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When Celine's father, who worked for the Taengean Master Informer, was invited to court as a spokesperson for Colchis' allies, the whole family usually went, as there would be others there for them to socialize with as well.
But that didn't mean Celine and her siblings always enjoyed it, with the possible exception of Andreas, who might very well take his father's place one day. Being respected enough to be at court while not being, strictly speaking, a noble, was, in a word, exhausting. Often, nobles looked down their noses at those who were not, though frankly, in a world full of political backstabbing and bribery, Celine knew that sometimes one's fortune- or lack thereof- could change quickly. Coupled with a past traumatic experience such as that of Celine and her family, it meant that in some cases, at least for the first few years, Celine was at least twice as wary of people as she need have been. One could never tell just where their enemy lurked, or who might turn into an enemy the day after having been one's friend.
She knew all this, yet she still suffered through it; the customs, the ceremonies, and the banquets, because she did have friends here, just not many. Mostly, they were her fellow fringe-dwellers, though occasionally she'd spot a young noble person who looked like they'd rather be elsewhere. Usually, depending on who they were related to, Celine was hesitant about approaching them, but as she finished her meal at the banquet this evening, Celine glanced toward the tables where the nobility sat, then stood up from her own seat to get a better look.
"I could be wrong," Celine whispered to herself. "In fact, I probably am- maybe I'm just bored enough to imagine things right now. But is that girl...reading?"
She'd only seen the girl a few times, so she couldn't recall if they'd ever been properly introduced. But at the very least, she'd like to get a closer look at what appeared to be a scroll. She chuckled to herself as she remembered her mother's rebukes from her childhood.
'Celine! No reading at dinner!'
She started toward the table, if slowly, determined to get a better look while also hopefully staying out of the way of anyone she might potentially annoy.
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When Celine's father, who worked for the Taengean Master Informer, was invited to court as a spokesperson for Colchis' allies, the whole family usually went, as there would be others there for them to socialize with as well.
But that didn't mean Celine and her siblings always enjoyed it, with the possible exception of Andreas, who might very well take his father's place one day. Being respected enough to be at court while not being, strictly speaking, a noble, was, in a word, exhausting. Often, nobles looked down their noses at those who were not, though frankly, in a world full of political backstabbing and bribery, Celine knew that sometimes one's fortune- or lack thereof- could change quickly. Coupled with a past traumatic experience such as that of Celine and her family, it meant that in some cases, at least for the first few years, Celine was at least twice as wary of people as she need have been. One could never tell just where their enemy lurked, or who might turn into an enemy the day after having been one's friend.
She knew all this, yet she still suffered through it; the customs, the ceremonies, and the banquets, because she did have friends here, just not many. Mostly, they were her fellow fringe-dwellers, though occasionally she'd spot a young noble person who looked like they'd rather be elsewhere. Usually, depending on who they were related to, Celine was hesitant about approaching them, but as she finished her meal at the banquet this evening, Celine glanced toward the tables where the nobility sat, then stood up from her own seat to get a better look.
"I could be wrong," Celine whispered to herself. "In fact, I probably am- maybe I'm just bored enough to imagine things right now. But is that girl...reading?"
She'd only seen the girl a few times, so she couldn't recall if they'd ever been properly introduced. But at the very least, she'd like to get a closer look at what appeared to be a scroll. She chuckled to herself as she remembered her mother's rebukes from her childhood.
'Celine! No reading at dinner!'
She started toward the table, if slowly, determined to get a better look while also hopefully staying out of the way of anyone she might potentially annoy.
When Celine's father, who worked for the Taengean Master Informer, was invited to court as a spokesperson for Colchis' allies, the whole family usually went, as there would be others there for them to socialize with as well.
But that didn't mean Celine and her siblings always enjoyed it, with the possible exception of Andreas, who might very well take his father's place one day. Being respected enough to be at court while not being, strictly speaking, a noble, was, in a word, exhausting. Often, nobles looked down their noses at those who were not, though frankly, in a world full of political backstabbing and bribery, Celine knew that sometimes one's fortune- or lack thereof- could change quickly. Coupled with a past traumatic experience such as that of Celine and her family, it meant that in some cases, at least for the first few years, Celine was at least twice as wary of people as she need have been. One could never tell just where their enemy lurked, or who might turn into an enemy the day after having been one's friend.
She knew all this, yet she still suffered through it; the customs, the ceremonies, and the banquets, because she did have friends here, just not many. Mostly, they were her fellow fringe-dwellers, though occasionally she'd spot a young noble person who looked like they'd rather be elsewhere. Usually, depending on who they were related to, Celine was hesitant about approaching them, but as she finished her meal at the banquet this evening, Celine glanced toward the tables where the nobility sat, then stood up from her own seat to get a better look.
"I could be wrong," Celine whispered to herself. "In fact, I probably am- maybe I'm just bored enough to imagine things right now. But is that girl...reading?"
She'd only seen the girl a few times, so she couldn't recall if they'd ever been properly introduced. But at the very least, she'd like to get a closer look at what appeared to be a scroll. She chuckled to herself as she remembered her mother's rebukes from her childhood.
'Celine! No reading at dinner!'
She started toward the table, if slowly, determined to get a better look while also hopefully staying out of the way of anyone she might potentially annoy.
