He was not stranger to base instincts but they couldn't hold a candle, just now, to the satisfaction of seeing a young woman freed to aspire to what she truly wanted. The officer's avid soul could have received no finer gift. "If you want it," he stated with a sense of finality both firm and tender, "You'll have it." A nod towards a watchful store attendant without so much as diverting his gaze was all it took to strike a mark on a wax tablet, a tally the expectant clerk might have hoped would increase further. And it would if Alexios had anything to say about it.
"The good it does me," he gently squeezed her nimble digits within his palm, threading the silk of the peplos between Zenais' slender fingers and applying the delicious, soft friction of it to an effect not altogether innocent though his sentiments were true enough. "Is in having someone to dote on. Life in Judea lacks that. It lacks a blush like yours. Hands like these," he strummed a too bold thumb against the little hollow at the side of her wrist. "And a cause that isn't bound up in conquest. Though I wonder if you are that as well, little nightingale." Alexios rumbled a deep laugh and let fly a covert wink across the negligible space between them, as though the store and the city and the whole teeming mass of Vasiliadon weren't there. In the sense of what met his senses; what mattered, they didn't. Her smiles and touches were manna and they were all. Alexios was falling comfortably into a dynamic he hadn't tasted in what seemed a lifetime and every point of contact made it more tempting. "I don't get to do good for others often enough. I miss the sensation. If that's foolishness," broad shoulders shrugged without shame. "I'm a fool. So let me carry on being one a bit longer, hrmm? What else tempts you?"
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Alexios was not an inherently selfish man but boundless ambition kept his focus squarely upon his own lot in life and that of his family. It rarely extended beyond that ... but there was seldom any reason for it too. There had been none since Hypatia and before her the great love of his life, Lydia. Friends were a cursory acquaintance on campaign and camaraderie only extended so far once the fighting was done and the celebrations over. What had he to return to in Vasiliadon? His brother and sister, both of who were increasingly busy with their own lives. Other than that, he had a quiet home, and a state of serenity had never been to Alexios' liking. He boiled for diversion and had no one to focus upon.
Which made the delight of Zenais all the more potent as her reaction washed over him, a balm to a life unfulfilled and so very many dreams deferred. The glinting sapphire eyes that drank in her smile supped at the beatific expression gratefully, and for the pleasure of itself rather than any expectations. He was not stranger to base instincts but they couldn't hold a candle, just now, to the satisfaction of seeing a young woman freed to aspire to what she truly wanted. The officer's avid soul could have received no finer gift. "If you want it," he stated with a sense of finality both firm and tender, "You'll have it." A nod towards a watchful store attendant without so much as diverting his gaze was all it took to strike a mark on a wax tablet, a tally the expectant clerk might have hoped would increase further. And it would if Alexios had anything to say about it.
"The good it does me," he gently squeezed her nimble digits within his palm, threading the silk of the peplos between Zenais' slender fingers and applying the delicious, soft friction of it to an effect not altogether innocent though his sentiments were true enough. "Is in having someone to dote on. Life in Judea lacks that. It lacks a blush like yours. Hands like these," he strummed a too bold thumb against the little hollow at the side of her wrist. "And a cause that isn't bound up in conquest. Though I wonder if you are that as well, little nightingale." Alexios rumbled a deep laugh and let fly a covert wink across the negligible space between them, as though the store and the city and the whole teeming mass of Vasiliadon weren't there. In the sense of what met his senses; what mattered, they didn't. Her smiles and touches were manna and they were all. Alexios was falling comfortably into a dynamic he hadn't tasted in what seemed a lifetime and every point of contact made it more tempting. "I don't get to do good for others often enough. I miss the sensation. If that's foolishness," broad shoulders shrugged without shame. "I'm a fool. So let me carry on being one a bit longer, hrmm? What else tempts you?"
Alexios was not an inherently selfish man but boundless ambition kept his focus squarely upon his own lot in life and that of his family. It rarely extended beyond that ... but there was seldom any reason for it too. There had been none since Hypatia and before her the great love of his life, Lydia. Friends were a cursory acquaintance on campaign and camaraderie only extended so far once the fighting was done and the celebrations over. What had he to return to in Vasiliadon? His brother and sister, both of who were increasingly busy with their own lives. Other than that, he had a quiet home, and a state of serenity had never been to Alexios' liking. He boiled for diversion and had no one to focus upon.
