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When Evi awoke that morning, she groggily remembered the words from the young Stravos lord: an invitation to see Lyncestia. The young woman hadn't decided if she actually wanted to go or not, still debating the matter when a knock came at the main door to the home that she shared with five others, as well as countless slaves and servants. She was sat at the table fixing herself breakfast from the platters left out by said slaves, or she might not have heard it. Furthermore, one of her sisters might have opened the door and decided to nose at the called before she passed it on to Evi. Thankfully, the scholar heard the conversation at the door and was able to intercede.
As promised by Elias, Evi was met by one of his men at her door. “I’m Evi of Antonis,” she said quickly and quietly, shooing the slave to stand back from the door. The man waiting, slave or otherwise was irrelevant, was here to escort her. The journey to Lyncestia took around half a day, so she would be staying overnight. Her parents were not entirely happy with the prospect of their third youngest, unmarried daughter leaving to stay at the home of one of the most eligible bachelors in Athenia, but they were trusting of Evi nonetheless. They knew nothing of her infatuation and, thus far, she had not engaged in any liaison that had brought her name, or the family’s name, into disrepute.
She took one of the family slaves with her anyway, a chaperone of sorts, a handmaiden who would be tending to her as well as supporting her in her first overnight venture away from her family home.
The carriage ride itself was uneventful, Elias’ man deciding to fill the silence with information about the barony of Lyncestia… knowledge Evi had (though she wouldn’t admit it out loud) already done extensive research into. She knew it had been the poorest of the Stravos baronies, and it had been Elias who had been given it and who had somehow managed to turn it around. But the man blethered on, and Evi nodded in all the right places. She asked a few questions, so as not to appear rude or slow. The Antonis lady would have, for once, preferred silence for the journey, though she admitted that it was perhaps better for her to focus on something else rather than her own thoughts, which kept running away with her. She could not stop thinking about how much of an utter fool she must have seemed in the library, and she was keen to be on top form today when she saw Elias again.
The famed red stone castle of Lyncestia loomed ever closer as the carriage drew deeper into the barony. It was around this point that the Stravos servant fell quiet, clearly appreciating that the views at this stage were vary more enticing than his own drawling voice. Eventually, the carriage drew to a halt, and the two servants were first to exit, Elias’ man holding out a hand to help Evi descend onto the path. She glanced around, taking in the sight properly, and she smiled, noticing the Lord himself had come out to greet her. “My Lord Elias,” she extending her hand towards him, “thank you for the invitation to view your barony.”
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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When Evi awoke that morning, she groggily remembered the words from the young Stravos lord: an invitation to see Lyncestia. The young woman hadn't decided if she actually wanted to go or not, still debating the matter when a knock came at the main door to the home that she shared with five others, as well as countless slaves and servants. She was sat at the table fixing herself breakfast from the platters left out by said slaves, or she might not have heard it. Furthermore, one of her sisters might have opened the door and decided to nose at the called before she passed it on to Evi. Thankfully, the scholar heard the conversation at the door and was able to intercede.
As promised by Elias, Evi was met by one of his men at her door. “I’m Evi of Antonis,” she said quickly and quietly, shooing the slave to stand back from the door. The man waiting, slave or otherwise was irrelevant, was here to escort her. The journey to Lyncestia took around half a day, so she would be staying overnight. Her parents were not entirely happy with the prospect of their third youngest, unmarried daughter leaving to stay at the home of one of the most eligible bachelors in Athenia, but they were trusting of Evi nonetheless. They knew nothing of her infatuation and, thus far, she had not engaged in any liaison that had brought her name, or the family’s name, into disrepute.
She took one of the family slaves with her anyway, a chaperone of sorts, a handmaiden who would be tending to her as well as supporting her in her first overnight venture away from her family home.
The carriage ride itself was uneventful, Elias’ man deciding to fill the silence with information about the barony of Lyncestia… knowledge Evi had (though she wouldn’t admit it out loud) already done extensive research into. She knew it had been the poorest of the Stravos baronies, and it had been Elias who had been given it and who had somehow managed to turn it around. But the man blethered on, and Evi nodded in all the right places. She asked a few questions, so as not to appear rude or slow. The Antonis lady would have, for once, preferred silence for the journey, though she admitted that it was perhaps better for her to focus on something else rather than her own thoughts, which kept running away with her. She could not stop thinking about how much of an utter fool she must have seemed in the library, and she was keen to be on top form today when she saw Elias again.
The famed red stone castle of Lyncestia loomed ever closer as the carriage drew deeper into the barony. It was around this point that the Stravos servant fell quiet, clearly appreciating that the views at this stage were vary more enticing than his own drawling voice. Eventually, the carriage drew to a halt, and the two servants were first to exit, Elias’ man holding out a hand to help Evi descend onto the path. She glanced around, taking in the sight properly, and she smiled, noticing the Lord himself had come out to greet her. “My Lord Elias,” she extending her hand towards him, “thank you for the invitation to view your barony.”
When Evi awoke that morning, she groggily remembered the words from the young Stravos lord: an invitation to see Lyncestia. The young woman hadn't decided if she actually wanted to go or not, still debating the matter when a knock came at the main door to the home that she shared with five others, as well as countless slaves and servants. She was sat at the table fixing herself breakfast from the platters left out by said slaves, or she might not have heard it. Furthermore, one of her sisters might have opened the door and decided to nose at the called before she passed it on to Evi. Thankfully, the scholar heard the conversation at the door and was able to intercede.
As promised by Elias, Evi was met by one of his men at her door. “I’m Evi of Antonis,” she said quickly and quietly, shooing the slave to stand back from the door. The man waiting, slave or otherwise was irrelevant, was here to escort her. The journey to Lyncestia took around half a day, so she would be staying overnight. Her parents were not entirely happy with the prospect of their third youngest, unmarried daughter leaving to stay at the home of one of the most eligible bachelors in Athenia, but they were trusting of Evi nonetheless. They knew nothing of her infatuation and, thus far, she had not engaged in any liaison that had brought her name, or the family’s name, into disrepute.
She took one of the family slaves with her anyway, a chaperone of sorts, a handmaiden who would be tending to her as well as supporting her in her first overnight venture away from her family home.
The carriage ride itself was uneventful, Elias’ man deciding to fill the silence with information about the barony of Lyncestia… knowledge Evi had (though she wouldn’t admit it out loud) already done extensive research into. She knew it had been the poorest of the Stravos baronies, and it had been Elias who had been given it and who had somehow managed to turn it around. But the man blethered on, and Evi nodded in all the right places. She asked a few questions, so as not to appear rude or slow. The Antonis lady would have, for once, preferred silence for the journey, though she admitted that it was perhaps better for her to focus on something else rather than her own thoughts, which kept running away with her. She could not stop thinking about how much of an utter fool she must have seemed in the library, and she was keen to be on top form today when she saw Elias again.
The famed red stone castle of Lyncestia loomed ever closer as the carriage drew deeper into the barony. It was around this point that the Stravos servant fell quiet, clearly appreciating that the views at this stage were vary more enticing than his own drawling voice. Eventually, the carriage drew to a halt, and the two servants were first to exit, Elias’ man holding out a hand to help Evi descend onto the path. She glanced around, taking in the sight properly, and she smiled, noticing the Lord himself had come out to greet her. “My Lord Elias,” she extending her hand towards him, “thank you for the invitation to view your barony.”
Once, Elias might have been ashamed to show off the barony that was Lyncestia. The province could not boast the fertile soil or tremendous natural wealth buried within any sort of mines that other provinces throughout the three kingdoms of Greece could lay claim to. It wasn't like Thesnia, fertile with both soil and women. Instead, Lyncestia was poor and laid waste to when he'd taken it on as his project to be twisted into a success. It'd been at the behest of his father, Keikelius, to take the worst of the Stravos baronies and he never sought to disappoint.
How things have changed.
When Elias took over the province, he'd thought to his youth and the weeks he'd spent aboard a Stravos ship, sailing the seas with his father. Filled with talks both of business and of principle, Elias of Stravos had sought to glean what he could of the acumen that turned Stravos house from lower nobles to the wealthiest royal house in Athenia. Within a year of his claiming of the title of baron, the harbour had been fortified and three coves were converted. Time only caused Lyncestia to grow as the modest ships Elias had known in his youth were expanded upon and connections formed both domestically and foreign swelled the coffers of the province. Within the boundaries of Lyncestia, Elias was not reputed as a vain playboy as he was in the Senate halls of Athenia, but a worthy lord who'd turned the fortunes of his people.
Truly, it was the adulation of the people of Lyncestia that kept Elias away from his home and family in the capitol, but as time waxed on and the need for his continued presence in Athenia grew greater, a conflict between the furthering of his small empire and the desire for more festered within. Each moment within Lyncestia provided Elias with a sense of calm that could not be found elsewhere, and it was within that calm that he sought to bring Evi. The last he'd seen her was in the library, a place where she'd seemed perfectly comfortable in -- in isolation. Elias intruded upon her time, and while he neither regretted it then or now, it was an environment that wasn't condusive to what Elias flourished in most: social convention. Stealing Evi of Antonis off to Lyncestia would quell unsavoury rumours of meeting her within the capitol and he could spend every moment of their time together in a position of control over both circumstance and the beautiful young woman's attentions.
When the Antonis lady arrived within his province, he was informed immediately. He'd kept himself relatively unadorned, allowing the sun to kiss against unblemished skin as he reveled in some well-deserved time off. He'd arrived the day earlier to oversee matters of business and saw little reason to leave when his guest's arrival was imminent. Glad to hear that she'd accepted his whimsical invitation, he dressed himself accordingly for her visit. Within Lyncestia there was little need to adorn himself as the heir to the Stravos lineage, for everyone knew who he was. Instead, Elias clothed himself in sleek ebony, the chiton hugging bronzed perfection, held into place by a silvery sash with a fibulae at the right shoulder.
Of course Elias arrived to greet her himself, making his way down from Kalospiti Koryfi and towards the stables where his servant stationed his carriage. The Stravos motioned for him to leave. Insisting upon the assistance of Evi's handmaiden to sort through the details of the Antonis daughter's accommodations, Elias was more than pleased to be alone with her. When her lovely tunes set within the air, bestowing upon him the rightful title and a grateful utterance, he wondered how sincere that thanks might have been. Her previous encounter had the woman very flustered around him, and while he enjoyed exacerbating those feelings in that moment, there was very little of that desire within him in this moment. After all, he sought to enrapture the woman, not to keep her at an arm's length or hand's touch. When she offered her hand to him, Elias allowed his digits to sift along her palm before his larger hand turned hers so that knuckles were raised to the sky. Then, he brought her hand to his lips, his lips curved in a wide smile when at last they pulled away from her digits to answer her.
"Oh, the thanks are mine to have, my lady. It's quite the sight, to have you here as the sun draws closer to setting. Are you famished, Lady Evi? Or would you like to stretch your legs and walk with me after such a journey?"
For the moment, he'd give her the freedom to choose. There was much to show the woman and he had every intention of being the gracious host. After all, Lyncestia was the crown of Elias' achievement, and to turn the beautiful Evi of Antonis' attentions fully to him would be the jewel with which that crown shone all the more beautifully.
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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Once, Elias might have been ashamed to show off the barony that was Lyncestia. The province could not boast the fertile soil or tremendous natural wealth buried within any sort of mines that other provinces throughout the three kingdoms of Greece could lay claim to. It wasn't like Thesnia, fertile with both soil and women. Instead, Lyncestia was poor and laid waste to when he'd taken it on as his project to be twisted into a success. It'd been at the behest of his father, Keikelius, to take the worst of the Stravos baronies and he never sought to disappoint.
How things have changed.
When Elias took over the province, he'd thought to his youth and the weeks he'd spent aboard a Stravos ship, sailing the seas with his father. Filled with talks both of business and of principle, Elias of Stravos had sought to glean what he could of the acumen that turned Stravos house from lower nobles to the wealthiest royal house in Athenia. Within a year of his claiming of the title of baron, the harbour had been fortified and three coves were converted. Time only caused Lyncestia to grow as the modest ships Elias had known in his youth were expanded upon and connections formed both domestically and foreign swelled the coffers of the province. Within the boundaries of Lyncestia, Elias was not reputed as a vain playboy as he was in the Senate halls of Athenia, but a worthy lord who'd turned the fortunes of his people.
Truly, it was the adulation of the people of Lyncestia that kept Elias away from his home and family in the capitol, but as time waxed on and the need for his continued presence in Athenia grew greater, a conflict between the furthering of his small empire and the desire for more festered within. Each moment within Lyncestia provided Elias with a sense of calm that could not be found elsewhere, and it was within that calm that he sought to bring Evi. The last he'd seen her was in the library, a place where she'd seemed perfectly comfortable in -- in isolation. Elias intruded upon her time, and while he neither regretted it then or now, it was an environment that wasn't condusive to what Elias flourished in most: social convention. Stealing Evi of Antonis off to Lyncestia would quell unsavoury rumours of meeting her within the capitol and he could spend every moment of their time together in a position of control over both circumstance and the beautiful young woman's attentions.
When the Antonis lady arrived within his province, he was informed immediately. He'd kept himself relatively unadorned, allowing the sun to kiss against unblemished skin as he reveled in some well-deserved time off. He'd arrived the day earlier to oversee matters of business and saw little reason to leave when his guest's arrival was imminent. Glad to hear that she'd accepted his whimsical invitation, he dressed himself accordingly for her visit. Within Lyncestia there was little need to adorn himself as the heir to the Stravos lineage, for everyone knew who he was. Instead, Elias clothed himself in sleek ebony, the chiton hugging bronzed perfection, held into place by a silvery sash with a fibulae at the right shoulder.
Of course Elias arrived to greet her himself, making his way down from Kalospiti Koryfi and towards the stables where his servant stationed his carriage. The Stravos motioned for him to leave. Insisting upon the assistance of Evi's handmaiden to sort through the details of the Antonis daughter's accommodations, Elias was more than pleased to be alone with her. When her lovely tunes set within the air, bestowing upon him the rightful title and a grateful utterance, he wondered how sincere that thanks might have been. Her previous encounter had the woman very flustered around him, and while he enjoyed exacerbating those feelings in that moment, there was very little of that desire within him in this moment. After all, he sought to enrapture the woman, not to keep her at an arm's length or hand's touch. When she offered her hand to him, Elias allowed his digits to sift along her palm before his larger hand turned hers so that knuckles were raised to the sky. Then, he brought her hand to his lips, his lips curved in a wide smile when at last they pulled away from her digits to answer her.
"Oh, the thanks are mine to have, my lady. It's quite the sight, to have you here as the sun draws closer to setting. Are you famished, Lady Evi? Or would you like to stretch your legs and walk with me after such a journey?"
For the moment, he'd give her the freedom to choose. There was much to show the woman and he had every intention of being the gracious host. After all, Lyncestia was the crown of Elias' achievement, and to turn the beautiful Evi of Antonis' attentions fully to him would be the jewel with which that crown shone all the more beautifully.
Once, Elias might have been ashamed to show off the barony that was Lyncestia. The province could not boast the fertile soil or tremendous natural wealth buried within any sort of mines that other provinces throughout the three kingdoms of Greece could lay claim to. It wasn't like Thesnia, fertile with both soil and women. Instead, Lyncestia was poor and laid waste to when he'd taken it on as his project to be twisted into a success. It'd been at the behest of his father, Keikelius, to take the worst of the Stravos baronies and he never sought to disappoint.
How things have changed.
When Elias took over the province, he'd thought to his youth and the weeks he'd spent aboard a Stravos ship, sailing the seas with his father. Filled with talks both of business and of principle, Elias of Stravos had sought to glean what he could of the acumen that turned Stravos house from lower nobles to the wealthiest royal house in Athenia. Within a year of his claiming of the title of baron, the harbour had been fortified and three coves were converted. Time only caused Lyncestia to grow as the modest ships Elias had known in his youth were expanded upon and connections formed both domestically and foreign swelled the coffers of the province. Within the boundaries of Lyncestia, Elias was not reputed as a vain playboy as he was in the Senate halls of Athenia, but a worthy lord who'd turned the fortunes of his people.
