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While Nana considered the responsibility of following after her sister and watching her like a hawk to be a drag, it was certainly better than the opposite. Selene had always reasonlessly treated her like a child, and now she had the opportunity to do so with Imma. Except in this situation, Nana had more than enough reason to see Imma as a child. Mother and Papa had always treated her like a child, so naturally, even at sixteen years of age, she acted as such. At Imma's age, Nana had already graced the court and started to establish her reputation as a lady, while Imma instead spent most of her time bent over an easel or getting excited at the promise of food.
Yet, even with the chore that was babysitting Imma, there was a rush that came over Nana. She was close to the bottom of the food chain, so to speak, in the Leventi family, yet in this particular instant, she was given the opportunity to pass on her wisdom to Imma, where her parents had clearly not.
As she was pulled along by the sixteen-year-old, Nana urged the girl to slow down, even pulling back on the hand that had gripped her wrist to try and slow her pace, and she managed it, a bit, but not as much as she would have liked.
As the pair arrived at the stall, and looked over the large array of refreshments that were begging to be ordered, Nana could only imagine how much food Imma was ready to purchase, though the little blonde's face made it more than evident. Perhaps she could take the opportunity of standing in line to advise her sister on not getting too much. Yes, she would do that.
"Though all of this food looks delicious, you should keep in mind, Imma, that you are first and foremost a lady, not a sow. And you are only so big, after all. Do not spend too much of Papa's hard-earned money, please."
Though it seemed her little speech got through to the girl, as she nodded, it was to Nana's horror that her little sister had seemed to retain absolutely nothing of what she tried to instill in her, as she ordered not a bit of light fare, but a feast. Nana was quick to intervene.
Rubbing her temples before interrupting the smallest Leventi's order, Nana insisted that a pastry and two skewers of fish would be more than enough for the girl, and gave the vendor one of her saccharine smiles before looking to Imma intensely.
After ensuring that the food had been paid for and distributed, Nana quickly snatched one of the skewers from her sister for herself.
In a hushed voice, she articulated, "What did I tell you, piglet? If you continue eating at this rate, you will soon be too big to fit inside the house!" Letting out a sigh as she bit off a piece of fish, she swallowed before continuing at a normal volume, "Honestly, I don't know why I try with you."
As their mother arrived, Nana looked to her as if she had been dealing with a colicky baby for the past ten hours. After Imma spoke to their mother, Nana gave the woman a look. "Mother, at your earliest convenience I think it would be best to speak to Imma about portion control, as she seems not to know how to stop eating."
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While Nana considered the responsibility of following after her sister and watching her like a hawk to be a drag, it was certainly better than the opposite. Selene had always reasonlessly treated her like a child, and now she had the opportunity to do so with Imma. Except in this situation, Nana had more than enough reason to see Imma as a child. Mother and Papa had always treated her like a child, so naturally, even at sixteen years of age, she acted as such. At Imma's age, Nana had already graced the court and started to establish her reputation as a lady, while Imma instead spent most of her time bent over an easel or getting excited at the promise of food.
Yet, even with the chore that was babysitting Imma, there was a rush that came over Nana. She was close to the bottom of the food chain, so to speak, in the Leventi family, yet in this particular instant, she was given the opportunity to pass on her wisdom to Imma, where her parents had clearly not.
As she was pulled along by the sixteen-year-old, Nana urged the girl to slow down, even pulling back on the hand that had gripped her wrist to try and slow her pace, and she managed it, a bit, but not as much as she would have liked.
As the pair arrived at the stall, and looked over the large array of refreshments that were begging to be ordered, Nana could only imagine how much food Imma was ready to purchase, though the little blonde's face made it more than evident. Perhaps she could take the opportunity of standing in line to advise her sister on not getting too much. Yes, she would do that.
"Though all of this food looks delicious, you should keep in mind, Imma, that you are first and foremost a lady, not a sow. And you are only so big, after all. Do not spend too much of Papa's hard-earned money, please."
Though it seemed her little speech got through to the girl, as she nodded, it was to Nana's horror that her little sister had seemed to retain absolutely nothing of what she tried to instill in her, as she ordered not a bit of light fare, but a feast. Nana was quick to intervene.
Rubbing her temples before interrupting the smallest Leventi's order, Nana insisted that a pastry and two skewers of fish would be more than enough for the girl, and gave the vendor one of her saccharine smiles before looking to Imma intensely.
After ensuring that the food had been paid for and distributed, Nana quickly snatched one of the skewers from her sister for herself.
In a hushed voice, she articulated, "What did I tell you, piglet? If you continue eating at this rate, you will soon be too big to fit inside the house!" Letting out a sigh as she bit off a piece of fish, she swallowed before continuing at a normal volume, "Honestly, I don't know why I try with you."
As their mother arrived, Nana looked to her as if she had been dealing with a colicky baby for the past ten hours. After Imma spoke to their mother, Nana gave the woman a look. "Mother, at your earliest convenience I think it would be best to speak to Imma about portion control, as she seems not to know how to stop eating."
While Nana considered the responsibility of following after her sister and watching her like a hawk to be a drag, it was certainly better than the opposite. Selene had always reasonlessly treated her like a child, and now she had the opportunity to do so with Imma. Except in this situation, Nana had more than enough reason to see Imma as a child. Mother and Papa had always treated her like a child, so naturally, even at sixteen years of age, she acted as such. At Imma's age, Nana had already graced the court and started to establish her reputation as a lady, while Imma instead spent most of her time bent over an easel or getting excited at the promise of food.
Yet, even with the chore that was babysitting Imma, there was a rush that came over Nana. She was close to the bottom of the food chain, so to speak, in the Leventi family, yet in this particular instant, she was given the opportunity to pass on her wisdom to Imma, where her parents had clearly not.
As she was pulled along by the sixteen-year-old, Nana urged the girl to slow down, even pulling back on the hand that had gripped her wrist to try and slow her pace, and she managed it, a bit, but not as much as she would have liked.
As the pair arrived at the stall, and looked over the large array of refreshments that were begging to be ordered, Nana could only imagine how much food Imma was ready to purchase, though the little blonde's face made it more than evident. Perhaps she could take the opportunity of standing in line to advise her sister on not getting too much. Yes, she would do that.
"Though all of this food looks delicious, you should keep in mind, Imma, that you are first and foremost a lady, not a sow. And you are only so big, after all. Do not spend too much of Papa's hard-earned money, please."
Though it seemed her little speech got through to the girl, as she nodded, it was to Nana's horror that her little sister had seemed to retain absolutely nothing of what she tried to instill in her, as she ordered not a bit of light fare, but a feast. Nana was quick to intervene.
Rubbing her temples before interrupting the smallest Leventi's order, Nana insisted that a pastry and two skewers of fish would be more than enough for the girl, and gave the vendor one of her saccharine smiles before looking to Imma intensely.
After ensuring that the food had been paid for and distributed, Nana quickly snatched one of the skewers from her sister for herself.
In a hushed voice, she articulated, "What did I tell you, piglet? If you continue eating at this rate, you will soon be too big to fit inside the house!" Letting out a sigh as she bit off a piece of fish, she swallowed before continuing at a normal volume, "Honestly, I don't know why I try with you."
As their mother arrived, Nana looked to her as if she had been dealing with a colicky baby for the past ten hours. After Imma spoke to their mother, Nana gave the woman a look. "Mother, at your earliest convenience I think it would be best to speak to Imma about portion control, as she seems not to know how to stop eating."
While Evelli did not really pay much attention to the amount of which Imma had gotten for herself, a tad distracted by trying to keep her eye on five girls at once (oh why was it only for women, she could really use Georgios's extra pair of eyes right about now), the woman did turn when Imma finally addressed her, and gave the indulgent smile she often gave her youngest born. Imma was, unlike her sisters, the owner of a very rare shred of innocence that Evelli found herself unable to scold the youngest for much, especially when she was already a quiet child to begin with. So the brunette matriarch nodded as she reached out for some of the cheese pastry she had ordered, murmuring a soft thank you to the young blonde.
"It is very good, I have to say." Evelli mentioned, once she bit into the buttery pastry. While she's had good pastry from the Dikasitirio whenever they had court functions, it was a combination of fresh air and good quality seafood which enabled Epirus merchants to sell such tasty offerings.
Trying to crane her head to see what the people were doing about the fallen and likely ruined piece of roast, what Evelli caught instead however, was the arrival of a familiar carriage. While it was no carriage of the Leventi's, she recognized it as one of them used for the royal family. Evelli was used to seeing the likes of Queen Elise or even one of the princesses alighting from them, but she now also knew that it was highly likely for Theodora to come from it, with her current position. Did that mean her daughter had arrived? Evelli hadn't had the chance to see Theodora at all since she had returned, and was eager to find out how her third-born was doing after the whole debacle at her wedding.
Not noticing Olympia's current status with her being in the thick of the women who came to Thesmophoria, as well as being distracted as she tried to wait to see if Theodora would alight from the carriage, Evelli looked over again as Nana spoke up, and internally sighed. Nana had yet to learn the nuances of being nice with her words, even if she could see signs of her second-youngest growing a tad bit more aware of how she made people feel... but there was a long way to go.
Still, it wouldn't do to chastise Nana in such a crowd, and Evelli internally threw up a prayer that Imma wouldn't take too much offense at Nana's words, before murmuring in a tone she hoped was soothing to both of them. "It isn't often we get to visit, so perhaps if Imma can't finish what she'd like, we could have some brought home? I'm sure your Papa would be sad he's missed some of the fine delicacies available here." She reached out to give a warm (albeit maybe slightly warning) squeeze on Nana's forearm, as she gently nudged Imma towards her. "Perhaps you could find something you know your Papa would enjoy? I know he has missed having everyone home, so he'd be happy we thought of him while we were here."
Allowing the girls to go off, Evelli turned back to the carriage, her curiosity getting the better of her as she tried to make her way to it. Not at all noticing the rolling crowds many people mistook for simply Apollo's duty through the sky, it came accompanied with a rising humidity which only brought one thing - rain. Yet the rain only made itself known when Evelli had managed to get herself a few steps away from the carriage, before the first fat droplets began. Surprised, the matriarch looked up, but all it took was one look from the brunette, when it was as if the skies had opened up, and the rush of rain fell down, making the pit roasting the pigs sizzle as screams filled the air with ladies trying to find solace from the unforgiving rain.
Caught suddenly in a freak rain, while Evelli would've dearly loved to seek for her other four daughters in the crowds, the closest she could go for was the carriage she had approached, closing the last few inches between them as she rapped smartly on the door. "Theo? Have you come to the festival?" she asked loudly over the thunderous sound of the rain falling, hoping it was indeed her daughter in there, and not someone else for her to embarass herself with.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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While Evelli did not really pay much attention to the amount of which Imma had gotten for herself, a tad distracted by trying to keep her eye on five girls at once (oh why was it only for women, she could really use Georgios's extra pair of eyes right about now), the woman did turn when Imma finally addressed her, and gave the indulgent smile she often gave her youngest born. Imma was, unlike her sisters, the owner of a very rare shred of innocence that Evelli found herself unable to scold the youngest for much, especially when she was already a quiet child to begin with. So the brunette matriarch nodded as she reached out for some of the cheese pastry she had ordered, murmuring a soft thank you to the young blonde.
"It is very good, I have to say." Evelli mentioned, once she bit into the buttery pastry. While she's had good pastry from the Dikasitirio whenever they had court functions, it was a combination of fresh air and good quality seafood which enabled Epirus merchants to sell such tasty offerings.
Trying to crane her head to see what the people were doing about the fallen and likely ruined piece of roast, what Evelli caught instead however, was the arrival of a familiar carriage. While it was no carriage of the Leventi's, she recognized it as one of them used for the royal family. Evelli was used to seeing the likes of Queen Elise or even one of the princesses alighting from them, but she now also knew that it was highly likely for Theodora to come from it, with her current position. Did that mean her daughter had arrived? Evelli hadn't had the chance to see Theodora at all since she had returned, and was eager to find out how her third-born was doing after the whole debacle at her wedding.
Not noticing Olympia's current status with her being in the thick of the women who came to Thesmophoria, as well as being distracted as she tried to wait to see if Theodora would alight from the carriage, Evelli looked over again as Nana spoke up, and internally sighed. Nana had yet to learn the nuances of being nice with her words, even if she could see signs of her second-youngest growing a tad bit more aware of how she made people feel... but there was a long way to go.
Still, it wouldn't do to chastise Nana in such a crowd, and Evelli internally threw up a prayer that Imma wouldn't take too much offense at Nana's words, before murmuring in a tone she hoped was soothing to both of them. "It isn't often we get to visit, so perhaps if Imma can't finish what she'd like, we could have some brought home? I'm sure your Papa would be sad he's missed some of the fine delicacies available here." She reached out to give a warm (albeit maybe slightly warning) squeeze on Nana's forearm, as she gently nudged Imma towards her. "Perhaps you could find something you know your Papa would enjoy? I know he has missed having everyone home, so he'd be happy we thought of him while we were here."
Allowing the girls to go off, Evelli turned back to the carriage, her curiosity getting the better of her as she tried to make her way to it. Not at all noticing the rolling crowds many people mistook for simply Apollo's duty through the sky, it came accompanied with a rising humidity which only brought one thing - rain. Yet the rain only made itself known when Evelli had managed to get herself a few steps away from the carriage, before the first fat droplets began. Surprised, the matriarch looked up, but all it took was one look from the brunette, when it was as if the skies had opened up, and the rush of rain fell down, making the pit roasting the pigs sizzle as screams filled the air with ladies trying to find solace from the unforgiving rain.
