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With the menfolk reading their ships to do battle, the Queen has arranged an informal Court session in the sloping grasslands of the Mikaelidas Palati. In the hopes of encouraging solidarity and a collective feeling of security in the wake of the latest King's death and the future that appears to be clouded in war. Wine will flow, gossip will be shared and the women and their concerns, divulged to the world of nature around them, whilst the breeze is still somewhat warm and the sky bright with autumnal sunshine...
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JD
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With the menfolk reading their ships to do battle, the Queen has arranged an informal Court session in the sloping grasslands of the Mikaelidas Palati. In the hopes of encouraging solidarity and a collective feeling of security in the wake of the latest King's death and the future that appears to be clouded in war. Wine will flow, gossip will be shared and the women and their concerns, divulged to the world of nature around them, whilst the breeze is still somewhat warm and the sky bright with autumnal sunshine...
As Autumn Falls Event - Taengea
With the menfolk reading their ships to do battle, the Queen has arranged an informal Court session in the sloping grasslands of the Mikaelidas Palati. In the hopes of encouraging solidarity and a collective feeling of security in the wake of the latest King's death and the future that appears to be clouded in war. Wine will flow, gossip will be shared and the women and their concerns, divulged to the world of nature around them, whilst the breeze is still somewhat warm and the sky bright with autumnal sunshine...
The crown that had been selected from the royal vault was not the formal diadem that Theo would wear for her husband's coronation. But it felt just as heavy. For that afternoon was the first event that the then-Leventi now-Mikaelidas woman was to oversee, not as a courtier or helper to one of the princesses. But as Queen of the Taengea.
The very notion sent little quivers through her belly. Had she intended to become Queen? No. Had she expected to be one? Certainly not. At least, not of Taengea at the very minimum. And yet she could not help but feel a stirring of smug pleasure mixing with the anxiety over the schedule for the day.
Queen of Taengea.
Theo had always suspected, given the idolised sister she followed and the ambitious one who proceeded her, that she would be the one to follow her heart and marry for love. Even before her meeting Emilios and becoming romantically entangled with him, she had always known herself to be the more impulsive of the three first borns of the Leventi family. Passionate and driven by her heart, Theo did not always make the right choices. She made mistakes. She was, perhaps, more human than the world saw her sisters as.
And yet here she was. Queen. Whilst Selene still remained unmarried and Olympia had lost her seat on the throne. Whilst she would never be able to take joy in any sorrow and hardship her sister's faced, Theo couldn't help the small sliver of pride that weaselled out of her childhood years and created a warm sensation in her belly. This time, she hadn't been the one to make a mistake.
Growing up, Theo had always supposed her sister Selene to take on the role. For she was perfect for it. Elegant and calm and appropriate in every situation. Theo wasn't sure that she had ever seen Selene lose her cool or act out of countenance. Not once. She was bred and raised to be a queen and it showed in everything she did. And it had been more or less understood that she would be the wife to Crown Prince Zacharias. The perfect prince and the perfect wife. They would have ruled Taengea as the golden couple of grace and dignity.
Now Taengea had a Queen who was far from golden and held secrets in her dark, unruly hair.
The nerves overrode the pleasure.
Taking a deep breath, Theodora smoothed the silken gown down the front of her thighs in a gesture of worry that she quickly stilled. Her palms were dry and she was careful not to move in such a way that would encourage perspiration. But sweat or not, the Court would be able to tell she was nervous if she fidgeted so.
With her mother still away in Colchis, leaving only her father and Imma for her company and support, Theodora felt thoroughly unprepared for such an event as this. Which was why she had taken the advice of her royally-appointed lady's maids and made it an informal affair.
The gardens of the royal palati had been decorated in cushions, blankets, rugs and reclines, huddled into little groups where the women of the nobility would be able to cluster, talk and gossip. Without the formal representations and tithes to be given, it would be a simple sit-down affair of casual talk from which Theo hoped to learn the state of loyalties in the nobility with regards to her husband.
That was, after all, she had been assured by her advisors, what Court sessions were for. Not idle chatter and company, but the ensuring of the powerful and the supporters within the Senate through the ears and mouths of their wives.
Theodora's eyes narrowed a little in the looking glass she was consulting over her appearance. She had instructed her maids to darken the features into a strong and almost severe look that would encourage a sense of authority in her features. Ditto the deep colour painted on her lips.
Her attire, on the other hand, avoided the entire image being garish by being quite simple. Little more than a fitted chiton of purest white, affixed above one shoulder and left to trail several inches over the floor beyond her feet, the garment was elegant in its lack of lavishment but also finely made and constructed from the purest of silks. Upon first look, it would seem that Theo was attempting to be humble in her appearance. Upon closer inspection, the gown would reveal itself to be as spectacular as grand raiment.
In keeping with the dress, Theodora had worn silver in her effects, though she normally preferred gold. The diadem upon her head was a simple wreath of laurel leaves that sported a deep blue stone at its centre, where the leaves morph into the fringe of a peacock's feather and the jewel became its eye. The sapphire sat perfectly in the centre of Theo's forehead and her hair had been braided and coiled around it. The tresses were then pulled back severely into a tight knot that was set into braided patterns and curls but remained high up off of her neck. Matching drops of sapphire hung at her ears and on her upper arms, she wore a matching set of silver cuffs - one sporting unicorns and the other lions. They had been a gift from her father on her wedding day and she was proud to wear them.
With a silver chain around her waist and matching sandals upon her feet, Theodora was ready for the day if a little mentally ill-prepared.
Having never expected to be queen until Irakles was announcement king and then foolishly assuming that she would have had time to get used to the idea of being a princess before anything would happen to her father-in-law, Theodora was certainly concerned that she would mess this day up spectacularly.
Born and raised a daughter of a proud House, however, she was determined to push such doubts aside.
Squaring her shoulders, correcting her posture and leaving her chambers with three lady's maids in tow, Theodora made sure to walk with a pace that was both calm and commanding, making her way down the corridors and hallways of the palace and heading out into the grounds of the royal estate.
The weather was perfect for such an occasion. Whilst it was moving into the fall months now, the Grecian summers were too hard to properly enjoy the outdoors. But, as the year progressed and the days grew shorter, the air cooled and the sun seemed not to shine so bright. And events like this could be held in the open air.
The grounds of the palati were open and large. Grass of vibrant green had managed to survive the summer without burning to a dull brown, and the trees in the distances still retained their leaves - bright orange and umber they might be.
In the centre of the lands, without a blemish on either land or sky as far as the eye could see, were the collection of seating that had been ordered out of storage and the solar rooms and into the sunshine. Several of the seats were already occupied and Theo was quick to raise her chin in regal elegance and approach the ladies in order to welcome them to her first official Court session... as Queen.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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The crown that had been selected from the royal vault was not the formal diadem that Theo would wear for her husband's coronation. But it felt just as heavy. For that afternoon was the first event that the then-Leventi now-Mikaelidas woman was to oversee, not as a courtier or helper to one of the princesses. But as Queen of the Taengea.
The very notion sent little quivers through her belly. Had she intended to become Queen? No. Had she expected to be one? Certainly not. At least, not of Taengea at the very minimum. And yet she could not help but feel a stirring of smug pleasure mixing with the anxiety over the schedule for the day.
Queen of Taengea.
Theo had always suspected, given the idolised sister she followed and the ambitious one who proceeded her, that she would be the one to follow her heart and marry for love. Even before her meeting Emilios and becoming romantically entangled with him, she had always known herself to be the more impulsive of the three first borns of the Leventi family. Passionate and driven by her heart, Theo did not always make the right choices. She made mistakes. She was, perhaps, more human than the world saw her sisters as.
And yet here she was. Queen. Whilst Selene still remained unmarried and Olympia had lost her seat on the throne. Whilst she would never be able to take joy in any sorrow and hardship her sister's faced, Theo couldn't help the small sliver of pride that weaselled out of her childhood years and created a warm sensation in her belly. This time, she hadn't been the one to make a mistake.
Growing up, Theo had always supposed her sister Selene to take on the role. For she was perfect for it. Elegant and calm and appropriate in every situation. Theo wasn't sure that she had ever seen Selene lose her cool or act out of countenance. Not once. She was bred and raised to be a queen and it showed in everything she did. And it had been more or less understood that she would be the wife to Crown Prince Zacharias. The perfect prince and the perfect wife. They would have ruled Taengea as the golden couple of grace and dignity.
Now Taengea had a Queen who was far from golden and held secrets in her dark, unruly hair.
The nerves overrode the pleasure.
Taking a deep breath, Theodora smoothed the silken gown down the front of her thighs in a gesture of worry that she quickly stilled. Her palms were dry and she was careful not to move in such a way that would encourage perspiration. But sweat or not, the Court would be able to tell she was nervous if she fidgeted so.
With her mother still away in Colchis, leaving only her father and Imma for her company and support, Theodora felt thoroughly unprepared for such an event as this. Which was why she had taken the advice of her royally-appointed lady's maids and made it an informal affair.
The gardens of the royal palati had been decorated in cushions, blankets, rugs and reclines, huddled into little groups where the women of the nobility would be able to cluster, talk and gossip. Without the formal representations and tithes to be given, it would be a simple sit-down affair of casual talk from which Theo hoped to learn the state of loyalties in the nobility with regards to her husband.
That was, after all, she had been assured by her advisors, what Court sessions were for. Not idle chatter and company, but the ensuring of the powerful and the supporters within the Senate through the ears and mouths of their wives.
Theodora's eyes narrowed a little in the looking glass she was consulting over her appearance. She had instructed her maids to darken the features into a strong and almost severe look that would encourage a sense of authority in her features. Ditto the deep colour painted on her lips.
Her attire, on the other hand, avoided the entire image being garish by being quite simple. Little more than a fitted chiton of purest white, affixed above one shoulder and left to trail several inches over the floor beyond her feet, the garment was elegant in its lack of lavishment but also finely made and constructed from the purest of silks. Upon first look, it would seem that Theo was attempting to be humble in her appearance. Upon closer inspection, the gown would reveal itself to be as spectacular as grand raiment.
In keeping with the dress, Theodora had worn silver in her effects, though she normally preferred gold. The diadem upon her head was a simple wreath of laurel leaves that sported a deep blue stone at its centre, where the leaves morph into the fringe of a peacock's feather and the jewel became its eye. The sapphire sat perfectly in the centre of Theo's forehead and her hair had been braided and coiled around it. The tresses were then pulled back severely into a tight knot that was set into braided patterns and curls but remained high up off of her neck. Matching drops of sapphire hung at her ears and on her upper arms, she wore a matching set of silver cuffs - one sporting unicorns and the other lions. They had been a gift from her father on her wedding day and she was proud to wear them.
With a silver chain around her waist and matching sandals upon her feet, Theodora was ready for the day if a little mentally ill-prepared.
Having never expected to be queen until Irakles was announcement king and then foolishly assuming that she would have had time to get used to the idea of being a princess before anything would happen to her father-in-law, Theodora was certainly concerned that she would mess this day up spectacularly.
Born and raised a daughter of a proud House, however, she was determined to push such doubts aside.
Squaring her shoulders, correcting her posture and leaving her chambers with three lady's maids in tow, Theodora made sure to walk with a pace that was both calm and commanding, making her way down the corridors and hallways of the palace and heading out into the grounds of the royal estate.
The weather was perfect for such an occasion. Whilst it was moving into the fall months now, the Grecian summers were too hard to properly enjoy the outdoors. But, as the year progressed and the days grew shorter, the air cooled and the sun seemed not to shine so bright. And events like this could be held in the open air.
The grounds of the palati were open and large. Grass of vibrant green had managed to survive the summer without burning to a dull brown, and the trees in the distances still retained their leaves - bright orange and umber they might be.
In the centre of the lands, without a blemish on either land or sky as far as the eye could see, were the collection of seating that had been ordered out of storage and the solar rooms and into the sunshine. Several of the seats were already occupied and Theo was quick to raise her chin in regal elegance and approach the ladies in order to welcome them to her first official Court session... as Queen.
The crown that had been selected from the royal vault was not the formal diadem that Theo would wear for her husband's coronation. But it felt just as heavy. For that afternoon was the first event that the then-Leventi now-Mikaelidas woman was to oversee, not as a courtier or helper to one of the princesses. But as Queen of the Taengea.
The very notion sent little quivers through her belly. Had she intended to become Queen? No. Had she expected to be one? Certainly not. At least, not of Taengea at the very minimum. And yet she could not help but feel a stirring of smug pleasure mixing with the anxiety over the schedule for the day.
Queen of Taengea.
Theo had always suspected, given the idolised sister she followed and the ambitious one who proceeded her, that she would be the one to follow her heart and marry for love. Even before her meeting Emilios and becoming romantically entangled with him, she had always known herself to be the more impulsive of the three first borns of the Leventi family. Passionate and driven by her heart, Theo did not always make the right choices. She made mistakes. She was, perhaps, more human than the world saw her sisters as.
And yet here she was. Queen. Whilst Selene still remained unmarried and Olympia had lost her seat on the throne. Whilst she would never be able to take joy in any sorrow and hardship her sister's faced, Theo couldn't help the small sliver of pride that weaselled out of her childhood years and created a warm sensation in her belly. This time, she hadn't been the one to make a mistake.
Growing up, Theo had always supposed her sister Selene to take on the role. For she was perfect for it. Elegant and calm and appropriate in every situation. Theo wasn't sure that she had ever seen Selene lose her cool or act out of countenance. Not once. She was bred and raised to be a queen and it showed in everything she did. And it had been more or less understood that she would be the wife to Crown Prince Zacharias. The perfect prince and the perfect wife. They would have ruled Taengea as the golden couple of grace and dignity.
Now Taengea had a Queen who was far from golden and held secrets in her dark, unruly hair.
The nerves overrode the pleasure.
Taking a deep breath, Theodora smoothed the silken gown down the front of her thighs in a gesture of worry that she quickly stilled. Her palms were dry and she was careful not to move in such a way that would encourage perspiration. But sweat or not, the Court would be able to tell she was nervous if she fidgeted so.
With her mother still away in Colchis, leaving only her father and Imma for her company and support, Theodora felt thoroughly unprepared for such an event as this. Which was why she had taken the advice of her royally-appointed lady's maids and made it an informal affair.