Essa was scarcely a month more than fourteen, but as her court debut neared, her mother was determined that she attend more and more functions. Much as she was excited for the notion of her debut and what it would mean for her future, her current reality was far more dull. Much as her mother wanted her to be making connections and such, usually the girl was simply ignored. By now, the banquet had dissolved from assigned seating into socializing. People moved from table to table, or hovered nearby, to speak to any they wished. Her mother and sister had already wandered off to pursue someone or another. Leaving Essa sitting alone at the table.
Being left to her own devices was comfortable for the young girl. More so than performing under her mother’s critical gaze, that was for certain. Imeeya did so well at all the things their mother cared about, while Essa... well, her strengths were not political nor did they challenge what was traditional.
Glancing carefully about, she made certain no one - particularly her mother - was watching before carefully pulling a secreted scroll out. It was a delicate balance, reading while appearing to be doing another task entirely. Fortunately, it was one that Essa was quite well versed in. She’d been doing it for most her life. Reading was her escape when the pressures of expectations or the weight of failure were too much for her.
Or in this instance - when she was well and truly bored.
Essa simply didn’t have the political mind her mother and sister possessed. She cared immensely about others and her country, and was always quick to want to help... but legal matters bored her and she couldn’t understand the point in saying anything other than what one meant. Her family insisted it was a skill she would learn in due time, but she harbored more than a few doubts about that.
Not that she would tell her mother that.
Trying to maintain a look of serenity rather than disinterest or obvious distraction, her eyes lowered every so often to read a few lines of the scroll in her lap, mostly hidden beneath the table. However, she slipped, becoming far too invested in a passage before she realized she hadn’t looked up in longer than was acceptable.
As such, she quickly straightened, her head turning to glance around her, hoping no one had noticed. Thankfully her family - mostly her mother - seemed to be more than suitably distracted. However, as she looked the other way, she saw a young woman approaching who appeared to be about her sister’s age. Judging from the sharp look in her eyes, Essa could guess she had been caught. Fortunately, she seemed more curious than upset.
The girl grinned sheepishly, carefully rolling the scroll closed as she looked up at the young woman. “Forgive me, I don’t seem to have yet developed much patience for boredom,” she said softly with a chuckle. “I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced. I’m Lady Essa of Drakos.”
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Essa was scarcely a month more than fourteen, but as her court debut neared, her mother was determined that she attend more and more functions. Much as she was excited for the notion of her debut and what it would mean for her future, her current reality was far more dull. Much as her mother wanted her to be making connections and such, usually the girl was simply ignored. By now, the banquet had dissolved from assigned seating into socializing. People moved from table to table, or hovered nearby, to speak to any they wished. Her mother and sister had already wandered off to pursue someone or another. Leaving Essa sitting alone at the table.
Being left to her own devices was comfortable for the young girl. More so than performing under her mother’s critical gaze, that was for certain. Imeeya did so well at all the things their mother cared about, while Essa... well, her strengths were not political nor did they challenge what was traditional.
Glancing carefully about, she made certain no one - particularly her mother - was watching before carefully pulling a secreted scroll out. It was a delicate balance, reading while appearing to be doing another task entirely. Fortunately, it was one that Essa was quite well versed in. She’d been doing it for most her life. Reading was her escape when the pressures of expectations or the weight of failure were too much for her.
Or in this instance - when she was well and truly bored.
Essa simply didn’t have the political mind her mother and sister possessed. She cared immensely about others and her country, and was always quick to want to help... but legal matters bored her and she couldn’t understand the point in saying anything other than what one meant. Her family insisted it was a skill she would learn in due time, but she harbored more than a few doubts about that.
Not that she would tell her mother that.
Trying to maintain a look of serenity rather than disinterest or obvious distraction, her eyes lowered every so often to read a few lines of the scroll in her lap, mostly hidden beneath the table. However, she slipped, becoming far too invested in a passage before she realized she hadn’t looked up in longer than was acceptable.
As such, she quickly straightened, her head turning to glance around her, hoping no one had noticed. Thankfully her family - mostly her mother - seemed to be more than suitably distracted. However, as she looked the other way, she saw a young woman approaching who appeared to be about her sister’s age. Judging from the sharp look in her eyes, Essa could guess she had been caught. Fortunately, she seemed more curious than upset.
The girl grinned sheepishly, carefully rolling the scroll closed as she looked up at the young woman. “Forgive me, I don’t seem to have yet developed much patience for boredom,” she said softly with a chuckle. “I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced. I’m Lady Essa of Drakos.”
Essa was scarcely a month more than fourteen, but as her court debut neared, her mother was determined that she attend more and more functions. Much as she was excited for the notion of her debut and what it would mean for her future, her current reality was far more dull. Much as her mother wanted her to be making connections and such, usually the girl was simply ignored. By now, the banquet had dissolved from assigned seating into socializing. People moved from table to table, or hovered nearby, to speak to any they wished. Her mother and sister had already wandered off to pursue someone or another. Leaving Essa sitting alone at the table.
Being left to her own devices was comfortable for the young girl. More so than performing under her mother’s critical gaze, that was for certain. Imeeya did so well at all the things their mother cared about, while Essa... well, her strengths were not political nor did they challenge what was traditional.