Caught suddenly in a freak rain, while Evelli would've dearly loved to seek for her other four daughters in the crowds, the closest she could go for was the carriage she had approached, closing the last few inches between them as she rapped smartly on the door. "Theo? Have you come to the festival?" she asked loudly over the thunderous sound of the rain falling, hoping it was indeed her daughter in there, and not someone else for her to embarass herself with.
While Evelli did not really pay much attention to the amount of which Imma had gotten for herself, a tad distracted by trying to keep her eye on five girls at once (oh why was it only for women, she could really use Georgios's extra pair of eyes right about now), the woman did turn when Imma finally addressed her, and gave the indulgent smile she often gave her youngest born. Imma was, unlike her sisters, the owner of a very rare shred of innocence that Evelli found herself unable to scold the youngest for much, especially when she was already a quiet child to begin with. So the brunette matriarch nodded as she reached out for some of the cheese pastry she had ordered, murmuring a soft thank you to the young blonde.
"It is very good, I have to say." Evelli mentioned, once she bit into the buttery pastry. While she's had good pastry from the Dikasitirio whenever they had court functions, it was a combination of fresh air and good quality seafood which enabled Epirus merchants to sell such tasty offerings.
Trying to crane her head to see what the people were doing about the fallen and likely ruined piece of roast, what Evelli caught instead however, was the arrival of a familiar carriage. While it was no carriage of the Leventi's, she recognized it as one of them used for the royal family. Evelli was used to seeing the likes of Queen Elise or even one of the princesses alighting from them, but she now also knew that it was highly likely for Theodora to come from it, with her current position. Did that mean her daughter had arrived? Evelli hadn't had the chance to see Theodora at all since she had returned, and was eager to find out how her third-born was doing after the whole debacle at her wedding.
Not noticing Olympia's current status with her being in the thick of the women who came to Thesmophoria, as well as being distracted as she tried to wait to see if Theodora would alight from the carriage, Evelli looked over again as Nana spoke up, and internally sighed. Nana had yet to learn the nuances of being nice with her words, even if she could see signs of her second-youngest growing a tad bit more aware of how she made people feel... but there was a long way to go.
Still, it wouldn't do to chastise Nana in such a crowd, and Evelli internally threw up a prayer that Imma wouldn't take too much offense at Nana's words, before murmuring in a tone she hoped was soothing to both of them. "It isn't often we get to visit, so perhaps if Imma can't finish what she'd like, we could have some brought home? I'm sure your Papa would be sad he's missed some of the fine delicacies available here." She reached out to give a warm (albeit maybe slightly warning) squeeze on Nana's forearm, as she gently nudged Imma towards her. "Perhaps you could find something you know your Papa would enjoy? I know he has missed having everyone home, so he'd be happy we thought of him while we were here."
Allowing the girls to go off, Evelli turned back to the carriage, her curiosity getting the better of her as she tried to make her way to it. Not at all noticing the rolling crowds many people mistook for simply Apollo's duty through the sky, it came accompanied with a rising humidity which only brought one thing - rain. Yet the rain only made itself known when Evelli had managed to get herself a few steps away from the carriage, before the first fat droplets began. Surprised, the matriarch looked up, but all it took was one look from the brunette, when it was as if the skies had opened up, and the rush of rain fell down, making the pit roasting the pigs sizzle as screams filled the air with ladies trying to find solace from the unforgiving rain.
Caught suddenly in a freak rain, while Evelli would've dearly loved to seek for her other four daughters in the crowds, the closest she could go for was the carriage she had approached, closing the last few inches between them as she rapped smartly on the door. "Theo? Have you come to the festival?" she asked loudly over the thunderous sound of the rain falling, hoping it was indeed her daughter in there, and not someone else for her to embarass herself with.
Thesmophoria was finally here.
The last months had seemed to drag by. There was no denying that part of it was because of Silanos. They had spent more nights together than not during his stay in Taengea. Enough so that she quickly noticed his absence. He had done more for her in driving away the ghosts that tormented her than any other lover had. Even if she’d had to push him away time and again to keep things casual between them - to keep herself from wanting more with him - the truth was he understood her better than anyone else. In helping him, she had shown him more of herself than she had anyone else in years.
And now there was Nikos. She would never need to worry about him growing overly attached - his ties were elsewhere - nor did she find him tempting in such a manner. He was a skilled lover and he could drive her out of her mind with desire. That was everything she needed. There was nothing about him that called to her heart. Though she was more than content to continue visiting his bed in the meantime. It was easy between them which only made it all the more enjoyable.
Even if sometimes guilt nagged at her when she was alone. At least his company could chase all those bad feelings away.
Today, she was determined to put both men firmly out of her mind in order to give the celebration her full attention. Honoring Demeter and Persephone was tradition, and this particular one was a perfect distraction from all that plagued her. As she arrived, things were already in full swing, just as she liked it. There was nothing she hated more than being among the first to arrive, left to stand awkwardly, waiting for pleasant company.
She surveyed the crowd, seeing a surprising amount of familiar faces. It seemed all the Leventi daughters were present. Well, all except Pia, of course. She had been gone from Taengea for some time now. Eleni tried to push those feelings away as they threatened to well up. She still couldn’t believe what had happened to her dear friend and she missed her. The two were of the same age and had always seen eye to eye. Unlike Selene who had been more of a rival until Eleni had been able to see beyond her own jealousy.
It wasn’t until she caught sight of Princess Xene moving through the crowd, that she noticed the dark-haired woman holding a babe in her arms. Could it be?
Eleni abandoned all notion of selecting from the food available, trying instead to get closer, trying to see if it could even possibly be Olympia here. She stood awestruck as she watched the woman hand over the child carefully to the Princess before standing up straight, affection written on her face as she stared at her child. There was no denying it. Olympia had returned to Taengea after all.
Her thoughts were scattered as she watched the other Princess fall to the ground before tightly embracing Olympia. It was at that sight that Eleni hesitated. Olympia was surrounded by her family now - both the family of her birth and of her marriage. Eleni had no place among them. She was merely a friend, and if she was honest with herself, that friendship was probably more important to her than to the royal. She was never short on adoration and she had been Queen. Surely seeing the merchant’s daughter who had visited a handful of times a year was low on the list of reunions Olympia had anticipated upon her return. If it had even been thought of at all.
Besides, not only was she a fallen, betrayed Queen, but she was now not only wife, but mother. Her life couldn’t be any more different than Eleni’s. And Eleni honestly couldn’t bear to see another friendly face look at her as an empty shell of wasted potential.
So she moved to turn away, content to know her friend was returned home and surrounded by love. It was only as she saw her go stiff, gripping onto the chair where Xene held the babe tightly. That drew Eleni’s attention once more to see what it was that was upsetting the new mother. Spotting the now reigning Queen - her sister - it didn’t take a genius to put two and two together. It was only as she saw the way her eyes searched through the crowd that she found herself moving forward.
She knew she wasn’t the face Olympia was looking for, but she could at least be a distraction to break the tension.
“I hope I’m not intruding...” she began, voice kind but strong as she reached out to lightly touch her friend’s arm. “but it’s been far too long since I’ve seen you, dear Pia. I had to say hello. I'm so glad to see you've come home at last.” She smiled warmly, positioning herself at Olympia’s side. Her narrowed slightly as she pointedly added, "I do hope you're well.”
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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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Thesmophoria was finally here.
The last months had seemed to drag by. There was no denying that part of it was because of Silanos. They had spent more nights together than not during his stay in Taengea. Enough so that she quickly noticed his absence. He had done more for her in driving away the ghosts that tormented her than any other lover had. Even if she’d had to push him away time and again to keep things casual between them - to keep herself from wanting more with him - the truth was he understood her better than anyone else. In helping him, she had shown him more of herself than she had anyone else in years.
And now there was Nikos. She would never need to worry about him growing overly attached - his ties were elsewhere - nor did she find him tempting in such a manner. He was a skilled lover and he could drive her out of her mind with desire. That was everything she needed. There was nothing about him that called to her heart. Though she was more than content to continue visiting his bed in the meantime. It was easy between them which only made it all the more enjoyable.
Even if sometimes guilt nagged at her when she was alone. At least his company could chase all those bad feelings away.
Today, she was determined to put both men firmly out of her mind in order to give the celebration her full attention. Honoring Demeter and Persephone was tradition, and this particular one was a perfect distraction from all that plagued her. As she arrived, things were already in full swing, just as she liked it. There was nothing she hated more than being among the first to arrive, left to stand awkwardly, waiting for pleasant company.
She surveyed the crowd, seeing a surprising amount of familiar faces. It seemed all the Leventi daughters were present. Well, all except Pia, of course. She had been gone from Taengea for some time now. Eleni tried to push those feelings away as they threatened to well up. She still couldn’t believe what had happened to her dear friend and she missed her. The two were of the same age and had always seen eye to eye. Unlike Selene who had been more of a rival until Eleni had been able to see beyond her own jealousy.
It wasn’t until she caught sight of Princess Xene moving through the crowd, that she noticed the dark-haired woman holding a babe in her arms. Could it be?
Eleni abandoned all notion of selecting from the food available, trying instead to get closer, trying to see if it could even possibly be Olympia here. She stood awestruck as she watched the woman hand over the child carefully to the Princess before standing up straight, affection written on her face as she stared at her child. There was no denying it. Olympia had returned to Taengea after all.
Her thoughts were scattered as she watched the other Princess fall to the ground before tightly embracing Olympia. It was at that sight that Eleni hesitated. Olympia was surrounded by her family now - both the family of her birth and of her marriage. Eleni had no place among them. She was merely a friend, and if she was honest with herself, that friendship was probably more important to her than to the royal. She was never short on adoration and she had been Queen. Surely seeing the merchant’s daughter who had visited a handful of times a year was low on the list of reunions Olympia had anticipated upon her return. If it had even been thought of at all.
Besides, not only was she a fallen, betrayed Queen, but she was now not only wife, but mother. Her life couldn’t be any more different than Eleni’s. And Eleni honestly couldn’t bear to see another friendly face look at her as an empty shell of wasted potential.
So she moved to turn away, content to know her friend was returned home and surrounded by love. It was only as she saw her go stiff, gripping onto the chair where Xene held the babe tightly. That drew Eleni’s attention once more to see what it was that was upsetting the new mother. Spotting the now reigning Queen - her sister - it didn’t take a genius to put two and two together. It was only as she saw the way her eyes searched through the crowd that she found herself moving forward.
She knew she wasn’t the face Olympia was looking for, but she could at least be a distraction to break the tension.
“I hope I’m not intruding...” she began, voice kind but strong as she reached out to lightly touch her friend’s arm. “but it’s been far too long since I’ve seen you, dear Pia. I had to say hello. I'm so glad to see you've come home at last.” She smiled warmly, positioning herself at Olympia’s side. Her narrowed slightly as she pointedly added, "I do hope you're well.”
Thesmophoria was finally here.
The last months had seemed to drag by. There was no denying that part of it was because of Silanos. They had spent more nights together than not during his stay in Taengea. Enough so that she quickly noticed his absence. He had done more for her in driving away the ghosts that tormented her than any other lover had. Even if she’d had to push him away time and again to keep things casual between them - to keep herself from wanting more with him - the truth was he understood her better than anyone else. In helping him, she had shown him more of herself than she had anyone else in years.
And now there was Nikos. She would never need to worry about him growing overly attached - his ties were elsewhere - nor did she find him tempting in such a manner. He was a skilled lover and he could drive her out of her mind with desire. That was everything she needed. There was nothing about him that called to her heart. Though she was more than content to continue visiting his bed in the meantime. It was easy between them which only made it all the more enjoyable.
Even if sometimes guilt nagged at her when she was alone. At least his company could chase all those bad feelings away.
Today, she was determined to put both men firmly out of her mind in order to give the celebration her full attention. Honoring Demeter and Persephone was tradition, and this particular one was a perfect distraction from all that plagued her. As she arrived, things were already in full swing, just as she liked it. There was nothing she hated more than being among the first to arrive, left to stand awkwardly, waiting for pleasant company.
She surveyed the crowd, seeing a surprising amount of familiar faces. It seemed all the Leventi daughters were present. Well, all except Pia, of course. She had been gone from Taengea for some time now. Eleni tried to push those feelings away as they threatened to well up. She still couldn’t believe what had happened to her dear friend and she missed her. The two were of the same age and had always seen eye to eye. Unlike Selene who had been more of a rival until Eleni had been able to see beyond her own jealousy.
It wasn’t until she caught sight of Princess Xene moving through the crowd, that she noticed the dark-haired woman holding a babe in her arms. Could it be?
Eleni abandoned all notion of selecting from the food available, trying instead to get closer, trying to see if it could even possibly be Olympia here. She stood awestruck as she watched the woman hand over the child carefully to the Princess before standing up straight, affection written on her face as she stared at her child. There was no denying it. Olympia had returned to Taengea after all.
Her thoughts were scattered as she watched the other Princess fall to the ground before tightly embracing Olympia. It was at that sight that Eleni hesitated. Olympia was surrounded by her family now - both the family of her birth and of her marriage. Eleni had no place among them. She was merely a friend, and if she was honest with herself, that friendship was probably more important to her than to the royal. She was never short on adoration and she had been Queen. Surely seeing the merchant’s daughter who had visited a handful of times a year was low on the list of reunions Olympia had anticipated upon her return. If it had even been thought of at all.
