Power. Money. Connections. Many things that Nethis aspires her family to thrive for above anything else, because love will be something that Aphrodite spells upon man; therefore, the mundane should not worry where their hearts lie. House Thanasi has been making connections with several houses from the past few years, one of them was a slow process, but other connections developed quicker… Because at that time, the opportunity fell into their laps. Nethis is quick to jump onto opportunities that she has surveyed to serve her family, though she is careful, very careful upon whom she will be partnering her family with.

The House will have to be able to serve the Thanasis in a beneficial way, because Nethis’s house will live up to its expectations. The one thing about House Thanasi, so far, is they will live up to their promises – Nethis will not make promises she cannot keep, but the Fates have plans that may not lie with your own. Still, Lady Nethis will be very tactical with the Houses she aligns her family with, because is everything is on the line. Marriages are exchanges of power and finances, very much a business agreement between two families. Nethis has yet to disclose the business agreement she was about to close with House Skleros, but she isn’t concerned about her younger brother. Mihail will have to agree to the matters at hand, and his sister is not up for debate when her mind has been made.

Nethis arranged everything for Alkaios of Skleros to enter the Thanasi Archontiko feeling comfortable and welcomed to their, rather stark home. Lady Nethis was still in her room standing outside on her terrace, where it was adorned with grape vines in dedication to her Lord Dionysus. Lady Nethis picked a purple grape and plopped the plump fruit into her mouth as she consumed the grown fruit. She was very proud of this vines that were growing out on her terrace, her handmaids were very skilled in keeping her plants alive. Because everyone knows, if the vines were to die then someone will have to die along with them as it will anger her as well as the god of wine himself. Nethis is a devout follower of the wine god, which is why she cares so much for her deity.

The Colchian woman turned from her terrace to enter back into her room, dressed in a deep red chiton gown that hugged her body attractively – many heads would turn if the eldest sister was among guests. A cold beauty to witness but could never touch. Nethis’s raven hair laid down looking delicate and soft, though Nethis was anything but a delicate or soft woman… Anyone in a room with Nethis will know it within a few seconds – she is a woman of purpose. Nothing this woman does is by accident, if anything love will be something that will sneak up on the Thanasi woman. Although, the love of her younger brother is what she is focusing on, again an accident that may or may not happen – the business arrangement with Skleros is the most important thing.

Nethis heard a knock upon her door that she answered, “Come in.” The Lady turned with an expectant look as a handmaid entered, “Mi’lady, Baron Alkaios of Skleros has arrived and is awaiting your presence.” The Lady smiled as she walked towards the door, “Very well, I am on my way, thank you.” Nethis walked passed the handmaid, already expecting her door to be closed behind her as she walked the halls. It did not take the woman long to find the meeting place that she designated. Nethis would incorporate her father in this meeting, but she hasn’t prepared any lines for him to follow – if she wants this done, then she must do it herself. Lady Nethis entered the room, her eyes icy blues eyes meeting the Baron with a pleasant smile, “Welcome to Colchis, Baron.” The lady placed more emphasis on ‘Baron’ as she came closer to the younger man. The woman held out her hand expecting him to place a kiss upon her knuckles, “I hope you’ve found your stay enjoyable, if you need anything our servants will be happy to fulfill your desires.”

Nethis smiled at the Baron as he gently grabbed her fingers to plant a soft kiss upon her knuckles, therefore the games have begun. This meeting may be small on the grand scheme of the elder sister’s plans, nonetheless it is a plan that is going to set forth opportunities that’ll alleviate her family’s status. Lady Nethis took a seat opposite of the Baron, her sitting was gracefully and with ease as she switched her all to one side. Nethis sat up as she eyed the Baron with her alluring eyes, the woman’s breathing was calm as an ocean breeze – she has done this plenty of times before. This meeting could have been a meeting with the King of Colchis and the Lady would have handled it just the same, because the Thanasi sister fears only one thing. The failing of her family would be the only that will cause her detrimental harm, other than that she only sees movable impediments. The raven-haired beauty nodded her head proudly that her House treated the New Baron as instructed, he is a newly appointed Baron of his lands – power is power, no matter where or how you achieved it. Boosting the Baron’s ego would do him some good in these games of thrones. “I am glad you’ve found my House accommodating – we have proven to be hospitable to all of our guests… A truer nature is perceived, never a fact Baron, whatever you may hear about my House are perceptions, not evidence based,” Nethis continued with a smile, “But you’ve seen here, no one has tried your name nor House, evidence of nobility and respectability.” The Lady said as she listened out for the Baron.