Glancing carefully about, she made certain no one - particularly her mother - was watching before carefully pulling a secreted scroll out. It was a delicate balance, reading while appearing to be doing another task entirely. Fortunately, it was one that Essa was quite well versed in. She’d been doing it for most her life. Reading was her escape when the pressures of expectations or the weight of failure were too much for her.
Or in this instance - when she was well and truly bored.
Essa simply didn’t have the political mind her mother and sister possessed. She cared immensely about others and her country, and was always quick to want to help... but legal matters bored her and she couldn’t understand the point in saying anything other than what one meant. Her family insisted it was a skill she would learn in due time, but she harbored more than a few doubts about that.
Not that she would tell her mother that.
Trying to maintain a look of serenity rather than disinterest or obvious distraction, her eyes lowered every so often to read a few lines of the scroll in her lap, mostly hidden beneath the table. However, she slipped, becoming far too invested in a passage before she realized she hadn’t looked up in longer than was acceptable.
As such, she quickly straightened, her head turning to glance around her, hoping no one had noticed. Thankfully her family - mostly her mother - seemed to be more than suitably distracted. However, as she looked the other way, she saw a young woman approaching who appeared to be about her sister’s age. Judging from the sharp look in her eyes, Essa could guess she had been caught. Fortunately, she seemed more curious than upset.
The girl grinned sheepishly, carefully rolling the scroll closed as she looked up at the young woman. “Forgive me, I don’t seem to have yet developed much patience for boredom,” she said softly with a chuckle. “I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced. I’m Lady Essa of Drakos.”
Celine chuckled, not at the girl, but in irony. The girl was so young that of course she would probably assume someone was going to scold her. Celine knew how the girl felt, though.
Celine bowed.
"No, my lady, forgive me. I simply wanted to know what book you are reading. My name is Celine of Acaris- the daughter of Cassander of Acaris, an assistant to the Master Informer of Taengea, And I haven't learned to deal with boredom either," she whispered conspiratorially. Even after being here since she was eleven, a foreign court was still a foreign court, though she was in many ways more Colchian, at least in personality, than Taengean. And regardless of where the particular court she attended was held, Celine never felt quite at ease in any of them. Being part of a family respected due to the position of her father in the Taengean kingdom, yet still not nobility made court awkward almost as a matter of course.
Perhaps Lady Essa would know from Celine's position but lack of a noble title that she was, in a way, just as alone.
" I've been here since I was a little younger than you, I'd guess. I used to read at the table, too, my lady," she added with a grin. "And court gets...."
She wanted to comfort the young lady, whom she had never properly been introduced to until this moment, but she couldn't say with any conviction or certainty that court ever got any easier. But perhaps that was just because she wasn't a noble, though she doubted it from the look on the girl's face earlier.
"Court gets...tolerable."
If you keep bringing books, that is! she wanted to add, but was mindful of the other people near the girl, even if the other nobles seemed occupied with their own pursuits at the moment.
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Celine chuckled, not at the girl, but in irony. The girl was so young that of course she would probably assume someone was going to scold her. Celine knew how the girl felt, though.
Celine bowed.
"No, my lady, forgive me. I simply wanted to know what book you are reading. My name is Celine of Acaris- the daughter of Cassander of Acaris, an assistant to the Master Informer of Taengea, And I haven't learned to deal with boredom either," she whispered conspiratorially. Even after being here since she was eleven, a foreign court was still a foreign court, though she was in many ways more Colchian, at least in personality, than Taengean. And regardless of where the particular court she attended was held, Celine never felt quite at ease in any of them. Being part of a family respected due to the position of her father in the Taengean kingdom, yet still not nobility made court awkward almost as a matter of course.
Perhaps Lady Essa would know from Celine's position but lack of a noble title that she was, in a way, just as alone.
" I've been here since I was a little younger than you, I'd guess. I used to read at the table, too, my lady," she added with a grin. "And court gets...."
She wanted to comfort the young lady, whom she had never properly been introduced to until this moment, but she couldn't say with any conviction or certainty that court ever got any easier. But perhaps that was just because she wasn't a noble, though she doubted it from the look on the girl's face earlier.
"Court gets...tolerable."
If you keep bringing books, that is! she wanted to add, but was mindful of the other people near the girl, even if the other nobles seemed occupied with their own pursuits at the moment.
Celine chuckled, not at the girl, but in irony. The girl was so young that of course she would probably assume someone was going to scold her. Celine knew how the girl felt, though.
Celine bowed.
"No, my lady, forgive me. I simply wanted to know what book you are reading. My name is Celine of Acaris- the daughter of Cassander of Acaris, an assistant to the Master Informer of Taengea, And I haven't learned to deal with boredom either," she whispered conspiratorially. Even after being here since she was eleven, a foreign court was still a foreign court, though she was in many ways more Colchian, at least in personality, than Taengean. And regardless of where the particular court she attended was held, Celine never felt quite at ease in any of them. Being part of a family respected due to the position of her father in the Taengean kingdom, yet still not nobility made court awkward almost as a matter of course.
Perhaps Lady Essa would know from Celine's position but lack of a noble title that she was, in a way, just as alone.
" I've been here since I was a little younger than you, I'd guess. I used to read at the table, too, my lady," she added with a grin. "And court gets...."
She wanted to comfort the young lady, whom she had never properly been introduced to until this moment, but she couldn't say with any conviction or certainty that court ever got any easier. But perhaps that was just because she wasn't a noble, though she doubted it from the look on the girl's face earlier.