Besides, not only was she a fallen, betrayed Queen, but she was now not only wife, but mother. Her life couldn’t be any more different than Eleni’s. And Eleni honestly couldn’t bear to see another friendly face look at her as an empty shell of wasted potential.
So she moved to turn away, content to know her friend was returned home and surrounded by love. It was only as she saw her go stiff, gripping onto the chair where Xene held the babe tightly. That drew Eleni’s attention once more to see what it was that was upsetting the new mother. Spotting the now reigning Queen - her sister - it didn’t take a genius to put two and two together. It was only as she saw the way her eyes searched through the crowd that she found herself moving forward.
She knew she wasn’t the face Olympia was looking for, but she could at least be a distraction to break the tension.
“I hope I’m not intruding...” she began, voice kind but strong as she reached out to lightly touch her friend’s arm. “but it’s been far too long since I’ve seen you, dear Pia. I had to say hello. I'm so glad to see you've come home at last.” She smiled warmly, positioning herself at Olympia’s side. Her narrowed slightly as she pointedly added, "I do hope you're well.”
Imma rolled her eyes at her elder sister. “I’m still growing, Nana! My chitons have shorter apoptygmas now. They don’t even reach past my kolpos anymore. I’ll be having a new ones made for me soon.” That tidbit of information would hopefully distract Nana. Imma knew how much she loved clothes. Maybe she would be envious that her youngest sister was getting a new wardrobe instead of her.
“Mama didn’t give you permission to tell me what to eat!” she exclaimed. Thought Nana overruled her order, she slipped the vendors some extra coins when her sister wasn’t looking. “If this was all I ever ate, I would be skin and bones.” She narrowed her eyes. “Is that what you want, because you know that I will be prettier than you when I grow up?” Usually Imma wasn’t so petulant , but nobody came between the little blonde and her food.
“If I’m a piglet,” she added, smiling sweetly, “then you’re a big fat cow.”
As their mother joined them, the vendor brought Imma the rest of the seafood she had ordered. She shot her sister a triumphant look. Nana wouldn’t dare to impose her will on her now. She could eat as much as she wanted. Mama said so! She munched happily on a crunchy shrimp, nodding when her mother suggested that they take some delicacies back for their father. “We can buy them when we’re ready to go,” she piped up, “so they won’t be too cold and greasy when we get home.”
Evelli left her daughters alone and walked back to the carriage. As soon as Imma polished off the last pastry, she glanced at Nana. “I’m going shopping,” she announced. “If you want to join me, we can pick out a gift for Papa together. If you don’t ...” Imma shrugged and started heading toward the merchandise stalls, hoping that her sister would follow her. She wasn’t going to pull her along with her this time. considering how much she had complained earlier.
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Imma rolled her eyes at her elder sister. “I’m still growing, Nana! My chitons have shorter apoptygmas now. They don’t even reach past my kolpos anymore. I’ll be having a new ones made for me soon.” That tidbit of information would hopefully distract Nana. Imma knew how much she loved clothes. Maybe she would be envious that her youngest sister was getting a new wardrobe instead of her.
“Mama didn’t give you permission to tell me what to eat!” she exclaimed. Thought Nana overruled her order, she slipped the vendors some extra coins when her sister wasn’t looking. “If this was all I ever ate, I would be skin and bones.” She narrowed her eyes. “Is that what you want, because you know that I will be prettier than you when I grow up?” Usually Imma wasn’t so petulant , but nobody came between the little blonde and her food.
“If I’m a piglet,” she added, smiling sweetly, “then you’re a big fat cow.”
As their mother joined them, the vendor brought Imma the rest of the seafood she had ordered. She shot her sister a triumphant look. Nana wouldn’t dare to impose her will on her now. She could eat as much as she wanted. Mama said so! She munched happily on a crunchy shrimp, nodding when her mother suggested that they take some delicacies back for their father. “We can buy them when we’re ready to go,” she piped up, “so they won’t be too cold and greasy when we get home.”
Evelli left her daughters alone and walked back to the carriage. As soon as Imma polished off the last pastry, she glanced at Nana. “I’m going shopping,” she announced. “If you want to join me, we can pick out a gift for Papa together. If you don’t ...” Imma shrugged and started heading toward the merchandise stalls, hoping that her sister would follow her. She wasn’t going to pull her along with her this time. considering how much she had complained earlier.
Imma rolled her eyes at her elder sister. “I’m still growing, Nana! My chitons have shorter apoptygmas now. They don’t even reach past my kolpos anymore. I’ll be having a new ones made for me soon.” That tidbit of information would hopefully distract Nana. Imma knew how much she loved clothes. Maybe she would be envious that her youngest sister was getting a new wardrobe instead of her.
“Mama didn’t give you permission to tell me what to eat!” she exclaimed. Thought Nana overruled her order, she slipped the vendors some extra coins when her sister wasn’t looking. “If this was all I ever ate, I would be skin and bones.” She narrowed her eyes. “Is that what you want, because you know that I will be prettier than you when I grow up?” Usually Imma wasn’t so petulant , but nobody came between the little blonde and her food.
“If I’m a piglet,” she added, smiling sweetly, “then you’re a big fat cow.”
As their mother joined them, the vendor brought Imma the rest of the seafood she had ordered. She shot her sister a triumphant look. Nana wouldn’t dare to impose her will on her now. She could eat as much as she wanted. Mama said so! She munched happily on a crunchy shrimp, nodding when her mother suggested that they take some delicacies back for their father. “We can buy them when we’re ready to go,” she piped up, “so they won’t be too cold and greasy when we get home.”
Evelli left her daughters alone and walked back to the carriage. As soon as Imma polished off the last pastry, she glanced at Nana. “I’m going shopping,” she announced. “If you want to join me, we can pick out a gift for Papa together. If you don’t ...” Imma shrugged and started heading toward the merchandise stalls, hoping that her sister would follow her. She wasn’t going to pull her along with her this time. considering how much she had complained earlier.
The princess couldn't remember the last time that she had held a babe. Honestly, the last time had to have been Gianna, when Xene herself was too young to really remember what it was like. But shifting little Tisiphone into her arms, the princess kept her hold firm yet delicate, not wanting to hurt her niece but also not knowing the first thing about holding a child properly. Thankfully, with Lady Olympia's help, the princess had settled properly into a chair and was not looking down into the face of her little niece with a growing smile on her features.
Some days she wished that she had a child to care for. It was a strange want, not being married, but a want nevertheless. The only issue was that she'd never had interest in marrying anyone. There were a number of available bachelor's in the Greecian kingdoms, but none of them truly interested her in a way that spoke to a desire to be joined with them forever. Maybe it was paying witness to the actions of her brothers, or maybe she just felt indifferent to the idea of a man at her side. Her own ambitions were quiet, though absolutely none of them truly included a male presence as a commanding force.
If she were to become a baroness, then she was to do it with only a steward and not a husband. That much she had decided, because her new position only made her that much more ripe for courting. Male courtiers, noble and non-noble, had more of a reason to approach her now that she had her own land, soon to be her own home, and her own money. Her branch of the Mikaelidas family held only women and taking the place for the lack of men present would only benefit someone who took either Xene's or Gianna's hand.
Not that the princess would give them an inch of power now that she had some of her own.
"She's lively," the princess commented about her niece, never once taking her gaze off of the baby, even when Gianna approached and when Olympia sunk into the grass. Though, that action had her finally dragging her gaze from her brother's child and looking to her sister. "Are you well, my lady?" she asked softly, glancing toward Cilissa and giving her a quiet smile, "Could you fetch Lady Olympia a cup of water, not wine?" the princess instructed carefully, "On a hot day such as this, I think water is more appropriate," she said lightly before turning to carefully pass the child back to Lady Olympia. "Here, sister, take my seat," she said delicately, "I think you need it far more than I do," she murmured.
Once the two of them had switched positions, Xene nodded at Olympia's last question. "Yes, of course, my lady," she said delicately, "I will shortly be moving into the Mikaelidas manor as the two branches of the family swap places. When the war has been settled, I will make my way to Messenis to begin my work as baroness," she instructed very carefully, lifting her blue gaze toward the tables as Kalliope did and observing the young, dark-skinned woman standing close to them. "If you shall excuse me," she said softly, coming around the other side of the chair and reaching for Kalliope's arm. "Let us observe the spread before the festival gets underway," she said lightly, starting to guide her retainer toward Neena and Xanthippe out of sheer curiosity.
"Good afternoon," Xene greeted lightly of the two of them. Her gaze slid to Xanthippe with a pleasant smile, "Xanthippe," she murmured lightly, giving her a curt but welcoming nod. Then her gaze slid toward Neena, the curiosity clear in her gaze. "What is your name?" she asked slowly, only looking past her to glance at the tables and then in the direction of where the pig was roasting. "You seem to be enjoying the festival," she mused to no one in particular.
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The princess couldn't remember the last time that she had held a babe. Honestly, the last time had to have been Gianna, when Xene herself was too young to really remember what it was like. But shifting little Tisiphone into her arms, the princess kept her hold firm yet delicate, not wanting to hurt her niece but also not knowing the first thing about holding a child properly. Thankfully, with Lady Olympia's help, the princess had settled properly into a chair and was not looking down into the face of her little niece with a growing smile on her features.
Some days she wished that she had a child to care for. It was a strange want, not being married, but a want nevertheless. The only issue was that she'd never had interest in marrying anyone. There were a number of available bachelor's in the Greecian kingdoms, but none of them truly interested her in a way that spoke to a desire to be joined with them forever. Maybe it was paying witness to the actions of her brothers, or maybe she just felt indifferent to the idea of a man at her side. Her own ambitions were quiet, though absolutely none of them truly included a male presence as a commanding force.
If she were to become a baroness, then she was to do it with only a steward and not a husband. That much she had decided, because her new position only made her that much more ripe for courting. Male courtiers, noble and non-noble, had more of a reason to approach her now that she had her own land, soon to be her own home, and her own money. Her branch of the Mikaelidas family held only women and taking the place for the lack of men present would only benefit someone who took either Xene's or Gianna's hand.
Not that the princess would give them an inch of power now that she had some of her own.
"She's lively," the princess commented about her niece, never once taking her gaze off of the baby, even when Gianna approached and when Olympia sunk into the grass. Though, that action had her finally dragging her gaze from her brother's child and looking to her sister. "Are you well, my lady?" she asked softly, glancing toward Cilissa and giving her a quiet smile, "Could you fetch Lady Olympia a cup of water, not wine?" the princess instructed carefully, "On a hot day such as this, I think water is more appropriate," she said lightly before turning to carefully pass the child back to Lady Olympia. "Here, sister, take my seat," she said delicately, "I think you need it far more than I do," she murmured.
Once the two of them had switched positions, Xene nodded at Olympia's last question. "Yes, of course, my lady," she said delicately, "I will shortly be moving into the Mikaelidas manor as the two branches of the family swap places. When the war has been settled, I will make my way to Messenis to begin my work as baroness," she instructed very carefully, lifting her blue gaze toward the tables as Kalliope did and observing the young, dark-skinned woman standing close to them. "If you shall excuse me," she said softly, coming around the other side of the chair and reaching for Kalliope's arm. "Let us observe the spread before the festival gets underway," she said lightly, starting to guide her retainer toward Neena and Xanthippe out of sheer curiosity.
"Good afternoon," Xene greeted lightly of the two of them. Her gaze slid to Xanthippe with a pleasant smile, "Xanthippe," she murmured lightly, giving her a curt but welcoming nod. Then her gaze slid toward Neena, the curiosity clear in her gaze. "What is your name?" she asked slowly, only looking past her to glance at the tables and then in the direction of where the pig was roasting. "You seem to be enjoying the festival," she mused to no one in particular.
The princess couldn't remember the last time that she had held a babe. Honestly, the last time had to have been Gianna, when Xene herself was too young to really remember what it was like. But shifting little Tisiphone into her arms, the princess kept her hold firm yet delicate, not wanting to hurt her niece but also not knowing the first thing about holding a child properly. Thankfully, with Lady Olympia's help, the princess had settled properly into a chair and was not looking down into the face of her little niece with a growing smile on her features.
Some days she wished that she had a child to care for. It was a strange want, not being married, but a want nevertheless. The only issue was that she'd never had interest in marrying anyone. There were a number of available bachelor's in the Greecian kingdoms, but none of them truly interested her in a way that spoke to a desire to be joined with them forever. Maybe it was paying witness to the actions of her brothers, or maybe she just felt indifferent to the idea of a man at her side. Her own ambitions were quiet, though absolutely none of them truly included a male presence as a commanding force.
If she were to become a baroness, then she was to do it with only a steward and not a husband. That much she had decided, because her new position only made her that much more ripe for courting. Male courtiers, noble and non-noble, had more of a reason to approach her now that she had her own land, soon to be her own home, and her own money. Her branch of the Mikaelidas family held only women and taking the place for the lack of men present would only benefit someone who took either Xene's or Gianna's hand.
Not that the princess would give them an inch of power now that she had some of her own.
"She's lively," the princess commented about her niece, never once taking her gaze off of the baby, even when Gianna approached and when Olympia sunk into the grass. Though, that action had her finally dragging her gaze from her brother's child and looking to her sister. "Are you well, my lady?" she asked softly, glancing toward Cilissa and giving her a quiet smile, "Could you fetch Lady Olympia a cup of water, not wine?" the princess instructed carefully, "On a hot day such as this, I think water is more appropriate," she said lightly before turning to carefully pass the child back to Lady Olympia. "Here, sister, take my seat," she said delicately, "I think you need it far more than I do," she murmured.