Which made the delight of Zenais all the more potent as her reaction washed over him, a balm to a life unfulfilled and so very many dreams deferred. The glinting sapphire eyes that drank in her smile supped at the beatific expression gratefully, and for the pleasure of itself rather than any expectations. He was not stranger to base instincts but they couldn't hold a candle, just now, to the satisfaction of seeing a young woman freed to aspire to what she truly wanted. The officer's avid soul could have received no finer gift. "If you want it," he stated with a sense of finality both firm and tender, "You'll have it." A nod towards a watchful store attendant without so much as diverting his gaze was all it took to strike a mark on a wax tablet, a tally the expectant clerk might have hoped would increase further. And it would if Alexios had anything to say about it.
"The good it does me," he gently squeezed her nimble digits within his palm, threading the silk of the peplos between Zenais' slender fingers and applying the delicious, soft friction of it to an effect not altogether innocent though his sentiments were true enough. "Is in having someone to dote on. Life in Judea lacks that. It lacks a blush like yours. Hands like these," he strummed a too bold thumb against the little hollow at the side of her wrist. "And a cause that isn't bound up in conquest. Though I wonder if you are that as well, little nightingale." Alexios rumbled a deep laugh and let fly a covert wink across the negligible space between them, as though the store and the city and the whole teeming mass of Vasiliadon weren't there. In the sense of what met his senses; what mattered, they didn't. Her smiles and touches were manna and they were all. Alexios was falling comfortably into a dynamic he hadn't tasted in what seemed a lifetime and every point of contact made it more tempting. "I don't get to do good for others often enough. I miss the sensation. If that's foolishness," broad shoulders shrugged without shame. "I'm a fool. So let me carry on being one a bit longer, hrmm? What else tempts you?"
The gift he purchased for her, while not surprised for there had been enough lead up to it for her to be taken by surprise, still was an extravagant one, and Zenais was clearly pleased by it, if one could see her bright smile and the way her cerulean eyes shined as the shopkeep presented her with the bolt of fabric Alexios had just purchased.
Allowing the man to explain whilst he toyed with her slender fingers and the silk that felt like air on her skin, her eyes was caught rapt in attention with his words. Her flush was back again. He wanted to dote on her? But why? Of course, Zenais was not surprised that there would be little in Judea that would entertain him, but the brunette couldn't help but let her eyes follow where his fingers brushed again, as if finding it a little hard to believe someone like Alexios would actually find an interest in her.
Was this what Eirini meant when she was tasked to use her wills? If this was, then Zenais had much to learn, for she did not think she was anywhere near her mistress's capability to use her beauty to her advantage.
"A conquest? Me?" the idea seemed absurd enough for Zenais to give a little laugh. She had not been difficult for Yiannis to obtain, easy with her emotions as she was. Was she still as free with them? Perhaps not. Zenais hoped not. She did not think she'd be able to handle another man she had to run from, or another situation she'd have to extricate herself from. She barely got out of the last one as it is.
His wink had her flush deepen, but Zenais was determined to at least play her own game, and from what little she's observed from watching Eirini over the sparse few days she had been in the Leventi houseold... well, her atempts may be clumsy, but she can try.
"And what are your conquests, Alexios? What are your dreams?" she murmured, curiosity making her blue eyes light up as she settled her gaze on her. "The only tempting thing to me right now is... perhaps, to get to know my kind benefactor for now." Zenais finished with a smile, as she turned to face him, an eager look upon her face.
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The gift he purchased for her, while not surprised for there had been enough lead up to it for her to be taken by surprise, still was an extravagant one, and Zenais was clearly pleased by it, if one could see her bright smile and the way her cerulean eyes shined as the shopkeep presented her with the bolt of fabric Alexios had just purchased.
Allowing the man to explain whilst he toyed with her slender fingers and the silk that felt like air on her skin, her eyes was caught rapt in attention with his words. Her flush was back again. He wanted to dote on her? But why? Of course, Zenais was not surprised that there would be little in Judea that would entertain him, but the brunette couldn't help but let her eyes follow where his fingers brushed again, as if finding it a little hard to believe someone like Alexios would actually find an interest in her.
