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Achilleas pursed his lips a little as he considered Imma’s renewed request for him not to march her straight back to her parents.It were not as if he particularly wished to stand before his future in laws looking as if he had just tumbled out of the ocean. Which he supposed he had. And whilst he frowned a little at the girl’s suggestion that he had committed any wrongdoing, he could admit that it was not his most favourite idea in the world to be associated with her own misfortunes. “Perhaps” he hedged. It spoke against his every instinct which was to escort her all the way home safely, but the lord had no love of being out of favour, particularly with the wedding just around the corner.
The childish response to his earnest words of warning had him fix Imma with a hard look. Imma’s innocence, whilst with its own charm, also manifested into that youthful arrogant assumption that because she had not encountered something, it could not possibly exist.He spoke as the pair followed the winding path up from the beach to the fields above. There was a stoney track underfoot and Achilleas hobbled a little over a particularly uneven patch of ground before twisting to look at the girl where she sat astride the horse.
“And I hope you do not come across them” he said firmly “But that does not mean it is prudent to pretend it is not a risk. Leaning to weird a knife or such is not a terrible idea, and I would be happy to show you if your father was in agreement, but it is still unlikely that you would be able to fend off a man, Imma, if his intent was unkind.”
It was one of the unfortunate consequences of being a soldier. In war, he chanced he had seen both the best and worst of mankind. He had seen men sacrifice themselves to protect others, and had borne witness to brutality that had turned his stomach. He did not like to think on it, but there was no doubt that it coloured his views on situations.
Feeling conversation had turned serious, he attempted to lighten it again in the next, only to lead his young charge into a terribly awkward response. There was the glimmer of a smirk upon his lips for a moment before Achilleas composed his expression into something more genteel so as not to embarrass the girl. “Well I am glad to hear it, as you seem to have done a better job in injuring yourself” he observed dryly. The humour was a little forced for he was disappointed that Imma had been hurt on his watch so to speak, even if it had been an unplanned encounter. If there was something Achilleas excelled at, it was taking responsibility for things- even those things that were outside of his control.
Their return journey was slow and steady, and the sun had soon begun to dry sodden clothes. The lord’s hair, which could be a little unruly at the best of times, had settled into curls, lending him a more youthful air than he usually held. And he looked genuinely touched by Imma’s promise to paint something for him.
“You are kind. Favourite brother eh? I shall endeavour to live up to such praise.” The unspoken reality that her only other brother by marriage was currently missing in action prickled at his thoughts, but Achilleas did not speak of it, falling silent as they trudged on back towards the Leventi lands. He was still debating the wisdom of Imma’s earlier suggestion and wondering if he could, in any conscionable manner, do anything other than return the young lady to her door. “If I..were to leave you to make your own way back to the house itself, do you suppose you would manage?” He sounded worried, and his gaze was searching. “If you do bear some hurt and you are lying about it, I shan’t be pleased, Imma”
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Achilleas pursed his lips a little as he considered Imma’s renewed request for him not to march her straight back to her parents.It were not as if he particularly wished to stand before his future in laws looking as if he had just tumbled out of the ocean. Which he supposed he had. And whilst he frowned a little at the girl’s suggestion that he had committed any wrongdoing, he could admit that it was not his most favourite idea in the world to be associated with her own misfortunes. “Perhaps” he hedged. It spoke against his every instinct which was to escort her all the way home safely, but the lord had no love of being out of favour, particularly with the wedding just around the corner.
The childish response to his earnest words of warning had him fix Imma with a hard look. Imma’s innocence, whilst with its own charm, also manifested into that youthful arrogant assumption that because she had not encountered something, it could not possibly exist.He spoke as the pair followed the winding path up from the beach to the fields above. There was a stoney track underfoot and Achilleas hobbled a little over a particularly uneven patch of ground before twisting to look at the girl where she sat astride the horse.
“And I hope you do not come across them” he said firmly “But that does not mean it is prudent to pretend it is not a risk. Leaning to weird a knife or such is not a terrible idea, and I would be happy to show you if your father was in agreement, but it is still unlikely that you would be able to fend off a man, Imma, if his intent was unkind.”
It was one of the unfortunate consequences of being a soldier. In war, he chanced he had seen both the best and worst of mankind. He had seen men sacrifice themselves to protect others, and had borne witness to brutality that had turned his stomach. He did not like to think on it, but there was no doubt that it coloured his views on situations.
Feeling conversation had turned serious, he attempted to lighten it again in the next, only to lead his young charge into a terribly awkward response. There was the glimmer of a smirk upon his lips for a moment before Achilleas composed his expression into something more genteel so as not to embarrass the girl. “Well I am glad to hear it, as you seem to have done a better job in injuring yourself” he observed dryly. The humour was a little forced for he was disappointed that Imma had been hurt on his watch so to speak, even if it had been an unplanned encounter. If there was something Achilleas excelled at, it was taking responsibility for things- even those things that were outside of his control.
