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Despite knowing exactly where the man was if ever and whenever he needed to speak with him, Vangelis had not had the chance to meet with Stephanos since the meeting of the military leaders had been held at the Valaoritis city household. He had announced Stephanos to have taken a role within his army and he had dealt with the ensuing fall out and talk of tactical plots that followed. But before he had been able to truly speak with the man in private, the event had broken up and he had been forced to return to his duties. Duties that had kept him busy all through the last week or so and beyond the announcement of his engagement to Selene. Such an evening had not gone as planned.
Now, he stood before the doors of the guest chambers that Stephanos and Olympia had been given by the Kotas family, surprised to find only Stephanos in residence when he knocked for entry.
Unsure how he would be received by the man for his out of the blue announcement (not to mention the mania caused by the family they were now both to be married into), Vangelis simply stepped inside when the portal was opened to him - no more kingship meant no more immediate entry - and simply intended to work off of his friend's attitude and reception of his appearance. He would learn from that if he was about to shrug and turn away or enjoy a drink with his friend and now brother in arms in the upcoming war...
Looking around the chambers, he started with an easy method of small talk, his eyes glancing over the closed bed chamber door and listening for the sound of a baby.
"Is Olympia here?"
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Jan 22, 2020 16:33:48 GMT
Posted In Taking Stock on Jan 22, 2020 16:33:48 GMT
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Despite knowing exactly where the man was if ever and whenever he needed to speak with him, Vangelis had not had the chance to meet with Stephanos since the meeting of the military leaders had been held at the Valaoritis city household. He had announced Stephanos to have taken a role within his army and he had dealt with the ensuing fall out and talk of tactical plots that followed. But before he had been able to truly speak with the man in private, the event had broken up and he had been forced to return to his duties. Duties that had kept him busy all through the last week or so and beyond the announcement of his engagement to Selene. Such an evening had not gone as planned.
Now, he stood before the doors of the guest chambers that Stephanos and Olympia had been given by the Kotas family, surprised to find only Stephanos in residence when he knocked for entry.
Unsure how he would be received by the man for his out of the blue announcement (not to mention the mania caused by the family they were now both to be married into), Vangelis simply stepped inside when the portal was opened to him - no more kingship meant no more immediate entry - and simply intended to work off of his friend's attitude and reception of his appearance. He would learn from that if he was about to shrug and turn away or enjoy a drink with his friend and now brother in arms in the upcoming war...
Looking around the chambers, he started with an easy method of small talk, his eyes glancing over the closed bed chamber door and listening for the sound of a baby.
"Is Olympia here?"
Despite knowing exactly where the man was if ever and whenever he needed to speak with him, Vangelis had not had the chance to meet with Stephanos since the meeting of the military leaders had been held at the Valaoritis city household. He had announced Stephanos to have taken a role within his army and he had dealt with the ensuing fall out and talk of tactical plots that followed. But before he had been able to truly speak with the man in private, the event had broken up and he had been forced to return to his duties. Duties that had kept him busy all through the last week or so and beyond the announcement of his engagement to Selene. Such an evening had not gone as planned.
Now, he stood before the doors of the guest chambers that Stephanos and Olympia had been given by the Kotas family, surprised to find only Stephanos in residence when he knocked for entry.
Unsure how he would be received by the man for his out of the blue announcement (not to mention the mania caused by the family they were now both to be married into), Vangelis simply stepped inside when the portal was opened to him - no more kingship meant no more immediate entry - and simply intended to work off of his friend's attitude and reception of his appearance. He would learn from that if he was about to shrug and turn away or enjoy a drink with his friend and now brother in arms in the upcoming war...
Looking around the chambers, he started with an easy method of small talk, his eyes glancing over the closed bed chamber door and listening for the sound of a baby.
"Is Olympia here?"
Stephanos lay on the couch in the main room of the apartments, staring at the ceiling, thumb and forefinger gently perched on either side of his forehead. His other arm lay draped across his chest. The distant look to his eyes and face snapped into sharp focus when an assertive knock rapped at the door. He frowned, drew in a deep breath as though waking for the first time that day, and sat up. For a few seconds, he considered not answering, but as there were so few people who visited, and he was a social creature by nature, he couldn’t remain alone for long. Colchis held so few opportunities to simply go out and mingle. Despite being named Commander, he didn’t know the exact units he’d be commanding, nor the captains who were directly beneath him, nor where they lived. He was growing a little desperate for the easy friendships he’d taken for granted back home. A place where he was known by any and all, high born and low born alike, by virtue of being prince, general, and Order member. All of those connections meant he rarely met a stranger and it was so foreign to be in Colchis and have this ‘unknown’ status as his new reality.
“Vangelis,” he said with mild surprise and opened the door wider, gesturing the crown prince through the door. “Come in.” Stephanos leaned on the door, watching Vangelis move silently into the room and then craned his neck around the doorway and into the hallway to see if Selene or Zanon or someone else was with him. Nike, even. But, no, Vangelis was alone and Stephanos’s paranoia began to reassert itself. After the kerfuffle in the War Meet, he wondered if Vangelis had come to tell him that there was a change of plans.
That in mind, he shut the door with a soft click, giving the door handle more care than he needed to, and then moved past Vangelis into the room to resume his posture from before, exactly as he had been before. The apathy that had been afflicting him of late remained and due to boredom and lack of any real hobbies to engage in with anyone he knew, Stephanos couldn’t quite rouse himself to his usual sanguine self.
"Is Olympia here?" Vangelis asked after a stretch of silence.
“No. I think she took Tisiphone for a walk with Evelli or Selene or Nana or something.” Pia had told him what she was doing and though he’d been listening, he’d really only caught ‘walk’. He glanced at Vangelis and dropped his hand to his chest, clasping the two together. “So...Selene?” he prompted, not knowing if Vangelis would launch into the story of their love or give him a monosyllabic answer...but he had a guess as to which the other might do.
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Jan 29, 2020 19:04:31 GMT
Posted In Taking Stock on Jan 29, 2020 19:04:31 GMT
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Stephanos lay on the couch in the main room of the apartments, staring at the ceiling, thumb and forefinger gently perched on either side of his forehead. His other arm lay draped across his chest. The distant look to his eyes and face snapped into sharp focus when an assertive knock rapped at the door. He frowned, drew in a deep breath as though waking for the first time that day, and sat up. For a few seconds, he considered not answering, but as there were so few people who visited, and he was a social creature by nature, he couldn’t remain alone for long. Colchis held so few opportunities to simply go out and mingle. Despite being named Commander, he didn’t know the exact units he’d be commanding, nor the captains who were directly beneath him, nor where they lived. He was growing a little desperate for the easy friendships he’d taken for granted back home. A place where he was known by any and all, high born and low born alike, by virtue of being prince, general, and Order member. All of those connections meant he rarely met a stranger and it was so foreign to be in Colchis and have this ‘unknown’ status as his new reality.