Once the two of them had switched positions, Xene nodded at Olympia's last question. "Yes, of course, my lady," she said delicately, "I will shortly be moving into the Mikaelidas manor as the two branches of the family swap places. When the war has been settled, I will make my way to Messenis to begin my work as baroness," she instructed very carefully, lifting her blue gaze toward the tables as Kalliope did and observing the young, dark-skinned woman standing close to them. "If you shall excuse me," she said softly, coming around the other side of the chair and reaching for Kalliope's arm. "Let us observe the spread before the festival gets underway," she said lightly, starting to guide her retainer toward Neena and Xanthippe out of sheer curiosity.
"Good afternoon," Xene greeted lightly of the two of them. Her gaze slid to Xanthippe with a pleasant smile, "Xanthippe," she murmured lightly, giving her a curt but welcoming nod. Then her gaze slid toward Neena, the curiosity clear in her gaze. "What is your name?" she asked slowly, only looking past her to glance at the tables and then in the direction of where the pig was roasting. "You seem to be enjoying the festival," she mused to no one in particular.
Theodora braced herself before she exited the carriage, nervously smoothing the fabric of her chiton. Nausea sat like a rock in her stomach, and the wafting smell of roasting pork was doing nothing to help it. She nearly considered asking the coachman to turn around and take her back to the palati where she could be sick in peace, but she was Queen now. She had responsibilities that she couldn’t simply shirk just because she wasn’t in the proper mood. Maybe when she was just Lady Theodora of Leventi, she could have gotten away with it, but Queen Theodora of Mikaelidas had to at least make an appearance. Perhaps no one would notice if she just slipped off early…?
A sharp rap on the carriage door drew her surprised attention, though the voice that drifted through it immediately disrupted her thoughts and brought tears to her eyes. Gods, could it be…? Throwing decorum to the wind, Theo scrambled from the vehicle and straight into her mother’s arms.
“Mother, it is you,” she muttered into the woman’s neck, her arms almost painfully tight around the older woman. Heedless of the rain that soaked them both, at least it served to disguise the tears steadily running down her cheeks. “I heard that you were back, but then I hadn’t seen you…”
Pulling back enough that she could gaze into Evelli’s face, Theodora offered her a trembling smile. Brushing sodden hair back from her mother’s cheek, she hugged her again, letting herself be a child again for just a moment, rather than a Queen. There was so much she wanted to say, so many things that had happened…
Unfortunately, now was not the time or place. She had a duty to uphold, and for the moment, that did not involve spilling her heart to her mother. “You must come to the palati as soon as you can,” she implored the woman, eyes bright with a scarce concealed desperation. “I… I have missed you.” The tone of her voice said more than her words, and she hoped it was enough for her mother to catch onto her mood.
Sniffling and straightening up, she wiped the back of her hand across her eyes—for all the good it did in the sudden downpour. The coachman hastened to shield them both with a length of fabric pulled from the back of the carriage, but it would soon be as soaked as they were. They ought to move to shelter under one of the nearby awnings, but Theo was reluctant to join the festivities yet. If she could have, she would have simply stolen her mother away so they could have spoken in relative privacy.
“Is Selene with you?” she asked hopefully, scanning the as yet distant crowd for a sign of her sister’s bright blonde head. “Nana? Imma?” With Stephanos’s exile, she didn’t expect Olympia to be present, though she desperately wished for it to be so. Even if the woman hadn’t answered any of her letters…
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Theodora braced herself before she exited the carriage, nervously smoothing the fabric of her chiton. Nausea sat like a rock in her stomach, and the wafting smell of roasting pork was doing nothing to help it. She nearly considered asking the coachman to turn around and take her back to the palati where she could be sick in peace, but she was Queen now. She had responsibilities that she couldn’t simply shirk just because she wasn’t in the proper mood. Maybe when she was just Lady Theodora of Leventi, she could have gotten away with it, but Queen Theodora of Mikaelidas had to at least make an appearance. Perhaps no one would notice if she just slipped off early…?
A sharp rap on the carriage door drew her surprised attention, though the voice that drifted through it immediately disrupted her thoughts and brought tears to her eyes. Gods, could it be…? Throwing decorum to the wind, Theo scrambled from the vehicle and straight into her mother’s arms.
“Mother, it is you,” she muttered into the woman’s neck, her arms almost painfully tight around the older woman. Heedless of the rain that soaked them both, at least it served to disguise the tears steadily running down her cheeks. “I heard that you were back, but then I hadn’t seen you…”
Pulling back enough that she could gaze into Evelli’s face, Theodora offered her a trembling smile. Brushing sodden hair back from her mother’s cheek, she hugged her again, letting herself be a child again for just a moment, rather than a Queen. There was so much she wanted to say, so many things that had happened…
Unfortunately, now was not the time or place. She had a duty to uphold, and for the moment, that did not involve spilling her heart to her mother. “You must come to the palati as soon as you can,” she implored the woman, eyes bright with a scarce concealed desperation. “I… I have missed you.” The tone of her voice said more than her words, and she hoped it was enough for her mother to catch onto her mood.
Sniffling and straightening up, she wiped the back of her hand across her eyes—for all the good it did in the sudden downpour. The coachman hastened to shield them both with a length of fabric pulled from the back of the carriage, but it would soon be as soaked as they were. They ought to move to shelter under one of the nearby awnings, but Theo was reluctant to join the festivities yet. If she could have, she would have simply stolen her mother away so they could have spoken in relative privacy.
“Is Selene with you?” she asked hopefully, scanning the as yet distant crowd for a sign of her sister’s bright blonde head. “Nana? Imma?” With Stephanos’s exile, she didn’t expect Olympia to be present, though she desperately wished for it to be so. Even if the woman hadn’t answered any of her letters…
Theodora braced herself before she exited the carriage, nervously smoothing the fabric of her chiton. Nausea sat like a rock in her stomach, and the wafting smell of roasting pork was doing nothing to help it. She nearly considered asking the coachman to turn around and take her back to the palati where she could be sick in peace, but she was Queen now. She had responsibilities that she couldn’t simply shirk just because she wasn’t in the proper mood. Maybe when she was just Lady Theodora of Leventi, she could have gotten away with it, but Queen Theodora of Mikaelidas had to at least make an appearance. Perhaps no one would notice if she just slipped off early…?
A sharp rap on the carriage door drew her surprised attention, though the voice that drifted through it immediately disrupted her thoughts and brought tears to her eyes. Gods, could it be…? Throwing decorum to the wind, Theo scrambled from the vehicle and straight into her mother’s arms.
“Mother, it is you,” she muttered into the woman’s neck, her arms almost painfully tight around the older woman. Heedless of the rain that soaked them both, at least it served to disguise the tears steadily running down her cheeks. “I heard that you were back, but then I hadn’t seen you…”
Pulling back enough that she could gaze into Evelli’s face, Theodora offered her a trembling smile. Brushing sodden hair back from her mother’s cheek, she hugged her again, letting herself be a child again for just a moment, rather than a Queen. There was so much she wanted to say, so many things that had happened…
Unfortunately, now was not the time or place. She had a duty to uphold, and for the moment, that did not involve spilling her heart to her mother. “You must come to the palati as soon as you can,” she implored the woman, eyes bright with a scarce concealed desperation. “I… I have missed you.” The tone of her voice said more than her words, and she hoped it was enough for her mother to catch onto her mood.
Sniffling and straightening up, she wiped the back of her hand across her eyes—for all the good it did in the sudden downpour. The coachman hastened to shield them both with a length of fabric pulled from the back of the carriage, but it would soon be as soaked as they were. They ought to move to shelter under one of the nearby awnings, but Theo was reluctant to join the festivities yet. If she could have, she would have simply stolen her mother away so they could have spoken in relative privacy.
“Is Selene with you?” she asked hopefully, scanning the as yet distant crowd for a sign of her sister’s bright blonde head. “Nana? Imma?” With Stephanos’s exile, she didn’t expect Olympia to be present, though she desperately wished for it to be so. Even if the woman hadn’t answered any of her letters…
Half of Evelli had expected Theodora to brush her off. She was unsure of what had occured during the time she had been away, but her daughter had been curiously silent even after she had sent a missive to her. Evelli had chalked it off to her being busy and getting used to her duties as a Queen, but as a mother, the brunette couldn't help but feel slightly miffed that now she had to jump through loopholes just to speak to a daughter she had previously been a guardian of.
So imagine Evelli's surprise that, despite being completely soaked through with the rain, Theodora all but threw herself into her arms. Caught by surprise, the matriarch froze for a moment, but quickly returned the embrace, a rock in her heart lifting the moment she could feel Theodora's warm body in her arms. Evelli never truly felt at home until all her daughter's were home under her roof, and over the last few days ever since she had returned, had to get used to checking in on only four instead of five bedrooms before she returned to bed with Georgios. Sure, Olympia had been married before Theodora, but so much has happened ever since then that this was perhaps the first time Evelli has had the proper time to settle back in her old routine of checking on all her offspring before bedtime.
"I had been trying to see you, Theo." she murmured in return, her heart cracking a little when they pulled back and Evelli saw the trembling smile Theodora wore. Instinctively, the mother brushed the face of her thirdborn daughter, noting the dark circles and pale countenance. "I have missed you too. Has all been well, Theo? You seem ill." she couldn't help but ask, a mother's worry forefront in her mind as always. She would flit to the palati immediately if Theo asked for her, except now, she also had to concern herself with Selene's state after her failed engagement, and Olympia's state of mind with the departure of Stephanos to the war, and young Tisiphone to care for.... suddenly, Evelli felt as if she was being pulled in three different directions, and not enough time for all.
By then, the rain was beginning to really come down and Evelli had to brush the sodden lock of hair that got in her eye, blinking despite the water as she nodded. "They're all here... somewhere." she gestured vaguely in the festival now with a huge ruckus due to a rain. People scrambled to try and cover the pit of roasting pigs, but the thick cloth could only do so much with insufficient covering. "You know how it is trying to figure out where everyone is." Evelli said with a reminsicient smile. She used to allow the girl's in pairs, with Selene and Theodora in charge of watching over the younger ones. But as they grew up and Nana grew more headstrong, it got harder and harder that Evelli had now ended up with just bringing more servants so she could send one after each girl when it came time to go home. "Have you managed to... see anyone, lately? How have you been?"
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Half of Evelli had expected Theodora to brush her off. She was unsure of what had occured during the time she had been away, but her daughter had been curiously silent even after she had sent a missive to her. Evelli had chalked it off to her being busy and getting used to her duties as a Queen, but as a mother, the brunette couldn't help but feel slightly miffed that now she had to jump through loopholes just to speak to a daughter she had previously been a guardian of.
So imagine Evelli's surprise that, despite being completely soaked through with the rain, Theodora all but threw herself into her arms. Caught by surprise, the matriarch froze for a moment, but quickly returned the embrace, a rock in her heart lifting the moment she could feel Theodora's warm body in her arms. Evelli never truly felt at home until all her daughter's were home under her roof, and over the last few days ever since she had returned, had to get used to checking in on only four instead of five bedrooms before she returned to bed with Georgios. Sure, Olympia had been married before Theodora, but so much has happened ever since then that this was perhaps the first time Evelli has had the proper time to settle back in her old routine of checking on all her offspring before bedtime.
"I had been trying to see you, Theo." she murmured in return, her heart cracking a little when they pulled back and Evelli saw the trembling smile Theodora wore. Instinctively, the mother brushed the face of her thirdborn daughter, noting the dark circles and pale countenance. "I have missed you too. Has all been well, Theo? You seem ill." she couldn't help but ask, a mother's worry forefront in her mind as always. She would flit to the palati immediately if Theo asked for her, except now, she also had to concern herself with Selene's state after her failed engagement, and Olympia's state of mind with the departure of Stephanos to the war, and young Tisiphone to care for.... suddenly, Evelli felt as if she was being pulled in three different directions, and not enough time for all.
By then, the rain was beginning to really come down and Evelli had to brush the sodden lock of hair that got in her eye, blinking despite the water as she nodded. "They're all here... somewhere." she gestured vaguely in the festival now with a huge ruckus due to a rain. People scrambled to try and cover the pit of roasting pigs, but the thick cloth could only do so much with insufficient covering. "You know how it is trying to figure out where everyone is." Evelli said with a reminsicient smile. She used to allow the girl's in pairs, with Selene and Theodora in charge of watching over the younger ones. But as they grew up and Nana grew more headstrong, it got harder and harder that Evelli had now ended up with just bringing more servants so she could send one after each girl when it came time to go home. "Have you managed to... see anyone, lately? How have you been?"
Half of Evelli had expected Theodora to brush her off. She was unsure of what had occured during the time she had been away, but her daughter had been curiously silent even after she had sent a missive to her. Evelli had chalked it off to her being busy and getting used to her duties as a Queen, but as a mother, the brunette couldn't help but feel slightly miffed that now she had to jump through loopholes just to speak to a daughter she had previously been a guardian of.
