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The longer she lingered on this beach, the angrier she became. While Xanthippe was a woman who maintained almost absolute control over her emotions, this… this circumstance was much different. Already, she was beginning to see red, and she knew she had to get out of here before she lost it. All the years of training to keep such impulses hidden and maintained would fall to naught if she cut a bloody swathe through the sands today.
It was a testament to those years of training that she hadn’t lost it as soon as she caught sight of what was making her so angry, that she hadn’t exploded in a fit of rage in front of Taengeans and Colchians alike. But, she knew she couldn’t maintain the façade much longer, not with this inane conversation blathering in her ears while her thoughts were consumed with nothing else but the thought of blood.
When Damocles spoke to her about Lord Fotios, expressed his well wishes for the House of Leventi, it was all she could do to offer a tight smile and a nod. “Thank you, I will relay the message,” she said through clenched teeth, her jaw tight enough that her cheek twitched. Forcibly relaxing her face, she inclined her head once more. “I’m sure his lordship will be happy to hear it.”
Their interaction done, the man wandered off to speak to Lord Nikos of Condos, and perhaps on an ordinary day, that might have interested her, finding a way to tail him and listen to what they spoke of. But today… today was not an ordinary day. Today, someone had a lot to answer for, and answer for it, they would. For now though, she needed to leave this beach and get as far away as she could, for she was not sure that she could control herself much longer. She could not let years of discipline be broken by one incident, not with so much already on the line.
Lose control. Wreak your vengeance.
I wish I could.
The only one stopping you is you. Paint the sands crimson, Xanthippe.
Not today. Soon enough.
“I pray you two will forgive me,” she said, turning to Kyros and Thrasius with that same tight-lipped smile. “But I find myself feeling rather ill all of a sudden. Perhaps the fish smell, I don’t know, but I think it best if I take my leave.”
Curtsying to each of them in turn, she straightened up with a deep breath. “It was a pleasure to meet you both.” Her eyes lingered on each of them for perhaps a moment too long before she bid them farewell, turning on her heel and walking off down the beach without another word.
She stopped only when she was near Lord Fotios, the look on her face betraying that something was not quite right. She would speak with him later when he returned home, her gaze lingering on his as if to convey that. Of course, she did not know if he would understand what that look meant, but given their connection, she thought it possible sometimes that he read her thoughts. A curt nod was her only goodbye to her lord before she was mounting the horse she rode in on and turning its head toward home.
Even if she hadn’t gathered the information she thought she would today, she had learned something else that would be dealt with soon. Very soon. And hopefully very… permanently.
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The longer she lingered on this beach, the angrier she became. While Xanthippe was a woman who maintained almost absolute control over her emotions, this… this circumstance was much different. Already, she was beginning to see red, and she knew she had to get out of here before she lost it. All the years of training to keep such impulses hidden and maintained would fall to naught if she cut a bloody swathe through the sands today.
It was a testament to those years of training that she hadn’t lost it as soon as she caught sight of what was making her so angry, that she hadn’t exploded in a fit of rage in front of Taengeans and Colchians alike. But, she knew she couldn’t maintain the façade much longer, not with this inane conversation blathering in her ears while her thoughts were consumed with nothing else but the thought of blood.
When Damocles spoke to her about Lord Fotios, expressed his well wishes for the House of Leventi, it was all she could do to offer a tight smile and a nod. “Thank you, I will relay the message,” she said through clenched teeth, her jaw tight enough that her cheek twitched. Forcibly relaxing her face, she inclined her head once more. “I’m sure his lordship will be happy to hear it.”
Their interaction done, the man wandered off to speak to Lord Nikos of Condos, and perhaps on an ordinary day, that might have interested her, finding a way to tail him and listen to what they spoke of. But today… today was not an ordinary day. Today, someone had a lot to answer for, and answer for it, they would. For now though, she needed to leave this beach and get as far away as she could, for she was not sure that she could control herself much longer. She could not let years of discipline be broken by one incident, not with so much already on the line.
Lose control. Wreak your vengeance.
I wish I could.
The only one stopping you is you. Paint the sands crimson, Xanthippe.
Not today. Soon enough.
“I pray you two will forgive me,” she said, turning to Kyros and Thrasius with that same tight-lipped smile. “But I find myself feeling rather ill all of a sudden. Perhaps the fish smell, I don’t know, but I think it best if I take my leave.”
Curtsying to each of them in turn, she straightened up with a deep breath. “It was a pleasure to meet you both.” Her eyes lingered on each of them for perhaps a moment too long before she bid them farewell, turning on her heel and walking off down the beach without another word.
She stopped only when she was near Lord Fotios, the look on her face betraying that something was not quite right. She would speak with him later when he returned home, her gaze lingering on his as if to convey that. Of course, she did not know if he would understand what that look meant, but given their connection, she thought it possible sometimes that he read her thoughts. A curt nod was her only goodbye to her lord before she was mounting the horse she rode in on and turning its head toward home.
Even if she hadn’t gathered the information she thought she would today, she had learned something else that would be dealt with soon. Very soon. And hopefully very… permanently.
The longer she lingered on this beach, the angrier she became. While Xanthippe was a woman who maintained almost absolute control over her emotions, this… this circumstance was much different. Already, she was beginning to see red, and she knew she had to get out of here before she lost it. All the years of training to keep such impulses hidden and maintained would fall to naught if she cut a bloody swathe through the sands today.
It was a testament to those years of training that she hadn’t lost it as soon as she caught sight of what was making her so angry, that she hadn’t exploded in a fit of rage in front of Taengeans and Colchians alike. But, she knew she couldn’t maintain the façade much longer, not with this inane conversation blathering in her ears while her thoughts were consumed with nothing else but the thought of blood.
When Damocles spoke to her about Lord Fotios, expressed his well wishes for the House of Leventi, it was all she could do to offer a tight smile and a nod. “Thank you, I will relay the message,” she said through clenched teeth, her jaw tight enough that her cheek twitched. Forcibly relaxing her face, she inclined her head once more. “I’m sure his lordship will be happy to hear it.”
Their interaction done, the man wandered off to speak to Lord Nikos of Condos, and perhaps on an ordinary day, that might have interested her, finding a way to tail him and listen to what they spoke of. But today… today was not an ordinary day. Today, someone had a lot to answer for, and answer for it, they would. For now though, she needed to leave this beach and get as far away as she could, for she was not sure that she could control herself much longer. She could not let years of discipline be broken by one incident, not with so much already on the line.
Lose control. Wreak your vengeance.
I wish I could.
The only one stopping you is you. Paint the sands crimson, Xanthippe.
Not today. Soon enough.