The gardens of the royal palati had been decorated in cushions, blankets, rugs and reclines, huddled into little groups where the women of the nobility would be able to cluster, talk and gossip. Without the formal representations and tithes to be given, it would be a simple sit-down affair of casual talk from which Theo hoped to learn the state of loyalties in the nobility with regards to her husband.
That was, after all, she had been assured by her advisors, what Court sessions were for. Not idle chatter and company, but the ensuring of the powerful and the supporters within the Senate through the ears and mouths of their wives.
Theodora's eyes narrowed a little in the looking glass she was consulting over her appearance. She had instructed her maids to darken the features into a strong and almost severe look that would encourage a sense of authority in her features. Ditto the deep colour painted on her lips.
Her attire, on the other hand, avoided the entire image being garish by being quite simple. Little more than a fitted chiton of purest white, affixed above one shoulder and left to trail several inches over the floor beyond her feet, the garment was elegant in its lack of lavishment but also finely made and constructed from the purest of silks. Upon first look, it would seem that Theo was attempting to be humble in her appearance. Upon closer inspection, the gown would reveal itself to be as spectacular as grand raiment.
In keeping with the dress, Theodora had worn silver in her effects, though she normally preferred gold. The diadem upon her head was a simple wreath of laurel leaves that sported a deep blue stone at its centre, where the leaves morph into the fringe of a peacock's feather and the jewel became its eye. The sapphire sat perfectly in the centre of Theo's forehead and her hair had been braided and coiled around it. The tresses were then pulled back severely into a tight knot that was set into braided patterns and curls but remained high up off of her neck. Matching drops of sapphire hung at her ears and on her upper arms, she wore a matching set of silver cuffs - one sporting unicorns and the other lions. They had been a gift from her father on her wedding day and she was proud to wear them.
With a silver chain around her waist and matching sandals upon her feet, Theodora was ready for the day if a little mentally ill-prepared.
Having never expected to be queen until Irakles was announcement king and then foolishly assuming that she would have had time to get used to the idea of being a princess before anything would happen to her father-in-law, Theodora was certainly concerned that she would mess this day up spectacularly.
Born and raised a daughter of a proud House, however, she was determined to push such doubts aside.
Squaring her shoulders, correcting her posture and leaving her chambers with three lady's maids in tow, Theodora made sure to walk with a pace that was both calm and commanding, making her way down the corridors and hallways of the palace and heading out into the grounds of the royal estate.
The weather was perfect for such an occasion. Whilst it was moving into the fall months now, the Grecian summers were too hard to properly enjoy the outdoors. But, as the year progressed and the days grew shorter, the air cooled and the sun seemed not to shine so bright. And events like this could be held in the open air.
The grounds of the palati were open and large. Grass of vibrant green had managed to survive the summer without burning to a dull brown, and the trees in the distances still retained their leaves - bright orange and umber they might be.
In the centre of the lands, without a blemish on either land or sky as far as the eye could see, were the collection of seating that had been ordered out of storage and the solar rooms and into the sunshine. Several of the seats were already occupied and Theo was quick to raise her chin in regal elegance and approach the ladies in order to welcome them to her first official Court session... as Queen.
After a month of learning, Zenais would like to say that at this point, she was somewhat better at being a handmaiden to a woman of great importance in the Taengean nobility. Not to say she's entirely adept at it, but she had her own handmaiden's once upon a long time ago, so the brunette knew somewhat of what to do. Basically, just attend to their mistress's every need, make sure they get dressed for a court session, and follow to tend to anything else they need, right?
Of course, with Eirini of Leventi as her mistress however, there was quite a bit more then just that. On top of all of one's regular tasks, there was quite the added bit of making sure one was always at attention and always listening when it came to being part of Lady Eirini's entourage. As the wife to one of the most powerful man in Taengea, Zenais found herself looking quite in awe at the lady and how she handle's her day to day matters. The lady was promiscuous, but the bedroom activities all came with a reason, and at the end of the day, Lord Fotios always still seemed completely captured by his wife no matter what happened.
That there were many other matters that Zenais was not privy to did not strike her mind, but what mattered most was that in the young Colchian-born girl's eyes, Lady Eirini practically held the court of Taengea in her hands, with the conversations Zenais could occasionally hear, and it was a position the girl both coveted and feared.
Lucky for her that the Leventi wife had taken a favor to Zenais, or she wouldn't khnow what she'd do if she was caught on her bad side.
Making sure she made no wrong step for the day, Zenais was dressed simply, as a handmaiden should. She has received her salary a few times now, but the girl only spent it on necessities, and refused any off days for the chance of learning more. Knowing she needed to at least look presentable for following Lady Eirini to a court session however, she had picked out a pastel mauve chiton to layover the white usual one, and used a golden pleated cord to cinch it around her waist, before allowing the excess material to flow down her back and end just below her bottom.
Brunette locks were curled and pinned up behind her, away from her eyes so she could ensure her vision remained unhindered. The only other thing that the young girl wore was a pair of golden slippers, and she was otherwise unadorned, quite plain and simple as compared to the rest of the beautiful ladies within court. It was a scene Zenais had been used to, almost a decade ago before she had fled to Taengea, and in truth, she felt a little out of place in such a scene. The girl kept her fidgeting to a minimum however, and dutifully trailed behind her mistress in the large and cavernous room filled with Taengean nobility.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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After a month of learning, Zenais would like to say that at this point, she was somewhat better at being a handmaiden to a woman of great importance in the Taengean nobility. Not to say she's entirely adept at it, but she had her own handmaiden's once upon a long time ago, so the brunette knew somewhat of what to do. Basically, just attend to their mistress's every need, make sure they get dressed for a court session, and follow to tend to anything else they need, right?
Of course, with Eirini of Leventi as her mistress however, there was quite a bit more then just that. On top of all of one's regular tasks, there was quite the added bit of making sure one was always at attention and always listening when it came to being part of Lady Eirini's entourage. As the wife to one of the most powerful man in Taengea, Zenais found herself looking quite in awe at the lady and how she handle's her day to day matters. The lady was promiscuous, but the bedroom activities all came with a reason, and at the end of the day, Lord Fotios always still seemed completely captured by his wife no matter what happened.
That there were many other matters that Zenais was not privy to did not strike her mind, but what mattered most was that in the young Colchian-born girl's eyes, Lady Eirini practically held the court of Taengea in her hands, with the conversations Zenais could occasionally hear, and it was a position the girl both coveted and feared.
Lucky for her that the Leventi wife had taken a favor to Zenais, or she wouldn't khnow what she'd do if she was caught on her bad side.
Making sure she made no wrong step for the day, Zenais was dressed simply, as a handmaiden should. She has received her salary a few times now, but the girl only spent it on necessities, and refused any off days for the chance of learning more. Knowing she needed to at least look presentable for following Lady Eirini to a court session however, she had picked out a pastel mauve chiton to layover the white usual one, and used a golden pleated cord to cinch it around her waist, before allowing the excess material to flow down her back and end just below her bottom.
Brunette locks were curled and pinned up behind her, away from her eyes so she could ensure her vision remained unhindered. The only other thing that the young girl wore was a pair of golden slippers, and she was otherwise unadorned, quite plain and simple as compared to the rest of the beautiful ladies within court. It was a scene Zenais had been used to, almost a decade ago before she had fled to Taengea, and in truth, she felt a little out of place in such a scene. The girl kept her fidgeting to a minimum however, and dutifully trailed behind her mistress in the large and cavernous room filled with Taengean nobility.
After a month of learning, Zenais would like to say that at this point, she was somewhat better at being a handmaiden to a woman of great importance in the Taengean nobility. Not to say she's entirely adept at it, but she had her own handmaiden's once upon a long time ago, so the brunette knew somewhat of what to do. Basically, just attend to their mistress's every need, make sure they get dressed for a court session, and follow to tend to anything else they need, right?
Of course, with Eirini of Leventi as her mistress however, there was quite a bit more then just that. On top of all of one's regular tasks, there was quite the added bit of making sure one was always at attention and always listening when it came to being part of Lady Eirini's entourage. As the wife to one of the most powerful man in Taengea, Zenais found herself looking quite in awe at the lady and how she handle's her day to day matters. The lady was promiscuous, but the bedroom activities all came with a reason, and at the end of the day, Lord Fotios always still seemed completely captured by his wife no matter what happened.
That there were many other matters that Zenais was not privy to did not strike her mind, but what mattered most was that in the young Colchian-born girl's eyes, Lady Eirini practically held the court of Taengea in her hands, with the conversations Zenais could occasionally hear, and it was a position the girl both coveted and feared.
Lucky for her that the Leventi wife had taken a favor to Zenais, or she wouldn't khnow what she'd do if she was caught on her bad side.
Making sure she made no wrong step for the day, Zenais was dressed simply, as a handmaiden should. She has received her salary a few times now, but the girl only spent it on necessities, and refused any off days for the chance of learning more. Knowing she needed to at least look presentable for following Lady Eirini to a court session however, she had picked out a pastel mauve chiton to layover the white usual one, and used a golden pleated cord to cinch it around her waist, before allowing the excess material to flow down her back and end just below her bottom.
Brunette locks were curled and pinned up behind her, away from her eyes so she could ensure her vision remained unhindered. The only other thing that the young girl wore was a pair of golden slippers, and she was otherwise unadorned, quite plain and simple as compared to the rest of the beautiful ladies within court. It was a scene Zenais had been used to, almost a decade ago before she had fled to Taengea, and in truth, she felt a little out of place in such a scene. The girl kept her fidgeting to a minimum however, and dutifully trailed behind her mistress in the large and cavernous room filled with Taengean nobility.
Long ago as a young girl Evangelina created a secret hope that she’d one day be as beautiful and as elegant as Theodora. She’d idolized her dark-haired and eyed cousin from a distance; never quite having the closeness with Theo that she’d had with Selene or Agape and Melina. From the back of the solar room, Evangelina soaked in her surroundings. It was her cousin’s first time to hold court as the newly appointed queen. The turnout was generous, although it seemed… inadequate with the missing Leventis. Her stunning cousin was going to have to negotiate these waters without the support of her sisters Selene, Olympia, and Nana, and her mother.
She brought the glass of wine that had until that moment simply been a prop to her lips and took a soft sip. Yes, she’d quite envied Theodora as a girl but right here, right now, she found herself surprised that she didn’t envy her one tiny bit. The eyes of Taengea were upon her. Judging and comparing her to every other lady not only in the room but to every queen of the past.
Shifting out of the direct line of sunshine she stepped past a couple of ladies discussing the dissimilarity between their new queen and her eldest sister. The ladies hushed as she stepped past them, slanting her dark disdainful eyes in their direction. The court might not have been entirely certain which of the Leventi girls she was but she’d always been easily identifiable as one of the Leventis and that alone was enough to send her message.
“Lady Booras. Lady Pulos. I am sure the Queen will be overjoyed to know that your legs aren’t the only things the two of you are capable of spreading,” Tilting her head to quietly speak to them as she stepped passed. The pint-sized Leventi barely had time to enjoy the way their mouths snapped shut only to flutter open again as they staggered with what to say in response to her before a hush fell over the room and all eyes turned to the doorway.
Her Majesty, Queen Theodora, entered the room looking every bit of a Queen wearing white and silver and adorned with sapphires. Evangelina’s gaze softened just a fraction. You can do it, Theo. Silently, her cousin’s posture straightened and she lifted her chin to be far above the gossip that floated around the room. Dressed in flowy deep-plum colored chiton with low ‘v’ dipping down in front and a small slit upwards to her knee, she didn’t compare to her queen but was a picture of put-together grace.
Seeing her cousin making her way through the ladies, Evangelina stepped forward to offer a friendly face to her cousin and a show of support. Dipping into a deep curtsy, "Your Majesty, the solar rooms are beautiful." Being queen seemed to suit her cousin, or maybe it was marriage? Maybe she'd ask how her marriage was going later when she could steal away Theodora for a few minutes alone.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Long ago as a young girl Evangelina created a secret hope that she’d one day be as beautiful and as elegant as Theodora. She’d idolized her dark-haired and eyed cousin from a distance; never quite having the closeness with Theo that she’d had with Selene or Agape and Melina. From the back of the solar room, Evangelina soaked in her surroundings. It was her cousin’s first time to hold court as the newly appointed queen. The turnout was generous, although it seemed… inadequate with the missing Leventis. Her stunning cousin was going to have to negotiate these waters without the support of her sisters Selene, Olympia, and Nana, and her mother.
She brought the glass of wine that had until that moment simply been a prop to her lips and took a soft sip. Yes, she’d quite envied Theodora as a girl but right here, right now, she found herself surprised that she didn’t envy her one tiny bit. The eyes of Taengea were upon her. Judging and comparing her to every other lady not only in the room but to every queen of the past.
Shifting out of the direct line of sunshine she stepped past a couple of ladies discussing the dissimilarity between their new queen and her eldest sister. The ladies hushed as she stepped past them, slanting her dark disdainful eyes in their direction. The court might not have been entirely certain which of the Leventi girls she was but she’d always been easily identifiable as one of the Leventis and that alone was enough to send her message.
“Lady Booras. Lady Pulos. I am sure the Queen will be overjoyed to know that your legs aren’t the only things the two of you are capable of spreading,” Tilting her head to quietly speak to them as she stepped passed. The pint-sized Leventi barely had time to enjoy the way their mouths snapped shut only to flutter open again as they staggered with what to say in response to her before a hush fell over the room and all eyes turned to the doorway.
Her Majesty, Queen Theodora, entered the room looking every bit of a Queen wearing white and silver and adorned with sapphires. Evangelina’s gaze softened just a fraction. You can do it, Theo. Silently, her cousin’s posture straightened and she lifted her chin to be far above the gossip that floated around the room. Dressed in flowy deep-plum colored chiton with low ‘v’ dipping down in front and a small slit upwards to her knee, she didn’t compare to her queen but was a picture of put-together grace.
Seeing her cousin making her way through the ladies, Evangelina stepped forward to offer a friendly face to her cousin and a show of support. Dipping into a deep curtsy, "Your Majesty, the solar rooms are beautiful." Being queen seemed to suit her cousin, or maybe it was marriage? Maybe she'd ask how her marriage was going later when she could steal away Theodora for a few minutes alone.