Was this what Eirini meant when she was tasked to use her wills? If this was, then Zenais had much to learn, for she did not think she was anywhere near her mistress's capability to use her beauty to her advantage.
"A conquest? Me?" the idea seemed absurd enough for Zenais to give a little laugh. She had not been difficult for Yiannis to obtain, easy with her emotions as she was. Was she still as free with them? Perhaps not. Zenais hoped not. She did not think she'd be able to handle another man she had to run from, or another situation she'd have to extricate herself from. She barely got out of the last one as it is.
His wink had her flush deepen, but Zenais was determined to at least play her own game, and from what little she's observed from watching Eirini over the sparse few days she had been in the Leventi houseold... well, her atempts may be clumsy, but she can try.
"And what are your conquests, Alexios? What are your dreams?" she murmured, curiosity making her blue eyes light up as she settled her gaze on her. "The only tempting thing to me right now is... perhaps, to get to know my kind benefactor for now." Zenais finished with a smile, as she turned to face him, an eager look upon her face.
The gift he purchased for her, while not surprised for there had been enough lead up to it for her to be taken by surprise, still was an extravagant one, and Zenais was clearly pleased by it, if one could see her bright smile and the way her cerulean eyes shined as the shopkeep presented her with the bolt of fabric Alexios had just purchased.
Allowing the man to explain whilst he toyed with her slender fingers and the silk that felt like air on her skin, her eyes was caught rapt in attention with his words. Her flush was back again. He wanted to dote on her? But why? Of course, Zenais was not surprised that there would be little in Judea that would entertain him, but the brunette couldn't help but let her eyes follow where his fingers brushed again, as if finding it a little hard to believe someone like Alexios would actually find an interest in her.
Was this what Eirini meant when she was tasked to use her wills? If this was, then Zenais had much to learn, for she did not think she was anywhere near her mistress's capability to use her beauty to her advantage.
"A conquest? Me?" the idea seemed absurd enough for Zenais to give a little laugh. She had not been difficult for Yiannis to obtain, easy with her emotions as she was. Was she still as free with them? Perhaps not. Zenais hoped not. She did not think she'd be able to handle another man she had to run from, or another situation she'd have to extricate herself from. She barely got out of the last one as it is.
His wink had her flush deepen, but Zenais was determined to at least play her own game, and from what little she's observed from watching Eirini over the sparse few days she had been in the Leventi houseold... well, her atempts may be clumsy, but she can try.
"And what are your conquests, Alexios? What are your dreams?" she murmured, curiosity making her blue eyes light up as she settled her gaze on her. "The only tempting thing to me right now is... perhaps, to get to know my kind benefactor for now." Zenais finished with a smile, as she turned to face him, an eager look upon her face.
From the moment he was brought screaming into this world into an unenviable life in Argothia beholden to a brute of a father and a hard future of toil and privation Alexios had always aspired to better things. His natural sphere was the one he'd spent the better part of forty years fighting his way towards. As the truism stated, he valued those privileges more for having had to struggle to attain wealth and power. But he wasn't done by any means. A decade in Judea had broadened his horizons to encompass all that could still be conquered .... both for his kingdom and himself. He desired things, perhaps too much at times, and in the moment shared with Zenais it was abundantly clear he desired her.
"If your gates were thrown open for any who challenged them we wouldn't be here now," he insisted in that still playful tone, one arm ringing her waist to draw the maiden close as the other pulled aside the garment they'd chosen and held it out for an attendant to hurriedly clutch. Alexios leaned in to whisper at the shell of her ear, the bass pitch of his voice able to vibrate through skin and flesh even in a murmur. "You are a prize to be won, not taken for granted. Anyone who would call you theirs should have to strive for that honor and that makes you a conquest, little nightingale." The bold, forward arm encompassing her waist pulled the dusky young woman closer still, eyes meeting, proximity close enough for the heat of their bodies to radiate one to another. "Fortunately, I'm a tactician who has never once lost a battle. And I don't intend to start now."
