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Mihail was not typically inclined toward the Kotas family and, had another informed his younger self that he would one day be sneaking from the Thanasi home with the intentions of meeting a member of that same family, he might have scoffed and pronounced that he would never have anything to do with a Kotas. It was almost amusing how easily times could change, and, although he still held a strong distaste for half the Kotas brothers, such aversion did not seem to exist for their youngest sister. Perhaps it was a side-effect of their shared ranking in their respective family hierarchies: both the youngest and most-protected, or maybe it was merely their joint penchant for archery. Whichever the case, he cared for her more than the others.
After they had spoken at that so-eventful feast, he had wanted to see her again. It was not the wisest of ideas, nor did it feel entirely appropriate, given what his father had almost done to hers, but he had done all he could so far to apologise for the incident. For as long as Mihail had known the man (though he could no longer be sure whether or not that amounted to his entire life), Father had been unwell. His once-strong mind had already begun to deteriorate by the time his youngest child had come into the world, and the mental decline had only grown exponentially worse in the past quarter-century. Usually, it was easily ignored, but at its worst, it became dangerous, and this had been one of those occasions. Even Dysius would not have been capable of doing something so truly idiotic, and Mihail had never had very much faith in that man at all.
But no more could be said to save them in that regard - there no other excuse nor apology which could be given. Whatever happened now, the Thanasi patriarch had already committed his faults, and the rest of them would continue to do what could be done to save their family name, but there was no use in hanging onto false hopes. Mihail, at least, had barely any care left as to what happened to his father, and was instead choosing to focus his attention on those few things for which he did care (though the thought that the Thanasis might lose all they had for Dionysios's misdeeds still weighed on the back of his mind).
He had sent Princess Athanasia a letter, the name on the missive written in a hand more feminine than his usual, and the seal a plain one without his house's serpentine crest, both tricks designed to hide his identity should someone question the girl. It had not been an exceptionally long note, nor had it been as formal as it likely should, but it had invited the girl on the riding trip they had briefly discussed before all hell had broken loose at the feast, added that he would be waiting for her on the edge of the city, where the mountain-carved capital gave way to the rural fields, and that he dearly desired that her response be in the affirmative.
While Mihail may well have been a significantly accomplished archer, he had not spent quite as long on a horse. He was not unskilled - for it would have been an embarrassment if any nobleman did not know how to mount such a beast, and he already fell past the societal norms for his sex and kingdom through lack of military ability - but he did not enjoy riding so much as he did other activities, and one could still note the slightest of wobbles whenever he rode. Nonetheless, he sat atop his Stygian stallion now, dressed in clothes that were notably still costly and yet less elegant than the norm, a far more muted combination of red and black than his typical ostentatious attire. The precautions in his clothing had been taken not only to avoid scaring away any creatures that might cross their paths, but so that, were the pair seen together, none should identify him as a Thanasi riding alongside a Kotas.
His archery equipment hung in a holster by his leg, beating against the side of his thigh with any slight movement, but his gaze was not on the bow; instead, it was directed back towards Midas, a bloom of yellow-and-pink tinted orchids in his hand, a greeting gift Mihail had been assured would be taken as kindly as he intended it.
He did hope she would come.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Mihail was not typically inclined toward the Kotas family and, had another informed his younger self that he would one day be sneaking from the Thanasi home with the intentions of meeting a member of that same family, he might have scoffed and pronounced that he would never have anything to do with a Kotas. It was almost amusing how easily times could change, and, although he still held a strong distaste for half the Kotas brothers, such aversion did not seem to exist for their youngest sister. Perhaps it was a side-effect of their shared ranking in their respective family hierarchies: both the youngest and most-protected, or maybe it was merely their joint penchant for archery. Whichever the case, he cared for her more than the others.
After they had spoken at that so-eventful feast, he had wanted to see her again. It was not the wisest of ideas, nor did it feel entirely appropriate, given what his father had almost done to hers, but he had done all he could so far to apologise for the incident. For as long as Mihail had known the man (though he could no longer be sure whether or not that amounted to his entire life), Father had been unwell. His once-strong mind had already begun to deteriorate by the time his youngest child had come into the world, and the mental decline had only grown exponentially worse in the past quarter-century. Usually, it was easily ignored, but at its worst, it became dangerous, and this had been one of those occasions. Even Dysius would not have been capable of doing something so truly idiotic, and Mihail had never had very much faith in that man at all.
But no more could be said to save them in that regard - there no other excuse nor apology which could be given. Whatever happened now, the Thanasi patriarch had already committed his faults, and the rest of them would continue to do what could be done to save their family name, but there was no use in hanging onto false hopes. Mihail, at least, had barely any care left as to what happened to his father, and was instead choosing to focus his attention on those few things for which he did care (though the thought that the Thanasis might lose all they had for Dionysios's misdeeds still weighed on the back of his mind).
He had sent Princess Athanasia a letter, the name on the missive written in a hand more feminine than his usual, and the seal a plain one without his house's serpentine crest, both tricks designed to hide his identity should someone question the girl. It had not been an exceptionally long note, nor had it been as formal as it likely should, but it had invited the girl on the riding trip they had briefly discussed before all hell had broken loose at the feast, added that he would be waiting for her on the edge of the city, where the mountain-carved capital gave way to the rural fields, and that he dearly desired that her response be in the affirmative.
While Mihail may well have been a significantly accomplished archer, he had not spent quite as long on a horse. He was not unskilled - for it would have been an embarrassment if any nobleman did not know how to mount such a beast, and he already fell past the societal norms for his sex and kingdom through lack of military ability - but he did not enjoy riding so much as he did other activities, and one could still note the slightest of wobbles whenever he rode. Nonetheless, he sat atop his Stygian stallion now, dressed in clothes that were notably still costly and yet less elegant than the norm, a far more muted combination of red and black than his typical ostentatious attire. The precautions in his clothing had been taken not only to avoid scaring away any creatures that might cross their paths, but so that, were the pair seen together, none should identify him as a Thanasi riding alongside a Kotas.
His archery equipment hung in a holster by his leg, beating against the side of his thigh with any slight movement, but his gaze was not on the bow; instead, it was directed back towards Midas, a bloom of yellow-and-pink tinted orchids in his hand, a greeting gift Mihail had been assured would be taken as kindly as he intended it.
He did hope she would come.
Mihail was not typically inclined toward the Kotas family and, had another informed his younger self that he would one day be sneaking from the Thanasi home with the intentions of meeting a member of that same family, he might have scoffed and pronounced that he would never have anything to do with a Kotas. It was almost amusing how easily times could change, and, although he still held a strong distaste for half the Kotas brothers, such aversion did not seem to exist for their youngest sister. Perhaps it was a side-effect of their shared ranking in their respective family hierarchies: both the youngest and most-protected, or maybe it was merely their joint penchant for archery. Whichever the case, he cared for her more than the others.
After they had spoken at that so-eventful feast, he had wanted to see her again. It was not the wisest of ideas, nor did it feel entirely appropriate, given what his father had almost done to hers, but he had done all he could so far to apologise for the incident. For as long as Mihail had known the man (though he could no longer be sure whether or not that amounted to his entire life), Father had been unwell. His once-strong mind had already begun to deteriorate by the time his youngest child had come into the world, and the mental decline had only grown exponentially worse in the past quarter-century. Usually, it was easily ignored, but at its worst, it became dangerous, and this had been one of those occasions. Even Dysius would not have been capable of doing something so truly idiotic, and Mihail had never had very much faith in that man at all.
But no more could be said to save them in that regard - there no other excuse nor apology which could be given. Whatever happened now, the Thanasi patriarch had already committed his faults, and the rest of them would continue to do what could be done to save their family name, but there was no use in hanging onto false hopes. Mihail, at least, had barely any care left as to what happened to his father, and was instead choosing to focus his attention on those few things for which he did care (though the thought that the Thanasis might lose all they had for Dionysios's misdeeds still weighed on the back of his mind).
He had sent Princess Athanasia a letter, the name on the missive written in a hand more feminine than his usual, and the seal a plain one without his house's serpentine crest, both tricks designed to hide his identity should someone question the girl. It had not been an exceptionally long note, nor had it been as formal as it likely should, but it had invited the girl on the riding trip they had briefly discussed before all hell had broken loose at the feast, added that he would be waiting for her on the edge of the city, where the mountain-carved capital gave way to the rural fields, and that he dearly desired that her response be in the affirmative.
While Mihail may well have been a significantly accomplished archer, he had not spent quite as long on a horse. He was not unskilled - for it would have been an embarrassment if any nobleman did not know how to mount such a beast, and he already fell past the societal norms for his sex and kingdom through lack of military ability - but he did not enjoy riding so much as he did other activities, and one could still note the slightest of wobbles whenever he rode. Nonetheless, he sat atop his Stygian stallion now, dressed in clothes that were notably still costly and yet less elegant than the norm, a far more muted combination of red and black than his typical ostentatious attire. The precautions in his clothing had been taken not only to avoid scaring away any creatures that might cross their paths, but so that, were the pair seen together, none should identify him as a Thanasi riding alongside a Kotas.
His archery equipment hung in a holster by his leg, beating against the side of his thigh with any slight movement, but his gaze was not on the bow; instead, it was directed back towards Midas, a bloom of yellow-and-pink tinted orchids in his hand, a greeting gift Mihail had been assured would be taken as kindly as he intended it.
He did hope she would come.
Athanasia had received two letters without distinct seals recently. The first had been from Lord Silanos, apologizing for his behavior at the market that night that he had kissed her. He had blamed it on too much wine, which was probably not an intentional insult but felt like one. It sounded as if he never would have done it if he had been sober, which seemed to the young princess that it had meant nothing to him at all. Of course, it was better that way. If he tried to see her again, Vang might really kill him. In fact, maybe he had found out about that somehow and that's why he had apologized. He had been sitting at the ill-fated feast with Imeeya. Perhaps she had told him.
The second letter had been from Lord Mihail. He had remembered her suggestion that they go hunting and wanted him to meet her on the outskirts of Midas in two nights time. Perhaps she should have thought him too forward, but he probably just needed a distraction, considering what his father had done to hers. She had believed him when he said that the Thanasi patriarch had not been in his right mind. Maybe he had thought he had seen a ghost when the King of Colchis had pulled off his helmet and was actually trying to help the royal family by saving them from a shade, just as his daughter Thea had prevented Vangelis from dying of posion.
Athanasia couldn't hate Mihail for the crime his mad father had committed. It had not been his fault. Though she had been strictly forbidden from associating with him or any member of his family except for her sister-in-law Evras, she saw no harm in going hunting with him, In fact, she quite looked forward to it, and sneaking away at night was never a problem. Her parents would most likely look more favorably upon her associating with Mihail than visiting taverns in the city and performing acrobatics for tips.
Still, she felt a bit guilty that night after dinner as she got ready to go. She shouldn't disobey her father so soon after his return. But she reasoned that what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. Maybe something positive would even be achieved by this nocturnal meeting other than game being left anonymously at the kitchen entrance. Assuming they brought anything down. Some nights were better for hunting than others.
She dressed in a plain gray chiton that would help her blend in with the darkness. It was invisibly pinned at her shoulders, leaving her arms bare and cinched tightly around her waist with a black leather belt so the folds wouldn't get in the way. Her long auburn gold hair was braided and fastened with a leather cord. She wore no jewelry whatsoever.
Instead of the quiver in her family's colors and her specially-made arrows, she opted for the simple brown one and plain arrows. The only thing that would identify her was her bow, the beautiful weapon that Vangelis had given to her. She could have taken another one, but her aim might not be as accurate if she didn't use the bow that she was most comfortable with. She didn't particularly wish to impress Lord Mihail, but she wanted to be able to hold her own.
And so she set out, creeping through the corridors until she reached the servant's entrance. Keeping to the shadows, she approached the stables where she had met Vangelis for a ride not too long ago, pausing to make certain that all was silent before slipping inside and into Ambrosia's stall. The white mare stood still as Athanasia saddled her. She was no stranger to midnight rides.
