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The festival of Thesmophoria is underway! In a strictly women's-only celebration of the Goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone taken below into the Underworld every winterfall, this autumn festival heralds a hopeful future of the spring, once the darkest months of the year have passed. Large awnings, covers and comforts have been arranged in Epirus where the festivities will be held just outside the capitol of Vasiliadon, where altars of Demeter and Persephone await the offerings delivered at the end of the day... Despite war being a foregone conclusion across the southern sea, Taengea holds true to its traditions and festivities and know that, when your menfolk are away at war, the last thing you want to do is displease the Gods who handle their fickle fate!
JD
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JD
Staff Team
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The festival of Thesmophoria is underway! In a strictly women's-only celebration of the Goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone taken below into the Underworld every winterfall, this autumn festival heralds a hopeful future of the spring, once the darkest months of the year have passed. Large awnings, covers and comforts have been arranged in Epirus where the festivities will be held just outside the capitol of Vasiliadon, where altars of Demeter and Persephone await the offerings delivered at the end of the day... Despite war being a foregone conclusion across the southern sea, Taengea holds true to its traditions and festivities and know that, when your menfolk are away at war, the last thing you want to do is displease the Gods who handle their fickle fate!
Lush Event - Taengea
The festival of Thesmophoria is underway! In a strictly women's-only celebration of the Goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone taken below into the Underworld every winterfall, this autumn festival heralds a hopeful future of the spring, once the darkest months of the year have passed. Large awnings, covers and comforts have been arranged in Epirus where the festivities will be held just outside the capitol of Vasiliadon, where altars of Demeter and Persephone await the offerings delivered at the end of the day... Despite war being a foregone conclusion across the southern sea, Taengea holds true to its traditions and festivities and know that, when your menfolk are away at war, the last thing you want to do is displease the Gods who handle their fickle fate!
War was a concept that Xene had never been able to grasp reaching the shores of her Taengean home. Even now, seeing the walls built higher, the pikes in the sands, the barrels of tar and oil placed about the ring of Vasiliadon... it still didn't really connect with the princess that war was a very real threat. Egyptians landing on their shores was a possibility that Xene did not want to think about, much less witness herself. That said, she would not leave Queen Theodora without the help despite her own status having shifted to include more duties of her own.
The carriage ride to Epirus had been relaxing and exactly what Xene had needed, though it had not been long by any means. Its proximity to Vasiliadon insured that the journey was short and that it felt as if you had completed it almost as soon as you had finally settled into the carriage. Attending the festival with her lady-in-waiting, Kalliope, Xene had extended the invitation to her sister as well, though Gianna had decidedly decided to come later.
There was something about attending early, where she could relax and watch the women set up for the festival that made her feel that much more at ease. Like she could let herself and her mind rest just a little bit. Slipping out of her carriage and then reaching back to help Kalliope down onto solid ground, the princess stopped to breathe in the crisp, fertile air of Epirus. It was as beautiful as she remembered it. Then again, it had always been one of the Condos' most beautiful provinces. Standing in the grass, it felt good to be out of the capitol and off of Mikaelidas land. Here, she was a guest, and regardless of her status, there was less pressure to be perfect.
Besides, it was difficult to be without flaw in the face of the gods. To assume otherwise could only anger their patron goddesses on this day. Glancing toward her lady-in-waiting, Xene put a soft smile on her features that she knew the girl could not see but would appreciate regardless just by listening to her tone. "Steady," she said softly, draping her hand over Kalliope's arm and looking down into the gently sloping valley that the festival was to take place in.
"Have you ever been to the festival of Thesmophoria, Kalliope?" she asked lightly, her feet guiding her slowly down the hill. This was one day in which her guard would not be needed. Anyone who would ambush a large gathering of women deserved to rot in Hades' flames for all eternity, anyway. "I pray that Demeter and Persephone will see fit to bless our harvests this year," she added as an absent thought, letting her blue gaze trail the small crowds of women that were already forming. The princess was looking for some of the familiar ladies and their servants who would be attending to this festival.
Doned in a white chiton, however, Xene was hoping that she would be given the chance to participate. In years before, she hadn't had the strength to slaughter anything, much less a pig. But times changed, people changed, and Xene wanted to be different. She wanted to give reverence where reverence was due, and she would, if given the chance.
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War was a concept that Xene had never been able to grasp reaching the shores of her Taengean home. Even now, seeing the walls built higher, the pikes in the sands, the barrels of tar and oil placed about the ring of Vasiliadon... it still didn't really connect with the princess that war was a very real threat. Egyptians landing on their shores was a possibility that Xene did not want to think about, much less witness herself. That said, she would not leave Queen Theodora without the help despite her own status having shifted to include more duties of her own.
The carriage ride to Epirus had been relaxing and exactly what Xene had needed, though it had not been long by any means. Its proximity to Vasiliadon insured that the journey was short and that it felt as if you had completed it almost as soon as you had finally settled into the carriage. Attending the festival with her lady-in-waiting, Kalliope, Xene had extended the invitation to her sister as well, though Gianna had decidedly decided to come later.
There was something about attending early, where she could relax and watch the women set up for the festival that made her feel that much more at ease. Like she could let herself and her mind rest just a little bit. Slipping out of her carriage and then reaching back to help Kalliope down onto solid ground, the princess stopped to breathe in the crisp, fertile air of Epirus. It was as beautiful as she remembered it. Then again, it had always been one of the Condos' most beautiful provinces. Standing in the grass, it felt good to be out of the capitol and off of Mikaelidas land. Here, she was a guest, and regardless of her status, there was less pressure to be perfect.
Besides, it was difficult to be without flaw in the face of the gods. To assume otherwise could only anger their patron goddesses on this day. Glancing toward her lady-in-waiting, Xene put a soft smile on her features that she knew the girl could not see but would appreciate regardless just by listening to her tone. "Steady," she said softly, draping her hand over Kalliope's arm and looking down into the gently sloping valley that the festival was to take place in.
"Have you ever been to the festival of Thesmophoria, Kalliope?" she asked lightly, her feet guiding her slowly down the hill. This was one day in which her guard would not be needed. Anyone who would ambush a large gathering of women deserved to rot in Hades' flames for all eternity, anyway. "I pray that Demeter and Persephone will see fit to bless our harvests this year," she added as an absent thought, letting her blue gaze trail the small crowds of women that were already forming. The princess was looking for some of the familiar ladies and their servants who would be attending to this festival.
Doned in a white chiton, however, Xene was hoping that she would be given the chance to participate. In years before, she hadn't had the strength to slaughter anything, much less a pig. But times changed, people changed, and Xene wanted to be different. She wanted to give reverence where reverence was due, and she would, if given the chance.
War was a concept that Xene had never been able to grasp reaching the shores of her Taengean home. Even now, seeing the walls built higher, the pikes in the sands, the barrels of tar and oil placed about the ring of Vasiliadon... it still didn't really connect with the princess that war was a very real threat. Egyptians landing on their shores was a possibility that Xene did not want to think about, much less witness herself. That said, she would not leave Queen Theodora without the help despite her own status having shifted to include more duties of her own.
The carriage ride to Epirus had been relaxing and exactly what Xene had needed, though it had not been long by any means. Its proximity to Vasiliadon insured that the journey was short and that it felt as if you had completed it almost as soon as you had finally settled into the carriage. Attending the festival with her lady-in-waiting, Kalliope, Xene had extended the invitation to her sister as well, though Gianna had decidedly decided to come later.
There was something about attending early, where she could relax and watch the women set up for the festival that made her feel that much more at ease. Like she could let herself and her mind rest just a little bit. Slipping out of her carriage and then reaching back to help Kalliope down onto solid ground, the princess stopped to breathe in the crisp, fertile air of Epirus. It was as beautiful as she remembered it. Then again, it had always been one of the Condos' most beautiful provinces. Standing in the grass, it felt good to be out of the capitol and off of Mikaelidas land. Here, she was a guest, and regardless of her status, there was less pressure to be perfect.
Besides, it was difficult to be without flaw in the face of the gods. To assume otherwise could only anger their patron goddesses on this day. Glancing toward her lady-in-waiting, Xene put a soft smile on her features that she knew the girl could not see but would appreciate regardless just by listening to her tone. "Steady," she said softly, draping her hand over Kalliope's arm and looking down into the gently sloping valley that the festival was to take place in.
"Have you ever been to the festival of Thesmophoria, Kalliope?" she asked lightly, her feet guiding her slowly down the hill. This was one day in which her guard would not be needed. Anyone who would ambush a large gathering of women deserved to rot in Hades' flames for all eternity, anyway. "I pray that Demeter and Persephone will see fit to bless our harvests this year," she added as an absent thought, letting her blue gaze trail the small crowds of women that were already forming. The princess was looking for some of the familiar ladies and their servants who would be attending to this festival.
Doned in a white chiton, however, Xene was hoping that she would be given the chance to participate. In years before, she hadn't had the strength to slaughter anything, much less a pig. But times changed, people changed, and Xene wanted to be different. She wanted to give reverence where reverence was due, and she would, if given the chance.
Xanthippe trailed a few steps behind her mistress as they departed the carriage that brought them from the capital, gingerly stretching muscles sore from a vigorous exercise routine the night prior. Taking a moment to examine her surroundings, the handmaid was quiet and pensive, taking in both the guests and scenery with a discerning blue eye. It was still early; many of the noblewomen had yet to arrive, but the princess was already here with her own maid on her arm. Xan’s gaze narrowed ever so slightly as she drank her in, sweeping over her ivory ensemble with a dismissive snort.
She only took the barest moment to look at her; she had no desire for Xene to notice a lingering stare. After all, it had only been a week or so since she’d her threatening letter, and she had no desire for any suspicion to linger upon her. It was a bold move, threatening a princess, even if the threat was done in secret. But then, Xan was a rather bold woman.
Unworthy.
Foul.
Make good on your threats.
Not now.
Instead of letting the woman’s presence distract and irritate her, Xan caught up to Melina and offered a smile. “A beautiful day for such a festival, isn’t it, my lady?” There was a warm breeze that lifted and teased at their hair while the sun shone brightly overhead. Those seemed like good omens to her, a promise for what the day would hold, even as the ladies of the kingdom worried about the men off at war.
At the very least, Xan could be thankful that was something she didn’t have to concern herself with. The only man she cared about was still here, safe on Taengean shores with his little watch dog to keep an eye out for him. Xanthippe didn’t mind being his watch dog. Truthfully, it’s what she lived for.
That, and the woman next to her. The handmaid would slit her own throat before she ever let any harm come to Melina, and it was part of why she accompanied the young woman today. While the chances of something happening to her at this festival were slim, Xan of all people knew just how deranged some could be—especially in a nation during wartime. Paranoid or not, she would take no chances when it came to her mistress’s life.
“Are you hungry? Thirsty? I’m happy to fetch something for you if you like. It looks like they’ve just finished setting up the refreshments.” Nodding to a table underneath a nearby awning, she indicated the wine and various sweets and h’ors d’oeurves laid out.
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Xanthippe trailed a few steps behind her mistress as they departed the carriage that brought them from the capital, gingerly stretching muscles sore from a vigorous exercise routine the night prior. Taking a moment to examine her surroundings, the handmaid was quiet and pensive, taking in both the guests and scenery with a discerning blue eye. It was still early; many of the noblewomen had yet to arrive, but the princess was already here with her own maid on her arm. Xan’s gaze narrowed ever so slightly as she drank her in, sweeping over her ivory ensemble with a dismissive snort.
She only took the barest moment to look at her; she had no desire for Xene to notice a lingering stare. After all, it had only been a week or so since she’d her threatening letter, and she had no desire for any suspicion to linger upon her. It was a bold move, threatening a princess, even if the threat was done in secret. But then, Xan was a rather bold woman.
Unworthy.
Foul.
Make good on your threats.
Not now.
Instead of letting the woman’s presence distract and irritate her, Xan caught up to Melina and offered a smile. “A beautiful day for such a festival, isn’t it, my lady?” There was a warm breeze that lifted and teased at their hair while the sun shone brightly overhead. Those seemed like good omens to her, a promise for what the day would hold, even as the ladies of the kingdom worried about the men off at war.
At the very least, Xan could be thankful that was something she didn’t have to concern herself with. The only man she cared about was still here, safe on Taengean shores with his little watch dog to keep an eye out for him. Xanthippe didn’t mind being his watch dog. Truthfully, it’s what she lived for.
That, and the woman next to her. The handmaid would slit her own throat before she ever let any harm come to Melina, and it was part of why she accompanied the young woman today. While the chances of something happening to her at this festival were slim, Xan of all people knew just how deranged some could be—especially in a nation during wartime. Paranoid or not, she would take no chances when it came to her mistress’s life.