Their return journey was slow and steady, and the sun had soon begun to dry sodden clothes. The lord’s hair, which could be a little unruly at the best of times, had settled into curls, lending him a more youthful air than he usually held. And he looked genuinely touched by Imma’s promise to paint something for him.
“You are kind. Favourite brother eh? I shall endeavour to live up to such praise.” The unspoken reality that her only other brother by marriage was currently missing in action prickled at his thoughts, but Achilleas did not speak of it, falling silent as they trudged on back towards the Leventi lands. He was still debating the wisdom of Imma’s earlier suggestion and wondering if he could, in any conscionable manner, do anything other than return the young lady to her door. “If I..were to leave you to make your own way back to the house itself, do you suppose you would manage?” He sounded worried, and his gaze was searching. “If you do bear some hurt and you are lying about it, I shan’t be pleased, Imma”
Achilleas pursed his lips a little as he considered Imma’s renewed request for him not to march her straight back to her parents.It were not as if he particularly wished to stand before his future in laws looking as if he had just tumbled out of the ocean. Which he supposed he had. And whilst he frowned a little at the girl’s suggestion that he had committed any wrongdoing, he could admit that it was not his most favourite idea in the world to be associated with her own misfortunes. “Perhaps” he hedged. It spoke against his every instinct which was to escort her all the way home safely, but the lord had no love of being out of favour, particularly with the wedding just around the corner.
The childish response to his earnest words of warning had him fix Imma with a hard look. Imma’s innocence, whilst with its own charm, also manifested into that youthful arrogant assumption that because she had not encountered something, it could not possibly exist.He spoke as the pair followed the winding path up from the beach to the fields above. There was a stoney track underfoot and Achilleas hobbled a little over a particularly uneven patch of ground before twisting to look at the girl where she sat astride the horse.
“And I hope you do not come across them” he said firmly “But that does not mean it is prudent to pretend it is not a risk. Leaning to weird a knife or such is not a terrible idea, and I would be happy to show you if your father was in agreement, but it is still unlikely that you would be able to fend off a man, Imma, if his intent was unkind.”
It was one of the unfortunate consequences of being a soldier. In war, he chanced he had seen both the best and worst of mankind. He had seen men sacrifice themselves to protect others, and had borne witness to brutality that had turned his stomach. He did not like to think on it, but there was no doubt that it coloured his views on situations.
Feeling conversation had turned serious, he attempted to lighten it again in the next, only to lead his young charge into a terribly awkward response. There was the glimmer of a smirk upon his lips for a moment before Achilleas composed his expression into something more genteel so as not to embarrass the girl. “Well I am glad to hear it, as you seem to have done a better job in injuring yourself” he observed dryly. The humour was a little forced for he was disappointed that Imma had been hurt on his watch so to speak, even if it had been an unplanned encounter. If there was something Achilleas excelled at, it was taking responsibility for things- even those things that were outside of his control.
Their return journey was slow and steady, and the sun had soon begun to dry sodden clothes. The lord’s hair, which could be a little unruly at the best of times, had settled into curls, lending him a more youthful air than he usually held. And he looked genuinely touched by Imma’s promise to paint something for him.
“You are kind. Favourite brother eh? I shall endeavour to live up to such praise.” The unspoken reality that her only other brother by marriage was currently missing in action prickled at his thoughts, but Achilleas did not speak of it, falling silent as they trudged on back towards the Leventi lands. He was still debating the wisdom of Imma’s earlier suggestion and wondering if he could, in any conscionable manner, do anything other than return the young lady to her door. “If I..were to leave you to make your own way back to the house itself, do you suppose you would manage?” He sounded worried, and his gaze was searching. “If you do bear some hurt and you are lying about it, I shan’t be pleased, Imma”
All Imma needed in order to know that she’d be capable of convincing Achilleas that her opinion of the matter was correct was the simple, perhaps, that he had offered her. With enough persuasion she was relatively certain that she could slip out of the notion of him escorting her home. Then with any luck she could avoid the irritation she would no doubt have to contend with from her mother. “Trust me, Achilleas. I know my family and that is one discussion you do not want to have today.” Imma’s assurance was one that remained entirely devoid of falsehoods. There was really no reason for her not to be honest about what they might have to endure if he so chose to escort her all the way to the door. It would no doubt be far worse for her than him, but it would not be pleasant for either involved. That much she was incredibly certain of.
It was hard to remain so certain, however, when his mood seemed so mercurial. Moving from one extreme to the next with relatively ease. When he pegged her with that hard look her good humor slipped away and she took on a more serious countenance. It would not do her any bit of good to upset him now. If she angered him then she would certainly not be able to convince him that she was correct about being left to sneak back into the estate. “Alright. I will be considerably more careful with myself. Though I would still like to learn to use a blade and a bow. Perhaps in that respect we can compromise? I will make certain to find a suitable escort whom will satisfy both myself and those concerned with my safety and will also seek lessons in defense. Whether from yourself or another artfully trained individual.”