“I pray you two will forgive me,” she said, turning to Kyros and Thrasius with that same tight-lipped smile. “But I find myself feeling rather ill all of a sudden. Perhaps the fish smell, I don’t know, but I think it best if I take my leave.”
Curtsying to each of them in turn, she straightened up with a deep breath. “It was a pleasure to meet you both.” Her eyes lingered on each of them for perhaps a moment too long before she bid them farewell, turning on her heel and walking off down the beach without another word.
She stopped only when she was near Lord Fotios, the look on her face betraying that something was not quite right. She would speak with him later when he returned home, her gaze lingering on his as if to convey that. Of course, she did not know if he would understand what that look meant, but given their connection, she thought it possible sometimes that he read her thoughts. A curt nod was her only goodbye to her lord before she was mounting the horse she rode in on and turning its head toward home.
Even if she hadn’t gathered the information she thought she would today, she had learned something else that would be dealt with soon. Very soon. And hopefully very… permanently.
Thras had no idea if Kyros and Damocles would get along, but the two men were considered friends, though Kyros a bit more so. Their bond had lasted longer, and had been built on a more dire situation. Though he did not compare the two, their friendships with him were different, but he enjoyed them both the same. Thras could never have too many friends.
“I will tell her you send your love. I am sure Lais will be as joyed to know that you are well as I was.” He agreed, his wife had gotten along well enough with Damocles upon meeting. She was more serious, a bit more severe than Thrasius was, but she was still a friendly woman. She could not have been married to Thrasius for that long if she was not able to be friendly, considering the amount of people he would just strike up a conversation with at random.
“We will definitely gather together again, upon your return from war. We will buy you some drinks! But not too many, I’m not sure Lais has fully forgiven me for our antics the last time you and I had too much wine.” He teased with a grin.
He listened as Damocles pulled him a bit away from the others to whisper to him. He wasn’t sure the birds were necessarily a bad omen, but perhaps just Ares’ way of saying he was with the soldiers. Though Thras didn’t know much about the God. He had never been a man of war, so his main focus had not been on the God of war.
“Oh? Tonight? I could do that. I’m sure Lais will let me out of her sight. Though she might not if she knew the company I was keeping.” He agreed with a laugh. He would inform his wife of his whereabouts, but with the complete trust between them, neither of them questioned the others actions.
Thras laughed as Damocles address Kyros and called him smelly, he let it roll off, knowing that Damocles meant no insult by it, and besides, he knew that his personal hygiene was perfectly fine. He looked at Kyros and gave him an encouraging smile as Damocles offered the other to come and drink with them.
“Come join us, Kyros!” He added, he would be happy to have both of his friends there with him.
Thras turned to Kyros and Xan fully as Damocles spotted someone else he knew and turned his attention on the other man instead.
“I apologize for focusing as such on the good Captain here, it has been a long time since I have seen him, and it is far too easy to get caught up with old friends.” He stated, giving them a sheepish smile as he apologized.
And then the woman was excusing herself, stating that she did not feel well, and Thras was a little concerned but let her go without stalling her, as he didn’t know her in all truthfullness.
His attentions turned once more to Damocles and Kyros.
“I too must take me leave, I have to seek out my wife and inform her of our plans for the night. Damocles, Kyros, it has been great to see you both again, and it will be good to get to speak more this evening.” He gave them both a friendly handshake.
“I will see you soon!” He said to them both before he turned to go take his leave, making his way back to where he had left his horse.
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Thras had no idea if Kyros and Damocles would get along, but the two men were considered friends, though Kyros a bit more so. Their bond had lasted longer, and had been built on a more dire situation. Though he did not compare the two, their friendships with him were different, but he enjoyed them both the same. Thras could never have too many friends.
“I will tell her you send your love. I am sure Lais will be as joyed to know that you are well as I was.” He agreed, his wife had gotten along well enough with Damocles upon meeting. She was more serious, a bit more severe than Thrasius was, but she was still a friendly woman. She could not have been married to Thrasius for that long if she was not able to be friendly, considering the amount of people he would just strike up a conversation with at random.
“We will definitely gather together again, upon your return from war. We will buy you some drinks! But not too many, I’m not sure Lais has fully forgiven me for our antics the last time you and I had too much wine.” He teased with a grin.
He listened as Damocles pulled him a bit away from the others to whisper to him. He wasn’t sure the birds were necessarily a bad omen, but perhaps just Ares’ way of saying he was with the soldiers. Though Thras didn’t know much about the God. He had never been a man of war, so his main focus had not been on the God of war.
“Oh? Tonight? I could do that. I’m sure Lais will let me out of her sight. Though she might not if she knew the company I was keeping.” He agreed with a laugh. He would inform his wife of his whereabouts, but with the complete trust between them, neither of them questioned the others actions.
Thras laughed as Damocles address Kyros and called him smelly, he let it roll off, knowing that Damocles meant no insult by it, and besides, he knew that his personal hygiene was perfectly fine. He looked at Kyros and gave him an encouraging smile as Damocles offered the other to come and drink with them.
“Come join us, Kyros!” He added, he would be happy to have both of his friends there with him.
Thras turned to Kyros and Xan fully as Damocles spotted someone else he knew and turned his attention on the other man instead.
“I apologize for focusing as such on the good Captain here, it has been a long time since I have seen him, and it is far too easy to get caught up with old friends.” He stated, giving them a sheepish smile as he apologized.
And then the woman was excusing herself, stating that she did not feel well, and Thras was a little concerned but let her go without stalling her, as he didn’t know her in all truthfullness.
His attentions turned once more to Damocles and Kyros.
“I too must take me leave, I have to seek out my wife and inform her of our plans for the night. Damocles, Kyros, it has been great to see you both again, and it will be good to get to speak more this evening.” He gave them both a friendly handshake.
“I will see you soon!” He said to them both before he turned to go take his leave, making his way back to where he had left his horse.
Thras had no idea if Kyros and Damocles would get along, but the two men were considered friends, though Kyros a bit more so. Their bond had lasted longer, and had been built on a more dire situation. Though he did not compare the two, their friendships with him were different, but he enjoyed them both the same. Thras could never have too many friends.
“I will tell her you send your love. I am sure Lais will be as joyed to know that you are well as I was.” He agreed, his wife had gotten along well enough with Damocles upon meeting. She was more serious, a bit more severe than Thrasius was, but she was still a friendly woman. She could not have been married to Thrasius for that long if she was not able to be friendly, considering the amount of people he would just strike up a conversation with at random.
“We will definitely gather together again, upon your return from war. We will buy you some drinks! But not too many, I’m not sure Lais has fully forgiven me for our antics the last time you and I had too much wine.” He teased with a grin.
