Try as she might, the Eldest Leventi daughter could not convince any of her usual suspects to go with her while she shopped in the city. But Theo had opted to stay home in Macendia with the rest of her sisters, and she didn’t exactly feel like trying to keep Nana under control as she wandered. To be honest, she was looking forward to a chance to be by herself, to take her time to find the perfect material for a new chiton. In a house full of sisters, it was nice to get to step back and be alone.

The weather was beyond pleasant, so it wasn’t surprising that she chose one of her lighter day dresses. The material looked to be white, at first glance, but was the palest lavender, which was only made obvious by the lilac himation she pinned around her shoulders. The dark leather belt around her waist was a beautiful contrast with her matching shoes, but as usual, she wore no other jewels save for her Leventi cuff.

As there was little wind for the day, she left her hair down, preferring the loose curls when she could get away with it. And she was glad that her guard seemed to be running more leisurely than normal. It gave her a chance to have a moment with Ophelia before she was informed of his presence. She came around the corner just in time to hear the guard calming explaining to the man that she always walked to the market. ”Yes,” she said with a smile, ”When there is not much on the agenda for the trip, and when I do not have to return in any haste, I like to walk. Unless you would prefer another method, sir.” She asked politely, hoping that he wouldn’t mind walking either.

Brushing her hair off her shoulder, she offered him a bright smile. He was handsome, but so were most of the men in the order. Perhaps he knew of Zacharias-- maybe she could lead the conversation in that direction to see what he knew. If not, perhaps she could try and discover what exactly had been distracting Theo. Maybe he would have a hint as to why she seemed to prefer to keep her own company and sneak around.

As he spoke, she tried to place the familiarity of his voice. She may not have known his name, but she did recognize him. Perhaps he knew one of her cousins, or was familiar with the royal family. Whatever it was, she was pleased that perhaps they would at least have something in common to speak about as they walked to the market. There were times when she found herself with someone who was duller than dirt. Her mother had always reminded her that most of the ones who couldn’t speak with her often didn’t know what to say.

She had a hard time understanding the whole ‘awed’ thing. While yes, she was known as one of the most attractive women in all of Greece, it didn’t make her any less of a person. Selene enjoyed conversations with those around her, regardless of status. Perhaps she was more focused on those who she might actually build a relationship with, but that didn’t make her any less interested in those who she found in her company.

And she prided herself on being able to converse with anyone, to make them feel important. Wasn’t that the trait of a good and just Queen?

His comment about running the horses brought a soft giggle from her chest. “I would hate to point out that you’ve just accused a Leventi of over-exhausting horses, and yet…” Her voice was light, hoping that she was showing that she was not at all offended with his comment. If anyone knew just how to treat horses, it was the family’s life to breed horses for traits that were valued. Stamina, speed and the like-- and yet, she could not fault him for his care of them. His statement was not untrue. There was humor in it, and she did not mind teasing him in it.

There was a sweetness in his looks, in the brightness of his cheeks at his comment. And so she let out a soft laugh and slipped her arm into his. “I have been working with the saddlemaker in town on fitting a new mount for me. And I am to meet with a seamstress for a fitting, if you have time for pinning.” She hoped that he was interested in a lazy day, “And perhaps just wandering? I heard the last ships were filled to the brim.” It seemed as if she was interested in the material aspect of it, but in reality, she enjoyed the joy of a bustling market.

It was not common for Selene to lack someone familiar to travel to the market with. A gaggle of sisters and cousins meant that she could usually find some familial company and a known guard to head to market with. It was rare that she would demand to go, to require an odd Order member to attend to her. But her uncle had been feeling agreeable when he had procured her an escort. Hand delicately laid on his forearm, she couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief as he seemed to keep any effects of her appearance to himself.

Gods, the ones she had gone with in the past could barely speak to her. Or would attempt to woo her into some sort of affair. For some, she was a challenge that needed to be won. But he seemed content on simply doing as she wished without any sort of expectations from her. So long as it stayed that way, maybe she could keep him in the back of her mind for future endeavors.

As they made their way to the gates, she laughed. “I tend to favor riding the horses themselves versus the use of a carriage, anyway. I am a Leventi, after all.” She lifted her head in fake abhorrence that he’d even suggested that she would only seek a carriage. But the statement, followed with a giggle, was a sure sign that she was simply teasing him. The light banter was setting the tone for him, to make sure that he knew that most of her reputation was simply gossip driven. She was far less high brow than society thought her to be. “Tis a good thing I’ve already gone for my morning ride. My mare is happily bedded down, though she, like I, loves to roam.”

She wondered if he would think that the comment would allude to a desire to disappear without him. That was not the intent, but happily tucking herself into him so that he would at least think her obedient.

As they walked, and he easily accepted the duty of her guard, she couldn’t help but laugh at his instant agreement to wait with her as she was pinned for a new gown. “Do you have sisters, Krysto? I feel you would not so readily agree to a pinning if that were the case. It can be a long, boring affair, even more so for the one standing with the fabric on. But I already have your agreement, so you’ll be unable to backout now. I would make a point to eat prior to that, so you do not starve while waiting.” Her mother was rarely one to go with her for a pinning unless she herself was also being fitted. And her mother had always preferred to have the seamstress come to her, instead of the other way around. Selene, however, did not wish to put the lady out for just one dress.

Her eyes danced at the thought of being able to see things that she would have perhaps not been allowed to see. “I have no problems accompanying you on whatever errands you wish to complete. It is the least I can do for agreeing.” He mentioned medicine, and she was curious as to his role and knowledge. “Maybe I can learn from you then, if you know medicine. I’ve always been curious about the healing arts, but never had an ear to pick.” The day was looking like it would be an enjoyable one, to say the least.