"Court gets...tolerable."
If you keep bringing books, that is! she wanted to add, but was mindful of the other people near the girl, even if the other nobles seemed occupied with their own pursuits at the moment.
“Oh yes, of course,” she said softly, realizing why she recognized her. While not a noble herself, her father’s work gave him access to the Court and all such functions. “It’s a pleasure to meet someone so likeminded,” she added with a giggle before gesturing at the empty seats around her. “By all means join me and perhaps we might find some sort of relief.”
She smiled brightly at the older girl’s reassurances. “I used to be able to avoid such things far more frequently, but Mother has been determined to prepare me for my Court debut next year.” She gave a small, sheepish roll of her eyes. “I wouldn’t mind it so much if it weren’t for the fact that I end up being ignored for being to young to participate in discussions of policy and gossip,” she added with another soft giggle.
Her eyes softened slightly as she studied the young woman before her. While her family had access to Court, she wasn’t a noble herself. It had to be terribly lonely. Growing up in a royal household, Essa knew how nobles tended to keep to their own comfortable groups unless they had a reason to address someone outside their circle. She couldn’t imagine Celine was the sort who would be terribly useful to the schemers of Court.
“It doesn’t help that everyone is either far older or far younger than me it seems. I’m too old to be placed with the children, but too young to be accepted by the majority of the youth of the Court.” Here she nodded towards where her sister stood with their cousin, the Princess. While there were only four years between them, the chasm between fourteen and eighteen seemed far wider. “I don’t mind being on my own so much though. I’m used to it at least. As long as I have something to read, I can be far away from here, you know?”
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“Oh yes, of course,” she said softly, realizing why she recognized her. While not a noble herself, her father’s work gave him access to the Court and all such functions. “It’s a pleasure to meet someone so likeminded,” she added with a giggle before gesturing at the empty seats around her. “By all means join me and perhaps we might find some sort of relief.”
She smiled brightly at the older girl’s reassurances. “I used to be able to avoid such things far more frequently, but Mother has been determined to prepare me for my Court debut next year.” She gave a small, sheepish roll of her eyes. “I wouldn’t mind it so much if it weren’t for the fact that I end up being ignored for being to young to participate in discussions of policy and gossip,” she added with another soft giggle.
Her eyes softened slightly as she studied the young woman before her. While her family had access to Court, she wasn’t a noble herself. It had to be terribly lonely. Growing up in a royal household, Essa knew how nobles tended to keep to their own comfortable groups unless they had a reason to address someone outside their circle. She couldn’t imagine Celine was the sort who would be terribly useful to the schemers of Court.
“It doesn’t help that everyone is either far older or far younger than me it seems. I’m too old to be placed with the children, but too young to be accepted by the majority of the youth of the Court.” Here she nodded towards where her sister stood with their cousin, the Princess. While there were only four years between them, the chasm between fourteen and eighteen seemed far wider. “I don’t mind being on my own so much though. I’m used to it at least. As long as I have something to read, I can be far away from here, you know?”
“Oh yes, of course,” she said softly, realizing why she recognized her. While not a noble herself, her father’s work gave him access to the Court and all such functions. “It’s a pleasure to meet someone so likeminded,” she added with a giggle before gesturing at the empty seats around her. “By all means join me and perhaps we might find some sort of relief.”
She smiled brightly at the older girl’s reassurances. “I used to be able to avoid such things far more frequently, but Mother has been determined to prepare me for my Court debut next year.” She gave a small, sheepish roll of her eyes. “I wouldn’t mind it so much if it weren’t for the fact that I end up being ignored for being to young to participate in discussions of policy and gossip,” she added with another soft giggle.
Her eyes softened slightly as she studied the young woman before her. While her family had access to Court, she wasn’t a noble herself. It had to be terribly lonely. Growing up in a royal household, Essa knew how nobles tended to keep to their own comfortable groups unless they had a reason to address someone outside their circle. She couldn’t imagine Celine was the sort who would be terribly useful to the schemers of Court.
“It doesn’t help that everyone is either far older or far younger than me it seems. I’m too old to be placed with the children, but too young to be accepted by the majority of the youth of the Court.” Here she nodded towards where her sister stood with their cousin, the Princess. While there were only four years between them, the chasm between fourteen and eighteen seemed far wider. “I don’t mind being on my own so much though. I’m used to it at least. As long as I have something to read, I can be far away from here, you know?”
Celine sighed. "If you don't mind my saying so, my lady, I believe I can relate at least a little. I am, it seems, a foreigner of some sort wherever I go- even here, as I'm from Taengea- but I cannot feel at ease going home. The circumstances under which my family was forced to flee Taengea are quite suspicious, to say the least. And you're right, it is nice to be far from here, at least in your mind. As for policy and gossip, I believe both can at times be overrated. Be glad you can escape them while you may; I was much younger than you and could not- circumstances- or the gods- seemed to deem otherwise." Celine bit her lip. Essa would most likely not want to know those circumstances that deemed otherwise, not until they knew each other a little better, anyway. But she felt she had had to mention them in order to accentuate the fact that things could get out of hand. Particularly gossip. Gods only knew what rumors abounded back in Taengea about her family now.