Truly, it was the adulation of the people of Lyncestia that kept Elias away from his home and family in the capitol, but as time waxed on and the need for his continued presence in Athenia grew greater, a conflict between the furthering of his small empire and the desire for more festered within. Each moment within Lyncestia provided Elias with a sense of calm that could not be found elsewhere, and it was within that calm that he sought to bring Evi. The last he'd seen her was in the library, a place where she'd seemed perfectly comfortable in -- in isolation. Elias intruded upon her time, and while he neither regretted it then or now, it was an environment that wasn't condusive to what Elias flourished in most: social convention. Stealing Evi of Antonis off to Lyncestia would quell unsavoury rumours of meeting her within the capitol and he could spend every moment of their time together in a position of control over both circumstance and the beautiful young woman's attentions.
When the Antonis lady arrived within his province, he was informed immediately. He'd kept himself relatively unadorned, allowing the sun to kiss against unblemished skin as he reveled in some well-deserved time off. He'd arrived the day earlier to oversee matters of business and saw little reason to leave when his guest's arrival was imminent. Glad to hear that she'd accepted his whimsical invitation, he dressed himself accordingly for her visit. Within Lyncestia there was little need to adorn himself as the heir to the Stravos lineage, for everyone knew who he was. Instead, Elias clothed himself in sleek ebony, the chiton hugging bronzed perfection, held into place by a silvery sash with a fibulae at the right shoulder.
Of course Elias arrived to greet her himself, making his way down from Kalospiti Koryfi and towards the stables where his servant stationed his carriage. The Stravos motioned for him to leave. Insisting upon the assistance of Evi's handmaiden to sort through the details of the Antonis daughter's accommodations, Elias was more than pleased to be alone with her. When her lovely tunes set within the air, bestowing upon him the rightful title and a grateful utterance, he wondered how sincere that thanks might have been. Her previous encounter had the woman very flustered around him, and while he enjoyed exacerbating those feelings in that moment, there was very little of that desire within him in this moment. After all, he sought to enrapture the woman, not to keep her at an arm's length or hand's touch. When she offered her hand to him, Elias allowed his digits to sift along her palm before his larger hand turned hers so that knuckles were raised to the sky. Then, he brought her hand to his lips, his lips curved in a wide smile when at last they pulled away from her digits to answer her.
"Oh, the thanks are mine to have, my lady. It's quite the sight, to have you here as the sun draws closer to setting. Are you famished, Lady Evi? Or would you like to stretch your legs and walk with me after such a journey?"
For the moment, he'd give her the freedom to choose. There was much to show the woman and he had every intention of being the gracious host. After all, Lyncestia was the crown of Elias' achievement, and to turn the beautiful Evi of Antonis' attentions fully to him would be the jewel with which that crown shone all the more beautifully.
With the handmaiden sent away to bring luggage to one of the guest suites within the Kalospiti Koryfi (which she did only after an apprehensive glance towards her mistress), Evi found herself, for the first time, completely alone with Elias of Stravos. It was both a relief and nerve-wracking, and the girl couldn’t quite decide which emotion was going to win out. She was quietly optimistic that fear would not take hold, as it had threatened to do the last time they met each other.
Of course, that became less of an optimism and more of a desperate desire when the Stravos Lord’s first words comprised entirely of compliments. Blood flushed through her cheeks and she ducked her head, unable to stop the smile slipping onto her lips. “I think a walk, first,” she responded, miming the stretching of her legs to illustrate her words, “The carriage ride was a long one. Beautiful, Athenia has some spectacular landscapes, but tiring in a way that only a sedentary life can quite achieve. Counter-productive as it sounds, I think a walk will rejuvenate my energies before we pause for food.”
The other benefit of going on a walk meant that they could focus on something else, rather than each other. Evi was known for a few things: bookishness being the top of the list. but anyone who spent any length of time with her would also discover how accomplished an interlocutor she could be. Not only was she charismatic and full of passion when she spoke, with a silver-tongue and quick wit to match the best of them, but she knew how to listen, too. She knew how to make her partner feel like the most important person in the kingdom, as though their words were glanced with gold flecks. She was remembered for asking all the right questions, and radiating a genuine curiosity and care for what someone else said. She knew the difference between actually listening to her partner, and waiting for her turn to speak... something many other nobles had not mastered.
It was for this reason, this listening skill she had honed, and not just her charming and entertaining style of communication, that made her memorable. To be the centre of a social gathering, to hold the attention of a room so easily, so frequently, she had to be both. Elias didn’t personally know that about her, though he’d probably heard tale of how charming Evi could be.
“Perhaps, if the wind does not pick up too much, we may enjoy a spot of lunch out of doors. I would imagine Lyncestia boasts some spectacular scenery to enjoy.” It was a bold suggestion, one which would increase the workload of his serving staff. But Evi wa never one to do anything by half-measures. She had travelled all this way and she was going to make the most of her visit. Evi was sure that Elias’ home was worthy of a Lord of his standing, but Evi had visited plenty of lavish and extravagant homes within Athenia. She had seen her fill. what the city could not flaunt, however, was the scenery. There were only so many times Evi would look at marble pillars and say, ‘oh, how wonderful’.
“Your man tells me that when you first arrived, a year or so ago, Lyncestia was not much to look upon,” Evi began as they started to wind their way along the path and away from the Kalospiti Koryfi. “I should love to see one of the harbours you have been building. Have they been completed yet?”
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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With the handmaiden sent away to bring luggage to one of the guest suites within the Kalospiti Koryfi (which she did only after an apprehensive glance towards her mistress), Evi found herself, for the first time, completely alone with Elias of Stravos. It was both a relief and nerve-wracking, and the girl couldn’t quite decide which emotion was going to win out. She was quietly optimistic that fear would not take hold, as it had threatened to do the last time they met each other.
Of course, that became less of an optimism and more of a desperate desire when the Stravos Lord’s first words comprised entirely of compliments. Blood flushed through her cheeks and she ducked her head, unable to stop the smile slipping onto her lips. “I think a walk, first,” she responded, miming the stretching of her legs to illustrate her words, “The carriage ride was a long one. Beautiful, Athenia has some spectacular landscapes, but tiring in a way that only a sedentary life can quite achieve. Counter-productive as it sounds, I think a walk will rejuvenate my energies before we pause for food.”
The other benefit of going on a walk meant that they could focus on something else, rather than each other. Evi was known for a few things: bookishness being the top of the list. but anyone who spent any length of time with her would also discover how accomplished an interlocutor she could be. Not only was she charismatic and full of passion when she spoke, with a silver-tongue and quick wit to match the best of them, but she knew how to listen, too. She knew how to make her partner feel like the most important person in the kingdom, as though their words were glanced with gold flecks. She was remembered for asking all the right questions, and radiating a genuine curiosity and care for what someone else said. She knew the difference between actually listening to her partner, and waiting for her turn to speak... something many other nobles had not mastered.
It was for this reason, this listening skill she had honed, and not just her charming and entertaining style of communication, that made her memorable. To be the centre of a social gathering, to hold the attention of a room so easily, so frequently, she had to be both. Elias didn’t personally know that about her, though he’d probably heard tale of how charming Evi could be.
“Perhaps, if the wind does not pick up too much, we may enjoy a spot of lunch out of doors. I would imagine Lyncestia boasts some spectacular scenery to enjoy.” It was a bold suggestion, one which would increase the workload of his serving staff. But Evi wa never one to do anything by half-measures. She had travelled all this way and she was going to make the most of her visit. Evi was sure that Elias’ home was worthy of a Lord of his standing, but Evi had visited plenty of lavish and extravagant homes within Athenia. She had seen her fill. what the city could not flaunt, however, was the scenery. There were only so many times Evi would look at marble pillars and say, ‘oh, how wonderful’.
“Your man tells me that when you first arrived, a year or so ago, Lyncestia was not much to look upon,” Evi began as they started to wind their way along the path and away from the Kalospiti Koryfi. “I should love to see one of the harbours you have been building. Have they been completed yet?”
With the handmaiden sent away to bring luggage to one of the guest suites within the Kalospiti Koryfi (which she did only after an apprehensive glance towards her mistress), Evi found herself, for the first time, completely alone with Elias of Stravos. It was both a relief and nerve-wracking, and the girl couldn’t quite decide which emotion was going to win out. She was quietly optimistic that fear would not take hold, as it had threatened to do the last time they met each other.
Of course, that became less of an optimism and more of a desperate desire when the Stravos Lord’s first words comprised entirely of compliments. Blood flushed through her cheeks and she ducked her head, unable to stop the smile slipping onto her lips. “I think a walk, first,” she responded, miming the stretching of her legs to illustrate her words, “The carriage ride was a long one. Beautiful, Athenia has some spectacular landscapes, but tiring in a way that only a sedentary life can quite achieve. Counter-productive as it sounds, I think a walk will rejuvenate my energies before we pause for food.”
The other benefit of going on a walk meant that they could focus on something else, rather than each other. Evi was known for a few things: bookishness being the top of the list. but anyone who spent any length of time with her would also discover how accomplished an interlocutor she could be. Not only was she charismatic and full of passion when she spoke, with a silver-tongue and quick wit to match the best of them, but she knew how to listen, too. She knew how to make her partner feel like the most important person in the kingdom, as though their words were glanced with gold flecks. She was remembered for asking all the right questions, and radiating a genuine curiosity and care for what someone else said. She knew the difference between actually listening to her partner, and waiting for her turn to speak... something many other nobles had not mastered.
It was for this reason, this listening skill she had honed, and not just her charming and entertaining style of communication, that made her memorable. To be the centre of a social gathering, to hold the attention of a room so easily, so frequently, she had to be both. Elias didn’t personally know that about her, though he’d probably heard tale of how charming Evi could be.
“Perhaps, if the wind does not pick up too much, we may enjoy a spot of lunch out of doors. I would imagine Lyncestia boasts some spectacular scenery to enjoy.” It was a bold suggestion, one which would increase the workload of his serving staff. But Evi wa never one to do anything by half-measures. She had travelled all this way and she was going to make the most of her visit. Evi was sure that Elias’ home was worthy of a Lord of his standing, but Evi had visited plenty of lavish and extravagant homes within Athenia. She had seen her fill. what the city could not flaunt, however, was the scenery. There were only so many times Evi would look at marble pillars and say, ‘oh, how wonderful’.
“Your man tells me that when you first arrived, a year or so ago, Lyncestia was not much to look upon,” Evi began as they started to wind their way along the path and away from the Kalospiti Koryfi. “I should love to see one of the harbours you have been building. Have they been completed yet?”
Certainly, the baron of Lyncestia caught that apprehensive gaze as it met Evi's, but it seemed for naught. Evi of Antonis did not refuse Elias' directive, and once the both of them were alone Elias was pleased to see the flush that materialized upon Evi's features. In their time away from one another, the Stravos investigated Evi of Antonis a bit further. She was reputed to be as hungry for attention as Elias himself and perhaps just as capable at garnering it as he. There was a distinction, perhaps, in their approach. Elias' allure was undeniable, the rumoured blessing from the Gods themselves and etched in number across the impeccable form that was him. He took full advantage of such blessings, using them to garner what he desired to him, regardless of barriers such as marriage or propriety. It was a quality that drew him ire as much as success, and he was content to keep to that status quo.
Evi, on the other hand, seemed to garner fully positive attention. People seemed to hold her in great esteem both for her wit and her beauty, and Elias counted himself among the legion of men who should be interested in her. When Evi ducked her head and sought to hide her features away, he raised a hand, placing it gently upon her jawline to raise her face towards him. He took it away quickly enough, and when she spoke he nodded in agreement. It was, truly, a pleasure to hear her speak and he shook his head when she mentioned the counter-productivity of her suggestion.
"I agree completely, my lady. You'll very rarely see me taking a carriage when the journey is feasibly walked. Stillness is stagnation, in my opinion, and that extends to the simple and beautiful things in life," he mused aloud. Elias often struggled with some of the qualities he'd heard of Evi to possess. His men kept him apprised in a manner he hoped was objective, but even those wretches could not help but gush. It was in ill taste to send his spies about for casual matters as this, but to the Headlord of Stravos, information held power and he sought power in every situation regardless of its significance and severity. He sought to listen well as she made more suggestions, plans that sought to work the servants within Kalospiti Koryfi harder than perhaps they cared to be worked. But never was that a concern of Elias'. The servants existed for the pleasure of their masters, and their workload, softened by his continuously moving presence between Athenia and Lyncestia was hardly a cause for his concern.
"It's simple enough to arrange that. Though, I was considering that we'd make a short journey for such a thing. My man is likely to be arranging our later meals as we speak to have at our leisure. There are coves hidden away past the cliffside that I'd very much like you to see. The natural beauty of Lyncestia is hidden away from nearly everyone," he added. Bold suggestions were passed back and forth, and Elias found that he was enjoying Evi's company very much indeed. He offered his arm to the Antonis lady. If she chose to take it, they'd walk together down from the stables and into the adjacent harbour side.
"Kalospiti Koryfi has stood here for some time, and this harbour was the only one in Lyncestia when the barony came under my rule. It was dilapidated and in tenuous use at best. Now...?"
The pair had made some progress, and the harbour was well within their view. He gestured to the newly installed planks that made up each of the docks. More than the other harbours of Lyncestia, this opened the province up for trade with the rest of Athenia and was one of the primary hubs for Stravos trade that didn't stem from the capitol itself. Elias released Evi's arm if she'd allowed him to take hold of it, shifting his gaze over to the horizon as he said,
"Two of them have. There's one more being built, but there's been plenty of success in Lyncestia with what we have. The other two are shipyards, one commercial and the other military. Now that I think about it, I think there are ships in General Lacides' command that were constructed not too far away."
The brief mention of the general was enough for Elias, however. He'd promised Evi sights and splendor rather than the intricacies of trade.
"Actually, allow me to show you, my lady," he began before he led them onward to one of the many rowboats. There was no need for anything larger and he summoned no servants to assist him. If Evi made her way into the rowboat, he'd begin their path through the bay immediately after.
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Certainly, the baron of Lyncestia caught that apprehensive gaze as it met Evi's, but it seemed for naught. Evi of Antonis did not refuse Elias' directive, and once the both of them were alone Elias was pleased to see the flush that materialized upon Evi's features. In their time away from one another, the Stravos investigated Evi of Antonis a bit further. She was reputed to be as hungry for attention as Elias himself and perhaps just as capable at garnering it as he. There was a distinction, perhaps, in their approach. Elias' allure was undeniable, the rumoured blessing from the Gods themselves and etched in number across the impeccable form that was him. He took full advantage of such blessings, using them to garner what he desired to him, regardless of barriers such as marriage or propriety. It was a quality that drew him ire as much as success, and he was content to keep to that status quo.
Evi, on the other hand, seemed to garner fully positive attention. People seemed to hold her in great esteem both for her wit and her beauty, and Elias counted himself among the legion of men who should be interested in her. When Evi ducked her head and sought to hide her features away, he raised a hand, placing it gently upon her jawline to raise her face towards him. He took it away quickly enough, and when she spoke he nodded in agreement. It was, truly, a pleasure to hear her speak and he shook his head when she mentioned the counter-productivity of her suggestion.
"I agree completely, my lady. You'll very rarely see me taking a carriage when the journey is feasibly walked. Stillness is stagnation, in my opinion, and that extends to the simple and beautiful things in life," he mused aloud. Elias often struggled with some of the qualities he'd heard of Evi to possess. His men kept him apprised in a manner he hoped was objective, but even those wretches could not help but gush. It was in ill taste to send his spies about for casual matters as this, but to the Headlord of Stravos, information held power and he sought power in every situation regardless of its significance and severity. He sought to listen well as she made more suggestions, plans that sought to work the servants within Kalospiti Koryfi harder than perhaps they cared to be worked. But never was that a concern of Elias'. The servants existed for the pleasure of their masters, and their workload, softened by his continuously moving presence between Athenia and Lyncestia was hardly a cause for his concern.