After securing her bow, she vaulted gracefully onto Ambrosia's back and kept her at a walk so that nobody taking a late night stroll would be alerted to their presence. As soon as they left the manor grounds, she urged the horse into a trot and then a gallop. The roads were empty of travelers and it didn't take her long to reach the borders of the city.
Sure enough, Lord Mihail was waiting for her, just where he said he would be. The princess pulled Ambrosia alongside his horse and smiled. “Good evening, Lord Mihail. I hope you haven't been waiting for me long.”
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Athanasia had received two letters without distinct seals recently. The first had been from Lord Silanos, apologizing for his behavior at the market that night that he had kissed her. He had blamed it on too much wine, which was probably not an intentional insult but felt like one. It sounded as if he never would have done it if he had been sober, which seemed to the young princess that it had meant nothing to him at all. Of course, it was better that way. If he tried to see her again, Vang might really kill him. In fact, maybe he had found out about that somehow and that's why he had apologized. He had been sitting at the ill-fated feast with Imeeya. Perhaps she had told him.
The second letter had been from Lord Mihail. He had remembered her suggestion that they go hunting and wanted him to meet her on the outskirts of Midas in two nights time. Perhaps she should have thought him too forward, but he probably just needed a distraction, considering what his father had done to hers. She had believed him when he said that the Thanasi patriarch had not been in his right mind. Maybe he had thought he had seen a ghost when the King of Colchis had pulled off his helmet and was actually trying to help the royal family by saving them from a shade, just as his daughter Thea had prevented Vangelis from dying of posion.
Athanasia couldn't hate Mihail for the crime his mad father had committed. It had not been his fault. Though she had been strictly forbidden from associating with him or any member of his family except for her sister-in-law Evras, she saw no harm in going hunting with him, In fact, she quite looked forward to it, and sneaking away at night was never a problem. Her parents would most likely look more favorably upon her associating with Mihail than visiting taverns in the city and performing acrobatics for tips.
Still, she felt a bit guilty that night after dinner as she got ready to go. She shouldn't disobey her father so soon after his return. But she reasoned that what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. Maybe something positive would even be achieved by this nocturnal meeting other than game being left anonymously at the kitchen entrance. Assuming they brought anything down. Some nights were better for hunting than others.
She dressed in a plain gray chiton that would help her blend in with the darkness. It was invisibly pinned at her shoulders, leaving her arms bare and cinched tightly around her waist with a black leather belt so the folds wouldn't get in the way. Her long auburn gold hair was braided and fastened with a leather cord. She wore no jewelry whatsoever.
Instead of the quiver in her family's colors and her specially-made arrows, she opted for the simple brown one and plain arrows. The only thing that would identify her was her bow, the beautiful weapon that Vangelis had given to her. She could have taken another one, but her aim might not be as accurate if she didn't use the bow that she was most comfortable with. She didn't particularly wish to impress Lord Mihail, but she wanted to be able to hold her own.
And so she set out, creeping through the corridors until she reached the servant's entrance. Keeping to the shadows, she approached the stables where she had met Vangelis for a ride not too long ago, pausing to make certain that all was silent before slipping inside and into Ambrosia's stall. The white mare stood still as Athanasia saddled her. She was no stranger to midnight rides.
After securing her bow, she vaulted gracefully onto Ambrosia's back and kept her at a walk so that nobody taking a late night stroll would be alerted to their presence. As soon as they left the manor grounds, she urged the horse into a trot and then a gallop. The roads were empty of travelers and it didn't take her long to reach the borders of the city.
Sure enough, Lord Mihail was waiting for her, just where he said he would be. The princess pulled Ambrosia alongside his horse and smiled. “Good evening, Lord Mihail. I hope you haven't been waiting for me long.”
Athanasia had received two letters without distinct seals recently. The first had been from Lord Silanos, apologizing for his behavior at the market that night that he had kissed her. He had blamed it on too much wine, which was probably not an intentional insult but felt like one. It sounded as if he never would have done it if he had been sober, which seemed to the young princess that it had meant nothing to him at all. Of course, it was better that way. If he tried to see her again, Vang might really kill him. In fact, maybe he had found out about that somehow and that's why he had apologized. He had been sitting at the ill-fated feast with Imeeya. Perhaps she had told him.
The second letter had been from Lord Mihail. He had remembered her suggestion that they go hunting and wanted him to meet her on the outskirts of Midas in two nights time. Perhaps she should have thought him too forward, but he probably just needed a distraction, considering what his father had done to hers. She had believed him when he said that the Thanasi patriarch had not been in his right mind. Maybe he had thought he had seen a ghost when the King of Colchis had pulled off his helmet and was actually trying to help the royal family by saving them from a shade, just as his daughter Thea had prevented Vangelis from dying of posion.
Athanasia couldn't hate Mihail for the crime his mad father had committed. It had not been his fault. Though she had been strictly forbidden from associating with him or any member of his family except for her sister-in-law Evras, she saw no harm in going hunting with him, In fact, she quite looked forward to it, and sneaking away at night was never a problem. Her parents would most likely look more favorably upon her associating with Mihail than visiting taverns in the city and performing acrobatics for tips.
Still, she felt a bit guilty that night after dinner as she got ready to go. She shouldn't disobey her father so soon after his return. But she reasoned that what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. Maybe something positive would even be achieved by this nocturnal meeting other than game being left anonymously at the kitchen entrance. Assuming they brought anything down. Some nights were better for hunting than others.
She dressed in a plain gray chiton that would help her blend in with the darkness. It was invisibly pinned at her shoulders, leaving her arms bare and cinched tightly around her waist with a black leather belt so the folds wouldn't get in the way. Her long auburn gold hair was braided and fastened with a leather cord. She wore no jewelry whatsoever.
Instead of the quiver in her family's colors and her specially-made arrows, she opted for the simple brown one and plain arrows. The only thing that would identify her was her bow, the beautiful weapon that Vangelis had given to her. She could have taken another one, but her aim might not be as accurate if she didn't use the bow that she was most comfortable with. She didn't particularly wish to impress Lord Mihail, but she wanted to be able to hold her own.
And so she set out, creeping through the corridors until she reached the servant's entrance. Keeping to the shadows, she approached the stables where she had met Vangelis for a ride not too long ago, pausing to make certain that all was silent before slipping inside and into Ambrosia's stall. The white mare stood still as Athanasia saddled her. She was no stranger to midnight rides.
After securing her bow, she vaulted gracefully onto Ambrosia's back and kept her at a walk so that nobody taking a late night stroll would be alerted to their presence. As soon as they left the manor grounds, she urged the horse into a trot and then a gallop. The roads were empty of travelers and it didn't take her long to reach the borders of the city.
Sure enough, Lord Mihail was waiting for her, just where he said he would be. The princess pulled Ambrosia alongside his horse and smiled. “Good evening, Lord Mihail. I hope you haven't been waiting for me long.”
It was not a long while before Mihail became aware of the presence of another, hearing the soft hoofbeats of a strange horse nearing his own. He almost tensed, as if concerned the approaching steed belonged to someone who thought less of him already through family name, and would wish him misdirected harm, but the sight of a white mare relaxed him somewhat, and as Princess Athanasia came into view, he could not help but smile.
"Not at all, your Highness," he replied, tone noticeably relieved though the words were hushed, still keeping them under the shadowy silence of the night, for they were still not far from the city, and wandering eyes were always a danger. She had dressed as plainly as he, both obviously having designed their attire to keep them as obscured as necessary, and he tilted his head in noble acknowledgement before suddenly remembering that floral gift he had brought her.
Evras had once told him that ladies, no matter their rank, tended to like flowers. They were not an excessive gift, as jewels so often proved, and they did not necessarily bear a romantic mindset. The orchid he had chosen on this occasion was specially selected: the bright yellow shade representative of both friendship and new beginnings (for this was by all accounts, the start of a new alliance, despite their families being so firmly at odds); the pink a subtle reference to both innocence and happiness. In a slightly awkward movement, unused to the action even when it was romantic, he thrust the gift towards her, matching the smile on the princess's face. "I have these, for you. I hope you do not mind them, or think them too forward a gift, but I wished to offer them as...as a sentiment of peace, I suppose. Between our families."
They were not much, but they were something, given the situation. Hopefully, Princess Athanasia would think them to be the gesture of goodwill that Mihail intended.
Glancing beyond them into the forest, he nodded his head into the trees, as an indicator that, perhaps, they should get going and move away from the threat of being sighted, though he did not kick his horse to spur the stallion gently forward until she had indicated willingness. It would not do to begin to ride away without his companion's consent, for he thought himself far more of a gentleman than most saw him.
Mihail's next words had been thought out long in advance. He had always been keen on appropriate social behaviour and certain degrees of propriety, and he knew from their brief encounters that the princess seemed to be of the same line of thought, and it seemed as if what he had to say did not entirely fall into those standards on which he was so keen. "I thought, perhaps, that this evening we might put aside those petty disagreements between our families. Rather than remaining 'of Kotas' or 'of Thanasi', where so many years of discord and resentment have soured our familial relations, we might not act under those names on this night's hunt. Solely by given name, or another, if you prefer. I only think it would be best to hide away such negativities for a short while - focus our attention on the hunt itself."
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It was not a long while before Mihail became aware of the presence of another, hearing the soft hoofbeats of a strange horse nearing his own. He almost tensed, as if concerned the approaching steed belonged to someone who thought less of him already through family name, and would wish him misdirected harm, but the sight of a white mare relaxed him somewhat, and as Princess Athanasia came into view, he could not help but smile.
"Not at all, your Highness," he replied, tone noticeably relieved though the words were hushed, still keeping them under the shadowy silence of the night, for they were still not far from the city, and wandering eyes were always a danger. She had dressed as plainly as he, both obviously having designed their attire to keep them as obscured as necessary, and he tilted his head in noble acknowledgement before suddenly remembering that floral gift he had brought her.
Evras had once told him that ladies, no matter their rank, tended to like flowers. They were not an excessive gift, as jewels so often proved, and they did not necessarily bear a romantic mindset. The orchid he had chosen on this occasion was specially selected: the bright yellow shade representative of both friendship and new beginnings (for this was by all accounts, the start of a new alliance, despite their families being so firmly at odds); the pink a subtle reference to both innocence and happiness. In a slightly awkward movement, unused to the action even when it was romantic, he thrust the gift towards her, matching the smile on the princess's face. "I have these, for you. I hope you do not mind them, or think them too forward a gift, but I wished to offer them as...as a sentiment of peace, I suppose. Between our families."
They were not much, but they were something, given the situation. Hopefully, Princess Athanasia would think them to be the gesture of goodwill that Mihail intended.
Glancing beyond them into the forest, he nodded his head into the trees, as an indicator that, perhaps, they should get going and move away from the threat of being sighted, though he did not kick his horse to spur the stallion gently forward until she had indicated willingness. It would not do to begin to ride away without his companion's consent, for he thought himself far more of a gentleman than most saw him.
Mihail's next words had been thought out long in advance. He had always been keen on appropriate social behaviour and certain degrees of propriety, and he knew from their brief encounters that the princess seemed to be of the same line of thought, and it seemed as if what he had to say did not entirely fall into those standards on which he was so keen. "I thought, perhaps, that this evening we might put aside those petty disagreements between our families. Rather than remaining 'of Kotas' or 'of Thanasi', where so many years of discord and resentment have soured our familial relations, we might not act under those names on this night's hunt. Solely by given name, or another, if you prefer. I only think it would be best to hide away such negativities for a short while - focus our attention on the hunt itself."
It was not a long while before Mihail became aware of the presence of another, hearing the soft hoofbeats of a strange horse nearing his own. He almost tensed, as if concerned the approaching steed belonged to someone who thought less of him already through family name, and would wish him misdirected harm, but the sight of a white mare relaxed him somewhat, and as Princess Athanasia came into view, he could not help but smile.
"Not at all, your Highness," he replied, tone noticeably relieved though the words were hushed, still keeping them under the shadowy silence of the night, for they were still not far from the city, and wandering eyes were always a danger. She had dressed as plainly as he, both obviously having designed their attire to keep them as obscured as necessary, and he tilted his head in noble acknowledgement before suddenly remembering that floral gift he had brought her.