He listened as Damocles pulled him a bit away from the others to whisper to him. He wasn’t sure the birds were necessarily a bad omen, but perhaps just Ares’ way of saying he was with the soldiers. Though Thras didn’t know much about the God. He had never been a man of war, so his main focus had not been on the God of war.
“Oh? Tonight? I could do that. I’m sure Lais will let me out of her sight. Though she might not if she knew the company I was keeping.” He agreed with a laugh. He would inform his wife of his whereabouts, but with the complete trust between them, neither of them questioned the others actions.
Thras laughed as Damocles address Kyros and called him smelly, he let it roll off, knowing that Damocles meant no insult by it, and besides, he knew that his personal hygiene was perfectly fine. He looked at Kyros and gave him an encouraging smile as Damocles offered the other to come and drink with them.
“Come join us, Kyros!” He added, he would be happy to have both of his friends there with him.
Thras turned to Kyros and Xan fully as Damocles spotted someone else he knew and turned his attention on the other man instead.
“I apologize for focusing as such on the good Captain here, it has been a long time since I have seen him, and it is far too easy to get caught up with old friends.” He stated, giving them a sheepish smile as he apologized.
And then the woman was excusing herself, stating that she did not feel well, and Thras was a little concerned but let her go without stalling her, as he didn’t know her in all truthfullness.
His attentions turned once more to Damocles and Kyros.
“I too must take me leave, I have to seek out my wife and inform her of our plans for the night. Damocles, Kyros, it has been great to see you both again, and it will be good to get to speak more this evening.” He gave them both a friendly handshake.
“I will see you soon!” He said to them both before he turned to go take his leave, making his way back to where he had left his horse.
Although war was never a great time to be meeting people, Dorothea was grateful for her chance to finally meet the famous archers that her cousin had in his army. This was what Taengea needed. Women with excellent skills contributing to their country in an important way. Of course, if it existed in Taengea, Dorothea greatly suspected that her father would make it his one political mission to abolish the unit. He wasn’t very involved in politics, but preventing his daughter from going off to war was something she knew he’d fight for.
Their disagreement had been absolved, but it didn’t stop Dorothea from wanting more. She wanted to be useful in this life. He had promised to teach her to manage the estates, but his new marriage was taking up most of his time. As it should, she thought. Dorothea would have berated him for focusing on anything else. He needed to devote time to his new wife. She was adjusting to the world of the Dimitrous now. She would need help.
The pair of archers approached as Vangelis called them forward. Dorothea took them in as introductions were made. She had a million questions. What was it like for them to be in this army? To be commanding a unit? To be archers so excellent that they were selected to lead. Dorothea wanted to see their skills, to try shooting against them. Of course, that was entirely inappropriate given the circumstances. She knew that she couldn’t very well ask them to a competition when they were preparing for war, but she still had a giddy feeling rising in her chest at finally meeting women archers. Ones that even her cousin had respect for.
Introductions were exchanged, Dorothea grateful for Vangelis’ usual brevity that kept him from introducing her as his cousin. She knew they might suspect some type of relationship between the two, but she preferred not to be associated as the crown prince’s family member. She didn’t want that to influence any opinions more than necessary.
“Dorothea,” she introduced again, “It’s my pleasure to meet you. I have long wanted to meet other archers. Taengea does not have a unit such as yours. I would love to watch some of your practice if that would be all right?”
The Dimitrou was deeply curious and more than a little eager to see if she had what it took to stand among these women. Although she couldn’t shoot beside them today, watching them would be inspiring enough. Dorothea turned towards her cousin then, knowing he might have to part to attend to whatever endless duties were involved in war preparation. She was unsure what to say—he had been an unexpected companion that she was pleased to have adult memories with. She wished him luck in this war, but of course he would simply say that it was another fact of life. Dorothea hoped that this would not be the last time she would see him, but if she followed through with her plan, he might not be so pleased with her the next time they met. Dorothea was just as speechless as he and simply gave Vangelis a smile, hoping to convey her sentiments.
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Although war was never a great time to be meeting people, Dorothea was grateful for her chance to finally meet the famous archers that her cousin had in his army. This was what Taengea needed. Women with excellent skills contributing to their country in an important way. Of course, if it existed in Taengea, Dorothea greatly suspected that her father would make it his one political mission to abolish the unit. He wasn’t very involved in politics, but preventing his daughter from going off to war was something she knew he’d fight for.
Their disagreement had been absolved, but it didn’t stop Dorothea from wanting more. She wanted to be useful in this life. He had promised to teach her to manage the estates, but his new marriage was taking up most of his time. As it should, she thought. Dorothea would have berated him for focusing on anything else. He needed to devote time to his new wife. She was adjusting to the world of the Dimitrous now. She would need help.
The pair of archers approached as Vangelis called them forward. Dorothea took them in as introductions were made. She had a million questions. What was it like for them to be in this army? To be commanding a unit? To be archers so excellent that they were selected to lead. Dorothea wanted to see their skills, to try shooting against them. Of course, that was entirely inappropriate given the circumstances. She knew that she couldn’t very well ask them to a competition when they were preparing for war, but she still had a giddy feeling rising in her chest at finally meeting women archers. Ones that even her cousin had respect for.
Introductions were exchanged, Dorothea grateful for Vangelis’ usual brevity that kept him from introducing her as his cousin. She knew they might suspect some type of relationship between the two, but she preferred not to be associated as the crown prince’s family member. She didn’t want that to influence any opinions more than necessary.
“Dorothea,” she introduced again, “It’s my pleasure to meet you. I have long wanted to meet other archers. Taengea does not have a unit such as yours. I would love to watch some of your practice if that would be all right?”
The Dimitrou was deeply curious and more than a little eager to see if she had what it took to stand among these women. Although she couldn’t shoot beside them today, watching them would be inspiring enough. Dorothea turned towards her cousin then, knowing he might have to part to attend to whatever endless duties were involved in war preparation. She was unsure what to say—he had been an unexpected companion that she was pleased to have adult memories with. She wished him luck in this war, but of course he would simply say that it was another fact of life. Dorothea hoped that this would not be the last time she would see him, but if she followed through with her plan, he might not be so pleased with her the next time they met. Dorothea was just as speechless as he and simply gave Vangelis a smile, hoping to convey her sentiments.
Although war was never a great time to be meeting people, Dorothea was grateful for her chance to finally meet the famous archers that her cousin had in his army. This was what Taengea needed. Women with excellent skills contributing to their country in an important way. Of course, if it existed in Taengea, Dorothea greatly suspected that her father would make it his one political mission to abolish the unit. He wasn’t very involved in politics, but preventing his daughter from going off to war was something she knew he’d fight for.