“Vangelis,” he said with mild surprise and opened the door wider, gesturing the crown prince through the door. “Come in.” Stephanos leaned on the door, watching Vangelis move silently into the room and then craned his neck around the doorway and into the hallway to see if Selene or Zanon or someone else was with him. Nike, even. But, no, Vangelis was alone and Stephanos’s paranoia began to reassert itself. After the kerfuffle in the War Meet, he wondered if Vangelis had come to tell him that there was a change of plans.
That in mind, he shut the door with a soft click, giving the door handle more care than he needed to, and then moved past Vangelis into the room to resume his posture from before, exactly as he had been before. The apathy that had been afflicting him of late remained and due to boredom and lack of any real hobbies to engage in with anyone he knew, Stephanos couldn’t quite rouse himself to his usual sanguine self.
"Is Olympia here?" Vangelis asked after a stretch of silence.
“No. I think she took Tisiphone for a walk with Evelli or Selene or Nana or something.” Pia had told him what she was doing and though he’d been listening, he’d really only caught ‘walk’. He glanced at Vangelis and dropped his hand to his chest, clasping the two together. “So...Selene?” he prompted, not knowing if Vangelis would launch into the story of their love or give him a monosyllabic answer...but he had a guess as to which the other might do.
Stephanos lay on the couch in the main room of the apartments, staring at the ceiling, thumb and forefinger gently perched on either side of his forehead. His other arm lay draped across his chest. The distant look to his eyes and face snapped into sharp focus when an assertive knock rapped at the door. He frowned, drew in a deep breath as though waking for the first time that day, and sat up. For a few seconds, he considered not answering, but as there were so few people who visited, and he was a social creature by nature, he couldn’t remain alone for long. Colchis held so few opportunities to simply go out and mingle. Despite being named Commander, he didn’t know the exact units he’d be commanding, nor the captains who were directly beneath him, nor where they lived. He was growing a little desperate for the easy friendships he’d taken for granted back home. A place where he was known by any and all, high born and low born alike, by virtue of being prince, general, and Order member. All of those connections meant he rarely met a stranger and it was so foreign to be in Colchis and have this ‘unknown’ status as his new reality.
“Vangelis,” he said with mild surprise and opened the door wider, gesturing the crown prince through the door. “Come in.” Stephanos leaned on the door, watching Vangelis move silently into the room and then craned his neck around the doorway and into the hallway to see if Selene or Zanon or someone else was with him. Nike, even. But, no, Vangelis was alone and Stephanos’s paranoia began to reassert itself. After the kerfuffle in the War Meet, he wondered if Vangelis had come to tell him that there was a change of plans.
That in mind, he shut the door with a soft click, giving the door handle more care than he needed to, and then moved past Vangelis into the room to resume his posture from before, exactly as he had been before. The apathy that had been afflicting him of late remained and due to boredom and lack of any real hobbies to engage in with anyone he knew, Stephanos couldn’t quite rouse himself to his usual sanguine self.
"Is Olympia here?" Vangelis asked after a stretch of silence.
“No. I think she took Tisiphone for a walk with Evelli or Selene or Nana or something.” Pia had told him what she was doing and though he’d been listening, he’d really only caught ‘walk’. He glanced at Vangelis and dropped his hand to his chest, clasping the two together. “So...Selene?” he prompted, not knowing if Vangelis would launch into the story of their love or give him a monosyllabic answer...but he had a guess as to which the other might do.
When Stephanos opened the door, Vangelis cared little for his state of rumpled apathy. It was clear to him that the man was feeling cooped up but the ex-king of Taengea was not a prisoner in his home. He simply did not seem interested in branching out beyond his chambers into the city and Vangelis could hardly blame him.
Men were creatures of habit. And they did not generally like change. Especially when that change came as a fall from the pinnacle of social hierarchy to a position of non-nobility in a land that was neither your home nor your birthplace. Generally, where women could sail through diversity and multiple paths that their lives could be taken down, it was Vangelis' observance and experience that men tended to be slow to shift with the times. They held on to disgruntlement and resentment of what should and would have been, instead of reaching out to new pastures and purpose.
Stephanos seemed to be holding on with a determination that could make a mule seem accommodating.
When Stephanos answered his question regarding the location of Olympia, Vangelis frowned over the lack of care with which he held only half an answer. Whilst it was common for Vangelis to only catch half of the information spoke by his mother or sister when they were discussing details of their own days, this was only the case when he was distracted by work or thoughts of his duties beyond the dinner table. A simple glance around the room and the manner in which it had been kept - that of casual living and comfortable disarray - could tell anyone that Stephanos had had no such responsibilities. Which meant that he simply hadn't been listening to his wife.
The last person to be offering advice on women, Vangelis left the topic alone. He had been intending to speak with Stephanos' wife were she here but the discussion could wait for another time. As of now, he turned his attentions to the tome of papers that had been tied together and pinned beneath his arm.
The item looked similar to a book but was really two strips of thick leather and a tie of knotted fabric that served as a fastener. Between the hide pages were pieces of papyrus with notes on the upcoming war, particular units and the intentions for tactical manoeuvring once in Egypt. All that the man before him would need to complete his future duties as Commander.
Yet before he could introduce such a thing, or even draw it fully from under his arm where he had carried it angled between his elbow and waist, Stephanos had broached conversation simply with Selene's name.
"What about her?" Was his instinctive and immediate response, as Vangelis remained standing in the middle of the room.
Vangelis was not precisely experienced with casual chatter and gossip over women. The only acquaintances he held to whom it would be appropriate for him to discuss such a personal topic of sex and relations would have been his highest-ranking officers and closest companions. All of such officers were either his brothers (whom he did not relish the idea of discussing his love life with) or Nike. And Nike was hardly man enough for fill the position of partaking in 'guy talk'.
As such, Vangelis' initial query entirely bypassed and missed the subtext of Stephanos' question. No doubt, however, the man would enlighten him quickly enough...
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Jan 30, 2020 19:36:26 GMT
Posted In Taking Stock on Jan 30, 2020 19:36:26 GMT
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When Stephanos opened the door, Vangelis cared little for his state of rumpled apathy. It was clear to him that the man was feeling cooped up but the ex-king of Taengea was not a prisoner in his home. He simply did not seem interested in branching out beyond his chambers into the city and Vangelis could hardly blame him.
Men were creatures of habit. And they did not generally like change. Especially when that change came as a fall from the pinnacle of social hierarchy to a position of non-nobility in a land that was neither your home nor your birthplace. Generally, where women could sail through diversity and multiple paths that their lives could be taken down, it was Vangelis' observance and experience that men tended to be slow to shift with the times. They held on to disgruntlement and resentment of what should and would have been, instead of reaching out to new pastures and purpose.