"It's simple enough to arrange that. Though, I was considering that we'd make a short journey for such a thing. My man is likely to be arranging our later meals as we speak to have at our leisure. There are coves hidden away past the cliffside that I'd very much like you to see. The natural beauty of Lyncestia is hidden away from nearly everyone," he added. Bold suggestions were passed back and forth, and Elias found that he was enjoying Evi's company very much indeed. He offered his arm to the Antonis lady. If she chose to take it, they'd walk together down from the stables and into the adjacent harbour side.
"Kalospiti Koryfi has stood here for some time, and this harbour was the only one in Lyncestia when the barony came under my rule. It was dilapidated and in tenuous use at best. Now...?"
The pair had made some progress, and the harbour was well within their view. He gestured to the newly installed planks that made up each of the docks. More than the other harbours of Lyncestia, this opened the province up for trade with the rest of Athenia and was one of the primary hubs for Stravos trade that didn't stem from the capitol itself. Elias released Evi's arm if she'd allowed him to take hold of it, shifting his gaze over to the horizon as he said,
"Two of them have. There's one more being built, but there's been plenty of success in Lyncestia with what we have. The other two are shipyards, one commercial and the other military. Now that I think about it, I think there are ships in General Lacides' command that were constructed not too far away."
The brief mention of the general was enough for Elias, however. He'd promised Evi sights and splendor rather than the intricacies of trade.
"Actually, allow me to show you, my lady," he began before he led them onward to one of the many rowboats. There was no need for anything larger and he summoned no servants to assist him. If Evi made her way into the rowboat, he'd begin their path through the bay immediately after.
Certainly, the baron of Lyncestia caught that apprehensive gaze as it met Evi's, but it seemed for naught. Evi of Antonis did not refuse Elias' directive, and once the both of them were alone Elias was pleased to see the flush that materialized upon Evi's features. In their time away from one another, the Stravos investigated Evi of Antonis a bit further. She was reputed to be as hungry for attention as Elias himself and perhaps just as capable at garnering it as he. There was a distinction, perhaps, in their approach. Elias' allure was undeniable, the rumoured blessing from the Gods themselves and etched in number across the impeccable form that was him. He took full advantage of such blessings, using them to garner what he desired to him, regardless of barriers such as marriage or propriety. It was a quality that drew him ire as much as success, and he was content to keep to that status quo.
Evi, on the other hand, seemed to garner fully positive attention. People seemed to hold her in great esteem both for her wit and her beauty, and Elias counted himself among the legion of men who should be interested in her. When Evi ducked her head and sought to hide her features away, he raised a hand, placing it gently upon her jawline to raise her face towards him. He took it away quickly enough, and when she spoke he nodded in agreement. It was, truly, a pleasure to hear her speak and he shook his head when she mentioned the counter-productivity of her suggestion.
"I agree completely, my lady. You'll very rarely see me taking a carriage when the journey is feasibly walked. Stillness is stagnation, in my opinion, and that extends to the simple and beautiful things in life," he mused aloud. Elias often struggled with some of the qualities he'd heard of Evi to possess. His men kept him apprised in a manner he hoped was objective, but even those wretches could not help but gush. It was in ill taste to send his spies about for casual matters as this, but to the Headlord of Stravos, information held power and he sought power in every situation regardless of its significance and severity. He sought to listen well as she made more suggestions, plans that sought to work the servants within Kalospiti Koryfi harder than perhaps they cared to be worked. But never was that a concern of Elias'. The servants existed for the pleasure of their masters, and their workload, softened by his continuously moving presence between Athenia and Lyncestia was hardly a cause for his concern.
"It's simple enough to arrange that. Though, I was considering that we'd make a short journey for such a thing. My man is likely to be arranging our later meals as we speak to have at our leisure. There are coves hidden away past the cliffside that I'd very much like you to see. The natural beauty of Lyncestia is hidden away from nearly everyone," he added. Bold suggestions were passed back and forth, and Elias found that he was enjoying Evi's company very much indeed. He offered his arm to the Antonis lady. If she chose to take it, they'd walk together down from the stables and into the adjacent harbour side.
"Kalospiti Koryfi has stood here for some time, and this harbour was the only one in Lyncestia when the barony came under my rule. It was dilapidated and in tenuous use at best. Now...?"
The pair had made some progress, and the harbour was well within their view. He gestured to the newly installed planks that made up each of the docks. More than the other harbours of Lyncestia, this opened the province up for trade with the rest of Athenia and was one of the primary hubs for Stravos trade that didn't stem from the capitol itself. Elias released Evi's arm if she'd allowed him to take hold of it, shifting his gaze over to the horizon as he said,
"Two of them have. There's one more being built, but there's been plenty of success in Lyncestia with what we have. The other two are shipyards, one commercial and the other military. Now that I think about it, I think there are ships in General Lacides' command that were constructed not too far away."
The brief mention of the general was enough for Elias, however. He'd promised Evi sights and splendor rather than the intricacies of trade.
"Actually, allow me to show you, my lady," he began before he led them onward to one of the many rowboats. There was no need for anything larger and he summoned no servants to assist him. If Evi made her way into the rowboat, he'd begin their path through the bay immediately after.
When Elias touched her, it was all Evi could do not to keep the full-bodied shiver from racing up her spine. It was only momentary, and Elias’ fingers were not warm, but the place he had touched on her jawline now seemed to radiate heat flush though her neck and cheeks. The young woman managed a smile and fought to keep her own hand from rising and touching her jaw too.
Evi had thought long and hard about this moment, seeing Elias again. In some ways, she barely trusted herself with words. It was very rare that they flew away from him, but it seemed to be the case around attractive young men... especially Elias. The man could probably run circles around Evi several times over even in regular conversations. And what if things became more intelligent? Evi prided herself on her ability to argue any point she felt like holding at any given moment (even arguing the opposite of what she believed for the sheer thrill of watching her verbal sparring opponent’s be ripped apart and set adrift for all to see.
For whatever reason, though (and she suspected it was purely because it was Elias), she felt like the man would run circles around her in an argument too, leaving Evi to feel stupid and insecure all of a sudden. “Yes, well,” she swallowed, valiantly attempting to slow her racing heartbeat, “This journey was somewhat longer than would be reasonable to walk. I am glad to not be returning to Athenia tonight, I must say.”
It was a good start, not to have her first suggestion shot down. It wouldn’t have boded well for the rest of the day had Elias immediately dismissed her, even if his own plans had been spectacular. Instead, he had had his own ideas for how they might spend the time, and they were symbiotic with her own. “Oh, yes, that would be lovely. Are they easy to get to?” Evi was not opposed to a bit of perspiration, but the mention of coves suggested some element of rock climbing and scrambling that was perhaps hey one her skill level. It would not do for her to embarrass herself before they had even sat down for lunch.
She did take the man’s offered arm, sliding her own into the gap as she purposefully took in her surroundings - if her interest was elsewhere, maybe he would not notice her rabbiting heart rate. Though she was sure he could feel it; she felt like her whole body was vibrating with the exertion. She needed to calm down. “These flowers.” She pointed out as they walked, gently steering Elias over to the right to examine the deep purple petals, tinged white from the stem, “I have not seen their like before.” They were, dare she sound like an innocent girl, beautiful. It was not a surprise that Lyncestia would have plants that were unique from Athenia, not that there was much room for wild flowers to grow in the city centre.
Moment over, she allowed herself to be directed towards the first of the harbours, the one that had been here when Elias took over the barony. “Oh, yes, I see. Yes I can see why Lyncestia has become a hub for Stravos business and trade. I have to say, I wasn’t expecting it to look this grand.” She had expected it, but a compliment directed at Elias’ hard work would not go amiss, she was sure. “So you have this one and another two are finished? How many harbours do you hope to have?” She asked as she entered the rowboat.
She couldn’t imagine the need for many more at the moment. Surely Elias would need to build up his trade or military agreements before committing to building even more shipyards, otherwise they would sit unused and would then just decay again, as this one had been doing before Elias took charge of it. For a moment, she forgot who she was with, and was full of passion as she verbalised as much to Elias, curious as to his answer about how he planned to continue building both his trading empire as well as more shipyards. It would perhaps be the first time Elias had seen Evi be herself: alight with curiosity, completely focused on the future dreams of her interlocutor, full of empathy for their plight, and unafraid to ask challenging questions.
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When Elias touched her, it was all Evi could do not to keep the full-bodied shiver from racing up her spine. It was only momentary, and Elias’ fingers were not warm, but the place he had touched on her jawline now seemed to radiate heat flush though her neck and cheeks. The young woman managed a smile and fought to keep her own hand from rising and touching her jaw too.
Evi had thought long and hard about this moment, seeing Elias again. In some ways, she barely trusted herself with words. It was very rare that they flew away from him, but it seemed to be the case around attractive young men... especially Elias. The man could probably run circles around Evi several times over even in regular conversations. And what if things became more intelligent? Evi prided herself on her ability to argue any point she felt like holding at any given moment (even arguing the opposite of what she believed for the sheer thrill of watching her verbal sparring opponent’s be ripped apart and set adrift for all to see.
For whatever reason, though (and she suspected it was purely because it was Elias), she felt like the man would run circles around her in an argument too, leaving Evi to feel stupid and insecure all of a sudden. “Yes, well,” she swallowed, valiantly attempting to slow her racing heartbeat, “This journey was somewhat longer than would be reasonable to walk. I am glad to not be returning to Athenia tonight, I must say.”
It was a good start, not to have her first suggestion shot down. It wouldn’t have boded well for the rest of the day had Elias immediately dismissed her, even if his own plans had been spectacular. Instead, he had had his own ideas for how they might spend the time, and they were symbiotic with her own. “Oh, yes, that would be lovely. Are they easy to get to?” Evi was not opposed to a bit of perspiration, but the mention of coves suggested some element of rock climbing and scrambling that was perhaps hey one her skill level. It would not do for her to embarrass herself before they had even sat down for lunch.
She did take the man’s offered arm, sliding her own into the gap as she purposefully took in her surroundings - if her interest was elsewhere, maybe he would not notice her rabbiting heart rate. Though she was sure he could feel it; she felt like her whole body was vibrating with the exertion. She needed to calm down. “These flowers.” She pointed out as they walked, gently steering Elias over to the right to examine the deep purple petals, tinged white from the stem, “I have not seen their like before.” They were, dare she sound like an innocent girl, beautiful. It was not a surprise that Lyncestia would have plants that were unique from Athenia, not that there was much room for wild flowers to grow in the city centre.
Moment over, she allowed herself to be directed towards the first of the harbours, the one that had been here when Elias took over the barony. “Oh, yes, I see. Yes I can see why Lyncestia has become a hub for Stravos business and trade. I have to say, I wasn’t expecting it to look this grand.” She had expected it, but a compliment directed at Elias’ hard work would not go amiss, she was sure. “So you have this one and another two are finished? How many harbours do you hope to have?” She asked as she entered the rowboat.
She couldn’t imagine the need for many more at the moment. Surely Elias would need to build up his trade or military agreements before committing to building even more shipyards, otherwise they would sit unused and would then just decay again, as this one had been doing before Elias took charge of it. For a moment, she forgot who she was with, and was full of passion as she verbalised as much to Elias, curious as to his answer about how he planned to continue building both his trading empire as well as more shipyards. It would perhaps be the first time Elias had seen Evi be herself: alight with curiosity, completely focused on the future dreams of her interlocutor, full of empathy for their plight, and unafraid to ask challenging questions.
When Elias touched her, it was all Evi could do not to keep the full-bodied shiver from racing up her spine. It was only momentary, and Elias’ fingers were not warm, but the place he had touched on her jawline now seemed to radiate heat flush though her neck and cheeks. The young woman managed a smile and fought to keep her own hand from rising and touching her jaw too.
Evi had thought long and hard about this moment, seeing Elias again. In some ways, she barely trusted herself with words. It was very rare that they flew away from him, but it seemed to be the case around attractive young men... especially Elias. The man could probably run circles around Evi several times over even in regular conversations. And what if things became more intelligent? Evi prided herself on her ability to argue any point she felt like holding at any given moment (even arguing the opposite of what she believed for the sheer thrill of watching her verbal sparring opponent’s be ripped apart and set adrift for all to see.
For whatever reason, though (and she suspected it was purely because it was Elias), she felt like the man would run circles around her in an argument too, leaving Evi to feel stupid and insecure all of a sudden. “Yes, well,” she swallowed, valiantly attempting to slow her racing heartbeat, “This journey was somewhat longer than would be reasonable to walk. I am glad to not be returning to Athenia tonight, I must say.”
It was a good start, not to have her first suggestion shot down. It wouldn’t have boded well for the rest of the day had Elias immediately dismissed her, even if his own plans had been spectacular. Instead, he had had his own ideas for how they might spend the time, and they were symbiotic with her own. “Oh, yes, that would be lovely. Are they easy to get to?” Evi was not opposed to a bit of perspiration, but the mention of coves suggested some element of rock climbing and scrambling that was perhaps hey one her skill level. It would not do for her to embarrass herself before they had even sat down for lunch.
She did take the man’s offered arm, sliding her own into the gap as she purposefully took in her surroundings - if her interest was elsewhere, maybe he would not notice her rabbiting heart rate. Though she was sure he could feel it; she felt like her whole body was vibrating with the exertion. She needed to calm down. “These flowers.” She pointed out as they walked, gently steering Elias over to the right to examine the deep purple petals, tinged white from the stem, “I have not seen their like before.” They were, dare she sound like an innocent girl, beautiful. It was not a surprise that Lyncestia would have plants that were unique from Athenia, not that there was much room for wild flowers to grow in the city centre.
Moment over, she allowed herself to be directed towards the first of the harbours, the one that had been here when Elias took over the barony. “Oh, yes, I see. Yes I can see why Lyncestia has become a hub for Stravos business and trade. I have to say, I wasn’t expecting it to look this grand.” She had expected it, but a compliment directed at Elias’ hard work would not go amiss, she was sure. “So you have this one and another two are finished? How many harbours do you hope to have?” She asked as she entered the rowboat.
She couldn’t imagine the need for many more at the moment. Surely Elias would need to build up his trade or military agreements before committing to building even more shipyards, otherwise they would sit unused and would then just decay again, as this one had been doing before Elias took charge of it. For a moment, she forgot who she was with, and was full of passion as she verbalised as much to Elias, curious as to his answer about how he planned to continue building both his trading empire as well as more shipyards. It would perhaps be the first time Elias had seen Evi be herself: alight with curiosity, completely focused on the future dreams of her interlocutor, full of empathy for their plight, and unafraid to ask challenging questions.
In their previous meeting, though Elias had taken great pleasure in seeing Evi's nearly panicked fascination with him, it was far more productive -- for the both of them -- for her to be as she was now. Still, he could ascertain from her the admiration, the sensation of his touch was surely something of a pleasure for her to experience. He felt her skin warm under his fingertips, and tempted he was to keep his hand there. But, there was more for them to do, a need for them to move forward and as fascinated as Evi was with her, a vested interest formed within Elias, as well. It was a common thing, for Elias to take on women to take to bed, but there was an all-too-familiar flutter within his chest that he found quite... unexpected.
Elias didn't hate what he felt, but the last woman who elicited any sort of genuine reaction from the Headlord of Stravos had also turned his heart to ash with her ultimate rejection. The thought of Iris of Aryris slipped away from Elias' mind, for far be it for him to sully the evening he was to enjoy with Evi by remembering a darker time in his past. Instead of dwelling too deeply on it, he was tempted into conversation, but he wanted the Antonis lady to acknowledge his words, something she seemed remiss to do. A chuckle was sorely tempted into escaping him, but he stayed his tongue until she answered him. Was it that everything seemed slower? Was Elias' mind playing tricks on him in a devious effort to spend longer than he could with Evi? The pair had some time between them in this visit, one that was sure to end within him home. And surely, if he could help it, with the both of them sharing his bed.