“Are you hungry? Thirsty? I’m happy to fetch something for you if you like. It looks like they’ve just finished setting up the refreshments.” Nodding to a table underneath a nearby awning, she indicated the wine and various sweets and h’ors d’oeurves laid out.
Xanthippe trailed a few steps behind her mistress as they departed the carriage that brought them from the capital, gingerly stretching muscles sore from a vigorous exercise routine the night prior. Taking a moment to examine her surroundings, the handmaid was quiet and pensive, taking in both the guests and scenery with a discerning blue eye. It was still early; many of the noblewomen had yet to arrive, but the princess was already here with her own maid on her arm. Xan’s gaze narrowed ever so slightly as she drank her in, sweeping over her ivory ensemble with a dismissive snort.
She only took the barest moment to look at her; she had no desire for Xene to notice a lingering stare. After all, it had only been a week or so since she’d her threatening letter, and she had no desire for any suspicion to linger upon her. It was a bold move, threatening a princess, even if the threat was done in secret. But then, Xan was a rather bold woman.
Unworthy.
Foul.
Make good on your threats.
Not now.
Instead of letting the woman’s presence distract and irritate her, Xan caught up to Melina and offered a smile. “A beautiful day for such a festival, isn’t it, my lady?” There was a warm breeze that lifted and teased at their hair while the sun shone brightly overhead. Those seemed like good omens to her, a promise for what the day would hold, even as the ladies of the kingdom worried about the men off at war.
At the very least, Xan could be thankful that was something she didn’t have to concern herself with. The only man she cared about was still here, safe on Taengean shores with his little watch dog to keep an eye out for him. Xanthippe didn’t mind being his watch dog. Truthfully, it’s what she lived for.
That, and the woman next to her. The handmaid would slit her own throat before she ever let any harm come to Melina, and it was part of why she accompanied the young woman today. While the chances of something happening to her at this festival were slim, Xan of all people knew just how deranged some could be—especially in a nation during wartime. Paranoid or not, she would take no chances when it came to her mistress’s life.
“Are you hungry? Thirsty? I’m happy to fetch something for you if you like. It looks like they’ve just finished setting up the refreshments.” Nodding to a table underneath a nearby awning, she indicated the wine and various sweets and h’ors d’oeurves laid out.
Now this was more like it!
Neena had been in Taengea a few months now and had been to a range of different events in the city. There had been market days and fishing... market things... whatever they were - they had smelt pretty impressive. Then there had been little miniature celebrations as different parts of the city's defences were completed; evenings of wine and song to celebrate the last stone on the fortifications or the successful installation of a large gate that took twenty men to move. The Taengeans worked hard but it was clear that they liked to party just as much and be festive in their victories.
They were a kind of people that Neena liked.
And now came a full festival!
Regardless of the fact that the people of the city were prepping for an eventual war that might come to their shores, the Greeks were refusing to let such dark storm clouds on the horizon have them forget that here, at least, the sun was shining. They were setting out in their own little rebellion against the war - that spirits could not be dampened!
Not being an economist or someone who stayed in one place for more than a full year's seasonal cycle, Neena of course missed perhaps the more important element of the Thesmophoria festivities: that whether war came or not, the harvest needed to be a good one. Which meant an honouring of the Grecian Goddesses so important to such a thing prior to the planting for the new year.
Neena saw not the practical, longevity side of the situation, but focused more on the people and the spirit in which the event was being held.
Having no idea what was going on, Neena had found her way to Epirus by following the crowds of ladies that had left the capitol en masse to attend such an event. Their menfolk strictly forbidden and forced to stay at home, Neena was even more curious as she set off as a single female amongst the throng.
Despite her colouring singling her out as someone who might not belong, Neena was able to avoid the sharp looks of those who disapproved as Grecian law didn't prohibit her presence like it might in other, more xenophobic kingdoms. Whilst she received looks of suspicion as to why someone so foreign-looking would wish to honour Grecian deities, she wasn't outright disallowed.
Not that Neena was the sort to care much anyway!
Upon arriving at the open meadow, near the rich looking stone temple of Demeter and Persephone, Neena was pleased that she had come. For there was so much life and energy and open warm air and the smell of cooking meat and fresh fruit and everything! Beneath sheets of colourful textile and awnings, the women of Taengea was culminating, some enjoying the sunshine and others partaking in the shade. A roasting pig was on a spit over an open fire and others - very much alive still - were squawking and grunting in a pen not far off.
Holding little money to her name, Neena eyed a large table with a cloth over its surface that sported freshly baked bread, brought from the local villages in the province and felt her mouth water... Biting her lower lip, Neena looked about, hoping that she might be able to indoctrinate someone into being generous or if she could spot a moment of distraction that she could utilise to steal herself a roll...
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Now this was more like it!
Neena had been in Taengea a few months now and had been to a range of different events in the city. There had been market days and fishing... market things... whatever they were - they had smelt pretty impressive. Then there had been little miniature celebrations as different parts of the city's defences were completed; evenings of wine and song to celebrate the last stone on the fortifications or the successful installation of a large gate that took twenty men to move. The Taengeans worked hard but it was clear that they liked to party just as much and be festive in their victories.
They were a kind of people that Neena liked.
And now came a full festival!
Regardless of the fact that the people of the city were prepping for an eventual war that might come to their shores, the Greeks were refusing to let such dark storm clouds on the horizon have them forget that here, at least, the sun was shining. They were setting out in their own little rebellion against the war - that spirits could not be dampened!
Not being an economist or someone who stayed in one place for more than a full year's seasonal cycle, Neena of course missed perhaps the more important element of the Thesmophoria festivities: that whether war came or not, the harvest needed to be a good one. Which meant an honouring of the Grecian Goddesses so important to such a thing prior to the planting for the new year.
Neena saw not the practical, longevity side of the situation, but focused more on the people and the spirit in which the event was being held.
Having no idea what was going on, Neena had found her way to Epirus by following the crowds of ladies that had left the capitol en masse to attend such an event. Their menfolk strictly forbidden and forced to stay at home, Neena was even more curious as she set off as a single female amongst the throng.
Despite her colouring singling her out as someone who might not belong, Neena was able to avoid the sharp looks of those who disapproved as Grecian law didn't prohibit her presence like it might in other, more xenophobic kingdoms. Whilst she received looks of suspicion as to why someone so foreign-looking would wish to honour Grecian deities, she wasn't outright disallowed.
Not that Neena was the sort to care much anyway!
Upon arriving at the open meadow, near the rich looking stone temple of Demeter and Persephone, Neena was pleased that she had come. For there was so much life and energy and open warm air and the smell of cooking meat and fresh fruit and everything! Beneath sheets of colourful textile and awnings, the women of Taengea was culminating, some enjoying the sunshine and others partaking in the shade. A roasting pig was on a spit over an open fire and others - very much alive still - were squawking and grunting in a pen not far off.
Holding little money to her name, Neena eyed a large table with a cloth over its surface that sported freshly baked bread, brought from the local villages in the province and felt her mouth water... Biting her lower lip, Neena looked about, hoping that she might be able to indoctrinate someone into being generous or if she could spot a moment of distraction that she could utilise to steal herself a roll...
Now this was more like it!
Neena had been in Taengea a few months now and had been to a range of different events in the city. There had been market days and fishing... market things... whatever they were - they had smelt pretty impressive. Then there had been little miniature celebrations as different parts of the city's defences were completed; evenings of wine and song to celebrate the last stone on the fortifications or the successful installation of a large gate that took twenty men to move. The Taengeans worked hard but it was clear that they liked to party just as much and be festive in their victories.
They were a kind of people that Neena liked.
And now came a full festival!
Regardless of the fact that the people of the city were prepping for an eventual war that might come to their shores, the Greeks were refusing to let such dark storm clouds on the horizon have them forget that here, at least, the sun was shining. They were setting out in their own little rebellion against the war - that spirits could not be dampened!
Not being an economist or someone who stayed in one place for more than a full year's seasonal cycle, Neena of course missed perhaps the more important element of the Thesmophoria festivities: that whether war came or not, the harvest needed to be a good one. Which meant an honouring of the Grecian Goddesses so important to such a thing prior to the planting for the new year.
Neena saw not the practical, longevity side of the situation, but focused more on the people and the spirit in which the event was being held.
Having no idea what was going on, Neena had found her way to Epirus by following the crowds of ladies that had left the capitol en masse to attend such an event. Their menfolk strictly forbidden and forced to stay at home, Neena was even more curious as she set off as a single female amongst the throng.
Despite her colouring singling her out as someone who might not belong, Neena was able to avoid the sharp looks of those who disapproved as Grecian law didn't prohibit her presence like it might in other, more xenophobic kingdoms. Whilst she received looks of suspicion as to why someone so foreign-looking would wish to honour Grecian deities, she wasn't outright disallowed.
Not that Neena was the sort to care much anyway!
Upon arriving at the open meadow, near the rich looking stone temple of Demeter and Persephone, Neena was pleased that she had come. For there was so much life and energy and open warm air and the smell of cooking meat and fresh fruit and everything! Beneath sheets of colourful textile and awnings, the women of Taengea was culminating, some enjoying the sunshine and others partaking in the shade. A roasting pig was on a spit over an open fire and others - very much alive still - were squawking and grunting in a pen not far off.
Holding little money to her name, Neena eyed a large table with a cloth over its surface that sported freshly baked bread, brought from the local villages in the province and felt her mouth water... Biting her lower lip, Neena looked about, hoping that she might be able to indoctrinate someone into being generous or if she could spot a moment of distraction that she could utilise to steal herself a roll...
The Leventi girls had not all been together in a very long time, riding in a carriage like this. With her mother and sisters around her, she felt a relief and safety that had been lost to her for far too long. It was hard to put aside her worry for Stephanos, and the prayers that he would be well and come home to her soon were constantly on her lips, especially when she looked down at the face of their daughter in her arms. Tisiphone was trying to watch everything out the window with interest, nearing three months and looking more and more like a chubby cherub with every day. She'd started grabbing for things, and squawking as if trying to take part in conversation, and growing far more hair than Olympia had been expecting.
Today she was dressed in a lavender colored chiton, showing her Leventi alliance all aside from the golden lion's head necklace from her husband. Her himation was a deep chocolate color that set off the paleness of her skin and the vibrance of her hair and eyes. Tisiphone had been kept in white, mostly swaddled and tied in a sling against her mother's chest to keep her safe and warm. The little girl was babbling as they bumped along, alternately trying to grab at Nana's hands and eat her own fists when she got distracted by the sight of her grandmother across from her. It was all so domestic and sweet for a moment Olympia allowed herself to forget why she was going.
The people of Taengea did not yet know their former queen had returned, and it was time to show them that she was not only alive and well, but that she had birthed a daughter who seemed to sparkle with energy and a radiant beauty even so young. She had never before understood what people meant when they said that her older sisters were goddess blessed, but looking at her daughter she thought perhaps she could understand now. While she could not act in any official capacity according to her brother-in-law's rules for her return, it did not stop her from being seen. Which meant in her own way she could show the people what they were missing and do what she could to mend her husband's reputation for his return.
When the carriage finally arrived, she allowed her sisters and mother to descend first, following them with an arm around the sling that held Tisiphone to her chest as she looked about at the crowd of women. The cool breeze caught her dark curls that had been braided and pinned up in a sort of makeshift crown, her himation pinned to give her a sort of veil and protect against the cold blowing against her exposed neck. As if by fate the first person that caught her eye was Xene, Stephanos' sister who had hated her for a while, but before their departure the women had been on decent enough terms.
With a squeeze to Selene's hand and a smile at Nana, she nodded toward the princess and released her family to walk between the people toward her sister-in-law, allowing her own siblings to come with her if they wished but not denying them their time. Pia's voice was soft as she gave a dip of her head in respect to Xene's birth title being higher than her own, the blonde girl at her chest staring with wide blue eyes at the aunt she had never met, silent for once with the presence of so many people.
"Your highness. I had hoped you would be here. There is someone you should meet."
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The Leventi girls had not all been together in a very long time, riding in a carriage like this. With her mother and sisters around her, she felt a relief and safety that had been lost to her for far too long. It was hard to put aside her worry for Stephanos, and the prayers that he would be well and come home to her soon were constantly on her lips, especially when she looked down at the face of their daughter in her arms. Tisiphone was trying to watch everything out the window with interest, nearing three months and looking more and more like a chubby cherub with every day. She'd started grabbing for things, and squawking as if trying to take part in conversation, and growing far more hair than Olympia had been expecting.