Stephanos seemed to be holding on with a determination that could make a mule seem accommodating.
When Stephanos answered his question regarding the location of Olympia, Vangelis frowned over the lack of care with which he held only half an answer. Whilst it was common for Vangelis to only catch half of the information spoke by his mother or sister when they were discussing details of their own days, this was only the case when he was distracted by work or thoughts of his duties beyond the dinner table. A simple glance around the room and the manner in which it had been kept - that of casual living and comfortable disarray - could tell anyone that Stephanos had had no such responsibilities. Which meant that he simply hadn't been listening to his wife.
The last person to be offering advice on women, Vangelis left the topic alone. He had been intending to speak with Stephanos' wife were she here but the discussion could wait for another time. As of now, he turned his attentions to the tome of papers that had been tied together and pinned beneath his arm.
The item looked similar to a book but was really two strips of thick leather and a tie of knotted fabric that served as a fastener. Between the hide pages were pieces of papyrus with notes on the upcoming war, particular units and the intentions for tactical manoeuvring once in Egypt. All that the man before him would need to complete his future duties as Commander.
Yet before he could introduce such a thing, or even draw it fully from under his arm where he had carried it angled between his elbow and waist, Stephanos had broached conversation simply with Selene's name.
"What about her?" Was his instinctive and immediate response, as Vangelis remained standing in the middle of the room.
Vangelis was not precisely experienced with casual chatter and gossip over women. The only acquaintances he held to whom it would be appropriate for him to discuss such a personal topic of sex and relations would have been his highest-ranking officers and closest companions. All of such officers were either his brothers (whom he did not relish the idea of discussing his love life with) or Nike. And Nike was hardly man enough for fill the position of partaking in 'guy talk'.
As such, Vangelis' initial query entirely bypassed and missed the subtext of Stephanos' question. No doubt, however, the man would enlighten him quickly enough...
When Stephanos opened the door, Vangelis cared little for his state of rumpled apathy. It was clear to him that the man was feeling cooped up but the ex-king of Taengea was not a prisoner in his home. He simply did not seem interested in branching out beyond his chambers into the city and Vangelis could hardly blame him.
Men were creatures of habit. And they did not generally like change. Especially when that change came as a fall from the pinnacle of social hierarchy to a position of non-nobility in a land that was neither your home nor your birthplace. Generally, where women could sail through diversity and multiple paths that their lives could be taken down, it was Vangelis' observance and experience that men tended to be slow to shift with the times. They held on to disgruntlement and resentment of what should and would have been, instead of reaching out to new pastures and purpose.
Stephanos seemed to be holding on with a determination that could make a mule seem accommodating.
When Stephanos answered his question regarding the location of Olympia, Vangelis frowned over the lack of care with which he held only half an answer. Whilst it was common for Vangelis to only catch half of the information spoke by his mother or sister when they were discussing details of their own days, this was only the case when he was distracted by work or thoughts of his duties beyond the dinner table. A simple glance around the room and the manner in which it had been kept - that of casual living and comfortable disarray - could tell anyone that Stephanos had had no such responsibilities. Which meant that he simply hadn't been listening to his wife.
The last person to be offering advice on women, Vangelis left the topic alone. He had been intending to speak with Stephanos' wife were she here but the discussion could wait for another time. As of now, he turned his attentions to the tome of papers that had been tied together and pinned beneath his arm.
The item looked similar to a book but was really two strips of thick leather and a tie of knotted fabric that served as a fastener. Between the hide pages were pieces of papyrus with notes on the upcoming war, particular units and the intentions for tactical manoeuvring once in Egypt. All that the man before him would need to complete his future duties as Commander.
Yet before he could introduce such a thing, or even draw it fully from under his arm where he had carried it angled between his elbow and waist, Stephanos had broached conversation simply with Selene's name.
"What about her?" Was his instinctive and immediate response, as Vangelis remained standing in the middle of the room.
Vangelis was not precisely experienced with casual chatter and gossip over women. The only acquaintances he held to whom it would be appropriate for him to discuss such a personal topic of sex and relations would have been his highest-ranking officers and closest companions. All of such officers were either his brothers (whom he did not relish the idea of discussing his love life with) or Nike. And Nike was hardly man enough for fill the position of partaking in 'guy talk'.
As such, Vangelis' initial query entirely bypassed and missed the subtext of Stephanos' question. No doubt, however, the man would enlighten him quickly enough...
Stephanos hadn’t been looking when Vangelis indicated his attention was on the papers he carried. Nor did he notice when he finally looked back at the crown prince. What he did notice was that Vangelis seemed a little jumpy at the mention of Selene’s name. Or, Stephanos fancied he was, at least. The abrupt "What about her?" might have made Stephanos grin with mischief if they were still in Taengea but it’d really only been his half attempt at conversation. Vangelis might like to stand in a room and simply occupy space but Stephanos required sound as well as presence.
Stephanos half sat up, looked Vangelis up and down, and seeing the blank expression on Vangelis’s face, shook his head, laying back down. “Never mind,” he said. “I-” and then he looked back at Vangelis, sitting up again, belatedly realizing what it meant if Vangelis arrived somewhere. The man didn’t do small talk, he barely did anything that passed as ‘socializing’. If he was here, that obviously meant something was terribly, terribly wrong.
“What is it?” Stephanos didn’t have any sort of panic in his voice, but he was more alert now, giving Vangelis his whole attention, whereas before he’d been barely passing as social. Though obviously more social than the Colchian prince might appreciate. He nodded his head toward the papers Vangelis held. “Is that from Achilleas?”
It could have been anything. An order for Stephanos and his family to be extradited back to Taengea to be brought up on charges. Possibly more false charges of treason to be lobbied against him. Maybe it had to do with the intermittent battles that Colchis had with their northern neighbors and Vangelis had come to tell him to hang tight and wait some more while he went off to find glory elsewhere, while he, Stephanos, languished here doing nothing at all. Or, if he was being sent to the far flung, bastard northern reaches, even further away from anything and anyone he cared about. Stephanos wasn’t sure which of those options was worst.
As Vangelis had accurately surmised, Stephanos was not doing at all well with being suddenly and, fairly violently, out of place. Given time, Stephanos, very probably, could learn to be happy here, but with his wife so decidedly unhappy, Stephanos was constantly reminded of what he’d lost and how much he needed to get it back, if not for himself, then for his wife, his daughter, his own progeny that would come later. Though he’d never wanted to be king in the first place, the taste of failure was a bit more than he was prepared to keep being acquainted with. Not quite the perfectionist of the man before him, Stephanos disliked defeat just as much and grew more bitter with each day that passed when an opportunity for change did not present itself.