Evras had once told him that ladies, no matter their rank, tended to like flowers. They were not an excessive gift, as jewels so often proved, and they did not necessarily bear a romantic mindset. The orchid he had chosen on this occasion was specially selected: the bright yellow shade representative of both friendship and new beginnings (for this was by all accounts, the start of a new alliance, despite their families being so firmly at odds); the pink a subtle reference to both innocence and happiness. In a slightly awkward movement, unused to the action even when it was romantic, he thrust the gift towards her, matching the smile on the princess's face. "I have these, for you. I hope you do not mind them, or think them too forward a gift, but I wished to offer them as...as a sentiment of peace, I suppose. Between our families."
They were not much, but they were something, given the situation. Hopefully, Princess Athanasia would think them to be the gesture of goodwill that Mihail intended.
Glancing beyond them into the forest, he nodded his head into the trees, as an indicator that, perhaps, they should get going and move away from the threat of being sighted, though he did not kick his horse to spur the stallion gently forward until she had indicated willingness. It would not do to begin to ride away without his companion's consent, for he thought himself far more of a gentleman than most saw him.
Mihail's next words had been thought out long in advance. He had always been keen on appropriate social behaviour and certain degrees of propriety, and he knew from their brief encounters that the princess seemed to be of the same line of thought, and it seemed as if what he had to say did not entirely fall into those standards on which he was so keen. "I thought, perhaps, that this evening we might put aside those petty disagreements between our families. Rather than remaining 'of Kotas' or 'of Thanasi', where so many years of discord and resentment have soured our familial relations, we might not act under those names on this night's hunt. Solely by given name, or another, if you prefer. I only think it would be best to hide away such negativities for a short while - focus our attention on the hunt itself."
“I’m glad,” Athanasia replied. “It was quite easy to sneak away tonight or I would have been later.” She had passed a few slaves in the servant’s corridor, but they had not even glanced her way. They had been trained to keep their eyes cast downward. The paid servants were the ones she needed to worry about, but most of them had already retired to their rooms. Disguised with a plain hooded cloak concealing her from head to toe, she had attracted no unwanted attention. She had carried her bow and quiver under the cloak so they wouldn’t be seen. It wasn’t unusual for the hunters responsible for supplying meat to the kitchens to go out at night when their quarry was more active, but as far as she knew, none of them were women.
Mihail was dressed plainly too. It was possible, but rather unlikely, that they would encounter another hunter or two. She’d had to hide from them occasionally on her solo excursions into the forests. It was better not to be seen than have to explain what a lone woman was doing out so late. A man and woman hunting together wouldn’t look as suspicious. Commoners liked to put meat on their tables when possible, and those who didn’t have the money to buy it had no choice but to catch their own. Others sold the game to the butchers at the market. It was surprising how much the princess had learned about commoners since she had begun mingling with them incognito.
She could see that Mihail was holding something but in the silver shadow of moonlight, she wasn’t certain what it was until he held a small bouquet of pink and yellow orchids out to her. How lovely and thoughtful. she mused as she took them and held them up to her nose to inhale their subtle scent. Athanasia had not even entertained the notion that Mihail would bring her a gift, but she was pleased none the less. One of the few feminine aspects of her personality was her love of flowers. “On no,” she assured him. “I am not offended. I’m delighted. Thank you, Lord Mihail. And I, too, wish for peace between our families.”
It wasn’t her that the Thanasi family needed to appease. Her parents and brothers were the ones who detested them. Yes, they had good reason. Lord Dionysios had attempted to kill the King, and she had almost been slaughtered with him. But his children should not be held accountable for his actions. He was clearly insane. Perhaps not all of them could be trusted, but she knew Mihail would never hurt her. Or Evras. She felt sorry for her sister-in-law, whom she had not seen since that night. Sometimes she wanted to ask how she was doing, though she knew if she was told that Evras was confined to her rooms, she would have a few choice words for whomever was responsible for her detainment, even if it was her own parents.
She wouldn’t think of that now. There was nothing she could do about it anyway but get herself in trouble for expressing her honest opinion. She had been chastised many times for that already. Tonight Athanasia just wanted to enjoy herself by hunting with a new friend. Mihail nodded toward the trees and she urged Ambrosia in that direction, maintaining a slow pace. They didn’t want their prey to hear them coming.
The princess agreed with his sentiments wholeheartedly. “I would like that as well. We are just two friends hunting together. Unfortunately, my given name will be recognized if we run into someone else.” ‘Athanasia.’ while not unheard of, wasn’t a common Greek name. It was more popular since her birth, as many people wanted to call their daughters after the only Colchian princess, but the children who shared it were younger than she. “I shall be Helene. What do you want me to call you?”
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“I’m glad,” Athanasia replied. “It was quite easy to sneak away tonight or I would have been later.” She had passed a few slaves in the servant’s corridor, but they had not even glanced her way. They had been trained to keep their eyes cast downward. The paid servants were the ones she needed to worry about, but most of them had already retired to their rooms. Disguised with a plain hooded cloak concealing her from head to toe, she had attracted no unwanted attention. She had carried her bow and quiver under the cloak so they wouldn’t be seen. It wasn’t unusual for the hunters responsible for supplying meat to the kitchens to go out at night when their quarry was more active, but as far as she knew, none of them were women.
Mihail was dressed plainly too. It was possible, but rather unlikely, that they would encounter another hunter or two. She’d had to hide from them occasionally on her solo excursions into the forests. It was better not to be seen than have to explain what a lone woman was doing out so late. A man and woman hunting together wouldn’t look as suspicious. Commoners liked to put meat on their tables when possible, and those who didn’t have the money to buy it had no choice but to catch their own. Others sold the game to the butchers at the market. It was surprising how much the princess had learned about commoners since she had begun mingling with them incognito.
She could see that Mihail was holding something but in the silver shadow of moonlight, she wasn’t certain what it was until he held a small bouquet of pink and yellow orchids out to her. How lovely and thoughtful. she mused as she took them and held them up to her nose to inhale their subtle scent. Athanasia had not even entertained the notion that Mihail would bring her a gift, but she was pleased none the less. One of the few feminine aspects of her personality was her love of flowers. “On no,” she assured him. “I am not offended. I’m delighted. Thank you, Lord Mihail. And I, too, wish for peace between our families.”
It wasn’t her that the Thanasi family needed to appease. Her parents and brothers were the ones who detested them. Yes, they had good reason. Lord Dionysios had attempted to kill the King, and she had almost been slaughtered with him. But his children should not be held accountable for his actions. He was clearly insane. Perhaps not all of them could be trusted, but she knew Mihail would never hurt her. Or Evras. She felt sorry for her sister-in-law, whom she had not seen since that night. Sometimes she wanted to ask how she was doing, though she knew if she was told that Evras was confined to her rooms, she would have a few choice words for whomever was responsible for her detainment, even if it was her own parents.
She wouldn’t think of that now. There was nothing she could do about it anyway but get herself in trouble for expressing her honest opinion. She had been chastised many times for that already. Tonight Athanasia just wanted to enjoy herself by hunting with a new friend. Mihail nodded toward the trees and she urged Ambrosia in that direction, maintaining a slow pace. They didn’t want their prey to hear them coming.
The princess agreed with his sentiments wholeheartedly. “I would like that as well. We are just two friends hunting together. Unfortunately, my given name will be recognized if we run into someone else.” ‘Athanasia.’ while not unheard of, wasn’t a common Greek name. It was more popular since her birth, as many people wanted to call their daughters after the only Colchian princess, but the children who shared it were younger than she. “I shall be Helene. What do you want me to call you?”
“I’m glad,” Athanasia replied. “It was quite easy to sneak away tonight or I would have been later.” She had passed a few slaves in the servant’s corridor, but they had not even glanced her way. They had been trained to keep their eyes cast downward. The paid servants were the ones she needed to worry about, but most of them had already retired to their rooms. Disguised with a plain hooded cloak concealing her from head to toe, she had attracted no unwanted attention. She had carried her bow and quiver under the cloak so they wouldn’t be seen. It wasn’t unusual for the hunters responsible for supplying meat to the kitchens to go out at night when their quarry was more active, but as far as she knew, none of them were women.
Mihail was dressed plainly too. It was possible, but rather unlikely, that they would encounter another hunter or two. She’d had to hide from them occasionally on her solo excursions into the forests. It was better not to be seen than have to explain what a lone woman was doing out so late. A man and woman hunting together wouldn’t look as suspicious. Commoners liked to put meat on their tables when possible, and those who didn’t have the money to buy it had no choice but to catch their own. Others sold the game to the butchers at the market. It was surprising how much the princess had learned about commoners since she had begun mingling with them incognito.
She could see that Mihail was holding something but in the silver shadow of moonlight, she wasn’t certain what it was until he held a small bouquet of pink and yellow orchids out to her. How lovely and thoughtful. she mused as she took them and held them up to her nose to inhale their subtle scent. Athanasia had not even entertained the notion that Mihail would bring her a gift, but she was pleased none the less. One of the few feminine aspects of her personality was her love of flowers. “On no,” she assured him. “I am not offended. I’m delighted. Thank you, Lord Mihail. And I, too, wish for peace between our families.”
It wasn’t her that the Thanasi family needed to appease. Her parents and brothers were the ones who detested them. Yes, they had good reason. Lord Dionysios had attempted to kill the King, and she had almost been slaughtered with him. But his children should not be held accountable for his actions. He was clearly insane. Perhaps not all of them could be trusted, but she knew Mihail would never hurt her. Or Evras. She felt sorry for her sister-in-law, whom she had not seen since that night. Sometimes she wanted to ask how she was doing, though she knew if she was told that Evras was confined to her rooms, she would have a few choice words for whomever was responsible for her detainment, even if it was her own parents.
She wouldn’t think of that now. There was nothing she could do about it anyway but get herself in trouble for expressing her honest opinion. She had been chastised many times for that already. Tonight Athanasia just wanted to enjoy herself by hunting with a new friend. Mihail nodded toward the trees and she urged Ambrosia in that direction, maintaining a slow pace. They didn’t want their prey to hear them coming.
The princess agreed with his sentiments wholeheartedly. “I would like that as well. We are just two friends hunting together. Unfortunately, my given name will be recognized if we run into someone else.” ‘Athanasia.’ while not unheard of, wasn’t a common Greek name. It was more popular since her birth, as many people wanted to call their daughters after the only Colchian princess, but the children who shared it were younger than she. “I shall be Helene. What do you want me to call you?”
So far, things were going well. The princess appeared to be heeding all of Mihail's words, and she had even gladly accepted the pretty flowers he had offered her, which, to him, had been the only possible wild card. She seemed rather pleased by the gift, and, instinctively, he found himself uncharacteristically smiling in response, as if glad that she had liked it. It was rare that he went to such an effort for others, and even more so that he felt those kindnesses were appreciated when most seemed rather more keen on ignoring the man. Perhaps not every Kotas was as awful as he had been raised to believe in his childhood, and here was clear proof of that fact.
"As you wish. False names it shall be," he agreed, running his own options through his mind. This was not the first time he had needed to disguise his identity for some reason or another. 'Mihail' was not the most common name either - the youngest Thanasi had, in reality, never met another who shared it - and he did not want much association with a family that most hated when he was meant to be masquerading as otherwise. "Leandros, then." It was the name of some handsome servant who had passed through the Thanasi home a long while ago now, but with which Mihail had been far closer than most - until Father had noticed and put a stop to that as he did most things that brought his youngest any semblance of joy. He would not have any trouble responding to it.
With false identities sorted for the night, Mihail turned his gaze further into the woods, the expression on his face now shifting to a slightly more amused smile at the prospect of their planned activities together. Most men, he imagined, would have been thrilled at the possibility of a midnight ride into a forest with a royal lady and no guards to watch them, for all manner of mischief could result. Still, he had always been of a different sort, and though Mihail certainly shared that Thanasi darkness which seemed to course through each of his siblings, bar perhaps Evras, there was no part of him which craved anything more than this friendly encounter. Well, maybe he did, but it was only a desire to bring some degree of peace to their families' feud, and achieving the friendship that could allow that to become a possibility.