Today she was dressed in a lavender colored chiton, showing her Leventi alliance all aside from the golden lion's head necklace from her husband. Her himation was a deep chocolate color that set off the paleness of her skin and the vibrance of her hair and eyes. Tisiphone had been kept in white, mostly swaddled and tied in a sling against her mother's chest to keep her safe and warm. The little girl was babbling as they bumped along, alternately trying to grab at Nana's hands and eat her own fists when she got distracted by the sight of her grandmother across from her. It was all so domestic and sweet for a moment Olympia allowed herself to forget why she was going.
The people of Taengea did not yet know their former queen had returned, and it was time to show them that she was not only alive and well, but that she had birthed a daughter who seemed to sparkle with energy and a radiant beauty even so young. She had never before understood what people meant when they said that her older sisters were goddess blessed, but looking at her daughter she thought perhaps she could understand now. While she could not act in any official capacity according to her brother-in-law's rules for her return, it did not stop her from being seen. Which meant in her own way she could show the people what they were missing and do what she could to mend her husband's reputation for his return.
When the carriage finally arrived, she allowed her sisters and mother to descend first, following them with an arm around the sling that held Tisiphone to her chest as she looked about at the crowd of women. The cool breeze caught her dark curls that had been braided and pinned up in a sort of makeshift crown, her himation pinned to give her a sort of veil and protect against the cold blowing against her exposed neck. As if by fate the first person that caught her eye was Xene, Stephanos' sister who had hated her for a while, but before their departure the women had been on decent enough terms.
With a squeeze to Selene's hand and a smile at Nana, she nodded toward the princess and released her family to walk between the people toward her sister-in-law, allowing her own siblings to come with her if they wished but not denying them their time. Pia's voice was soft as she gave a dip of her head in respect to Xene's birth title being higher than her own, the blonde girl at her chest staring with wide blue eyes at the aunt she had never met, silent for once with the presence of so many people.
"Your highness. I had hoped you would be here. There is someone you should meet."
The Leventi girls had not all been together in a very long time, riding in a carriage like this. With her mother and sisters around her, she felt a relief and safety that had been lost to her for far too long. It was hard to put aside her worry for Stephanos, and the prayers that he would be well and come home to her soon were constantly on her lips, especially when she looked down at the face of their daughter in her arms. Tisiphone was trying to watch everything out the window with interest, nearing three months and looking more and more like a chubby cherub with every day. She'd started grabbing for things, and squawking as if trying to take part in conversation, and growing far more hair than Olympia had been expecting.
Today she was dressed in a lavender colored chiton, showing her Leventi alliance all aside from the golden lion's head necklace from her husband. Her himation was a deep chocolate color that set off the paleness of her skin and the vibrance of her hair and eyes. Tisiphone had been kept in white, mostly swaddled and tied in a sling against her mother's chest to keep her safe and warm. The little girl was babbling as they bumped along, alternately trying to grab at Nana's hands and eat her own fists when she got distracted by the sight of her grandmother across from her. It was all so domestic and sweet for a moment Olympia allowed herself to forget why she was going.
The people of Taengea did not yet know their former queen had returned, and it was time to show them that she was not only alive and well, but that she had birthed a daughter who seemed to sparkle with energy and a radiant beauty even so young. She had never before understood what people meant when they said that her older sisters were goddess blessed, but looking at her daughter she thought perhaps she could understand now. While she could not act in any official capacity according to her brother-in-law's rules for her return, it did not stop her from being seen. Which meant in her own way she could show the people what they were missing and do what she could to mend her husband's reputation for his return.
When the carriage finally arrived, she allowed her sisters and mother to descend first, following them with an arm around the sling that held Tisiphone to her chest as she looked about at the crowd of women. The cool breeze caught her dark curls that had been braided and pinned up in a sort of makeshift crown, her himation pinned to give her a sort of veil and protect against the cold blowing against her exposed neck. As if by fate the first person that caught her eye was Xene, Stephanos' sister who had hated her for a while, but before their departure the women had been on decent enough terms.
With a squeeze to Selene's hand and a smile at Nana, she nodded toward the princess and released her family to walk between the people toward her sister-in-law, allowing her own siblings to come with her if they wished but not denying them their time. Pia's voice was soft as she gave a dip of her head in respect to Xene's birth title being higher than her own, the blonde girl at her chest staring with wide blue eyes at the aunt she had never met, silent for once with the presence of so many people.
"Your highness. I had hoped you would be here. There is someone you should meet."
While Evelli had been worn out from her travels, she had tried to put off her husband's insistence for a physician for at least one more day. The festival of Thesmophoria was scheduled to be held, and when Evelli found out, she knew she had to bring her brood. On top of meeting Theodora there, which meant Evelli would have all her girl's together again after a very real fear that she may have to leave two in Colchis, and the mother was not about to pass up on the chance.
Promising her husband she'll see a physician once they return in a couple of days, the woman had packed up her girl's in a carriage and took the few hour journey to Epirus, where now she hoped the festival would do its job in putting a smile back on her daughter's faces.
Dressed in a simple olive green chiton that covered all her modesties and left a sheer sleeve hanging over the length of her arms, Evelli checked in on her daughter's throughout the ride, smiling occasionally as she glanced at the faces present. Her smile only grew as she watched the antics of her granddaughter, eagerly and willingly taking over the watch and carrying of young Tisiphone. It had been far too long since Evelli had held a young infant in her arms, and she cherished the feel of her granddaughter - she would never have one again anyway, so why not enjoy it while she could. Evelli was all too familiar with how fast these young infants grew up anyway.
A certain part of her was anxious in Olympia going out, and dearly wished she could've brought her husband with her. But the festival was strictly women's only, and Evelli did not want to risk the wrath of Demeter should she not abide by that, yet neither could she bear to leave Olympia behind by herself. Sure, Irakles was no longer around, and that deducted the greatest threat to her safety, and with Theodora married to Achilleas, surely her sister had some words with her husband. But how much can a King's word go against the Senate?
Still, in the end, she agreed only if she could always have an eye on Olympia and young Tisiphone, and brought a few extra servants along just for precautionary sake.
Descending the carriage and waiting for everyone to alight from the carriage, the brief breeze of the small province was fresh, as she observed the area for a moment, watching as Olympia walked over to the princess. Panic gripped her heart for a little, but she reminded herself - Olympia was a mother and a grown up. She can watch, but she can't fight her battles for her.
Taking a deep breathe, Evelli turned to the rest, an encouraging smile to Selene as she spoke, "Do keep in sight. I'm going to go and give offerings to the goddesses first." she murmured, waving at the servant holding wheat and homemade bread, as well as pomegranates for the goddesses daughter.
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While Evelli had been worn out from her travels, she had tried to put off her husband's insistence for a physician for at least one more day. The festival of Thesmophoria was scheduled to be held, and when Evelli found out, she knew she had to bring her brood. On top of meeting Theodora there, which meant Evelli would have all her girl's together again after a very real fear that she may have to leave two in Colchis, and the mother was not about to pass up on the chance.
Promising her husband she'll see a physician once they return in a couple of days, the woman had packed up her girl's in a carriage and took the few hour journey to Epirus, where now she hoped the festival would do its job in putting a smile back on her daughter's faces.
Dressed in a simple olive green chiton that covered all her modesties and left a sheer sleeve hanging over the length of her arms, Evelli checked in on her daughter's throughout the ride, smiling occasionally as she glanced at the faces present. Her smile only grew as she watched the antics of her granddaughter, eagerly and willingly taking over the watch and carrying of young Tisiphone. It had been far too long since Evelli had held a young infant in her arms, and she cherished the feel of her granddaughter - she would never have one again anyway, so why not enjoy it while she could. Evelli was all too familiar with how fast these young infants grew up anyway.
A certain part of her was anxious in Olympia going out, and dearly wished she could've brought her husband with her. But the festival was strictly women's only, and Evelli did not want to risk the wrath of Demeter should she not abide by that, yet neither could she bear to leave Olympia behind by herself. Sure, Irakles was no longer around, and that deducted the greatest threat to her safety, and with Theodora married to Achilleas, surely her sister had some words with her husband. But how much can a King's word go against the Senate?
Still, in the end, she agreed only if she could always have an eye on Olympia and young Tisiphone, and brought a few extra servants along just for precautionary sake.
Descending the carriage and waiting for everyone to alight from the carriage, the brief breeze of the small province was fresh, as she observed the area for a moment, watching as Olympia walked over to the princess. Panic gripped her heart for a little, but she reminded herself - Olympia was a mother and a grown up. She can watch, but she can't fight her battles for her.
Taking a deep breathe, Evelli turned to the rest, an encouraging smile to Selene as she spoke, "Do keep in sight. I'm going to go and give offerings to the goddesses first." she murmured, waving at the servant holding wheat and homemade bread, as well as pomegranates for the goddesses daughter.
While Evelli had been worn out from her travels, she had tried to put off her husband's insistence for a physician for at least one more day. The festival of Thesmophoria was scheduled to be held, and when Evelli found out, she knew she had to bring her brood. On top of meeting Theodora there, which meant Evelli would have all her girl's together again after a very real fear that she may have to leave two in Colchis, and the mother was not about to pass up on the chance.
Promising her husband she'll see a physician once they return in a couple of days, the woman had packed up her girl's in a carriage and took the few hour journey to Epirus, where now she hoped the festival would do its job in putting a smile back on her daughter's faces.
Dressed in a simple olive green chiton that covered all her modesties and left a sheer sleeve hanging over the length of her arms, Evelli checked in on her daughter's throughout the ride, smiling occasionally as she glanced at the faces present. Her smile only grew as she watched the antics of her granddaughter, eagerly and willingly taking over the watch and carrying of young Tisiphone. It had been far too long since Evelli had held a young infant in her arms, and she cherished the feel of her granddaughter - she would never have one again anyway, so why not enjoy it while she could. Evelli was all too familiar with how fast these young infants grew up anyway.
A certain part of her was anxious in Olympia going out, and dearly wished she could've brought her husband with her. But the festival was strictly women's only, and Evelli did not want to risk the wrath of Demeter should she not abide by that, yet neither could she bear to leave Olympia behind by herself. Sure, Irakles was no longer around, and that deducted the greatest threat to her safety, and with Theodora married to Achilleas, surely her sister had some words with her husband. But how much can a King's word go against the Senate?
Still, in the end, she agreed only if she could always have an eye on Olympia and young Tisiphone, and brought a few extra servants along just for precautionary sake.
Descending the carriage and waiting for everyone to alight from the carriage, the brief breeze of the small province was fresh, as she observed the area for a moment, watching as Olympia walked over to the princess. Panic gripped her heart for a little, but she reminded herself - Olympia was a mother and a grown up. She can watch, but she can't fight her battles for her.
Taking a deep breathe, Evelli turned to the rest, an encouraging smile to Selene as she spoke, "Do keep in sight. I'm going to go and give offerings to the goddesses first." she murmured, waving at the servant holding wheat and homemade bread, as well as pomegranates for the goddesses daughter.
It was a voice that seemed to clatter through her, sending a feeling both warm and cold down her spine in a moment of duality that Xene couldn't ignore. She had not been made aware of the arrival of the Leventi women, including her sister-in-law, back to Taengea. For some reason, out of all the people she had placed about in various locations and the connections that Basilides held, the news still hadn't made it to her own ears. This normally might have been something that frustrated her, but then again, Olympia's voice was far more welcomed than she had ever expected it would be.
Pausing in her movement with her lady-in-waiting, Xene pressed her hand against Kalliope's arm, turning her head of golden curls slowly so that she could look slightly up into the face of the former queen of Taengae. It felt like the world stopped and the princess did not and would not hide the pure shock that melted into complete and total relief and excitement on her soft features. In an instant, the young woman was sucking in a breath, seeming at an immediate loss for words.
Unable to help herself, her gaze did drift behind Olympia, some strange, overwhelming feeling of hope that maybe Stephanos would be with her against the gods' wishes. She knew it to be impossible, however, and her blue gaze quickly flickered back toward Lady Olympia. Giving a low, reverent bow to the woman who had once ruled these lands, Xene rose back to her feet in a single fluid motion.
"My Queen," she whispered very softly, and then glanced around them, and changed her tone, "Lady Olympia," Xene greeted properly, a vibrant smile settling on her lips. "Had I known that you were arrived back to Taengea, I would have long invited you to luncheon," she said softly, her smile both genuine and unfaltering even though her heart was bounding nearly out of her chest. But then her gaze drifted slowly down to the babe in Olympia's grasp, her heart both fluttering and sinking at the same time.
"Is this..." she said slowly, "My little niece?" Xene added, her voice dropping a few octaves further. She was beautiful, stunning, even. Xene found herself swallowing and glancing around them, not wanting to draw too much attention to the two of them before Olympia was ready for it. "She's beautiful," Xene was saying softly, reaching out to brush tender fingertips against the baby's forehead. Then she lifted those same fingers and cupped Olympia's cheek in warm greeting. "I am extremely glad that you've come home, Lady Olympia. I hope that you might join me in the festivities today? There is so much that I wish to talk to you about."