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Feb 10, 2020 17:41:25 GMT
Posted In Taking Stock on Feb 10, 2020 17:41:25 GMT
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Stephanos hadn’t been looking when Vangelis indicated his attention was on the papers he carried. Nor did he notice when he finally looked back at the crown prince. What he did notice was that Vangelis seemed a little jumpy at the mention of Selene’s name. Or, Stephanos fancied he was, at least. The abrupt "What about her?" might have made Stephanos grin with mischief if they were still in Taengea but it’d really only been his half attempt at conversation. Vangelis might like to stand in a room and simply occupy space but Stephanos required sound as well as presence.
Stephanos half sat up, looked Vangelis up and down, and seeing the blank expression on Vangelis’s face, shook his head, laying back down. “Never mind,” he said. “I-” and then he looked back at Vangelis, sitting up again, belatedly realizing what it meant if Vangelis arrived somewhere. The man didn’t do small talk, he barely did anything that passed as ‘socializing’. If he was here, that obviously meant something was terribly, terribly wrong.
“What is it?” Stephanos didn’t have any sort of panic in his voice, but he was more alert now, giving Vangelis his whole attention, whereas before he’d been barely passing as social. Though obviously more social than the Colchian prince might appreciate. He nodded his head toward the papers Vangelis held. “Is that from Achilleas?”
It could have been anything. An order for Stephanos and his family to be extradited back to Taengea to be brought up on charges. Possibly more false charges of treason to be lobbied against him. Maybe it had to do with the intermittent battles that Colchis had with their northern neighbors and Vangelis had come to tell him to hang tight and wait some more while he went off to find glory elsewhere, while he, Stephanos, languished here doing nothing at all. Or, if he was being sent to the far flung, bastard northern reaches, even further away from anything and anyone he cared about. Stephanos wasn’t sure which of those options was worst.
As Vangelis had accurately surmised, Stephanos was not doing at all well with being suddenly and, fairly violently, out of place. Given time, Stephanos, very probably, could learn to be happy here, but with his wife so decidedly unhappy, Stephanos was constantly reminded of what he’d lost and how much he needed to get it back, if not for himself, then for his wife, his daughter, his own progeny that would come later. Though he’d never wanted to be king in the first place, the taste of failure was a bit more than he was prepared to keep being acquainted with. Not quite the perfectionist of the man before him, Stephanos disliked defeat just as much and grew more bitter with each day that passed when an opportunity for change did not present itself.
Stephanos hadn’t been looking when Vangelis indicated his attention was on the papers he carried. Nor did he notice when he finally looked back at the crown prince. What he did notice was that Vangelis seemed a little jumpy at the mention of Selene’s name. Or, Stephanos fancied he was, at least. The abrupt "What about her?" might have made Stephanos grin with mischief if they were still in Taengea but it’d really only been his half attempt at conversation. Vangelis might like to stand in a room and simply occupy space but Stephanos required sound as well as presence.
Stephanos half sat up, looked Vangelis up and down, and seeing the blank expression on Vangelis’s face, shook his head, laying back down. “Never mind,” he said. “I-” and then he looked back at Vangelis, sitting up again, belatedly realizing what it meant if Vangelis arrived somewhere. The man didn’t do small talk, he barely did anything that passed as ‘socializing’. If he was here, that obviously meant something was terribly, terribly wrong.
“What is it?” Stephanos didn’t have any sort of panic in his voice, but he was more alert now, giving Vangelis his whole attention, whereas before he’d been barely passing as social. Though obviously more social than the Colchian prince might appreciate. He nodded his head toward the papers Vangelis held. “Is that from Achilleas?”
It could have been anything. An order for Stephanos and his family to be extradited back to Taengea to be brought up on charges. Possibly more false charges of treason to be lobbied against him. Maybe it had to do with the intermittent battles that Colchis had with their northern neighbors and Vangelis had come to tell him to hang tight and wait some more while he went off to find glory elsewhere, while he, Stephanos, languished here doing nothing at all. Or, if he was being sent to the far flung, bastard northern reaches, even further away from anything and anyone he cared about. Stephanos wasn’t sure which of those options was worst.
As Vangelis had accurately surmised, Stephanos was not doing at all well with being suddenly and, fairly violently, out of place. Given time, Stephanos, very probably, could learn to be happy here, but with his wife so decidedly unhappy, Stephanos was constantly reminded of what he’d lost and how much he needed to get it back, if not for himself, then for his wife, his daughter, his own progeny that would come later. Though he’d never wanted to be king in the first place, the taste of failure was a bit more than he was prepared to keep being acquainted with. Not quite the perfectionist of the man before him, Stephanos disliked defeat just as much and grew more bitter with each day that passed when an opportunity for change did not present itself.
Vangelis blinked at Stephanos' sudden change of mood but her offered no other reaction. Unlike Stephanos who felt a need to fill the space and air with sound or movement or some form of life, Vangelis was far more settled and capable of simply existing and allowing the world to go by around him. Differences in personality to be sure but neither worse nor favoured than the other.
At his quick demand as to whether or not the papers he held were from Achilleas, Vangelis shook his head immediately, allowing such stressors and fears to leave his friend's mind. Part of him felt frustration over Stephanos' pre-occupation with home; his assumptions that everything in his life was supposed to be about Taengea when he himself had just offered him a significant and important role in Colchis. Yet, if he was to turn the situation around, he could not blame the man. Colchis was in his blood, in his soul... it was burnt into his skin and solidified within his mind. It was part of who he was. And he knew that it was likely the same for Stephanos and his own kingdom. It was not so easy to simply walk away.
"No." He simply told the man, the word accompanying his head shake. "I have heard nothing more regarding Taengea other than that Achilleas is setting sail imminently for Egypt. We'll be only a few week's behind him." Which made a total of four weeks between each of their arrivals in Africa - 3 if the weather held for them and he could push their fleet faster.
Vangelis took a step towards Stephanos remaining still several feet away from him in order to force him to stand up to the take the documents he now held out.
"This is the information on the unit you'll be in charge of." He told him, the papers secured by an outer skin of hide. "It's only the one but you'll be in Command of that entire branch of the mission."
Vangelis had confirmed in his meeting with the heads of his militia that Stephanos would be in charge of the unit that would work to secure Achilleas' men and support them in a movement of retreat that would keep them safe. It was an objective that required careful handling, speed and subtlety. A ton of men and multiple units would only hinder. So, whilst the man was only being given that which a Captain would hold under his command, his rank was still significant. He would report solely to Vangelis or the King and would oversee that entire side of their military efforts. Whilst he might not engage so much against the Egyptians, his duty was the focal point of the entire campaign...
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Feb 17, 2020 18:09:51 GMT
Posted In Taking Stock on Feb 17, 2020 18:09:51 GMT
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Vangelis blinked at Stephanos' sudden change of mood but her offered no other reaction. Unlike Stephanos who felt a need to fill the space and air with sound or movement or some form of life, Vangelis was far more settled and capable of simply existing and allowing the world to go by around him. Differences in personality to be sure but neither worse nor favoured than the other.