Either way she was certain that her choice of terms were solid. Enough so one might hope to dissuade him from worrying about it any further. Truth be told she would have rather bypassed the entire conversation and focused instead on what seemed to make him happy then what obviously frustrated him. “Yes well… it is just a scrape anyway. I think honestly for my first attempt it could have been much worse.” Thigh and hip aside, she was certain the little cut on her hand was not nearly so taxing as his foot and the part of his calf which had been cut by the snail shell. The other injury she would have to explore when she was alone. Though she had to admit to herself the longer it went on the more it was beginning to hurt. Deep breaths and active thoughts were a nice and welcome distraction. One she used to avoid her suffering for the time being.
Peeking down at him she took a moment to appreciate the curl of his hair and the way his cheeks pulled and puckered when he smiled. There were moments when it was quite easy for her to forget how much older he was than herself. They were quickly followed of course by the mental reminder that he was Theo’s. He loved her. That was the rumor. It made her heart ache but she didn’t let it eat at her, there was simply no point. “I am certain you will remain so. Though I will admit that Stephanos did hold the title for some time. He is quite generous. It is only a matter of time though before Selene and Nana are wed, which will triple your competition.” Whatever silence he hoped to find on the way back to the Leventi lands were filled with her chattering away about anything and everything. None of which were more important than the question that came up as they reached them.
Would she be able to sneak back into the house? “Without a doubt. I have done so more times than you could probably imagine. I am not nearly so hurt that I cannot walk, Achilleas.” Glancing in the direction of the estate she pursed her lips slightly for a moment in thought before she brought her gaze back down to him once more. “If you take me up there you will be hand delivering me to my executioner. There is no telling how truly angry my mother would be to be disturbed from her duties by my carelessness. I would certainly hate to think she might keep me from the wedding…” Furrowing her brows with concern she released a heavy sigh and tried her best to lay out the reasons why she thought it was best to let her go. “I give you my word I will not wander out alone again. Just please let me slip back in… Achilleas… please.” Those big brown puppy eyes were hard to deny. Imma had one of the best innocent expressions around, plump up her lips and add in a pout and it was nearly impossible to avoid it.
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All Imma needed in order to know that she’d be capable of convincing Achilleas that her opinion of the matter was correct was the simple, perhaps, that he had offered her. With enough persuasion she was relatively certain that she could slip out of the notion of him escorting her home. Then with any luck she could avoid the irritation she would no doubt have to contend with from her mother. “Trust me, Achilleas. I know my family and that is one discussion you do not want to have today.” Imma’s assurance was one that remained entirely devoid of falsehoods. There was really no reason for her not to be honest about what they might have to endure if he so chose to escort her all the way to the door. It would no doubt be far worse for her than him, but it would not be pleasant for either involved. That much she was incredibly certain of.
It was hard to remain so certain, however, when his mood seemed so mercurial. Moving from one extreme to the next with relatively ease. When he pegged her with that hard look her good humor slipped away and she took on a more serious countenance. It would not do her any bit of good to upset him now. If she angered him then she would certainly not be able to convince him that she was correct about being left to sneak back into the estate. “Alright. I will be considerably more careful with myself. Though I would still like to learn to use a blade and a bow. Perhaps in that respect we can compromise? I will make certain to find a suitable escort whom will satisfy both myself and those concerned with my safety and will also seek lessons in defense. Whether from yourself or another artfully trained individual.”
Either way she was certain that her choice of terms were solid. Enough so one might hope to dissuade him from worrying about it any further. Truth be told she would have rather bypassed the entire conversation and focused instead on what seemed to make him happy then what obviously frustrated him. “Yes well… it is just a scrape anyway. I think honestly for my first attempt it could have been much worse.” Thigh and hip aside, she was certain the little cut on her hand was not nearly so taxing as his foot and the part of his calf which had been cut by the snail shell. The other injury she would have to explore when she was alone. Though she had to admit to herself the longer it went on the more it was beginning to hurt. Deep breaths and active thoughts were a nice and welcome distraction. One she used to avoid her suffering for the time being.
Peeking down at him she took a moment to appreciate the curl of his hair and the way his cheeks pulled and puckered when he smiled. There were moments when it was quite easy for her to forget how much older he was than herself. They were quickly followed of course by the mental reminder that he was Theo’s. He loved her. That was the rumor. It made her heart ache but she didn’t let it eat at her, there was simply no point. “I am certain you will remain so. Though I will admit that Stephanos did hold the title for some time. He is quite generous. It is only a matter of time though before Selene and Nana are wed, which will triple your competition.” Whatever silence he hoped to find on the way back to the Leventi lands were filled with her chattering away about anything and everything. None of which were more important than the question that came up as they reached them.
Would she be able to sneak back into the house? “Without a doubt. I have done so more times than you could probably imagine. I am not nearly so hurt that I cannot walk, Achilleas.” Glancing in the direction of the estate she pursed her lips slightly for a moment in thought before she brought her gaze back down to him once more. “If you take me up there you will be hand delivering me to my executioner. There is no telling how truly angry my mother would be to be disturbed from her duties by my carelessness. I would certainly hate to think she might keep me from the wedding…” Furrowing her brows with concern she released a heavy sigh and tried her best to lay out the reasons why she thought it was best to let her go. “I give you my word I will not wander out alone again. Just please let me slip back in… Achilleas… please.” Those big brown puppy eyes were hard to deny. Imma had one of the best innocent expressions around, plump up her lips and add in a pout and it was nearly impossible to avoid it.