Distractedly, he waved for the attendant to ring up the purchase and as she called out an exorbitant price he didn't hesitate a whit to reach into his coin purse, retrieve the sum without sparing a glance for the coins and arcing them through the air towards the clerk who might have found this all odd beyond belief but that's what aspiration did to Alexios. It narrowed his focus to the object of his desire and the rest of the world could burn around him for all he cared. Attaining his goal was more vital than breath or food or life. He stared with a fiery intensity at the woman he'd marked as worthy of those efforts and voiced the dream that had seized his imagination. "I've conquered much and many but nothing to satisfy. At this moment what I'm dreaming of is seeing that peplos on you, silk touching where hands and lips would dare. Is that asking too much?"
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From the moment he was brought screaming into this world into an unenviable life in Argothia beholden to a brute of a father and a hard future of toil and privation Alexios had always aspired to better things. His natural sphere was the one he'd spent the better part of forty years fighting his way towards. As the truism stated, he valued those privileges more for having had to struggle to attain wealth and power. But he wasn't done by any means. A decade in Judea had broadened his horizons to encompass all that could still be conquered .... both for his kingdom and himself. He desired things, perhaps too much at times, and in the moment shared with Zenais it was abundantly clear he desired her.
"If your gates were thrown open for any who challenged them we wouldn't be here now," he insisted in that still playful tone, one arm ringing her waist to draw the maiden close as the other pulled aside the garment they'd chosen and held it out for an attendant to hurriedly clutch. Alexios leaned in to whisper at the shell of her ear, the bass pitch of his voice able to vibrate through skin and flesh even in a murmur. "You are a prize to be won, not taken for granted. Anyone who would call you theirs should have to strive for that honor and that makes you a conquest, little nightingale." The bold, forward arm encompassing her waist pulled the dusky young woman closer still, eyes meeting, proximity close enough for the heat of their bodies to radiate one to another. "Fortunately, I'm a tactician who has never once lost a battle. And I don't intend to start now."
Distractedly, he waved for the attendant to ring up the purchase and as she called out an exorbitant price he didn't hesitate a whit to reach into his coin purse, retrieve the sum without sparing a glance for the coins and arcing them through the air towards the clerk who might have found this all odd beyond belief but that's what aspiration did to Alexios. It narrowed his focus to the object of his desire and the rest of the world could burn around him for all he cared. Attaining his goal was more vital than breath or food or life. He stared with a fiery intensity at the woman he'd marked as worthy of those efforts and voiced the dream that had seized his imagination. "I've conquered much and many but nothing to satisfy. At this moment what I'm dreaming of is seeing that peplos on you, silk touching where hands and lips would dare. Is that asking too much?"
From the moment he was brought screaming into this world into an unenviable life in Argothia beholden to a brute of a father and a hard future of toil and privation Alexios had always aspired to better things. His natural sphere was the one he'd spent the better part of forty years fighting his way towards. As the truism stated, he valued those privileges more for having had to struggle to attain wealth and power. But he wasn't done by any means. A decade in Judea had broadened his horizons to encompass all that could still be conquered .... both for his kingdom and himself. He desired things, perhaps too much at times, and in the moment shared with Zenais it was abundantly clear he desired her.
"If your gates were thrown open for any who challenged them we wouldn't be here now," he insisted in that still playful tone, one arm ringing her waist to draw the maiden close as the other pulled aside the garment they'd chosen and held it out for an attendant to hurriedly clutch. Alexios leaned in to whisper at the shell of her ear, the bass pitch of his voice able to vibrate through skin and flesh even in a murmur. "You are a prize to be won, not taken for granted. Anyone who would call you theirs should have to strive for that honor and that makes you a conquest, little nightingale." The bold, forward arm encompassing her waist pulled the dusky young woman closer still, eyes meeting, proximity close enough for the heat of their bodies to radiate one to another. "Fortunately, I'm a tactician who has never once lost a battle. And I don't intend to start now."