At his quick demand as to whether or not the papers he held were from Achilleas, Vangelis shook his head immediately, allowing such stressors and fears to leave his friend's mind. Part of him felt frustration over Stephanos' pre-occupation with home; his assumptions that everything in his life was supposed to be about Taengea when he himself had just offered him a significant and important role in Colchis. Yet, if he was to turn the situation around, he could not blame the man. Colchis was in his blood, in his soul... it was burnt into his skin and solidified within his mind. It was part of who he was. And he knew that it was likely the same for Stephanos and his own kingdom. It was not so easy to simply walk away.
"No." He simply told the man, the word accompanying his head shake. "I have heard nothing more regarding Taengea other than that Achilleas is setting sail imminently for Egypt. We'll be only a few week's behind him." Which made a total of four weeks between each of their arrivals in Africa - 3 if the weather held for them and he could push their fleet faster.
Vangelis took a step towards Stephanos remaining still several feet away from him in order to force him to stand up to the take the documents he now held out.
"This is the information on the unit you'll be in charge of." He told him, the papers secured by an outer skin of hide. "It's only the one but you'll be in Command of that entire branch of the mission."
Vangelis had confirmed in his meeting with the heads of his militia that Stephanos would be in charge of the unit that would work to secure Achilleas' men and support them in a movement of retreat that would keep them safe. It was an objective that required careful handling, speed and subtlety. A ton of men and multiple units would only hinder. So, whilst the man was only being given that which a Captain would hold under his command, his rank was still significant. He would report solely to Vangelis or the King and would oversee that entire side of their military efforts. Whilst he might not engage so much against the Egyptians, his duty was the focal point of the entire campaign...
Vangelis blinked at Stephanos' sudden change of mood but her offered no other reaction. Unlike Stephanos who felt a need to fill the space and air with sound or movement or some form of life, Vangelis was far more settled and capable of simply existing and allowing the world to go by around him. Differences in personality to be sure but neither worse nor favoured than the other.
At his quick demand as to whether or not the papers he held were from Achilleas, Vangelis shook his head immediately, allowing such stressors and fears to leave his friend's mind. Part of him felt frustration over Stephanos' pre-occupation with home; his assumptions that everything in his life was supposed to be about Taengea when he himself had just offered him a significant and important role in Colchis. Yet, if he was to turn the situation around, he could not blame the man. Colchis was in his blood, in his soul... it was burnt into his skin and solidified within his mind. It was part of who he was. And he knew that it was likely the same for Stephanos and his own kingdom. It was not so easy to simply walk away.
"No." He simply told the man, the word accompanying his head shake. "I have heard nothing more regarding Taengea other than that Achilleas is setting sail imminently for Egypt. We'll be only a few week's behind him." Which made a total of four weeks between each of their arrivals in Africa - 3 if the weather held for them and he could push their fleet faster.
Vangelis took a step towards Stephanos remaining still several feet away from him in order to force him to stand up to the take the documents he now held out.
"This is the information on the unit you'll be in charge of." He told him, the papers secured by an outer skin of hide. "It's only the one but you'll be in Command of that entire branch of the mission."
Vangelis had confirmed in his meeting with the heads of his militia that Stephanos would be in charge of the unit that would work to secure Achilleas' men and support them in a movement of retreat that would keep them safe. It was an objective that required careful handling, speed and subtlety. A ton of men and multiple units would only hinder. So, whilst the man was only being given that which a Captain would hold under his command, his rank was still significant. He would report solely to Vangelis or the King and would oversee that entire side of their military efforts. Whilst he might not engage so much against the Egyptians, his duty was the focal point of the entire campaign...
As Vangelis shook his head, Stephanos couldn’t figure out if he was disappointed or relieved that this was nothing to do with his cousin. His eyes flicked between Vangelis’s stony expression and the papers in the man’s hands as he listened to Vangelis outlining what Achilleas planned to do. In his mind’s eye, he could see the fleet of ships Achilleas would use. He could practically hear the creak of the timbers and the clink of armor and he pictured his cousin standing tall and impressive on the at the bow of the ship. A small smile quirked at the corners of his mouth as he thought of Achilleas’s face, his cousin’s brows drawn together, square jaw clenched and just knew the man was hoping he looked the part. In that moment, with that thought, Stephanos missed Achilleas deeply. He missed the man’s insecurities but pushed aside any more sentiment than that. Clearing his throat, he concentrated on Vangelis’s information, choosing to calculate the sailing times between the nations instead and standing to reach for the papers Vangelis held out.
Stephanos looked down at the hide bound packet in his hand and began to unwrap the leather string binding them all together. "This is the information on the unit you'll be in charge of. It's only the one but you'll be in Command of that entire branch of the mission." Vangelis was saying and Stephanos nodded absently, his eyes on the information before him. It didn’t bother him that this would be a small contingent. Vangelis was already doing him a massive honor by giving him command of anything and beyond that, they’d only fought together the once. Even then, it’d barely been side by side. He lifted up the first paper, starting to read, lips moving as he scanned the information.
A frown marred his features and he glanced up at Vangelis once but didn’t actually ask any questions. In his hands, he now held what felt like true purpose. Of course his wife and daughter were priorities, but they weren’t tasks. Stephanos had wanted, no, needed something to sink his teeth into; something to study, something to prove to himself, more than anyone else, that what had happened in Taengea was totally Irakles’s fault. What kept him up at night were the doubts that maybe, just maybe he’d had a hand in his own destruction. Whether that had come from his years of previous recklessness or perhaps he’d missed something critical during his reign. The problem was that he’d never really know. There was no way to tell and no way to go back and get an unbiased answer from anyone. History would have to decide for itself while he was left to figure out what it meant for him in the here and now.
Turning away from Vangelis, he almost sat down on the kline to study this but then a thought wandered through his mind and he turned back. “What did you want with Pia?” He’d merely answered Vangelis’s question of his wife’s whereabouts before, but not asked the reason. Now he wanted to know.
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Mar 12, 2020 21:48:13 GMT
Posted In Taking Stock on Mar 12, 2020 21:48:13 GMT
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As Vangelis shook his head, Stephanos couldn’t figure out if he was disappointed or relieved that this was nothing to do with his cousin. His eyes flicked between Vangelis’s stony expression and the papers in the man’s hands as he listened to Vangelis outlining what Achilleas planned to do. In his mind’s eye, he could see the fleet of ships Achilleas would use. He could practically hear the creak of the timbers and the clink of armor and he pictured his cousin standing tall and impressive on the at the bow of the ship. A small smile quirked at the corners of his mouth as he thought of Achilleas’s face, his cousin’s brows drawn together, square jaw clenched and just knew the man was hoping he looked the part. In that moment, with that thought, Stephanos missed Achilleas deeply. He missed the man’s insecurities but pushed aside any more sentiment than that. Clearing his throat, he concentrated on Vangelis’s information, choosing to calculate the sailing times between the nations instead and standing to reach for the papers Vangelis held out.