So imagine Evelli's surprise that, despite being completely soaked through with the rain, Theodora all but threw herself into her arms. Caught by surprise, the matriarch froze for a moment, but quickly returned the embrace, a rock in her heart lifting the moment she could feel Theodora's warm body in her arms. Evelli never truly felt at home until all her daughter's were home under her roof, and over the last few days ever since she had returned, had to get used to checking in on only four instead of five bedrooms before she returned to bed with Georgios. Sure, Olympia had been married before Theodora, but so much has happened ever since then that this was perhaps the first time Evelli has had the proper time to settle back in her old routine of checking on all her offspring before bedtime.
"I had been trying to see you, Theo." she murmured in return, her heart cracking a little when they pulled back and Evelli saw the trembling smile Theodora wore. Instinctively, the mother brushed the face of her thirdborn daughter, noting the dark circles and pale countenance. "I have missed you too. Has all been well, Theo? You seem ill." she couldn't help but ask, a mother's worry forefront in her mind as always. She would flit to the palati immediately if Theo asked for her, except now, she also had to concern herself with Selene's state after her failed engagement, and Olympia's state of mind with the departure of Stephanos to the war, and young Tisiphone to care for.... suddenly, Evelli felt as if she was being pulled in three different directions, and not enough time for all.
By then, the rain was beginning to really come down and Evelli had to brush the sodden lock of hair that got in her eye, blinking despite the water as she nodded. "They're all here... somewhere." she gestured vaguely in the festival now with a huge ruckus due to a rain. People scrambled to try and cover the pit of roasting pigs, but the thick cloth could only do so much with insufficient covering. "You know how it is trying to figure out where everyone is." Evelli said with a reminsicient smile. She used to allow the girl's in pairs, with Selene and Theodora in charge of watching over the younger ones. But as they grew up and Nana grew more headstrong, it got harder and harder that Evelli had now ended up with just bringing more servants so she could send one after each girl when it came time to go home. "Have you managed to... see anyone, lately? How have you been?"
As the servant took some of the food that Neena had recommended and tool enjoyment in her first mouthful, Neena grinned a broad smile. Her teeth were bright white in her face and seemed to take empathetic enjoyment in the other woman's culinary experience. Neena wasn't the chef but by gosh she wished that she was. A skilled individual they must have been! If only she knew such tricks, she could eat like a queen for the rest of her life.
Speaking of which, they were a big ol' well to do when a particular woman entered the festivities and Neena wondered if Queen was exactly who had just turned up. She eyed the woman and her fine gowns and jewels and the way she knew all of those dressed with equal wealth. Clearly, she was someone important, whoever she was.
When the woman across the little refreshments stand decided that she would go and speak with her relatives or friends or whomever they were, Neena smiled and saluted their departure with the little breaded piece she had been afforded. It wasn't quite a whole roasted pig but it would do for now. Especially given that it looked as if the pig might have to be delayed, given it was on the escape down into one of the fire pits.
Instead of worrying too much about it, however - she wasn't the one organising the event - Neena bid a quick and easy farewell to the two she had been chatting with and looked up at the sound of raised voices. As she moved along the table, sampling a few grapes and other such titbits (she couldn't believe that all these were free!), Neena's ears picked up the angry fervour of a sister at a hundred paces. The two looked relatively similar in age, both blonde and both well to do. The elder of the two was clearly bossing the younger. And whilst Neena had no siblings, she knew what it was like to have someone trying to tell you what to do.
She wasn't a fan.
When the younger one moved off in a huff and decided to go purchase goods at the little stalls that had been erected down the side of the grassy enclosure, Neena's curiosity had her following. Her Greek was rusty from years of limited use, but she managed to get her meaning across pretty well when she approached the young girl, a smile on her face and a sweet and spicy sauce still speckling the corner of her mouth.
"Hey there." She offered, moving to lick the sauce from her lips. "Sorry to have overheard. I take it you and your sister don't get along?" She jabbed a thumb in the direction of the stalls. “I was going to go have a look around at these traders and see if there’s anything good to steal.” She waggled her eyebrows at the girl in jest. “Did you want to tag along?”
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As the servant took some of the food that Neena had recommended and tool enjoyment in her first mouthful, Neena grinned a broad smile. Her teeth were bright white in her face and seemed to take empathetic enjoyment in the other woman's culinary experience. Neena wasn't the chef but by gosh she wished that she was. A skilled individual they must have been! If only she knew such tricks, she could eat like a queen for the rest of her life.
Speaking of which, they were a big ol' well to do when a particular woman entered the festivities and Neena wondered if Queen was exactly who had just turned up. She eyed the woman and her fine gowns and jewels and the way she knew all of those dressed with equal wealth. Clearly, she was someone important, whoever she was.
When the woman across the little refreshments stand decided that she would go and speak with her relatives or friends or whomever they were, Neena smiled and saluted their departure with the little breaded piece she had been afforded. It wasn't quite a whole roasted pig but it would do for now. Especially given that it looked as if the pig might have to be delayed, given it was on the escape down into one of the fire pits.
Instead of worrying too much about it, however - she wasn't the one organising the event - Neena bid a quick and easy farewell to the two she had been chatting with and looked up at the sound of raised voices. As she moved along the table, sampling a few grapes and other such titbits (she couldn't believe that all these were free!), Neena's ears picked up the angry fervour of a sister at a hundred paces. The two looked relatively similar in age, both blonde and both well to do. The elder of the two was clearly bossing the younger. And whilst Neena had no siblings, she knew what it was like to have someone trying to tell you what to do.
She wasn't a fan.
When the younger one moved off in a huff and decided to go purchase goods at the little stalls that had been erected down the side of the grassy enclosure, Neena's curiosity had her following. Her Greek was rusty from years of limited use, but she managed to get her meaning across pretty well when she approached the young girl, a smile on her face and a sweet and spicy sauce still speckling the corner of her mouth.
"Hey there." She offered, moving to lick the sauce from her lips. "Sorry to have overheard. I take it you and your sister don't get along?" She jabbed a thumb in the direction of the stalls. “I was going to go have a look around at these traders and see if there’s anything good to steal.” She waggled her eyebrows at the girl in jest. “Did you want to tag along?”
As the servant took some of the food that Neena had recommended and tool enjoyment in her first mouthful, Neena grinned a broad smile. Her teeth were bright white in her face and seemed to take empathetic enjoyment in the other woman's culinary experience. Neena wasn't the chef but by gosh she wished that she was. A skilled individual they must have been! If only she knew such tricks, she could eat like a queen for the rest of her life.
Speaking of which, they were a big ol' well to do when a particular woman entered the festivities and Neena wondered if Queen was exactly who had just turned up. She eyed the woman and her fine gowns and jewels and the way she knew all of those dressed with equal wealth. Clearly, she was someone important, whoever she was.
When the woman across the little refreshments stand decided that she would go and speak with her relatives or friends or whomever they were, Neena smiled and saluted their departure with the little breaded piece she had been afforded. It wasn't quite a whole roasted pig but it would do for now. Especially given that it looked as if the pig might have to be delayed, given it was on the escape down into one of the fire pits.
Instead of worrying too much about it, however - she wasn't the one organising the event - Neena bid a quick and easy farewell to the two she had been chatting with and looked up at the sound of raised voices. As she moved along the table, sampling a few grapes and other such titbits (she couldn't believe that all these were free!), Neena's ears picked up the angry fervour of a sister at a hundred paces. The two looked relatively similar in age, both blonde and both well to do. The elder of the two was clearly bossing the younger. And whilst Neena had no siblings, she knew what it was like to have someone trying to tell you what to do.
She wasn't a fan.
When the younger one moved off in a huff and decided to go purchase goods at the little stalls that had been erected down the side of the grassy enclosure, Neena's curiosity had her following. Her Greek was rusty from years of limited use, but she managed to get her meaning across pretty well when she approached the young girl, a smile on her face and a sweet and spicy sauce still speckling the corner of her mouth.
"Hey there." She offered, moving to lick the sauce from her lips. "Sorry to have overheard. I take it you and your sister don't get along?" She jabbed a thumb in the direction of the stalls. “I was going to go have a look around at these traders and see if there’s anything good to steal.” She waggled her eyebrows at the girl in jest. “Did you want to tag along?”
Xanthippe hung back away from Melina as she presumably left to greet her more auspicious relatives, the handmaid fiddling with a fold of her chiton. Bidding the foreign woman a curt farewell as she traipsed off to wherever she was going, the servant sighed and looked around with mild interest. Her face was impassive as it settled on the group surrounding Lady Olympia, her face never even changing as the woman crumpled to the grass. Her head tilted slightly to the side as she watched her, but she made no moves to assist. The flurry of young harpies gathered around her seemed to have the situation in hand, not that Xan would have been much help anyway. If she was ill, there was little that could be done, and besides, Olympia wasn’t the Leventi the handmaid was concerned with. Melina was.
As soon as the rain started, that was the woman Xanthippe concerned herself with, her charge returning to her as Xan rushed to shield her with part of her own chiton. “This way, my lady, make haste,” she urged her companion as she led her under a nearby awning. Both women were already soaked to the skin by the time they reached their shelter, and the blonde looked at them both with a sigh.
“Well, this simply won’t do, will it?” she asked with a twist of her mouth, reaching over to help Melina wring some of the moisture from her clothing. “Perhaps we ought to just head home and get dried off…”
Before she could wait for her mistress’s response, their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of another woman, a woman whose voice had Xan’s spine straightening and her jaw subtly twitching. “Your Highness,” she greeted Princess Xene with a curtsy, smoothing any displeasure from her face as she made to show her respects.
Vile woman. Strike her where she stands.
How many times must I tell you I cannot simply strike down a princess, much less in public?
And how many times must WE tell YOU to stop being so insolent?
Her time will come. But it is not today.
She went on to ignore any further protestations, forcing a smile to her features as she regarded the woman beside her. “Yes, the festival has been lovely thus far, though the rain is… unfortunate.” An annoyed glance was spared for the deluge of rain running over the awning, surreptitiously squeezing some of the water from her own clothing. “I trust you have been enjoying yourself as well, Your Highness? I noticed Lady Olympia seemed to have a trying time there, for a moment.” She nodded toward the woman who seemed to have gotten past whatever ailed her. “Let’s hope this storm doesn’t last too long.” Her glance toward the roasting pits held more concern than what she’d shown for her charge’s cousin. “And that the roast isn’t totally ruined.”
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Xanthippe hung back away from Melina as she presumably left to greet her more auspicious relatives, the handmaid fiddling with a fold of her chiton. Bidding the foreign woman a curt farewell as she traipsed off to wherever she was going, the servant sighed and looked around with mild interest. Her face was impassive as it settled on the group surrounding Lady Olympia, her face never even changing as the woman crumpled to the grass. Her head tilted slightly to the side as she watched her, but she made no moves to assist. The flurry of young harpies gathered around her seemed to have the situation in hand, not that Xan would have been much help anyway. If she was ill, there was little that could be done, and besides, Olympia wasn’t the Leventi the handmaid was concerned with. Melina was.
As soon as the rain started, that was the woman Xanthippe concerned herself with, her charge returning to her as Xan rushed to shield her with part of her own chiton. “This way, my lady, make haste,” she urged her companion as she led her under a nearby awning. Both women were already soaked to the skin by the time they reached their shelter, and the blonde looked at them both with a sigh.
“Well, this simply won’t do, will it?” she asked with a twist of her mouth, reaching over to help Melina wring some of the moisture from her clothing. “Perhaps we ought to just head home and get dried off…”
Before she could wait for her mistress’s response, their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of another woman, a woman whose voice had Xan’s spine straightening and her jaw subtly twitching. “Your Highness,” she greeted Princess Xene with a curtsy, smoothing any displeasure from her face as she made to show her respects.
Vile woman. Strike her where she stands.
How many times must I tell you I cannot simply strike down a princess, much less in public?
And how many times must WE tell YOU to stop being so insolent?
Her time will come. But it is not today.
She went on to ignore any further protestations, forcing a smile to her features as she regarded the woman beside her. “Yes, the festival has been lovely thus far, though the rain is… unfortunate.” An annoyed glance was spared for the deluge of rain running over the awning, surreptitiously squeezing some of the water from her own clothing. “I trust you have been enjoying yourself as well, Your Highness? I noticed Lady Olympia seemed to have a trying time there, for a moment.” She nodded toward the woman who seemed to have gotten past whatever ailed her. “Let’s hope this storm doesn’t last too long.” Her glance toward the roasting pits held more concern than what she’d shown for her charge’s cousin. “And that the roast isn’t totally ruined.”
Xanthippe hung back away from Melina as she presumably left to greet her more auspicious relatives, the handmaid fiddling with a fold of her chiton. Bidding the foreign woman a curt farewell as she traipsed off to wherever she was going, the servant sighed and looked around with mild interest. Her face was impassive as it settled on the group surrounding Lady Olympia, her face never even changing as the woman crumpled to the grass. Her head tilted slightly to the side as she watched her, but she made no moves to assist. The flurry of young harpies gathered around her seemed to have the situation in hand, not that Xan would have been much help anyway. If she was ill, there was little that could be done, and besides, Olympia wasn’t the Leventi the handmaid was concerned with. Melina was.
As soon as the rain started, that was the woman Xanthippe concerned herself with, her charge returning to her as Xan rushed to shield her with part of her own chiton. “This way, my lady, make haste,” she urged her companion as she led her under a nearby awning. Both women were already soaked to the skin by the time they reached their shelter, and the blonde looked at them both with a sigh.