Long ago as a young girl Evangelina created a secret hope that she’d one day be as beautiful and as elegant as Theodora. She’d idolized her dark-haired and eyed cousin from a distance; never quite having the closeness with Theo that she’d had with Selene or Agape and Melina. From the back of the solar room, Evangelina soaked in her surroundings. It was her cousin’s first time to hold court as the newly appointed queen. The turnout was generous, although it seemed… inadequate with the missing Leventis. Her stunning cousin was going to have to negotiate these waters without the support of her sisters Selene, Olympia, and Nana, and her mother.
She brought the glass of wine that had until that moment simply been a prop to her lips and took a soft sip. Yes, she’d quite envied Theodora as a girl but right here, right now, she found herself surprised that she didn’t envy her one tiny bit. The eyes of Taengea were upon her. Judging and comparing her to every other lady not only in the room but to every queen of the past.
Shifting out of the direct line of sunshine she stepped past a couple of ladies discussing the dissimilarity between their new queen and her eldest sister. The ladies hushed as she stepped past them, slanting her dark disdainful eyes in their direction. The court might not have been entirely certain which of the Leventi girls she was but she’d always been easily identifiable as one of the Leventis and that alone was enough to send her message.
“Lady Booras. Lady Pulos. I am sure the Queen will be overjoyed to know that your legs aren’t the only things the two of you are capable of spreading,” Tilting her head to quietly speak to them as she stepped passed. The pint-sized Leventi barely had time to enjoy the way their mouths snapped shut only to flutter open again as they staggered with what to say in response to her before a hush fell over the room and all eyes turned to the doorway.
Her Majesty, Queen Theodora, entered the room looking every bit of a Queen wearing white and silver and adorned with sapphires. Evangelina’s gaze softened just a fraction. You can do it, Theo. Silently, her cousin’s posture straightened and she lifted her chin to be far above the gossip that floated around the room. Dressed in flowy deep-plum colored chiton with low ‘v’ dipping down in front and a small slit upwards to her knee, she didn’t compare to her queen but was a picture of put-together grace.
Seeing her cousin making her way through the ladies, Evangelina stepped forward to offer a friendly face to her cousin and a show of support. Dipping into a deep curtsy, "Your Majesty, the solar rooms are beautiful." Being queen seemed to suit her cousin, or maybe it was marriage? Maybe she'd ask how her marriage was going later when she could steal away Theodora for a few minutes alone.
Theodora was nervous but was determined not to show it. Whilst her gown, jewels and affects were all of the highest of quality and gave the pretty illusion that she was Queen, her marriage to Achilleas had such a thing becoming fact. Being within that role now was strange. A combination of exulted euphoria - the achievement of turning games she played as a child into reality, and the weighted concerns of responsibility that came with the duty of being a monarch's wife for real. It left her limbs feeling light and her mouth dry.
But, trained as she was by her mother from a young age, Theodora ensured that her demure appearance and naturally haughty temperament saw her through and kept up the imagery of being Queen to its finest points.
When the Lady Evangelina came upon her, her skirts trailing over the grass of the palati grounds, Theodora smiled. She had always liked her cousin though their time together had not been perhaps as extensive as it had with her younger sisters or Selene (a love of horses had never been such a passion in Theo as it was in those two) and she was eager to see a familiar face that greeted her as her new role was to be addressed.
Theo felt her pride grow as the younger woman addressed her as Your Majesty and turned attentions upon the solar rooms that lined the edges of the grounds up and to the East. Theodora had had them all gowned in white silks and scarves of bronze that shone in the autumn sunshine and gave the entire place a new and changing look that fit with the new monarchy. Not to mention the cleaning she had ordered down to the pillars and sculpture along its stonework so that the white shone through the gossamer silks all the more.
"Thank you, cousin." Theodora responded, with demure gratitude as she looked upon her work. She might not have been a military general, that could create something of substance for the upcoming war, but she could at least perform the role of Queen and ensure that the ladies of Court believed that she and her husband had everything in hand - including their new home. Only a coronation now was missing to ensure that such things were kept firmly in the minds of the Court.
Glancing towards the gossiping ladies on the other side of their little gathering, Theodora gestured for Evangelina to sit beside her upon the chaise that had been set up upon the blankets.
"Come, what great nonsense have the Ladies Boora and Pulos been spreading?" She asked. "For I know that you would not take any such perversities without a word of comment." She said with a look of camaraderie and espionage upon her face.
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Theodora was nervous but was determined not to show it. Whilst her gown, jewels and affects were all of the highest of quality and gave the pretty illusion that she was Queen, her marriage to Achilleas had such a thing becoming fact. Being within that role now was strange. A combination of exulted euphoria - the achievement of turning games she played as a child into reality, and the weighted concerns of responsibility that came with the duty of being a monarch's wife for real. It left her limbs feeling light and her mouth dry.
But, trained as she was by her mother from a young age, Theodora ensured that her demure appearance and naturally haughty temperament saw her through and kept up the imagery of being Queen to its finest points.
When the Lady Evangelina came upon her, her skirts trailing over the grass of the palati grounds, Theodora smiled. She had always liked her cousin though their time together had not been perhaps as extensive as it had with her younger sisters or Selene (a love of horses had never been such a passion in Theo as it was in those two) and she was eager to see a familiar face that greeted her as her new role was to be addressed.
Theo felt her pride grow as the younger woman addressed her as Your Majesty and turned attentions upon the solar rooms that lined the edges of the grounds up and to the East. Theodora had had them all gowned in white silks and scarves of bronze that shone in the autumn sunshine and gave the entire place a new and changing look that fit with the new monarchy. Not to mention the cleaning she had ordered down to the pillars and sculpture along its stonework so that the white shone through the gossamer silks all the more.
"Thank you, cousin." Theodora responded, with demure gratitude as she looked upon her work. She might not have been a military general, that could create something of substance for the upcoming war, but she could at least perform the role of Queen and ensure that the ladies of Court believed that she and her husband had everything in hand - including their new home. Only a coronation now was missing to ensure that such things were kept firmly in the minds of the Court.
Glancing towards the gossiping ladies on the other side of their little gathering, Theodora gestured for Evangelina to sit beside her upon the chaise that had been set up upon the blankets.
"Come, what great nonsense have the Ladies Boora and Pulos been spreading?" She asked. "For I know that you would not take any such perversities without a word of comment." She said with a look of camaraderie and espionage upon her face.
Theodora was nervous but was determined not to show it. Whilst her gown, jewels and affects were all of the highest of quality and gave the pretty illusion that she was Queen, her marriage to Achilleas had such a thing becoming fact. Being within that role now was strange. A combination of exulted euphoria - the achievement of turning games she played as a child into reality, and the weighted concerns of responsibility that came with the duty of being a monarch's wife for real. It left her limbs feeling light and her mouth dry.
But, trained as she was by her mother from a young age, Theodora ensured that her demure appearance and naturally haughty temperament saw her through and kept up the imagery of being Queen to its finest points.
When the Lady Evangelina came upon her, her skirts trailing over the grass of the palati grounds, Theodora smiled. She had always liked her cousin though their time together had not been perhaps as extensive as it had with her younger sisters or Selene (a love of horses had never been such a passion in Theo as it was in those two) and she was eager to see a familiar face that greeted her as her new role was to be addressed.
Theo felt her pride grow as the younger woman addressed her as Your Majesty and turned attentions upon the solar rooms that lined the edges of the grounds up and to the East. Theodora had had them all gowned in white silks and scarves of bronze that shone in the autumn sunshine and gave the entire place a new and changing look that fit with the new monarchy. Not to mention the cleaning she had ordered down to the pillars and sculpture along its stonework so that the white shone through the gossamer silks all the more.
"Thank you, cousin." Theodora responded, with demure gratitude as she looked upon her work. She might not have been a military general, that could create something of substance for the upcoming war, but she could at least perform the role of Queen and ensure that the ladies of Court believed that she and her husband had everything in hand - including their new home. Only a coronation now was missing to ensure that such things were kept firmly in the minds of the Court.
Glancing towards the gossiping ladies on the other side of their little gathering, Theodora gestured for Evangelina to sit beside her upon the chaise that had been set up upon the blankets.
"Come, what great nonsense have the Ladies Boora and Pulos been spreading?" She asked. "For I know that you would not take any such perversities without a word of comment." She said with a look of camaraderie and espionage upon her face.
The world of fine ladies and gossip was as cutthroat as any known to man or beast. This wasn’t a sprint to popularity it was a marathon. Respect was won one lady at a time and for as many ladies as you gathered as an ally you gained as an enemy. Standing there, wine in her glass she felt like she was playing pretend with Melina mimicking their mothers. When had the costume party become reality?
‘Thank you, cousin.’ Her head dipped as a faint smile trailed across her lips in return.
Her cousin’s words brought her back from her thoughts. Her voice was so soft, like velvet. It was demure and perfectly presented. Too perfectly. She knew her cousin wasn’t as detached and emotionless as the motions she was going through. How did a marriage work with two perfect people? What happened with the closed doors? Were they still this perfectly put together then too?
Evangelina’s gaze drifted to the ladies who’d been gossiping about the new queen as Theodora’s made their way there too. Shifting uncomfortably, there would always be gossip and words being said. It came with the territory of being not only the new queen but also being a Leventi. Theodora had quite a lot to live up too and this little gathering was the first real appearance to the other noble ladies of Taegnea.
With a satiny wave of her hand, the queen motioned towards a nearby chaise for the two to sit together. Stepping over, she pulled her skirts to the side and sat down next to Georgio’s second eldest daughter. She’d so wanted to be Theodora or Selene when she was younger. They had a purpose. She’d always felt like the spare in case something happened and the chosen ones were lost. Her dark chestnut hair shifted along her neck as she dipped her head again, her lips pressing softly together. She was tired of playing a spare to them. Evangelina realized then that she was quite over this costume party. She didn’t want to be Theodora or Selene or anyone else. She was exactly who she wanted to be, Lord Gavriil had said that she was just fine as she was and if he could believe that why shouldn’t she. What was it she was so afraid of?
‘Come, what great nonsense have the Ladies Booras and Pulos been spreading?’ Her head came up and she met eyes that were so similar to her own. Large dark ones lined with bristly long lashes. Straightening her spine she decided she was going to step out of the way of herself. ‘For I know that you would not take any such perversities without a word of comment.’ Evangelina’s gaze held the new queen’s for a moment or two then slid a glance at the ladies in question who were whispering back and forth and looking directly at her.
“The usual.” Evangelina’s voice seemed to find a bit more conviction. “They’ve been trying to sink their teeth into the family ever since Selene up and ran off with Pia and…” Evangelina’s words died off before she said, King Stephanos. He wasn’t the king any longer. She covered the mistake by raising the glass of wine and taking a sip and ignoring what she’d almost said. “They aren’t worth being too concerned about and they’ll soon enough find someone else to sink their teeth into.”
“How are you holding up? The past few weeks have been…” Tilting her head, she looked sideways at Theodora as she sought a proper word to describe their life of late. “Eventful.”
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The world of fine ladies and gossip was as cutthroat as any known to man or beast. This wasn’t a sprint to popularity it was a marathon. Respect was won one lady at a time and for as many ladies as you gathered as an ally you gained as an enemy. Standing there, wine in her glass she felt like she was playing pretend with Melina mimicking their mothers. When had the costume party become reality?
‘Thank you, cousin.’ Her head dipped as a faint smile trailed across her lips in return.
Her cousin’s words brought her back from her thoughts. Her voice was so soft, like velvet. It was demure and perfectly presented. Too perfectly. She knew her cousin wasn’t as detached and emotionless as the motions she was going through. How did a marriage work with two perfect people? What happened with the closed doors? Were they still this perfectly put together then too?
Evangelina’s gaze drifted to the ladies who’d been gossiping about the new queen as Theodora’s made their way there too. Shifting uncomfortably, there would always be gossip and words being said. It came with the territory of being not only the new queen but also being a Leventi. Theodora had quite a lot to live up too and this little gathering was the first real appearance to the other noble ladies of Taegnea.
With a satiny wave of her hand, the queen motioned towards a nearby chaise for the two to sit together. Stepping over, she pulled her skirts to the side and sat down next to Georgio’s second eldest daughter. She’d so wanted to be Theodora or Selene when she was younger. They had a purpose. She’d always felt like the spare in case something happened and the chosen ones were lost. Her dark chestnut hair shifted along her neck as she dipped her head again, her lips pressing softly together. She was tired of playing a spare to them. Evangelina realized then that she was quite over this costume party. She didn’t want to be Theodora or Selene or anyone else. She was exactly who she wanted to be, Lord Gavriil had said that she was just fine as she was and if he could believe that why shouldn’t she. What was it she was so afraid of?
‘Come, what great nonsense have the Ladies Booras and Pulos been spreading?’ Her head came up and she met eyes that were so similar to her own. Large dark ones lined with bristly long lashes. Straightening her spine she decided she was going to step out of the way of herself. ‘For I know that you would not take any such perversities without a word of comment.’ Evangelina’s gaze held the new queen’s for a moment or two then slid a glance at the ladies in question who were whispering back and forth and looking directly at her.
“The usual.” Evangelina’s voice seemed to find a bit more conviction. “They’ve been trying to sink their teeth into the family ever since Selene up and ran off with Pia and…” Evangelina’s words died off before she said, King Stephanos. He wasn’t the king any longer. She covered the mistake by raising the glass of wine and taking a sip and ignoring what she’d almost said. “They aren’t worth being too concerned about and they’ll soon enough find someone else to sink their teeth into.”
“How are you holding up? The past few weeks have been…” Tilting her head, she looked sideways at Theodora as she sought a proper word to describe their life of late. “Eventful.”
The world of fine ladies and gossip was as cutthroat as any known to man or beast. This wasn’t a sprint to popularity it was a marathon. Respect was won one lady at a time and for as many ladies as you gathered as an ally you gained as an enemy. Standing there, wine in her glass she felt like she was playing pretend with Melina mimicking their mothers. When had the costume party become reality?
‘Thank you, cousin.’ Her head dipped as a faint smile trailed across her lips in return.
Her cousin’s words brought her back from her thoughts. Her voice was so soft, like velvet. It was demure and perfectly presented. Too perfectly. She knew her cousin wasn’t as detached and emotionless as the motions she was going through. How did a marriage work with two perfect people? What happened with the closed doors? Were they still this perfectly put together then too?