Their disagreement had been absolved, but it didn’t stop Dorothea from wanting more. She wanted to be useful in this life. He had promised to teach her to manage the estates, but his new marriage was taking up most of his time. As it should, she thought. Dorothea would have berated him for focusing on anything else. He needed to devote time to his new wife. She was adjusting to the world of the Dimitrous now. She would need help.
The pair of archers approached as Vangelis called them forward. Dorothea took them in as introductions were made. She had a million questions. What was it like for them to be in this army? To be commanding a unit? To be archers so excellent that they were selected to lead. Dorothea wanted to see their skills, to try shooting against them. Of course, that was entirely inappropriate given the circumstances. She knew that she couldn’t very well ask them to a competition when they were preparing for war, but she still had a giddy feeling rising in her chest at finally meeting women archers. Ones that even her cousin had respect for.
Introductions were exchanged, Dorothea grateful for Vangelis’ usual brevity that kept him from introducing her as his cousin. She knew they might suspect some type of relationship between the two, but she preferred not to be associated as the crown prince’s family member. She didn’t want that to influence any opinions more than necessary.
“Dorothea,” she introduced again, “It’s my pleasure to meet you. I have long wanted to meet other archers. Taengea does not have a unit such as yours. I would love to watch some of your practice if that would be all right?”
The Dimitrou was deeply curious and more than a little eager to see if she had what it took to stand among these women. Although she couldn’t shoot beside them today, watching them would be inspiring enough. Dorothea turned towards her cousin then, knowing he might have to part to attend to whatever endless duties were involved in war preparation. She was unsure what to say—he had been an unexpected companion that she was pleased to have adult memories with. She wished him luck in this war, but of course he would simply say that it was another fact of life. Dorothea hoped that this would not be the last time she would see him, but if she followed through with her plan, he might not be so pleased with her the next time they met. Dorothea was just as speechless as he and simply gave Vangelis a smile, hoping to convey her sentiments.
’ I apologize for focusing as such on the good Captain here, it has been a long time since I have seen him, and it is far too easy to get caught up with old friends.’
Before Kyros could respond to Thras’s apology, Xanthippe piped up…
’I pray you two will forgive me. But I find myself feeling rather ill all of a sudden. Perhaps the fish smell, I don’t know, but I think it best if I take my leave. It was a pleasure to meet you both.’
Kyros inclined his head to the servant girl. ”Do get to feeling better,” he offered as turned to leave. His hands resting comfortably on the hilts of the blades at his hips, he watched her a moment as she made her way to the Lord Leventi.
Ky turned his attention back to Thras, watching the girl depart from the beach altogether out of the corner of his eye. ”I am not offended, Thrasius. Rest easy on that. I may not understand the sentiment of ‘old friends’ as you are the only friend I have ever had. But you need not ever apologize to me.” In truth, there was nothing this man could ever do to turn Kyros against him. Thras had saved his life, simply because he’d been hurt and the traveler had the ability to help him. He and his wife had asked for nothing in return during the weeks he’d been bed ridden with broken ribs. And when he’d been able to move about again without assistance, they had simply asked for him to help with the chores until he was ready to move on. They had been kind and caring. Such a foreign concept to Kyros. ”I shall make an effort to get to know this old friend of yours tonight.” Thras would understand that opening up to new people was not something that Kyros was accustomed to. But for Thras, Ky would make an effort to at least be present in the conversations.
By now the Lord Condos had joined them, striking up a conversation with the Captain. And Thras began excusing himself from the scene. ’I too must take my leave… I will see you soon!’ Kyros bade his friend farewell, openly grasping the man’s hand when offered, and watched him go for a moment before turning back to the Captain he’d been introduced to. ”It was a pleasure, Captain. I too shall see you later this evening. For now I shall leave you to finer company.” He bowed his head to Damocles and the Condos lord. It grated on Kyros’ nerves to refer to a lord as finer company, or even to be so openly polite towards a noble as to bow even the slightest, but it was the behavior expected of one of his station, or lack thereof, within this Kingdom. To keep appearances, and to blend as he was trained, he would have to do many things that so irked him.
Kyros turned and started up the beach, passing just near enough to Fotios and the men he was speaking with, for the Leventi lord to notice him ‘leaving’ the area. Further along the sandy shores, Kyros melted into the shadows of a small cluster of trees, where he found a perch in the lower branches from which he could watch the rest of the proceedings on the beach in peace.
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’ I apologize for focusing as such on the good Captain here, it has been a long time since I have seen him, and it is far too easy to get caught up with old friends.’
Before Kyros could respond to Thras’s apology, Xanthippe piped up…
’I pray you two will forgive me. But I find myself feeling rather ill all of a sudden. Perhaps the fish smell, I don’t know, but I think it best if I take my leave. It was a pleasure to meet you both.’
Kyros inclined his head to the servant girl. ”Do get to feeling better,” he offered as turned to leave. His hands resting comfortably on the hilts of the blades at his hips, he watched her a moment as she made her way to the Lord Leventi.
Ky turned his attention back to Thras, watching the girl depart from the beach altogether out of the corner of his eye. ”I am not offended, Thrasius. Rest easy on that. I may not understand the sentiment of ‘old friends’ as you are the only friend I have ever had. But you need not ever apologize to me.” In truth, there was nothing this man could ever do to turn Kyros against him. Thras had saved his life, simply because he’d been hurt and the traveler had the ability to help him. He and his wife had asked for nothing in return during the weeks he’d been bed ridden with broken ribs. And when he’d been able to move about again without assistance, they had simply asked for him to help with the chores until he was ready to move on. They had been kind and caring. Such a foreign concept to Kyros. ”I shall make an effort to get to know this old friend of yours tonight.” Thras would understand that opening up to new people was not something that Kyros was accustomed to. But for Thras, Ky would make an effort to at least be present in the conversations.
By now the Lord Condos had joined them, striking up a conversation with the Captain. And Thras began excusing himself from the scene. ’I too must take my leave… I will see you soon!’ Kyros bade his friend farewell, openly grasping the man’s hand when offered, and watched him go for a moment before turning back to the Captain he’d been introduced to. ”It was a pleasure, Captain. I too shall see you later this evening. For now I shall leave you to finer company.” He bowed his head to Damocles and the Condos lord. It grated on Kyros’ nerves to refer to a lord as finer company, or even to be so openly polite towards a noble as to bow even the slightest, but it was the behavior expected of one of his station, or lack thereof, within this Kingdom. To keep appearances, and to blend as he was trained, he would have to do many things that so irked him.
Kyros turned and started up the beach, passing just near enough to Fotios and the men he was speaking with, for the Leventi lord to notice him ‘leaving’ the area. Further along the sandy shores, Kyros melted into the shadows of a small cluster of trees, where he found a perch in the lower branches from which he could watch the rest of the proceedings on the beach in peace.