Words are powerfully, especially when they are used strategically and an overload of them can cause one to lose focus. Luckily for the Baron, Nethis is not the kind to phase in and out, she will not waste her time, nor will she allow others to waste her time. Respect is also another characteristic she will bleed out of men and women alike, so any trace of disrespect will surely be weeded out. Nethis allowed the man before her to give the informed woman a recap of past events, though it was surely unnecessary, at least for Nethis. She has planned it all with her family, if anything, the recap would be more so for House Skleros than that of the Thanasi, but the elder sister will keep her peace about it. No harm to either House.

The elder sister smirked at the Baron’s recognition of his own rambling, which was rather amusing to listen to. A man excited that he finally gets the play the big game, but soon this game will turn into something he doesn’t recognize… If he wants to stay sane, then he is going to have to cling to something that matters. Lady Nethis spoke, “Seems like you’ve filled your new position rather quickly, Baron Aklaios of House Skleros, but some advice from a Lady who’s observed the world of politics,” The Lady continued, “Try to hide your glow of enthusiasm and replace it with the hide of the Nemean Lion – I’ve seen men crumble because they did not have the hide to protect them.” Nethis smiled slightly, “I see it in you Baron, ‘tis is why the gods gifted you with your new position and a marriage with the Thanasi House.” The Lady said with a gentleness in her voice that could have fooled anyone, but only those who know Nethis of Thanasi – not many do.

“Though, yes, at the matters at hand… Payment is of my greatest interest with your house. Where my House has delivered in full, we expect payment in full,” Nethis continued with the slight tilt of her head and fluctuation of her voice, “Payment is accepted in many forms and marriage is one of them in which I would like to comply. My brother will be happy to accept your sister’s hand in marriage, such a holy matrimony sacred to the goddess of marriage, Hera.” A moment she neglected to disclose to her brother, though in due time she will share with him that he is a husband to be. Although, marriage will not be able to soothe all that the Elder sister seeks. Lady Nethis crossed her legs as she leaned back into her chair, “Now, now Baron – what you must learn is not to belittle the beneficiaries of your House, because what you’ve just told me is that marriage is the only thing your capable of giving as payment.” Nethis tilted her head with the slight narrow of her eyes, “Did you think that would be all we are to discuss? Marriage will repay most of your debt to my House, but it will not cure all my friend.”

Business is business, therefore Nethis is very careful not to allow her personal feelings to supersede business. Future generations could not afford to lose out on opportunities, because their ascendants were not prepared to keep feelings out of deals. Anything Nethis is doing is so that one day in the future, her nephews and nieces are sitting in positions of power making decisions on behalf of their family. Nethis wants to give her family a chance, she wants to give House Thanasi the chances of power in not just Colchis, but all over Greece. All the kingdoms, with zero exceptions, will have a representative of Thanasi House because Nethis is just that resourceful, because wars will win you land but its slow and grueling. Not to mention, in war, both sides of the battle are losing something, but a marriage is a benefit for both families. Either side is making a business arrangement that will benefit their family in the long run, therefore any marriage Nethis walks into is treated as a business deal. In other words, Nethis isn’t just going to marry herself or family to just any family, because if they do not have much to offer than it isn’t worth the time.

Nethis eyed the young Baron before her as she crossed her legs, while laying her hands into her lap, carefully clasping them together. The alluring woman eyed the young man with her icy blue eyes, “I am glad you see your House being more than a simple marriage, because I also believe it to be true.” Nethis said with a smirk, “You see, I have gained a little bit of knowledge of your House and their upbringings, and you do not disappoint.” The elder sister said as she eyed the young Baron up and down, “What your House is known for has made me inclined to ask for something more than just a marriage. House Thanasi has done House Skleros’s a favor that was worth noting, therefore what was done needs something of equal worth in payment.” Nethis wasn’t saying the marriage wasn't something she wanted or thought wasn’t enough, what she really wanted to make sure is that loyalties are aligned. A marriage can become a divorce in a matter of days after the wedding, therefore ties can be cut between two houses and it is safe for one House to expose the other. Avoiding exposure is all Nethis is trying to do at this moment with the Baron.

The raven-haired Lady continued speaking with an interested tone, “With that being said, My Lord, tell me of this Chimera Chiliostys, because if I am correct it is a very shrewed military.”