Evangelina’s gaze drifted to the ladies who’d been gossiping about the new queen as Theodora’s made their way there too. Shifting uncomfortably, there would always be gossip and words being said. It came with the territory of being not only the new queen but also being a Leventi. Theodora had quite a lot to live up too and this little gathering was the first real appearance to the other noble ladies of Taegnea.
With a satiny wave of her hand, the queen motioned towards a nearby chaise for the two to sit together. Stepping over, she pulled her skirts to the side and sat down next to Georgio’s second eldest daughter. She’d so wanted to be Theodora or Selene when she was younger. They had a purpose. She’d always felt like the spare in case something happened and the chosen ones were lost. Her dark chestnut hair shifted along her neck as she dipped her head again, her lips pressing softly together. She was tired of playing a spare to them. Evangelina realized then that she was quite over this costume party. She didn’t want to be Theodora or Selene or anyone else. She was exactly who she wanted to be, Lord Gavriil had said that she was just fine as she was and if he could believe that why shouldn’t she. What was it she was so afraid of?
‘Come, what great nonsense have the Ladies Booras and Pulos been spreading?’ Her head came up and she met eyes that were so similar to her own. Large dark ones lined with bristly long lashes. Straightening her spine she decided she was going to step out of the way of herself. ‘For I know that you would not take any such perversities without a word of comment.’ Evangelina’s gaze held the new queen’s for a moment or two then slid a glance at the ladies in question who were whispering back and forth and looking directly at her.
“The usual.” Evangelina’s voice seemed to find a bit more conviction. “They’ve been trying to sink their teeth into the family ever since Selene up and ran off with Pia and…” Evangelina’s words died off before she said, King Stephanos. He wasn’t the king any longer. She covered the mistake by raising the glass of wine and taking a sip and ignoring what she’d almost said. “They aren’t worth being too concerned about and they’ll soon enough find someone else to sink their teeth into.”
“How are you holding up? The past few weeks have been…” Tilting her head, she looked sideways at Theodora as she sought a proper word to describe their life of late. “Eventful.”
The grounds of the palati were always a delight for Melina, one of the few pleasures of coming to court. Though this wasn't any session, this was the first session where her cousin Theodora was queen. This was also the first session where Melina had actually dressed up properly instead of wearing her plain colored pelos, and honestly, the woman was a little bit nervous. Already she recalled her brief lessons with Basilides, or as he told her to call him Bas.
Lift your head up, even if you don't think you can. That gives the appearance of confidence. Don't slouch, her father had told her once before. Pretend your spine is like a bow, ready to take an arrow. Hide your expressions, her mother had told her, the ladies of the court will notice if you reveal yourself too soon. All of these words of wisdom had kept Melina up one night, anxiety filling her. What if she wasn't enough? What if she couldn't do it?
However, at the same time, Melina found herself wanting to throw away societal expectations and as she glanced upon the gleam of a familiar pendant around her neck, the woman became determined. "She saw me, if only for a moment, what if I can make people see me for longer." She wasn't being proud as she thought such a concept, rather it was with a small bit of wonder, a wonder that had only existed through the written word, and never in herself.
This was why the very next day, Melina found herself gazing at the assortment of dresses, of pelos, of chitons of rich jewel tones, her mind whirling as she touched the fabrics. Choose a rich color, not too bold to outshine the queen, yet a color that will perfectly complement your skin. You have beauty within you, Melina, use it.
Those were the words she told herself as she got dressed, a chiton of a rich green becoming her outfit of the day. Fingertips pressed at the fabric, the sheer silken material sliding through her fingers. Yet, she wasn't done yet. Fingers began to weave her hair into braids. These braids were wrapped into a bun, one that was unlike any hairstyle Melina herself had worn, but one that she had practiced many times only to reach utter despair as it never compared to the looks of the other nobles. Pins of bronze kept the braided bun in place.
Finally, she moved to the rarely used vanity. One that her father insisted she have, even as she argued it would serve much better to be used by Agape or Dafni. Only now was Melina relieved she had it. Applying shadow and painting her lips seemed easier when she could pretend that she was the star of a story, a distraction from whatever faults she saw in herself as she glanced in the mirror. Believe in yourself, her heart whispered, its words faint, yet ringing true. Be the beauty you could be. Soft pants escaped her as she intently gazed at her reflection.
Melina couldn't even recognize herself at first, yet after a few frantic breaths, ones that built up her resistance from wanting to smash the mirror itself, she closed her eyes. "I am Melina, second daughter of Fotios and Eirini of Leventi. I may not be blessed by the Gods, but I still can be beautiful." She repeated the setence thrice, as if banishing a curse that had been placed upon her by a sorceress like Circe herself. Remembering the saying from an artist that one could create their own canvas to be whatever they wanted, she let out a cathartic laugh. She did it. For once she could truly see her own beauty on her own. Of course, it would be a journey, but as she glanced at her reflection, she felt herself become a little bit more confident.
Which brought her to the present, walking into the solar rooms. Eyes of scrutiny met her form as some of the women descended upon her like vultures instead of hawks. -Why, Melina, you are certainly dressed up today. What's the occasion?- -Oh, Lady Leventi, you aren't trying to outshine your cousin, are you?- Murmurs grew louder, causing perspiration to gather, yet Melina kept her head up. Ignore them if you cannot speak, or better yet, say something that might surprise them. You have a brain in that head of yours, use it."Why I think the occasion is obvious, my ladies, this is Queen Theodora's first official court session, and I wanted to show my support."
The vultures drew back, surprised by Melina's response. Normally, she didn't say anything, or excused herself. However, judging by one of the appraising looks she had gained from one of the women, Melina supposed the words she responded with were the right ones. Giving the women a smile, she moved past them, settling down on one of the chairs, waiting for court to begin.
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The grounds of the palati were always a delight for Melina, one of the few pleasures of coming to court. Though this wasn't any session, this was the first session where her cousin Theodora was queen. This was also the first session where Melina had actually dressed up properly instead of wearing her plain colored pelos, and honestly, the woman was a little bit nervous. Already she recalled her brief lessons with Basilides, or as he told her to call him Bas.
Lift your head up, even if you don't think you can. That gives the appearance of confidence. Don't slouch, her father had told her once before. Pretend your spine is like a bow, ready to take an arrow. Hide your expressions, her mother had told her, the ladies of the court will notice if you reveal yourself too soon. All of these words of wisdom had kept Melina up one night, anxiety filling her. What if she wasn't enough? What if she couldn't do it?
However, at the same time, Melina found herself wanting to throw away societal expectations and as she glanced upon the gleam of a familiar pendant around her neck, the woman became determined. "She saw me, if only for a moment, what if I can make people see me for longer." She wasn't being proud as she thought such a concept, rather it was with a small bit of wonder, a wonder that had only existed through the written word, and never in herself.
This was why the very next day, Melina found herself gazing at the assortment of dresses, of pelos, of chitons of rich jewel tones, her mind whirling as she touched the fabrics. Choose a rich color, not too bold to outshine the queen, yet a color that will perfectly complement your skin. You have beauty within you, Melina, use it.
Those were the words she told herself as she got dressed, a chiton of a rich green becoming her outfit of the day. Fingertips pressed at the fabric, the sheer silken material sliding through her fingers. Yet, she wasn't done yet. Fingers began to weave her hair into braids. These braids were wrapped into a bun, one that was unlike any hairstyle Melina herself had worn, but one that she had practiced many times only to reach utter despair as it never compared to the looks of the other nobles. Pins of bronze kept the braided bun in place.
Finally, she moved to the rarely used vanity. One that her father insisted she have, even as she argued it would serve much better to be used by Agape or Dafni. Only now was Melina relieved she had it. Applying shadow and painting her lips seemed easier when she could pretend that she was the star of a story, a distraction from whatever faults she saw in herself as she glanced in the mirror. Believe in yourself, her heart whispered, its words faint, yet ringing true. Be the beauty you could be. Soft pants escaped her as she intently gazed at her reflection.
Melina couldn't even recognize herself at first, yet after a few frantic breaths, ones that built up her resistance from wanting to smash the mirror itself, she closed her eyes. "I am Melina, second daughter of Fotios and Eirini of Leventi. I may not be blessed by the Gods, but I still can be beautiful." She repeated the setence thrice, as if banishing a curse that had been placed upon her by a sorceress like Circe herself. Remembering the saying from an artist that one could create their own canvas to be whatever they wanted, she let out a cathartic laugh. She did it. For once she could truly see her own beauty on her own. Of course, it would be a journey, but as she glanced at her reflection, she felt herself become a little bit more confident.
Which brought her to the present, walking into the solar rooms. Eyes of scrutiny met her form as some of the women descended upon her like vultures instead of hawks. -Why, Melina, you are certainly dressed up today. What's the occasion?- -Oh, Lady Leventi, you aren't trying to outshine your cousin, are you?- Murmurs grew louder, causing perspiration to gather, yet Melina kept her head up. Ignore them if you cannot speak, or better yet, say something that might surprise them. You have a brain in that head of yours, use it."Why I think the occasion is obvious, my ladies, this is Queen Theodora's first official court session, and I wanted to show my support."
The vultures drew back, surprised by Melina's response. Normally, she didn't say anything, or excused herself. However, judging by one of the appraising looks she had gained from one of the women, Melina supposed the words she responded with were the right ones. Giving the women a smile, she moved past them, settling down on one of the chairs, waiting for court to begin.
The grounds of the palati were always a delight for Melina, one of the few pleasures of coming to court. Though this wasn't any session, this was the first session where her cousin Theodora was queen. This was also the first session where Melina had actually dressed up properly instead of wearing her plain colored pelos, and honestly, the woman was a little bit nervous. Already she recalled her brief lessons with Basilides, or as he told her to call him Bas.
Lift your head up, even if you don't think you can. That gives the appearance of confidence. Don't slouch, her father had told her once before. Pretend your spine is like a bow, ready to take an arrow. Hide your expressions, her mother had told her, the ladies of the court will notice if you reveal yourself too soon. All of these words of wisdom had kept Melina up one night, anxiety filling her. What if she wasn't enough? What if she couldn't do it?
However, at the same time, Melina found herself wanting to throw away societal expectations and as she glanced upon the gleam of a familiar pendant around her neck, the woman became determined. "She saw me, if only for a moment, what if I can make people see me for longer." She wasn't being proud as she thought such a concept, rather it was with a small bit of wonder, a wonder that had only existed through the written word, and never in herself.
This was why the very next day, Melina found herself gazing at the assortment of dresses, of pelos, of chitons of rich jewel tones, her mind whirling as she touched the fabrics. Choose a rich color, not too bold to outshine the queen, yet a color that will perfectly complement your skin. You have beauty within you, Melina, use it.
Those were the words she told herself as she got dressed, a chiton of a rich green becoming her outfit of the day. Fingertips pressed at the fabric, the sheer silken material sliding through her fingers. Yet, she wasn't done yet. Fingers began to weave her hair into braids. These braids were wrapped into a bun, one that was unlike any hairstyle Melina herself had worn, but one that she had practiced many times only to reach utter despair as it never compared to the looks of the other nobles. Pins of bronze kept the braided bun in place.
Finally, she moved to the rarely used vanity. One that her father insisted she have, even as she argued it would serve much better to be used by Agape or Dafni. Only now was Melina relieved she had it. Applying shadow and painting her lips seemed easier when she could pretend that she was the star of a story, a distraction from whatever faults she saw in herself as she glanced in the mirror. Believe in yourself, her heart whispered, its words faint, yet ringing true. Be the beauty you could be. Soft pants escaped her as she intently gazed at her reflection.
Melina couldn't even recognize herself at first, yet after a few frantic breaths, ones that built up her resistance from wanting to smash the mirror itself, she closed her eyes. "I am Melina, second daughter of Fotios and Eirini of Leventi. I may not be blessed by the Gods, but I still can be beautiful." She repeated the setence thrice, as if banishing a curse that had been placed upon her by a sorceress like Circe herself. Remembering the saying from an artist that one could create their own canvas to be whatever they wanted, she let out a cathartic laugh. She did it. For once she could truly see her own beauty on her own. Of course, it would be a journey, but as she glanced at her reflection, she felt herself become a little bit more confident.
Which brought her to the present, walking into the solar rooms. Eyes of scrutiny met her form as some of the women descended upon her like vultures instead of hawks. -Why, Melina, you are certainly dressed up today. What's the occasion?- -Oh, Lady Leventi, you aren't trying to outshine your cousin, are you?- Murmurs grew louder, causing perspiration to gather, yet Melina kept her head up. Ignore them if you cannot speak, or better yet, say something that might surprise them. You have a brain in that head of yours, use it."Why I think the occasion is obvious, my ladies, this is Queen Theodora's first official court session, and I wanted to show my support."
The vultures drew back, surprised by Melina's response. Normally, she didn't say anything, or excused herself. However, judging by one of the appraising looks she had gained from one of the women, Melina supposed the words she responded with were the right ones. Giving the women a smile, she moved past them, settling down on one of the chairs, waiting for court to begin.
Gossip As Autumn Falls
"Look! There goes Lady Evangelina... Did you hear? About Lord Gavriil I mean??"
"I did! But the stories are so different. Some even say she threw herself at the man entirely bare!"
"Pfft. Unlikely - she's a Leventi. They were raised with class."
"And yet now there are two of them exiled in shame altogether. I think the whole House is not as clean and chaste as they pretend. It wouldn't surprise me if Evangelina got bored of all the attention her cousins were getting and went out to find her own husband. Naked, apparently!"
"Well, she chose well in a Head of House, but poor Gavriil must have not known what he was in for."
"Those Leventis... so calculating..."
JD
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Staff Team
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"Look! There goes Lady Evangelina... Did you hear? About Lord Gavriil I mean??"
"I did! But the stories are so different. Some even say she threw herself at the man entirely bare!"
"Pfft. Unlikely - she's a Leventi. They were raised with class."
"And yet now there are two of them exiled in shame altogether. I think the whole House is not as clean and chaste as they pretend. It wouldn't surprise me if Evangelina got bored of all the attention her cousins were getting and went out to find her own husband. Naked, apparently!"
"Well, she chose well in a Head of House, but poor Gavriil must have not known what he was in for."
"Those Leventis... so calculating..."
Gossip As Autumn Falls
"Look! There goes Lady Evangelina... Did you hear? About Lord Gavriil I mean??"