’ I apologize for focusing as such on the good Captain here, it has been a long time since I have seen him, and it is far too easy to get caught up with old friends.’
Before Kyros could respond to Thras’s apology, Xanthippe piped up…
’I pray you two will forgive me. But I find myself feeling rather ill all of a sudden. Perhaps the fish smell, I don’t know, but I think it best if I take my leave. It was a pleasure to meet you both.’
Kyros inclined his head to the servant girl. ”Do get to feeling better,” he offered as turned to leave. His hands resting comfortably on the hilts of the blades at his hips, he watched her a moment as she made her way to the Lord Leventi.
Ky turned his attention back to Thras, watching the girl depart from the beach altogether out of the corner of his eye. ”I am not offended, Thrasius. Rest easy on that. I may not understand the sentiment of ‘old friends’ as you are the only friend I have ever had. But you need not ever apologize to me.” In truth, there was nothing this man could ever do to turn Kyros against him. Thras had saved his life, simply because he’d been hurt and the traveler had the ability to help him. He and his wife had asked for nothing in return during the weeks he’d been bed ridden with broken ribs. And when he’d been able to move about again without assistance, they had simply asked for him to help with the chores until he was ready to move on. They had been kind and caring. Such a foreign concept to Kyros. ”I shall make an effort to get to know this old friend of yours tonight.” Thras would understand that opening up to new people was not something that Kyros was accustomed to. But for Thras, Ky would make an effort to at least be present in the conversations.
By now the Lord Condos had joined them, striking up a conversation with the Captain. And Thras began excusing himself from the scene. ’I too must take my leave… I will see you soon!’ Kyros bade his friend farewell, openly grasping the man’s hand when offered, and watched him go for a moment before turning back to the Captain he’d been introduced to. ”It was a pleasure, Captain. I too shall see you later this evening. For now I shall leave you to finer company.” He bowed his head to Damocles and the Condos lord. It grated on Kyros’ nerves to refer to a lord as finer company, or even to be so openly polite towards a noble as to bow even the slightest, but it was the behavior expected of one of his station, or lack thereof, within this Kingdom. To keep appearances, and to blend as he was trained, he would have to do many things that so irked him.
Kyros turned and started up the beach, passing just near enough to Fotios and the men he was speaking with, for the Leventi lord to notice him ‘leaving’ the area. Further along the sandy shores, Kyros melted into the shadows of a small cluster of trees, where he found a perch in the lower branches from which he could watch the rest of the proceedings on the beach in peace.
Phaedra wasn’t entirely sure she liked the idea of random people staying to watch her soldiers practice. This was their one short chance at actually getting time to properly use their weapons before they went back on the ship. They didn’t need distractions. Still, this woman wasn’t just some random person was she. She was a friend of the general, so it seemed she could hardly refuse her.
Phaedra gave a sharp nod in answer to Dorothea’s question. “But I won’t have you distracting them. We have precious little time on solid ground.” A quiet spectator shouldn’t be too much trouble. Or at least it would be something she could work around. There were going to be more, worse distractions in the near future, it didn’t hurt to get used to a few now.
With the introduction made, Phaedra turned back to Vangelis. “Unless there is anything else you need, your highness, I should return to my soldiers.” A nod of the General’s head told Phaedra that she was dismissed. He’d never been the type to be much for words. She put her fist to her chest and bowed to acknowledge him, then turned back to Maleos to pick up their conversation where it had been interrupted.
“While we do primarily train with the bow, I also make sure my soldiers are practiced with a knife and in hand to hand combat, in case of emergencies.” It was a good practice in general. While it was unlikely that they’d ever be ordered to press an attack, there was always the off chance that their position might be overrun in the course of a battle. Bows might be great weapons at range, but they were next to useless in close quarters. The soldiers had already begun pairing off for practice. Some of her soldiers had chosen practice swords, while others practiced their skill at knife and shield versus the swords of Maleos’s troops, better simulating what they would actually face in battle.
Phaedra turned back to Zosi. “Go ahead and join them, I can take it from here.” It wasn’t quite an order, but it was a suggestion that Phaedra didn’t want questioned. Then she turned her attention to her soldiers. They were holding their own as well as could be expected against trained men. Dorothea she ignored, she wanted to watch so she got to watch. Phaedra had more important things to attend to.
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Phaedra wasn’t entirely sure she liked the idea of random people staying to watch her soldiers practice. This was their one short chance at actually getting time to properly use their weapons before they went back on the ship. They didn’t need distractions. Still, this woman wasn’t just some random person was she. She was a friend of the general, so it seemed she could hardly refuse her.
Phaedra gave a sharp nod in answer to Dorothea’s question. “But I won’t have you distracting them. We have precious little time on solid ground.” A quiet spectator shouldn’t be too much trouble. Or at least it would be something she could work around. There were going to be more, worse distractions in the near future, it didn’t hurt to get used to a few now.
With the introduction made, Phaedra turned back to Vangelis. “Unless there is anything else you need, your highness, I should return to my soldiers.” A nod of the General’s head told Phaedra that she was dismissed. He’d never been the type to be much for words. She put her fist to her chest and bowed to acknowledge him, then turned back to Maleos to pick up their conversation where it had been interrupted.
“While we do primarily train with the bow, I also make sure my soldiers are practiced with a knife and in hand to hand combat, in case of emergencies.” It was a good practice in general. While it was unlikely that they’d ever be ordered to press an attack, there was always the off chance that their position might be overrun in the course of a battle. Bows might be great weapons at range, but they were next to useless in close quarters. The soldiers had already begun pairing off for practice. Some of her soldiers had chosen practice swords, while others practiced their skill at knife and shield versus the swords of Maleos’s troops, better simulating what they would actually face in battle.
Phaedra turned back to Zosi. “Go ahead and join them, I can take it from here.” It wasn’t quite an order, but it was a suggestion that Phaedra didn’t want questioned. Then she turned her attention to her soldiers. They were holding their own as well as could be expected against trained men. Dorothea she ignored, she wanted to watch so she got to watch. Phaedra had more important things to attend to.
Phaedra wasn’t entirely sure she liked the idea of random people staying to watch her soldiers practice. This was their one short chance at actually getting time to properly use their weapons before they went back on the ship. They didn’t need distractions. Still, this woman wasn’t just some random person was she. She was a friend of the general, so it seemed she could hardly refuse her.
Phaedra gave a sharp nod in answer to Dorothea’s question. “But I won’t have you distracting them. We have precious little time on solid ground.” A quiet spectator shouldn’t be too much trouble. Or at least it would be something she could work around. There were going to be more, worse distractions in the near future, it didn’t hurt to get used to a few now.