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It was a voice that seemed to clatter through her, sending a feeling both warm and cold down her spine in a moment of duality that Xene couldn't ignore. She had not been made aware of the arrival of the Leventi women, including her sister-in-law, back to Taengea. For some reason, out of all the people she had placed about in various locations and the connections that Basilides held, the news still hadn't made it to her own ears. This normally might have been something that frustrated her, but then again, Olympia's voice was far more welcomed than she had ever expected it would be.
Pausing in her movement with her lady-in-waiting, Xene pressed her hand against Kalliope's arm, turning her head of golden curls slowly so that she could look slightly up into the face of the former queen of Taengae. It felt like the world stopped and the princess did not and would not hide the pure shock that melted into complete and total relief and excitement on her soft features. In an instant, the young woman was sucking in a breath, seeming at an immediate loss for words.
Unable to help herself, her gaze did drift behind Olympia, some strange, overwhelming feeling of hope that maybe Stephanos would be with her against the gods' wishes. She knew it to be impossible, however, and her blue gaze quickly flickered back toward Lady Olympia. Giving a low, reverent bow to the woman who had once ruled these lands, Xene rose back to her feet in a single fluid motion.
"My Queen," she whispered very softly, and then glanced around them, and changed her tone, "Lady Olympia," Xene greeted properly, a vibrant smile settling on her lips. "Had I known that you were arrived back to Taengea, I would have long invited you to luncheon," she said softly, her smile both genuine and unfaltering even though her heart was bounding nearly out of her chest. But then her gaze drifted slowly down to the babe in Olympia's grasp, her heart both fluttering and sinking at the same time.
"Is this..." she said slowly, "My little niece?" Xene added, her voice dropping a few octaves further. She was beautiful, stunning, even. Xene found herself swallowing and glancing around them, not wanting to draw too much attention to the two of them before Olympia was ready for it. "She's beautiful," Xene was saying softly, reaching out to brush tender fingertips against the baby's forehead. Then she lifted those same fingers and cupped Olympia's cheek in warm greeting. "I am extremely glad that you've come home, Lady Olympia. I hope that you might join me in the festivities today? There is so much that I wish to talk to you about."
It was a voice that seemed to clatter through her, sending a feeling both warm and cold down her spine in a moment of duality that Xene couldn't ignore. She had not been made aware of the arrival of the Leventi women, including her sister-in-law, back to Taengea. For some reason, out of all the people she had placed about in various locations and the connections that Basilides held, the news still hadn't made it to her own ears. This normally might have been something that frustrated her, but then again, Olympia's voice was far more welcomed than she had ever expected it would be.
Pausing in her movement with her lady-in-waiting, Xene pressed her hand against Kalliope's arm, turning her head of golden curls slowly so that she could look slightly up into the face of the former queen of Taengae. It felt like the world stopped and the princess did not and would not hide the pure shock that melted into complete and total relief and excitement on her soft features. In an instant, the young woman was sucking in a breath, seeming at an immediate loss for words.
Unable to help herself, her gaze did drift behind Olympia, some strange, overwhelming feeling of hope that maybe Stephanos would be with her against the gods' wishes. She knew it to be impossible, however, and her blue gaze quickly flickered back toward Lady Olympia. Giving a low, reverent bow to the woman who had once ruled these lands, Xene rose back to her feet in a single fluid motion.
"My Queen," she whispered very softly, and then glanced around them, and changed her tone, "Lady Olympia," Xene greeted properly, a vibrant smile settling on her lips. "Had I known that you were arrived back to Taengea, I would have long invited you to luncheon," she said softly, her smile both genuine and unfaltering even though her heart was bounding nearly out of her chest. But then her gaze drifted slowly down to the babe in Olympia's grasp, her heart both fluttering and sinking at the same time.
"Is this..." she said slowly, "My little niece?" Xene added, her voice dropping a few octaves further. She was beautiful, stunning, even. Xene found herself swallowing and glancing around them, not wanting to draw too much attention to the two of them before Olympia was ready for it. "She's beautiful," Xene was saying softly, reaching out to brush tender fingertips against the baby's forehead. Then she lifted those same fingers and cupped Olympia's cheek in warm greeting. "I am extremely glad that you've come home, Lady Olympia. I hope that you might join me in the festivities today? There is so much that I wish to talk to you about."
The festival of Thesmophora was always an interesting one. Only women could participate in this one, and since the men were off to war, it seemed that only this festival was otherwise unaffected. A surreal feeling, at least in Melina’s eyes. As she exited the carriage with Xanthippe, in tow, she gave the woman a bright smile. It was nice that something was at least normal. Glancing in the direction of the princess, Melina felt underdressed, but that was a feeling that was slowly going away with Basilides instruction.
“Do I look okay, Xan?” Dressed in a bronze-hued chiton, Melina was nervous that it was too bold to go with the changing of the seasons, but she enjoyed the symbolism. Metallic brown was a nice hue, even if it wasn’t as elegant as pastels or even rich jewel tones. Only Xanthippe, her father, and her cousin Evangelina knew about her metamorphosis, and Melina meant to keep it that way. Let them think she was doing this for attention, or because her mother cowed her into wearing something luxurious enough for her station.
Odds were, Melina wouldn’t be selected for slaughtering a pig, but she could still her solidarity and support. Plus, Xanthippe was here, giving her feelings of security, even if she was frightened for dressing too boldly, especially at such a festivity. Of course, she had to show her appreciation to Hades and Demeter, for coming up with a negotiation that allowed Persephone to leave the underworld and bring life. Now was her time to return, and Melina thought that the Goddess deserved a parting fit for a Queen.
Melina didn’t notice that Xanthippe wasn’t by her side until she returned. The woman didn’t need a keeper, but the courtier would gladly take one. So, she typically had few orders or requests for the woman, other than to keep her company on excursions such as these. “It is a very beautiful day, Xan. I think that Demeter is smiling down at us. I’m grateful for the time Persephone has graced us with this harvest.”
Even as Melina was preoccupied, she was grateful that her father hadn’t been sent off to war. Indeed, he was safely at home, most likely reading in the library or performing other tasks for the good of the kingdom. It was the sacrifice of the nobles and common men that left Taengea’s shores that made events like these potentially safer than otherwise. A naïve thought, potentially, as the war brought violence and paranoia with it. However, it was too soon to be frightened for the future of Greece. Hopefully, the war with Egypt would soon be over and an agreement would be reached.
These thoughts made her distracted, unable to hear Xan’s questions until she finally did. “Hungry? Thirsty?” She coughed as she picked up part of the questions and nodded. “Would you like to join me in enjoying the bounties of the harvest?"
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The festival of Thesmophora was always an interesting one. Only women could participate in this one, and since the men were off to war, it seemed that only this festival was otherwise unaffected. A surreal feeling, at least in Melina’s eyes. As she exited the carriage with Xanthippe, in tow, she gave the woman a bright smile. It was nice that something was at least normal. Glancing in the direction of the princess, Melina felt underdressed, but that was a feeling that was slowly going away with Basilides instruction.
“Do I look okay, Xan?” Dressed in a bronze-hued chiton, Melina was nervous that it was too bold to go with the changing of the seasons, but she enjoyed the symbolism. Metallic brown was a nice hue, even if it wasn’t as elegant as pastels or even rich jewel tones. Only Xanthippe, her father, and her cousin Evangelina knew about her metamorphosis, and Melina meant to keep it that way. Let them think she was doing this for attention, or because her mother cowed her into wearing something luxurious enough for her station.
Odds were, Melina wouldn’t be selected for slaughtering a pig, but she could still her solidarity and support. Plus, Xanthippe was here, giving her feelings of security, even if she was frightened for dressing too boldly, especially at such a festivity. Of course, she had to show her appreciation to Hades and Demeter, for coming up with a negotiation that allowed Persephone to leave the underworld and bring life. Now was her time to return, and Melina thought that the Goddess deserved a parting fit for a Queen.
Melina didn’t notice that Xanthippe wasn’t by her side until she returned. The woman didn’t need a keeper, but the courtier would gladly take one. So, she typically had few orders or requests for the woman, other than to keep her company on excursions such as these. “It is a very beautiful day, Xan. I think that Demeter is smiling down at us. I’m grateful for the time Persephone has graced us with this harvest.”
Even as Melina was preoccupied, she was grateful that her father hadn’t been sent off to war. Indeed, he was safely at home, most likely reading in the library or performing other tasks for the good of the kingdom. It was the sacrifice of the nobles and common men that left Taengea’s shores that made events like these potentially safer than otherwise. A naïve thought, potentially, as the war brought violence and paranoia with it. However, it was too soon to be frightened for the future of Greece. Hopefully, the war with Egypt would soon be over and an agreement would be reached.
These thoughts made her distracted, unable to hear Xan’s questions until she finally did. “Hungry? Thirsty?” She coughed as she picked up part of the questions and nodded. “Would you like to join me in enjoying the bounties of the harvest?"
The festival of Thesmophora was always an interesting one. Only women could participate in this one, and since the men were off to war, it seemed that only this festival was otherwise unaffected. A surreal feeling, at least in Melina’s eyes. As she exited the carriage with Xanthippe, in tow, she gave the woman a bright smile. It was nice that something was at least normal. Glancing in the direction of the princess, Melina felt underdressed, but that was a feeling that was slowly going away with Basilides instruction.
“Do I look okay, Xan?” Dressed in a bronze-hued chiton, Melina was nervous that it was too bold to go with the changing of the seasons, but she enjoyed the symbolism. Metallic brown was a nice hue, even if it wasn’t as elegant as pastels or even rich jewel tones. Only Xanthippe, her father, and her cousin Evangelina knew about her metamorphosis, and Melina meant to keep it that way. Let them think she was doing this for attention, or because her mother cowed her into wearing something luxurious enough for her station.
Odds were, Melina wouldn’t be selected for slaughtering a pig, but she could still her solidarity and support. Plus, Xanthippe was here, giving her feelings of security, even if she was frightened for dressing too boldly, especially at such a festivity. Of course, she had to show her appreciation to Hades and Demeter, for coming up with a negotiation that allowed Persephone to leave the underworld and bring life. Now was her time to return, and Melina thought that the Goddess deserved a parting fit for a Queen.
Melina didn’t notice that Xanthippe wasn’t by her side until she returned. The woman didn’t need a keeper, but the courtier would gladly take one. So, she typically had few orders or requests for the woman, other than to keep her company on excursions such as these. “It is a very beautiful day, Xan. I think that Demeter is smiling down at us. I’m grateful for the time Persephone has graced us with this harvest.”
Even as Melina was preoccupied, she was grateful that her father hadn’t been sent off to war. Indeed, he was safely at home, most likely reading in the library or performing other tasks for the good of the kingdom. It was the sacrifice of the nobles and common men that left Taengea’s shores that made events like these potentially safer than otherwise. A naïve thought, potentially, as the war brought violence and paranoia with it. However, it was too soon to be frightened for the future of Greece. Hopefully, the war with Egypt would soon be over and an agreement would be reached.
These thoughts made her distracted, unable to hear Xan’s questions until she finally did. “Hungry? Thirsty?” She coughed as she picked up part of the questions and nodded. “Would you like to join me in enjoying the bounties of the harvest?"
Tears filled her eyes as Xene bowed to her, her heart beating fast with the relief that someone still cared, someone still believed in Stephanos' innocence and all was not entirely lost. She might never be queen again, but for this moment, for the princess to address her in such a manner, it was everything she needed.
"Sister, I am so happy to see you again."
She kept her own voice low still, following Xene's eyes down to the little girl who was doing her best to fit her fist into her mouth and smiling, a silent nod confirming what was asked. The two bore many similarities, Pia could see the beginnings of a nose very much like Xene's on her daughter's face, and their blonde curls were almost matching in color, but it was the eyes that truly cemented it. Tisiphone was Mikaelidas through and through, there was no one who could deny that.
As her aunt's fingers brushed against her forehead, the littlest princess blinked for a moment before cooing, reaching eagerly for the hand and giving a little squawk when instead Xene's cool hands touched her mother's cheek. Still smiling through tears, Olympia beamed and broke decorum in the moment, embracing her sister-in-law in a quick but warm one armed hug. Their relationship had been rocky to start, but her support and love for Stephanos had brought them together in the end.
"Tisiphone, yes. She's very nearly three months old, and we would be honored to join you at the festivities today, my lady." Pia smiled brightly, brushing the tears from her cheeks and shifting the baby's weight in the sling across her chest. The Colchian contingent would have come through already, or at least they should have if the sailings were accurate, and she couldn't help but wonder if Stephanos had been able to see his mother and sisters. She knew he missed them, hoped to see them again and try to get answers, but as far as she knew he was still considered a traitor and would have been in danger to leave the boats.