Contrary to how it might seem, Celine probably knew more of policy than any young lady would be considered wise to know- but she'd insisted on at least knowing some, to protect her family if possible. She might indeed be of use to those who wanted to know a political secret, though it seemed for now that she was just...educated enough for people to avoid her, when most noble women could at least appear silly and air-headed. As for how the nobles seemed to stick to their own kind, Celine could care less if she were noble or not- not for the money, anyway.
For a place in the Scholeio, the dream which had been taken from her when they left. And she wanted the money only as far as it might gain her the respect of Maximus of Laconia's father. For herself, she didn't want a drachma. That being said, it might be nice to have another friend with whom to discuss her dreams- Essa seemed like a dreamer herself. "Well then, perhaps we might be able to have some discussions of our own? What subjects do you most enjoy reading about, Lady Essa? I'm into poetry, but only my closest friends know I'm into philosophy as well." She whispered. It felt like a forbidden secret, almost as forbidden as a dirty secret would have been. Can't have anyone thinking I'm too smart now, can I? Celine thought, only half-joking.
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Celine sighed. "If you don't mind my saying so, my lady, I believe I can relate at least a little. I am, it seems, a foreigner of some sort wherever I go- even here, as I'm from Taengea- but I cannot feel at ease going home. The circumstances under which my family was forced to flee Taengea are quite suspicious, to say the least. And you're right, it is nice to be far from here, at least in your mind. As for policy and gossip, I believe both can at times be overrated. Be glad you can escape them while you may; I was much younger than you and could not- circumstances- or the gods- seemed to deem otherwise." Celine bit her lip. Essa would most likely not want to know those circumstances that deemed otherwise, not until they knew each other a little better, anyway. But she felt she had had to mention them in order to accentuate the fact that things could get out of hand. Particularly gossip. Gods only knew what rumors abounded back in Taengea about her family now.
Contrary to how it might seem, Celine probably knew more of policy than any young lady would be considered wise to know- but she'd insisted on at least knowing some, to protect her family if possible. She might indeed be of use to those who wanted to know a political secret, though it seemed for now that she was just...educated enough for people to avoid her, when most noble women could at least appear silly and air-headed. As for how the nobles seemed to stick to their own kind, Celine could care less if she were noble or not- not for the money, anyway.
For a place in the Scholeio, the dream which had been taken from her when they left. And she wanted the money only as far as it might gain her the respect of Maximus of Laconia's father. For herself, she didn't want a drachma. That being said, it might be nice to have another friend with whom to discuss her dreams- Essa seemed like a dreamer herself. "Well then, perhaps we might be able to have some discussions of our own? What subjects do you most enjoy reading about, Lady Essa? I'm into poetry, but only my closest friends know I'm into philosophy as well." She whispered. It felt like a forbidden secret, almost as forbidden as a dirty secret would have been. Can't have anyone thinking I'm too smart now, can I? Celine thought, only half-joking.
Celine sighed. "If you don't mind my saying so, my lady, I believe I can relate at least a little. I am, it seems, a foreigner of some sort wherever I go- even here, as I'm from Taengea- but I cannot feel at ease going home. The circumstances under which my family was forced to flee Taengea are quite suspicious, to say the least. And you're right, it is nice to be far from here, at least in your mind. As for policy and gossip, I believe both can at times be overrated. Be glad you can escape them while you may; I was much younger than you and could not- circumstances- or the gods- seemed to deem otherwise." Celine bit her lip. Essa would most likely not want to know those circumstances that deemed otherwise, not until they knew each other a little better, anyway. But she felt she had had to mention them in order to accentuate the fact that things could get out of hand. Particularly gossip. Gods only knew what rumors abounded back in Taengea about her family now.
Contrary to how it might seem, Celine probably knew more of policy than any young lady would be considered wise to know- but she'd insisted on at least knowing some, to protect her family if possible. She might indeed be of use to those who wanted to know a political secret, though it seemed for now that she was just...educated enough for people to avoid her, when most noble women could at least appear silly and air-headed. As for how the nobles seemed to stick to their own kind, Celine could care less if she were noble or not- not for the money, anyway.
For a place in the Scholeio, the dream which had been taken from her when they left. And she wanted the money only as far as it might gain her the respect of Maximus of Laconia's father. For herself, she didn't want a drachma. That being said, it might be nice to have another friend with whom to discuss her dreams- Essa seemed like a dreamer herself. "Well then, perhaps we might be able to have some discussions of our own? What subjects do you most enjoy reading about, Lady Essa? I'm into poetry, but only my closest friends know I'm into philosophy as well." She whispered. It felt like a forbidden secret, almost as forbidden as a dirty secret would have been. Can't have anyone thinking I'm too smart now, can I? Celine thought, only half-joking.
Essa’s smile only grew as the Tangean revealed herself to be a kindred spirit of sorts. Her eyes widened as the young woman spoke of fleeing under suspicious circumstances. What intrigue! It almost didn’t seem real, yet she spoke of it so casually. It only made the young girl all the more curious about her. She didn’t dare pry, but the little crumbs the older woman dropped were intriguing nonetheless.
“Oh, I don’t find I have a taste for either,” she agreed in regards to policy and gossip. Policy bored her to tears and gossip was too harsh for a tender soul such as her.