"I did! But the stories are so different. Some even say she threw herself at the man entirely bare!"
"Pfft. Unlikely - she's a Leventi. They were raised with class."
"And yet now there are two of them exiled in shame altogether. I think the whole House is not as clean and chaste as they pretend. It wouldn't surprise me if Evangelina got bored of all the attention her cousins were getting and went out to find her own husband. Naked, apparently!"
"Well, she chose well in a Head of House, but poor Gavriil must have not known what he was in for."
"Those Leventis... so calculating..."
In the days since her uncle’s death, Gianna had found herself sleeping a little easier, eating a touch more. She did not know how much could be attributed to the passing of Irakles and how much was due to the news that Stephanos and Olympia were safe in Colchis. However much of her had hoped that things could return to some semblance of normalcy with Irakles gone, Gianna knew it would not be that simple. She knew her brother still had the Senate to contend with before the crown could be returned to his head.
In the time since her brother’s disappearance, Xene had instilled an urgency in Gianna. She had impressed the importance of the princesses’ support of the King, even more so with Achilleas assuming the throne upon his father’s death. This was the very reason she found herself preening so meticulously before Queen Theodora’s first court session, regardless of how informal it may be. The princess had sent a retainer the night before to inquire after every last detail of the older woman’s attire for the event. Theodora and Achilleas had extended such hospitality to Zenon’s daughters that Gianna felt compelled to reciprocate however she could.
The young blonde fiddled with a curl that had come loose, attempting to replace it. A hand gently took over and Gianna offered her retainer a small smile in the looking glass as her hands came to rest in her lap, stripped of their toy. She watched Elpis continue to work on her hair, pinning golden curls out of her face and around the most modest diadem the princess owned. In her attempt at solidarity with her new cousin, Gianna had chosen a small circlet composed entirely of silver laurel leaves. She had selected a cream colored peplos trimmed with a shade of blue that reminded Gianna of the Aegean on a clear day.
A silvery voice announced that her hair was complete and Gianna used the break to slip on her most comfortable sandals. She would need something to ground her enough to face the women of court after the tumultuous summer Taengea had endured. She grasped the sapphire pendant resting just below the hollow of her throat, squeezing it as she left the safety of her chambers. Becoming something of a remnant had its benefits, she noted, slipping quietly and largely unnoticed through the bodies that had already gathered on the grounds of the paláti.
As she took in the scene before her, a small group of women caught her attention as they moved in unison, descending upon a familiar figure. With a second look the princess saw Melina of Leventi. Gianna was quick to acquire two goblets of wine as she closed the distance between herself and her friend. While she could not hear what the women were saying, she could tell by their expressions they were not praising the young woman before them. Melina, however, was quick to turn their doubt and move to a chair before they could further berate her.
“Is this seat taken?” Gianna asked, extending a goblet and a smile to the young brunette.
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Check out their information page here.
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In the days since her uncle’s death, Gianna had found herself sleeping a little easier, eating a touch more. She did not know how much could be attributed to the passing of Irakles and how much was due to the news that Stephanos and Olympia were safe in Colchis. However much of her had hoped that things could return to some semblance of normalcy with Irakles gone, Gianna knew it would not be that simple. She knew her brother still had the Senate to contend with before the crown could be returned to his head.
In the time since her brother’s disappearance, Xene had instilled an urgency in Gianna. She had impressed the importance of the princesses’ support of the King, even more so with Achilleas assuming the throne upon his father’s death. This was the very reason she found herself preening so meticulously before Queen Theodora’s first court session, regardless of how informal it may be. The princess had sent a retainer the night before to inquire after every last detail of the older woman’s attire for the event. Theodora and Achilleas had extended such hospitality to Zenon’s daughters that Gianna felt compelled to reciprocate however she could.
The young blonde fiddled with a curl that had come loose, attempting to replace it. A hand gently took over and Gianna offered her retainer a small smile in the looking glass as her hands came to rest in her lap, stripped of their toy. She watched Elpis continue to work on her hair, pinning golden curls out of her face and around the most modest diadem the princess owned. In her attempt at solidarity with her new cousin, Gianna had chosen a small circlet composed entirely of silver laurel leaves. She had selected a cream colored peplos trimmed with a shade of blue that reminded Gianna of the Aegean on a clear day.
A silvery voice announced that her hair was complete and Gianna used the break to slip on her most comfortable sandals. She would need something to ground her enough to face the women of court after the tumultuous summer Taengea had endured. She grasped the sapphire pendant resting just below the hollow of her throat, squeezing it as she left the safety of her chambers. Becoming something of a remnant had its benefits, she noted, slipping quietly and largely unnoticed through the bodies that had already gathered on the grounds of the paláti.
As she took in the scene before her, a small group of women caught her attention as they moved in unison, descending upon a familiar figure. With a second look the princess saw Melina of Leventi. Gianna was quick to acquire two goblets of wine as she closed the distance between herself and her friend. While she could not hear what the women were saying, she could tell by their expressions they were not praising the young woman before them. Melina, however, was quick to turn their doubt and move to a chair before they could further berate her.
“Is this seat taken?” Gianna asked, extending a goblet and a smile to the young brunette.
In the days since her uncle’s death, Gianna had found herself sleeping a little easier, eating a touch more. She did not know how much could be attributed to the passing of Irakles and how much was due to the news that Stephanos and Olympia were safe in Colchis. However much of her had hoped that things could return to some semblance of normalcy with Irakles gone, Gianna knew it would not be that simple. She knew her brother still had the Senate to contend with before the crown could be returned to his head.
In the time since her brother’s disappearance, Xene had instilled an urgency in Gianna. She had impressed the importance of the princesses’ support of the King, even more so with Achilleas assuming the throne upon his father’s death. This was the very reason she found herself preening so meticulously before Queen Theodora’s first court session, regardless of how informal it may be. The princess had sent a retainer the night before to inquire after every last detail of the older woman’s attire for the event. Theodora and Achilleas had extended such hospitality to Zenon’s daughters that Gianna felt compelled to reciprocate however she could.
The young blonde fiddled with a curl that had come loose, attempting to replace it. A hand gently took over and Gianna offered her retainer a small smile in the looking glass as her hands came to rest in her lap, stripped of their toy. She watched Elpis continue to work on her hair, pinning golden curls out of her face and around the most modest diadem the princess owned. In her attempt at solidarity with her new cousin, Gianna had chosen a small circlet composed entirely of silver laurel leaves. She had selected a cream colored peplos trimmed with a shade of blue that reminded Gianna of the Aegean on a clear day.
A silvery voice announced that her hair was complete and Gianna used the break to slip on her most comfortable sandals. She would need something to ground her enough to face the women of court after the tumultuous summer Taengea had endured. She grasped the sapphire pendant resting just below the hollow of her throat, squeezing it as she left the safety of her chambers. Becoming something of a remnant had its benefits, she noted, slipping quietly and largely unnoticed through the bodies that had already gathered on the grounds of the paláti.
As she took in the scene before her, a small group of women caught her attention as they moved in unison, descending upon a familiar figure. With a second look the princess saw Melina of Leventi. Gianna was quick to acquire two goblets of wine as she closed the distance between herself and her friend. While she could not hear what the women were saying, she could tell by their expressions they were not praising the young woman before them. Melina, however, was quick to turn their doubt and move to a chair before they could further berate her.
“Is this seat taken?” Gianna asked, extending a goblet and a smile to the young brunette.
Secrets. Secrets. Secrets.
The princess seemed to be holding so many secrets as of late, but she asserted to herself that they were for the good of both herself and her family. There were things that none of them needed to know, and others that she didn't want them to know. Lord Fotios' words still rang firmly in her mind, though she had little idea of what they actually meant. At least yet. Sometimes he left her mind reeling with things he would not and could not say.
'Plans are still moving, but I shall see you safe.'
The assertion of a friend with the underlying protectiveness of a lover. Equal parts grief and desire left to mix and give the man at least one thing to focus on in all of the mess that had been left by her uncle's death. He had stated that his affection was given via control of her situation, which only served to confuse her further and little more prodding of the subject could coax the words from wanting lips. Not when there were other thoughts on both of their minds.
Xene had simply filed the little tid bit of information away for later. For when her mind could focus on more than just his presence and his hands. Curse those hands, the princess found herself thinking as she prepared herself for Queen Theodora's first court session. Dressed in a gown of sharp Mikaelidas crimson and gold, Xene had not been concerned with overshadowing the queen. There was no way to do such a thing and Xene was not known for being demure when it came to her dress.
Leaning more into the looking glass, she dabbed the red paint upon her lips while one of her ladies pulled her hair up into a beautiful coronet of braids. Still a princess by birth, she did not forego the small diadem that she usually attended court with. Delicate fingers pressed one of her curls over her shoulder so that it framed her face before she rose from her stool to slip on her well-loved leather sandals.
At the same moment, one of the ladies opened the door to her room, "Your higness," the woman murmured, "Basilides is here to collect you," she said quietly, stepping aside so that Xene could move past her.
Striding out into the hall of the Palati, the princess greeted her friend with a brilliant smile, holding out her arm for the man to take with his own. "Punctual. You're making good progress, my friend," Xene teased him gently, motioning forward as a signal that they should get moving. The walk from the halls to the grounds of the Palati was not a long one, and Xene spoke little as they entered the realm of court together.
While court was generally a woman's place, they were all allowed to bring guests. It just so happened that Xene had wished to bring Basilides, knowing fully well how popular the man was with the ladies of the court. On their way in, the princess stopped for a goblet of wine as she made her approach to the Queen and Lady Evangelina. "Good afternoon, your majesty, my lady," the princess said delicately, looking from both of them in the direction of her sister and then Basilides...
Before she caught the tail end of the gossip about Lady Evangelina. Her blue gaze sliding pointedly in the direction of the gossiping women, the princess slowly brought her cup of wine to her lips, "I am quite sure you recall my dear friend, Basilides," Xene said almost absently, her gaze narrowing further as the ladies continued to speak a few feet away. Almost as if they wanted everyone around to hear the poison they intended to spread.
Pulling her gaze fully back to the queen, and Lady Evangelina, the princess put a delicate smile on her features. "Need I remind the two of you that you are guests of the queen and you can be just as easily shunned from court as you could continue to spread nonsense," the princess said, not to Queen Theodora or Lady Evangelina, but to the gossiping ladies of court. "My suggestion is that you act with the grace and decorum you were supposedly raised with and learn when it is either proper for you to speak or better for women of your status to remain silent. You are doing yourselves no favors here."
With a single wave of her hand in a shooing motion, Xene silently shunned the two ladies off with an impassive expression that stated that they would be ignored from here on out, at least by her and hopefully the other ladies of court around them. Then, she let a smile spread across her features. "May we sit?" she asked permission of Queen Theodora.
This character is currently a work in progress.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Secrets. Secrets. Secrets.
The princess seemed to be holding so many secrets as of late, but she asserted to herself that they were for the good of both herself and her family. There were things that none of them needed to know, and others that she didn't want them to know. Lord Fotios' words still rang firmly in her mind, though she had little idea of what they actually meant. At least yet. Sometimes he left her mind reeling with things he would not and could not say.
'Plans are still moving, but I shall see you safe.'
The assertion of a friend with the underlying protectiveness of a lover. Equal parts grief and desire left to mix and give the man at least one thing to focus on in all of the mess that had been left by her uncle's death. He had stated that his affection was given via control of her situation, which only served to confuse her further and little more prodding of the subject could coax the words from wanting lips. Not when there were other thoughts on both of their minds.
Xene had simply filed the little tid bit of information away for later. For when her mind could focus on more than just his presence and his hands. Curse those hands, the princess found herself thinking as she prepared herself for Queen Theodora's first court session. Dressed in a gown of sharp Mikaelidas crimson and gold, Xene had not been concerned with overshadowing the queen. There was no way to do such a thing and Xene was not known for being demure when it came to her dress.
Leaning more into the looking glass, she dabbed the red paint upon her lips while one of her ladies pulled her hair up into a beautiful coronet of braids. Still a princess by birth, she did not forego the small diadem that she usually attended court with. Delicate fingers pressed one of her curls over her shoulder so that it framed her face before she rose from her stool to slip on her well-loved leather sandals.
At the same moment, one of the ladies opened the door to her room, "Your higness," the woman murmured, "Basilides is here to collect you," she said quietly, stepping aside so that Xene could move past her.
Striding out into the hall of the Palati, the princess greeted her friend with a brilliant smile, holding out her arm for the man to take with his own. "Punctual. You're making good progress, my friend," Xene teased him gently, motioning forward as a signal that they should get moving. The walk from the halls to the grounds of the Palati was not a long one, and Xene spoke little as they entered the realm of court together.
While court was generally a woman's place, they were all allowed to bring guests. It just so happened that Xene had wished to bring Basilides, knowing fully well how popular the man was with the ladies of the court. On their way in, the princess stopped for a goblet of wine as she made her approach to the Queen and Lady Evangelina. "Good afternoon, your majesty, my lady," the princess said delicately, looking from both of them in the direction of her sister and then Basilides...
Before she caught the tail end of the gossip about Lady Evangelina. Her blue gaze sliding pointedly in the direction of the gossiping women, the princess slowly brought her cup of wine to her lips, "I am quite sure you recall my dear friend, Basilides," Xene said almost absently, her gaze narrowing further as the ladies continued to speak a few feet away. Almost as if they wanted everyone around to hear the poison they intended to spread.
Pulling her gaze fully back to the queen, and Lady Evangelina, the princess put a delicate smile on her features. "Need I remind the two of you that you are guests of the queen and you can be just as easily shunned from court as you could continue to spread nonsense," the princess said, not to Queen Theodora or Lady Evangelina, but to the gossiping ladies of court. "My suggestion is that you act with the grace and decorum you were supposedly raised with and learn when it is either proper for you to speak or better for women of your status to remain silent. You are doing yourselves no favors here."
With a single wave of her hand in a shooing motion, Xene silently shunned the two ladies off with an impassive expression that stated that they would be ignored from here on out, at least by her and hopefully the other ladies of court around them. Then, she let a smile spread across her features. "May we sit?" she asked permission of Queen Theodora.
Secrets. Secrets. Secrets.