All Imma needed in order to know that she’d be capable of convincing Achilleas that her opinion of the matter was correct was the simple, perhaps, that he had offered her. With enough persuasion she was relatively certain that she could slip out of the notion of him escorting her home. Then with any luck she could avoid the irritation she would no doubt have to contend with from her mother. “Trust me, Achilleas. I know my family and that is one discussion you do not want to have today.” Imma’s assurance was one that remained entirely devoid of falsehoods. There was really no reason for her not to be honest about what they might have to endure if he so chose to escort her all the way to the door. It would no doubt be far worse for her than him, but it would not be pleasant for either involved. That much she was incredibly certain of.
It was hard to remain so certain, however, when his mood seemed so mercurial. Moving from one extreme to the next with relatively ease. When he pegged her with that hard look her good humor slipped away and she took on a more serious countenance. It would not do her any bit of good to upset him now. If she angered him then she would certainly not be able to convince him that she was correct about being left to sneak back into the estate. “Alright. I will be considerably more careful with myself. Though I would still like to learn to use a blade and a bow. Perhaps in that respect we can compromise? I will make certain to find a suitable escort whom will satisfy both myself and those concerned with my safety and will also seek lessons in defense. Whether from yourself or another artfully trained individual.”
Either way she was certain that her choice of terms were solid. Enough so one might hope to dissuade him from worrying about it any further. Truth be told she would have rather bypassed the entire conversation and focused instead on what seemed to make him happy then what obviously frustrated him. “Yes well… it is just a scrape anyway. I think honestly for my first attempt it could have been much worse.” Thigh and hip aside, she was certain the little cut on her hand was not nearly so taxing as his foot and the part of his calf which had been cut by the snail shell. The other injury she would have to explore when she was alone. Though she had to admit to herself the longer it went on the more it was beginning to hurt. Deep breaths and active thoughts were a nice and welcome distraction. One she used to avoid her suffering for the time being.
Peeking down at him she took a moment to appreciate the curl of his hair and the way his cheeks pulled and puckered when he smiled. There were moments when it was quite easy for her to forget how much older he was than herself. They were quickly followed of course by the mental reminder that he was Theo’s. He loved her. That was the rumor. It made her heart ache but she didn’t let it eat at her, there was simply no point. “I am certain you will remain so. Though I will admit that Stephanos did hold the title for some time. He is quite generous. It is only a matter of time though before Selene and Nana are wed, which will triple your competition.” Whatever silence he hoped to find on the way back to the Leventi lands were filled with her chattering away about anything and everything. None of which were more important than the question that came up as they reached them.
Would she be able to sneak back into the house? “Without a doubt. I have done so more times than you could probably imagine. I am not nearly so hurt that I cannot walk, Achilleas.” Glancing in the direction of the estate she pursed her lips slightly for a moment in thought before she brought her gaze back down to him once more. “If you take me up there you will be hand delivering me to my executioner. There is no telling how truly angry my mother would be to be disturbed from her duties by my carelessness. I would certainly hate to think she might keep me from the wedding…” Furrowing her brows with concern she released a heavy sigh and tried her best to lay out the reasons why she thought it was best to let her go. “I give you my word I will not wander out alone again. Just please let me slip back in… Achilleas… please.” Those big brown puppy eyes were hard to deny. Imma had one of the best innocent expressions around, plump up her lips and add in a pout and it was nearly impossible to avoid it.
He might have been amused at Imma’s insistence that he would be better off not taking her home if she hadn’t been so, well, insistent about it. He found it hard to image the Lady Evelli being anything but gracious toward him, particularly so close to the wedding but the woman’s youngest daughter seemed to think otherwise. Achilleas looked doubtfully up at the girl, still refusing to commit one way or the other as they walked on.
Imma might have thought him angry when talk to her sneaking out alone, but it would be hard for any man who had seen the things he had to be so flippant about a young lady’s safety. So the lord was relieved when she seemed to take his words to heart, and he gave a satisfied nod at her response, wishing Theo had been so easy to persuade. “That sounds sensible” he agreed, giving her an encouraging smile. “Not everything your parents tell you is to make your life miserable you know”. Achilleas wondered at his own words for a moment, because lately he was not entirely sure he could apply the same sweeping statement to his own father, but that was an issue of an entirely different caliber, and not one he was about to volunteer to talk about with this young girl.
Perhaps it were lucky then, that she seemed able to talk enough for the both of them, and he walked alongside his horse, mostly silent aside from the odd interjection or noise of agreement. When Imma mentioned Stephanos, he turned from watching their path to glance at her, surprised that she would mention his cousin given the controversy surrounding his disappearance. But then he scolded himself, it were not as if the man had died after all.