"Lead on then. If you would like to hold her, she very much likes people. The more attention she can get the better." Pia arched a delicate brow with a wry smile, wondering if Xene would pick up on the similarities between father and daughter.
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Tears filled her eyes as Xene bowed to her, her heart beating fast with the relief that someone still cared, someone still believed in Stephanos' innocence and all was not entirely lost. She might never be queen again, but for this moment, for the princess to address her in such a manner, it was everything she needed.
"Sister, I am so happy to see you again."
She kept her own voice low still, following Xene's eyes down to the little girl who was doing her best to fit her fist into her mouth and smiling, a silent nod confirming what was asked. The two bore many similarities, Pia could see the beginnings of a nose very much like Xene's on her daughter's face, and their blonde curls were almost matching in color, but it was the eyes that truly cemented it. Tisiphone was Mikaelidas through and through, there was no one who could deny that.
As her aunt's fingers brushed against her forehead, the littlest princess blinked for a moment before cooing, reaching eagerly for the hand and giving a little squawk when instead Xene's cool hands touched her mother's cheek. Still smiling through tears, Olympia beamed and broke decorum in the moment, embracing her sister-in-law in a quick but warm one armed hug. Their relationship had been rocky to start, but her support and love for Stephanos had brought them together in the end.
"Tisiphone, yes. She's very nearly three months old, and we would be honored to join you at the festivities today, my lady." Pia smiled brightly, brushing the tears from her cheeks and shifting the baby's weight in the sling across her chest. The Colchian contingent would have come through already, or at least they should have if the sailings were accurate, and she couldn't help but wonder if Stephanos had been able to see his mother and sisters. She knew he missed them, hoped to see them again and try to get answers, but as far as she knew he was still considered a traitor and would have been in danger to leave the boats.
"Lead on then. If you would like to hold her, she very much likes people. The more attention she can get the better." Pia arched a delicate brow with a wry smile, wondering if Xene would pick up on the similarities between father and daughter.
Tears filled her eyes as Xene bowed to her, her heart beating fast with the relief that someone still cared, someone still believed in Stephanos' innocence and all was not entirely lost. She might never be queen again, but for this moment, for the princess to address her in such a manner, it was everything she needed.
"Sister, I am so happy to see you again."
She kept her own voice low still, following Xene's eyes down to the little girl who was doing her best to fit her fist into her mouth and smiling, a silent nod confirming what was asked. The two bore many similarities, Pia could see the beginnings of a nose very much like Xene's on her daughter's face, and their blonde curls were almost matching in color, but it was the eyes that truly cemented it. Tisiphone was Mikaelidas through and through, there was no one who could deny that.
As her aunt's fingers brushed against her forehead, the littlest princess blinked for a moment before cooing, reaching eagerly for the hand and giving a little squawk when instead Xene's cool hands touched her mother's cheek. Still smiling through tears, Olympia beamed and broke decorum in the moment, embracing her sister-in-law in a quick but warm one armed hug. Their relationship had been rocky to start, but her support and love for Stephanos had brought them together in the end.
"Tisiphone, yes. She's very nearly three months old, and we would be honored to join you at the festivities today, my lady." Pia smiled brightly, brushing the tears from her cheeks and shifting the baby's weight in the sling across her chest. The Colchian contingent would have come through already, or at least they should have if the sailings were accurate, and she couldn't help but wonder if Stephanos had been able to see his mother and sisters. She knew he missed them, hoped to see them again and try to get answers, but as far as she knew he was still considered a traitor and would have been in danger to leave the boats.
"Lead on then. If you would like to hold her, she very much likes people. The more attention she can get the better." Pia arched a delicate brow with a wry smile, wondering if Xene would pick up on the similarities between father and daughter.
“You look lovely, my lady, as always,” she assured Melina with a smile. The color of her chiton was complementary to the woman’s skin tone, and her cosmetics had been applied that morning with a deft hand. While Melina might not believe it herself, Xanthippe had always thought she was beautiful, but it was only recently that the woman was starting to take charge of it. “You’re sure to turn heads today, just you watch.”
Trailing sedately at her lady’s side, Xan noted the arrival of the other branch of the Leventi women with interest. Watching curiously as one of the ladies approached Xene, her eyebrows lifted in surprise. Lady Olympia had returned? The handmaid was surprised she hadn’t already known—there wasn’t much that went on in the Leventi manor that she wasn’t aware of. Then again, most of her time was spent with Lord Fotios’s family; it was reasonable that she wouldn’t know everything going on, especially in the other house.
But you ought to. What sort of protector are you when you don’t even know what’s happening in your own home?
Because I am not a god, even if I harbor you. I do not know everything.
Perhaps you should fix that.
Funny.
Turning her attention back to Melina, Xan nodded at her line of questioning. As if on cue, a low rumble vibrated her stomach, the young woman chuckling softly as she ran a hand over her stomach. “I’d be delighted, my lady. I don’t think I’ve eaten all day.”
Escorting her ladyship over to the refreshments table, Xanthippe kept a careful eye on their surroundings. For the time being, everyone seemed happy and jovial, ready to celebrate Persephone’s return to the Underworld. While she recognized many of the faces present, there was at least one she didn’t—a dark-skinned woman who lingered near the fresh food with a hopeful eye. Xan’s head tilted curiously to the side as she looked her over, wondering at her origin. She was not Greek, that was obvious, but where she came from Xan didn’t know. Egypt, maybe? One of the countries surrounding it? How had she gotten here?
Waiting for Melina to make her selections, the handmaid took one of the rolls for herself, along with some of the fruit and cheese laid out. Xanthippe thought about asking her mistress who the stranger was and what she was doing at a festival for the Greek goddesses, but decided against it. Was that a rude thing to ask? Would Melina even know?
Foreigners are never to be trusted.
No one should ever be trusted.
Letting her suspicious stare linger for another few moments, she shook her head and pulled her attention back to Melina. She’d simply keep an eye out for the foreign woman, that was all. At least she didn’t seem threatening.
“Your aunt and cousins are here, my lady,” she informed Melina, nodding to where Olympia spoke with Xene and where Evelli lingered with the others. “Perhaps we ought to go greet them? Or, you ought to, anyway,” she corrected herself with a soft laugh. “I doubt it would matter much to them if I did.”
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“You look lovely, my lady, as always,” she assured Melina with a smile. The color of her chiton was complementary to the woman’s skin tone, and her cosmetics had been applied that morning with a deft hand. While Melina might not believe it herself, Xanthippe had always thought she was beautiful, but it was only recently that the woman was starting to take charge of it. “You’re sure to turn heads today, just you watch.”
Trailing sedately at her lady’s side, Xan noted the arrival of the other branch of the Leventi women with interest. Watching curiously as one of the ladies approached Xene, her eyebrows lifted in surprise. Lady Olympia had returned? The handmaid was surprised she hadn’t already known—there wasn’t much that went on in the Leventi manor that she wasn’t aware of. Then again, most of her time was spent with Lord Fotios’s family; it was reasonable that she wouldn’t know everything going on, especially in the other house.
But you ought to. What sort of protector are you when you don’t even know what’s happening in your own home?
Because I am not a god, even if I harbor you. I do not know everything.
Perhaps you should fix that.
Funny.
Turning her attention back to Melina, Xan nodded at her line of questioning. As if on cue, a low rumble vibrated her stomach, the young woman chuckling softly as she ran a hand over her stomach. “I’d be delighted, my lady. I don’t think I’ve eaten all day.”
Escorting her ladyship over to the refreshments table, Xanthippe kept a careful eye on their surroundings. For the time being, everyone seemed happy and jovial, ready to celebrate Persephone’s return to the Underworld. While she recognized many of the faces present, there was at least one she didn’t—a dark-skinned woman who lingered near the fresh food with a hopeful eye. Xan’s head tilted curiously to the side as she looked her over, wondering at her origin. She was not Greek, that was obvious, but where she came from Xan didn’t know. Egypt, maybe? One of the countries surrounding it? How had she gotten here?
Waiting for Melina to make her selections, the handmaid took one of the rolls for herself, along with some of the fruit and cheese laid out. Xanthippe thought about asking her mistress who the stranger was and what she was doing at a festival for the Greek goddesses, but decided against it. Was that a rude thing to ask? Would Melina even know?
Foreigners are never to be trusted.
No one should ever be trusted.
Letting her suspicious stare linger for another few moments, she shook her head and pulled her attention back to Melina. She’d simply keep an eye out for the foreign woman, that was all. At least she didn’t seem threatening.
“Your aunt and cousins are here, my lady,” she informed Melina, nodding to where Olympia spoke with Xene and where Evelli lingered with the others. “Perhaps we ought to go greet them? Or, you ought to, anyway,” she corrected herself with a soft laugh. “I doubt it would matter much to them if I did.”
“You look lovely, my lady, as always,” she assured Melina with a smile. The color of her chiton was complementary to the woman’s skin tone, and her cosmetics had been applied that morning with a deft hand. While Melina might not believe it herself, Xanthippe had always thought she was beautiful, but it was only recently that the woman was starting to take charge of it. “You’re sure to turn heads today, just you watch.”
Trailing sedately at her lady’s side, Xan noted the arrival of the other branch of the Leventi women with interest. Watching curiously as one of the ladies approached Xene, her eyebrows lifted in surprise. Lady Olympia had returned? The handmaid was surprised she hadn’t already known—there wasn’t much that went on in the Leventi manor that she wasn’t aware of. Then again, most of her time was spent with Lord Fotios’s family; it was reasonable that she wouldn’t know everything going on, especially in the other house.
But you ought to. What sort of protector are you when you don’t even know what’s happening in your own home?
Because I am not a god, even if I harbor you. I do not know everything.
Perhaps you should fix that.
Funny.
Turning her attention back to Melina, Xan nodded at her line of questioning. As if on cue, a low rumble vibrated her stomach, the young woman chuckling softly as she ran a hand over her stomach. “I’d be delighted, my lady. I don’t think I’ve eaten all day.”
Escorting her ladyship over to the refreshments table, Xanthippe kept a careful eye on their surroundings. For the time being, everyone seemed happy and jovial, ready to celebrate Persephone’s return to the Underworld. While she recognized many of the faces present, there was at least one she didn’t—a dark-skinned woman who lingered near the fresh food with a hopeful eye. Xan’s head tilted curiously to the side as she looked her over, wondering at her origin. She was not Greek, that was obvious, but where she came from Xan didn’t know. Egypt, maybe? One of the countries surrounding it? How had she gotten here?
Waiting for Melina to make her selections, the handmaid took one of the rolls for herself, along with some of the fruit and cheese laid out. Xanthippe thought about asking her mistress who the stranger was and what she was doing at a festival for the Greek goddesses, but decided against it. Was that a rude thing to ask? Would Melina even know?
Foreigners are never to be trusted.
No one should ever be trusted.
Letting her suspicious stare linger for another few moments, she shook her head and pulled her attention back to Melina. She’d simply keep an eye out for the foreign woman, that was all. At least she didn’t seem threatening.
“Your aunt and cousins are here, my lady,” she informed Melina, nodding to where Olympia spoke with Xene and where Evelli lingered with the others. “Perhaps we ought to go greet them? Or, you ought to, anyway,” she corrected herself with a soft laugh. “I doubt it would matter much to them if I did.”
It was a wonder she had allowed Pia to convince her to come to this at all. The last thing she felt like doing was celebrating, no matter how pious she leaned. They seemed to be playing games with her life, and with the lives of those she loved, and it was not as if she wished to thank them for that. But she had told herself that her time to mourn was on the boat home, that she could pretend that life didn’t move around them. As much as she wished to stop time, she was not a God. All she could do was try and find a way to handle the sadness within her heart.
So she tried only once to convince Pia to let her stay home. But her sister only had to ask twice for her to put her own needs aside and be with her sister. This was a huge moment for the former Queen, and how could she not show her support to both sisters? Would the rumors not fly if it was discovered that Selene was home but missing from the events? What would happen if Pia was cornered and Selene wasn’t there to protect them both? The eldest would not have forgiven herself if she wasn’t there and something happened.
So the next morning, she offered quiet prayers like normal and bathed early to avoid her sisters. She tried to heal in the heat, tried to wash the past of Colchis and the memory of Vangelis away to replace it with something else. But by the time her fingers had pruned, they were still there, raw and real. It would not be as easy as she hoped. With a sigh, she allowed Jo to wrap a thick cloth around her as they both padded back to her rooms. And she had to at least thank the Gods that none of the house had risen yet.