The princess seemed to be holding so many secrets as of late, but she asserted to herself that they were for the good of both herself and her family. There were things that none of them needed to know, and others that she didn't want them to know. Lord Fotios' words still rang firmly in her mind, though she had little idea of what they actually meant. At least yet. Sometimes he left her mind reeling with things he would not and could not say.
'Plans are still moving, but I shall see you safe.'
The assertion of a friend with the underlying protectiveness of a lover. Equal parts grief and desire left to mix and give the man at least one thing to focus on in all of the mess that had been left by her uncle's death. He had stated that his affection was given via control of her situation, which only served to confuse her further and little more prodding of the subject could coax the words from wanting lips. Not when there were other thoughts on both of their minds.
Xene had simply filed the little tid bit of information away for later. For when her mind could focus on more than just his presence and his hands. Curse those hands, the princess found herself thinking as she prepared herself for Queen Theodora's first court session. Dressed in a gown of sharp Mikaelidas crimson and gold, Xene had not been concerned with overshadowing the queen. There was no way to do such a thing and Xene was not known for being demure when it came to her dress.
Leaning more into the looking glass, she dabbed the red paint upon her lips while one of her ladies pulled her hair up into a beautiful coronet of braids. Still a princess by birth, she did not forego the small diadem that she usually attended court with. Delicate fingers pressed one of her curls over her shoulder so that it framed her face before she rose from her stool to slip on her well-loved leather sandals.
At the same moment, one of the ladies opened the door to her room, "Your higness," the woman murmured, "Basilides is here to collect you," she said quietly, stepping aside so that Xene could move past her.
Striding out into the hall of the Palati, the princess greeted her friend with a brilliant smile, holding out her arm for the man to take with his own. "Punctual. You're making good progress, my friend," Xene teased him gently, motioning forward as a signal that they should get moving. The walk from the halls to the grounds of the Palati was not a long one, and Xene spoke little as they entered the realm of court together.
While court was generally a woman's place, they were all allowed to bring guests. It just so happened that Xene had wished to bring Basilides, knowing fully well how popular the man was with the ladies of the court. On their way in, the princess stopped for a goblet of wine as she made her approach to the Queen and Lady Evangelina. "Good afternoon, your majesty, my lady," the princess said delicately, looking from both of them in the direction of her sister and then Basilides...
Before she caught the tail end of the gossip about Lady Evangelina. Her blue gaze sliding pointedly in the direction of the gossiping women, the princess slowly brought her cup of wine to her lips, "I am quite sure you recall my dear friend, Basilides," Xene said almost absently, her gaze narrowing further as the ladies continued to speak a few feet away. Almost as if they wanted everyone around to hear the poison they intended to spread.
Pulling her gaze fully back to the queen, and Lady Evangelina, the princess put a delicate smile on her features. "Need I remind the two of you that you are guests of the queen and you can be just as easily shunned from court as you could continue to spread nonsense," the princess said, not to Queen Theodora or Lady Evangelina, but to the gossiping ladies of court. "My suggestion is that you act with the grace and decorum you were supposedly raised with and learn when it is either proper for you to speak or better for women of your status to remain silent. You are doing yourselves no favors here."
With a single wave of her hand in a shooing motion, Xene silently shunned the two ladies off with an impassive expression that stated that they would be ignored from here on out, at least by her and hopefully the other ladies of court around them. Then, she let a smile spread across her features. "May we sit?" she asked permission of Queen Theodora.
When rock bottom has been reached, there is nowhere to go but up.
Such was true for Basilides as he managed to wade through the efforts of fixing the mounting mistakes accrued during the past, dark weeks. Nighttime remained a harsh foe to face, alone with this thoughts and with the memories, but without keeping bottles within his room, he was able to use these late waking hours to remedy his mistakes.
The amount of coin he spent on apologetic and corrective missives was astronomical, but necessary in order to reinstate good favor with different vendors, and the guild - and his family. Repentance came in many forms, as well.
A broken promise could only be repaired if held up threefold, and as such, there was no qualm or question whenever Princess Xene requested his presence. With her hands having - rather forcefully - pulled him from the depths of his self-inflicted misery, and the truth of his pain and loss coming to the forefront, a cord of trust and companionship had started to form a tight weave between them. After all, it was hardly a trial to dress himself in his finest and venture to the Palati regularly to spend time in quiet and comforting companionship with her.
When the official invitation and summons for Queen Theodora's first court session was extended, Bas felt ready for it, surprisingly. The past weeks saw him all but caught up on his work and building into new connections. Not to mention, his parents were more than elated for his new royal connections and sought to provide him with fresh and luxurious offerings for his new contemporaries.
Eyes crinkling and lips pressing into a sly smile at the Princess' words, he took her hand briefly but also took a moment to step back and take in the sight of her formal gown, noting a few familiar pieces in her outfit and smirking a bit before offering a not of appreciation and approval.
"I do try, Your Highness," he started, as they began on their way, "Facing royal wrath once in a lifetime is more than enough motivation, I would say." He glanced sidelong at her, teasing.
His decorum was in full form as they entered, eyes lighting on the faces that grew more and more familiar to him with each attendance. For the moment, he politely declined the offering of wine, wishing not to face temptation so early in the event - particularly if anything that would prove advantageous for his family name would occur.
Upon approach, he bowed deeply to the Queen and Princess before him, making a reminder to find a time to catch Princess Gianna in conversation. Her sister's wish to see a smile on the younger's face had him hoping to seek out her interests and find a way to make it so.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness," Basilides greeted, "It is lovely to see you both so well and under far less...straining conditions." He alluded to both the messiness of past courts and the frantic nature of the wedding, without addressing either or intending to bring them to the light. After all, it was a new day. His words also trailed slightly as he noted Princess Xene's attention being drawn away, his brows pricked slightly with curiosity as her words were sharp and delicate like the fine tip of a needle.
Subtly, Basilides hand drifted to her forearm, a soft touch there serving as an attempt to redirect her attention. After all, having only just arrived and beginning to chide gossip, it prickled slightly of buried frustration and intolerance - which still smacked too recently of the rage she had shown him only a few weeks before.
As her request to sit was granted, Basilides offered his arm to guide her to one of the chairs, taking advantage of the bit of time it took to maneuver her around the settee tables and footrests to speak in a low murmur, only for her.
"Let them speak. If it is trust and truth you seek here, knowing who has loose tongues, and more importantly, those who are quick to repeat it will only root out those who may do the same to you." The glance he gave her as he stepped aside to allow her to sit spoke volumes further, as he reached to accept her goblet before she took to the chair, adding quietly, "Besides, I love a good story."
Once she sat and settled, he offered the goblet back to her and letting it linger a moment, a subtle expression on his face as his eyes met her. If she wanted him to do as she had asked, he would need to hear them talk. He would need to know what was being said about others...and about her.
He remained standing as another servant passed with a tray of wine again before he requested a light and subtle cider instead, from the most recent apple harvest. It would quench his thirst and give his hands something to do while keeping his mind clear and attentive for the event.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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When rock bottom has been reached, there is nowhere to go but up.
Such was true for Basilides as he managed to wade through the efforts of fixing the mounting mistakes accrued during the past, dark weeks. Nighttime remained a harsh foe to face, alone with this thoughts and with the memories, but without keeping bottles within his room, he was able to use these late waking hours to remedy his mistakes.
The amount of coin he spent on apologetic and corrective missives was astronomical, but necessary in order to reinstate good favor with different vendors, and the guild - and his family. Repentance came in many forms, as well.
A broken promise could only be repaired if held up threefold, and as such, there was no qualm or question whenever Princess Xene requested his presence. With her hands having - rather forcefully - pulled him from the depths of his self-inflicted misery, and the truth of his pain and loss coming to the forefront, a cord of trust and companionship had started to form a tight weave between them. After all, it was hardly a trial to dress himself in his finest and venture to the Palati regularly to spend time in quiet and comforting companionship with her.
When the official invitation and summons for Queen Theodora's first court session was extended, Bas felt ready for it, surprisingly. The past weeks saw him all but caught up on his work and building into new connections. Not to mention, his parents were more than elated for his new royal connections and sought to provide him with fresh and luxurious offerings for his new contemporaries.
Eyes crinkling and lips pressing into a sly smile at the Princess' words, he took her hand briefly but also took a moment to step back and take in the sight of her formal gown, noting a few familiar pieces in her outfit and smirking a bit before offering a not of appreciation and approval.
"I do try, Your Highness," he started, as they began on their way, "Facing royal wrath once in a lifetime is more than enough motivation, I would say." He glanced sidelong at her, teasing.
His decorum was in full form as they entered, eyes lighting on the faces that grew more and more familiar to him with each attendance. For the moment, he politely declined the offering of wine, wishing not to face temptation so early in the event - particularly if anything that would prove advantageous for his family name would occur.
Upon approach, he bowed deeply to the Queen and Princess before him, making a reminder to find a time to catch Princess Gianna in conversation. Her sister's wish to see a smile on the younger's face had him hoping to seek out her interests and find a way to make it so.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness," Basilides greeted, "It is lovely to see you both so well and under far less...straining conditions." He alluded to both the messiness of past courts and the frantic nature of the wedding, without addressing either or intending to bring them to the light. After all, it was a new day. His words also trailed slightly as he noted Princess Xene's attention being drawn away, his brows pricked slightly with curiosity as her words were sharp and delicate like the fine tip of a needle.
Subtly, Basilides hand drifted to her forearm, a soft touch there serving as an attempt to redirect her attention. After all, having only just arrived and beginning to chide gossip, it prickled slightly of buried frustration and intolerance - which still smacked too recently of the rage she had shown him only a few weeks before.
As her request to sit was granted, Basilides offered his arm to guide her to one of the chairs, taking advantage of the bit of time it took to maneuver her around the settee tables and footrests to speak in a low murmur, only for her.
"Let them speak. If it is trust and truth you seek here, knowing who has loose tongues, and more importantly, those who are quick to repeat it will only root out those who may do the same to you." The glance he gave her as he stepped aside to allow her to sit spoke volumes further, as he reached to accept her goblet before she took to the chair, adding quietly, "Besides, I love a good story."
Once she sat and settled, he offered the goblet back to her and letting it linger a moment, a subtle expression on his face as his eyes met her. If she wanted him to do as she had asked, he would need to hear them talk. He would need to know what was being said about others...and about her.
He remained standing as another servant passed with a tray of wine again before he requested a light and subtle cider instead, from the most recent apple harvest. It would quench his thirst and give his hands something to do while keeping his mind clear and attentive for the event.
When rock bottom has been reached, there is nowhere to go but up.
Such was true for Basilides as he managed to wade through the efforts of fixing the mounting mistakes accrued during the past, dark weeks. Nighttime remained a harsh foe to face, alone with this thoughts and with the memories, but without keeping bottles within his room, he was able to use these late waking hours to remedy his mistakes.
The amount of coin he spent on apologetic and corrective missives was astronomical, but necessary in order to reinstate good favor with different vendors, and the guild - and his family. Repentance came in many forms, as well.
A broken promise could only be repaired if held up threefold, and as such, there was no qualm or question whenever Princess Xene requested his presence. With her hands having - rather forcefully - pulled him from the depths of his self-inflicted misery, and the truth of his pain and loss coming to the forefront, a cord of trust and companionship had started to form a tight weave between them. After all, it was hardly a trial to dress himself in his finest and venture to the Palati regularly to spend time in quiet and comforting companionship with her.
When the official invitation and summons for Queen Theodora's first court session was extended, Bas felt ready for it, surprisingly. The past weeks saw him all but caught up on his work and building into new connections. Not to mention, his parents were more than elated for his new royal connections and sought to provide him with fresh and luxurious offerings for his new contemporaries.
Eyes crinkling and lips pressing into a sly smile at the Princess' words, he took her hand briefly but also took a moment to step back and take in the sight of her formal gown, noting a few familiar pieces in her outfit and smirking a bit before offering a not of appreciation and approval.
"I do try, Your Highness," he started, as they began on their way, "Facing royal wrath once in a lifetime is more than enough motivation, I would say." He glanced sidelong at her, teasing.
His decorum was in full form as they entered, eyes lighting on the faces that grew more and more familiar to him with each attendance. For the moment, he politely declined the offering of wine, wishing not to face temptation so early in the event - particularly if anything that would prove advantageous for his family name would occur.
Upon approach, he bowed deeply to the Queen and Princess before him, making a reminder to find a time to catch Princess Gianna in conversation. Her sister's wish to see a smile on the younger's face had him hoping to seek out her interests and find a way to make it so.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness," Basilides greeted, "It is lovely to see you both so well and under far less...straining conditions." He alluded to both the messiness of past courts and the frantic nature of the wedding, without addressing either or intending to bring them to the light. After all, it was a new day. His words also trailed slightly as he noted Princess Xene's attention being drawn away, his brows pricked slightly with curiosity as her words were sharp and delicate like the fine tip of a needle.
Subtly, Basilides hand drifted to her forearm, a soft touch there serving as an attempt to redirect her attention. After all, having only just arrived and beginning to chide gossip, it prickled slightly of buried frustration and intolerance - which still smacked too recently of the rage she had shown him only a few weeks before.
As her request to sit was granted, Basilides offered his arm to guide her to one of the chairs, taking advantage of the bit of time it took to maneuver her around the settee tables and footrests to speak in a low murmur, only for her.
"Let them speak. If it is trust and truth you seek here, knowing who has loose tongues, and more importantly, those who are quick to repeat it will only root out those who may do the same to you." The glance he gave her as he stepped aside to allow her to sit spoke volumes further, as he reached to accept her goblet before she took to the chair, adding quietly, "Besides, I love a good story."
Once she sat and settled, he offered the goblet back to her and letting it linger a moment, a subtle expression on his face as his eyes met her. If she wanted him to do as she had asked, he would need to hear them talk. He would need to know what was being said about others...and about her.
He remained standing as another servant passed with a tray of wine again before he requested a light and subtle cider instead, from the most recent apple harvest. It would quench his thirst and give his hands something to do while keeping his mind clear and attentive for the event.
Despite her moment of bravery, Melina was still a fixture of nerves. How did she manage to dismiss those gossiping vultures without fleeing? Yet, she knew it had to be done, for if she fled the court session, there would be gossip about her as well before the end of the day. She hadn’t been blind to the gossip about her dear cousin Evangelina. In fact, if she had been braver, much more confident than the disguise of bravery, armed in finery, she would have. However, now wasn’t the time. Painted lips did show her discontent in the gossip, one that fortunately Princess Xene had laid to rest. Closing her eyes to voice her gratitude to the Gods, she opened them as she heard a familiar voice.