With the introduction made, Phaedra turned back to Vangelis. “Unless there is anything else you need, your highness, I should return to my soldiers.” A nod of the General’s head told Phaedra that she was dismissed. He’d never been the type to be much for words. She put her fist to her chest and bowed to acknowledge him, then turned back to Maleos to pick up their conversation where it had been interrupted.
“While we do primarily train with the bow, I also make sure my soldiers are practiced with a knife and in hand to hand combat, in case of emergencies.” It was a good practice in general. While it was unlikely that they’d ever be ordered to press an attack, there was always the off chance that their position might be overrun in the course of a battle. Bows might be great weapons at range, but they were next to useless in close quarters. The soldiers had already begun pairing off for practice. Some of her soldiers had chosen practice swords, while others practiced their skill at knife and shield versus the swords of Maleos’s troops, better simulating what they would actually face in battle.
Phaedra turned back to Zosi. “Go ahead and join them, I can take it from here.” It wasn’t quite an order, but it was a suggestion that Phaedra didn’t want questioned. Then she turned her attention to her soldiers. They were holding their own as well as could be expected against trained men. Dorothea she ignored, she wanted to watch so she got to watch. Phaedra had more important things to attend to.
The King really had no intentions of socializing. The point of stepping off the boat was to step foot onto dry land and stretch his legs. In doing so, that gave him a chance to observe his men, some marching, some taking the much needed space to train. But he still said nothing. He still didn't impress himself on anyone for conversation. This close to leaving for Egyptian shores, it was not conversation that he sought, but simple quiet instead. Tython knew his son to have the entire situation handled on his own, so he saw no need to exhert any control of power here on shores that were not his own. For the moment, he was but a figurehead, and that suited him just fine.
Tython was glad to allow Vangelis to take the lead upon this campaign. He himself had not been around in the initial moments of war being declared on all of Greece.
It was the approach of the Queen of Taengea that had the king bowing his respect, listening to her soft words with a careful ear. He gave a calm, pleasant smile, nodding slowly, "Of course, Queen Theodora," he said lightly, "Everything appears to be in order. I do not, however, require more, your highness. I will take my leave to observe my men, but I pray that the war will bring me back here so that we may have a proper conversation after the war," the Colchian King said slowly, bowing to Theodora once more. "Please excuse me," he noted then, breaking himself off from the group.
The King's gaze trailed the beach, trailed the men training and socializing. His steps were measured, careful. He was light on his feet, and sand was rarely a reason to stumble. His expression closed off to anyone approaching him, the man did a few rounds about the beach, observing the ships and the people. He nodded to the Taengean nobility that was allowing the Colchian's their chance at rest, but there would be no peace talks. No negotiations. Taengea wasn't their enemy, Egypt was. By the looks of it most of the men in Taengea had already been carted off on boats in the direction of Egypt, which left very little room for outside planning and tactical maneuvering.
He was quick to note that all was well on the beach, and decidedly took his leave back to his ship rather quickly. There were some men on the other Colchian ships that he had been unable to speak with for the entirety of the journey, and now his focus would be there. He would oversee ensuring that the ships were properly stocked and that their precious cargo was secured and prepared for the journey ahead. With that in mind, the King of Colchis took his leave from the Taengean beach and mounted his way back up the docks and toward his fleet.
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The King really had no intentions of socializing. The point of stepping off the boat was to step foot onto dry land and stretch his legs. In doing so, that gave him a chance to observe his men, some marching, some taking the much needed space to train. But he still said nothing. He still didn't impress himself on anyone for conversation. This close to leaving for Egyptian shores, it was not conversation that he sought, but simple quiet instead. Tython knew his son to have the entire situation handled on his own, so he saw no need to exhert any control of power here on shores that were not his own. For the moment, he was but a figurehead, and that suited him just fine.
Tython was glad to allow Vangelis to take the lead upon this campaign. He himself had not been around in the initial moments of war being declared on all of Greece.
It was the approach of the Queen of Taengea that had the king bowing his respect, listening to her soft words with a careful ear. He gave a calm, pleasant smile, nodding slowly, "Of course, Queen Theodora," he said lightly, "Everything appears to be in order. I do not, however, require more, your highness. I will take my leave to observe my men, but I pray that the war will bring me back here so that we may have a proper conversation after the war," the Colchian King said slowly, bowing to Theodora once more. "Please excuse me," he noted then, breaking himself off from the group.
The King's gaze trailed the beach, trailed the men training and socializing. His steps were measured, careful. He was light on his feet, and sand was rarely a reason to stumble. His expression closed off to anyone approaching him, the man did a few rounds about the beach, observing the ships and the people. He nodded to the Taengean nobility that was allowing the Colchian's their chance at rest, but there would be no peace talks. No negotiations. Taengea wasn't their enemy, Egypt was. By the looks of it most of the men in Taengea had already been carted off on boats in the direction of Egypt, which left very little room for outside planning and tactical maneuvering.
He was quick to note that all was well on the beach, and decidedly took his leave back to his ship rather quickly. There were some men on the other Colchian ships that he had been unable to speak with for the entirety of the journey, and now his focus would be there. He would oversee ensuring that the ships were properly stocked and that their precious cargo was secured and prepared for the journey ahead. With that in mind, the King of Colchis took his leave from the Taengean beach and mounted his way back up the docks and toward his fleet.
The King really had no intentions of socializing. The point of stepping off the boat was to step foot onto dry land and stretch his legs. In doing so, that gave him a chance to observe his men, some marching, some taking the much needed space to train. But he still said nothing. He still didn't impress himself on anyone for conversation. This close to leaving for Egyptian shores, it was not conversation that he sought, but simple quiet instead. Tython knew his son to have the entire situation handled on his own, so he saw no need to exhert any control of power here on shores that were not his own. For the moment, he was but a figurehead, and that suited him just fine.
Tython was glad to allow Vangelis to take the lead upon this campaign. He himself had not been around in the initial moments of war being declared on all of Greece.
It was the approach of the Queen of Taengea that had the king bowing his respect, listening to her soft words with a careful ear. He gave a calm, pleasant smile, nodding slowly, "Of course, Queen Theodora," he said lightly, "Everything appears to be in order. I do not, however, require more, your highness. I will take my leave to observe my men, but I pray that the war will bring me back here so that we may have a proper conversation after the war," the Colchian King said slowly, bowing to Theodora once more. "Please excuse me," he noted then, breaking himself off from the group.