No, gossip only made her filled with worry and concern for others, and hurt at the vile things that people could whisper about those they pretended to like. Such fickleness struck her as cruel, and she would much prefer to spend her time with commoners than the likes of such snakes. Sadly, that was not the path she was permitted to walk in this lifetime. So she took refuge in stories instead.
“Oh, tales of adventure and romance are my weakness,” she confessed. “Though poetry can be splendidly romantic as well.” The young noble girl did plenty of more scholastic reading as well of course, but she hardly considered that relevant. After all, it was simply a part of her education. Information her mother deemed worth her knowing. Little of it interested her. She had a skill with languages, but little opportunity to utilize such things. She hardly thought such things would be of any interest either way.
It seemed clear to her that this Lady Celine was far more intellectually inclined than she was. Perhaps she would find her own affection for romance to be childish. After all, if she recalled correctly, Celine was closer to her sister’s age than her own. Still, the notion of having a literature oriented friend was appealing. Especially one who shared her distaste for court gossip.
“What is it that you like so much about poetry and philosophy?” she asked finally, hoping her nerves stayed out of her voice.
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Essa’s smile only grew as the Tangean revealed herself to be a kindred spirit of sorts. Her eyes widened as the young woman spoke of fleeing under suspicious circumstances. What intrigue! It almost didn’t seem real, yet she spoke of it so casually. It only made the young girl all the more curious about her. She didn’t dare pry, but the little crumbs the older woman dropped were intriguing nonetheless.
“Oh, I don’t find I have a taste for either,” she agreed in regards to policy and gossip. Policy bored her to tears and gossip was too harsh for a tender soul such as her.
No, gossip only made her filled with worry and concern for others, and hurt at the vile things that people could whisper about those they pretended to like. Such fickleness struck her as cruel, and she would much prefer to spend her time with commoners than the likes of such snakes. Sadly, that was not the path she was permitted to walk in this lifetime. So she took refuge in stories instead.
“Oh, tales of adventure and romance are my weakness,” she confessed. “Though poetry can be splendidly romantic as well.” The young noble girl did plenty of more scholastic reading as well of course, but she hardly considered that relevant. After all, it was simply a part of her education. Information her mother deemed worth her knowing. Little of it interested her. She had a skill with languages, but little opportunity to utilize such things. She hardly thought such things would be of any interest either way.
It seemed clear to her that this Lady Celine was far more intellectually inclined than she was. Perhaps she would find her own affection for romance to be childish. After all, if she recalled correctly, Celine was closer to her sister’s age than her own. Still, the notion of having a literature oriented friend was appealing. Especially one who shared her distaste for court gossip.
“What is it that you like so much about poetry and philosophy?” she asked finally, hoping her nerves stayed out of her voice.
Essa’s smile only grew as the Tangean revealed herself to be a kindred spirit of sorts. Her eyes widened as the young woman spoke of fleeing under suspicious circumstances. What intrigue! It almost didn’t seem real, yet she spoke of it so casually. It only made the young girl all the more curious about her. She didn’t dare pry, but the little crumbs the older woman dropped were intriguing nonetheless.
“Oh, I don’t find I have a taste for either,” she agreed in regards to policy and gossip. Policy bored her to tears and gossip was too harsh for a tender soul such as her.
No, gossip only made her filled with worry and concern for others, and hurt at the vile things that people could whisper about those they pretended to like. Such fickleness struck her as cruel, and she would much prefer to spend her time with commoners than the likes of such snakes. Sadly, that was not the path she was permitted to walk in this lifetime. So she took refuge in stories instead.
“Oh, tales of adventure and romance are my weakness,” she confessed. “Though poetry can be splendidly romantic as well.” The young noble girl did plenty of more scholastic reading as well of course, but she hardly considered that relevant. After all, it was simply a part of her education. Information her mother deemed worth her knowing. Little of it interested her. She had a skill with languages, but little opportunity to utilize such things. She hardly thought such things would be of any interest either way.
It seemed clear to her that this Lady Celine was far more intellectually inclined than she was. Perhaps she would find her own affection for romance to be childish. After all, if she recalled correctly, Celine was closer to her sister’s age than her own. Still, the notion of having a literature oriented friend was appealing. Especially one who shared her distaste for court gossip.
“What is it that you like so much about poetry and philosophy?” she asked finally, hoping her nerves stayed out of her voice.
Now that the awkwardness was somewhat out of the way, it seemed to Celine that there was indeed a chance of herself and this young lady being friends- something more than acquaintances, since they were so like-minded. At Essa's comment that politics and gossip were not to her taste, Celine nodded, then confiding- though not to use the young woman or make her feel obligated at all- "The only reasons I'd like to be noble- sometimes- are not for myself, at least, not entirely. Had we not had to leave, I could have earned a place in the Scholeio to study painting, as my mother Andromache did. And well...there's also a young man." Celine blushed pleasantly. "Romance... I like it, but I find it pains me to read about it. I hope you won't be jealous- I know nobles don't often marry for love- but my father has decided that his children should. Because of the political intrigue we are aware of- and the circumstances under which we came here- my father believes our lives could be in danger again at some point, and if that happens, it's better to be married to someone you trust, so that you know you will be protected. I can say no more about my circumstances in the presence of others, but if you would like to know, perhaps we could arrange a private meeting. The problem is, my love's social standing is more akin to my own, but his father thinks marriage to him is worth a great deal of money. Perhaps because he's a soldier- and a captain at that, even at our young ages. We were childhood friends- still are, in fact- but it's not enough. I haven't even told him I love him, because it doesn't matter, if I can't be with him." Celine would rather live romance than read about it. Oh, how it hurt. "For myself, I don't want anything. For my dreams, though..." Celine let her voice trail off. "I don't feel I can go home, but perhaps the Scholeio in Athenia would accept me. Besides, there seems to be a much bigger library in Athenia!" Celine added with a grin. "Every time I have to go there, I wish my stay could be longer and longer." Though Celine seemed to spend more time in court than seeing sights anywhere they had to go, the libraries were always her favorite. She could live in one, had she the option to do so. "I wish libraries could also be houses!" she admitted, then laughed. She turned serious as she considered Essa's next question, though.