Stephanos looked down at the hide bound packet in his hand and began to unwrap the leather string binding them all together. "This is the information on the unit you'll be in charge of. It's only the one but you'll be in Command of that entire branch of the mission." Vangelis was saying and Stephanos nodded absently, his eyes on the information before him. It didn’t bother him that this would be a small contingent. Vangelis was already doing him a massive honor by giving him command of anything and beyond that, they’d only fought together the once. Even then, it’d barely been side by side. He lifted up the first paper, starting to read, lips moving as he scanned the information.
A frown marred his features and he glanced up at Vangelis once but didn’t actually ask any questions. In his hands, he now held what felt like true purpose. Of course his wife and daughter were priorities, but they weren’t tasks. Stephanos had wanted, no, needed something to sink his teeth into; something to study, something to prove to himself, more than anyone else, that what had happened in Taengea was totally Irakles’s fault. What kept him up at night were the doubts that maybe, just maybe he’d had a hand in his own destruction. Whether that had come from his years of previous recklessness or perhaps he’d missed something critical during his reign. The problem was that he’d never really know. There was no way to tell and no way to go back and get an unbiased answer from anyone. History would have to decide for itself while he was left to figure out what it meant for him in the here and now.
Turning away from Vangelis, he almost sat down on the kline to study this but then a thought wandered through his mind and he turned back. “What did you want with Pia?” He’d merely answered Vangelis’s question of his wife’s whereabouts before, but not asked the reason. Now he wanted to know.
As Vangelis shook his head, Stephanos couldn’t figure out if he was disappointed or relieved that this was nothing to do with his cousin. His eyes flicked between Vangelis’s stony expression and the papers in the man’s hands as he listened to Vangelis outlining what Achilleas planned to do. In his mind’s eye, he could see the fleet of ships Achilleas would use. He could practically hear the creak of the timbers and the clink of armor and he pictured his cousin standing tall and impressive on the at the bow of the ship. A small smile quirked at the corners of his mouth as he thought of Achilleas’s face, his cousin’s brows drawn together, square jaw clenched and just knew the man was hoping he looked the part. In that moment, with that thought, Stephanos missed Achilleas deeply. He missed the man’s insecurities but pushed aside any more sentiment than that. Clearing his throat, he concentrated on Vangelis’s information, choosing to calculate the sailing times between the nations instead and standing to reach for the papers Vangelis held out.
Stephanos looked down at the hide bound packet in his hand and began to unwrap the leather string binding them all together. "This is the information on the unit you'll be in charge of. It's only the one but you'll be in Command of that entire branch of the mission." Vangelis was saying and Stephanos nodded absently, his eyes on the information before him. It didn’t bother him that this would be a small contingent. Vangelis was already doing him a massive honor by giving him command of anything and beyond that, they’d only fought together the once. Even then, it’d barely been side by side. He lifted up the first paper, starting to read, lips moving as he scanned the information.
A frown marred his features and he glanced up at Vangelis once but didn’t actually ask any questions. In his hands, he now held what felt like true purpose. Of course his wife and daughter were priorities, but they weren’t tasks. Stephanos had wanted, no, needed something to sink his teeth into; something to study, something to prove to himself, more than anyone else, that what had happened in Taengea was totally Irakles’s fault. What kept him up at night were the doubts that maybe, just maybe he’d had a hand in his own destruction. Whether that had come from his years of previous recklessness or perhaps he’d missed something critical during his reign. The problem was that he’d never really know. There was no way to tell and no way to go back and get an unbiased answer from anyone. History would have to decide for itself while he was left to figure out what it meant for him in the here and now.
Turning away from Vangelis, he almost sat down on the kline to study this but then a thought wandered through his mind and he turned back. “What did you want with Pia?” He’d merely answered Vangelis’s question of his wife’s whereabouts before, but not asked the reason. Now he wanted to know.
Vangelis watched as the man took the information from him and began to study it. Despite the fact that he two of them had only technically fought side by side the once, Vangelis had been certain of his choice in the man.
As soon as he had decided to intercede with Taengean affairs by aiding in Stephanos and Olympia’s escape from their palace prison, Vangelis had not sat around with absent daydreams until night fell to provide the cover of retreat. Instead, he had seen to his affairs quickly, ensured that his travelling companions were taken care of and would be on the ship to return with him to Colchis. And had then set Magnus off on his duties whilst still in Taengea. Along with watching and reporting upon Regent Irakles’ movements, he had also requested information on Stephanos.
For if the man was to come to his home, to remain in his kingdom for an indefinite time, then Vangelis needed to know more about him and ensure that he was able to offer the man something to do whilst in his safe haven tenure. For no-one was permitted to remain idle in Colchis. It just wasn’t done. All had parts to play and duties to maintain. And Stephanos had been a Commander and General in Taengea for several years. It was a likely role to permit him in Colchis.
From a personal standpoint, Vangelis had had no issues at all in offering Stephanos a role of power and authority within his armed forces. The man was determined, loyal and held a confidence that men looked to for leadership. He also had faith and trust in the man who had saved his father’s life.
But Vangelis was no sentimental, who would place the lives of his people into the hands of a man who could not handle such duties simply because he happened to like him. Instead, he had ensured that Stephanos’ military records and reports for the last ten years had been spied upon, copied and sent to him across the seas in a delicate package that had been delivered by Magnus himself – along with the less expected news that his investigations into the usurping king were now more or less moot given that the man was dead.
From the reports, Vangelis had surmised evidence that supported his assumptions over Stephanos. His military career was well documented as one of a few losses but a far larger numbers of successes. And, more importantly, his style and manner of fighting and leading would work well with a Colchian unit. Despite the differences in culture between the two kingdoms, Vangelis had no doubts that the adopted unit Stephanos would command would be able to follow any of the orders he had carried out with his own men over the last ten years. He just had to ensure that he was able to command them. And he would have just over a week of preparation time, plus the boat ride to Taengea to prove that he could claim that command.
When the man asked over Olympia, Vangelis’ brows rose a little, as if he had forgotten his other purpose in attending upon the Mikaelidas couple that day.
“Only to assure her that she is welcome here for the duration of the war regardless of its consequences.” He stated, not exactly spelling out the chances of his or Stephanos’ demise but speaking of it in the casual but determined tone that most seasoned fighters would adopt when discussing the very real chances of their death on the battlefield. “And to ensure that she knew who within the Colchian Court was to be trusted and who not. I would not see her at a disadvantage for our absence.”