The King's gaze trailed the beach, trailed the men training and socializing. His steps were measured, careful. He was light on his feet, and sand was rarely a reason to stumble. His expression closed off to anyone approaching him, the man did a few rounds about the beach, observing the ships and the people. He nodded to the Taengean nobility that was allowing the Colchian's their chance at rest, but there would be no peace talks. No negotiations. Taengea wasn't their enemy, Egypt was. By the looks of it most of the men in Taengea had already been carted off on boats in the direction of Egypt, which left very little room for outside planning and tactical maneuvering.
He was quick to note that all was well on the beach, and decidedly took his leave back to his ship rather quickly. There were some men on the other Colchian ships that he had been unable to speak with for the entirety of the journey, and now his focus would be there. He would oversee ensuring that the ships were properly stocked and that their precious cargo was secured and prepared for the journey ahead. With that in mind, the King of Colchis took his leave from the Taengean beach and mounted his way back up the docks and toward his fleet.
Lord Leventi's refusal to help escort her along the beach was not insulting. In all actuality, the request had been entirely innocent and all based on the fact that she knew Fotios far better than she knew the other men in her company. The young princess had never truly taken the time to fully appreciate either of them, and honestly, she wasn't sure that she had the interest. The only reason that Lord Fotios had caught her attention at all was because he had been kind to her and gone out of his way to position himself in a way that put him into her good graces. He had found reason to cultivate a trust between them that Xene hadn't sought with anyone else but her own family.
With the deaths of her father and brother, and the ousting of Stephanos, she had long turned to Achilleas. But Achilleas was gone. It was just Fotios now. Basilides, Her ladies in waiting. Heron. There were a select few that the princess trusted to remain so close to her, and it was mostly because of the events of the last months. There was no telling who wished her death in the same way that her brother and father had died. To speak out, to make herself more visible in the public eye, she wasn't sure what would happen if she did such a thing.
It was safer to keep a smaller circle, though it didn't keep her from feeling profoundly lonely that she had no one else to lean on in the way she did her closest confidants.
Not even glancing in the direction of Lord Fotios as he left, Xene took a moment to bow to both Lord Condos and the other Lord Leventi before excusing herself. Instead, she approached the queen and gave another short bow, offering the woman her arm once the King of Colchis has trailed off. "I'm happy that you're here," she said softly, her smile quiet, though she felt entirely disquieted. "Perhaps we can walk the beach together?" she offered, feeling much more at ease when the two women were walking side by side down the beachfront.
Heron, always at her back, was her shadow as they took their leave, moving along the beach to make silent observation of both ships and Colchian soldiers. Now that the Colchians were here and they had been greeted, the princess was more than sure that the noble men attending to the group would have any answers and take any action needed or requested of them until the foreign men sailed away toward Egypt.
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Lord Leventi's refusal to help escort her along the beach was not insulting. In all actuality, the request had been entirely innocent and all based on the fact that she knew Fotios far better than she knew the other men in her company. The young princess had never truly taken the time to fully appreciate either of them, and honestly, she wasn't sure that she had the interest. The only reason that Lord Fotios had caught her attention at all was because he had been kind to her and gone out of his way to position himself in a way that put him into her good graces. He had found reason to cultivate a trust between them that Xene hadn't sought with anyone else but her own family.
With the deaths of her father and brother, and the ousting of Stephanos, she had long turned to Achilleas. But Achilleas was gone. It was just Fotios now. Basilides, Her ladies in waiting. Heron. There were a select few that the princess trusted to remain so close to her, and it was mostly because of the events of the last months. There was no telling who wished her death in the same way that her brother and father had died. To speak out, to make herself more visible in the public eye, she wasn't sure what would happen if she did such a thing.
It was safer to keep a smaller circle, though it didn't keep her from feeling profoundly lonely that she had no one else to lean on in the way she did her closest confidants.
Not even glancing in the direction of Lord Fotios as he left, Xene took a moment to bow to both Lord Condos and the other Lord Leventi before excusing herself. Instead, she approached the queen and gave another short bow, offering the woman her arm once the King of Colchis has trailed off. "I'm happy that you're here," she said softly, her smile quiet, though she felt entirely disquieted. "Perhaps we can walk the beach together?" she offered, feeling much more at ease when the two women were walking side by side down the beachfront.
Heron, always at her back, was her shadow as they took their leave, moving along the beach to make silent observation of both ships and Colchian soldiers. Now that the Colchians were here and they had been greeted, the princess was more than sure that the noble men attending to the group would have any answers and take any action needed or requested of them until the foreign men sailed away toward Egypt.
Lord Leventi's refusal to help escort her along the beach was not insulting. In all actuality, the request had been entirely innocent and all based on the fact that she knew Fotios far better than she knew the other men in her company. The young princess had never truly taken the time to fully appreciate either of them, and honestly, she wasn't sure that she had the interest. The only reason that Lord Fotios had caught her attention at all was because he had been kind to her and gone out of his way to position himself in a way that put him into her good graces. He had found reason to cultivate a trust between them that Xene hadn't sought with anyone else but her own family.
With the deaths of her father and brother, and the ousting of Stephanos, she had long turned to Achilleas. But Achilleas was gone. It was just Fotios now. Basilides, Her ladies in waiting. Heron. There were a select few that the princess trusted to remain so close to her, and it was mostly because of the events of the last months. There was no telling who wished her death in the same way that her brother and father had died. To speak out, to make herself more visible in the public eye, she wasn't sure what would happen if she did such a thing.
It was safer to keep a smaller circle, though it didn't keep her from feeling profoundly lonely that she had no one else to lean on in the way she did her closest confidants.
Not even glancing in the direction of Lord Fotios as he left, Xene took a moment to bow to both Lord Condos and the other Lord Leventi before excusing herself. Instead, she approached the queen and gave another short bow, offering the woman her arm once the King of Colchis has trailed off. "I'm happy that you're here," she said softly, her smile quiet, though she felt entirely disquieted. "Perhaps we can walk the beach together?" she offered, feeling much more at ease when the two women were walking side by side down the beachfront.
Heron, always at her back, was her shadow as they took their leave, moving along the beach to make silent observation of both ships and Colchian soldiers. Now that the Colchians were here and they had been greeted, the princess was more than sure that the noble men attending to the group would have any answers and take any action needed or requested of them until the foreign men sailed away toward Egypt.
Theodora was proud that her smile did not falter as the king of Colchis bowed to her, kindly demurring from her offer of further hospitality. Tython did not linger long after that, excusing himself with well wishes and the desire to speak at a later date. Though she wasn’t sure if she ought to take his quick dismissal as a sign of the man’s displeasure in her late arrival, the queen was gracious as she extended her arm in a welcoming gesture, replying simply, “Of course. You may return to Taengea at any time, Your Majesty. Do not let me keep you from your men.”