"Poetry can have romance as its subject as well, but most times they are shorter than a book. And philosophy...well... I suppose that might be my own way of studying how people think. If I know how people think,maybe I'll be better able to handle things in court. Less nervous. I'm better now than I was, but it's nerve-wracking to think there are enemies everywhere...does it seem that way to you, my lady?" Surely it might be possible that a noble, above all, would be aware of how easily one could be targeted. Changes of power often occurred through someone's death.
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Now that the awkwardness was somewhat out of the way, it seemed to Celine that there was indeed a chance of herself and this young lady being friends- something more than acquaintances, since they were so like-minded. At Essa's comment that politics and gossip were not to her taste, Celine nodded, then confiding- though not to use the young woman or make her feel obligated at all- "The only reasons I'd like to be noble- sometimes- are not for myself, at least, not entirely. Had we not had to leave, I could have earned a place in the Scholeio to study painting, as my mother Andromache did. And well...there's also a young man." Celine blushed pleasantly. "Romance... I like it, but I find it pains me to read about it. I hope you won't be jealous- I know nobles don't often marry for love- but my father has decided that his children should. Because of the political intrigue we are aware of- and the circumstances under which we came here- my father believes our lives could be in danger again at some point, and if that happens, it's better to be married to someone you trust, so that you know you will be protected. I can say no more about my circumstances in the presence of others, but if you would like to know, perhaps we could arrange a private meeting. The problem is, my love's social standing is more akin to my own, but his father thinks marriage to him is worth a great deal of money. Perhaps because he's a soldier- and a captain at that, even at our young ages. We were childhood friends- still are, in fact- but it's not enough. I haven't even told him I love him, because it doesn't matter, if I can't be with him." Celine would rather live romance than read about it. Oh, how it hurt. "For myself, I don't want anything. For my dreams, though..." Celine let her voice trail off. "I don't feel I can go home, but perhaps the Scholeio in Athenia would accept me. Besides, there seems to be a much bigger library in Athenia!" Celine added with a grin. "Every time I have to go there, I wish my stay could be longer and longer." Though Celine seemed to spend more time in court than seeing sights anywhere they had to go, the libraries were always her favorite. She could live in one, had she the option to do so. "I wish libraries could also be houses!" she admitted, then laughed. She turned serious as she considered Essa's next question, though.
"Poetry can have romance as its subject as well, but most times they are shorter than a book. And philosophy...well... I suppose that might be my own way of studying how people think. If I know how people think,maybe I'll be better able to handle things in court. Less nervous. I'm better now than I was, but it's nerve-wracking to think there are enemies everywhere...does it seem that way to you, my lady?" Surely it might be possible that a noble, above all, would be aware of how easily one could be targeted. Changes of power often occurred through someone's death.
Now that the awkwardness was somewhat out of the way, it seemed to Celine that there was indeed a chance of herself and this young lady being friends- something more than acquaintances, since they were so like-minded. At Essa's comment that politics and gossip were not to her taste, Celine nodded, then confiding- though not to use the young woman or make her feel obligated at all- "The only reasons I'd like to be noble- sometimes- are not for myself, at least, not entirely. Had we not had to leave, I could have earned a place in the Scholeio to study painting, as my mother Andromache did. And well...there's also a young man." Celine blushed pleasantly. "Romance... I like it, but I find it pains me to read about it. I hope you won't be jealous- I know nobles don't often marry for love- but my father has decided that his children should. Because of the political intrigue we are aware of- and the circumstances under which we came here- my father believes our lives could be in danger again at some point, and if that happens, it's better to be married to someone you trust, so that you know you will be protected. I can say no more about my circumstances in the presence of others, but if you would like to know, perhaps we could arrange a private meeting. The problem is, my love's social standing is more akin to my own, but his father thinks marriage to him is worth a great deal of money. Perhaps because he's a soldier- and a captain at that, even at our young ages. We were childhood friends- still are, in fact- but it's not enough. I haven't even told him I love him, because it doesn't matter, if I can't be with him." Celine would rather live romance than read about it. Oh, how it hurt. "For myself, I don't want anything. For my dreams, though..." Celine let her voice trail off. "I don't feel I can go home, but perhaps the Scholeio in Athenia would accept me. Besides, there seems to be a much bigger library in Athenia!" Celine added with a grin. "Every time I have to go there, I wish my stay could be longer and longer." Though Celine seemed to spend more time in court than seeing sights anywhere they had to go, the libraries were always her favorite. She could live in one, had she the option to do so. "I wish libraries could also be houses!" she admitted, then laughed. She turned serious as she considered Essa's next question, though.