"Well then, Helene," he repeated, testing the princess's new name to commit it to memory, though he had always been skilled with names. Mihail gestured ahead of them, already indicating for his horse to start taking a few, slow steps forwards. It was a caution borne both from a desire not to alert any nearby creatures, and not to begin moving forward too noticeably before Athanasia was ready to do so. "I have been hunting in these woods countless times during archery practices, and there is a small clearing up ahead where I have often seen deer. I imagine they should be resting nearby, and if we are careful, I believe we should be able to find them." He was not the most excellent tracker in the world, but he had a reasonable amount of experience and knew the area well enough that they should stay safe, and if something went wrong, they were hopefully both skilled enough to protect themselves.
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So far, things were going well. The princess appeared to be heeding all of Mihail's words, and she had even gladly accepted the pretty flowers he had offered her, which, to him, had been the only possible wild card. She seemed rather pleased by the gift, and, instinctively, he found himself uncharacteristically smiling in response, as if glad that she had liked it. It was rare that he went to such an effort for others, and even more so that he felt those kindnesses were appreciated when most seemed rather more keen on ignoring the man. Perhaps not every Kotas was as awful as he had been raised to believe in his childhood, and here was clear proof of that fact.
"As you wish. False names it shall be," he agreed, running his own options through his mind. This was not the first time he had needed to disguise his identity for some reason or another. 'Mihail' was not the most common name either - the youngest Thanasi had, in reality, never met another who shared it - and he did not want much association with a family that most hated when he was meant to be masquerading as otherwise. "Leandros, then." It was the name of some handsome servant who had passed through the Thanasi home a long while ago now, but with which Mihail had been far closer than most - until Father had noticed and put a stop to that as he did most things that brought his youngest any semblance of joy. He would not have any trouble responding to it.
With false identities sorted for the night, Mihail turned his gaze further into the woods, the expression on his face now shifting to a slightly more amused smile at the prospect of their planned activities together. Most men, he imagined, would have been thrilled at the possibility of a midnight ride into a forest with a royal lady and no guards to watch them, for all manner of mischief could result. Still, he had always been of a different sort, and though Mihail certainly shared that Thanasi darkness which seemed to course through each of his siblings, bar perhaps Evras, there was no part of him which craved anything more than this friendly encounter. Well, maybe he did, but it was only a desire to bring some degree of peace to their families' feud, and achieving the friendship that could allow that to become a possibility.
"Well then, Helene," he repeated, testing the princess's new name to commit it to memory, though he had always been skilled with names. Mihail gestured ahead of them, already indicating for his horse to start taking a few, slow steps forwards. It was a caution borne both from a desire not to alert any nearby creatures, and not to begin moving forward too noticeably before Athanasia was ready to do so. "I have been hunting in these woods countless times during archery practices, and there is a small clearing up ahead where I have often seen deer. I imagine they should be resting nearby, and if we are careful, I believe we should be able to find them." He was not the most excellent tracker in the world, but he had a reasonable amount of experience and knew the area well enough that they should stay safe, and if something went wrong, they were hopefully both skilled enough to protect themselves.
So far, things were going well. The princess appeared to be heeding all of Mihail's words, and she had even gladly accepted the pretty flowers he had offered her, which, to him, had been the only possible wild card. She seemed rather pleased by the gift, and, instinctively, he found himself uncharacteristically smiling in response, as if glad that she had liked it. It was rare that he went to such an effort for others, and even more so that he felt those kindnesses were appreciated when most seemed rather more keen on ignoring the man. Perhaps not every Kotas was as awful as he had been raised to believe in his childhood, and here was clear proof of that fact.
"As you wish. False names it shall be," he agreed, running his own options through his mind. This was not the first time he had needed to disguise his identity for some reason or another. 'Mihail' was not the most common name either - the youngest Thanasi had, in reality, never met another who shared it - and he did not want much association with a family that most hated when he was meant to be masquerading as otherwise. "Leandros, then." It was the name of some handsome servant who had passed through the Thanasi home a long while ago now, but with which Mihail had been far closer than most - until Father had noticed and put a stop to that as he did most things that brought his youngest any semblance of joy. He would not have any trouble responding to it.
With false identities sorted for the night, Mihail turned his gaze further into the woods, the expression on his face now shifting to a slightly more amused smile at the prospect of their planned activities together. Most men, he imagined, would have been thrilled at the possibility of a midnight ride into a forest with a royal lady and no guards to watch them, for all manner of mischief could result. Still, he had always been of a different sort, and though Mihail certainly shared that Thanasi darkness which seemed to course through each of his siblings, bar perhaps Evras, there was no part of him which craved anything more than this friendly encounter. Well, maybe he did, but it was only a desire to bring some degree of peace to their families' feud, and achieving the friendship that could allow that to become a possibility.
"Well then, Helene," he repeated, testing the princess's new name to commit it to memory, though he had always been skilled with names. Mihail gestured ahead of them, already indicating for his horse to start taking a few, slow steps forwards. It was a caution borne both from a desire not to alert any nearby creatures, and not to begin moving forward too noticeably before Athanasia was ready to do so. "I have been hunting in these woods countless times during archery practices, and there is a small clearing up ahead where I have often seen deer. I imagine they should be resting nearby, and if we are careful, I believe we should be able to find them." He was not the most excellent tracker in the world, but he had a reasonable amount of experience and knew the area well enough that they should stay safe, and if something went wrong, they were hopefully both skilled enough to protect themselves.
“Leandros,” Athanasia repeated, tilting her head to the side. “It suits you.” She had picked ‘Helene’ for no other reason than she liked the name. She had once thought of using it as her acrobatic alter ego, but since she also wanted to pretend to be male, she had chosen ‘Kassandra’ and ‘Kassandros.’ In case the same person saw her as both a boy and a girl, she could say they were twins. She had made up life stories for them so that she could portray them convincingly. The only ones who knew she posed as both genders were the street children she gave all her earnings to. Children were much harder to deceive than adults. They saw things in a different way and sometimes when they gazed up at her with large guileless eyes, she felt as if they could read her every thought.
If they had the means to cook in the abandoned building they called home, she would have hunted for them, but a fire and roasting meat would give their location away. Most of them were orphans or had been kicked out of their family home because their parents had so many mouths to feed that they sent the older ones away to fend for themselves. A few, though, refused to leave the shelter and looked frightened whenever she walked through the door. Those kids, she suspected, were running from people who meant them harm. Cooking was, therefore, out of the question.
Athanasia pulled her long braid over her shoulder and stuck the orchids Mihail had given her into the leather cord that bound the ends of it. She couldn’t hold flowers in her hands while riding and certainly not when using a bow. If she had dropped them into her quiver, they might have been damaged when she pulled out her arrows. His simple gift meant quite a lot to the young princess. She didn’t think he fancied her just because he had presented her with a bouquet. She rarely thought about romance. Men confused her and it would be foolish to fall in love for she was destined to marry whichever man her father chose for her. It was her principal duty as a female member of the royal family.
I’m grateful that he will get the chance to select my husband. The princess thanked the gods every day for bringing him back to his family when they had believed him to be dead.
This was not the area Athanasia usually hunted in, and she was glad that Mihail was familiar with it. If they brought in a lot of game, she might come here more often. “Lead on then, Leandros,” she whispered, urging Ambrosia next to his mount. “Is there a place for us to leave our horses so they don’t scare the deer away?” She hadn't yet mastered the art of shooting while on horseback, and habitually stalked her prey on foot.
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“Leandros,” Athanasia repeated, tilting her head to the side. “It suits you.” She had picked ‘Helene’ for no other reason than she liked the name. She had once thought of using it as her acrobatic alter ego, but since she also wanted to pretend to be male, she had chosen ‘Kassandra’ and ‘Kassandros.’ In case the same person saw her as both a boy and a girl, she could say they were twins. She had made up life stories for them so that she could portray them convincingly. The only ones who knew she posed as both genders were the street children she gave all her earnings to. Children were much harder to deceive than adults. They saw things in a different way and sometimes when they gazed up at her with large guileless eyes, she felt as if they could read her every thought.
If they had the means to cook in the abandoned building they called home, she would have hunted for them, but a fire and roasting meat would give their location away. Most of them were orphans or had been kicked out of their family home because their parents had so many mouths to feed that they sent the older ones away to fend for themselves. A few, though, refused to leave the shelter and looked frightened whenever she walked through the door. Those kids, she suspected, were running from people who meant them harm. Cooking was, therefore, out of the question.
Athanasia pulled her long braid over her shoulder and stuck the orchids Mihail had given her into the leather cord that bound the ends of it. She couldn’t hold flowers in her hands while riding and certainly not when using a bow. If she had dropped them into her quiver, they might have been damaged when she pulled out her arrows. His simple gift meant quite a lot to the young princess. She didn’t think he fancied her just because he had presented her with a bouquet. She rarely thought about romance. Men confused her and it would be foolish to fall in love for she was destined to marry whichever man her father chose for her. It was her principal duty as a female member of the royal family.
I’m grateful that he will get the chance to select my husband. The princess thanked the gods every day for bringing him back to his family when they had believed him to be dead.
This was not the area Athanasia usually hunted in, and she was glad that Mihail was familiar with it. If they brought in a lot of game, she might come here more often. “Lead on then, Leandros,” she whispered, urging Ambrosia next to his mount. “Is there a place for us to leave our horses so they don’t scare the deer away?” She hadn't yet mastered the art of shooting while on horseback, and habitually stalked her prey on foot.
“Leandros,” Athanasia repeated, tilting her head to the side. “It suits you.” She had picked ‘Helene’ for no other reason than she liked the name. She had once thought of using it as her acrobatic alter ego, but since she also wanted to pretend to be male, she had chosen ‘Kassandra’ and ‘Kassandros.’ In case the same person saw her as both a boy and a girl, she could say they were twins. She had made up life stories for them so that she could portray them convincingly. The only ones who knew she posed as both genders were the street children she gave all her earnings to. Children were much harder to deceive than adults. They saw things in a different way and sometimes when they gazed up at her with large guileless eyes, she felt as if they could read her every thought.
If they had the means to cook in the abandoned building they called home, she would have hunted for them, but a fire and roasting meat would give their location away. Most of them were orphans or had been kicked out of their family home because their parents had so many mouths to feed that they sent the older ones away to fend for themselves. A few, though, refused to leave the shelter and looked frightened whenever she walked through the door. Those kids, she suspected, were running from people who meant them harm. Cooking was, therefore, out of the question.
Athanasia pulled her long braid over her shoulder and stuck the orchids Mihail had given her into the leather cord that bound the ends of it. She couldn’t hold flowers in her hands while riding and certainly not when using a bow. If she had dropped them into her quiver, they might have been damaged when she pulled out her arrows. His simple gift meant quite a lot to the young princess. She didn’t think he fancied her just because he had presented her with a bouquet. She rarely thought about romance. Men confused her and it would be foolish to fall in love for she was destined to marry whichever man her father chose for her. It was her principal duty as a female member of the royal family.
I’m grateful that he will get the chance to select my husband. The princess thanked the gods every day for bringing him back to his family when they had believed him to be dead.
This was not the area Athanasia usually hunted in, and she was glad that Mihail was familiar with it. If they brought in a lot of game, she might come here more often. “Lead on then, Leandros,” she whispered, urging Ambrosia next to his mount. “Is there a place for us to leave our horses so they don’t scare the deer away?” She hadn't yet mastered the art of shooting while on horseback, and habitually stalked her prey on foot.
Mihail did not traditionally opt to hunt on horseback, though the activity might have seemed familiar to most of the upper classes, so Athanasia's query as to where they might leave their horses was a reassuring one, as it implied she too expected them to dismount. His eyes drifted ahead of them to focus on the route to the clearing, thinking over the path they would take and whether it provided an opportunity to leave their horses somewhere hidden. Before the clearing, there would be a thicket of trees that was suitably obscured, where they could tie up their mounts, and the density of the trees should cover any squeals or whinnies, so there was little chance of their being overheard by the deer.