He hadn’t exactly helped to rescue the two of them only to see them fall foul of another kingdom’s noble class.
Turning to leave, for he saw his work here now as done, Vangelis paused for a moment, half turned back as if to speak upon something else and pause as if frozen before he completed the act to address Stephanos once more.
“Forgive me for any condescension.” He started, for he was well aware of his tendency to say the wrong thing – particularly when he was attempting to show empathy. “But while you may not have been prepared to handle the poison chalice given to you with the crown, I have every faith that you are prepared for this.” His eyes narrowed. “I do not entrust the lives of my men carelessly.”
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Vangelis watched as the man took the information from him and began to study it. Despite the fact that he two of them had only technically fought side by side the once, Vangelis had been certain of his choice in the man.
As soon as he had decided to intercede with Taengean affairs by aiding in Stephanos and Olympia’s escape from their palace prison, Vangelis had not sat around with absent daydreams until night fell to provide the cover of retreat. Instead, he had seen to his affairs quickly, ensured that his travelling companions were taken care of and would be on the ship to return with him to Colchis. And had then set Magnus off on his duties whilst still in Taengea. Along with watching and reporting upon Regent Irakles’ movements, he had also requested information on Stephanos.
For if the man was to come to his home, to remain in his kingdom for an indefinite time, then Vangelis needed to know more about him and ensure that he was able to offer the man something to do whilst in his safe haven tenure. For no-one was permitted to remain idle in Colchis. It just wasn’t done. All had parts to play and duties to maintain. And Stephanos had been a Commander and General in Taengea for several years. It was a likely role to permit him in Colchis.
From a personal standpoint, Vangelis had had no issues at all in offering Stephanos a role of power and authority within his armed forces. The man was determined, loyal and held a confidence that men looked to for leadership. He also had faith and trust in the man who had saved his father’s life.
But Vangelis was no sentimental, who would place the lives of his people into the hands of a man who could not handle such duties simply because he happened to like him. Instead, he had ensured that Stephanos’ military records and reports for the last ten years had been spied upon, copied and sent to him across the seas in a delicate package that had been delivered by Magnus himself – along with the less expected news that his investigations into the usurping king were now more or less moot given that the man was dead.
From the reports, Vangelis had surmised evidence that supported his assumptions over Stephanos. His military career was well documented as one of a few losses but a far larger numbers of successes. And, more importantly, his style and manner of fighting and leading would work well with a Colchian unit. Despite the differences in culture between the two kingdoms, Vangelis had no doubts that the adopted unit Stephanos would command would be able to follow any of the orders he had carried out with his own men over the last ten years. He just had to ensure that he was able to command them. And he would have just over a week of preparation time, plus the boat ride to Taengea to prove that he could claim that command.
When the man asked over Olympia, Vangelis’ brows rose a little, as if he had forgotten his other purpose in attending upon the Mikaelidas couple that day.
“Only to assure her that she is welcome here for the duration of the war regardless of its consequences.” He stated, not exactly spelling out the chances of his or Stephanos’ demise but speaking of it in the casual but determined tone that most seasoned fighters would adopt when discussing the very real chances of their death on the battlefield. “And to ensure that she knew who within the Colchian Court was to be trusted and who not. I would not see her at a disadvantage for our absence.”
He hadn’t exactly helped to rescue the two of them only to see them fall foul of another kingdom’s noble class.
Turning to leave, for he saw his work here now as done, Vangelis paused for a moment, half turned back as if to speak upon something else and pause as if frozen before he completed the act to address Stephanos once more.
“Forgive me for any condescension.” He started, for he was well aware of his tendency to say the wrong thing – particularly when he was attempting to show empathy. “But while you may not have been prepared to handle the poison chalice given to you with the crown, I have every faith that you are prepared for this.” His eyes narrowed. “I do not entrust the lives of my men carelessly.”
Vangelis watched as the man took the information from him and began to study it. Despite the fact that he two of them had only technically fought side by side the once, Vangelis had been certain of his choice in the man.
As soon as he had decided to intercede with Taengean affairs by aiding in Stephanos and Olympia’s escape from their palace prison, Vangelis had not sat around with absent daydreams until night fell to provide the cover of retreat. Instead, he had seen to his affairs quickly, ensured that his travelling companions were taken care of and would be on the ship to return with him to Colchis. And had then set Magnus off on his duties whilst still in Taengea. Along with watching and reporting upon Regent Irakles’ movements, he had also requested information on Stephanos.
For if the man was to come to his home, to remain in his kingdom for an indefinite time, then Vangelis needed to know more about him and ensure that he was able to offer the man something to do whilst in his safe haven tenure. For no-one was permitted to remain idle in Colchis. It just wasn’t done. All had parts to play and duties to maintain. And Stephanos had been a Commander and General in Taengea for several years. It was a likely role to permit him in Colchis.
From a personal standpoint, Vangelis had had no issues at all in offering Stephanos a role of power and authority within his armed forces. The man was determined, loyal and held a confidence that men looked to for leadership. He also had faith and trust in the man who had saved his father’s life.
But Vangelis was no sentimental, who would place the lives of his people into the hands of a man who could not handle such duties simply because he happened to like him. Instead, he had ensured that Stephanos’ military records and reports for the last ten years had been spied upon, copied and sent to him across the seas in a delicate package that had been delivered by Magnus himself – along with the less expected news that his investigations into the usurping king were now more or less moot given that the man was dead.
From the reports, Vangelis had surmised evidence that supported his assumptions over Stephanos. His military career was well documented as one of a few losses but a far larger numbers of successes. And, more importantly, his style and manner of fighting and leading would work well with a Colchian unit. Despite the differences in culture between the two kingdoms, Vangelis had no doubts that the adopted unit Stephanos would command would be able to follow any of the orders he had carried out with his own men over the last ten years. He just had to ensure that he was able to command them. And he would have just over a week of preparation time, plus the boat ride to Taengea to prove that he could claim that command.
When the man asked over Olympia, Vangelis’ brows rose a little, as if he had forgotten his other purpose in attending upon the Mikaelidas couple that day.
“Only to assure her that she is welcome here for the duration of the war regardless of its consequences.” He stated, not exactly spelling out the chances of his or Stephanos’ demise but speaking of it in the casual but determined tone that most seasoned fighters would adopt when discussing the very real chances of their death on the battlefield. “And to ensure that she knew who within the Colchian Court was to be trusted and who not. I would not see her at a disadvantage for our absence.”
He hadn’t exactly helped to rescue the two of them only to see them fall foul of another kingdom’s noble class.
Turning to leave, for he saw his work here now as done, Vangelis paused for a moment, half turned back as if to speak upon something else and pause as if frozen before he completed the act to address Stephanos once more.