“Generous? That he is. And I shall be ready for these contenders. When they have carried your grisly snail collection up hills whilst Helios is so high in the skies, then you can come talk to me about who is your favourite again”
Eventually, the ruggedness of the coast gave way to the green fields that marked the boundary of the Leventi estate, the two manor houses set against the skyline. He had drawn them all to a halt and looked toward the household and then back to his charge,still weighing his options. There was the faintest quirk of his lips in amusement at her dramatic plea, and Achilleas ran his free hand down the neck of his horse as he let her stew a little.
The puppy dog eyes and accompanying pout had him laugh despite himself, and the Lord Mikaelidas gave a rueful shake of his head as he finally conceded. “ Fine. Be gone with you then, against my better judgement.”
Looping his arm through the reins of the animal Imma sat astride, he awkwardly offered his other to aid her in sliding down, trying not to drop the bundled snails as he did so, a rather ungainly effort that nevertheless saw both the young lady’s feet firmly planted upon the earth once more. Achilleas stepped back to afford a little more space between them, looking down on Imma now. As he asked “You are sure you will be alright getting back the rest of the way?”
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He might have been amused at Imma’s insistence that he would be better off not taking her home if she hadn’t been so, well, insistent about it. He found it hard to image the Lady Evelli being anything but gracious toward him, particularly so close to the wedding but the woman’s youngest daughter seemed to think otherwise. Achilleas looked doubtfully up at the girl, still refusing to commit one way or the other as they walked on.
Imma might have thought him angry when talk to her sneaking out alone, but it would be hard for any man who had seen the things he had to be so flippant about a young lady’s safety. So the lord was relieved when she seemed to take his words to heart, and he gave a satisfied nod at her response, wishing Theo had been so easy to persuade. “That sounds sensible” he agreed, giving her an encouraging smile. “Not everything your parents tell you is to make your life miserable you know”. Achilleas wondered at his own words for a moment, because lately he was not entirely sure he could apply the same sweeping statement to his own father, but that was an issue of an entirely different caliber, and not one he was about to volunteer to talk about with this young girl.
Perhaps it were lucky then, that she seemed able to talk enough for the both of them, and he walked alongside his horse, mostly silent aside from the odd interjection or noise of agreement. When Imma mentioned Stephanos, he turned from watching their path to glance at her, surprised that she would mention his cousin given the controversy surrounding his disappearance. But then he scolded himself, it were not as if the man had died after all.
“Generous? That he is. And I shall be ready for these contenders. When they have carried your grisly snail collection up hills whilst Helios is so high in the skies, then you can come talk to me about who is your favourite again”
Eventually, the ruggedness of the coast gave way to the green fields that marked the boundary of the Leventi estate, the two manor houses set against the skyline. He had drawn them all to a halt and looked toward the household and then back to his charge,still weighing his options. There was the faintest quirk of his lips in amusement at her dramatic plea, and Achilleas ran his free hand down the neck of his horse as he let her stew a little.
The puppy dog eyes and accompanying pout had him laugh despite himself, and the Lord Mikaelidas gave a rueful shake of his head as he finally conceded. “ Fine. Be gone with you then, against my better judgement.”
Looping his arm through the reins of the animal Imma sat astride, he awkwardly offered his other to aid her in sliding down, trying not to drop the bundled snails as he did so, a rather ungainly effort that nevertheless saw both the young lady’s feet firmly planted upon the earth once more. Achilleas stepped back to afford a little more space between them, looking down on Imma now. As he asked “You are sure you will be alright getting back the rest of the way?”
He might have been amused at Imma’s insistence that he would be better off not taking her home if she hadn’t been so, well, insistent about it. He found it hard to image the Lady Evelli being anything but gracious toward him, particularly so close to the wedding but the woman’s youngest daughter seemed to think otherwise. Achilleas looked doubtfully up at the girl, still refusing to commit one way or the other as they walked on.
Imma might have thought him angry when talk to her sneaking out alone, but it would be hard for any man who had seen the things he had to be so flippant about a young lady’s safety. So the lord was relieved when she seemed to take his words to heart, and he gave a satisfied nod at her response, wishing Theo had been so easy to persuade. “That sounds sensible” he agreed, giving her an encouraging smile. “Not everything your parents tell you is to make your life miserable you know”. Achilleas wondered at his own words for a moment, because lately he was not entirely sure he could apply the same sweeping statement to his own father, but that was an issue of an entirely different caliber, and not one he was about to volunteer to talk about with this young girl.
Perhaps it were lucky then, that she seemed able to talk enough for the both of them, and he walked alongside his horse, mostly silent aside from the odd interjection or noise of agreement. When Imma mentioned Stephanos, he turned from watching their path to glance at her, surprised that she would mention his cousin given the controversy surrounding his disappearance. But then he scolded himself, it were not as if the man had died after all.