The room was quiet, neither girl speaking as Selene sat by the fire with a small breakfast, hair drying and irons heating to work the blond locks into curls. There was little that needed to be said, and she was certain that Jo didn’t want to cause Selene to lose her courage in attending at all. The chiton that had been laid out for her was the palest of purples, almost white in the darkness of the room’s early light. It looked plain, to the naked eye, but the rich violet himation that she had been favoring late would give it a warm look. She had debated forgoing a veil, but Jo had pulled out the ivory piece to pin to her curls, finishing her armor. Braided belts of gold and leather wrapped around her body to accent her curves, though there was no need to do so at an all female festival. She didn’t feel the need to show off, and the spinster tag by Nana wouldn’t hurt. Jo had been right-- this could be her armor. She would be stronger than this.
When it was time to leave, she felt a little stronger and was actually looking forward to seeing Theo again. She had missed her sister more than she had been willing to say, and it would be a relief to be able to put everything behind them and move forward together. Hoping that Theo wouldn’t make her pick sides, wouldn’t make her choose a sister to support for the throne. She wanted to be the neutral party. If they made her choose, she would have to vanish. Maybe to Athenia, where she could become a tutor to Emilia instead.
Pia’s hand in hers the majority of the ride was exactly what she needed to feel strong.
But the time the carriage stopped and the girls piled out, Selene looked like her usual self. There was a calm look on her face, where no one would be able to tell that anything had happened while in Colchis. The information of the engagement had only been shared with the direct family, so no matter what rumors would circulate, it shouldn’t have been known to anyone that she had been engaged to Vangelis for the briefest of moments. It would all depend on who her uncle told, she supposed. But with her chin held high, her eyes were on her mother, listening to her order. With a nod, she reached out and gave her mother’s hand a squeeze. ”I’m going to find Theo, but I’ll keep an eye on the lot, Mama.”
Stepping away, she went in search of her crowned sister.
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It was a wonder she had allowed Pia to convince her to come to this at all. The last thing she felt like doing was celebrating, no matter how pious she leaned. They seemed to be playing games with her life, and with the lives of those she loved, and it was not as if she wished to thank them for that. But she had told herself that her time to mourn was on the boat home, that she could pretend that life didn’t move around them. As much as she wished to stop time, she was not a God. All she could do was try and find a way to handle the sadness within her heart.
So she tried only once to convince Pia to let her stay home. But her sister only had to ask twice for her to put her own needs aside and be with her sister. This was a huge moment for the former Queen, and how could she not show her support to both sisters? Would the rumors not fly if it was discovered that Selene was home but missing from the events? What would happen if Pia was cornered and Selene wasn’t there to protect them both? The eldest would not have forgiven herself if she wasn’t there and something happened.
So the next morning, she offered quiet prayers like normal and bathed early to avoid her sisters. She tried to heal in the heat, tried to wash the past of Colchis and the memory of Vangelis away to replace it with something else. But by the time her fingers had pruned, they were still there, raw and real. It would not be as easy as she hoped. With a sigh, she allowed Jo to wrap a thick cloth around her as they both padded back to her rooms. And she had to at least thank the Gods that none of the house had risen yet.
The room was quiet, neither girl speaking as Selene sat by the fire with a small breakfast, hair drying and irons heating to work the blond locks into curls. There was little that needed to be said, and she was certain that Jo didn’t want to cause Selene to lose her courage in attending at all. The chiton that had been laid out for her was the palest of purples, almost white in the darkness of the room’s early light. It looked plain, to the naked eye, but the rich violet himation that she had been favoring late would give it a warm look. She had debated forgoing a veil, but Jo had pulled out the ivory piece to pin to her curls, finishing her armor. Braided belts of gold and leather wrapped around her body to accent her curves, though there was no need to do so at an all female festival. She didn’t feel the need to show off, and the spinster tag by Nana wouldn’t hurt. Jo had been right-- this could be her armor. She would be stronger than this.
When it was time to leave, she felt a little stronger and was actually looking forward to seeing Theo again. She had missed her sister more than she had been willing to say, and it would be a relief to be able to put everything behind them and move forward together. Hoping that Theo wouldn’t make her pick sides, wouldn’t make her choose a sister to support for the throne. She wanted to be the neutral party. If they made her choose, she would have to vanish. Maybe to Athenia, where she could become a tutor to Emilia instead.
Pia’s hand in hers the majority of the ride was exactly what she needed to feel strong.
But the time the carriage stopped and the girls piled out, Selene looked like her usual self. There was a calm look on her face, where no one would be able to tell that anything had happened while in Colchis. The information of the engagement had only been shared with the direct family, so no matter what rumors would circulate, it shouldn’t have been known to anyone that she had been engaged to Vangelis for the briefest of moments. It would all depend on who her uncle told, she supposed. But with her chin held high, her eyes were on her mother, listening to her order. With a nod, she reached out and gave her mother’s hand a squeeze. ”I’m going to find Theo, but I’ll keep an eye on the lot, Mama.”
Stepping away, she went in search of her crowned sister.
It was a wonder she had allowed Pia to convince her to come to this at all. The last thing she felt like doing was celebrating, no matter how pious she leaned. They seemed to be playing games with her life, and with the lives of those she loved, and it was not as if she wished to thank them for that. But she had told herself that her time to mourn was on the boat home, that she could pretend that life didn’t move around them. As much as she wished to stop time, she was not a God. All she could do was try and find a way to handle the sadness within her heart.
So she tried only once to convince Pia to let her stay home. But her sister only had to ask twice for her to put her own needs aside and be with her sister. This was a huge moment for the former Queen, and how could she not show her support to both sisters? Would the rumors not fly if it was discovered that Selene was home but missing from the events? What would happen if Pia was cornered and Selene wasn’t there to protect them both? The eldest would not have forgiven herself if she wasn’t there and something happened.
So the next morning, she offered quiet prayers like normal and bathed early to avoid her sisters. She tried to heal in the heat, tried to wash the past of Colchis and the memory of Vangelis away to replace it with something else. But by the time her fingers had pruned, they were still there, raw and real. It would not be as easy as she hoped. With a sigh, she allowed Jo to wrap a thick cloth around her as they both padded back to her rooms. And she had to at least thank the Gods that none of the house had risen yet.
The room was quiet, neither girl speaking as Selene sat by the fire with a small breakfast, hair drying and irons heating to work the blond locks into curls. There was little that needed to be said, and she was certain that Jo didn’t want to cause Selene to lose her courage in attending at all. The chiton that had been laid out for her was the palest of purples, almost white in the darkness of the room’s early light. It looked plain, to the naked eye, but the rich violet himation that she had been favoring late would give it a warm look. She had debated forgoing a veil, but Jo had pulled out the ivory piece to pin to her curls, finishing her armor. Braided belts of gold and leather wrapped around her body to accent her curves, though there was no need to do so at an all female festival. She didn’t feel the need to show off, and the spinster tag by Nana wouldn’t hurt. Jo had been right-- this could be her armor. She would be stronger than this.
When it was time to leave, she felt a little stronger and was actually looking forward to seeing Theo again. She had missed her sister more than she had been willing to say, and it would be a relief to be able to put everything behind them and move forward together. Hoping that Theo wouldn’t make her pick sides, wouldn’t make her choose a sister to support for the throne. She wanted to be the neutral party. If they made her choose, she would have to vanish. Maybe to Athenia, where she could become a tutor to Emilia instead.
Pia’s hand in hers the majority of the ride was exactly what she needed to feel strong.
But the time the carriage stopped and the girls piled out, Selene looked like her usual self. There was a calm look on her face, where no one would be able to tell that anything had happened while in Colchis. The information of the engagement had only been shared with the direct family, so no matter what rumors would circulate, it shouldn’t have been known to anyone that she had been engaged to Vangelis for the briefest of moments. It would all depend on who her uncle told, she supposed. But with her chin held high, her eyes were on her mother, listening to her order. With a nod, she reached out and gave her mother’s hand a squeeze. ”I’m going to find Theo, but I’ll keep an eye on the lot, Mama.”
Stepping away, she went in search of her crowned sister.
Imma stood still with one arm held out to the side as her handmaiden Corinna fastened the shoulder and one arm of her chiton with opal fibulae. Usually she didn’t like to look in her mirror but now she could hardly wait to twirl around in front of it and watch the way her gown sparkled in the morning sun splashing through her window. The pale blue-violet silk was shot through with iridescent thread and each edge had been hemmed with a band of mauve embroidery. It was cinched at her waist with a plain white leather belt and the folds were adjusted.
The young girl held out both arms as Corinna arranged a himation under her arm on the side of the chiton that had been fashioned into a sleeve. The other half was pinned along her bare arm with matching fibulae. It flowed nearly to her knees and its asymmetric hem was adorned with three rows of medium-sized pearls. Sitting down upon a chair, she waited for Corinna to lift the jewelry she had chosen from thier velvet cases. The necklace was made out of several strands of pearls. Hanging from the longest strand was an opal pendant in the shape of a butterfly. There was also a set of dangling pearl earrings.
It took about fifteen minutes to fix her hair. Though her sisters were all beautiful and Imma believed she was not, she did think that she had the best head of hair. Her pale blonde tresses were naturally curly and didn’t require the use of a hot iron. The downside of her spiral ringlets was that they hardly ever stayed in place. Maybe today they would behave. The top layer was pulled back up, arranged into a pretty coiffure decorated by strings of pearls and held in place with opal combs. The rest of it was left to cascade past her waist. Curls framed her face, as was fashionable. The finishing touch to her ensemble was a circlet made of opals and pearls that was placed around her forehead.
Finally able to look in her mirror, Imma was pleased with what she saw. Her servant brought over a vase full of roses, and she plucked one out and stuck it beneath one side of her circlet. She spritzed her favorite perfume, a light mixture of strawberry and vanilla, upon her throat and the pulse points on her wrists, then grabbed the pretty embroidered bag that contained her sketching supplies, and left her room to join her mother and sisters.
The carriage journey was long, boring, and a bit crowded. On one of their stops, she asked her mother if she could ride with the carriage driver. She was quite surprised when she agreed. Imma was much happier sitting up high and enjoying the gentle breeze and the fragrant scent in the air. The driver was young and handsome and he drew her into conversation. Feeling comfortable enough to make request, she asked if she could take the reins for a while. She had never driven a carriage before. The driver indulged her but kept his hands firmly around her own. Bright little thrills shimmered through her young body, but she didn’t know if it was because of him or the excitement of controlling the horses so that her family would have a smooth ride.
When they arrived at the festival grounds, she helped bring the horses to a halt and then dropped the reins before her mother stepped out and saw what she had been doing. Hopping down, she swung the bag over one shoulder and waited for the rest of her family to leave the carriage. Imma sighed at her mother’s words. Was she going to have to stay in her sisters’ shadows the entire time? Looking around, she saw several people gaze at them in admiration, unaware that some of the glances were directed at her.
Pia took little Tisophone and went off on her own. Selene wanted to speak to Theo. Imma was about to ask if she could go with eldest sister, but her stomach started rumbling. “Mother, may I go to the food stalls?” she asked. “I’m hungry.”
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Imma stood still with one arm held out to the side as her handmaiden Corinna fastened the shoulder and one arm of her chiton with opal fibulae. Usually she didn’t like to look in her mirror but now she could hardly wait to twirl around in front of it and watch the way her gown sparkled in the morning sun splashing through her window. The pale blue-violet silk was shot through with iridescent thread and each edge had been hemmed with a band of mauve embroidery. It was cinched at her waist with a plain white leather belt and the folds were adjusted.
The young girl held out both arms as Corinna arranged a himation under her arm on the side of the chiton that had been fashioned into a sleeve. The other half was pinned along her bare arm with matching fibulae. It flowed nearly to her knees and its asymmetric hem was adorned with three rows of medium-sized pearls. Sitting down upon a chair, she waited for Corinna to lift the jewelry she had chosen from thier velvet cases. The necklace was made out of several strands of pearls. Hanging from the longest strand was an opal pendant in the shape of a butterfly. There was also a set of dangling pearl earrings.
It took about fifteen minutes to fix her hair. Though her sisters were all beautiful and Imma believed she was not, she did think that she had the best head of hair. Her pale blonde tresses were naturally curly and didn’t require the use of a hot iron. The downside of her spiral ringlets was that they hardly ever stayed in place. Maybe today they would behave. The top layer was pulled back up, arranged into a pretty coiffure decorated by strings of pearls and held in place with opal combs. The rest of it was left to cascade past her waist. Curls framed her face, as was fashionable. The finishing touch to her ensemble was a circlet made of opals and pearls that was placed around her forehead.
Finally able to look in her mirror, Imma was pleased with what she saw. Her servant brought over a vase full of roses, and she plucked one out and stuck it beneath one side of her circlet. She spritzed her favorite perfume, a light mixture of strawberry and vanilla, upon her throat and the pulse points on her wrists, then grabbed the pretty embroidered bag that contained her sketching supplies, and left her room to join her mother and sisters.