Distractedly, he waved for the attendant to ring up the purchase and as she called out an exorbitant price he didn't hesitate a whit to reach into his coin purse, retrieve the sum without sparing a glance for the coins and arcing them through the air towards the clerk who might have found this all odd beyond belief but that's what aspiration did to Alexios. It narrowed his focus to the object of his desire and the rest of the world could burn around him for all he cared. Attaining his goal was more vital than breath or food or life. He stared with a fiery intensity at the woman he'd marked as worthy of those efforts and voiced the dream that had seized his imagination. "I've conquered much and many but nothing to satisfy. At this moment what I'm dreaming of is seeing that peplos on you, silk touching where hands and lips would dare. Is that asking too much?"
It was as if he had taken a class in sweet talking, and Zenais found herself ensnared deeper in his tangled web of words, so easily was she entranced. The hand that had warmed her palm, now encircled her waist, and when dragged closer, the brunette could almost feel his heartbeat a steady thrum under her hand, suddenly making her feel that much closer to a man she had barely met a few times... really, just twice before. To be called a prize was rare, for Zenais had merely been seen as a trophy before, to be displayed for her beauty but never used for anything else, a pity really.
But she was determined to not just be someone's trophy. Instead, Zenais wanted to learn to be useful. It was why she had ended up agreeing to work under Eirini, eager to learn anything her lady could impart upon her. Did she send Alexios to her so Zenais could pick up more skills from the man and his polished way of speech? They were so close now, his whispered words ghosted his breath over her cheek, and instinctively, Zenais tilted her lips away from his, kisses long forgotten. Had her last almost been a decade ago?
As he pulled his coin purse out, the brunette found herself distracted, turning to watch the flippant way in which he paid - when Zenais suddenly found her attention being dragged back to the intense gaze of the military Commander. Her breathe caught again, something happening seemingly too often with the man now. "Do you... wish, for this prize then, Commander Alexios?" she murmured softly, almost hesitantly.
Hands splayed across the chest he held her against, her teeth worried at her bottom lip. Silk against where hands and lips would dare? "Only the silk then, Commander?" she daringly ventured, somehow managing to keep her words smooth despite her heart hammering like thunder beneath her chest. "I would... be honored. But perhaps I should ask m'lady first?" It would only be respectable, would it not? For technically, she was under the employ of Lady Eirini now, and to promise something would be rude should she not run it by a lady who has hired her first. "But should she agree... I am not likely to say no."
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It was as if he had taken a class in sweet talking, and Zenais found herself ensnared deeper in his tangled web of words, so easily was she entranced. The hand that had warmed her palm, now encircled her waist, and when dragged closer, the brunette could almost feel his heartbeat a steady thrum under her hand, suddenly making her feel that much closer to a man she had barely met a few times... really, just twice before. To be called a prize was rare, for Zenais had merely been seen as a trophy before, to be displayed for her beauty but never used for anything else, a pity really.
But she was determined to not just be someone's trophy. Instead, Zenais wanted to learn to be useful. It was why she had ended up agreeing to work under Eirini, eager to learn anything her lady could impart upon her. Did she send Alexios to her so Zenais could pick up more skills from the man and his polished way of speech? They were so close now, his whispered words ghosted his breath over her cheek, and instinctively, Zenais tilted her lips away from his, kisses long forgotten. Had her last almost been a decade ago?
As he pulled his coin purse out, the brunette found herself distracted, turning to watch the flippant way in which he paid - when Zenais suddenly found her attention being dragged back to the intense gaze of the military Commander. Her breathe caught again, something happening seemingly too often with the man now. "Do you... wish, for this prize then, Commander Alexios?" she murmured softly, almost hesitantly.
Hands splayed across the chest he held her against, her teeth worried at her bottom lip. Silk against where hands and lips would dare? "Only the silk then, Commander?" she daringly ventured, somehow managing to keep her words smooth despite her heart hammering like thunder beneath her chest. "I would... be honored. But perhaps I should ask m'lady first?" It would only be respectable, would it not? For technically, she was under the employ of Lady Eirini now, and to promise something would be rude should she not run it by a lady who has hired her first. "But should she agree... I am not likely to say no."
It was as if he had taken a class in sweet talking, and Zenais found herself ensnared deeper in his tangled web of words, so easily was she entranced. The hand that had warmed her palm, now encircled her waist, and when dragged closer, the brunette could almost feel his heartbeat a steady thrum under her hand, suddenly making her feel that much closer to a man she had barely met a few times... really, just twice before. To be called a prize was rare, for Zenais had merely been seen as a trophy before, to be displayed for her beauty but never used for anything else, a pity really.