“Princess Gianna, a pleasure to see you again.” Patting the cushioned seat next to her, Melina gave the blonde a light smile. “Please, you are more than welcome to join me.” As she gazed along with the crowd, she noticed Basilides, an acquaintance that she could dare to call a friend if she had the courage. However, he seemed otherwise occupied with Xene, so all she could do was nod in his direction, mouthing words of gratitude that he would probably be unable to hear.
As she sat, she turned her attentions to Princess Gianna. “This is exciting, isn’t it? Theodora’s first session.” She was a bit more talkative than normal, trying not to show the stress of being the model Leventi even if she knew that instinctively, she was only getting more attention because she was dressed up today. However, the thought of remaining in the shadows was painful. Even she remembered what her father had told her. He didn’t find her behavior acceptable. She recalled how she had managed to make a spectacle of herself in front of King Achilleas before his coronation. The memory brought her shame.
Yet, she was trying to show her support, even if she did wish at times that she had been the one that had married. However, she had no interest in the crown. Rather, she just wanted to exist and matter. However, she realized that she was holding onto fragile childhood dreams. She wasn’t about to steal men from her cousins, and disappearing wasn’t an option anymore. So, she decided to show her support in the best way she could, by dressing her best. Maybe then, and only then, Theodora would forgive her for the mishap she had heard, one that was never meant for her own ears.
Blinking as she noticed she was pensive, she gave Gianna a sheepish smile. “I’m sorry, all these recent festivities have made me a bit pensive, but I hope you are doing well your highness.” There. No one had to no what thoughts were traveling in her head. In fact, they didn’t have to know her at all. Melina was always surprised that the princesses had treated her kindly. Her insecurities had often left her wondering if they were doing so to be kind or if it simply was for their own benefit. Now perhaps wasn’t the place to contemplate such things, so she returned her attention to her companion. “You look lovely as ever, Gianna, I positively adore your circlet.”
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Despite her moment of bravery, Melina was still a fixture of nerves. How did she manage to dismiss those gossiping vultures without fleeing? Yet, she knew it had to be done, for if she fled the court session, there would be gossip about her as well before the end of the day. She hadn’t been blind to the gossip about her dear cousin Evangelina. In fact, if she had been braver, much more confident than the disguise of bravery, armed in finery, she would have. However, now wasn’t the time. Painted lips did show her discontent in the gossip, one that fortunately Princess Xene had laid to rest. Closing her eyes to voice her gratitude to the Gods, she opened them as she heard a familiar voice.
“Princess Gianna, a pleasure to see you again.” Patting the cushioned seat next to her, Melina gave the blonde a light smile. “Please, you are more than welcome to join me.” As she gazed along with the crowd, she noticed Basilides, an acquaintance that she could dare to call a friend if she had the courage. However, he seemed otherwise occupied with Xene, so all she could do was nod in his direction, mouthing words of gratitude that he would probably be unable to hear.
As she sat, she turned her attentions to Princess Gianna. “This is exciting, isn’t it? Theodora’s first session.” She was a bit more talkative than normal, trying not to show the stress of being the model Leventi even if she knew that instinctively, she was only getting more attention because she was dressed up today. However, the thought of remaining in the shadows was painful. Even she remembered what her father had told her. He didn’t find her behavior acceptable. She recalled how she had managed to make a spectacle of herself in front of King Achilleas before his coronation. The memory brought her shame.
Yet, she was trying to show her support, even if she did wish at times that she had been the one that had married. However, she had no interest in the crown. Rather, she just wanted to exist and matter. However, she realized that she was holding onto fragile childhood dreams. She wasn’t about to steal men from her cousins, and disappearing wasn’t an option anymore. So, she decided to show her support in the best way she could, by dressing her best. Maybe then, and only then, Theodora would forgive her for the mishap she had heard, one that was never meant for her own ears.
Blinking as she noticed she was pensive, she gave Gianna a sheepish smile. “I’m sorry, all these recent festivities have made me a bit pensive, but I hope you are doing well your highness.” There. No one had to no what thoughts were traveling in her head. In fact, they didn’t have to know her at all. Melina was always surprised that the princesses had treated her kindly. Her insecurities had often left her wondering if they were doing so to be kind or if it simply was for their own benefit. Now perhaps wasn’t the place to contemplate such things, so she returned her attention to her companion. “You look lovely as ever, Gianna, I positively adore your circlet.”
Despite her moment of bravery, Melina was still a fixture of nerves. How did she manage to dismiss those gossiping vultures without fleeing? Yet, she knew it had to be done, for if she fled the court session, there would be gossip about her as well before the end of the day. She hadn’t been blind to the gossip about her dear cousin Evangelina. In fact, if she had been braver, much more confident than the disguise of bravery, armed in finery, she would have. However, now wasn’t the time. Painted lips did show her discontent in the gossip, one that fortunately Princess Xene had laid to rest. Closing her eyes to voice her gratitude to the Gods, she opened them as she heard a familiar voice.
“Princess Gianna, a pleasure to see you again.” Patting the cushioned seat next to her, Melina gave the blonde a light smile. “Please, you are more than welcome to join me.” As she gazed along with the crowd, she noticed Basilides, an acquaintance that she could dare to call a friend if she had the courage. However, he seemed otherwise occupied with Xene, so all she could do was nod in his direction, mouthing words of gratitude that he would probably be unable to hear.
As she sat, she turned her attentions to Princess Gianna. “This is exciting, isn’t it? Theodora’s first session.” She was a bit more talkative than normal, trying not to show the stress of being the model Leventi even if she knew that instinctively, she was only getting more attention because she was dressed up today. However, the thought of remaining in the shadows was painful. Even she remembered what her father had told her. He didn’t find her behavior acceptable. She recalled how she had managed to make a spectacle of herself in front of King Achilleas before his coronation. The memory brought her shame.
Yet, she was trying to show her support, even if she did wish at times that she had been the one that had married. However, she had no interest in the crown. Rather, she just wanted to exist and matter. However, she realized that she was holding onto fragile childhood dreams. She wasn’t about to steal men from her cousins, and disappearing wasn’t an option anymore. So, she decided to show her support in the best way she could, by dressing her best. Maybe then, and only then, Theodora would forgive her for the mishap she had heard, one that was never meant for her own ears.
Blinking as she noticed she was pensive, she gave Gianna a sheepish smile. “I’m sorry, all these recent festivities have made me a bit pensive, but I hope you are doing well your highness.” There. No one had to no what thoughts were traveling in her head. In fact, they didn’t have to know her at all. Melina was always surprised that the princesses had treated her kindly. Her insecurities had often left her wondering if they were doing so to be kind or if it simply was for their own benefit. Now perhaps wasn’t the place to contemplate such things, so she returned her attention to her companion. “You look lovely as ever, Gianna, I positively adore your circlet.”
Theodora observed from her perch upon the chaise as people filtered into the space she had set up for the gathering, suppressing the faint flicker of relief that threatened to surface when her cousin joined her. It was reassuring to have someone familiar at her side, although that comfort did not last long. The mention of Pia was like salt in a wound; she missed her sister dearly, and so she was grateful when Evangelina moved on to inquire how she had been handling recent events.
“It has certainly been an adjustment, but I believe I am acclimating myself quite well. It helps to have a husband as supportive as Achilleas. I am lucky to have him.”
The praise of her new husband left her easily; if there was one thing she was certain of, it was the patience Achilleas had shown her as she settled into the castle and her new role as Queen. He was kind and loving, although more than a little reserved; he handled everything with a certain level of detachment that she was still growing used to.
The arrival of Xene and her companion found Theo distracted from such thoughts, and the smile she offered the Mikaelidas woman was genuine. “Princess Xene, welcome. And you as well, Basilides.” Although she was mildly surprised to see the man that Xene had chosen to bring to the day’s gathering, she did not show it; merely offered him a polite and welcoming smile in response to the bow he gave her and her cousin by way of greeting.
It was then that Xene addressed the women gossiping loudly nearby, and while part of her was glad that the princess had shut them up, a smaller, pettier part of the woman was a bit upset that she had not taken the opportunity to do it herself. Even if she had not been the Queen, it was her duty to defend her family, and nasty rumors about her cousin would not do – especially not at an event she was hosting herself.
Still, she would not allow such an unreasonable thought to cloud the day, and so when Xene shooed the women away, she would say: “Thank you. Yes, please, sit and relax.”
The subtle touch Basilides made to Xene’s forearm was not missed by the newly appointed Queen, though she did not allow her gaze to linger, lest the man notice her slight scrutiny; instead, she maintained her polite smile as she observed the pair move on to find themselves a place to sit. Only once they had settled would she reach to claim a glass of wine from one of the circulating trays the servants carried; sipping from it slowly, she turned her attention back to her cousin at her side.
“So, Evangelina, tell me – I was wondering if perhaps there might be something brewing between you and Nikos of Condos.”
The inquiry left Theo softly, so as not to be eavesdropped upon; surely, if there was something new developing between the two, her cousin would not want to broadcast it to every lady gathered there that day. Still, as she spoke, she would watch Evangelina’s expression with the utmost care, waiting for whatever initial reaction might occur before the young lady was able to reign it in.
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Theodora observed from her perch upon the chaise as people filtered into the space she had set up for the gathering, suppressing the faint flicker of relief that threatened to surface when her cousin joined her. It was reassuring to have someone familiar at her side, although that comfort did not last long. The mention of Pia was like salt in a wound; she missed her sister dearly, and so she was grateful when Evangelina moved on to inquire how she had been handling recent events.
“It has certainly been an adjustment, but I believe I am acclimating myself quite well. It helps to have a husband as supportive as Achilleas. I am lucky to have him.”
The praise of her new husband left her easily; if there was one thing she was certain of, it was the patience Achilleas had shown her as she settled into the castle and her new role as Queen. He was kind and loving, although more than a little reserved; he handled everything with a certain level of detachment that she was still growing used to.
The arrival of Xene and her companion found Theo distracted from such thoughts, and the smile she offered the Mikaelidas woman was genuine. “Princess Xene, welcome. And you as well, Basilides.” Although she was mildly surprised to see the man that Xene had chosen to bring to the day’s gathering, she did not show it; merely offered him a polite and welcoming smile in response to the bow he gave her and her cousin by way of greeting.
It was then that Xene addressed the women gossiping loudly nearby, and while part of her was glad that the princess had shut them up, a smaller, pettier part of the woman was a bit upset that she had not taken the opportunity to do it herself. Even if she had not been the Queen, it was her duty to defend her family, and nasty rumors about her cousin would not do – especially not at an event she was hosting herself.
Still, she would not allow such an unreasonable thought to cloud the day, and so when Xene shooed the women away, she would say: “Thank you. Yes, please, sit and relax.”
The subtle touch Basilides made to Xene’s forearm was not missed by the newly appointed Queen, though she did not allow her gaze to linger, lest the man notice her slight scrutiny; instead, she maintained her polite smile as she observed the pair move on to find themselves a place to sit. Only once they had settled would she reach to claim a glass of wine from one of the circulating trays the servants carried; sipping from it slowly, she turned her attention back to her cousin at her side.
“So, Evangelina, tell me – I was wondering if perhaps there might be something brewing between you and Nikos of Condos.”
The inquiry left Theo softly, so as not to be eavesdropped upon; surely, if there was something new developing between the two, her cousin would not want to broadcast it to every lady gathered there that day. Still, as she spoke, she would watch Evangelina’s expression with the utmost care, waiting for whatever initial reaction might occur before the young lady was able to reign it in.
Theodora observed from her perch upon the chaise as people filtered into the space she had set up for the gathering, suppressing the faint flicker of relief that threatened to surface when her cousin joined her. It was reassuring to have someone familiar at her side, although that comfort did not last long. The mention of Pia was like salt in a wound; she missed her sister dearly, and so she was grateful when Evangelina moved on to inquire how she had been handling recent events.
“It has certainly been an adjustment, but I believe I am acclimating myself quite well. It helps to have a husband as supportive as Achilleas. I am lucky to have him.”
The praise of her new husband left her easily; if there was one thing she was certain of, it was the patience Achilleas had shown her as she settled into the castle and her new role as Queen. He was kind and loving, although more than a little reserved; he handled everything with a certain level of detachment that she was still growing used to.
The arrival of Xene and her companion found Theo distracted from such thoughts, and the smile she offered the Mikaelidas woman was genuine. “Princess Xene, welcome. And you as well, Basilides.” Although she was mildly surprised to see the man that Xene had chosen to bring to the day’s gathering, she did not show it; merely offered him a polite and welcoming smile in response to the bow he gave her and her cousin by way of greeting.
It was then that Xene addressed the women gossiping loudly nearby, and while part of her was glad that the princess had shut them up, a smaller, pettier part of the woman was a bit upset that she had not taken the opportunity to do it herself. Even if she had not been the Queen, it was her duty to defend her family, and nasty rumors about her cousin would not do – especially not at an event she was hosting herself.
Still, she would not allow such an unreasonable thought to cloud the day, and so when Xene shooed the women away, she would say: “Thank you. Yes, please, sit and relax.”
The subtle touch Basilides made to Xene’s forearm was not missed by the newly appointed Queen, though she did not allow her gaze to linger, lest the man notice her slight scrutiny; instead, she maintained her polite smile as she observed the pair move on to find themselves a place to sit. Only once they had settled would she reach to claim a glass of wine from one of the circulating trays the servants carried; sipping from it slowly, she turned her attention back to her cousin at her side.
“So, Evangelina, tell me – I was wondering if perhaps there might be something brewing between you and Nikos of Condos.”
The inquiry left Theo softly, so as not to be eavesdropped upon; surely, if there was something new developing between the two, her cousin would not want to broadcast it to every lady gathered there that day. Still, as she spoke, she would watch Evangelina’s expression with the utmost care, waiting for whatever initial reaction might occur before the young lady was able to reign it in.
The babble of fools rarely roused irritation from Evangelina. People would say what they wanted and believe what they wanted all on their own and any attempts to dispel the notions simply made you look all the more blameworthy. The Gods had many ways of testing a person’s will, sometimes it was by having nothing happen at all and sometimes it was by having it all happen at once. For most of her young life, it had been the first and she’d grown content with simply living an uncharted life in the countryside of Acharist. Without warning, it’d shifted beneath her feet and the feet of all of Taengea.