The carriage journey was long, boring, and a bit crowded. On one of their stops, she asked her mother if she could ride with the carriage driver. She was quite surprised when she agreed. Imma was much happier sitting up high and enjoying the gentle breeze and the fragrant scent in the air. The driver was young and handsome and he drew her into conversation. Feeling comfortable enough to make request, she asked if she could take the reins for a while. She had never driven a carriage before. The driver indulged her but kept his hands firmly around her own. Bright little thrills shimmered through her young body, but she didn’t know if it was because of him or the excitement of controlling the horses so that her family would have a smooth ride.
When they arrived at the festival grounds, she helped bring the horses to a halt and then dropped the reins before her mother stepped out and saw what she had been doing. Hopping down, she swung the bag over one shoulder and waited for the rest of her family to leave the carriage. Imma sighed at her mother’s words. Was she going to have to stay in her sisters’ shadows the entire time? Looking around, she saw several people gaze at them in admiration, unaware that some of the glances were directed at her.
Pia took little Tisophone and went off on her own. Selene wanted to speak to Theo. Imma was about to ask if she could go with eldest sister, but her stomach started rumbling. “Mother, may I go to the food stalls?” she asked. “I’m hungry.”
Imma stood still with one arm held out to the side as her handmaiden Corinna fastened the shoulder and one arm of her chiton with opal fibulae. Usually she didn’t like to look in her mirror but now she could hardly wait to twirl around in front of it and watch the way her gown sparkled in the morning sun splashing through her window. The pale blue-violet silk was shot through with iridescent thread and each edge had been hemmed with a band of mauve embroidery. It was cinched at her waist with a plain white leather belt and the folds were adjusted.
The young girl held out both arms as Corinna arranged a himation under her arm on the side of the chiton that had been fashioned into a sleeve. The other half was pinned along her bare arm with matching fibulae. It flowed nearly to her knees and its asymmetric hem was adorned with three rows of medium-sized pearls. Sitting down upon a chair, she waited for Corinna to lift the jewelry she had chosen from thier velvet cases. The necklace was made out of several strands of pearls. Hanging from the longest strand was an opal pendant in the shape of a butterfly. There was also a set of dangling pearl earrings.
It took about fifteen minutes to fix her hair. Though her sisters were all beautiful and Imma believed she was not, she did think that she had the best head of hair. Her pale blonde tresses were naturally curly and didn’t require the use of a hot iron. The downside of her spiral ringlets was that they hardly ever stayed in place. Maybe today they would behave. The top layer was pulled back up, arranged into a pretty coiffure decorated by strings of pearls and held in place with opal combs. The rest of it was left to cascade past her waist. Curls framed her face, as was fashionable. The finishing touch to her ensemble was a circlet made of opals and pearls that was placed around her forehead.
Finally able to look in her mirror, Imma was pleased with what she saw. Her servant brought over a vase full of roses, and she plucked one out and stuck it beneath one side of her circlet. She spritzed her favorite perfume, a light mixture of strawberry and vanilla, upon her throat and the pulse points on her wrists, then grabbed the pretty embroidered bag that contained her sketching supplies, and left her room to join her mother and sisters.
The carriage journey was long, boring, and a bit crowded. On one of their stops, she asked her mother if she could ride with the carriage driver. She was quite surprised when she agreed. Imma was much happier sitting up high and enjoying the gentle breeze and the fragrant scent in the air. The driver was young and handsome and he drew her into conversation. Feeling comfortable enough to make request, she asked if she could take the reins for a while. She had never driven a carriage before. The driver indulged her but kept his hands firmly around her own. Bright little thrills shimmered through her young body, but she didn’t know if it was because of him or the excitement of controlling the horses so that her family would have a smooth ride.
When they arrived at the festival grounds, she helped bring the horses to a halt and then dropped the reins before her mother stepped out and saw what she had been doing. Hopping down, she swung the bag over one shoulder and waited for the rest of her family to leave the carriage. Imma sighed at her mother’s words. Was she going to have to stay in her sisters’ shadows the entire time? Looking around, she saw several people gaze at them in admiration, unaware that some of the glances were directed at her.
Pia took little Tisophone and went off on her own. Selene wanted to speak to Theo. Imma was about to ask if she could go with eldest sister, but her stomach started rumbling. “Mother, may I go to the food stalls?” she asked. “I’m hungry.”
Melina’s cheeks grew heated at Xanthippe’s kind words, a sense of pride filling her. Her lips curled into a smile, one that stayed for a moment as she caught sight of her family members. Of Aunt Evelli, and her cousins Imma, Olympia, and Selene. Her smile froze for a moment as she glanced upon the latter two, surprise filling her. However, before she could act, they were already approaching the spread filled with meat, cheeses, and fruit. Was she seeing things? Were Selene and Pia truly there? She hadn’t seen her older cousins in a long time, and while she wasn’t as close to them, she still wanted to say hello.
However, as they were stuck in conversation with Xene, a bundle of joy within their arms, Melina felt a stab of envy and disappointment. Stephanos wasn’t here then, yet the rumors were true. There was an heir already. One that very well could have been a princess alike. Still, she tried to hold herself together as she joined Xanthippe in picking her refreshments. Unlike Xanthippe, Melina didn’t look back, instead of settling on some perfectly sizzled pieces of wildfowl along with cheeses and grapes. Celebratory wine was also a welcome accompaniment, but one that would simply have to wait.
As finally completed her mission, she settled on gazing upon a dark-skinned woman, one that she hadn’t seen before. Was this woman new to the region? What stories could she share of her journey? About to open her mouth, she paused to herself. Strangers were often to be looked on with speculation, but how could Melina demonstrate her newly found confidence if she couldn’t talk to anyone. So, grilling herself, she called out just loud enough for the stranger to hear. “The food is free for those who attend the festival. Persephone and Demeter wouldn’t want their worshippers to starve. Are you new to the festivities?”
A smile graced her lips as she approached closer. Her cousins were otherwise occupied, and Melina was trying to grill her courage to approach them. Would she even be able to? She had never been particularly as close to them as she would have liked, but she did look up to both Pia and Selene, as well as share a bit of envy.
It would have been easy to dismiss herself and allow Xanthippe to approach the strange woman, but the dark-haired woman simply wasn’t ready to approach her cousins. To face two formidable women in their own right that had the world wrapped around their fingers. Or at least did, in Melina’s eyes. Plus, she still wasn’t sure if Stephanos was innocent or guilty. Her father suggested that Stephanos committed the crimes, but that simply didn’t make sense with the vision she had of the once King. He didn’t seem to have the violence of that sort in his body.
“I saw them earlier, but they seem rather busy.” Leaning in closer, she murmured to Xanthippe, “I’m nervous to approach them. We haven’t been on the best of terms. I haven’t even received a single letter from them since they disappeared. Aunt Evelli didn’t even tell me they were back.” What if she wasn’t supposed to know these things. Or what if, they didn’t want her to know? Anxiety was not her ally in these times.
It was moments like these that Melina remembered that Xanthippe was a servant. Something that filled Melina with sadness as the woman was practically her confidant, her companion. Giving the blonde a pleading look, she tried to hold herself tall. “I would feel more comfortable if you were there with me, Xan.”
Munching on a few nuts and grapes that littered her plate along with some cheese, Melina decided to find her courage. With a smile on her lips, she lowered her voice. “Unless you would be more comfortable remaining here.”
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Melina’s cheeks grew heated at Xanthippe’s kind words, a sense of pride filling her. Her lips curled into a smile, one that stayed for a moment as she caught sight of her family members. Of Aunt Evelli, and her cousins Imma, Olympia, and Selene. Her smile froze for a moment as she glanced upon the latter two, surprise filling her. However, before she could act, they were already approaching the spread filled with meat, cheeses, and fruit. Was she seeing things? Were Selene and Pia truly there? She hadn’t seen her older cousins in a long time, and while she wasn’t as close to them, she still wanted to say hello.
However, as they were stuck in conversation with Xene, a bundle of joy within their arms, Melina felt a stab of envy and disappointment. Stephanos wasn’t here then, yet the rumors were true. There was an heir already. One that very well could have been a princess alike. Still, she tried to hold herself together as she joined Xanthippe in picking her refreshments. Unlike Xanthippe, Melina didn’t look back, instead of settling on some perfectly sizzled pieces of wildfowl along with cheeses and grapes. Celebratory wine was also a welcome accompaniment, but one that would simply have to wait.
As finally completed her mission, she settled on gazing upon a dark-skinned woman, one that she hadn’t seen before. Was this woman new to the region? What stories could she share of her journey? About to open her mouth, she paused to herself. Strangers were often to be looked on with speculation, but how could Melina demonstrate her newly found confidence if she couldn’t talk to anyone. So, grilling herself, she called out just loud enough for the stranger to hear. “The food is free for those who attend the festival. Persephone and Demeter wouldn’t want their worshippers to starve. Are you new to the festivities?”
A smile graced her lips as she approached closer. Her cousins were otherwise occupied, and Melina was trying to grill her courage to approach them. Would she even be able to? She had never been particularly as close to them as she would have liked, but she did look up to both Pia and Selene, as well as share a bit of envy.
It would have been easy to dismiss herself and allow Xanthippe to approach the strange woman, but the dark-haired woman simply wasn’t ready to approach her cousins. To face two formidable women in their own right that had the world wrapped around their fingers. Or at least did, in Melina’s eyes. Plus, she still wasn’t sure if Stephanos was innocent or guilty. Her father suggested that Stephanos committed the crimes, but that simply didn’t make sense with the vision she had of the once King. He didn’t seem to have the violence of that sort in his body.
“I saw them earlier, but they seem rather busy.” Leaning in closer, she murmured to Xanthippe, “I’m nervous to approach them. We haven’t been on the best of terms. I haven’t even received a single letter from them since they disappeared. Aunt Evelli didn’t even tell me they were back.” What if she wasn’t supposed to know these things. Or what if, they didn’t want her to know? Anxiety was not her ally in these times.
It was moments like these that Melina remembered that Xanthippe was a servant. Something that filled Melina with sadness as the woman was practically her confidant, her companion. Giving the blonde a pleading look, she tried to hold herself tall. “I would feel more comfortable if you were there with me, Xan.”
Munching on a few nuts and grapes that littered her plate along with some cheese, Melina decided to find her courage. With a smile on her lips, she lowered her voice. “Unless you would be more comfortable remaining here.”
Melina’s cheeks grew heated at Xanthippe’s kind words, a sense of pride filling her. Her lips curled into a smile, one that stayed for a moment as she caught sight of her family members. Of Aunt Evelli, and her cousins Imma, Olympia, and Selene. Her smile froze for a moment as she glanced upon the latter two, surprise filling her. However, before she could act, they were already approaching the spread filled with meat, cheeses, and fruit. Was she seeing things? Were Selene and Pia truly there? She hadn’t seen her older cousins in a long time, and while she wasn’t as close to them, she still wanted to say hello.
However, as they were stuck in conversation with Xene, a bundle of joy within their arms, Melina felt a stab of envy and disappointment. Stephanos wasn’t here then, yet the rumors were true. There was an heir already. One that very well could have been a princess alike. Still, she tried to hold herself together as she joined Xanthippe in picking her refreshments. Unlike Xanthippe, Melina didn’t look back, instead of settling on some perfectly sizzled pieces of wildfowl along with cheeses and grapes. Celebratory wine was also a welcome accompaniment, but one that would simply have to wait.
As finally completed her mission, she settled on gazing upon a dark-skinned woman, one that she hadn’t seen before. Was this woman new to the region? What stories could she share of her journey? About to open her mouth, she paused to herself. Strangers were often to be looked on with speculation, but how could Melina demonstrate her newly found confidence if she couldn’t talk to anyone. So, grilling herself, she called out just loud enough for the stranger to hear. “The food is free for those who attend the festival. Persephone and Demeter wouldn’t want their worshippers to starve. Are you new to the festivities?”
A smile graced her lips as she approached closer. Her cousins were otherwise occupied, and Melina was trying to grill her courage to approach them. Would she even be able to? She had never been particularly as close to them as she would have liked, but she did look up to both Pia and Selene, as well as share a bit of envy.
It would have been easy to dismiss herself and allow Xanthippe to approach the strange woman, but the dark-haired woman simply wasn’t ready to approach her cousins. To face two formidable women in their own right that had the world wrapped around their fingers. Or at least did, in Melina’s eyes. Plus, she still wasn’t sure if Stephanos was innocent or guilty. Her father suggested that Stephanos committed the crimes, but that simply didn’t make sense with the vision she had of the once King. He didn’t seem to have the violence of that sort in his body.