Her gaze lingered after the great bear of a man for a long moment as he walked away, wondering if she would ever be able to carry herself with even a semblance of the regality the man quietly exuded. Had he always been that way? Or was it something he cultivated over the years of his reign? Theodora prayed it was the latter, hopeful that perhaps one day she might be able to do the same.
Setting such thoughts aside for the time being, she smiled at Xene’s approach, a far more genuine expression than that which she showed Tython. “It’s good to see you, as well, Your Highness.” Accepting the arm the princess offered, Theodora nodded at the other woman’s suggestion. “A walk down the beach sounds lovely. I know I got here a bit late, so hopefully a quick walk will let others see I’m here now.”
Teeth worrying at her lip, it was clear the queen was uncomfortable with her faux pas, a bit of shame creeping over her features. Really, she should have been paying more attention to readying herself for the day ahead, instead of flirting with Emilios and pretending she wasn’t. Gods, she was the queen of Taengea now; she couldn’t keep letting herself get distracted by what she couldn’t have. She needed to focus on what was right in front of her, on the duties and responsibilities with which her husband had entrusted her.
Even so, she glanced back toward the crown prince with a sort of wistful melancholy, dark gaze travelling over the fine cut of features memorized so long ago. Such things were easier said than done, though; no one had ever been able to capture her attention the way Emilios had. How could she focus when he was always right there, under the same roof, so near within her grasp? What manner of cruel test was this that the gods should put her through, when so much already rested on overburdened shoulders?
There was a hint of a sigh as she turned back to her companion, gently squeezing her arm and urging her forward with a soft, “Let’s go, then.”
Sand crept between her toes as she and Xene walked down the length of the beach, stopping here and there to admire the smooth symmetry of the Colchian soldiers running at their paces. Seeing these men and the ones that commanded them gave Theodora hope; with forces like this, surely they were not bound to fail. Achilleas would return home victorious, Taengea would know peace, and all would be well in the end. The queen could bear no other outcome.
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Theodora was proud that her smile did not falter as the king of Colchis bowed to her, kindly demurring from her offer of further hospitality. Tython did not linger long after that, excusing himself with well wishes and the desire to speak at a later date. Though she wasn’t sure if she ought to take his quick dismissal as a sign of the man’s displeasure in her late arrival, the queen was gracious as she extended her arm in a welcoming gesture, replying simply, “Of course. You may return to Taengea at any time, Your Majesty. Do not let me keep you from your men.”
Her gaze lingered after the great bear of a man for a long moment as he walked away, wondering if she would ever be able to carry herself with even a semblance of the regality the man quietly exuded. Had he always been that way? Or was it something he cultivated over the years of his reign? Theodora prayed it was the latter, hopeful that perhaps one day she might be able to do the same.
Setting such thoughts aside for the time being, she smiled at Xene’s approach, a far more genuine expression than that which she showed Tython. “It’s good to see you, as well, Your Highness.” Accepting the arm the princess offered, Theodora nodded at the other woman’s suggestion. “A walk down the beach sounds lovely. I know I got here a bit late, so hopefully a quick walk will let others see I’m here now.”
Teeth worrying at her lip, it was clear the queen was uncomfortable with her faux pas, a bit of shame creeping over her features. Really, she should have been paying more attention to readying herself for the day ahead, instead of flirting with Emilios and pretending she wasn’t. Gods, she was the queen of Taengea now; she couldn’t keep letting herself get distracted by what she couldn’t have. She needed to focus on what was right in front of her, on the duties and responsibilities with which her husband had entrusted her.
Even so, she glanced back toward the crown prince with a sort of wistful melancholy, dark gaze travelling over the fine cut of features memorized so long ago. Such things were easier said than done, though; no one had ever been able to capture her attention the way Emilios had. How could she focus when he was always right there, under the same roof, so near within her grasp? What manner of cruel test was this that the gods should put her through, when so much already rested on overburdened shoulders?
There was a hint of a sigh as she turned back to her companion, gently squeezing her arm and urging her forward with a soft, “Let’s go, then.”
Sand crept between her toes as she and Xene walked down the length of the beach, stopping here and there to admire the smooth symmetry of the Colchian soldiers running at their paces. Seeing these men and the ones that commanded them gave Theodora hope; with forces like this, surely they were not bound to fail. Achilleas would return home victorious, Taengea would know peace, and all would be well in the end. The queen could bear no other outcome.
Theodora was proud that her smile did not falter as the king of Colchis bowed to her, kindly demurring from her offer of further hospitality. Tython did not linger long after that, excusing himself with well wishes and the desire to speak at a later date. Though she wasn’t sure if she ought to take his quick dismissal as a sign of the man’s displeasure in her late arrival, the queen was gracious as she extended her arm in a welcoming gesture, replying simply, “Of course. You may return to Taengea at any time, Your Majesty. Do not let me keep you from your men.”
Her gaze lingered after the great bear of a man for a long moment as he walked away, wondering if she would ever be able to carry herself with even a semblance of the regality the man quietly exuded. Had he always been that way? Or was it something he cultivated over the years of his reign? Theodora prayed it was the latter, hopeful that perhaps one day she might be able to do the same.
Setting such thoughts aside for the time being, she smiled at Xene’s approach, a far more genuine expression than that which she showed Tython. “It’s good to see you, as well, Your Highness.” Accepting the arm the princess offered, Theodora nodded at the other woman’s suggestion. “A walk down the beach sounds lovely. I know I got here a bit late, so hopefully a quick walk will let others see I’m here now.”
Teeth worrying at her lip, it was clear the queen was uncomfortable with her faux pas, a bit of shame creeping over her features. Really, she should have been paying more attention to readying herself for the day ahead, instead of flirting with Emilios and pretending she wasn’t. Gods, she was the queen of Taengea now; she couldn’t keep letting herself get distracted by what she couldn’t have. She needed to focus on what was right in front of her, on the duties and responsibilities with which her husband had entrusted her.
Even so, she glanced back toward the crown prince with a sort of wistful melancholy, dark gaze travelling over the fine cut of features memorized so long ago. Such things were easier said than done, though; no one had ever been able to capture her attention the way Emilios had. How could she focus when he was always right there, under the same roof, so near within her grasp? What manner of cruel test was this that the gods should put her through, when so much already rested on overburdened shoulders?
There was a hint of a sigh as she turned back to her companion, gently squeezing her arm and urging her forward with a soft, “Let’s go, then.”
Sand crept between her toes as she and Xene walked down the length of the beach, stopping here and there to admire the smooth symmetry of the Colchian soldiers running at their paces. Seeing these men and the ones that commanded them gave Theodora hope; with forces like this, surely they were not bound to fail. Achilleas would return home victorious, Taengea would know peace, and all would be well in the end. The queen could bear no other outcome.