“Well, this simply won’t do, will it?” she asked with a twist of her mouth, reaching over to help Melina wring some of the moisture from her clothing. “Perhaps we ought to just head home and get dried off…”
Before she could wait for her mistress’s response, their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of another woman, a woman whose voice had Xan’s spine straightening and her jaw subtly twitching. “Your Highness,” she greeted Princess Xene with a curtsy, smoothing any displeasure from her face as she made to show her respects.
Vile woman. Strike her where she stands.
How many times must I tell you I cannot simply strike down a princess, much less in public?
And how many times must WE tell YOU to stop being so insolent?
Her time will come. But it is not today.
She went on to ignore any further protestations, forcing a smile to her features as she regarded the woman beside her. “Yes, the festival has been lovely thus far, though the rain is… unfortunate.” An annoyed glance was spared for the deluge of rain running over the awning, surreptitiously squeezing some of the water from her own clothing. “I trust you have been enjoying yourself as well, Your Highness? I noticed Lady Olympia seemed to have a trying time there, for a moment.” She nodded toward the woman who seemed to have gotten past whatever ailed her. “Let’s hope this storm doesn’t last too long.” Her glance toward the roasting pits held more concern than what she’d shown for her charge’s cousin. “And that the roast isn’t totally ruined.”
There was a look of gentle remonstration on Evelli’s face, Theo frowning slightly at the sight of it. She had been trying to see her? When? She had never received word… “No one told me you were trying to contact me,” the Queen replied, her frown deepening as she wondered who was to blame for this. Was someone purposely withholding her correspondence? Had it simply gotten lost in the ruckus of her now overwhelmingly busy day-to-day life? Surely, that must have been it. After all, who would try to keep her from her own mother?
“I have been well enough,” she replied absently, still worrying over the fact that she had never received any word from the elder Leventi. “Just… a bit nauseous. It’s only nerves, I’m sure. Things have been rather chaotic here, of late.” Beckoning the coachman forward to shield her and her mother both, she said, “Come. Let’s try to get away from this rain.”
Leading Evelli over to the nearest awning, she ducked under it and dismissed their attendant. Hopelessly squeezing water from the fabric of her chiton, she all but gave up when she realized what a fruitless endeavor it would be. She didn’t even feel like being here today, and then this… maybe the gods were trying to tell her something. Maybe they were trying to tell them all something. Was rain at a festival like this a good sign or a bad one?
Laughing at her mother’s comment on keeping up with the lot of her sisters, she shook her head sympathetically. She could well remember what it had been like growing up, she and Selene doing their best to help their mother with the younger girls. It was like herding kittens sometimes, particularly with Nana’s headstrong demeanor.
“I’ve seen Father and Imma,” she replied with a nod, browsing the crowd to see if she could catch a glimpse of her youngest sister’s bright blonde head. Two spots of gold at a food stall across the way seemed suspect, but Theodora wasn’t about to go traipsing off in the rain to greet them. Hopefully, this downpour would cut out soon, and she could more properly greet the various attendees.
“Truthfully, I have been too busy to see much of anyone. Who would have thought being Queen would be so much work?” she jested lightly, though she certainly hadn’t expected everything that was thrown her way. A Queen without her King and in wartime, no less, it was the recipe for a perfect disaster. “I have been… all right, I suppose. Simply doing the best I can with what I have. These last few weeks haven’t exactly been ideal.” The understatement of the century, to be sure.
“How fares Selene?” she asked Evelli, having heard of the disastrous failure of her marriage arrangements in Colchis. After Zacharias, Osorsen, and now this… she couldn’t imagine what her sister was feeling. She glanced around hopefully, sure her elder sister must be among the throng somewhere. “And Olympia? I have sent her letters, but no reply.” Whether that was by design or not, she did not know. If it were on purpose, she understood to a degree—Theodora now held the role that was once hers, and she could imagine the betrayal Pia must feel. They had always been close, and they had never let ambition stand in the way of that closeness before. But if only she would allow her the chance to explain, to assure her that she had little choice in the matter… gods, to tell her that she would hand over the crown now if she could…
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There was a look of gentle remonstration on Evelli’s face, Theo frowning slightly at the sight of it. She had been trying to see her? When? She had never received word… “No one told me you were trying to contact me,” the Queen replied, her frown deepening as she wondered who was to blame for this. Was someone purposely withholding her correspondence? Had it simply gotten lost in the ruckus of her now overwhelmingly busy day-to-day life? Surely, that must have been it. After all, who would try to keep her from her own mother?
“I have been well enough,” she replied absently, still worrying over the fact that she had never received any word from the elder Leventi. “Just… a bit nauseous. It’s only nerves, I’m sure. Things have been rather chaotic here, of late.” Beckoning the coachman forward to shield her and her mother both, she said, “Come. Let’s try to get away from this rain.”
Leading Evelli over to the nearest awning, she ducked under it and dismissed their attendant. Hopelessly squeezing water from the fabric of her chiton, she all but gave up when she realized what a fruitless endeavor it would be. She didn’t even feel like being here today, and then this… maybe the gods were trying to tell her something. Maybe they were trying to tell them all something. Was rain at a festival like this a good sign or a bad one?
Laughing at her mother’s comment on keeping up with the lot of her sisters, she shook her head sympathetically. She could well remember what it had been like growing up, she and Selene doing their best to help their mother with the younger girls. It was like herding kittens sometimes, particularly with Nana’s headstrong demeanor.
“I’ve seen Father and Imma,” she replied with a nod, browsing the crowd to see if she could catch a glimpse of her youngest sister’s bright blonde head. Two spots of gold at a food stall across the way seemed suspect, but Theodora wasn’t about to go traipsing off in the rain to greet them. Hopefully, this downpour would cut out soon, and she could more properly greet the various attendees.
“Truthfully, I have been too busy to see much of anyone. Who would have thought being Queen would be so much work?” she jested lightly, though she certainly hadn’t expected everything that was thrown her way. A Queen without her King and in wartime, no less, it was the recipe for a perfect disaster. “I have been… all right, I suppose. Simply doing the best I can with what I have. These last few weeks haven’t exactly been ideal.” The understatement of the century, to be sure.
“How fares Selene?” she asked Evelli, having heard of the disastrous failure of her marriage arrangements in Colchis. After Zacharias, Osorsen, and now this… she couldn’t imagine what her sister was feeling. She glanced around hopefully, sure her elder sister must be among the throng somewhere. “And Olympia? I have sent her letters, but no reply.” Whether that was by design or not, she did not know. If it were on purpose, she understood to a degree—Theodora now held the role that was once hers, and she could imagine the betrayal Pia must feel. They had always been close, and they had never let ambition stand in the way of that closeness before. But if only she would allow her the chance to explain, to assure her that she had little choice in the matter… gods, to tell her that she would hand over the crown now if she could…
There was a look of gentle remonstration on Evelli’s face, Theo frowning slightly at the sight of it. She had been trying to see her? When? She had never received word… “No one told me you were trying to contact me,” the Queen replied, her frown deepening as she wondered who was to blame for this. Was someone purposely withholding her correspondence? Had it simply gotten lost in the ruckus of her now overwhelmingly busy day-to-day life? Surely, that must have been it. After all, who would try to keep her from her own mother?
“I have been well enough,” she replied absently, still worrying over the fact that she had never received any word from the elder Leventi. “Just… a bit nauseous. It’s only nerves, I’m sure. Things have been rather chaotic here, of late.” Beckoning the coachman forward to shield her and her mother both, she said, “Come. Let’s try to get away from this rain.”
Leading Evelli over to the nearest awning, she ducked under it and dismissed their attendant. Hopelessly squeezing water from the fabric of her chiton, she all but gave up when she realized what a fruitless endeavor it would be. She didn’t even feel like being here today, and then this… maybe the gods were trying to tell her something. Maybe they were trying to tell them all something. Was rain at a festival like this a good sign or a bad one?
Laughing at her mother’s comment on keeping up with the lot of her sisters, she shook her head sympathetically. She could well remember what it had been like growing up, she and Selene doing their best to help their mother with the younger girls. It was like herding kittens sometimes, particularly with Nana’s headstrong demeanor.
“I’ve seen Father and Imma,” she replied with a nod, browsing the crowd to see if she could catch a glimpse of her youngest sister’s bright blonde head. Two spots of gold at a food stall across the way seemed suspect, but Theodora wasn’t about to go traipsing off in the rain to greet them. Hopefully, this downpour would cut out soon, and she could more properly greet the various attendees.
“Truthfully, I have been too busy to see much of anyone. Who would have thought being Queen would be so much work?” she jested lightly, though she certainly hadn’t expected everything that was thrown her way. A Queen without her King and in wartime, no less, it was the recipe for a perfect disaster. “I have been… all right, I suppose. Simply doing the best I can with what I have. These last few weeks haven’t exactly been ideal.” The understatement of the century, to be sure.
“How fares Selene?” she asked Evelli, having heard of the disastrous failure of her marriage arrangements in Colchis. After Zacharias, Osorsen, and now this… she couldn’t imagine what her sister was feeling. She glanced around hopefully, sure her elder sister must be among the throng somewhere. “And Olympia? I have sent her letters, but no reply.” Whether that was by design or not, she did not know. If it were on purpose, she understood to a degree—Theodora now held the role that was once hers, and she could imagine the betrayal Pia must feel. They had always been close, and they had never let ambition stand in the way of that closeness before. But if only she would allow her the chance to explain, to assure her that she had little choice in the matter… gods, to tell her that she would hand over the crown now if she could…
As Imma flounced away from Nana, she felt something wet plop on her head. Was her sister throwing food at her? Had she truly stooped that/ low? She was going to tell Mama and Papa and hide nearby when she was punished. Imma argued with Nana more than her other sisters, perhaps because they were closest to her in age … or maybe because Nana was sometimes annoying, especially when she held her to the standards of behavior she had set for herself. Just because she ate like a bird didn’t mean that Imma should do the same. As she had told her sister, she was still growing. Nana had gone though her own growth spurt years ago. Did she truly want her baby sister to starve to death? No matter how much she ate, her figure remained slim.
The next drop fell on one of her sandals. No, it wasn’t food. It was rain. Instinctively, Imma looked up. Sure enough, there were storm clouds in the sky, even though the sun had yet to be engulfed by them. She watched as the carriage her mother had climbed into was hit by a sudden downpour that was rapidly advancing across the grounds. It was rare to actually see rain approaching and she observed it with an artist’s eye, wondering if she could capture it on canvas. Rain pouring down on part of her scene while the other part stayed dry.
People started running for cover. Yes, she would paint that too. The entire sky was dark now and more raindrops splashed upon her. Imma liked the rain and it was warm enough that she wouldn’t mind getting soaked to the skin. The shower would be over soon and she would dry off quickly.
A pretty young woman was heading toward her. Perhaps she was going to suggest that she find a dry place to shelter in. No, she had heard the conversation between the two sisters and assumed they didn’t get along. Why was she poking her nose into places where it didn’t belong? Imma almost said as much, but the woman looked quite friendly. Maybe she was just trying to start a conversation. “We get along most of the time,” she said with a shrug, her gaze looking toward the impending downpour. “But she thinks I should be like her and I’m not. Just because she’s older, she has no right to boss me around.”
Oh! So this woman wanted to look around the stalls too. That was why she had approached her. It was always more fun to go shopping with somebody else. “Yes, I’d love to,” she replied with a genuine smile, wiping a raindrop off her cheek. “Though we might want to get out of the rain first. Let’s find an interesting stall and take shelter under its awning.”
Walking quickly towards the area where the merchants were set up, she glanced over at her companion. “You don’t really mean to steal anything, do you?” she asked. The rain was beginning to fall harder now.
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As Imma flounced away from Nana, she felt something wet plop on her head. Was her sister throwing food at her? Had she truly stooped that/ low? She was going to tell Mama and Papa and hide nearby when she was punished. Imma argued with Nana more than her other sisters, perhaps because they were closest to her in age … or maybe because Nana was sometimes annoying, especially when she held her to the standards of behavior she had set for herself. Just because she ate like a bird didn’t mean that Imma should do the same. As she had told her sister, she was still growing. Nana had gone though her own growth spurt years ago. Did she truly want her baby sister to starve to death? No matter how much she ate, her figure remained slim.
The next drop fell on one of her sandals. No, it wasn’t food. It was rain. Instinctively, Imma looked up. Sure enough, there were storm clouds in the sky, even though the sun had yet to be engulfed by them. She watched as the carriage her mother had climbed into was hit by a sudden downpour that was rapidly advancing across the grounds. It was rare to actually see rain approaching and she observed it with an artist’s eye, wondering if she could capture it on canvas. Rain pouring down on part of her scene while the other part stayed dry.
People started running for cover. Yes, she would paint that too. The entire sky was dark now and more raindrops splashed upon her. Imma liked the rain and it was warm enough that she wouldn’t mind getting soaked to the skin. The shower would be over soon and she would dry off quickly.
A pretty young woman was heading toward her. Perhaps she was going to suggest that she find a dry place to shelter in. No, she had heard the conversation between the two sisters and assumed they didn’t get along. Why was she poking her nose into places where it didn’t belong? Imma almost said as much, but the woman looked quite friendly. Maybe she was just trying to start a conversation. “We get along most of the time,” she said with a shrug, her gaze looking toward the impending downpour. “But she thinks I should be like her and I’m not. Just because she’s older, she has no right to boss me around.”
Oh! So this woman wanted to look around the stalls too. That was why she had approached her. It was always more fun to go shopping with somebody else. “Yes, I’d love to,” she replied with a genuine smile, wiping a raindrop off her cheek. “Though we might want to get out of the rain first. Let’s find an interesting stall and take shelter under its awning.”