"Poetry can have romance as its subject as well, but most times they are shorter than a book. And philosophy...well... I suppose that might be my own way of studying how people think. If I know how people think,maybe I'll be better able to handle things in court. Less nervous. I'm better now than I was, but it's nerve-wracking to think there are enemies everywhere...does it seem that way to you, my lady?" Surely it might be possible that a noble, above all, would be aware of how easily one could be targeted. Changes of power often occurred through someone's death.
Essa nodded as the young woman spoke of nobility. It was true that as a noble - of a royal house no less - she had little concept of what it meant to be a commoner. Yet she often envied them. She knew she was fortunate to be born into such wealth and opportunity and still... she always felt like a fish out of water amongst her peers. There were so many responsibilities placed upon a lady’s shoulders in court. So many ways to offend without intent. It meant being constantly aware of every tiny thing, sifting through pretty lies and veiled insults all while being both pure and equally vicious. It was a paradox that puzzled her endlessly.
What she wouldn’t give for something as simple as the chance to find what made her happy, rather than all that was expected of her.
She had been about to mention that studying at the Scholeio sounded incredibly appealing when Celine mentioned a man. Immediately her eyes widened, eager to hear any detail she might share. “Oh, surely there must be a way!” she exclaimed softly. Love was so rare in their world. If she had found it, she couldn’t just let it slip out of her grasp. “You have to fight for him! For all of us who will never have the chance,” she urged her, feeling too strongly about romance to stay silent. “You must tell him! Even if his father keeps you apart, surely he deserves to know. At the least, you might be able to make the most of your time together now. Isn’t that better than nothing at all?”
Essa laughed softly though at the mention of Athenia’s libraries. “Oh yes, they are magnificent,” she agreed in awe. “I got to visit them once when I went to Athenia to see my cousins. If I could live in such a place, I don’t think anyone could convince me to leave!”
She nodded in agreement as the older girl explained her interest in philosophy. “Oh yes, absolutely. I’m a nervous wreck with such things for that very reason... much to my mother’s dismay,” she said with a sigh. “I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to it though.”
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Essa nodded as the young woman spoke of nobility. It was true that as a noble - of a royal house no less - she had little concept of what it meant to be a commoner. Yet she often envied them. She knew she was fortunate to be born into such wealth and opportunity and still... she always felt like a fish out of water amongst her peers. There were so many responsibilities placed upon a lady’s shoulders in court. So many ways to offend without intent. It meant being constantly aware of every tiny thing, sifting through pretty lies and veiled insults all while being both pure and equally vicious. It was a paradox that puzzled her endlessly.
What she wouldn’t give for something as simple as the chance to find what made her happy, rather than all that was expected of her.
She had been about to mention that studying at the Scholeio sounded incredibly appealing when Celine mentioned a man. Immediately her eyes widened, eager to hear any detail she might share. “Oh, surely there must be a way!” she exclaimed softly. Love was so rare in their world. If she had found it, she couldn’t just let it slip out of her grasp. “You have to fight for him! For all of us who will never have the chance,” she urged her, feeling too strongly about romance to stay silent. “You must tell him! Even if his father keeps you apart, surely he deserves to know. At the least, you might be able to make the most of your time together now. Isn’t that better than nothing at all?”
Essa laughed softly though at the mention of Athenia’s libraries. “Oh yes, they are magnificent,” she agreed in awe. “I got to visit them once when I went to Athenia to see my cousins. If I could live in such a place, I don’t think anyone could convince me to leave!”
She nodded in agreement as the older girl explained her interest in philosophy. “Oh yes, absolutely. I’m a nervous wreck with such things for that very reason... much to my mother’s dismay,” she said with a sigh. “I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to it though.”
Essa nodded as the young woman spoke of nobility. It was true that as a noble - of a royal house no less - she had little concept of what it meant to be a commoner. Yet she often envied them. She knew she was fortunate to be born into such wealth and opportunity and still... she always felt like a fish out of water amongst her peers. There were so many responsibilities placed upon a lady’s shoulders in court. So many ways to offend without intent. It meant being constantly aware of every tiny thing, sifting through pretty lies and veiled insults all while being both pure and equally vicious. It was a paradox that puzzled her endlessly.
What she wouldn’t give for something as simple as the chance to find what made her happy, rather than all that was expected of her.
She had been about to mention that studying at the Scholeio sounded incredibly appealing when Celine mentioned a man. Immediately her eyes widened, eager to hear any detail she might share. “Oh, surely there must be a way!” she exclaimed softly. Love was so rare in their world. If she had found it, she couldn’t just let it slip out of her grasp. “You have to fight for him! For all of us who will never have the chance,” she urged her, feeling too strongly about romance to stay silent. “You must tell him! Even if his father keeps you apart, surely he deserves to know. At the least, you might be able to make the most of your time together now. Isn’t that better than nothing at all?”
Essa laughed softly though at the mention of Athenia’s libraries. “Oh yes, they are magnificent,” she agreed in awe. “I got to visit them once when I went to Athenia to see my cousins. If I could live in such a place, I don’t think anyone could convince me to leave!”
She nodded in agreement as the older girl explained her interest in philosophy. “Oh yes, absolutely. I’m a nervous wreck with such things for that very reason... much to my mother’s dismay,” she said with a sigh. “I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to it though.”