But she was determined to not just be someone's trophy. Instead, Zenais wanted to learn to be useful. It was why she had ended up agreeing to work under Eirini, eager to learn anything her lady could impart upon her. Did she send Alexios to her so Zenais could pick up more skills from the man and his polished way of speech? They were so close now, his whispered words ghosted his breath over her cheek, and instinctively, Zenais tilted her lips away from his, kisses long forgotten. Had her last almost been a decade ago?
As he pulled his coin purse out, the brunette found herself distracted, turning to watch the flippant way in which he paid - when Zenais suddenly found her attention being dragged back to the intense gaze of the military Commander. Her breathe caught again, something happening seemingly too often with the man now. "Do you... wish, for this prize then, Commander Alexios?" she murmured softly, almost hesitantly.
Hands splayed across the chest he held her against, her teeth worried at her bottom lip. Silk against where hands and lips would dare? "Only the silk then, Commander?" she daringly ventured, somehow managing to keep her words smooth despite her heart hammering like thunder beneath her chest. "I would... be honored. But perhaps I should ask m'lady first?" It would only be respectable, would it not? For technically, she was under the employ of Lady Eirini now, and to promise something would be rude should she not run it by a lady who has hired her first. "But should she agree... I am not likely to say no."
"Wish for it? No, nightingale," he whispered against her cheek in what was almost a kiss but instead proved a caress of breath and the stubble of his own cheek. If that admission seemed like a rejection, though, any doubt was quickly put to rest. "I need this prize," Alexios assured her, the strong and capable arm around her waist flexing emphasis. Her hands against his chest, her palms able to read the fast beating of his heart there was no pretense left in him.
There Zenais went, biting at her lower lip and earning an unbidden rumble of need from the back of his throat as he spied it. But Alexios held his needs at bay. What she said was true, the handmaid wasn't free to do as she pleased. Whatever she might do ... whatever she might do with him would reflect ultimately back upon Eirini and Fotios. And while Alexios was not one to restrain his desires he wouldn't press too far and risk the opportunities Zenais had seized through her employment. She deserved to be treated with greater care than that.
Free arm gestured for the clerk, bidding her bring their purchase over which he took in hand and pressed to Zenais' fingers still resting against his chest. "And no, not just the silk," he murmured for her hearing alone, cognizant of the fact that they could still be overheard and not wanting to share their sentiments with anyone else. "I want to replace it with other things ... tonight, if possible." His smile canted to one side roguishly and now that their business at the shop was concluded he led her patiently out of the shop. Just outside the entrance he leaned in and brushed a warm palm weathered by a life of warfare over a fair, perfect cheek. "If your lady will release you. I won't jeopardize what you have found with the Leventi and I owe them much, myself, but I want you tonight, Zenais. If you want the same." The final phrase hung in the air, begging for an answer and hoping for affirmation. "I have to leave for Judea again soon and I don't want to leave without knowing what it is to hear you singing my name."
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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"Wish for it? No, nightingale," he whispered against her cheek in what was almost a kiss but instead proved a caress of breath and the stubble of his own cheek. If that admission seemed like a rejection, though, any doubt was quickly put to rest. "I need this prize," Alexios assured her, the strong and capable arm around her waist flexing emphasis. Her hands against his chest, her palms able to read the fast beating of his heart there was no pretense left in him.
There Zenais went, biting at her lower lip and earning an unbidden rumble of need from the back of his throat as he spied it. But Alexios held his needs at bay. What she said was true, the handmaid wasn't free to do as she pleased. Whatever she might do ... whatever she might do with him would reflect ultimately back upon Eirini and Fotios. And while Alexios was not one to restrain his desires he wouldn't press too far and risk the opportunities Zenais had seized through her employment. She deserved to be treated with greater care than that.