“Forgive me for any condescension.” He started, for he was well aware of his tendency to say the wrong thing – particularly when he was attempting to show empathy. “But while you may not have been prepared to handle the poison chalice given to you with the crown, I have every faith that you are prepared for this.” His eyes narrowed. “I do not entrust the lives of my men carelessly.”
Stephanos nodded along as Vangelis detailed out Pia’s life to come. She’d stay here, in the Colchian court. At least, that was the plan for now. That was the plan indefinitely, except that Irakles’s death changed things. In fact, the Creed’s odd absence changed things. It seemed like every bad thing died with Irakles. Or, that was how it felt from here, anyway. He wasn’t there in his kingdom’s day to day. It was hard to gauge how accurate those thoughts were, but Stephanos also wasn’t completely sure that he wanted Pia to stay. It had taken Vangelis outlining that they were leaving for war and mentioning Pia having to carve out a new place for herself that had Stephanos thinking.
He said nothing to the prince, however, and instead, looked back down at the packet, but he wasn’t seeing it anymore. Though he wished life could go back to a time when he didn’t have as many life altering decisions before him, he realized that that was the life of a child: there were always decisions being made by other people. The life of an adult, a man, a leader, was to make other people’s decisions for them and to live with those consequences. Something he’d never wanted to do and found himself doing all of the time, now. King or not, that was what marriage, fatherhood, and now being a Commander again meant.
Vangelis turned to leave and Stephanos finally did sit back down on the kline. He held the packet in his lap, sifting through the papers, skipping ones that didn’t look overly important and aiming to get to the gist of the information before he studied it in depth. No matter what path in life a man took, when he was handed a packet this large, not every single page was important. Stephanos had lifted out one that held numbers, which would give him more information at the moment than a long list of names, when Vangelis turned and the tone of his voice made Stephanos lower the page to give him his full attention, sensing this was something of a delicate topic.
Delicate wasn’t the word. Punched in the gut was more like it. He was sure the prince hadn’t meant anything by it but good intentions, but Stephanos found that he didn’t really have any verbal reply to make. He simply nodded, waited for Vangelis to leave, and leaned back against the kline. “Poisoned Chalice,” he muttered to himself, fiddling with the corners of the pages. He glanced to the side of the room, sighed deeply, and then looked back at the papers. Making the decision to focus on his new command, rather than the seductive call of wallowing in self pity, Stephanos studied the papers until his wife returned, and long after she’d gone to bed. If this was his one chance, he wasn’t going to waste it by being complacent.
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Stephanos nodded along as Vangelis detailed out Pia’s life to come. She’d stay here, in the Colchian court. At least, that was the plan for now. That was the plan indefinitely, except that Irakles’s death changed things. In fact, the Creed’s odd absence changed things. It seemed like every bad thing died with Irakles. Or, that was how it felt from here, anyway. He wasn’t there in his kingdom’s day to day. It was hard to gauge how accurate those thoughts were, but Stephanos also wasn’t completely sure that he wanted Pia to stay. It had taken Vangelis outlining that they were leaving for war and mentioning Pia having to carve out a new place for herself that had Stephanos thinking.
He said nothing to the prince, however, and instead, looked back down at the packet, but he wasn’t seeing it anymore. Though he wished life could go back to a time when he didn’t have as many life altering decisions before him, he realized that that was the life of a child: there were always decisions being made by other people. The life of an adult, a man, a leader, was to make other people’s decisions for them and to live with those consequences. Something he’d never wanted to do and found himself doing all of the time, now. King or not, that was what marriage, fatherhood, and now being a Commander again meant.
Vangelis turned to leave and Stephanos finally did sit back down on the kline. He held the packet in his lap, sifting through the papers, skipping ones that didn’t look overly important and aiming to get to the gist of the information before he studied it in depth. No matter what path in life a man took, when he was handed a packet this large, not every single page was important. Stephanos had lifted out one that held numbers, which would give him more information at the moment than a long list of names, when Vangelis turned and the tone of his voice made Stephanos lower the page to give him his full attention, sensing this was something of a delicate topic.
Delicate wasn’t the word. Punched in the gut was more like it. He was sure the prince hadn’t meant anything by it but good intentions, but Stephanos found that he didn’t really have any verbal reply to make. He simply nodded, waited for Vangelis to leave, and leaned back against the kline. “Poisoned Chalice,” he muttered to himself, fiddling with the corners of the pages. He glanced to the side of the room, sighed deeply, and then looked back at the papers. Making the decision to focus on his new command, rather than the seductive call of wallowing in self pity, Stephanos studied the papers until his wife returned, and long after she’d gone to bed. If this was his one chance, he wasn’t going to waste it by being complacent.
Stephanos nodded along as Vangelis detailed out Pia’s life to come. She’d stay here, in the Colchian court. At least, that was the plan for now. That was the plan indefinitely, except that Irakles’s death changed things. In fact, the Creed’s odd absence changed things. It seemed like every bad thing died with Irakles. Or, that was how it felt from here, anyway. He wasn’t there in his kingdom’s day to day. It was hard to gauge how accurate those thoughts were, but Stephanos also wasn’t completely sure that he wanted Pia to stay. It had taken Vangelis outlining that they were leaving for war and mentioning Pia having to carve out a new place for herself that had Stephanos thinking.
He said nothing to the prince, however, and instead, looked back down at the packet, but he wasn’t seeing it anymore. Though he wished life could go back to a time when he didn’t have as many life altering decisions before him, he realized that that was the life of a child: there were always decisions being made by other people. The life of an adult, a man, a leader, was to make other people’s decisions for them and to live with those consequences. Something he’d never wanted to do and found himself doing all of the time, now. King or not, that was what marriage, fatherhood, and now being a Commander again meant.
Vangelis turned to leave and Stephanos finally did sit back down on the kline. He held the packet in his lap, sifting through the papers, skipping ones that didn’t look overly important and aiming to get to the gist of the information before he studied it in depth. No matter what path in life a man took, when he was handed a packet this large, not every single page was important. Stephanos had lifted out one that held numbers, which would give him more information at the moment than a long list of names, when Vangelis turned and the tone of his voice made Stephanos lower the page to give him his full attention, sensing this was something of a delicate topic.
Delicate wasn’t the word. Punched in the gut was more like it. He was sure the prince hadn’t meant anything by it but good intentions, but Stephanos found that he didn’t really have any verbal reply to make. He simply nodded, waited for Vangelis to leave, and leaned back against the kline. “Poisoned Chalice,” he muttered to himself, fiddling with the corners of the pages. He glanced to the side of the room, sighed deeply, and then looked back at the papers. Making the decision to focus on his new command, rather than the seductive call of wallowing in self pity, Stephanos studied the papers until his wife returned, and long after she’d gone to bed. If this was his one chance, he wasn’t going to waste it by being complacent.