She’d never meant to disturb her cousin by mentioning Pia. It was only that there was a small part of her mind that wondered if she’d ever see Pia again and sometimes what was thought in her mind made it all the way to and out of her lips before she had the opportunity to censor it. Altering the direction of conversation as smoothly as she could.
‘It has certainly been an adjustment, but I believe I am acclimating myself quite well. It helps to have a husband as supportive as Achilleas. I am lucky to have him.’
Out of the corner of her eye she saw the arrival of their cousin Melina followed shortly by the arrival of Princess Gianna, both the picture of Taengean fairness but it was only a glance before she felt her dark eyes tugged towards her cousin’s that were so much like her own, Theodora. Her features softened, the ease that the comment about King Achilleas had rolled off the queen’s tongue was curious indeed. She’d never voiced her personal concerns about the match between her cousin and the Taengean golden boy, but they had existed. She knew her cousin internalized many of her thoughts and feelings but she’d wondered if there was any fondness between her and King Achilleas. It was a relief to hear that easy way she spoke about him… maybe the affection wasn’t as one sided as she’d feared.
Evangelina didn’t believe that two people had to be in love with one another to make a marriage a success, but she did believe there had to be a balance of give and take and needs being met. A small part of the pint-sized Leventi had wondered if Achilleas affection to Theodora had been similar to what her own had been once towards Nikos, but the way Theodora just spoke… that was a way that Nikos had never spoken about her. Evangelina hoped it was true, for as much Theo’s sake as Achilleas’. It was hard to love and admire someone who… couldn’t quite love you the way you loved them. That particular thought brought her mind a full circle as it drifted to Gavriil. Would Lady Sybil always hold his heart hostage?
She shoved that thought away and smiled gently at Queen Theodora, “He’s very lucky to have you too cousin, don’t forget that.” She’d been about to add more when she spotted Princess Xene and… Basilides enter the room. Princess Xene had the Mikelidias flair for entering a room and taking command of it. The bold red and gold of her gown and painted lip coloring were dramatic and complimented the elegance and grace the oldest princess projected quite well. A nod and smile accompanied the Queen Theodora’s greeting as the pair joined them.
‘Need I remind the two of you that you are guests of the queen and you can be just as easily shunned from court as you could continue to spread nonsense.’ Evangelina’s dark eyes widened before she managed to dip her head and hid the surprised smile that had taken command over her face. ‘My suggestion is that you act with the grace and decorum you were supposedly raised with and learn when it is either proper for you to speak or better for women of your status to remain silent. You are doing yourselves no favors here.’ Ladies of the court could be so cutting when they felt their positions were threatened. Sliding her dark eyes upward, she smirked at Princess Xene as she made a shooing motion towards the gossiping ladies.
“Oh pooh! I’m such a fan of gossip.” She snickered lightly glancing over to Theodora, “I find out so much about me that I didn’t even know.” The dimples in her cheeks deepened and she cast a small wink at her cousin before looking to the Princess and Basilides and catching him murmuring quietly to the Princess. How interesting… Lifting the glass of wine to her mouth, she discreetly looked away, her eyes falling on Melina and Gianna seeming to be having a lovely time. It would appear that Queen Theordora’s first court was right on track. Ladies enjoying themselves. Check. Gossip spread. Check.
As the Princess and Basilides settled into their seats, she instinctively felt the Queen’s attention shift to her once again and she glanced over as Theodora quietly prodded her, ‘So, Evangelina, tell me – I was wondering if perhaps there might be something brewing between you and Nikos of Condos.’
Evangelina’s eyes widened in a moment of surprise and a flush of redness touched her cheeks that had nothing to do with the wine. Had Theodora heard a rumor about the things Lord Nikos had said to her while the Egyptians had been visiting? He’d quite publicly said he’d seen all of her… Her eyes dropped and flitted around the room again and she shifted in her chair before looking back to her cousin and whispering a gasp to Theodora, “No, why? Is he saying there is?” Her fingers tightened on the stem of the goblet and sucked in an uncomfortable breath. There was a faint throbbing starting in her temples.
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The babble of fools rarely roused irritation from Evangelina. People would say what they wanted and believe what they wanted all on their own and any attempts to dispel the notions simply made you look all the more blameworthy. The Gods had many ways of testing a person’s will, sometimes it was by having nothing happen at all and sometimes it was by having it all happen at once. For most of her young life, it had been the first and she’d grown content with simply living an uncharted life in the countryside of Acharist. Without warning, it’d shifted beneath her feet and the feet of all of Taengea.
She’d never meant to disturb her cousin by mentioning Pia. It was only that there was a small part of her mind that wondered if she’d ever see Pia again and sometimes what was thought in her mind made it all the way to and out of her lips before she had the opportunity to censor it. Altering the direction of conversation as smoothly as she could.
‘It has certainly been an adjustment, but I believe I am acclimating myself quite well. It helps to have a husband as supportive as Achilleas. I am lucky to have him.’
Out of the corner of her eye she saw the arrival of their cousin Melina followed shortly by the arrival of Princess Gianna, both the picture of Taengean fairness but it was only a glance before she felt her dark eyes tugged towards her cousin’s that were so much like her own, Theodora. Her features softened, the ease that the comment about King Achilleas had rolled off the queen’s tongue was curious indeed. She’d never voiced her personal concerns about the match between her cousin and the Taengean golden boy, but they had existed. She knew her cousin internalized many of her thoughts and feelings but she’d wondered if there was any fondness between her and King Achilleas. It was a relief to hear that easy way she spoke about him… maybe the affection wasn’t as one sided as she’d feared.
Evangelina didn’t believe that two people had to be in love with one another to make a marriage a success, but she did believe there had to be a balance of give and take and needs being met. A small part of the pint-sized Leventi had wondered if Achilleas affection to Theodora had been similar to what her own had been once towards Nikos, but the way Theodora just spoke… that was a way that Nikos had never spoken about her. Evangelina hoped it was true, for as much Theo’s sake as Achilleas’. It was hard to love and admire someone who… couldn’t quite love you the way you loved them. That particular thought brought her mind a full circle as it drifted to Gavriil. Would Lady Sybil always hold his heart hostage?
She shoved that thought away and smiled gently at Queen Theodora, “He’s very lucky to have you too cousin, don’t forget that.” She’d been about to add more when she spotted Princess Xene and… Basilides enter the room. Princess Xene had the Mikelidias flair for entering a room and taking command of it. The bold red and gold of her gown and painted lip coloring were dramatic and complimented the elegance and grace the oldest princess projected quite well. A nod and smile accompanied the Queen Theodora’s greeting as the pair joined them.
‘Need I remind the two of you that you are guests of the queen and you can be just as easily shunned from court as you could continue to spread nonsense.’ Evangelina’s dark eyes widened before she managed to dip her head and hid the surprised smile that had taken command over her face. ‘My suggestion is that you act with the grace and decorum you were supposedly raised with and learn when it is either proper for you to speak or better for women of your status to remain silent. You are doing yourselves no favors here.’ Ladies of the court could be so cutting when they felt their positions were threatened. Sliding her dark eyes upward, she smirked at Princess Xene as she made a shooing motion towards the gossiping ladies.
“Oh pooh! I’m such a fan of gossip.” She snickered lightly glancing over to Theodora, “I find out so much about me that I didn’t even know.” The dimples in her cheeks deepened and she cast a small wink at her cousin before looking to the Princess and Basilides and catching him murmuring quietly to the Princess. How interesting… Lifting the glass of wine to her mouth, she discreetly looked away, her eyes falling on Melina and Gianna seeming to be having a lovely time. It would appear that Queen Theordora’s first court was right on track. Ladies enjoying themselves. Check. Gossip spread. Check.
As the Princess and Basilides settled into their seats, she instinctively felt the Queen’s attention shift to her once again and she glanced over as Theodora quietly prodded her, ‘So, Evangelina, tell me – I was wondering if perhaps there might be something brewing between you and Nikos of Condos.’
Evangelina’s eyes widened in a moment of surprise and a flush of redness touched her cheeks that had nothing to do with the wine. Had Theodora heard a rumor about the things Lord Nikos had said to her while the Egyptians had been visiting? He’d quite publicly said he’d seen all of her… Her eyes dropped and flitted around the room again and she shifted in her chair before looking back to her cousin and whispering a gasp to Theodora, “No, why? Is he saying there is?” Her fingers tightened on the stem of the goblet and sucked in an uncomfortable breath. There was a faint throbbing starting in her temples.
The babble of fools rarely roused irritation from Evangelina. People would say what they wanted and believe what they wanted all on their own and any attempts to dispel the notions simply made you look all the more blameworthy. The Gods had many ways of testing a person’s will, sometimes it was by having nothing happen at all and sometimes it was by having it all happen at once. For most of her young life, it had been the first and she’d grown content with simply living an uncharted life in the countryside of Acharist. Without warning, it’d shifted beneath her feet and the feet of all of Taengea.
She’d never meant to disturb her cousin by mentioning Pia. It was only that there was a small part of her mind that wondered if she’d ever see Pia again and sometimes what was thought in her mind made it all the way to and out of her lips before she had the opportunity to censor it. Altering the direction of conversation as smoothly as she could.
‘It has certainly been an adjustment, but I believe I am acclimating myself quite well. It helps to have a husband as supportive as Achilleas. I am lucky to have him.’
Out of the corner of her eye she saw the arrival of their cousin Melina followed shortly by the arrival of Princess Gianna, both the picture of Taengean fairness but it was only a glance before she felt her dark eyes tugged towards her cousin’s that were so much like her own, Theodora. Her features softened, the ease that the comment about King Achilleas had rolled off the queen’s tongue was curious indeed. She’d never voiced her personal concerns about the match between her cousin and the Taengean golden boy, but they had existed. She knew her cousin internalized many of her thoughts and feelings but she’d wondered if there was any fondness between her and King Achilleas. It was a relief to hear that easy way she spoke about him… maybe the affection wasn’t as one sided as she’d feared.
Evangelina didn’t believe that two people had to be in love with one another to make a marriage a success, but she did believe there had to be a balance of give and take and needs being met. A small part of the pint-sized Leventi had wondered if Achilleas affection to Theodora had been similar to what her own had been once towards Nikos, but the way Theodora just spoke… that was a way that Nikos had never spoken about her. Evangelina hoped it was true, for as much Theo’s sake as Achilleas’. It was hard to love and admire someone who… couldn’t quite love you the way you loved them. That particular thought brought her mind a full circle as it drifted to Gavriil. Would Lady Sybil always hold his heart hostage?
She shoved that thought away and smiled gently at Queen Theodora, “He’s very lucky to have you too cousin, don’t forget that.” She’d been about to add more when she spotted Princess Xene and… Basilides enter the room. Princess Xene had the Mikelidias flair for entering a room and taking command of it. The bold red and gold of her gown and painted lip coloring were dramatic and complimented the elegance and grace the oldest princess projected quite well. A nod and smile accompanied the Queen Theodora’s greeting as the pair joined them.
‘Need I remind the two of you that you are guests of the queen and you can be just as easily shunned from court as you could continue to spread nonsense.’ Evangelina’s dark eyes widened before she managed to dip her head and hid the surprised smile that had taken command over her face. ‘My suggestion is that you act with the grace and decorum you were supposedly raised with and learn when it is either proper for you to speak or better for women of your status to remain silent. You are doing yourselves no favors here.’ Ladies of the court could be so cutting when they felt their positions were threatened. Sliding her dark eyes upward, she smirked at Princess Xene as she made a shooing motion towards the gossiping ladies.
“Oh pooh! I’m such a fan of gossip.” She snickered lightly glancing over to Theodora, “I find out so much about me that I didn’t even know.” The dimples in her cheeks deepened and she cast a small wink at her cousin before looking to the Princess and Basilides and catching him murmuring quietly to the Princess. How interesting… Lifting the glass of wine to her mouth, she discreetly looked away, her eyes falling on Melina and Gianna seeming to be having a lovely time. It would appear that Queen Theordora’s first court was right on track. Ladies enjoying themselves. Check. Gossip spread. Check.
As the Princess and Basilides settled into their seats, she instinctively felt the Queen’s attention shift to her once again and she glanced over as Theodora quietly prodded her, ‘So, Evangelina, tell me – I was wondering if perhaps there might be something brewing between you and Nikos of Condos.’
Evangelina’s eyes widened in a moment of surprise and a flush of redness touched her cheeks that had nothing to do with the wine. Had Theodora heard a rumor about the things Lord Nikos had said to her while the Egyptians had been visiting? He’d quite publicly said he’d seen all of her… Her eyes dropped and flitted around the room again and she shifted in her chair before looking back to her cousin and whispering a gasp to Theodora, “No, why? Is he saying there is?” Her fingers tightened on the stem of the goblet and sucked in an uncomfortable breath. There was a faint throbbing starting in her temples.
Gossip As Autumn Falls
"I can't see this monarchy lasting long..."
"Sssh! The Queen will hear you!"
"So, what? She has no power outside of her husband and he'll be leaving for war too soon for them to do anything... And who's to say he'll ever come back? Men die all the time at war."
"You had best hope you're wrong! I don't think Taengea could cope with the loss of another King."
"It's what's made Egypt think that they can attack us, that's for sure! And the Mikaelidas and Leventis have ensured that our walls are coated in an open invitation, that's for sure...
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
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"So, what? She has no power outside of her husband and he'll be leaving for war too soon for them to do anything... And who's to say he'll ever come back? Men die all the time at war."
"You had best hope you're wrong! I don't think Taengea could cope with the loss of another King."
"It's what's made Egypt think that they can attack us, that's for sure! And the Mikaelidas and Leventis have ensured that our walls are coated in an open invitation, that's for sure...
Gossip As Autumn Falls
"I can't see this monarchy lasting long..."
"Sssh! The Queen will hear you!"
"So, what? She has no power outside of her husband and he'll be leaving for war too soon for them to do anything... And who's to say he'll ever come back? Men die all the time at war."
"You had best hope you're wrong! I don't think Taengea could cope with the loss of another King."
"It's what's made Egypt think that they can attack us, that's for sure! And the Mikaelidas and Leventis have ensured that our walls are coated in an open invitation, that's for sure...