At her question, he shrugged.
"It depends on the time of day. Ships come in and out to deliver supplies from the established harbour to the new expansions. During the day, it may be difficult for small vessels to catch the eye of larger vessels and avoid their path," he mused aloud.
Elias listened and was pleased to hear that Evi was not longing to return to Athenia. It was a good sign, that her words in them bore signs of humour and even relief. Often enough, Elias of Stravos was not the sort of man to deeply crave the enjoyment of women in his presence. It was a given that the very sight of him enthralled them, but with a woman as keenly intelligent as Evi, even his gods-blessed beauty couldn't entrance her forever.
Or can it?
Elias fought for a moment against the notion of beauty or intellect capturing Evi's attentions, and when she took his offered arm, his fingers slid gently along her forearm before they threaded with her own. His thumb kneaded momentarily into Evi's palm as she acknowledged the flower, and a soft 'ah' of agreement escaped his lips. Of course, he'd seen those flowers before, living between Lyncestia and Athenia as he did, but truly, he never paid attention to them before she pointed the attention to them. It seemed an arbitrary thing, but he was showing her the province and he supposed that every bit of it, even the flowers, counted as doing that. The Headlord, as his companion continued to remark about it, shifted his free hand until he plucked one of them by the stem. It was a gentle movement, but nonetheless he severed it in offering to Evi.
"Perhaps they're a sight unique to Lyncestia. What a catch, hm? I'd never noticed the flowers before," he remarked, twisting to face her to place the severed stem between her upper ear and the side of her head, weaving it into her hair before leaving it at that. The Stravos couldn't help but grin as she commented on his answer regarding the flourishing harbours. It was a matter of professional integrity for the harbours to look nice. While Elias was certainly not the viciously shrewd businessman that decades of experience granted to his father, Keikelius, he gleaned from the elder Stravos the need for his properties to look their utmost in order to both intimidate and impress clientele.
As the pair indulged deeper and deeper into conversation, Elias couldn't help but be deeply impressed with Evi's intuition. It was, after all, as she implied. Having more shipyards and an additional harbour as he intended might stifle business and leave the newer ones in decay, particularly as the Headlord himself had manifold responsibilities that tore him away from Lyncestia more than he liked in this crucial time of expansion. However, there was much to do, and it was at the behest of other dealings that he'd rather not be in the public eye or worse yet, record, that he sought to move solely to those coves that were more difficult to reach. Elias wouldn't convey every bit of his plans to Evi lest she gain a foul impression of him, but he took the time to explain that the Stravos family required docks for their personal use that need not be directly involved in the standard Lyncestian dealings.
Elias, once the pair were properly seated within the rowboat, offered a grin at the lady he shared the boat with. A short prayer to Poseidon, followed by an offering for his protection, then the pair were off. For such short voyages, sacrifices were often not needed, but he'd make it abundantly clear to Evi in the offering that he was concerned deeply for her safety. The journey grew considerably easier as they moved farther and farther away from the docks, the swish of the rows loud in his ears. When he caught his stride in the motions and the strain in his muscles was less prevalent, he decided to ask,
"Did you ever take a particular interest in economics, my lady? Certainly, it's been made abundantly clear in our time that you're very astute, but... some of your questions are right on the money and it makes me wonder. Not in any sort of negative way. It's simply... uncommon and I can't help but be... fascinated."
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In their previous meeting, though Elias had taken great pleasure in seeing Evi's nearly panicked fascination with him, it was far more productive -- for the both of them -- for her to be as she was now. Still, he could ascertain from her the admiration, the sensation of his touch was surely something of a pleasure for her to experience. He felt her skin warm under his fingertips, and tempted he was to keep his hand there. But, there was more for them to do, a need for them to move forward and as fascinated as Evi was with her, a vested interest formed within Elias, as well. It was a common thing, for Elias to take on women to take to bed, but there was an all-too-familiar flutter within his chest that he found quite... unexpected.
Elias didn't hate what he felt, but the last woman who elicited any sort of genuine reaction from the Headlord of Stravos had also turned his heart to ash with her ultimate rejection. The thought of Iris of Aryris slipped away from Elias' mind, for far be it for him to sully the evening he was to enjoy with Evi by remembering a darker time in his past. Instead of dwelling too deeply on it, he was tempted into conversation, but he wanted the Antonis lady to acknowledge his words, something she seemed remiss to do. A chuckle was sorely tempted into escaping him, but he stayed his tongue until she answered him. Was it that everything seemed slower? Was Elias' mind playing tricks on him in a devious effort to spend longer than he could with Evi? The pair had some time between them in this visit, one that was sure to end within him home. And surely, if he could help it, with the both of them sharing his bed.
At her question, he shrugged.
"It depends on the time of day. Ships come in and out to deliver supplies from the established harbour to the new expansions. During the day, it may be difficult for small vessels to catch the eye of larger vessels and avoid their path," he mused aloud.
Elias listened and was pleased to hear that Evi was not longing to return to Athenia. It was a good sign, that her words in them bore signs of humour and even relief. Often enough, Elias of Stravos was not the sort of man to deeply crave the enjoyment of women in his presence. It was a given that the very sight of him enthralled them, but with a woman as keenly intelligent as Evi, even his gods-blessed beauty couldn't entrance her forever.
Or can it?
Elias fought for a moment against the notion of beauty or intellect capturing Evi's attentions, and when she took his offered arm, his fingers slid gently along her forearm before they threaded with her own. His thumb kneaded momentarily into Evi's palm as she acknowledged the flower, and a soft 'ah' of agreement escaped his lips. Of course, he'd seen those flowers before, living between Lyncestia and Athenia as he did, but truly, he never paid attention to them before she pointed the attention to them. It seemed an arbitrary thing, but he was showing her the province and he supposed that every bit of it, even the flowers, counted as doing that. The Headlord, as his companion continued to remark about it, shifted his free hand until he plucked one of them by the stem. It was a gentle movement, but nonetheless he severed it in offering to Evi.
"Perhaps they're a sight unique to Lyncestia. What a catch, hm? I'd never noticed the flowers before," he remarked, twisting to face her to place the severed stem between her upper ear and the side of her head, weaving it into her hair before leaving it at that. The Stravos couldn't help but grin as she commented on his answer regarding the flourishing harbours. It was a matter of professional integrity for the harbours to look nice. While Elias was certainly not the viciously shrewd businessman that decades of experience granted to his father, Keikelius, he gleaned from the elder Stravos the need for his properties to look their utmost in order to both intimidate and impress clientele.
As the pair indulged deeper and deeper into conversation, Elias couldn't help but be deeply impressed with Evi's intuition. It was, after all, as she implied. Having more shipyards and an additional harbour as he intended might stifle business and leave the newer ones in decay, particularly as the Headlord himself had manifold responsibilities that tore him away from Lyncestia more than he liked in this crucial time of expansion. However, there was much to do, and it was at the behest of other dealings that he'd rather not be in the public eye or worse yet, record, that he sought to move solely to those coves that were more difficult to reach. Elias wouldn't convey every bit of his plans to Evi lest she gain a foul impression of him, but he took the time to explain that the Stravos family required docks for their personal use that need not be directly involved in the standard Lyncestian dealings.
Elias, once the pair were properly seated within the rowboat, offered a grin at the lady he shared the boat with. A short prayer to Poseidon, followed by an offering for his protection, then the pair were off. For such short voyages, sacrifices were often not needed, but he'd make it abundantly clear to Evi in the offering that he was concerned deeply for her safety. The journey grew considerably easier as they moved farther and farther away from the docks, the swish of the rows loud in his ears. When he caught his stride in the motions and the strain in his muscles was less prevalent, he decided to ask,
"Did you ever take a particular interest in economics, my lady? Certainly, it's been made abundantly clear in our time that you're very astute, but... some of your questions are right on the money and it makes me wonder. Not in any sort of negative way. It's simply... uncommon and I can't help but be... fascinated."
In their previous meeting, though Elias had taken great pleasure in seeing Evi's nearly panicked fascination with him, it was far more productive -- for the both of them -- for her to be as she was now. Still, he could ascertain from her the admiration, the sensation of his touch was surely something of a pleasure for her to experience. He felt her skin warm under his fingertips, and tempted he was to keep his hand there. But, there was more for them to do, a need for them to move forward and as fascinated as Evi was with her, a vested interest formed within Elias, as well. It was a common thing, for Elias to take on women to take to bed, but there was an all-too-familiar flutter within his chest that he found quite... unexpected.
Elias didn't hate what he felt, but the last woman who elicited any sort of genuine reaction from the Headlord of Stravos had also turned his heart to ash with her ultimate rejection. The thought of Iris of Aryris slipped away from Elias' mind, for far be it for him to sully the evening he was to enjoy with Evi by remembering a darker time in his past. Instead of dwelling too deeply on it, he was tempted into conversation, but he wanted the Antonis lady to acknowledge his words, something she seemed remiss to do. A chuckle was sorely tempted into escaping him, but he stayed his tongue until she answered him. Was it that everything seemed slower? Was Elias' mind playing tricks on him in a devious effort to spend longer than he could with Evi? The pair had some time between them in this visit, one that was sure to end within him home. And surely, if he could help it, with the both of them sharing his bed.
At her question, he shrugged.
"It depends on the time of day. Ships come in and out to deliver supplies from the established harbour to the new expansions. During the day, it may be difficult for small vessels to catch the eye of larger vessels and avoid their path," he mused aloud.
Elias listened and was pleased to hear that Evi was not longing to return to Athenia. It was a good sign, that her words in them bore signs of humour and even relief. Often enough, Elias of Stravos was not the sort of man to deeply crave the enjoyment of women in his presence. It was a given that the very sight of him enthralled them, but with a woman as keenly intelligent as Evi, even his gods-blessed beauty couldn't entrance her forever.
Or can it?
Elias fought for a moment against the notion of beauty or intellect capturing Evi's attentions, and when she took his offered arm, his fingers slid gently along her forearm before they threaded with her own. His thumb kneaded momentarily into Evi's palm as she acknowledged the flower, and a soft 'ah' of agreement escaped his lips. Of course, he'd seen those flowers before, living between Lyncestia and Athenia as he did, but truly, he never paid attention to them before she pointed the attention to them. It seemed an arbitrary thing, but he was showing her the province and he supposed that every bit of it, even the flowers, counted as doing that. The Headlord, as his companion continued to remark about it, shifted his free hand until he plucked one of them by the stem. It was a gentle movement, but nonetheless he severed it in offering to Evi.
"Perhaps they're a sight unique to Lyncestia. What a catch, hm? I'd never noticed the flowers before," he remarked, twisting to face her to place the severed stem between her upper ear and the side of her head, weaving it into her hair before leaving it at that. The Stravos couldn't help but grin as she commented on his answer regarding the flourishing harbours. It was a matter of professional integrity for the harbours to look nice. While Elias was certainly not the viciously shrewd businessman that decades of experience granted to his father, Keikelius, he gleaned from the elder Stravos the need for his properties to look their utmost in order to both intimidate and impress clientele.
As the pair indulged deeper and deeper into conversation, Elias couldn't help but be deeply impressed with Evi's intuition. It was, after all, as she implied. Having more shipyards and an additional harbour as he intended might stifle business and leave the newer ones in decay, particularly as the Headlord himself had manifold responsibilities that tore him away from Lyncestia more than he liked in this crucial time of expansion. However, there was much to do, and it was at the behest of other dealings that he'd rather not be in the public eye or worse yet, record, that he sought to move solely to those coves that were more difficult to reach. Elias wouldn't convey every bit of his plans to Evi lest she gain a foul impression of him, but he took the time to explain that the Stravos family required docks for their personal use that need not be directly involved in the standard Lyncestian dealings.
Elias, once the pair were properly seated within the rowboat, offered a grin at the lady he shared the boat with. A short prayer to Poseidon, followed by an offering for his protection, then the pair were off. For such short voyages, sacrifices were often not needed, but he'd make it abundantly clear to Evi in the offering that he was concerned deeply for her safety. The journey grew considerably easier as they moved farther and farther away from the docks, the swish of the rows loud in his ears. When he caught his stride in the motions and the strain in his muscles was less prevalent, he decided to ask,
"Did you ever take a particular interest in economics, my lady? Certainly, it's been made abundantly clear in our time that you're very astute, but... some of your questions are right on the money and it makes me wonder. Not in any sort of negative way. It's simply... uncommon and I can't help but be... fascinated."
She should have expected it - the offering of a flower. It seemed such an inconsequential thing to Elias. Flowers were hardly the most important thing about Lyncestia, hardly what Elias had had in mind when he thought to show Evi his barony. The young woman accepted the beautiful offering with a word of thanks and a bright smile. Evi allowed his hands to plait the flower into her hair. Surprisingly, her smile turned almost indulgent: Evi knew this was an well tried and tested method of flirtation, making a girl feel all the more pretty from her accessories. But she did not stop him all the same, enjoying the attention.
She was genuinely pleased to have been offered it, though she had no idea what she was going to do with a flower that was, for al intents and purposes, now dead. It would whither within the next few hours... days if she gave it water. “Perhaps your servants may press it for me when we return to your home?” She asked softly, coming up with the only alternative to preserve the flower’s beauty.
“No, I wouldn’t imagine you spent much time examining the flora and fauna. Much more important things to be seeing to,” Evi teased lightly, “But an educated guess would tell me you have many more of both to offer than the city... purely because it is a city and flowers and wildlife do not have the same, ah, opportunities to thrive.”
Evi was a god-fearing Athenian, like any good lady, but she found the sacrificial offering to Poseidon rather... extreme. Was he planning on rowing her out to sea? Such was the care he took in including her into his prayers that she might have thought the gentle waters were prone to storm weather. Elias seemed to be pulling out all the stops to make her feel like the most important person in the world.
It would be a lie for Evi to say that she wasn’t enjoying it.
“I can’t say that I have a particular interest in economics,” she replied slowly, considering how best to convey her understanding of the topic without making Elias realise just how much of a bookworm she was. “But I have read a few books covering the topic, normally because I have been trying to understand some other nuanced topic and the concepts have required me to read beyond the original topic to truly grasp its meaning.” To say that she enjoyed reading would be a vast understatement. But she often took it a little further than that, asking her tutors or her parents for further information, of just for their opinions on the matter. Evi could learn just as much from two differing opinions as she could from two books.
“I mean.. I understand the basic concept of trade, and I understand how politics is intrinsically liked to trade.. one cannot have one without the other and how much they impact each other’s. I suppose the question really stands about whether you think there are trading partnerships out there which you would like to explore but cannot because of Athenian politics.”
And this was where Elias would really see her come into her own. It didn’t matter what Evi thought, but she was curious enough to push him and gain more of an answer than the lip service he had been providing so far. The fact was that she did agree with what she was saying, but she could quickly change her tune and argue the opposite just to see the real Elias underneath all this sweet kindness he had been putting on thus far.
Of course, there was also the implication that the King’s waning health left a big question over the obvious line of succession for Athenia. Evi was no fool, she knew what Elias would like, and she wanted to know what type of ruler he would be. “Our purpose in this world is constant improvement. I cannot agree with the notion that we have exhausted ever trading possibility and now have the best of the bunch. With Lyncestia on the rise, and you at the helm - excuse the pun - I wonder whether you might have ideas for, ah, better trade agreements with other states and nations. We have no idea what we are missing out on until we cultivate these partnerships.”
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She should have expected it - the offering of a flower. It seemed such an inconsequential thing to Elias. Flowers were hardly the most important thing about Lyncestia, hardly what Elias had had in mind when he thought to show Evi his barony. The young woman accepted the beautiful offering with a word of thanks and a bright smile. Evi allowed his hands to plait the flower into her hair. Surprisingly, her smile turned almost indulgent: Evi knew this was an well tried and tested method of flirtation, making a girl feel all the more pretty from her accessories. But she did not stop him all the same, enjoying the attention.