Free arm gestured for the clerk, bidding her bring their purchase over which he took in hand and pressed to Zenais' fingers still resting against his chest. "And no, not just the silk," he murmured for her hearing alone, cognizant of the fact that they could still be overheard and not wanting to share their sentiments with anyone else. "I want to replace it with other things ... tonight, if possible." His smile canted to one side roguishly and now that their business at the shop was concluded he led her patiently out of the shop. Just outside the entrance he leaned in and brushed a warm palm weathered by a life of warfare over a fair, perfect cheek. "If your lady will release you. I won't jeopardize what you have found with the Leventi and I owe them much, myself, but I want you tonight, Zenais. If you want the same." The final phrase hung in the air, begging for an answer and hoping for affirmation. "I have to leave for Judea again soon and I don't want to leave without knowing what it is to hear you singing my name."
"Wish for it? No, nightingale," he whispered against her cheek in what was almost a kiss but instead proved a caress of breath and the stubble of his own cheek. If that admission seemed like a rejection, though, any doubt was quickly put to rest. "I need this prize," Alexios assured her, the strong and capable arm around her waist flexing emphasis. Her hands against his chest, her palms able to read the fast beating of his heart there was no pretense left in him.
There Zenais went, biting at her lower lip and earning an unbidden rumble of need from the back of his throat as he spied it. But Alexios held his needs at bay. What she said was true, the handmaid wasn't free to do as she pleased. Whatever she might do ... whatever she might do with him would reflect ultimately back upon Eirini and Fotios. And while Alexios was not one to restrain his desires he wouldn't press too far and risk the opportunities Zenais had seized through her employment. She deserved to be treated with greater care than that.
Free arm gestured for the clerk, bidding her bring their purchase over which he took in hand and pressed to Zenais' fingers still resting against his chest. "And no, not just the silk," he murmured for her hearing alone, cognizant of the fact that they could still be overheard and not wanting to share their sentiments with anyone else. "I want to replace it with other things ... tonight, if possible." His smile canted to one side roguishly and now that their business at the shop was concluded he led her patiently out of the shop. Just outside the entrance he leaned in and brushed a warm palm weathered by a life of warfare over a fair, perfect cheek. "If your lady will release you. I won't jeopardize what you have found with the Leventi and I owe them much, myself, but I want you tonight, Zenais. If you want the same." The final phrase hung in the air, begging for an answer and hoping for affirmation. "I have to leave for Judea again soon and I don't want to leave without knowing what it is to hear you singing my name."
To know she was no mere wish,but a need, sat somewhat oddly in her chest, the kind of sensation Zenais had never known before. The brush of his rough stubble illicited warmth all over her body, like little electric shocks on her skin, and Zenais's muscles tensed at his touch, not out of fear but of anxious energy pented up within her, to be faced with the unexpected. The rumble from the back of his throat made the brunette gasp in surprise, her lips dropping agape slightly as her eyes slid to him, and then was quickly averted once again, as if shy to see what effect she had on him.
Her affair with Yiannis had been fair, sweet... but young. Yiannis had been, like Alexios, unabashed in showing his affection for the young girl. But in return, Zenais had returned the affection like a giddy teen in the throes of first love. Having been slapped before by the consequences of a love too quick, and a man too passionate however, Zenais found herself more cautious this time, unsure of how to proceed, especially in the new position she found herself in.
Tonight? That brought another electric shock to her, and Zenais's hands gripped into little tight fists on his chest as her mind raced. Would Eirini approve? She could not risk angering her mistress on her first week in a new job.
Allowing herself to be led out by hand, the warmth of the day slowed down her racing heart rate by a little, as she glanced up whilst Alexios spoke. "Should... I ask her?" Call her bold, but Zenais needed to remember how it was before she was frightened into the little meek mouse that she was today. Alexios had managed to remind her how she used to take what she wanted with both hands, now it was just a matter of acting upon it. It was hesitant, but a hint of the girl who had more or less stole from a prince of the realm hid just behind her cerulean gaze as she blinked demurely up at the military man.