Walking quickly towards the area where the merchants were set up, she glanced over at her companion. “You don’t really mean to steal anything, do you?” she asked. The rain was beginning to fall harder now.
As Imma flounced away from Nana, she felt something wet plop on her head. Was her sister throwing food at her? Had she truly stooped that/ low? She was going to tell Mama and Papa and hide nearby when she was punished. Imma argued with Nana more than her other sisters, perhaps because they were closest to her in age … or maybe because Nana was sometimes annoying, especially when she held her to the standards of behavior she had set for herself. Just because she ate like a bird didn’t mean that Imma should do the same. As she had told her sister, she was still growing. Nana had gone though her own growth spurt years ago. Did she truly want her baby sister to starve to death? No matter how much she ate, her figure remained slim.
The next drop fell on one of her sandals. No, it wasn’t food. It was rain. Instinctively, Imma looked up. Sure enough, there were storm clouds in the sky, even though the sun had yet to be engulfed by them. She watched as the carriage her mother had climbed into was hit by a sudden downpour that was rapidly advancing across the grounds. It was rare to actually see rain approaching and she observed it with an artist’s eye, wondering if she could capture it on canvas. Rain pouring down on part of her scene while the other part stayed dry.
People started running for cover. Yes, she would paint that too. The entire sky was dark now and more raindrops splashed upon her. Imma liked the rain and it was warm enough that she wouldn’t mind getting soaked to the skin. The shower would be over soon and she would dry off quickly.
A pretty young woman was heading toward her. Perhaps she was going to suggest that she find a dry place to shelter in. No, she had heard the conversation between the two sisters and assumed they didn’t get along. Why was she poking her nose into places where it didn’t belong? Imma almost said as much, but the woman looked quite friendly. Maybe she was just trying to start a conversation. “We get along most of the time,” she said with a shrug, her gaze looking toward the impending downpour. “But she thinks I should be like her and I’m not. Just because she’s older, she has no right to boss me around.”
Oh! So this woman wanted to look around the stalls too. That was why she had approached her. It was always more fun to go shopping with somebody else. “Yes, I’d love to,” she replied with a genuine smile, wiping a raindrop off her cheek. “Though we might want to get out of the rain first. Let’s find an interesting stall and take shelter under its awning.”
Walking quickly towards the area where the merchants were set up, she glanced over at her companion. “You don’t really mean to steal anything, do you?” she asked. The rain was beginning to fall harder now.
Melina wanted to go home. The rain would have been refreshing if it wasn’t for the fact that the Lady got cold so easily. She was grateful for Xan having ushered her under an awning as quickly as she did, but it was not quick enough to prevent herself from getting completely and utterly soaked. Great, Melina thought bitterly. She had worked so hard to pick the perfect chiton for this event. The whole way she feared that it was too bold and that people would think ill of her and her choice. But she reassured herself that the bronze hues she chose was symbolic, beautiful. And when Xan complimented her when they arrived, Melina was sure she had made the right decision.
But now as it dripped water, the beauty she had convinced herself was there was now gone. It washed away and what was left was a muddy, dark brown. It looked like she was a child playing in a puddle after a long rain. Melina could only give Xan a weak smile of thanks as she helped with wringing the water from her clothing. And while the cloth wasn’t near as heavy, the dampness still darkened the color. Had Melina thought ahead, perhaps she would have accounted for the weather. She could have picked something better, something that could honor the Goddess but not… look so ruined once a bit wet. But of course Melina didn’t think ahead. Of course she made yet another mistake.
No matter. Melina just had to smile and pretend like the only thoughts she was having weren’t of the desire to hide away in her bedroom. She had to pretend that she was completely fine. Everything was great. There was nothing that could bother her.
But then Princess Xene spoke. She greeted Xan, she greeted the newcomer, and even asked her name. Who she didn’t speak to was Melina. Now, a logical person might realize that Melina had been partly blocked by Xan as she wrung her out, obscuring Xene’s vision. A logical person might not assume that the Princess purposefully tried to slight her and that it was an accident. Melina, however, was not logical. She felt her stomach twist in knots when Xene had gone to speak without once saying hello to her.
I really am just nothing. The girl thought sadly opening her mouth to speak but realizing no words could come out. She closed them again and glanced over at Xan with hurt eyes. At least Xan was here. At least Xan would notice her. But no one else would not unless… Melina talked.
So the smile returned to her lips. While it was forced to mask the hurt expression, at least Melina could manage that. “Princess Xe-achoo!” Melina froze. She had just sneezed at the direction of the Princess without covering her mouth. She was cold, soaked to the bone by the rainwater, and all that cumulated to an unintended sneeze.
“Oh no, I didn’t-I’m sorry!” Melina’s brown eyes widened as her hand went to wipe any residue off the Princess, trying so desperately to help. “I’m so sor-” This time Melina was able to tuck her face to the side to avoid any more mishaps, “Achoo!”
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Melina wanted to go home. The rain would have been refreshing if it wasn’t for the fact that the Lady got cold so easily. She was grateful for Xan having ushered her under an awning as quickly as she did, but it was not quick enough to prevent herself from getting completely and utterly soaked. Great, Melina thought bitterly. She had worked so hard to pick the perfect chiton for this event. The whole way she feared that it was too bold and that people would think ill of her and her choice. But she reassured herself that the bronze hues she chose was symbolic, beautiful. And when Xan complimented her when they arrived, Melina was sure she had made the right decision.
But now as it dripped water, the beauty she had convinced herself was there was now gone. It washed away and what was left was a muddy, dark brown. It looked like she was a child playing in a puddle after a long rain. Melina could only give Xan a weak smile of thanks as she helped with wringing the water from her clothing. And while the cloth wasn’t near as heavy, the dampness still darkened the color. Had Melina thought ahead, perhaps she would have accounted for the weather. She could have picked something better, something that could honor the Goddess but not… look so ruined once a bit wet. But of course Melina didn’t think ahead. Of course she made yet another mistake.
No matter. Melina just had to smile and pretend like the only thoughts she was having weren’t of the desire to hide away in her bedroom. She had to pretend that she was completely fine. Everything was great. There was nothing that could bother her.
But then Princess Xene spoke. She greeted Xan, she greeted the newcomer, and even asked her name. Who she didn’t speak to was Melina. Now, a logical person might realize that Melina had been partly blocked by Xan as she wrung her out, obscuring Xene’s vision. A logical person might not assume that the Princess purposefully tried to slight her and that it was an accident. Melina, however, was not logical. She felt her stomach twist in knots when Xene had gone to speak without once saying hello to her.
I really am just nothing. The girl thought sadly opening her mouth to speak but realizing no words could come out. She closed them again and glanced over at Xan with hurt eyes. At least Xan was here. At least Xan would notice her. But no one else would not unless… Melina talked.
So the smile returned to her lips. While it was forced to mask the hurt expression, at least Melina could manage that. “Princess Xe-achoo!” Melina froze. She had just sneezed at the direction of the Princess without covering her mouth. She was cold, soaked to the bone by the rainwater, and all that cumulated to an unintended sneeze.
“Oh no, I didn’t-I’m sorry!” Melina’s brown eyes widened as her hand went to wipe any residue off the Princess, trying so desperately to help. “I’m so sor-” This time Melina was able to tuck her face to the side to avoid any more mishaps, “Achoo!”
Melina wanted to go home. The rain would have been refreshing if it wasn’t for the fact that the Lady got cold so easily. She was grateful for Xan having ushered her under an awning as quickly as she did, but it was not quick enough to prevent herself from getting completely and utterly soaked. Great, Melina thought bitterly. She had worked so hard to pick the perfect chiton for this event. The whole way she feared that it was too bold and that people would think ill of her and her choice. But she reassured herself that the bronze hues she chose was symbolic, beautiful. And when Xan complimented her when they arrived, Melina was sure she had made the right decision.
But now as it dripped water, the beauty she had convinced herself was there was now gone. It washed away and what was left was a muddy, dark brown. It looked like she was a child playing in a puddle after a long rain. Melina could only give Xan a weak smile of thanks as she helped with wringing the water from her clothing. And while the cloth wasn’t near as heavy, the dampness still darkened the color. Had Melina thought ahead, perhaps she would have accounted for the weather. She could have picked something better, something that could honor the Goddess but not… look so ruined once a bit wet. But of course Melina didn’t think ahead. Of course she made yet another mistake.
No matter. Melina just had to smile and pretend like the only thoughts she was having weren’t of the desire to hide away in her bedroom. She had to pretend that she was completely fine. Everything was great. There was nothing that could bother her.
But then Princess Xene spoke. She greeted Xan, she greeted the newcomer, and even asked her name. Who she didn’t speak to was Melina. Now, a logical person might realize that Melina had been partly blocked by Xan as she wrung her out, obscuring Xene’s vision. A logical person might not assume that the Princess purposefully tried to slight her and that it was an accident. Melina, however, was not logical. She felt her stomach twist in knots when Xene had gone to speak without once saying hello to her.
I really am just nothing. The girl thought sadly opening her mouth to speak but realizing no words could come out. She closed them again and glanced over at Xan with hurt eyes. At least Xan was here. At least Xan would notice her. But no one else would not unless… Melina talked.
So the smile returned to her lips. While it was forced to mask the hurt expression, at least Melina could manage that. “Princess Xe-achoo!” Melina froze. She had just sneezed at the direction of the Princess without covering her mouth. She was cold, soaked to the bone by the rainwater, and all that cumulated to an unintended sneeze.
“Oh no, I didn’t-I’m sorry!” Melina’s brown eyes widened as her hand went to wipe any residue off the Princess, trying so desperately to help. “I’m so sor-” This time Melina was able to tuck her face to the side to avoid any more mishaps, “Achoo!”
Melina looked like a sodden cat next to her, and Xanthippe’s face crinkled in sympathy. While she did her best to wring out the drenched cloth encasing her mistress, there was little that could be done for it now. The sudden deluge had served none of them any good, and at least they could all take comfort that no one else was better off. But she knew that would have little bearing on Melina, one who worried so much what others thought of her. If only Xan knew the right words to bring her comfort.
When Xene turned away and Melina cast such a sad glance her way, the handmaid’s brows came together in a frown. Guessing at what it was that had her looking that way, she gently patted her shoulder. “I’m sure she just didn’t see you, my lady,” she quietly reassured the woman, though she didn’t feel much more kindly inclined toward Xene, in spite of her defense. Really, she ought to be convincing her mistress of how terrible the princess was, but perhaps that would not be so wise right where said royal could overhear her.
Yell it for the world to hear.
No.
Scared?
No.
Then why not?
We’re not having this conversation again.
How many times in one day did she have to tell them? Why must she repeat herself so often when she knew she was right? The gods were immortal; she was not. She had to go about things in a smarter way. The consequences for her were much more real than they would ever be for them.
Before she could say anything else, Melina was sneezing right onto the princess, the look of horror on her face almost comical. In fact, Xanthippe did laugh for a moment before she could stop herself. Not at Melina, of course, she would never laugh at her, but at who was victimized by the sneeze. Covering her laugh with a cough that she would blame on the same weather causing her mistress to sneeze, she let her features mimic the horror on Melina’s face before turning back to Xene.
“By the gods!” she gasped, hastening to find a bit of dry cloth anywhere she could. Snatching one from underneath a pile of food, she shook it out, dabbing lightly where the mucus had landed on Xene. “What poor luck,” she tsked with a quick upward glance at the princess’s face. Stepping back, she returned to Melina, offering the cloth so she could blow her nose.
“Are you feeling all right?” she asked in concern, reaching out to squeeze her elbow. “Do you want me to summon the carriage for us? I’m sure everyone will understand if we leave a bit early. We don’t want you falling ill.”
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Melina looked like a sodden cat next to her, and Xanthippe’s face crinkled in sympathy. While she did her best to wring out the drenched cloth encasing her mistress, there was little that could be done for it now. The sudden deluge had served none of them any good, and at least they could all take comfort that no one else was better off. But she knew that would have little bearing on Melina, one who worried so much what others thought of her. If only Xan knew the right words to bring her comfort.
When Xene turned away and Melina cast such a sad glance her way, the handmaid’s brows came together in a frown. Guessing at what it was that had her looking that way, she gently patted her shoulder. “I’m sure she just didn’t see you, my lady,” she quietly reassured the woman, though she didn’t feel much more kindly inclined toward Xene, in spite of her defense. Really, she ought to be convincing her mistress of how terrible the princess was, but perhaps that would not be so wise right where said royal could overhear her.
Yell it for the world to hear.
No.
Scared?
No.
Then why not?
We’re not having this conversation again.
How many times in one day did she have to tell them? Why must she repeat herself so often when she knew she was right? The gods were immortal; she was not. She had to go about things in a smarter way. The consequences for her were much more real than they would ever be for them.
Before she could say anything else, Melina was sneezing right onto the princess, the look of horror on her face almost comical. In fact, Xanthippe did laugh for a moment before she could stop herself. Not at Melina, of course, she would never laugh at her, but at who was victimized by the sneeze. Covering her laugh with a cough that she would blame on the same weather causing her mistress to sneeze, she let her features mimic the horror on Melina’s face before turning back to Xene.
“By the gods!” she gasped, hastening to find a bit of dry cloth anywhere she could. Snatching one from underneath a pile of food, she shook it out, dabbing lightly where the mucus had landed on Xene. “What poor luck,” she tsked with a quick upward glance at the princess’s face. Stepping back, she returned to Melina, offering the cloth so she could blow her nose.