She was genuinely pleased to have been offered it, though she had no idea what she was going to do with a flower that was, for al intents and purposes, now dead. It would whither within the next few hours... days if she gave it water. “Perhaps your servants may press it for me when we return to your home?” She asked softly, coming up with the only alternative to preserve the flower’s beauty.
“No, I wouldn’t imagine you spent much time examining the flora and fauna. Much more important things to be seeing to,” Evi teased lightly, “But an educated guess would tell me you have many more of both to offer than the city... purely because it is a city and flowers and wildlife do not have the same, ah, opportunities to thrive.”
Evi was a god-fearing Athenian, like any good lady, but she found the sacrificial offering to Poseidon rather... extreme. Was he planning on rowing her out to sea? Such was the care he took in including her into his prayers that she might have thought the gentle waters were prone to storm weather. Elias seemed to be pulling out all the stops to make her feel like the most important person in the world.
It would be a lie for Evi to say that she wasn’t enjoying it.
“I can’t say that I have a particular interest in economics,” she replied slowly, considering how best to convey her understanding of the topic without making Elias realise just how much of a bookworm she was. “But I have read a few books covering the topic, normally because I have been trying to understand some other nuanced topic and the concepts have required me to read beyond the original topic to truly grasp its meaning.” To say that she enjoyed reading would be a vast understatement. But she often took it a little further than that, asking her tutors or her parents for further information, of just for their opinions on the matter. Evi could learn just as much from two differing opinions as she could from two books.
“I mean.. I understand the basic concept of trade, and I understand how politics is intrinsically liked to trade.. one cannot have one without the other and how much they impact each other’s. I suppose the question really stands about whether you think there are trading partnerships out there which you would like to explore but cannot because of Athenian politics.”
And this was where Elias would really see her come into her own. It didn’t matter what Evi thought, but she was curious enough to push him and gain more of an answer than the lip service he had been providing so far. The fact was that she did agree with what she was saying, but she could quickly change her tune and argue the opposite just to see the real Elias underneath all this sweet kindness he had been putting on thus far.
Of course, there was also the implication that the King’s waning health left a big question over the obvious line of succession for Athenia. Evi was no fool, she knew what Elias would like, and she wanted to know what type of ruler he would be. “Our purpose in this world is constant improvement. I cannot agree with the notion that we have exhausted ever trading possibility and now have the best of the bunch. With Lyncestia on the rise, and you at the helm - excuse the pun - I wonder whether you might have ideas for, ah, better trade agreements with other states and nations. We have no idea what we are missing out on until we cultivate these partnerships.”
She should have expected it - the offering of a flower. It seemed such an inconsequential thing to Elias. Flowers were hardly the most important thing about Lyncestia, hardly what Elias had had in mind when he thought to show Evi his barony. The young woman accepted the beautiful offering with a word of thanks and a bright smile. Evi allowed his hands to plait the flower into her hair. Surprisingly, her smile turned almost indulgent: Evi knew this was an well tried and tested method of flirtation, making a girl feel all the more pretty from her accessories. But she did not stop him all the same, enjoying the attention.
She was genuinely pleased to have been offered it, though she had no idea what she was going to do with a flower that was, for al intents and purposes, now dead. It would whither within the next few hours... days if she gave it water. “Perhaps your servants may press it for me when we return to your home?” She asked softly, coming up with the only alternative to preserve the flower’s beauty.
“No, I wouldn’t imagine you spent much time examining the flora and fauna. Much more important things to be seeing to,” Evi teased lightly, “But an educated guess would tell me you have many more of both to offer than the city... purely because it is a city and flowers and wildlife do not have the same, ah, opportunities to thrive.”
Evi was a god-fearing Athenian, like any good lady, but she found the sacrificial offering to Poseidon rather... extreme. Was he planning on rowing her out to sea? Such was the care he took in including her into his prayers that she might have thought the gentle waters were prone to storm weather. Elias seemed to be pulling out all the stops to make her feel like the most important person in the world.
It would be a lie for Evi to say that she wasn’t enjoying it.
“I can’t say that I have a particular interest in economics,” she replied slowly, considering how best to convey her understanding of the topic without making Elias realise just how much of a bookworm she was. “But I have read a few books covering the topic, normally because I have been trying to understand some other nuanced topic and the concepts have required me to read beyond the original topic to truly grasp its meaning.” To say that she enjoyed reading would be a vast understatement. But she often took it a little further than that, asking her tutors or her parents for further information, of just for their opinions on the matter. Evi could learn just as much from two differing opinions as she could from two books.
“I mean.. I understand the basic concept of trade, and I understand how politics is intrinsically liked to trade.. one cannot have one without the other and how much they impact each other’s. I suppose the question really stands about whether you think there are trading partnerships out there which you would like to explore but cannot because of Athenian politics.”
And this was where Elias would really see her come into her own. It didn’t matter what Evi thought, but she was curious enough to push him and gain more of an answer than the lip service he had been providing so far. The fact was that she did agree with what she was saying, but she could quickly change her tune and argue the opposite just to see the real Elias underneath all this sweet kindness he had been putting on thus far.
Of course, there was also the implication that the King’s waning health left a big question over the obvious line of succession for Athenia. Evi was no fool, she knew what Elias would like, and she wanted to know what type of ruler he would be. “Our purpose in this world is constant improvement. I cannot agree with the notion that we have exhausted ever trading possibility and now have the best of the bunch. With Lyncestia on the rise, and you at the helm - excuse the pun - I wonder whether you might have ideas for, ah, better trade agreements with other states and nations. We have no idea what we are missing out on until we cultivate these partnerships.”
"Of course we could. I'll have it done as soon as we return." he answered briefly, just as his thoughts flickered toward the past.
The short time Elias and Evi had spent in the university together was both brief and memorable to the Headlord of Stravos. It'd been a game to him, to see how he could wind up the younger royal, how he could wax the blush upon her features and keep her gaze glued inexorably to him. But, it was a game that had a definitive end, for such playful ventures could not be seen to their reasonable conclusion in the public eye. Of course, Elias was compelled to invite her to Lyncestia. Of course, he'd pull every trick he knew in order to make her feel significant to him, in order to lull her deeper and deeper into the feelings of admiration that were all too obvious. It suited him, to crave the attention of a woman who craved his in turn. Elias relished in their exchanges even as the excitement in them wasn't so visceral as other encounters he'd had.
At times, the sweeter rewards required subtlety.
Used to having women throw themselves at him in the midst of his gods-bestowed beauty, it was a pleasure for Elias to utilize charm and wile in his efforts at wooing Evi was a prize, and he treated her exactly as one. He offered sacrifice in Poseidon's name for her, placed flowers in her hair to make her feel beautiful and appreciated. And, she was. All of his efforts were carefully laid in the midst of his desire for her. He'd nodded in response to her teasing, a chuckle escaping his lips. But, it was her remark on the his question regarding economics that truly caught at his attention. Elias had been more of an avid reader in his youth, studying texts and consulting with tutors that were carefully (and others less so) selected in order to give him the grasp of the world he needed in order to rule it.
Whether that rule was on the throne or with the mantle of a barony, it truly didn't matter. Elias of Stravos received nothing but the best, and in the end, his book reading served the point of preparing him for the practical experience of ruling a barony. He'd done, all things considered, remarkably well, taking his time to understand Lyncestia and utilize its hidden coves to his advantage rather than lament to the sorry, infertile lands. The people were the resource that mattered most, and they worked diligently at his behest. While Elias lived in the world of the practical, Evi seemed to shine in the theoretical, using a sharp wit in order to probe with intelligent questions that required him to think. It'd been quite a while since he was forced to truly consider his words with a woman outside of his family.
He found that he enjoyed it well enough.
"I can agree that one cannot have politics without commerce. They are intrinsically linked. Politics is one of the vehicles used to ensure the proper handling of commerce, but it is my experience that over-politicization of commerce is largely negative. It's as you say. Political biases can make trade... difficult. After all, what self-respecting Athenian would think to publicly admit trade with the Egyptians? Relations with the Egyptians is tumultuous at best, always divided between war and peace. And yet... they have much more land and gold and who knows what other precious goods that a healthy trade relationship could bring to Athenia. It leaves Africa largely unexplored as potential trade partners, even."
Elias hummed in thought even as the words escaped him. It was, to him, quite a shame that the political ties, especially between the Greek nations themselves, prevented the cultivation of economic expansion. While Athenia was a formidable force, to defy the treaty by fraternizing with the enemies of Greece too publicly worked against the interests of a businessman. Always, trade and politics warred against one another in that regard, even as treaties and peace brought nations together. The scales tipped to and fro, never quite finding balance.
"There are... other nations and other possibilities on the horizon for Lyncestia and of course, Athenia as a whole. It's my hope, in the absence of positive relations with Africa, that Athenia looks north and west, or even further east in the effort to expand our horizons. We have much to offer to the rest of the world, perhaps more than they have to offer us. But, there is ingenuity in foreign lands, I'm sure, and it is through trade first and foremost that strong political ties are formed. It's exactly as you say... we don't know what we're missing out on and we're less for it."
As the two continued talking, the distance between them and the cove turned less and less. Within the space of their exchange and the silences of thought between, they'd already reached their destination. Elias released the oars, stretching out his arms before he rose to his feet and extracted himself from the boat. He offered Evi his hand, and when she took it, he helped her onto the small dock. The small harbour they'd nestled into had but two others in it, for they'd reached evening already and the time for the Lyncestians to be separated from the mainland was well past. Elias waved off the men as they sought to welcome them, clearly recognizing the lord for who he was.
"Tie the boat off. I've a mind to show the arch to my lovely guest," he added, an off-handed mention before he took Evi's hand and began to lead her away from the harbour and outwards towards the shoreline. They tread a path just shy of the tide, moving farther and farther from the civilised and towards the natural beauty that Lyncestia had to offer.
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"Of course we could. I'll have it done as soon as we return." he answered briefly, just as his thoughts flickered toward the past.
The short time Elias and Evi had spent in the university together was both brief and memorable to the Headlord of Stravos. It'd been a game to him, to see how he could wind up the younger royal, how he could wax the blush upon her features and keep her gaze glued inexorably to him. But, it was a game that had a definitive end, for such playful ventures could not be seen to their reasonable conclusion in the public eye. Of course, Elias was compelled to invite her to Lyncestia. Of course, he'd pull every trick he knew in order to make her feel significant to him, in order to lull her deeper and deeper into the feelings of admiration that were all too obvious. It suited him, to crave the attention of a woman who craved his in turn. Elias relished in their exchanges even as the excitement in them wasn't so visceral as other encounters he'd had.
At times, the sweeter rewards required subtlety.
Used to having women throw themselves at him in the midst of his gods-bestowed beauty, it was a pleasure for Elias to utilize charm and wile in his efforts at wooing Evi was a prize, and he treated her exactly as one. He offered sacrifice in Poseidon's name for her, placed flowers in her hair to make her feel beautiful and appreciated. And, she was. All of his efforts were carefully laid in the midst of his desire for her. He'd nodded in response to her teasing, a chuckle escaping his lips. But, it was her remark on the his question regarding economics that truly caught at his attention. Elias had been more of an avid reader in his youth, studying texts and consulting with tutors that were carefully (and others less so) selected in order to give him the grasp of the world he needed in order to rule it.
Whether that rule was on the throne or with the mantle of a barony, it truly didn't matter. Elias of Stravos received nothing but the best, and in the end, his book reading served the point of preparing him for the practical experience of ruling a barony. He'd done, all things considered, remarkably well, taking his time to understand Lyncestia and utilize its hidden coves to his advantage rather than lament to the sorry, infertile lands. The people were the resource that mattered most, and they worked diligently at his behest. While Elias lived in the world of the practical, Evi seemed to shine in the theoretical, using a sharp wit in order to probe with intelligent questions that required him to think. It'd been quite a while since he was forced to truly consider his words with a woman outside of his family.
He found that he enjoyed it well enough.
"I can agree that one cannot have politics without commerce. They are intrinsically linked. Politics is one of the vehicles used to ensure the proper handling of commerce, but it is my experience that over-politicization of commerce is largely negative. It's as you say. Political biases can make trade... difficult. After all, what self-respecting Athenian would think to publicly admit trade with the Egyptians? Relations with the Egyptians is tumultuous at best, always divided between war and peace. And yet... they have much more land and gold and who knows what other precious goods that a healthy trade relationship could bring to Athenia. It leaves Africa largely unexplored as potential trade partners, even."
Elias hummed in thought even as the words escaped him. It was, to him, quite a shame that the political ties, especially between the Greek nations themselves, prevented the cultivation of economic expansion. While Athenia was a formidable force, to defy the treaty by fraternizing with the enemies of Greece too publicly worked against the interests of a businessman. Always, trade and politics warred against one another in that regard, even as treaties and peace brought nations together. The scales tipped to and fro, never quite finding balance.
"There are... other nations and other possibilities on the horizon for Lyncestia and of course, Athenia as a whole. It's my hope, in the absence of positive relations with Africa, that Athenia looks north and west, or even further east in the effort to expand our horizons. We have much to offer to the rest of the world, perhaps more than they have to offer us. But, there is ingenuity in foreign lands, I'm sure, and it is through trade first and foremost that strong political ties are formed. It's exactly as you say... we don't know what we're missing out on and we're less for it."
As the two continued talking, the distance between them and the cove turned less and less. Within the space of their exchange and the silences of thought between, they'd already reached their destination. Elias released the oars, stretching out his arms before he rose to his feet and extracted himself from the boat. He offered Evi his hand, and when she took it, he helped her onto the small dock. The small harbour they'd nestled into had but two others in it, for they'd reached evening already and the time for the Lyncestians to be separated from the mainland was well past. Elias waved off the men as they sought to welcome them, clearly recognizing the lord for who he was.
"Tie the boat off. I've a mind to show the arch to my lovely guest," he added, an off-handed mention before he took Evi's hand and began to lead her away from the harbour and outwards towards the shoreline. They tread a path just shy of the tide, moving farther and farther from the civilised and towards the natural beauty that Lyncestia had to offer.
"Of course we could. I'll have it done as soon as we return." he answered briefly, just as his thoughts flickered toward the past.
The short time Elias and Evi had spent in the university together was both brief and memorable to the Headlord of Stravos. It'd been a game to him, to see how he could wind up the younger royal, how he could wax the blush upon her features and keep her gaze glued inexorably to him. But, it was a game that had a definitive end, for such playful ventures could not be seen to their reasonable conclusion in the public eye. Of course, Elias was compelled to invite her to Lyncestia. Of course, he'd pull every trick he knew in order to make her feel significant to him, in order to lull her deeper and deeper into the feelings of admiration that were all too obvious. It suited him, to crave the attention of a woman who craved his in turn. Elias relished in their exchanges even as the excitement in them wasn't so visceral as other encounters he'd had.
At times, the sweeter rewards required subtlety.
Used to having women throw themselves at him in the midst of his gods-bestowed beauty, it was a pleasure for Elias to utilize charm and wile in his efforts at wooing Evi was a prize, and he treated her exactly as one. He offered sacrifice in Poseidon's name for her, placed flowers in her hair to make her feel beautiful and appreciated. And, she was. All of his efforts were carefully laid in the midst of his desire for her. He'd nodded in response to her teasing, a chuckle escaping his lips. But, it was her remark on the his question regarding economics that truly caught at his attention. Elias had been more of an avid reader in his youth, studying texts and consulting with tutors that were carefully (and others less so) selected in order to give him the grasp of the world he needed in order to rule it.
Whether that rule was on the throne or with the mantle of a barony, it truly didn't matter. Elias of Stravos received nothing but the best, and in the end, his book reading served the point of preparing him for the practical experience of ruling a barony. He'd done, all things considered, remarkably well, taking his time to understand Lyncestia and utilize its hidden coves to his advantage rather than lament to the sorry, infertile lands. The people were the resource that mattered most, and they worked diligently at his behest. While Elias lived in the world of the practical, Evi seemed to shine in the theoretical, using a sharp wit in order to probe with intelligent questions that required him to think. It'd been quite a while since he was forced to truly consider his words with a woman outside of his family.