"Up ahead," he replied, the words confident but half-hushed as they were getting closer to where he knew their prey was waiting. Mihail did not ever claim to be the most knowledgeable about the nature of most wild creatures - snakes being the one obvious exception - but it was rare for any hunter to be unaware of the superiority of a deer's hearing, else they would likely have failed in every attempt. He slowed the walk of his horse even further to aid in their silent approach, though he still intended to speak, though his tone was lowered. "I think the deer are growing used to visitors in their forest here, however, as they have appeared much bolder than is usual, and certainly more intelligent. This hunt may prove more of a test of our abilities than expected." Not that it mattered, for in the rather brief time that they had known one another, it seemed to Mihail that the princess was keen on a challenge, especially given her daring behaviour during the feast.
As the dark-haired lord spoke, they had made good headway into the woods, and the foliage around them grew thicker, so that the night grew darker than usual, and if not for the knowledge of where they were going, it would be easier to get lost. A lord of less noble character may well have attempted to take advantage of the situation, but for all his shortcomings in kindness, Mihail would never have done something as foolish, and only glanced towards the princess to confirm her continued presence and safety as they rode on. Finally, he halted his steed, slowly raising a hand for his companion to mimic the action. Through the branches before them, one could see the moonlight shining into the clearing, and though no deer seemed present, it seemed likely the skittish beasts would be lurking just beyond their sightline.
He dismounted carefully, more concerned about the safety of his bow than he was his own, using a length of rope to secure his stallion to one of the trees, then offered Athanasia a polite hand to help her do the same, though he was sure she could manage without. Once she had done so, Mihail stepped closer to the clearing, already preparing his bow should they encounter something. His eyes glimpsed slow movement, and he pointed in its direction. "Over there. If we approach them from the east side of the clearing, then I believe we can have a clear shot without alerting them to our presence." Deer had an excellent sense of smell, but there was little wind that night, and the sideways approach would likely ensure they went unnoticed.
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Mihail did not traditionally opt to hunt on horseback, though the activity might have seemed familiar to most of the upper classes, so Athanasia's query as to where they might leave their horses was a reassuring one, as it implied she too expected them to dismount. His eyes drifted ahead of them to focus on the route to the clearing, thinking over the path they would take and whether it provided an opportunity to leave their horses somewhere hidden. Before the clearing, there would be a thicket of trees that was suitably obscured, where they could tie up their mounts, and the density of the trees should cover any squeals or whinnies, so there was little chance of their being overheard by the deer.
"Up ahead," he replied, the words confident but half-hushed as they were getting closer to where he knew their prey was waiting. Mihail did not ever claim to be the most knowledgeable about the nature of most wild creatures - snakes being the one obvious exception - but it was rare for any hunter to be unaware of the superiority of a deer's hearing, else they would likely have failed in every attempt. He slowed the walk of his horse even further to aid in their silent approach, though he still intended to speak, though his tone was lowered. "I think the deer are growing used to visitors in their forest here, however, as they have appeared much bolder than is usual, and certainly more intelligent. This hunt may prove more of a test of our abilities than expected." Not that it mattered, for in the rather brief time that they had known one another, it seemed to Mihail that the princess was keen on a challenge, especially given her daring behaviour during the feast.
As the dark-haired lord spoke, they had made good headway into the woods, and the foliage around them grew thicker, so that the night grew darker than usual, and if not for the knowledge of where they were going, it would be easier to get lost. A lord of less noble character may well have attempted to take advantage of the situation, but for all his shortcomings in kindness, Mihail would never have done something as foolish, and only glanced towards the princess to confirm her continued presence and safety as they rode on. Finally, he halted his steed, slowly raising a hand for his companion to mimic the action. Through the branches before them, one could see the moonlight shining into the clearing, and though no deer seemed present, it seemed likely the skittish beasts would be lurking just beyond their sightline.
He dismounted carefully, more concerned about the safety of his bow than he was his own, using a length of rope to secure his stallion to one of the trees, then offered Athanasia a polite hand to help her do the same, though he was sure she could manage without. Once she had done so, Mihail stepped closer to the clearing, already preparing his bow should they encounter something. His eyes glimpsed slow movement, and he pointed in its direction. "Over there. If we approach them from the east side of the clearing, then I believe we can have a clear shot without alerting them to our presence." Deer had an excellent sense of smell, but there was little wind that night, and the sideways approach would likely ensure they went unnoticed.
Mihail did not traditionally opt to hunt on horseback, though the activity might have seemed familiar to most of the upper classes, so Athanasia's query as to where they might leave their horses was a reassuring one, as it implied she too expected them to dismount. His eyes drifted ahead of them to focus on the route to the clearing, thinking over the path they would take and whether it provided an opportunity to leave their horses somewhere hidden. Before the clearing, there would be a thicket of trees that was suitably obscured, where they could tie up their mounts, and the density of the trees should cover any squeals or whinnies, so there was little chance of their being overheard by the deer.
"Up ahead," he replied, the words confident but half-hushed as they were getting closer to where he knew their prey was waiting. Mihail did not ever claim to be the most knowledgeable about the nature of most wild creatures - snakes being the one obvious exception - but it was rare for any hunter to be unaware of the superiority of a deer's hearing, else they would likely have failed in every attempt. He slowed the walk of his horse even further to aid in their silent approach, though he still intended to speak, though his tone was lowered. "I think the deer are growing used to visitors in their forest here, however, as they have appeared much bolder than is usual, and certainly more intelligent. This hunt may prove more of a test of our abilities than expected." Not that it mattered, for in the rather brief time that they had known one another, it seemed to Mihail that the princess was keen on a challenge, especially given her daring behaviour during the feast.
As the dark-haired lord spoke, they had made good headway into the woods, and the foliage around them grew thicker, so that the night grew darker than usual, and if not for the knowledge of where they were going, it would be easier to get lost. A lord of less noble character may well have attempted to take advantage of the situation, but for all his shortcomings in kindness, Mihail would never have done something as foolish, and only glanced towards the princess to confirm her continued presence and safety as they rode on. Finally, he halted his steed, slowly raising a hand for his companion to mimic the action. Through the branches before them, one could see the moonlight shining into the clearing, and though no deer seemed present, it seemed likely the skittish beasts would be lurking just beyond their sightline.
He dismounted carefully, more concerned about the safety of his bow than he was his own, using a length of rope to secure his stallion to one of the trees, then offered Athanasia a polite hand to help her do the same, though he was sure she could manage without. Once she had done so, Mihail stepped closer to the clearing, already preparing his bow should they encounter something. His eyes glimpsed slow movement, and he pointed in its direction. "Over there. If we approach them from the east side of the clearing, then I believe we can have a clear shot without alerting them to our presence." Deer had an excellent sense of smell, but there was little wind that night, and the sideways approach would likely ensure they went unnoticed.
Perfect, Athanasia thought. I would have embarrassed myself if he had wanted to hunt on horseback. She was not concerned about a Kotas looking foolish in front of a Thanasi. Nobody would ever see them here and she didn’t think that Lord Mihail would go blabbing to his sisters about what a dreadful hunter she was. She wanted him to think highly of her, partly because she hoped they could be friends and partly because not many women were skilled at hunting and she was proud of her prowess with a bow.
She was teaching herself how to shoot on horseback, but it was a long and involved process and she was still not completely comfortable around horses. The idea had come from her cousin Dorothea, who had asked her if she wanted to learn while she was in Taengea. Unfortunately, Ambrosia had not come with her and Athanasia thought that she needed to learn on her own horse. Sometimes during the day, she went out to the woods and tried to shoot targets on trees while riding. At this point, she hit them about half the time, and never yet the bullseye. She was much more confident on foot.
“I think the deer are growing used to visitors in their forest here, however, as they have appeared much bolder than is usual, and certainly more intelligent. This hunt may prove more of a test of our abilities than expected.”
“I like a good challenge,” she replied with a grin, following him deeper into the forest. All animals adapted to their surroundings and learned to survive whatever threats they faced. Deer were particularly sensitive to sound and scent. Their thought processes were completely alien to the young princess, but just knowing their ways made her a better hunter.
The trees grew closer together the farther they went. As a result of so many leaves blocking out the moon, it was also darker. Both horses were moving as silently as possible, and Athanasia could hear the sound of her own breathing. She hoped that she and Mihail didn’t become separated. Unfamiliar with this forest, she might not be able to find her way out on her own, despite her excellent sense of direction.
Eventually, Mihail slowed his horse and stopped. Heeding his raised hand, she did the same, gazing at the moonlit clearing visible through the trees. There was a small pond on one side that the deer probably drank from. She studied the area as her companion dismounted and then allowed him to assist her in doing the same, not because she needed it but because he was generous enough to offer. She tied Ambrosia to a tree next to the one that Mihail had fastened his horse to. At the sound of something moving nearby, she brought her bow forward and nocked an arrow The Thanasi lord had probably seen it, since he pointed it out to her. He outlined a plan that would not alert the creatures to their presence.
“Very well, let’s go,” she whispered. Placing her arrow back in her quiver and lowering her bow, she carefully proceeded toward the east side of the clearing, which was opposite the pond. The deer would most likely approach from the other side since it was closer to the trees. A sudden rustling came from nearby and she stopped in her tracks, her head whipping toward the sound. Luckily, both she and Mihail were concealed by tall bushes.
Moving closer to him, she watched as a huge stag with a magnificent set of antlers stepped into the clearing, raising his head as if sniffing the air. Was he alone or was his herd close by? “Do you collect trophies?” Athanasia whispered. “If you do, then that one’s yours.” She thought hanging animals heads on walls was creepy, but most men didn't share that opinion.
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Perfect, Athanasia thought. I would have embarrassed myself if he had wanted to hunt on horseback. She was not concerned about a Kotas looking foolish in front of a Thanasi. Nobody would ever see them here and she didn’t think that Lord Mihail would go blabbing to his sisters about what a dreadful hunter she was. She wanted him to think highly of her, partly because she hoped they could be friends and partly because not many women were skilled at hunting and she was proud of her prowess with a bow.
She was teaching herself how to shoot on horseback, but it was a long and involved process and she was still not completely comfortable around horses. The idea had come from her cousin Dorothea, who had asked her if she wanted to learn while she was in Taengea. Unfortunately, Ambrosia had not come with her and Athanasia thought that she needed to learn on her own horse. Sometimes during the day, she went out to the woods and tried to shoot targets on trees while riding. At this point, she hit them about half the time, and never yet the bullseye. She was much more confident on foot.
“I think the deer are growing used to visitors in their forest here, however, as they have appeared much bolder than is usual, and certainly more intelligent. This hunt may prove more of a test of our abilities than expected.”
“I like a good challenge,” she replied with a grin, following him deeper into the forest. All animals adapted to their surroundings and learned to survive whatever threats they faced. Deer were particularly sensitive to sound and scent. Their thought processes were completely alien to the young princess, but just knowing their ways made her a better hunter.
The trees grew closer together the farther they went. As a result of so many leaves blocking out the moon, it was also darker. Both horses were moving as silently as possible, and Athanasia could hear the sound of her own breathing. She hoped that she and Mihail didn’t become separated. Unfamiliar with this forest, she might not be able to find her way out on her own, despite her excellent sense of direction.
Eventually, Mihail slowed his horse and stopped. Heeding his raised hand, she did the same, gazing at the moonlit clearing visible through the trees. There was a small pond on one side that the deer probably drank from. She studied the area as her companion dismounted and then allowed him to assist her in doing the same, not because she needed it but because he was generous enough to offer. She tied Ambrosia to a tree next to the one that Mihail had fastened his horse to. At the sound of something moving nearby, she brought her bow forward and nocked an arrow The Thanasi lord had probably seen it, since he pointed it out to her. He outlined a plan that would not alert the creatures to their presence.