“Are you feeling all right?” she asked in concern, reaching out to squeeze her elbow. “Do you want me to summon the carriage for us? I’m sure everyone will understand if we leave a bit early. We don’t want you falling ill.”
Melina looked like a sodden cat next to her, and Xanthippe’s face crinkled in sympathy. While she did her best to wring out the drenched cloth encasing her mistress, there was little that could be done for it now. The sudden deluge had served none of them any good, and at least they could all take comfort that no one else was better off. But she knew that would have little bearing on Melina, one who worried so much what others thought of her. If only Xan knew the right words to bring her comfort.
When Xene turned away and Melina cast such a sad glance her way, the handmaid’s brows came together in a frown. Guessing at what it was that had her looking that way, she gently patted her shoulder. “I’m sure she just didn’t see you, my lady,” she quietly reassured the woman, though she didn’t feel much more kindly inclined toward Xene, in spite of her defense. Really, she ought to be convincing her mistress of how terrible the princess was, but perhaps that would not be so wise right where said royal could overhear her.
Yell it for the world to hear.
No.
Scared?
No.
Then why not?
We’re not having this conversation again.
How many times in one day did she have to tell them? Why must she repeat herself so often when she knew she was right? The gods were immortal; she was not. She had to go about things in a smarter way. The consequences for her were much more real than they would ever be for them.
Before she could say anything else, Melina was sneezing right onto the princess, the look of horror on her face almost comical. In fact, Xanthippe did laugh for a moment before she could stop herself. Not at Melina, of course, she would never laugh at her, but at who was victimized by the sneeze. Covering her laugh with a cough that she would blame on the same weather causing her mistress to sneeze, she let her features mimic the horror on Melina’s face before turning back to Xene.
“By the gods!” she gasped, hastening to find a bit of dry cloth anywhere she could. Snatching one from underneath a pile of food, she shook it out, dabbing lightly where the mucus had landed on Xene. “What poor luck,” she tsked with a quick upward glance at the princess’s face. Stepping back, she returned to Melina, offering the cloth so she could blow her nose.
“Are you feeling all right?” she asked in concern, reaching out to squeeze her elbow. “Do you want me to summon the carriage for us? I’m sure everyone will understand if we leave a bit early. We don’t want you falling ill.”
I’m sure she just didn’t see you, my lady.
Melina knew this was possible. It was probably the case. It was logical. Xene wasn’t impolite, and she wouldn’t be so blatant. Melina knew this. But despite her brain telling her that, her heart decided to go a different direction.
You’re ugly. Thump thump. You’re awkward. Thump thump. No one likes you. Thump thump. Why are you even here? Thump thump. Are you even a Leventi? Thumpthumpthump.
Melina started rapidly blinking. This was not the place to have a meltdown. She had to control herself. She had to have poise. She had to be proper. She had to be… confident. She could do that, right? She could be confident?
But why on earth did she have to sneeze on the woman? Couldn’t Melina have controlled her bodily functions for a moment. Or, I don’t know, turn her head? If Xene didn’t like Melina before, she probably hated her now. She would probably look at Melina every time at court and think ’Oh there she is the disgusting Leventi.’ No, not even Leventi. Girl. Just that, just girl.
But luckily, as always, there was one person there for Melina. Xan. Melina hadn’t even thought to grab a cloth, using her hand like some commoner. But Xan was always one step ahead of her. She had grabbed the cloth and cleaned Xene. Melina had stepped back awkwardly and just allowed this exchange to happen. She wanted to run, but instead she just stood paralyzed, until Xan had handed her the cloth again. Melina was careful, dabbing her nose so that she didn’t look like a snotty toddler. No, instead she was just a gross girl.
Are you feeling right? No, Melina wasn’t. She wanted to go home where it was safe and she wouldn’t be wet and around people who would see a sight like this and think ill of her. She wanted everything to just go away and disappear and never have to show her face in public again. Melina wanted all of that.
And Xan, ever her dearest friend, knew this. For her next words were offering to summon the carriage. It was like their minds were linked. Xan knew when her lady was upset, and she knew exactly how to remove her from a situation. Melina was cursed, but Xanthippe was her blessing. Pathetically, Melina had nodded her head. “That would be best,” Melina said quietly to Xan, before offering Princess Xene a weak smile. “I do apologize again, Princess.” That was all Melina could say. Anything more and she’d risk putting her foot in her mouth. She had already made enough of a mess.
A summoned carriage later and Melina had finally the chance to escape. As soon as the doors closed she gave a loud groan and buried her face in her hands. She was cold, embarrassed, and entirely far too wet.
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I’m sure she just didn’t see you, my lady.
Melina knew this was possible. It was probably the case. It was logical. Xene wasn’t impolite, and she wouldn’t be so blatant. Melina knew this. But despite her brain telling her that, her heart decided to go a different direction.
You’re ugly. Thump thump. You’re awkward. Thump thump. No one likes you. Thump thump. Why are you even here? Thump thump. Are you even a Leventi? Thumpthumpthump.
Melina started rapidly blinking. This was not the place to have a meltdown. She had to control herself. She had to have poise. She had to be proper. She had to be… confident. She could do that, right? She could be confident?
But why on earth did she have to sneeze on the woman? Couldn’t Melina have controlled her bodily functions for a moment. Or, I don’t know, turn her head? If Xene didn’t like Melina before, she probably hated her now. She would probably look at Melina every time at court and think ’Oh there she is the disgusting Leventi.’ No, not even Leventi. Girl. Just that, just girl.
But luckily, as always, there was one person there for Melina. Xan. Melina hadn’t even thought to grab a cloth, using her hand like some commoner. But Xan was always one step ahead of her. She had grabbed the cloth and cleaned Xene. Melina had stepped back awkwardly and just allowed this exchange to happen. She wanted to run, but instead she just stood paralyzed, until Xan had handed her the cloth again. Melina was careful, dabbing her nose so that she didn’t look like a snotty toddler. No, instead she was just a gross girl.
Are you feeling right? No, Melina wasn’t. She wanted to go home where it was safe and she wouldn’t be wet and around people who would see a sight like this and think ill of her. She wanted everything to just go away and disappear and never have to show her face in public again. Melina wanted all of that.
And Xan, ever her dearest friend, knew this. For her next words were offering to summon the carriage. It was like their minds were linked. Xan knew when her lady was upset, and she knew exactly how to remove her from a situation. Melina was cursed, but Xanthippe was her blessing. Pathetically, Melina had nodded her head. “That would be best,” Melina said quietly to Xan, before offering Princess Xene a weak smile. “I do apologize again, Princess.” That was all Melina could say. Anything more and she’d risk putting her foot in her mouth. She had already made enough of a mess.
A summoned carriage later and Melina had finally the chance to escape. As soon as the doors closed she gave a loud groan and buried her face in her hands. She was cold, embarrassed, and entirely far too wet.
I’m sure she just didn’t see you, my lady.
Melina knew this was possible. It was probably the case. It was logical. Xene wasn’t impolite, and she wouldn’t be so blatant. Melina knew this. But despite her brain telling her that, her heart decided to go a different direction.
You’re ugly. Thump thump. You’re awkward. Thump thump. No one likes you. Thump thump. Why are you even here? Thump thump. Are you even a Leventi? Thumpthumpthump.
Melina started rapidly blinking. This was not the place to have a meltdown. She had to control herself. She had to have poise. She had to be proper. She had to be… confident. She could do that, right? She could be confident?
But why on earth did she have to sneeze on the woman? Couldn’t Melina have controlled her bodily functions for a moment. Or, I don’t know, turn her head? If Xene didn’t like Melina before, she probably hated her now. She would probably look at Melina every time at court and think ’Oh there she is the disgusting Leventi.’ No, not even Leventi. Girl. Just that, just girl.
But luckily, as always, there was one person there for Melina. Xan. Melina hadn’t even thought to grab a cloth, using her hand like some commoner. But Xan was always one step ahead of her. She had grabbed the cloth and cleaned Xene. Melina had stepped back awkwardly and just allowed this exchange to happen. She wanted to run, but instead she just stood paralyzed, until Xan had handed her the cloth again. Melina was careful, dabbing her nose so that she didn’t look like a snotty toddler. No, instead she was just a gross girl.
Are you feeling right? No, Melina wasn’t. She wanted to go home where it was safe and she wouldn’t be wet and around people who would see a sight like this and think ill of her. She wanted everything to just go away and disappear and never have to show her face in public again. Melina wanted all of that.
And Xan, ever her dearest friend, knew this. For her next words were offering to summon the carriage. It was like their minds were linked. Xan knew when her lady was upset, and she knew exactly how to remove her from a situation. Melina was cursed, but Xanthippe was her blessing. Pathetically, Melina had nodded her head. “That would be best,” Melina said quietly to Xan, before offering Princess Xene a weak smile. “I do apologize again, Princess.” That was all Melina could say. Anything more and she’d risk putting her foot in her mouth. She had already made enough of a mess.
A summoned carriage later and Melina had finally the chance to escape. As soon as the doors closed she gave a loud groan and buried her face in her hands. She was cold, embarrassed, and entirely far too wet.
Seeing the royal carriage rolling up, the sight of her traitor sister stepping out paired with the ominous roll of thunder was as if the gods were sending her a sign. She closed her eyes in a silent prayer to her patroness Hera, and the other mother goddesses Demeter and Aphrodite. With their blessing she and her daughter could remain safe and avoid any of Theodora's supporters trying to harm them now. When her eyes opened again it was to a familiar voice, and even as the sky opened on them she could have cried with relief.
"Eleni...you are sent from the gods." Xene had settled her in the chair she'd previously occupied, and as her sister in law went off in search of others Olympia reached with her free hand to grip onto Eleni's own. She hadn't seen her friend and former partner in crime since she had been locked away, kept with only Desma and the few guards to watch them. Seeing that she had escaped any harm and was now looking so well was a blessing.
Shielding her daughter from the rain in her himation, she drew it over her own head as well and stood. They would need to find cover somewhere so the delicate baby didn't catch a chill. "It is so good to see you again. Stay with me? I need to get her somewhere dry." She looked down at the child, wrapped snugly to her chest now she didn't seem to mind the rain, if anything she was fascinated by the falling wet stuff. Until the thunder rumbled once more. With a startled expression the littlest princess began to wail at the top of lungs. Anyone in their remote vicinity would be able to hear her no doubt. Evelli would know what to do, but her mother had gone in the direction of the carriage that Theo had been in, and she was not ready yet to face her sister.
"She sounds just like her father, doesn't she?"
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Seeing the royal carriage rolling up, the sight of her traitor sister stepping out paired with the ominous roll of thunder was as if the gods were sending her a sign. She closed her eyes in a silent prayer to her patroness Hera, and the other mother goddesses Demeter and Aphrodite. With their blessing she and her daughter could remain safe and avoid any of Theodora's supporters trying to harm them now. When her eyes opened again it was to a familiar voice, and even as the sky opened on them she could have cried with relief.
"Eleni...you are sent from the gods." Xene had settled her in the chair she'd previously occupied, and as her sister in law went off in search of others Olympia reached with her free hand to grip onto Eleni's own. She hadn't seen her friend and former partner in crime since she had been locked away, kept with only Desma and the few guards to watch them. Seeing that she had escaped any harm and was now looking so well was a blessing.
Shielding her daughter from the rain in her himation, she drew it over her own head as well and stood. They would need to find cover somewhere so the delicate baby didn't catch a chill. "It is so good to see you again. Stay with me? I need to get her somewhere dry." She looked down at the child, wrapped snugly to her chest now she didn't seem to mind the rain, if anything she was fascinated by the falling wet stuff. Until the thunder rumbled once more. With a startled expression the littlest princess began to wail at the top of lungs. Anyone in their remote vicinity would be able to hear her no doubt. Evelli would know what to do, but her mother had gone in the direction of the carriage that Theo had been in, and she was not ready yet to face her sister.
"She sounds just like her father, doesn't she?"
Seeing the royal carriage rolling up, the sight of her traitor sister stepping out paired with the ominous roll of thunder was as if the gods were sending her a sign. She closed her eyes in a silent prayer to her patroness Hera, and the other mother goddesses Demeter and Aphrodite. With their blessing she and her daughter could remain safe and avoid any of Theodora's supporters trying to harm them now. When her eyes opened again it was to a familiar voice, and even as the sky opened on them she could have cried with relief.
"Eleni...you are sent from the gods." Xene had settled her in the chair she'd previously occupied, and as her sister in law went off in search of others Olympia reached with her free hand to grip onto Eleni's own. She hadn't seen her friend and former partner in crime since she had been locked away, kept with only Desma and the few guards to watch them. Seeing that she had escaped any harm and was now looking so well was a blessing.
Shielding her daughter from the rain in her himation, she drew it over her own head as well and stood. They would need to find cover somewhere so the delicate baby didn't catch a chill. "It is so good to see you again. Stay with me? I need to get her somewhere dry." She looked down at the child, wrapped snugly to her chest now she didn't seem to mind the rain, if anything she was fascinated by the falling wet stuff. Until the thunder rumbled once more. With a startled expression the littlest princess began to wail at the top of lungs. Anyone in their remote vicinity would be able to hear her no doubt. Evelli would know what to do, but her mother had gone in the direction of the carriage that Theo had been in, and she was not ready yet to face her sister.