He found that he enjoyed it well enough.
"I can agree that one cannot have politics without commerce. They are intrinsically linked. Politics is one of the vehicles used to ensure the proper handling of commerce, but it is my experience that over-politicization of commerce is largely negative. It's as you say. Political biases can make trade... difficult. After all, what self-respecting Athenian would think to publicly admit trade with the Egyptians? Relations with the Egyptians is tumultuous at best, always divided between war and peace. And yet... they have much more land and gold and who knows what other precious goods that a healthy trade relationship could bring to Athenia. It leaves Africa largely unexplored as potential trade partners, even."
Elias hummed in thought even as the words escaped him. It was, to him, quite a shame that the political ties, especially between the Greek nations themselves, prevented the cultivation of economic expansion. While Athenia was a formidable force, to defy the treaty by fraternizing with the enemies of Greece too publicly worked against the interests of a businessman. Always, trade and politics warred against one another in that regard, even as treaties and peace brought nations together. The scales tipped to and fro, never quite finding balance.
"There are... other nations and other possibilities on the horizon for Lyncestia and of course, Athenia as a whole. It's my hope, in the absence of positive relations with Africa, that Athenia looks north and west, or even further east in the effort to expand our horizons. We have much to offer to the rest of the world, perhaps more than they have to offer us. But, there is ingenuity in foreign lands, I'm sure, and it is through trade first and foremost that strong political ties are formed. It's exactly as you say... we don't know what we're missing out on and we're less for it."
As the two continued talking, the distance between them and the cove turned less and less. Within the space of their exchange and the silences of thought between, they'd already reached their destination. Elias released the oars, stretching out his arms before he rose to his feet and extracted himself from the boat. He offered Evi his hand, and when she took it, he helped her onto the small dock. The small harbour they'd nestled into had but two others in it, for they'd reached evening already and the time for the Lyncestians to be separated from the mainland was well past. Elias waved off the men as they sought to welcome them, clearly recognizing the lord for who he was.
"Tie the boat off. I've a mind to show the arch to my lovely guest," he added, an off-handed mention before he took Evi's hand and began to lead her away from the harbour and outwards towards the shoreline. They tread a path just shy of the tide, moving farther and farther from the civilised and towards the natural beauty that Lyncestia had to offer.
If Elias had been looking for a lady to row around in a small boat and show her the sights as she simpered and gushed over the beauty of Lyncestia, then he had chosen the wrong woman. Despite her unrequited feelings for the man sitting across from her, Evi was hardly one to ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ at the landscape, nor at the impressive sight of the finished ports. If Elias ha expected that, he would be vastly disappointed at the woman sharing his boat.
But if that was what he had expected, he hid it very well, engaging with her as an intellectual equal, rather than brushing aside her words in favour of pointing out that which Evi could plainly see on her own were she so inclined. It was refreshing. Not that many people treated her as a second-class citizen, pushing her ideas aside as worthless because they came from a teenaged girl… but there had been a couple of times. She was… pleasantly surprised to discover Elias of Stravos was not such a man.
“Egypt?” the girl echoed, “Well you cannot disagree that the problem of international trade is that it depends entirely on what other nations choose to do. It it fundamentally strategic because we just don’t know what the other nation would want out of an agreement until negotiations are well underway. Who’s to say that Egypt even wish to trade with us? Whoever was investigating such a trade alliance would look quite the fool if they walked away with nothing. That said, if they could strike up a favourable arrangement then, regardless of public opinion and international relations, that person would grow in popularity surely.”
“Because it’s more than just about a trade agreement. Free trade agreements with other nations offer all manner of other protections,” Evi continued after mulling over her words, “Mutual protections for both nations. That’s not something that can be ignored or even scoffed at.”
They’d reached their destination at last and Evi accepted the offered hand in order to exit the small rowboat with as much grace as she could manage. They were not alone on the dock, and Evi shuffled out of the way as the two men, following their lord’s command, came over to secure the boat to the dock. Ah, so there was some beautiful thing Elias wanted her to see, she realised as he entwined his fingers in among hers and gently started guiding her down the wooden dock and down onto the sand. It wasn’t that Evi didn’t like looking at novel and remarkable things… the problem was that she couldn’t help but wonder how many other women had Elias taken down here to see this ‘arch’.
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If Elias had been looking for a lady to row around in a small boat and show her the sights as she simpered and gushed over the beauty of Lyncestia, then he had chosen the wrong woman. Despite her unrequited feelings for the man sitting across from her, Evi was hardly one to ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ at the landscape, nor at the impressive sight of the finished ports. If Elias ha expected that, he would be vastly disappointed at the woman sharing his boat.
But if that was what he had expected, he hid it very well, engaging with her as an intellectual equal, rather than brushing aside her words in favour of pointing out that which Evi could plainly see on her own were she so inclined. It was refreshing. Not that many people treated her as a second-class citizen, pushing her ideas aside as worthless because they came from a teenaged girl… but there had been a couple of times. She was… pleasantly surprised to discover Elias of Stravos was not such a man.
“Egypt?” the girl echoed, “Well you cannot disagree that the problem of international trade is that it depends entirely on what other nations choose to do. It it fundamentally strategic because we just don’t know what the other nation would want out of an agreement until negotiations are well underway. Who’s to say that Egypt even wish to trade with us? Whoever was investigating such a trade alliance would look quite the fool if they walked away with nothing. That said, if they could strike up a favourable arrangement then, regardless of public opinion and international relations, that person would grow in popularity surely.”
“Because it’s more than just about a trade agreement. Free trade agreements with other nations offer all manner of other protections,” Evi continued after mulling over her words, “Mutual protections for both nations. That’s not something that can be ignored or even scoffed at.”
They’d reached their destination at last and Evi accepted the offered hand in order to exit the small rowboat with as much grace as she could manage. They were not alone on the dock, and Evi shuffled out of the way as the two men, following their lord’s command, came over to secure the boat to the dock. Ah, so there was some beautiful thing Elias wanted her to see, she realised as he entwined his fingers in among hers and gently started guiding her down the wooden dock and down onto the sand. It wasn’t that Evi didn’t like looking at novel and remarkable things… the problem was that she couldn’t help but wonder how many other women had Elias taken down here to see this ‘arch’.
If Elias had been looking for a lady to row around in a small boat and show her the sights as she simpered and gushed over the beauty of Lyncestia, then he had chosen the wrong woman. Despite her unrequited feelings for the man sitting across from her, Evi was hardly one to ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ at the landscape, nor at the impressive sight of the finished ports. If Elias ha expected that, he would be vastly disappointed at the woman sharing his boat.
But if that was what he had expected, he hid it very well, engaging with her as an intellectual equal, rather than brushing aside her words in favour of pointing out that which Evi could plainly see on her own were she so inclined. It was refreshing. Not that many people treated her as a second-class citizen, pushing her ideas aside as worthless because they came from a teenaged girl… but there had been a couple of times. She was… pleasantly surprised to discover Elias of Stravos was not such a man.
“Egypt?” the girl echoed, “Well you cannot disagree that the problem of international trade is that it depends entirely on what other nations choose to do. It it fundamentally strategic because we just don’t know what the other nation would want out of an agreement until negotiations are well underway. Who’s to say that Egypt even wish to trade with us? Whoever was investigating such a trade alliance would look quite the fool if they walked away with nothing. That said, if they could strike up a favourable arrangement then, regardless of public opinion and international relations, that person would grow in popularity surely.”
“Because it’s more than just about a trade agreement. Free trade agreements with other nations offer all manner of other protections,” Evi continued after mulling over her words, “Mutual protections for both nations. That’s not something that can be ignored or even scoffed at.”
They’d reached their destination at last and Evi accepted the offered hand in order to exit the small rowboat with as much grace as she could manage. They were not alone on the dock, and Evi shuffled out of the way as the two men, following their lord’s command, came over to secure the boat to the dock. Ah, so there was some beautiful thing Elias wanted her to see, she realised as he entwined his fingers in among hers and gently started guiding her down the wooden dock and down onto the sand. It wasn’t that Evi didn’t like looking at novel and remarkable things… the problem was that she couldn’t help but wonder how many other women had Elias taken down here to see this ‘arch’.
For Elias of Stravos, it was always difficult to temper his proclivity for dalliance. Always, he saw himself as better than everyone else with a propensity for undermining the very women who threw themselves at him. From the servants he saw as nothing more than dust beneath his feet to the lesser nobles he toyed with for his amusement, it was in the company of those with royal blood that he found himself challenged the most. Not necessarily intellectually, but in his own capacity for self control. The fact that Evi of Antonis did challenge him intellectually, however, made her all the more appealing. To hide things from the woman was a difficult game, for her keen intuition challenged the very idea of doing that.
All in all, the balance between truth and misdirection, and between desire and restraint were forming a game that was, for Elias, more interesting than most. Perhaps he was playing it well, for she seemed more and more taken with him and engaged in their words. He relished in the continuing attention and moreover, the intelligent retorts she brought with his every answer to her. As she spoke on about the trade between countries, Evi forced Elias to think and consider her words. His future as the kingdom's monarch required him to be prepared for exactly what she was saying, and yet... to speak of such hefty topics brought with it the necessity of consideration. Consideration of a future the Headlord of Stravos felt was inevitable, a future he both wanted and dreaded.
For Elias, to be king was to garner the accolade he was to inherit by blood, a fervent desire to both please and respect the achievement of his family, but also the epitome of his rightfully and divinely ordained inheritance. As she spoke on, the thoughts of the future both excited and frustrated him, for Elias, while a man and a baron, was also a being who innately craved the pleasures that his life of opulence encouraged. Pleasures that he might yet need to forgo as the ruler. Mentally, he cast aside that thought as he added,
"That's a matter of esteem for Athenia, isn't it? I, for one, in my time as a baron and senator, I have seen the ingenuity that we possess in comparison to the other kingdoms of Greece. I've seen no need to travel outside of the country, but by all accounts, the rest of the world would be blessed to have our camaraderie.
But, you're right. Even the greatest of kingdoms can be seen as nothing by those who keep their distance or understand incorrectly. Egypt is a land that Greece has never seen eye-to-eye with, and while it is not entirely their fault, the savages that they are, it is something to lament, to ignore what they have merely because they have no desire to associate. I've never been a proponent of eternal warfare, but perhaps it is fitting that Greece's rule spills over and we gain what these countries have to offer that way," he mused.
Of course, here, Elias spoke in the form of a devil's advocate, shrugging his shoulder at the idea of such a thing, surely part of the motivation for the country's continued desire for war with the African land. It was beyond Elias' full understanding, for the talks between kings and queens of other kingdoms was, for the moment, something he was not fully privy to.
Dropping the topic once he completed his point, the pair took hands and made their way out. Elias of Stravos knew well by then that Evi wasn't going to be impressed by beautiful sights and the splendor of the land in it of itself. What he had in mind, however, was something altogether distinct. Once the pair were left to their own devices, they'd wade through shallow waters, the Stravos weaving them through points in the azure tide that lacked shells that could pierce into the soles of their sandals. He guided her up until where he was taking her was immediately noticeable.
Elias and Evi looked upon a a massive rock formation, cut out in the middle by the tide to form an arch that carried the tide between the two segments that pierced the waters. The Stravos led them on to the sands that surrounded the arch, the tide licking at their feet as he told her,
"It's a novel place, but often enough I come here to... get away. But, I wanted to share it with you," he emphasized, as if aware of her thoughts. He couldn't tell what she was thinking, but it was a simple enough conclusion to reach given the lord's reputation. He released the woman's hand at last, intent on sitting himself down to rest his back against the rocks. He gestured for her to join him, his lips at last curled into a smile as he said,
"Lyncestia is largely unexplored. It has more than a dozen hidden coves, as I told you before. But, more than that, it has these bits and pieces that if revealed to the rest of the land, might bring visitors here in the hopes of seeing sights that eludes them in the other provinces. I wonder, Evi, if you'd indulge me. Does this place seem romantic to you?" he inquired. Then, he turned to face her, fingers brushing tenderly along the woman's jawline. He pressed himself closer still, so that his lips brushed just so against her own before he breathed into her ear,
"If I kissed you here, would you remember it more fondly than if I did so elsewhere?"
Then, without waiting for an answer, he did exactly that. Elias of Stravos sought to catch the Antonis woman's lips with his own, fingers lowering to catch her chiton with the intent to pull her against his chest.
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For Elias of Stravos, it was always difficult to temper his proclivity for dalliance. Always, he saw himself as better than everyone else with a propensity for undermining the very women who threw themselves at him. From the servants he saw as nothing more than dust beneath his feet to the lesser nobles he toyed with for his amusement, it was in the company of those with royal blood that he found himself challenged the most. Not necessarily intellectually, but in his own capacity for self control. The fact that Evi of Antonis did challenge him intellectually, however, made her all the more appealing. To hide things from the woman was a difficult game, for her keen intuition challenged the very idea of doing that.
All in all, the balance between truth and misdirection, and between desire and restraint were forming a game that was, for Elias, more interesting than most. Perhaps he was playing it well, for she seemed more and more taken with him and engaged in their words. He relished in the continuing attention and moreover, the intelligent retorts she brought with his every answer to her. As she spoke on about the trade between countries, Evi forced Elias to think and consider her words. His future as the kingdom's monarch required him to be prepared for exactly what she was saying, and yet... to speak of such hefty topics brought with it the necessity of consideration. Consideration of a future the Headlord of Stravos felt was inevitable, a future he both wanted and dreaded.
For Elias, to be king was to garner the accolade he was to inherit by blood, a fervent desire to both please and respect the achievement of his family, but also the epitome of his rightfully and divinely ordained inheritance. As she spoke on, the thoughts of the future both excited and frustrated him, for Elias, while a man and a baron, was also a being who innately craved the pleasures that his life of opulence encouraged. Pleasures that he might yet need to forgo as the ruler. Mentally, he cast aside that thought as he added,
"That's a matter of esteem for Athenia, isn't it? I, for one, in my time as a baron and senator, I have seen the ingenuity that we possess in comparison to the other kingdoms of Greece. I've seen no need to travel outside of the country, but by all accounts, the rest of the world would be blessed to have our camaraderie.
But, you're right. Even the greatest of kingdoms can be seen as nothing by those who keep their distance or understand incorrectly. Egypt is a land that Greece has never seen eye-to-eye with, and while it is not entirely their fault, the savages that they are, it is something to lament, to ignore what they have merely because they have no desire to associate. I've never been a proponent of eternal warfare, but perhaps it is fitting that Greece's rule spills over and we gain what these countries have to offer that way," he mused.
Of course, here, Elias spoke in the form of a devil's advocate, shrugging his shoulder at the idea of such a thing, surely part of the motivation for the country's continued desire for war with the African land. It was beyond Elias' full understanding, for the talks between kings and queens of other kingdoms was, for the moment, something he was not fully privy to.
Dropping the topic once he completed his point, the pair took hands and made their way out. Elias of Stravos knew well by then that Evi wasn't going to be impressed by beautiful sights and the splendor of the land in it of itself. What he had in mind, however, was something altogether distinct. Once the pair were left to their own devices, they'd wade through shallow waters, the Stravos weaving them through points in the azure tide that lacked shells that could pierce into the soles of their sandals. He guided her up until where he was taking her was immediately noticeable.
Elias and Evi looked upon a a massive rock formation, cut out in the middle by the tide to form an arch that carried the tide between the two segments that pierced the waters. The Stravos led them on to the sands that surrounded the arch, the tide licking at their feet as he told her,
"It's a novel place, but often enough I come here to... get away. But, I wanted to share it with you," he emphasized, as if aware of her thoughts. He couldn't tell what she was thinking, but it was a simple enough conclusion to reach given the lord's reputation. He released the woman's hand at last, intent on sitting himself down to rest his back against the rocks. He gestured for her to join him, his lips at last curled into a smile as he said,
"Lyncestia is largely unexplored. It has more than a dozen hidden coves, as I told you before. But, more than that, it has these bits and pieces that if revealed to the rest of the land, might bring visitors here in the hopes of seeing sights that eludes them in the other provinces. I wonder, Evi, if you'd indulge me. Does this place seem romantic to you?" he inquired. Then, he turned to face her, fingers brushing tenderly along the woman's jawline. He pressed himself closer still, so that his lips brushed just so against her own before he breathed into her ear,
"If I kissed you here, would you remember it more fondly than if I did so elsewhere?"