“Very well, let’s go,” she whispered. Placing her arrow back in her quiver and lowering her bow, she carefully proceeded toward the east side of the clearing, which was opposite the pond. The deer would most likely approach from the other side since it was closer to the trees. A sudden rustling came from nearby and she stopped in her tracks, her head whipping toward the sound. Luckily, both she and Mihail were concealed by tall bushes.
Moving closer to him, she watched as a huge stag with a magnificent set of antlers stepped into the clearing, raising his head as if sniffing the air. Was he alone or was his herd close by? “Do you collect trophies?” Athanasia whispered. “If you do, then that one’s yours.” She thought hanging animals heads on walls was creepy, but most men didn't share that opinion.
Perfect, Athanasia thought. I would have embarrassed myself if he had wanted to hunt on horseback. She was not concerned about a Kotas looking foolish in front of a Thanasi. Nobody would ever see them here and she didn’t think that Lord Mihail would go blabbing to his sisters about what a dreadful hunter she was. She wanted him to think highly of her, partly because she hoped they could be friends and partly because not many women were skilled at hunting and she was proud of her prowess with a bow.
She was teaching herself how to shoot on horseback, but it was a long and involved process and she was still not completely comfortable around horses. The idea had come from her cousin Dorothea, who had asked her if she wanted to learn while she was in Taengea. Unfortunately, Ambrosia had not come with her and Athanasia thought that she needed to learn on her own horse. Sometimes during the day, she went out to the woods and tried to shoot targets on trees while riding. At this point, she hit them about half the time, and never yet the bullseye. She was much more confident on foot.
“I think the deer are growing used to visitors in their forest here, however, as they have appeared much bolder than is usual, and certainly more intelligent. This hunt may prove more of a test of our abilities than expected.”
“I like a good challenge,” she replied with a grin, following him deeper into the forest. All animals adapted to their surroundings and learned to survive whatever threats they faced. Deer were particularly sensitive to sound and scent. Their thought processes were completely alien to the young princess, but just knowing their ways made her a better hunter.
The trees grew closer together the farther they went. As a result of so many leaves blocking out the moon, it was also darker. Both horses were moving as silently as possible, and Athanasia could hear the sound of her own breathing. She hoped that she and Mihail didn’t become separated. Unfamiliar with this forest, she might not be able to find her way out on her own, despite her excellent sense of direction.
Eventually, Mihail slowed his horse and stopped. Heeding his raised hand, she did the same, gazing at the moonlit clearing visible through the trees. There was a small pond on one side that the deer probably drank from. She studied the area as her companion dismounted and then allowed him to assist her in doing the same, not because she needed it but because he was generous enough to offer. She tied Ambrosia to a tree next to the one that Mihail had fastened his horse to. At the sound of something moving nearby, she brought her bow forward and nocked an arrow The Thanasi lord had probably seen it, since he pointed it out to her. He outlined a plan that would not alert the creatures to their presence.
“Very well, let’s go,” she whispered. Placing her arrow back in her quiver and lowering her bow, she carefully proceeded toward the east side of the clearing, which was opposite the pond. The deer would most likely approach from the other side since it was closer to the trees. A sudden rustling came from nearby and she stopped in her tracks, her head whipping toward the sound. Luckily, both she and Mihail were concealed by tall bushes.
Moving closer to him, she watched as a huge stag with a magnificent set of antlers stepped into the clearing, raising his head as if sniffing the air. Was he alone or was his herd close by? “Do you collect trophies?” Athanasia whispered. “If you do, then that one’s yours.” She thought hanging animals heads on walls was creepy, but most men didn't share that opinion.
Athanasia was an excellent hunting partner thus far. Mihail had been on plenty of dull trips in the past with companions who were nowhere as fun as she. They would talk endlessly and take the activity as an opportunity to socialise rather than noting the seriousness of the task, or they would bring stupid dogs that did nothing but terrify and distract him. Besides, the constant discussion did nothing but scare away the beasts they were meant to hunt. There was no joy in the sport with one of them, and that was, in part, the reason why he usually preferred to go shooting alone. The princess, on the other hand, was respectful of the need for quiet, not to mention noticeably intelligent, and even that small change made the game plenty more enjoyable already.
She had not questioned his suggestion, instead agreeing and starting to move in the direction he had outlined. He followed, movements slow and careful so that they did not alert the deer further, listening to the way it moved all the while. When his companion halted in her path, he copied her, eyes flickering quickly towards the grazing animal as it went about its nocturnal business, thoroughly unaware of the pair's presence.
"No, I do not care for dead things," Mihail answered, his tone matter-of-fact. There was a satisfaction in causing pain unto others which he did not think he would reveal to Athanasia just yet, given his atypical desire to make friends (shockingly enough), but he did not find that it extended to the enjoyment of their lifeless bodies. There was no fun in some still object which only served as evidence, and, besides, he did not find that he much liked filth, which was his primary associations with the dead. A deer was not quite the same, but it seemed even less useful to possess as a trophy. Who desired some old set of antlers hanging in their room that would only gather dust and become home to less favourable species still? "There is no real value in trophies; only some ludicrous, misguided attempt to showcase one's talent, and I am already aware of my skill without the need for gaudiness."
He assumed that she would share his opinion, given that she had offered him the prize rather than take it for herself, and partly because she was a lady, and they were not usually keen on such things. Not that Mihail liked to live by stereotypes - he was so far from the norm himself that it would have been hypocritical - but he felt he could apply logic where it was clear.
There was no time to further discuss the subject, however, as the deer in question already seemed to grow bored with its current patch of grass. Nonetheless, it did not appear to have spotted its hunters, which was both a surprise and a benefit, as Mihail knew how excellent their hearing could be. He remained half-crouched behind his bush, watching the animal through the thicket of leaves, biding his time. They did not have long before it moved away once again, so he slowly drew himself to full height, raising his bow. Surely, Athanasia would not mind it if he took advantage of the moment, else they would lose their prey.
It took him a moment to shoot, steadying the bow to aim properly for the stag before it realised what was happening, and lining up his shot so that the arrow would direct itself gracefully towards the beast's chest, hoping to hit it right where the sharp tip would bury itself into its lung. The move too would hopefully entice the princess to mirror his actions and take a shot of her own, so that their hunt would be well underway.
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Athanasia was an excellent hunting partner thus far. Mihail had been on plenty of dull trips in the past with companions who were nowhere as fun as she. They would talk endlessly and take the activity as an opportunity to socialise rather than noting the seriousness of the task, or they would bring stupid dogs that did nothing but terrify and distract him. Besides, the constant discussion did nothing but scare away the beasts they were meant to hunt. There was no joy in the sport with one of them, and that was, in part, the reason why he usually preferred to go shooting alone. The princess, on the other hand, was respectful of the need for quiet, not to mention noticeably intelligent, and even that small change made the game plenty more enjoyable already.
She had not questioned his suggestion, instead agreeing and starting to move in the direction he had outlined. He followed, movements slow and careful so that they did not alert the deer further, listening to the way it moved all the while. When his companion halted in her path, he copied her, eyes flickering quickly towards the grazing animal as it went about its nocturnal business, thoroughly unaware of the pair's presence.
"No, I do not care for dead things," Mihail answered, his tone matter-of-fact. There was a satisfaction in causing pain unto others which he did not think he would reveal to Athanasia just yet, given his atypical desire to make friends (shockingly enough), but he did not find that it extended to the enjoyment of their lifeless bodies. There was no fun in some still object which only served as evidence, and, besides, he did not find that he much liked filth, which was his primary associations with the dead. A deer was not quite the same, but it seemed even less useful to possess as a trophy. Who desired some old set of antlers hanging in their room that would only gather dust and become home to less favourable species still? "There is no real value in trophies; only some ludicrous, misguided attempt to showcase one's talent, and I am already aware of my skill without the need for gaudiness."
He assumed that she would share his opinion, given that she had offered him the prize rather than take it for herself, and partly because she was a lady, and they were not usually keen on such things. Not that Mihail liked to live by stereotypes - he was so far from the norm himself that it would have been hypocritical - but he felt he could apply logic where it was clear.
There was no time to further discuss the subject, however, as the deer in question already seemed to grow bored with its current patch of grass. Nonetheless, it did not appear to have spotted its hunters, which was both a surprise and a benefit, as Mihail knew how excellent their hearing could be. He remained half-crouched behind his bush, watching the animal through the thicket of leaves, biding his time. They did not have long before it moved away once again, so he slowly drew himself to full height, raising his bow. Surely, Athanasia would not mind it if he took advantage of the moment, else they would lose their prey.
It took him a moment to shoot, steadying the bow to aim properly for the stag before it realised what was happening, and lining up his shot so that the arrow would direct itself gracefully towards the beast's chest, hoping to hit it right where the sharp tip would bury itself into its lung. The move too would hopefully entice the princess to mirror his actions and take a shot of her own, so that their hunt would be well underway.
Athanasia was an excellent hunting partner thus far. Mihail had been on plenty of dull trips in the past with companions who were nowhere as fun as she. They would talk endlessly and take the activity as an opportunity to socialise rather than noting the seriousness of the task, or they would bring stupid dogs that did nothing but terrify and distract him. Besides, the constant discussion did nothing but scare away the beasts they were meant to hunt. There was no joy in the sport with one of them, and that was, in part, the reason why he usually preferred to go shooting alone. The princess, on the other hand, was respectful of the need for quiet, not to mention noticeably intelligent, and even that small change made the game plenty more enjoyable already.
She had not questioned his suggestion, instead agreeing and starting to move in the direction he had outlined. He followed, movements slow and careful so that they did not alert the deer further, listening to the way it moved all the while. When his companion halted in her path, he copied her, eyes flickering quickly towards the grazing animal as it went about its nocturnal business, thoroughly unaware of the pair's presence.
"No, I do not care for dead things," Mihail answered, his tone matter-of-fact. There was a satisfaction in causing pain unto others which he did not think he would reveal to Athanasia just yet, given his atypical desire to make friends (shockingly enough), but he did not find that it extended to the enjoyment of their lifeless bodies. There was no fun in some still object which only served as evidence, and, besides, he did not find that he much liked filth, which was his primary associations with the dead. A deer was not quite the same, but it seemed even less useful to possess as a trophy. Who desired some old set of antlers hanging in their room that would only gather dust and become home to less favourable species still? "There is no real value in trophies; only some ludicrous, misguided attempt to showcase one's talent, and I am already aware of my skill without the need for gaudiness."
He assumed that she would share his opinion, given that she had offered him the prize rather than take it for herself, and partly because she was a lady, and they were not usually keen on such things. Not that Mihail liked to live by stereotypes - he was so far from the norm himself that it would have been hypocritical - but he felt he could apply logic where it was clear.
There was no time to further discuss the subject, however, as the deer in question already seemed to grow bored with its current patch of grass. Nonetheless, it did not appear to have spotted its hunters, which was both a surprise and a benefit, as Mihail knew how excellent their hearing could be. He remained half-crouched behind his bush, watching the animal through the thicket of leaves, biding his time. They did not have long before it moved away once again, so he slowly drew himself to full height, raising his bow. Surely, Athanasia would not mind it if he took advantage of the moment, else they would lose their prey.
It took him a moment to shoot, steadying the bow to aim properly for the stag before it realised what was happening, and lining up his shot so that the arrow would direct itself gracefully towards the beast's chest, hoping to hit it right where the sharp tip would bury itself into its lung. The move too would hopefully entice the princess to mirror his actions and take a shot of her own, so that their hunt would be well underway.
“No, I do not care for dead things.”
Athanasia didn’t judge those hunters who liked to hang the heads of their kills on their walls. Everyone was different and she respected that. She had, however, been hoping that Lord Mihail shared her opinion about trophies, and was pleased that he did not collect them. He was turning out to be one of the best hunting partners she’d ever had. Her brothers would be livid if they knew she was comparing them to a Thanasi even in her head, but she believed that he was as fine a hunter as they were. He knew what he was about and must have been taught the way she herself had been.