That he had to leave for Judea soon, the tidbit of information made Zenais frown, but also served to tighten her jaw in determination, after that brief flicker of regret at him leaving passed over her blue gaze. "Then sing your name I shall, if Lady Eirini shall permit me. I... will see you tonight, sir." She would return to the house and ask to meet Lady Eirini immediately. Lethe would probably not approve, for she knew the trusted servant to Eirini did not hold Zenais in the highest regard, but Zenais would try anyway. She had not been hired to be conventional and meek afterall.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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To know she was no mere wish,but a need, sat somewhat oddly in her chest, the kind of sensation Zenais had never known before. The brush of his rough stubble illicited warmth all over her body, like little electric shocks on her skin, and Zenais's muscles tensed at his touch, not out of fear but of anxious energy pented up within her, to be faced with the unexpected. The rumble from the back of his throat made the brunette gasp in surprise, her lips dropping agape slightly as her eyes slid to him, and then was quickly averted once again, as if shy to see what effect she had on him.
Her affair with Yiannis had been fair, sweet... but young. Yiannis had been, like Alexios, unabashed in showing his affection for the young girl. But in return, Zenais had returned the affection like a giddy teen in the throes of first love. Having been slapped before by the consequences of a love too quick, and a man too passionate however, Zenais found herself more cautious this time, unsure of how to proceed, especially in the new position she found herself in.
Tonight? That brought another electric shock to her, and Zenais's hands gripped into little tight fists on his chest as her mind raced. Would Eirini approve? She could not risk angering her mistress on her first week in a new job.
Allowing herself to be led out by hand, the warmth of the day slowed down her racing heart rate by a little, as she glanced up whilst Alexios spoke. "Should... I ask her?" Call her bold, but Zenais needed to remember how it was before she was frightened into the little meek mouse that she was today. Alexios had managed to remind her how she used to take what she wanted with both hands, now it was just a matter of acting upon it. It was hesitant, but a hint of the girl who had more or less stole from a prince of the realm hid just behind her cerulean gaze as she blinked demurely up at the military man.
That he had to leave for Judea soon, the tidbit of information made Zenais frown, but also served to tighten her jaw in determination, after that brief flicker of regret at him leaving passed over her blue gaze. "Then sing your name I shall, if Lady Eirini shall permit me. I... will see you tonight, sir." She would return to the house and ask to meet Lady Eirini immediately. Lethe would probably not approve, for she knew the trusted servant to Eirini did not hold Zenais in the highest regard, but Zenais would try anyway. She had not been hired to be conventional and meek afterall.
To know she was no mere wish,but a need, sat somewhat oddly in her chest, the kind of sensation Zenais had never known before. The brush of his rough stubble illicited warmth all over her body, like little electric shocks on her skin, and Zenais's muscles tensed at his touch, not out of fear but of anxious energy pented up within her, to be faced with the unexpected. The rumble from the back of his throat made the brunette gasp in surprise, her lips dropping agape slightly as her eyes slid to him, and then was quickly averted once again, as if shy to see what effect she had on him.
Her affair with Yiannis had been fair, sweet... but young. Yiannis had been, like Alexios, unabashed in showing his affection for the young girl. But in return, Zenais had returned the affection like a giddy teen in the throes of first love. Having been slapped before by the consequences of a love too quick, and a man too passionate however, Zenais found herself more cautious this time, unsure of how to proceed, especially in the new position she found herself in.
Tonight? That brought another electric shock to her, and Zenais's hands gripped into little tight fists on his chest as her mind raced. Would Eirini approve? She could not risk angering her mistress on her first week in a new job.
Allowing herself to be led out by hand, the warmth of the day slowed down her racing heart rate by a little, as she glanced up whilst Alexios spoke. "Should... I ask her?" Call her bold, but Zenais needed to remember how it was before she was frightened into the little meek mouse that she was today. Alexios had managed to remind her how she used to take what she wanted with both hands, now it was just a matter of acting upon it. It was hesitant, but a hint of the girl who had more or less stole from a prince of the realm hid just behind her cerulean gaze as she blinked demurely up at the military man.
That he had to leave for Judea soon, the tidbit of information made Zenais frown, but also served to tighten her jaw in determination, after that brief flicker of regret at him leaving passed over her blue gaze. "Then sing your name I shall, if Lady Eirini shall permit me. I... will see you tonight, sir." She would return to the house and ask to meet Lady Eirini immediately. Lethe would probably not approve, for she knew the trusted servant to Eirini did not hold Zenais in the highest regard, but Zenais would try anyway. She had not been hired to be conventional and meek afterall.