Then, without waiting for an answer, he did exactly that. Elias of Stravos sought to catch the Antonis woman's lips with his own, fingers lowering to catch her chiton with the intent to pull her against his chest.
For Elias of Stravos, it was always difficult to temper his proclivity for dalliance. Always, he saw himself as better than everyone else with a propensity for undermining the very women who threw themselves at him. From the servants he saw as nothing more than dust beneath his feet to the lesser nobles he toyed with for his amusement, it was in the company of those with royal blood that he found himself challenged the most. Not necessarily intellectually, but in his own capacity for self control. The fact that Evi of Antonis did challenge him intellectually, however, made her all the more appealing. To hide things from the woman was a difficult game, for her keen intuition challenged the very idea of doing that.
All in all, the balance between truth and misdirection, and between desire and restraint were forming a game that was, for Elias, more interesting than most. Perhaps he was playing it well, for she seemed more and more taken with him and engaged in their words. He relished in the continuing attention and moreover, the intelligent retorts she brought with his every answer to her. As she spoke on about the trade between countries, Evi forced Elias to think and consider her words. His future as the kingdom's monarch required him to be prepared for exactly what she was saying, and yet... to speak of such hefty topics brought with it the necessity of consideration. Consideration of a future the Headlord of Stravos felt was inevitable, a future he both wanted and dreaded.
For Elias, to be king was to garner the accolade he was to inherit by blood, a fervent desire to both please and respect the achievement of his family, but also the epitome of his rightfully and divinely ordained inheritance. As she spoke on, the thoughts of the future both excited and frustrated him, for Elias, while a man and a baron, was also a being who innately craved the pleasures that his life of opulence encouraged. Pleasures that he might yet need to forgo as the ruler. Mentally, he cast aside that thought as he added,
"That's a matter of esteem for Athenia, isn't it? I, for one, in my time as a baron and senator, I have seen the ingenuity that we possess in comparison to the other kingdoms of Greece. I've seen no need to travel outside of the country, but by all accounts, the rest of the world would be blessed to have our camaraderie.
But, you're right. Even the greatest of kingdoms can be seen as nothing by those who keep their distance or understand incorrectly. Egypt is a land that Greece has never seen eye-to-eye with, and while it is not entirely their fault, the savages that they are, it is something to lament, to ignore what they have merely because they have no desire to associate. I've never been a proponent of eternal warfare, but perhaps it is fitting that Greece's rule spills over and we gain what these countries have to offer that way," he mused.
Of course, here, Elias spoke in the form of a devil's advocate, shrugging his shoulder at the idea of such a thing, surely part of the motivation for the country's continued desire for war with the African land. It was beyond Elias' full understanding, for the talks between kings and queens of other kingdoms was, for the moment, something he was not fully privy to.
Dropping the topic once he completed his point, the pair took hands and made their way out. Elias of Stravos knew well by then that Evi wasn't going to be impressed by beautiful sights and the splendor of the land in it of itself. What he had in mind, however, was something altogether distinct. Once the pair were left to their own devices, they'd wade through shallow waters, the Stravos weaving them through points in the azure tide that lacked shells that could pierce into the soles of their sandals. He guided her up until where he was taking her was immediately noticeable.
Elias and Evi looked upon a a massive rock formation, cut out in the middle by the tide to form an arch that carried the tide between the two segments that pierced the waters. The Stravos led them on to the sands that surrounded the arch, the tide licking at their feet as he told her,
"It's a novel place, but often enough I come here to... get away. But, I wanted to share it with you," he emphasized, as if aware of her thoughts. He couldn't tell what she was thinking, but it was a simple enough conclusion to reach given the lord's reputation. He released the woman's hand at last, intent on sitting himself down to rest his back against the rocks. He gestured for her to join him, his lips at last curled into a smile as he said,
"Lyncestia is largely unexplored. It has more than a dozen hidden coves, as I told you before. But, more than that, it has these bits and pieces that if revealed to the rest of the land, might bring visitors here in the hopes of seeing sights that eludes them in the other provinces. I wonder, Evi, if you'd indulge me. Does this place seem romantic to you?" he inquired. Then, he turned to face her, fingers brushing tenderly along the woman's jawline. He pressed himself closer still, so that his lips brushed just so against her own before he breathed into her ear,
"If I kissed you here, would you remember it more fondly than if I did so elsewhere?"
Then, without waiting for an answer, he did exactly that. Elias of Stravos sought to catch the Antonis woman's lips with his own, fingers lowering to catch her chiton with the intent to pull her against his chest.
To say that Evi thrived in a game of mental sparring would be a gargantuan understatement. The opportunity to exercise her effortlessly quick wit was one that she took willingly in nigh on all situations. Her unwavering and often very vocal honesty could be juxtaposed against her willingness to argue the complete opposite of what she believed, stepping into another shoes for perspective, or even for the sheer thrill of watching other people struggle to ascertain what made Evi click.
In this particular instance, she was arguing something that she mostly agreed with, but she was pleasantly surprised to see Elias not only keep up with her, but take her arguments one step further. Though she didn’t show it, she was also thrilled to find that Elias seemed to be everything she had imagined he would be. A keen mind behind that gods-given beautiful face. And he was kind, too. He was everything she thought him to be and more. If anything, this conversation was making her fall a little bit more in love with him with every word that fell off his tongue.
Yet the young woman also had a genuine interest in others. It was these two qualities that made it so easy for her to talk to those around her. Her parents had long said that everything she did rippled out into the world around her: she her words could awaken joy in others, or a glance could muddy the room with sorrow. She liked to think of herself in that way, even if it was a parent’s prerogative to believe the best out of their offspring. She wondered if Elias was affected by her in such a way.
She wondered if she could make him love her back.
Elias didn’t answer her immediately, which gave her pause to think about what she truly wanted to say. Her thoughts were, halted, however, when Elias said that he saw no need to travel beyond Athenia’s borders. And then for him to insist that she was who he wanted to share this beach with… well Evi’s cheeks flushed rosy, but she was aware of the ploys of men, and she wondered how many other beautiful women had been brought here and fed the same line.
Once on the sands of the beach, Evi paused to remove her sandals. It was a childish move, but one could not truly enjoy a beach whilst wearing shoes. The sand was course in-between the sole of her shoe and her foot, but was soft and gentle when barefoot. When he sat down, Evi smiled, but remained standing, citing the enjoyment of the sand as her reason. “You say you have no need to travel beyond Athenia…” she started carefully, “But what about a desire?”
“Surely to see the world is to understand it. And what about the mysteries of other nations? Their architecture, their people? Their foods and spices and culture? Sure, you can import some of that, but it surely cannot be the same as enjoying it in situ?” Evi wasn’t one to romanticise many things, but the thought of travel set her heart burning with desire. She wished sometimes that she could fly and join the migrating birds. It didn’t matter the destination, as long as it was somewhere new, even unchartered. How much of the world was left for Athenia to discover? Too much of it, was he honest opinion.
She came to sit next to him, smiling playfully as she did so, so as to lessen the blow of the accusatory nature of her next question. “You cannot be content with just knowing the four corners of this kingdom.” It was a bold question, she knew, but Evi couldn’t believe that Elias was content with his life. There had to be more to him than a charming noble who liked to show girls beaches and call it a day.
“Yes, it does seem romantic…” she murmured, looking out to the sun-kissed sea, ripples and waves sparkling as if Poseidon himself was just below the surface. She turned back to look at him as she felt his fingers trail along her jawline and cheek. Her breath caught and her heartbeat rabbited up in her chest as he leaned in, lips barely grazing against hers. Wits lost, she heard the words, but barely processed them. All she could do was nod dumbly, in both fear and excitement, just before he pressed his lips in earnest against his. Elias very presence flooded her senses and, Gods, she could not fight against the thoughts that were racing through her mind. She knew in her heart that he didn’t love her, but she couldn’t resist.
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To say that Evi thrived in a game of mental sparring would be a gargantuan understatement. The opportunity to exercise her effortlessly quick wit was one that she took willingly in nigh on all situations. Her unwavering and often very vocal honesty could be juxtaposed against her willingness to argue the complete opposite of what she believed, stepping into another shoes for perspective, or even for the sheer thrill of watching other people struggle to ascertain what made Evi click.
In this particular instance, she was arguing something that she mostly agreed with, but she was pleasantly surprised to see Elias not only keep up with her, but take her arguments one step further. Though she didn’t show it, she was also thrilled to find that Elias seemed to be everything she had imagined he would be. A keen mind behind that gods-given beautiful face. And he was kind, too. He was everything she thought him to be and more. If anything, this conversation was making her fall a little bit more in love with him with every word that fell off his tongue.
Yet the young woman also had a genuine interest in others. It was these two qualities that made it so easy for her to talk to those around her. Her parents had long said that everything she did rippled out into the world around her: she her words could awaken joy in others, or a glance could muddy the room with sorrow. She liked to think of herself in that way, even if it was a parent’s prerogative to believe the best out of their offspring. She wondered if Elias was affected by her in such a way.
She wondered if she could make him love her back.
Elias didn’t answer her immediately, which gave her pause to think about what she truly wanted to say. Her thoughts were, halted, however, when Elias said that he saw no need to travel beyond Athenia’s borders. And then for him to insist that she was who he wanted to share this beach with… well Evi’s cheeks flushed rosy, but she was aware of the ploys of men, and she wondered how many other beautiful women had been brought here and fed the same line.
Once on the sands of the beach, Evi paused to remove her sandals. It was a childish move, but one could not truly enjoy a beach whilst wearing shoes. The sand was course in-between the sole of her shoe and her foot, but was soft and gentle when barefoot. When he sat down, Evi smiled, but remained standing, citing the enjoyment of the sand as her reason. “You say you have no need to travel beyond Athenia…” she started carefully, “But what about a desire?”
“Surely to see the world is to understand it. And what about the mysteries of other nations? Their architecture, their people? Their foods and spices and culture? Sure, you can import some of that, but it surely cannot be the same as enjoying it in situ?” Evi wasn’t one to romanticise many things, but the thought of travel set her heart burning with desire. She wished sometimes that she could fly and join the migrating birds. It didn’t matter the destination, as long as it was somewhere new, even unchartered. How much of the world was left for Athenia to discover? Too much of it, was he honest opinion.
She came to sit next to him, smiling playfully as she did so, so as to lessen the blow of the accusatory nature of her next question. “You cannot be content with just knowing the four corners of this kingdom.” It was a bold question, she knew, but Evi couldn’t believe that Elias was content with his life. There had to be more to him than a charming noble who liked to show girls beaches and call it a day.
“Yes, it does seem romantic…” she murmured, looking out to the sun-kissed sea, ripples and waves sparkling as if Poseidon himself was just below the surface. She turned back to look at him as she felt his fingers trail along her jawline and cheek. Her breath caught and her heartbeat rabbited up in her chest as he leaned in, lips barely grazing against hers. Wits lost, she heard the words, but barely processed them. All she could do was nod dumbly, in both fear and excitement, just before he pressed his lips in earnest against his. Elias very presence flooded her senses and, Gods, she could not fight against the thoughts that were racing through her mind. She knew in her heart that he didn’t love her, but she couldn’t resist.
To say that Evi thrived in a game of mental sparring would be a gargantuan understatement. The opportunity to exercise her effortlessly quick wit was one that she took willingly in nigh on all situations. Her unwavering and often very vocal honesty could be juxtaposed against her willingness to argue the complete opposite of what she believed, stepping into another shoes for perspective, or even for the sheer thrill of watching other people struggle to ascertain what made Evi click.
In this particular instance, she was arguing something that she mostly agreed with, but she was pleasantly surprised to see Elias not only keep up with her, but take her arguments one step further. Though she didn’t show it, she was also thrilled to find that Elias seemed to be everything she had imagined he would be. A keen mind behind that gods-given beautiful face. And he was kind, too. He was everything she thought him to be and more. If anything, this conversation was making her fall a little bit more in love with him with every word that fell off his tongue.
Yet the young woman also had a genuine interest in others. It was these two qualities that made it so easy for her to talk to those around her. Her parents had long said that everything she did rippled out into the world around her: she her words could awaken joy in others, or a glance could muddy the room with sorrow. She liked to think of herself in that way, even if it was a parent’s prerogative to believe the best out of their offspring. She wondered if Elias was affected by her in such a way.
She wondered if she could make him love her back.
Elias didn’t answer her immediately, which gave her pause to think about what she truly wanted to say. Her thoughts were, halted, however, when Elias said that he saw no need to travel beyond Athenia’s borders. And then for him to insist that she was who he wanted to share this beach with… well Evi’s cheeks flushed rosy, but she was aware of the ploys of men, and she wondered how many other beautiful women had been brought here and fed the same line.
Once on the sands of the beach, Evi paused to remove her sandals. It was a childish move, but one could not truly enjoy a beach whilst wearing shoes. The sand was course in-between the sole of her shoe and her foot, but was soft and gentle when barefoot. When he sat down, Evi smiled, but remained standing, citing the enjoyment of the sand as her reason. “You say you have no need to travel beyond Athenia…” she started carefully, “But what about a desire?”
“Surely to see the world is to understand it. And what about the mysteries of other nations? Their architecture, their people? Their foods and spices and culture? Sure, you can import some of that, but it surely cannot be the same as enjoying it in situ?” Evi wasn’t one to romanticise many things, but the thought of travel set her heart burning with desire. She wished sometimes that she could fly and join the migrating birds. It didn’t matter the destination, as long as it was somewhere new, even unchartered. How much of the world was left for Athenia to discover? Too much of it, was he honest opinion.
She came to sit next to him, smiling playfully as she did so, so as to lessen the blow of the accusatory nature of her next question. “You cannot be content with just knowing the four corners of this kingdom.” It was a bold question, she knew, but Evi couldn’t believe that Elias was content with his life. There had to be more to him than a charming noble who liked to show girls beaches and call it a day.
“Yes, it does seem romantic…” she murmured, looking out to the sun-kissed sea, ripples and waves sparkling as if Poseidon himself was just below the surface. She turned back to look at him as she felt his fingers trail along her jawline and cheek. Her breath caught and her heartbeat rabbited up in her chest as he leaned in, lips barely grazing against hers. Wits lost, she heard the words, but barely processed them. All she could do was nod dumbly, in both fear and excitement, just before he pressed his lips in earnest against his. Elias very presence flooded her senses and, Gods, she could not fight against the thoughts that were racing through her mind. She knew in her heart that he didn’t love her, but she couldn’t resist.
Elias had traveled beyond the boundaries of Athenia's border before. He'd gone with his father on trips, learning the machinations of a trader before settling into his role as one of Athenia's premiere shipbuilder. Before Keikelius took the role of Master of Trade, the now Headlord of Stravos was just a young lord, still capable of moving along the possibilities of position. The role one had to play could change at an instant, and while Elias didn't exactly, lament his own role, he'd never the chance to figure out one for himself.
Elias of Stravos had traveled well beyond Athenia, but now the kingdom was an opulent prison. To leave it now was almost impossible, unless extenuating circumstance all but forced him to do so. Elias was a baron, a future king, and his future, like the earth itself, was mapped out for all to know. It'd been years, since those days on the boat with his father, that he'd even thought of travel. What might it be like, now? To travel on one of his own boats? It was almost a shame that Elias was so home-bound, but in the midst of it, he found contentment forging his own path in the place within society he was assigned.
Evi of Antonis was a beautifully vivacious creature, finding her own ground to stand upon, arguing points she looked to agree with for the sake of soliciting intelligent argument out of her companion. Was she testing him? Validating her obvious affections? Elias was all too pleased to rise to the occasion, for so bereft his life was of challenge that when it was placed in front of him, he reveled in it. Then, rather than have him answer her inquiries, she posed another, almost an accusation that he couldn't quite deny. He'd never been asked his willingness to travel and explore, for he'd always been conscripted into such things.