“Generous? That he is. And I shall be ready for these contenders. When they have carried your grisly snail collection up hills whilst Helios is so high in the skies, then you can come talk to me about who is your favourite again”
Eventually, the ruggedness of the coast gave way to the green fields that marked the boundary of the Leventi estate, the two manor houses set against the skyline. He had drawn them all to a halt and looked toward the household and then back to his charge,still weighing his options. There was the faintest quirk of his lips in amusement at her dramatic plea, and Achilleas ran his free hand down the neck of his horse as he let her stew a little.
The puppy dog eyes and accompanying pout had him laugh despite himself, and the Lord Mikaelidas gave a rueful shake of his head as he finally conceded. “ Fine. Be gone with you then, against my better judgement.”
Looping his arm through the reins of the animal Imma sat astride, he awkwardly offered his other to aid her in sliding down, trying not to drop the bundled snails as he did so, a rather ungainly effort that nevertheless saw both the young lady’s feet firmly planted upon the earth once more. Achilleas stepped back to afford a little more space between them, looking down on Imma now. As he asked “You are sure you will be alright getting back the rest of the way?”
They were bound to never agree on certain things. Any pair of individuals was. That two of those things just happened to revolve around family was simply a coincidence. He might not have believed her entirely about her mother, but she was just as unlikely to believe him about parents and their lot in life. Thus far she was far she was fairly convinced that at least half of what parents did was to make their children miserable. If she hadn’t known his father she might have been willing to believe otherwise, but she had met the man and she knew better. Nevertheless she relented because it seemed important to him. “You may be right, Achilleas.” While she never thought it would happen, she was getting a great deal better about bending the truth. While she still refused to outright lie to people, she was learning quite well how to arrange the truth so that it best suited her.
Among their topics of conversation she could not help but mention his competition, though he did have a rather good way of thwarting them. It actually made her laugh and rather heartily at that. The fit of laughter seemed as though it had no end but for the breathless words that followed it. “Fair enough. Until someone has performed a more egregious quest for me, you shall remain my favorite.” That tickled sense of amusement kept her smile broad and brilliant upon her lips, no matter the pain she might have been in. Laughter it seemed was a truly wonderful form of medicine. One she would have to make certain to use to her advantage again in the future. Perhaps the next time she ended up with a bruised backside and an even more battered pride.
As they neared the estate she felt a bit of that lighthearted joy slip away from her. The threat of being presented to her mother in her current state still looming over her head. Imma was quite desperate to convince him to let her go. Thankfully she had just the right tools at her disposal to earn her freedom. The smile that immediately returned as he gave into her was triumphant but not gloatingly so. Carefully shifting upon the horse she helped herself from its back, using the support of his arm so as not to land too hard upon her feet. Somehow she doubted that collapsing from the shooting pain in her hip would be all that convincing that she was capable of making it back without being detected.
Once she was secure upon her feet she gathered up a bit of her chiton once more so that she could begin transferring the snails from his shirt to her own self-made sling of fabric. As he inquired after her once more her smile broadened just a bit further and her eyes all but danced with amusement. “Yes I am sure. You truly have nothing to fret over.” Collecting the last of the snails she peered upward at him and felt her heart trip over its own beat once more. He was truly a delight. He would be a tremendous brother when that time came. Exhaling she found her breath turning to words before she could think better of them. “Come here for a moment…” What was more she was encouraging him to lean nearer to her. Accusedly tall men. The moment he leaned close enough she popped to the balls of her feet and leaned in to kiss his cheek. A simple sign of gratitude and the fulfillment of a childhood dream and nothing more. A way for her to close out her day and put to rest her silly infatuation.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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They were bound to never agree on certain things. Any pair of individuals was. That two of those things just happened to revolve around family was simply a coincidence. He might not have believed her entirely about her mother, but she was just as unlikely to believe him about parents and their lot in life. Thus far she was far she was fairly convinced that at least half of what parents did was to make their children miserable. If she hadn’t known his father she might have been willing to believe otherwise, but she had met the man and she knew better. Nevertheless she relented because it seemed important to him. “You may be right, Achilleas.” While she never thought it would happen, she was getting a great deal better about bending the truth. While she still refused to outright lie to people, she was learning quite well how to arrange the truth so that it best suited her.
Among their topics of conversation she could not help but mention his competition, though he did have a rather good way of thwarting them. It actually made her laugh and rather heartily at that. The fit of laughter seemed as though it had no end but for the breathless words that followed it. “Fair enough. Until someone has performed a more egregious quest for me, you shall remain my favorite.” That tickled sense of amusement kept her smile broad and brilliant upon her lips, no matter the pain she might have been in. Laughter it seemed was a truly wonderful form of medicine. One she would have to make certain to use to her advantage again in the future. Perhaps the next time she ended up with a bruised backside and an even more battered pride.
As they neared the estate she felt a bit of that lighthearted joy slip away from her. The threat of being presented to her mother in her current state still looming over her head. Imma was quite desperate to convince him to let her go. Thankfully she had just the right tools at her disposal to earn her freedom. The smile that immediately returned as he gave into her was triumphant but not gloatingly so. Carefully shifting upon the horse she helped herself from its back, using the support of his arm so as not to land too hard upon her feet. Somehow she doubted that collapsing from the shooting pain in her hip would be all that convincing that she was capable of making it back without being detected.