As a child, she had hunted with boys a lot. It was fun when she brought down more game than they did. By the time she was fifteen, their objective had turned into romantic pursuit, and the princess had felt that she was the prey. She had been completely confused by the change in them. A few brave souls had tried to pull her into the bushes and kiss her, and others had spoken almost entirely in suggestive double-entendre. One had told her straight out that she wouldn’t have gone to the forest with him if she hadn’t wanted a tryst. All of those would-be swains could have sung soprano when she was done with them.
Mihail was the first man Athanasia had hunted with in several years, not including her brothers who posed no threat to her. For some reason she trusted him, despite the fact that he was male and a Thanasi. Perhaps it was because he had faced death beside her and had been willing to fight beside her when they thought they were about to be attacked at the feast not long ago. Or maybe she had subconsciously recognized a kindred spirit.
“There is no real value in trophies; only some ludicrous, misguided attempt to showcase one's talent, and I am already aware of my skill without the need for gaudiness.”
“I agree completely. I don’t feel the need to prove my skill with a bow, even though I’m a woman. All that matters is that I know that I am competent.” Men had expressed their disbelief that she could hunt many times. Instead of defending herself, she had just smiled enigmatically and let the subject go, which was something she rarely did. Maybe her own self-confidence helped her hold her tongue.
The stag commanded Athanasia’s full attention. She could tell that it was ready to move on. If they didn’t shoot soon, they would lose their chance. They would never be able to catch it if it started to run. The princess forced herself to breathe shallowly and she didn’t move a muscle, peering at it from between the leaves of the bush. Mihail stood up as silently as a cat, preparing to take a shot. Only a moment later, she did the same, lifting her bow and nocking an arrow. The stag’s huge head turned toward them and she aimed. Her arrow followed Mihail’s but it took a different path, toward the space between the creature’s eyes. It was her preferred method of killing because it was instant and painless.
The stag fell to the ground and was still. “We did it,” she said softly and with a genuine grin. As there seemed to be no other deer nearby, she slung her bow over her shoulder and stepped from behind the bush. “I wonder whose shot killed it, yours or mine. Let’s go retrieve our arrows.”
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“No, I do not care for dead things.”
Athanasia didn’t judge those hunters who liked to hang the heads of their kills on their walls. Everyone was different and she respected that. She had, however, been hoping that Lord Mihail shared her opinion about trophies, and was pleased that he did not collect them. He was turning out to be one of the best hunting partners she’d ever had. Her brothers would be livid if they knew she was comparing them to a Thanasi even in her head, but she believed that he was as fine a hunter as they were. He knew what he was about and must have been taught the way she herself had been.
As a child, she had hunted with boys a lot. It was fun when she brought down more game than they did. By the time she was fifteen, their objective had turned into romantic pursuit, and the princess had felt that she was the prey. She had been completely confused by the change in them. A few brave souls had tried to pull her into the bushes and kiss her, and others had spoken almost entirely in suggestive double-entendre. One had told her straight out that she wouldn’t have gone to the forest with him if she hadn’t wanted a tryst. All of those would-be swains could have sung soprano when she was done with them.
Mihail was the first man Athanasia had hunted with in several years, not including her brothers who posed no threat to her. For some reason she trusted him, despite the fact that he was male and a Thanasi. Perhaps it was because he had faced death beside her and had been willing to fight beside her when they thought they were about to be attacked at the feast not long ago. Or maybe she had subconsciously recognized a kindred spirit.
“There is no real value in trophies; only some ludicrous, misguided attempt to showcase one's talent, and I am already aware of my skill without the need for gaudiness.”
“I agree completely. I don’t feel the need to prove my skill with a bow, even though I’m a woman. All that matters is that I know that I am competent.” Men had expressed their disbelief that she could hunt many times. Instead of defending herself, she had just smiled enigmatically and let the subject go, which was something she rarely did. Maybe her own self-confidence helped her hold her tongue.
The stag commanded Athanasia’s full attention. She could tell that it was ready to move on. If they didn’t shoot soon, they would lose their chance. They would never be able to catch it if it started to run. The princess forced herself to breathe shallowly and she didn’t move a muscle, peering at it from between the leaves of the bush. Mihail stood up as silently as a cat, preparing to take a shot. Only a moment later, she did the same, lifting her bow and nocking an arrow. The stag’s huge head turned toward them and she aimed. Her arrow followed Mihail’s but it took a different path, toward the space between the creature’s eyes. It was her preferred method of killing because it was instant and painless.
The stag fell to the ground and was still. “We did it,” she said softly and with a genuine grin. As there seemed to be no other deer nearby, she slung her bow over her shoulder and stepped from behind the bush. “I wonder whose shot killed it, yours or mine. Let’s go retrieve our arrows.”
“No, I do not care for dead things.”
Athanasia didn’t judge those hunters who liked to hang the heads of their kills on their walls. Everyone was different and she respected that. She had, however, been hoping that Lord Mihail shared her opinion about trophies, and was pleased that he did not collect them. He was turning out to be one of the best hunting partners she’d ever had. Her brothers would be livid if they knew she was comparing them to a Thanasi even in her head, but she believed that he was as fine a hunter as they were. He knew what he was about and must have been taught the way she herself had been.
As a child, she had hunted with boys a lot. It was fun when she brought down more game than they did. By the time she was fifteen, their objective had turned into romantic pursuit, and the princess had felt that she was the prey. She had been completely confused by the change in them. A few brave souls had tried to pull her into the bushes and kiss her, and others had spoken almost entirely in suggestive double-entendre. One had told her straight out that she wouldn’t have gone to the forest with him if she hadn’t wanted a tryst. All of those would-be swains could have sung soprano when she was done with them.
Mihail was the first man Athanasia had hunted with in several years, not including her brothers who posed no threat to her. For some reason she trusted him, despite the fact that he was male and a Thanasi. Perhaps it was because he had faced death beside her and had been willing to fight beside her when they thought they were about to be attacked at the feast not long ago. Or maybe she had subconsciously recognized a kindred spirit.
“There is no real value in trophies; only some ludicrous, misguided attempt to showcase one's talent, and I am already aware of my skill without the need for gaudiness.”
“I agree completely. I don’t feel the need to prove my skill with a bow, even though I’m a woman. All that matters is that I know that I am competent.” Men had expressed their disbelief that she could hunt many times. Instead of defending herself, she had just smiled enigmatically and let the subject go, which was something she rarely did. Maybe her own self-confidence helped her hold her tongue.
The stag commanded Athanasia’s full attention. She could tell that it was ready to move on. If they didn’t shoot soon, they would lose their chance. They would never be able to catch it if it started to run. The princess forced herself to breathe shallowly and she didn’t move a muscle, peering at it from between the leaves of the bush. Mihail stood up as silently as a cat, preparing to take a shot. Only a moment later, she did the same, lifting her bow and nocking an arrow. The stag’s huge head turned toward them and she aimed. Her arrow followed Mihail’s but it took a different path, toward the space between the creature’s eyes. It was her preferred method of killing because it was instant and painless.
The stag fell to the ground and was still. “We did it,” she said softly and with a genuine grin. As there seemed to be no other deer nearby, she slung her bow over her shoulder and stepped from behind the bush. “I wonder whose shot killed it, yours or mine. Let’s go retrieve our arrows.”
Mihail might have replied, offering some kind compliment to Athanasia regarding her ability with a bow, although he had not seen much yet (in truth, all the knowledge he had so far came from the comments she had made, and her courageous behaviour during that eventful feast), but the moment did not call for it. He did not intend to jeopardise their trip for the chance to offer her some approval and, besides, he did not think that she was the sort who would appreciate a mindless compliment without any evidence behind it. In the brief time that they had been acquainted, she had struck him as an intelligent woman, and some part of the man did not wish to offer her an uninformed opinion through which she would doubtless see.
However, the required proof was soon provided, for a moment after his own shot had flown through the air and neatly buried itself in the huge beast's chest, she let loose her own. It was an impressive shot, and Mihail could not help but quirk his lips upwards into a smile which clearly expressed his admiration. There was that odd moment of quiet as they waited for the results of their shots, and then the massive stag fell to the ground, silent and motionless.
"A beautiful combined endeavour, I would say," he decided after a brief inspection, crouching down to look over the arrows and the way they had slid into the animal's flesh. Mihail was no expert, but it seemed doubtless that they must both have had a part in felling the creature, if partially due to some long-bred arrogance that did not wish to vanish and offer his new friend full credit. Besides, it was far from his first hunting trip, and, by now, he was well-versed in the best ways to kill a deer. "Your shot, however, was certainly the finer of the two. It is far from easy to land an arrow so neatly between its eyes, and it speaks great lengths about your ability with a bow."
He reached for his dyed-red arrow, carefully easing it out of the stag's chest where it had embedded itself deep enough that he was confident it had punctured the lung as intended. He wiped it down delicately with a spare rag of material he kept for such a purpose, offering it to Athanasia after him in case she wished to do the same. "I hope it is not too forward of me to say, but I am glad we came on this hunting trip together. I am having rather a pleasant time with you, as I do not think I have for the longest time." That much was all true. There were very few people that Mihail could consider a friend, and even fewer who even thought well of the man for being a member of the unloved Thanasi family, so this entire encounter with the princess was proving to be an extremely sobering experience. For one rare moment, the dark-haired man thought he might even be capable of saying he was enjoying himself.
Deciding it awkward to maintain further silence now that he had made his feelings unto the situation clear, Mihail pulled himself up once more, the used arrow returned to its quiver, and his hands dropped to his hips as he surveyed the scene. "What shall we do with the stag, then? I suppose it might be deemed suspicious if we returned it to either of our homes — it may blow the secrecy of our midnight rendezvous..." He paused for a second to chuckle at the suggestion, though he knew both of them were too intelligent to do such a foolish thing, then continued: "We could leave him here, of course, but if you were so inclined, perhaps we could find some way to return it closer to one of these villages? I am quite certain the people would appreciate the anonymous gift of easily-accessed food, no?"
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Mihail might have replied, offering some kind compliment to Athanasia regarding her ability with a bow, although he had not seen much yet (in truth, all the knowledge he had so far came from the comments she had made, and her courageous behaviour during that eventful feast), but the moment did not call for it. He did not intend to jeopardise their trip for the chance to offer her some approval and, besides, he did not think that she was the sort who would appreciate a mindless compliment without any evidence behind it. In the brief time that they had been acquainted, she had struck him as an intelligent woman, and some part of the man did not wish to offer her an uninformed opinion through which she would doubtless see.
However, the required proof was soon provided, for a moment after his own shot had flown through the air and neatly buried itself in the huge beast's chest, she let loose her own. It was an impressive shot, and Mihail could not help but quirk his lips upwards into a smile which clearly expressed his admiration. There was that odd moment of quiet as they waited for the results of their shots, and then the massive stag fell to the ground, silent and motionless.
"A beautiful combined endeavour, I would say," he decided after a brief inspection, crouching down to look over the arrows and the way they had slid into the animal's flesh. Mihail was no expert, but it seemed doubtless that they must both have had a part in felling the creature, if partially due to some long-bred arrogance that did not wish to vanish and offer his new friend full credit. Besides, it was far from his first hunting trip, and, by now, he was well-versed in the best ways to kill a deer. "Your shot, however, was certainly the finer of the two. It is far from easy to land an arrow so neatly between its eyes, and it speaks great lengths about your ability with a bow."
He reached for his dyed-red arrow, carefully easing it out of the stag's chest where it had embedded itself deep enough that he was confident it had punctured the lung as intended. He wiped it down delicately with a spare rag of material he kept for such a purpose, offering it to Athanasia after him in case she wished to do the same. "I hope it is not too forward of me to say, but I am glad we came on this hunting trip together. I am having rather a pleasant time with you, as I do not think I have for the longest time." That much was all true. There were very few people that Mihail could consider a friend, and even fewer who even thought well of the man for being a member of the unloved Thanasi family, so this entire encounter with the princess was proving to be an extremely sobering experience. For one rare moment, the dark-haired man thought he might even be capable of saying he was enjoying himself.