“I saw them earlier, but they seem rather busy.” Leaning in closer, she murmured to Xanthippe, “I’m nervous to approach them. We haven’t been on the best of terms. I haven’t even received a single letter from them since they disappeared. Aunt Evelli didn’t even tell me they were back.” What if she wasn’t supposed to know these things. Or what if, they didn’t want her to know? Anxiety was not her ally in these times.
It was moments like these that Melina remembered that Xanthippe was a servant. Something that filled Melina with sadness as the woman was practically her confidant, her companion. Giving the blonde a pleading look, she tried to hold herself tall. “I would feel more comfortable if you were there with me, Xan.”
Munching on a few nuts and grapes that littered her plate along with some cheese, Melina decided to find her courage. With a smile on her lips, she lowered her voice. “Unless you would be more comfortable remaining here.”
The unease in her stomach was relentless as she sat across from Xene and Kalliope in their ride to the festival. The other lady had been with the princess longer and was closer with the blonde. Cilissa was grateful for her position no matter how much or little she was able to serve her majesty. Her eyes had been watching out at the passing landscape. It wasn't much different than what she had seen coming into town, but the trees, hills, and buildings fascinated her. She was like an innocent child seeing everything for the very first time.
It did not need to be questioned. That which was said to the other retainer. The fact that she had never been out of Chaoedia made it impossible for her to enjoy festivals like this. They were the stuff that dreams were made of as she watched coming up to the descent.
Brows lifted as her gaze dropped to the ground to watch her feet carefully follow after Xene. Don't fall. Don't fall. It was repeated what was possibly a hundred times. Her prayers must have been enough as she kept close and arrived at the bottom unharmed. "I will see if I can find refreshments." She turned to move to allow Xene to enjoy watching the people come and find where she wanted to end up. Though, Cili assumed that with the woman's clout that others would be coming to her - not the other way around.
Fingers wrapped around the goblets as she turned to make her way back to be next to the blonde's side. Her head bowed to the dark haired woman with the baby just catching the word niece. Lady Olympia's name was caught in passing as she stood stoically beside, no, behind Xene. She could enjoy from where she was at. Already she felt like the luckiest woman in the world by association. Grey eyes looking over the little baby who was truly adorable. And Cilissa had never been able to see the allure in babies... but this one was cute.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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The unease in her stomach was relentless as she sat across from Xene and Kalliope in their ride to the festival. The other lady had been with the princess longer and was closer with the blonde. Cilissa was grateful for her position no matter how much or little she was able to serve her majesty. Her eyes had been watching out at the passing landscape. It wasn't much different than what she had seen coming into town, but the trees, hills, and buildings fascinated her. She was like an innocent child seeing everything for the very first time.
It did not need to be questioned. That which was said to the other retainer. The fact that she had never been out of Chaoedia made it impossible for her to enjoy festivals like this. They were the stuff that dreams were made of as she watched coming up to the descent.
Brows lifted as her gaze dropped to the ground to watch her feet carefully follow after Xene. Don't fall. Don't fall. It was repeated what was possibly a hundred times. Her prayers must have been enough as she kept close and arrived at the bottom unharmed. "I will see if I can find refreshments." She turned to move to allow Xene to enjoy watching the people come and find where she wanted to end up. Though, Cili assumed that with the woman's clout that others would be coming to her - not the other way around.
Fingers wrapped around the goblets as she turned to make her way back to be next to the blonde's side. Her head bowed to the dark haired woman with the baby just catching the word niece. Lady Olympia's name was caught in passing as she stood stoically beside, no, behind Xene. She could enjoy from where she was at. Already she felt like the luckiest woman in the world by association. Grey eyes looking over the little baby who was truly adorable. And Cilissa had never been able to see the allure in babies... but this one was cute.
The unease in her stomach was relentless as she sat across from Xene and Kalliope in their ride to the festival. The other lady had been with the princess longer and was closer with the blonde. Cilissa was grateful for her position no matter how much or little she was able to serve her majesty. Her eyes had been watching out at the passing landscape. It wasn't much different than what she had seen coming into town, but the trees, hills, and buildings fascinated her. She was like an innocent child seeing everything for the very first time.
It did not need to be questioned. That which was said to the other retainer. The fact that she had never been out of Chaoedia made it impossible for her to enjoy festivals like this. They were the stuff that dreams were made of as she watched coming up to the descent.
Brows lifted as her gaze dropped to the ground to watch her feet carefully follow after Xene. Don't fall. Don't fall. It was repeated what was possibly a hundred times. Her prayers must have been enough as she kept close and arrived at the bottom unharmed. "I will see if I can find refreshments." She turned to move to allow Xene to enjoy watching the people come and find where she wanted to end up. Though, Cili assumed that with the woman's clout that others would be coming to her - not the other way around.
Fingers wrapped around the goblets as she turned to make her way back to be next to the blonde's side. Her head bowed to the dark haired woman with the baby just catching the word niece. Lady Olympia's name was caught in passing as she stood stoically beside, no, behind Xene. She could enjoy from where she was at. Already she felt like the luckiest woman in the world by association. Grey eyes looking over the little baby who was truly adorable. And Cilissa had never been able to see the allure in babies... but this one was cute.
Neena was hovering in a manner that was fairly obvious. But then she had designed it to be that way. This wasn't exactly the kind of event where she could break out the music and the wild dances of the Bedoan and gain a little coin to purchase the food on the nearby stalls. It just wouldn't go down well amongst the women that abounded the place.
Instead, she had been hoping on the pity or the generosity of one of the Grecian ladies surrounding her; hoping that one might notice her obvious loitering and offer her something that might not suit their palette or at least strike up a conversation with her, under the guise of which she might snag some of the food on little squares of cloth before her. Yet most of them looked at her with a slightly scathing look of distrust. Whilst hatred of foreigners was significantly less severe in the Grecian kingdoms than those of the southern continent, it didn't mean they were entirely accepting, apparently. Or perhaps they just didn't like an unknown woman interrupting their little hen party. Gods, were there no men around?
Glancing about herself in puzzlement at the lack of male company, Neena caught the stare of a blonde woman that was fixing her with the look that spelled trouble. As her gaze ne'er left Neena's face, Neena offered a bright - almost comically bright - smile and danced her head from side to side like a rag doll's bobbling head. Whilst her manner was teasing, her features were open and light as if to say - Yes, this is me, hellooo!
The motion must have caught the eye of the girl next to the blonde. Younger and softer in appearance, she glanced at Neena and then spoke the most beautiful words Neena had ever heard - free food!
"Are you serious?!" Neena commented, having never known an event to offer such things before. These Greeks were clearly a lavish people who didn't realise the value of the food they could possess. Instead of arguing, however, Neena simply went with it!
Her brows rising in surprise and her lips popping open into a little round circle, Neena was then quick to dart forwards before the young noblewoman could change her mind. With a lithe and speedy motion, Neena had secured herself a square of cloth that sported several legs of what looked like chicken. It had been roasted over a spit clearly and marinated in oil and herbs. Her eyes bright, Neena took a large bite from the chicken leg, the wide expanse of her lips now coated in an oily sheen and her expression turning thoughtful as she realised it wasn't chicken at all. Having never eaten pheasant, Neena had no idea what it was she was tucking into, but it was yummy nonetheless.
"Something like that." She offered in answer to the noble lady's questions about whether she was new to the festival. "New to the festival... new to Taengea..." Her words were interrupted by several more bites that she chewed at least with enough politeness to close her mouth. All other manners were lost upon her though as she gesticulated her words with the non-chicken leg. "What's this all about anyway?" She asked, waving the leg around to encompass the celebrations, hoping that her ignorance wouldn't suddenly relegate her as unworthy of the food she was merrily polishing off as quickly as her belly would allow.
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Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Neena was hovering in a manner that was fairly obvious. But then she had designed it to be that way. This wasn't exactly the kind of event where she could break out the music and the wild dances of the Bedoan and gain a little coin to purchase the food on the nearby stalls. It just wouldn't go down well amongst the women that abounded the place.
Instead, she had been hoping on the pity or the generosity of one of the Grecian ladies surrounding her; hoping that one might notice her obvious loitering and offer her something that might not suit their palette or at least strike up a conversation with her, under the guise of which she might snag some of the food on little squares of cloth before her. Yet most of them looked at her with a slightly scathing look of distrust. Whilst hatred of foreigners was significantly less severe in the Grecian kingdoms than those of the southern continent, it didn't mean they were entirely accepting, apparently. Or perhaps they just didn't like an unknown woman interrupting their little hen party. Gods, were there no men around?
Glancing about herself in puzzlement at the lack of male company, Neena caught the stare of a blonde woman that was fixing her with the look that spelled trouble. As her gaze ne'er left Neena's face, Neena offered a bright - almost comically bright - smile and danced her head from side to side like a rag doll's bobbling head. Whilst her manner was teasing, her features were open and light as if to say - Yes, this is me, hellooo!
The motion must have caught the eye of the girl next to the blonde. Younger and softer in appearance, she glanced at Neena and then spoke the most beautiful words Neena had ever heard - free food!
"Are you serious?!" Neena commented, having never known an event to offer such things before. These Greeks were clearly a lavish people who didn't realise the value of the food they could possess. Instead of arguing, however, Neena simply went with it!
Her brows rising in surprise and her lips popping open into a little round circle, Neena was then quick to dart forwards before the young noblewoman could change her mind. With a lithe and speedy motion, Neena had secured herself a square of cloth that sported several legs of what looked like chicken. It had been roasted over a spit clearly and marinated in oil and herbs. Her eyes bright, Neena took a large bite from the chicken leg, the wide expanse of her lips now coated in an oily sheen and her expression turning thoughtful as she realised it wasn't chicken at all. Having never eaten pheasant, Neena had no idea what it was she was tucking into, but it was yummy nonetheless.
"Something like that." She offered in answer to the noble lady's questions about whether she was new to the festival. "New to the festival... new to Taengea..." Her words were interrupted by several more bites that she chewed at least with enough politeness to close her mouth. All other manners were lost upon her though as she gesticulated her words with the non-chicken leg. "What's this all about anyway?" She asked, waving the leg around to encompass the celebrations, hoping that her ignorance wouldn't suddenly relegate her as unworthy of the food she was merrily polishing off as quickly as her belly would allow.
Neena was hovering in a manner that was fairly obvious. But then she had designed it to be that way. This wasn't exactly the kind of event where she could break out the music and the wild dances of the Bedoan and gain a little coin to purchase the food on the nearby stalls. It just wouldn't go down well amongst the women that abounded the place.
Instead, she had been hoping on the pity or the generosity of one of the Grecian ladies surrounding her; hoping that one might notice her obvious loitering and offer her something that might not suit their palette or at least strike up a conversation with her, under the guise of which she might snag some of the food on little squares of cloth before her. Yet most of them looked at her with a slightly scathing look of distrust. Whilst hatred of foreigners was significantly less severe in the Grecian kingdoms than those of the southern continent, it didn't mean they were entirely accepting, apparently. Or perhaps they just didn't like an unknown woman interrupting their little hen party. Gods, were there no men around?
Glancing about herself in puzzlement at the lack of male company, Neena caught the stare of a blonde woman that was fixing her with the look that spelled trouble. As her gaze ne'er left Neena's face, Neena offered a bright - almost comically bright - smile and danced her head from side to side like a rag doll's bobbling head. Whilst her manner was teasing, her features were open and light as if to say - Yes, this is me, hellooo!
The motion must have caught the eye of the girl next to the blonde. Younger and softer in appearance, she glanced at Neena and then spoke the most beautiful words Neena had ever heard - free food!
"Are you serious?!" Neena commented, having never known an event to offer such things before. These Greeks were clearly a lavish people who didn't realise the value of the food they could possess. Instead of arguing, however, Neena simply went with it!
Her brows rising in surprise and her lips popping open into a little round circle, Neena was then quick to dart forwards before the young noblewoman could change her mind. With a lithe and speedy motion, Neena had secured herself a square of cloth that sported several legs of what looked like chicken. It had been roasted over a spit clearly and marinated in oil and herbs. Her eyes bright, Neena took a large bite from the chicken leg, the wide expanse of her lips now coated in an oily sheen and her expression turning thoughtful as she realised it wasn't chicken at all. Having never eaten pheasant, Neena had no idea what it was she was tucking into, but it was yummy nonetheless.
"Something like that." She offered in answer to the noble lady's questions about whether she was new to the festival. "New to the festival... new to Taengea..." Her words were interrupted by several more bites that she chewed at least with enough politeness to close her mouth. All other manners were lost upon her though as she gesticulated her words with the non-chicken leg. "What's this all about anyway?" She asked, waving the leg around to encompass the celebrations, hoping that her ignorance wouldn't suddenly relegate her as unworthy of the food she was merrily polishing off as quickly as her belly would allow.