Once she was secure upon her feet she gathered up a bit of her chiton once more so that she could begin transferring the snails from his shirt to her own self-made sling of fabric. As he inquired after her once more her smile broadened just a bit further and her eyes all but danced with amusement. “Yes I am sure. You truly have nothing to fret over.” Collecting the last of the snails she peered upward at him and felt her heart trip over its own beat once more. He was truly a delight. He would be a tremendous brother when that time came. Exhaling she found her breath turning to words before she could think better of them. “Come here for a moment…” What was more she was encouraging him to lean nearer to her. Accusedly tall men. The moment he leaned close enough she popped to the balls of her feet and leaned in to kiss his cheek. A simple sign of gratitude and the fulfillment of a childhood dream and nothing more. A way for her to close out her day and put to rest her silly infatuation.
They were bound to never agree on certain things. Any pair of individuals was. That two of those things just happened to revolve around family was simply a coincidence. He might not have believed her entirely about her mother, but she was just as unlikely to believe him about parents and their lot in life. Thus far she was far she was fairly convinced that at least half of what parents did was to make their children miserable. If she hadn’t known his father she might have been willing to believe otherwise, but she had met the man and she knew better. Nevertheless she relented because it seemed important to him. “You may be right, Achilleas.” While she never thought it would happen, she was getting a great deal better about bending the truth. While she still refused to outright lie to people, she was learning quite well how to arrange the truth so that it best suited her.
Among their topics of conversation she could not help but mention his competition, though he did have a rather good way of thwarting them. It actually made her laugh and rather heartily at that. The fit of laughter seemed as though it had no end but for the breathless words that followed it. “Fair enough. Until someone has performed a more egregious quest for me, you shall remain my favorite.” That tickled sense of amusement kept her smile broad and brilliant upon her lips, no matter the pain she might have been in. Laughter it seemed was a truly wonderful form of medicine. One she would have to make certain to use to her advantage again in the future. Perhaps the next time she ended up with a bruised backside and an even more battered pride.
As they neared the estate she felt a bit of that lighthearted joy slip away from her. The threat of being presented to her mother in her current state still looming over her head. Imma was quite desperate to convince him to let her go. Thankfully she had just the right tools at her disposal to earn her freedom. The smile that immediately returned as he gave into her was triumphant but not gloatingly so. Carefully shifting upon the horse she helped herself from its back, using the support of his arm so as not to land too hard upon her feet. Somehow she doubted that collapsing from the shooting pain in her hip would be all that convincing that she was capable of making it back without being detected.
Once she was secure upon her feet she gathered up a bit of her chiton once more so that she could begin transferring the snails from his shirt to her own self-made sling of fabric. As he inquired after her once more her smile broadened just a bit further and her eyes all but danced with amusement. “Yes I am sure. You truly have nothing to fret over.” Collecting the last of the snails she peered upward at him and felt her heart trip over its own beat once more. He was truly a delight. He would be a tremendous brother when that time came. Exhaling she found her breath turning to words before she could think better of them. “Come here for a moment…” What was more she was encouraging him to lean nearer to her. Accusedly tall men. The moment he leaned close enough she popped to the balls of her feet and leaned in to kiss his cheek. A simple sign of gratitude and the fulfillment of a childhood dream and nothing more. A way for her to close out her day and put to rest her silly infatuation.
There was a mildly exasperated look upon his face when Imma told him not to fret, unwelcome echoes of Theodora’s insistence that he fussed. Did he? He pondered the fact as he helped in transferring over the girl’s spiny-shelled treasures, still not quite able to believe that he’d given up his time to gather snails, nor that it had ended in such an undignified tumble.
As Imma peered up at him, he gave a half smile. She was a sweet little thing, and he was glad he had been there to at least ensure she got home safely. And perhaps given her pause for thought about wandering around on her own like that. He leant toward her obligingly when asked, thinking she was going to point out some unusual snail detail or something equally diverting, but instead Achilleas froze when she pressed a kiss upon his cheek, pulling back a little abruptly, a surprised expression upon his face.
“Oh.”
His bemusement lasted only a moment, the lord soon gathering his wits about him and smiling a close mouthed smile at the girl.Eyebrows lifted, he rocked on his heels once and then turned to settle the reins over his horse’s neck, pushing the gleaming red shoulder of the animal until it sidestepped around and gave him the room need to mount.
“Get that graze cleaned up” he said, dropping his gaze to Imma’s hand before he found her eyes once again. “And your leg.” Yes he had noticed. Achilleas gave a nod. “And I suppose I shall see you at the wedding.”
With that, he vaulted neatly astride the horse, seeming incredibly tall and imposing from where the youngest of the Leventi girls stood upon the ground, clutching her snails in the bunch of her chiton once more.
“Good day to you Lady Imma”. He was polite still, not cold, but there was certainly a degree of reserve to the man’s bearing that he had let slip before. Achilleas hoped that it was not to his detriment, recollections of another Leventi girl springing suddenly to mind.