Whether it was his father, or the brief stint in the navy, or familial gatherings off the shores of Athenia... Elias of Stravos' travels were never of his own design. Elias briefly changed the subject before he'd kissed the Antonis lady. Feeling her breath catch against his cheek, seeing the small nod as she was pushed towards silence. Elias of Stravos relished in the kiss they shared, pressed himself against the woman in the excitement of it all. His fingers kneaded gently into her jawline before he parted from her lips, at last willing to acknowledge her inquiries.
"I've seen beyond the veil that is Athenia and I can assure you in the brief stints that nowhere else is better. I wish I could leave now, yes. There are places I haven't seen. Places no one has seen and yet... duty takes precedence over contentment," he remarked. His features formed a frown very briefly. Then, the Headlord of Stravos let his digits sift into Evi's hair, his grasp soft as fingernails played along her scalp.
"Rather than ponder too deeply on what can't be done, I prefer to invest myself in the attainable and what's in front of me," he mused aloud. Elias sought to catch the woman's lips on his own once more, though with a lilt of his lips he sought to pry her own apart. His free hand shifted, a slow path played along the chiton that covered her back, smoothing it out against her skin.
"The nebulous and unreachable versus the tangible and more desirable. If you fall in the latter, Lady Evi, then I'd much rather keep my ambitions here," he offered her. Slowly, he'd release the woman from his clutches, his lips curved into a grin. His face felt warm from their shared kisses, and though Elias of Stravos wasn't prone to flushes of embarrassment, the soft lull of desire awoke within the lord and showed itself in his honeyed eyes, brought alight with fresh want and unexplained feeling. He leaned back against the formation of rock, letting his gaze flicker momentarily to the sea before, inexorably, it returned to her. Her presence was magnetic, binding his gaze over to her.
Elias did not hide the way his eyes wandered, first meeting her lips before traveling along the expanse of her body, tragically covered up by the lovely fabric of her chiton. While Elias wove his little game, as he wrapped Evi of Antonis around his finger, he felt heated. Is this desire? Or... he wondered, but before he could pry too deeply into the nature of his interest, he sought after Evi once more, as if to silence his own thoughts.
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Elias had traveled beyond the boundaries of Athenia's border before. He'd gone with his father on trips, learning the machinations of a trader before settling into his role as one of Athenia's premiere shipbuilder. Before Keikelius took the role of Master of Trade, the now Headlord of Stravos was just a young lord, still capable of moving along the possibilities of position. The role one had to play could change at an instant, and while Elias didn't exactly, lament his own role, he'd never the chance to figure out one for himself.
Elias of Stravos had traveled well beyond Athenia, but now the kingdom was an opulent prison. To leave it now was almost impossible, unless extenuating circumstance all but forced him to do so. Elias was a baron, a future king, and his future, like the earth itself, was mapped out for all to know. It'd been years, since those days on the boat with his father, that he'd even thought of travel. What might it be like, now? To travel on one of his own boats? It was almost a shame that Elias was so home-bound, but in the midst of it, he found contentment forging his own path in the place within society he was assigned.
Evi of Antonis was a beautifully vivacious creature, finding her own ground to stand upon, arguing points she looked to agree with for the sake of soliciting intelligent argument out of her companion. Was she testing him? Validating her obvious affections? Elias was all too pleased to rise to the occasion, for so bereft his life was of challenge that when it was placed in front of him, he reveled in it. Then, rather than have him answer her inquiries, she posed another, almost an accusation that he couldn't quite deny. He'd never been asked his willingness to travel and explore, for he'd always been conscripted into such things.
Whether it was his father, or the brief stint in the navy, or familial gatherings off the shores of Athenia... Elias of Stravos' travels were never of his own design. Elias briefly changed the subject before he'd kissed the Antonis lady. Feeling her breath catch against his cheek, seeing the small nod as she was pushed towards silence. Elias of Stravos relished in the kiss they shared, pressed himself against the woman in the excitement of it all. His fingers kneaded gently into her jawline before he parted from her lips, at last willing to acknowledge her inquiries.
"I've seen beyond the veil that is Athenia and I can assure you in the brief stints that nowhere else is better. I wish I could leave now, yes. There are places I haven't seen. Places no one has seen and yet... duty takes precedence over contentment," he remarked. His features formed a frown very briefly. Then, the Headlord of Stravos let his digits sift into Evi's hair, his grasp soft as fingernails played along her scalp.
"Rather than ponder too deeply on what can't be done, I prefer to invest myself in the attainable and what's in front of me," he mused aloud. Elias sought to catch the woman's lips on his own once more, though with a lilt of his lips he sought to pry her own apart. His free hand shifted, a slow path played along the chiton that covered her back, smoothing it out against her skin.
"The nebulous and unreachable versus the tangible and more desirable. If you fall in the latter, Lady Evi, then I'd much rather keep my ambitions here," he offered her. Slowly, he'd release the woman from his clutches, his lips curved into a grin. His face felt warm from their shared kisses, and though Elias of Stravos wasn't prone to flushes of embarrassment, the soft lull of desire awoke within the lord and showed itself in his honeyed eyes, brought alight with fresh want and unexplained feeling. He leaned back against the formation of rock, letting his gaze flicker momentarily to the sea before, inexorably, it returned to her. Her presence was magnetic, binding his gaze over to her.
Elias did not hide the way his eyes wandered, first meeting her lips before traveling along the expanse of her body, tragically covered up by the lovely fabric of her chiton. While Elias wove his little game, as he wrapped Evi of Antonis around his finger, he felt heated. Is this desire? Or... he wondered, but before he could pry too deeply into the nature of his interest, he sought after Evi once more, as if to silence his own thoughts.
Elias had traveled beyond the boundaries of Athenia's border before. He'd gone with his father on trips, learning the machinations of a trader before settling into his role as one of Athenia's premiere shipbuilder. Before Keikelius took the role of Master of Trade, the now Headlord of Stravos was just a young lord, still capable of moving along the possibilities of position. The role one had to play could change at an instant, and while Elias didn't exactly, lament his own role, he'd never the chance to figure out one for himself.
Elias of Stravos had traveled well beyond Athenia, but now the kingdom was an opulent prison. To leave it now was almost impossible, unless extenuating circumstance all but forced him to do so. Elias was a baron, a future king, and his future, like the earth itself, was mapped out for all to know. It'd been years, since those days on the boat with his father, that he'd even thought of travel. What might it be like, now? To travel on one of his own boats? It was almost a shame that Elias was so home-bound, but in the midst of it, he found contentment forging his own path in the place within society he was assigned.
Evi of Antonis was a beautifully vivacious creature, finding her own ground to stand upon, arguing points she looked to agree with for the sake of soliciting intelligent argument out of her companion. Was she testing him? Validating her obvious affections? Elias was all too pleased to rise to the occasion, for so bereft his life was of challenge that when it was placed in front of him, he reveled in it. Then, rather than have him answer her inquiries, she posed another, almost an accusation that he couldn't quite deny. He'd never been asked his willingness to travel and explore, for he'd always been conscripted into such things.
Whether it was his father, or the brief stint in the navy, or familial gatherings off the shores of Athenia... Elias of Stravos' travels were never of his own design. Elias briefly changed the subject before he'd kissed the Antonis lady. Feeling her breath catch against his cheek, seeing the small nod as she was pushed towards silence. Elias of Stravos relished in the kiss they shared, pressed himself against the woman in the excitement of it all. His fingers kneaded gently into her jawline before he parted from her lips, at last willing to acknowledge her inquiries.
"I've seen beyond the veil that is Athenia and I can assure you in the brief stints that nowhere else is better. I wish I could leave now, yes. There are places I haven't seen. Places no one has seen and yet... duty takes precedence over contentment," he remarked. His features formed a frown very briefly. Then, the Headlord of Stravos let his digits sift into Evi's hair, his grasp soft as fingernails played along her scalp.
"Rather than ponder too deeply on what can't be done, I prefer to invest myself in the attainable and what's in front of me," he mused aloud. Elias sought to catch the woman's lips on his own once more, though with a lilt of his lips he sought to pry her own apart. His free hand shifted, a slow path played along the chiton that covered her back, smoothing it out against her skin.
"The nebulous and unreachable versus the tangible and more desirable. If you fall in the latter, Lady Evi, then I'd much rather keep my ambitions here," he offered her. Slowly, he'd release the woman from his clutches, his lips curved into a grin. His face felt warm from their shared kisses, and though Elias of Stravos wasn't prone to flushes of embarrassment, the soft lull of desire awoke within the lord and showed itself in his honeyed eyes, brought alight with fresh want and unexplained feeling. He leaned back against the formation of rock, letting his gaze flicker momentarily to the sea before, inexorably, it returned to her. Her presence was magnetic, binding his gaze over to her.
Elias did not hide the way his eyes wandered, first meeting her lips before traveling along the expanse of her body, tragically covered up by the lovely fabric of her chiton. While Elias wove his little game, as he wrapped Evi of Antonis around his finger, he felt heated. Is this desire? Or... he wondered, but before he could pry too deeply into the nature of his interest, he sought after Evi once more, as if to silence his own thoughts.
When he kissed her, the world fell away. It was slow and soft, comforting in ways that words could never be. His hand rested below her ear, this thumb caressing her cheek as their breaths mingled. The kiss ended far too quickly for Evi’s liking, but she did not push forward for more. If her cheeks seemed flushed before, it was nothing compared to the heat they now felt. She bit her lip to try to hide the smile forming, disbelieving of what had just happened between them.
“I… I never thought about that, of course,” she felt foolish for pushing him to give an answer that was sorrowful in the truth of it. Evi, third of four sisters, knew something of duty, but not nearly as much as her eldest sister.. nor indeed Elias’ own family expectations. He was a baron, and if her father were sticking by his guns, Elias could be the next king of Athenia. It was a heavy load to bare.
Elias had a way with words. It was such a playful tune. Evi could have sat there all day simply to listen and smile. Before this visit to Lyncestia, Evi thought her love was just a spark, and she had wondered if it would flicker and extinguish. Instead, it seemed to be growing to become a lantern in the dark, with a cozy glow to be her guide.
The praise washes over her in a dizzying swash, unexpected in its intensity. With Elias watching her with a smile, Evi rolled her eyes, diverting the feelings of butterflies in her stomach and wanting to call Elias a creep. She didn’t, of course choosing instead to continue smiling at him like he’s just given her the key to the fucking fountain of youth or some shit. “I…” but no words followed to form an actual sentence.
Going in for the second kiss, Elias was just as gentle, yet he seemed to knock all the wind from her lungs all the same. His lips were not innocent and teasing in their second brush, but hot, fiery… passionate and demanding. Evi wanted to pull away before she lost herself in it, but she couldn’t seem to… in this moment her senses had been seduced and she could no longer think straight. She barely had a moment to react before he pressed his tongue to the seam of her lips and, at her grant of access, delved inside her mouth.
Here she was, with Elias of Stravos no less, sharing her first kisses with the man she had always dreamed of. Feeling braver all of a sudden, Evi shifted closer. She ran her fingers down his spine, pulling him closer still until there was no space left between them and she could feel the beating of his heart against her chest. Her arms reached up and tangled around Elias’ strong neck. In an instant, the girl pulled away, inhaling sharply, and arched up into his broad chest, a small sigh - or was it a moan - escaping her before she drew back into his lips.
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 he kissed her, the world fell away. It was slow and soft, comforting in ways that words could never be. His hand rested below her ear, this thumb caressing her cheek as their breaths mingled. The kiss ended far too quickly for Evi’s liking, but she did not push forward for more. If her cheeks seemed flushed before, it was nothing compared to the heat they now felt. She bit her lip to try to hide the smile forming, disbelieving of what had just happened between them.
“I… I never thought about that, of course,” she felt foolish for pushing him to give an answer that was sorrowful in the truth of it. Evi, third of four sisters, knew something of duty, but not nearly as much as her eldest sister.. nor indeed Elias’ own family expectations. He was a baron, and if her father were sticking by his guns, Elias could be the next king of Athenia. It was a heavy load to bare.
Elias had a way with words. It was such a playful tune. Evi could have sat there all day simply to listen and smile. Before this visit to Lyncestia, Evi thought her love was just a spark, and she had wondered if it would flicker and extinguish. Instead, it seemed to be growing to become a lantern in the dark, with a cozy glow to be her guide.
The praise washes over her in a dizzying swash, unexpected in its intensity. With Elias watching her with a smile, Evi rolled her eyes, diverting the feelings of butterflies in her stomach and wanting to call Elias a creep. She didn’t, of course choosing instead to continue smiling at him like he’s just given her the key to the fucking fountain of youth or some shit. “I…” but no words followed to form an actual sentence.
Going in for the second kiss, Elias was just as gentle, yet he seemed to knock all the wind from her lungs all the same. His lips were not innocent and teasing in their second brush, but hot, fiery… passionate and demanding. Evi wanted to pull away before she lost herself in it, but she couldn’t seem to… in this moment her senses had been seduced and she could no longer think straight. She barely had a moment to react before he pressed his tongue to the seam of her lips and, at her grant of access, delved inside her mouth.
Here she was, with Elias of Stravos no less, sharing her first kisses with the man she had always dreamed of. Feeling braver all of a sudden, Evi shifted closer. She ran her fingers down his spine, pulling him closer still until there was no space left between them and she could feel the beating of his heart against her chest. Her arms reached up and tangled around Elias’ strong neck. In an instant, the girl pulled away, inhaling sharply, and arched up into his broad chest, a small sigh - or was it a moan - escaping her before she drew back into his lips.
When he kissed her, the world fell away. It was slow and soft, comforting in ways that words could never be. His hand rested below her ear, this thumb caressing her cheek as their breaths mingled. The kiss ended far too quickly for Evi’s liking, but she did not push forward for more. If her cheeks seemed flushed before, it was nothing compared to the heat they now felt. She bit her lip to try to hide the smile forming, disbelieving of what had just happened between them.
“I… I never thought about that, of course,” she felt foolish for pushing him to give an answer that was sorrowful in the truth of it. Evi, third of four sisters, knew something of duty, but not nearly as much as her eldest sister.. nor indeed Elias’ own family expectations. He was a baron, and if her father were sticking by his guns, Elias could be the next king of Athenia. It was a heavy load to bare.
Elias had a way with words. It was such a playful tune. Evi could have sat there all day simply to listen and smile. Before this visit to Lyncestia, Evi thought her love was just a spark, and she had wondered if it would flicker and extinguish. Instead, it seemed to be growing to become a lantern in the dark, with a cozy glow to be her guide.
The praise washes over her in a dizzying swash, unexpected in its intensity. With Elias watching her with a smile, Evi rolled her eyes, diverting the feelings of butterflies in her stomach and wanting to call Elias a creep. She didn’t, of course choosing instead to continue smiling at him like he’s just given her the key to the fucking fountain of youth or some shit. “I…” but no words followed to form an actual sentence.
Going in for the second kiss, Elias was just as gentle, yet he seemed to knock all the wind from her lungs all the same. His lips were not innocent and teasing in their second brush, but hot, fiery… passionate and demanding. Evi wanted to pull away before she lost herself in it, but she couldn’t seem to… in this moment her senses had been seduced and she could no longer think straight. She barely had a moment to react before he pressed his tongue to the seam of her lips and, at her grant of access, delved inside her mouth.
Here she was, with Elias of Stravos no less, sharing her first kisses with the man she had always dreamed of. Feeling braver all of a sudden, Evi shifted closer. She ran her fingers down his spine, pulling him closer still until there was no space left between them and she could feel the beating of his heart against her chest. Her arms reached up and tangled around Elias’ strong neck. In an instant, the girl pulled away, inhaling sharply, and arched up into his broad chest, a small sigh - or was it a moan - escaping her before she drew back into his lips.