Deciding it awkward to maintain further silence now that he had made his feelings unto the situation clear, Mihail pulled himself up once more, the used arrow returned to its quiver, and his hands dropped to his hips as he surveyed the scene. "What shall we do with the stag, then? I suppose it might be deemed suspicious if we returned it to either of our homes — it may blow the secrecy of our midnight rendezvous..." He paused for a second to chuckle at the suggestion, though he knew both of them were too intelligent to do such a foolish thing, then continued: "We could leave him here, of course, but if you were so inclined, perhaps we could find some way to return it closer to one of these villages? I am quite certain the people would appreciate the anonymous gift of easily-accessed food, no?"
Mihail might have replied, offering some kind compliment to Athanasia regarding her ability with a bow, although he had not seen much yet (in truth, all the knowledge he had so far came from the comments she had made, and her courageous behaviour during that eventful feast), but the moment did not call for it. He did not intend to jeopardise their trip for the chance to offer her some approval and, besides, he did not think that she was the sort who would appreciate a mindless compliment without any evidence behind it. In the brief time that they had been acquainted, she had struck him as an intelligent woman, and some part of the man did not wish to offer her an uninformed opinion through which she would doubtless see.
However, the required proof was soon provided, for a moment after his own shot had flown through the air and neatly buried itself in the huge beast's chest, she let loose her own. It was an impressive shot, and Mihail could not help but quirk his lips upwards into a smile which clearly expressed his admiration. There was that odd moment of quiet as they waited for the results of their shots, and then the massive stag fell to the ground, silent and motionless.
"A beautiful combined endeavour, I would say," he decided after a brief inspection, crouching down to look over the arrows and the way they had slid into the animal's flesh. Mihail was no expert, but it seemed doubtless that they must both have had a part in felling the creature, if partially due to some long-bred arrogance that did not wish to vanish and offer his new friend full credit. Besides, it was far from his first hunting trip, and, by now, he was well-versed in the best ways to kill a deer. "Your shot, however, was certainly the finer of the two. It is far from easy to land an arrow so neatly between its eyes, and it speaks great lengths about your ability with a bow."
He reached for his dyed-red arrow, carefully easing it out of the stag's chest where it had embedded itself deep enough that he was confident it had punctured the lung as intended. He wiped it down delicately with a spare rag of material he kept for such a purpose, offering it to Athanasia after him in case she wished to do the same. "I hope it is not too forward of me to say, but I am glad we came on this hunting trip together. I am having rather a pleasant time with you, as I do not think I have for the longest time." That much was all true. There were very few people that Mihail could consider a friend, and even fewer who even thought well of the man for being a member of the unloved Thanasi family, so this entire encounter with the princess was proving to be an extremely sobering experience. For one rare moment, the dark-haired man thought he might even be capable of saying he was enjoying himself.
Deciding it awkward to maintain further silence now that he had made his feelings unto the situation clear, Mihail pulled himself up once more, the used arrow returned to its quiver, and his hands dropped to his hips as he surveyed the scene. "What shall we do with the stag, then? I suppose it might be deemed suspicious if we returned it to either of our homes — it may blow the secrecy of our midnight rendezvous..." He paused for a second to chuckle at the suggestion, though he knew both of them were too intelligent to do such a foolish thing, then continued: "We could leave him here, of course, but if you were so inclined, perhaps we could find some way to return it closer to one of these villages? I am quite certain the people would appreciate the anonymous gift of easily-accessed food, no?"
Athanasia walked in companionable silence alongside Lord Mihail as they left the bushes and approached the dead stag. She was surprised at how comfortable she was with him. They had been kept apart for most of their lives thanks to the feud between their Houses and except for that time he had taken her home in the rain when she had been separated from her family, they had not spoken much until the banquet. Now it seemed as if they had always been friends. The young princess wished that was true. But they could make up for lost time now, even if they had to do it in the utmost secrecy. Perhaps they would hunt together more often now.
She crouched down beside him and examined the two arrows. It was impossible to tell which shot had killed the stag. Both of them had hit their mark. Perhaps Mihail’s arrow had wounded it and hers had finished it off. Or he had dealt the fatal blow and it had been in the throes of heath before her arrow had even hit it. Her gaze wandered over their prize. The stag was truly a magnificent creature and the largest she had ever brought down, either alone or with assistance. Athanasia often hunted with her brothers, not as much now as when they had fewer responsibilities.
“A beautiful combined endeavour, I would say.”
“I agree,” she said, looking over at him and smiling. As for her shot being the best, she shook her head, her long braid bouncing against her back. “I think your shot was as good as mine. We both hit what we were aiming for.” The princess wasn’t good with compliments, but she’d much rather be flattered for her skill with a bow than her pretty face. “Thank you. Your skills are impressive as well.” She lowered her voice and leaned toward him. Why, she had no idea. There was nobody in the forest to overhear her remark. “Don’t tell my brothers, but you are every bit as good as they are.”
Athanasia pulled her arrow out gently, noticing how beautiful the stag’s eyes were, even in death. She took the rag Mihail offered her and wiped the blood off. She had a cloth as well, but they could save that one in case they found more prey.
“I hope it is not too forward of me to say, but I am glad we came on this hunting trip together. I am having rather a pleasant time with you, as I do not think I have for the longest time.”
The cloth paused upon the arrowhead and she looked up at him. What a nice thing to say! “I feel the same way,” she admitted. “I’ve never enjoyed myself so much while hunting either. Not even with my brothers.” With her brothers, she always felt as if she must prove herself to them so that they would be proud of her. The princess knew that her attitude was foolish; they were proud of her no matter what she did. But the need to please them wasn’t easily discarded. With Mihail, she could relax and just be herself. “Perhaps we should do it more often.”
Now they had to figure out what to do with their prize. Usually, she left her kills outside the kitchen door, but she suspected the cooks knew it was her, and tonight it would be too much of a risk. She wasn’t supposed to be out tonight. And she certainly wasn’t supposed to be with a Thanasi. Mihail thought leaving it as his manor would be suspicious too. Leaving it at one of the villages, however …
“That’s an excellent idea. I doubt anyone will be up at this time of night, and even if they are, we’re in disguise.” Commoners had only seen her at a distance, not up close. They would never recognize her as their princess in her plan clothing. “Do you know where the nearest village is? Will we need to transport the stag on one of our horses?” Athanasia was stronger than she looked and she had no doubt that she would be able to help Mihail carry it.
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Athanasia walked in companionable silence alongside Lord Mihail as they left the bushes and approached the dead stag. She was surprised at how comfortable she was with him. They had been kept apart for most of their lives thanks to the feud between their Houses and except for that time he had taken her home in the rain when she had been separated from her family, they had not spoken much until the banquet. Now it seemed as if they had always been friends. The young princess wished that was true. But they could make up for lost time now, even if they had to do it in the utmost secrecy. Perhaps they would hunt together more often now.
She crouched down beside him and examined the two arrows. It was impossible to tell which shot had killed the stag. Both of them had hit their mark. Perhaps Mihail’s arrow had wounded it and hers had finished it off. Or he had dealt the fatal blow and it had been in the throes of heath before her arrow had even hit it. Her gaze wandered over their prize. The stag was truly a magnificent creature and the largest she had ever brought down, either alone or with assistance. Athanasia often hunted with her brothers, not as much now as when they had fewer responsibilities.
“A beautiful combined endeavour, I would say.”
“I agree,” she said, looking over at him and smiling. As for her shot being the best, she shook her head, her long braid bouncing against her back. “I think your shot was as good as mine. We both hit what we were aiming for.” The princess wasn’t good with compliments, but she’d much rather be flattered for her skill with a bow than her pretty face. “Thank you. Your skills are impressive as well.” She lowered her voice and leaned toward him. Why, she had no idea. There was nobody in the forest to overhear her remark. “Don’t tell my brothers, but you are every bit as good as they are.”
Athanasia pulled her arrow out gently, noticing how beautiful the stag’s eyes were, even in death. She took the rag Mihail offered her and wiped the blood off. She had a cloth as well, but they could save that one in case they found more prey.
“I hope it is not too forward of me to say, but I am glad we came on this hunting trip together. I am having rather a pleasant time with you, as I do not think I have for the longest time.”
The cloth paused upon the arrowhead and she looked up at him. What a nice thing to say! “I feel the same way,” she admitted. “I’ve never enjoyed myself so much while hunting either. Not even with my brothers.” With her brothers, she always felt as if she must prove herself to them so that they would be proud of her. The princess knew that her attitude was foolish; they were proud of her no matter what she did. But the need to please them wasn’t easily discarded. With Mihail, she could relax and just be herself. “Perhaps we should do it more often.”
Now they had to figure out what to do with their prize. Usually, she left her kills outside the kitchen door, but she suspected the cooks knew it was her, and tonight it would be too much of a risk. She wasn’t supposed to be out tonight. And she certainly wasn’t supposed to be with a Thanasi. Mihail thought leaving it as his manor would be suspicious too. Leaving it at one of the villages, however …
“That’s an excellent idea. I doubt anyone will be up at this time of night, and even if they are, we’re in disguise.” Commoners had only seen her at a distance, not up close. They would never recognize her as their princess in her plan clothing. “Do you know where the nearest village is? Will we need to transport the stag on one of our horses?” Athanasia was stronger than she looked and she had no doubt that she would be able to help Mihail carry it.
Athanasia walked in companionable silence alongside Lord Mihail as they left the bushes and approached the dead stag. She was surprised at how comfortable she was with him. They had been kept apart for most of their lives thanks to the feud between their Houses and except for that time he had taken her home in the rain when she had been separated from her family, they had not spoken much until the banquet. Now it seemed as if they had always been friends. The young princess wished that was true. But they could make up for lost time now, even if they had to do it in the utmost secrecy. Perhaps they would hunt together more often now.
She crouched down beside him and examined the two arrows. It was impossible to tell which shot had killed the stag. Both of them had hit their mark. Perhaps Mihail’s arrow had wounded it and hers had finished it off. Or he had dealt the fatal blow and it had been in the throes of heath before her arrow had even hit it. Her gaze wandered over their prize. The stag was truly a magnificent creature and the largest she had ever brought down, either alone or with assistance. Athanasia often hunted with her brothers, not as much now as when they had fewer responsibilities.
“A beautiful combined endeavour, I would say.”
“I agree,” she said, looking over at him and smiling. As for her shot being the best, she shook her head, her long braid bouncing against her back. “I think your shot was as good as mine. We both hit what we were aiming for.” The princess wasn’t good with compliments, but she’d much rather be flattered for her skill with a bow than her pretty face. “Thank you. Your skills are impressive as well.” She lowered her voice and leaned toward him. Why, she had no idea. There was nobody in the forest to overhear her remark. “Don’t tell my brothers, but you are every bit as good as they are.”
Athanasia pulled her arrow out gently, noticing how beautiful the stag’s eyes were, even in death. She took the rag Mihail offered her and wiped the blood off. She had a cloth as well, but they could save that one in case they found more prey.
“I hope it is not too forward of me to say, but I am glad we came on this hunting trip together. I am having rather a pleasant time with you, as I do not think I have for the longest time.”
The cloth paused upon the arrowhead and she looked up at him. What a nice thing to say! “I feel the same way,” she admitted. “I’ve never enjoyed myself so much while hunting either. Not even with my brothers.” With her brothers, she always felt as if she must prove herself to them so that they would be proud of her. The princess knew that her attitude was foolish; they were proud of her no matter what she did. But the need to please them wasn’t easily discarded. With Mihail, she could relax and just be herself. “Perhaps we should do it more often.”
Now they had to figure out what to do with their prize. Usually, she left her kills outside the kitchen door, but she suspected the cooks knew it was her, and tonight it would be too much of a risk. She wasn’t supposed to be out tonight. And she certainly wasn’t supposed to be with a Thanasi. Mihail thought leaving it as his manor would be suspicious too. Leaving it at one of the villages, however …
“That’s an excellent idea. I doubt anyone will be up at this time of night, and even if they are, we’re in disguise.” Commoners had only seen her at a distance, not up close. They would never recognize her as their princess in her plan clothing. “Do you know where the nearest village is? Will we need to transport the stag on one of our horses?” Athanasia was stronger than she looked and she had no doubt that she would be able to help Mihail carry it.