Aah, but that was hardly fair. Imma had not been nearly so brash as her cousin Dafni, and really, a kiss on the cheek was acceptable- normal- between brother and sister. Which they almost were. Still, he would not encourage any youthful imagined affections she might have.
“I look forward to seeing the painting” he said. “Remember me to your sister, wont you?” It was there, that subtle reminder of his place in her life, but his expression was gentle where he looked on her, to soften it. And then with a final lift of his hand, Achilleas reined his horse around to point toward the city, urged it on and left Imma to return to her own home, precious cargo in tow.
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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There was a mildly exasperated look upon his face when Imma told him not to fret, unwelcome echoes of Theodora’s insistence that he fussed. Did he? He pondered the fact as he helped in transferring over the girl’s spiny-shelled treasures, still not quite able to believe that he’d given up his time to gather snails, nor that it had ended in such an undignified tumble.
As Imma peered up at him, he gave a half smile. She was a sweet little thing, and he was glad he had been there to at least ensure she got home safely. And perhaps given her pause for thought about wandering around on her own like that. He leant toward her obligingly when asked, thinking she was going to point out some unusual snail detail or something equally diverting, but instead Achilleas froze when she pressed a kiss upon his cheek, pulling back a little abruptly, a surprised expression upon his face.
“Oh.”
His bemusement lasted only a moment, the lord soon gathering his wits about him and smiling a close mouthed smile at the girl.Eyebrows lifted, he rocked on his heels once and then turned to settle the reins over his horse’s neck, pushing the gleaming red shoulder of the animal until it sidestepped around and gave him the room need to mount.
“Get that graze cleaned up” he said, dropping his gaze to Imma’s hand before he found her eyes once again. “And your leg.” Yes he had noticed. Achilleas gave a nod. “And I suppose I shall see you at the wedding.”
With that, he vaulted neatly astride the horse, seeming incredibly tall and imposing from where the youngest of the Leventi girls stood upon the ground, clutching her snails in the bunch of her chiton once more.
“Good day to you Lady Imma”. He was polite still, not cold, but there was certainly a degree of reserve to the man’s bearing that he had let slip before. Achilleas hoped that it was not to his detriment, recollections of another Leventi girl springing suddenly to mind.
Aah, but that was hardly fair. Imma had not been nearly so brash as her cousin Dafni, and really, a kiss on the cheek was acceptable- normal- between brother and sister. Which they almost were. Still, he would not encourage any youthful imagined affections she might have.
“I look forward to seeing the painting” he said. “Remember me to your sister, wont you?” It was there, that subtle reminder of his place in her life, but his expression was gentle where he looked on her, to soften it. And then with a final lift of his hand, Achilleas reined his horse around to point toward the city, urged it on and left Imma to return to her own home, precious cargo in tow.
There was a mildly exasperated look upon his face when Imma told him not to fret, unwelcome echoes of Theodora’s insistence that he fussed. Did he? He pondered the fact as he helped in transferring over the girl’s spiny-shelled treasures, still not quite able to believe that he’d given up his time to gather snails, nor that it had ended in such an undignified tumble.
As Imma peered up at him, he gave a half smile. She was a sweet little thing, and he was glad he had been there to at least ensure she got home safely. And perhaps given her pause for thought about wandering around on her own like that. He leant toward her obligingly when asked, thinking she was going to point out some unusual snail detail or something equally diverting, but instead Achilleas froze when she pressed a kiss upon his cheek, pulling back a little abruptly, a surprised expression upon his face.
“Oh.”
His bemusement lasted only a moment, the lord soon gathering his wits about him and smiling a close mouthed smile at the girl.Eyebrows lifted, he rocked on his heels once and then turned to settle the reins over his horse’s neck, pushing the gleaming red shoulder of the animal until it sidestepped around and gave him the room need to mount.
“Get that graze cleaned up” he said, dropping his gaze to Imma’s hand before he found her eyes once again. “And your leg.” Yes he had noticed. Achilleas gave a nod. “And I suppose I shall see you at the wedding.”
With that, he vaulted neatly astride the horse, seeming incredibly tall and imposing from where the youngest of the Leventi girls stood upon the ground, clutching her snails in the bunch of her chiton once more.
“Good day to you Lady Imma”. He was polite still, not cold, but there was certainly a degree of reserve to the man’s bearing that he had let slip before. Achilleas hoped that it was not to his detriment, recollections of another Leventi girl springing suddenly to mind.
Aah, but that was hardly fair. Imma had not been nearly so brash as her cousin Dafni, and really, a kiss on the cheek was acceptable- normal- between brother and sister. Which they almost were. Still, he would not encourage any youthful imagined affections she might have.
“I look forward to seeing the painting” he said. “Remember me to your sister, wont you?” It was there, that subtle reminder of his place in her life, but his expression was gentle where he looked on her, to soften it. And then with a final lift of his hand, Achilleas reined his horse around to point toward the city, urged it on and left Imma to return to her own home, precious cargo in tow.