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It would likely come as no surprise to any that Rafail had, once again, failed in securing a valuable marriage. He was already confident that Papa would have some choice words on the matter, and likely berate him endlessly for clinging onto some childish fantasy about princesses, but what did he care when he was so sure that this failure, at least, had undoubtedly been the fault of the Leventi girl. From the moment of his arrival, she had appeared uncomfortable with his presence, as if she expected a different suitor, and Rafail had done nothing but act as courteous as he always did in the presence of the fairer sex. He had invited her to ride; been perfectly polite in every conversation and only taken one, barely noticeable glance down her front when she had keenly displayed it to him. But Papa was sure to blame this one on him, as ever.
Failure aside, Rafail planned to enjoy the rest of his time in Taengea. The summer weather was delightful, and today, in particular, there was a soft breeze in the air which countered the heat and encouraged those who would rather hide indoors to enjoy the expansive grounds of the Leventi home. It was the ideal setting for a brief ride and provided ample chance for him to do precisely what he desired most from this trip: acquire a new stallion. It would hardly do for him - as accomplished as he was in the art of riding - to spend so long in the home of some famed for their horses without even considering a purchase.
Thus, with a final day free before he was set to return to Athenia tomorrow, he had dressed in some of his finest (as ever) riding-appropriate clothing (in what he, frankly, considered an exceptionally flattering navy blue shade), and drifted down to the stables to speak with the horse breeders. They were a talkative sort, keen to bring up a thousand details in which the Marikas had no interest and, after an admittedly tedious discussion where he was unnecessarily informed of all the different breeds and their particular skills, he had silenced the man and settled on a beautiful rose grey stallion. Its colouring reminded him of a mare he recalled Mama had once ridden, and the similarity had been enough to sell him, even after the stablehands commented it had been bred to excel in races. Requesting permission for a ride around the grounds had been no trouble, as he was both an honoured (presumably still, despite betrothal failings) guest of the Leventi family, and a royal lord who clearly intended the purchase, and had pressed a few stray coins into the hand of the stableboy.
Where he intended to ride was not something Rafail had considered, but it was enough to gallop out into the rolling expanse of green against the force of the wind. It felt good to get some exercise and feel the fresh air on his face when he knew he was about to spend another dull week trapped on some ill-equipped ship, and riding had always provided a sense of calm which could not be matched by other activities. Besides, it always helped when rider and horse understood one another, and this particular beast seemed more than comfortable with Rafail's presence, moving with the barest of commands, which only cemented his plan to purchase.
It was a fair while before he brought the horse to a stop, pausing where there was enough tree cover that they would be shielded from the sunlight, but not so much that the shade would grow chilly. Here, the lord dismounted, patting the horse's neck with some pride for its ability, eager to take a break before he returned to his host's home to dictate the intricacies of packing his belongings for the voyage ahead. He had brought a small flask of wine - Taengean wine, rather than his gifted drink - with him for the journey, the pottery shaped to resemble the bird on the Marikas crest, and paused to take a long drink before he dropped to a seat in the shade. Just a few minutes here, and then he would be on his way.
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It would likely come as no surprise to any that Rafail had, once again, failed in securing a valuable marriage. He was already confident that Papa would have some choice words on the matter, and likely berate him endlessly for clinging onto some childish fantasy about princesses, but what did he care when he was so sure that this failure, at least, had undoubtedly been the fault of the Leventi girl. From the moment of his arrival, she had appeared uncomfortable with his presence, as if she expected a different suitor, and Rafail had done nothing but act as courteous as he always did in the presence of the fairer sex. He had invited her to ride; been perfectly polite in every conversation and only taken one, barely noticeable glance down her front when she had keenly displayed it to him. But Papa was sure to blame this one on him, as ever.
Failure aside, Rafail planned to enjoy the rest of his time in Taengea. The summer weather was delightful, and today, in particular, there was a soft breeze in the air which countered the heat and encouraged those who would rather hide indoors to enjoy the expansive grounds of the Leventi home. It was the ideal setting for a brief ride and provided ample chance for him to do precisely what he desired most from this trip: acquire a new stallion. It would hardly do for him - as accomplished as he was in the art of riding - to spend so long in the home of some famed for their horses without even considering a purchase.
Thus, with a final day free before he was set to return to Athenia tomorrow, he had dressed in some of his finest (as ever) riding-appropriate clothing (in what he, frankly, considered an exceptionally flattering navy blue shade), and drifted down to the stables to speak with the horse breeders. They were a talkative sort, keen to bring up a thousand details in which the Marikas had no interest and, after an admittedly tedious discussion where he was unnecessarily informed of all the different breeds and their particular skills, he had silenced the man and settled on a beautiful rose grey stallion. Its colouring reminded him of a mare he recalled Mama had once ridden, and the similarity had been enough to sell him, even after the stablehands commented it had been bred to excel in races. Requesting permission for a ride around the grounds had been no trouble, as he was both an honoured (presumably still, despite betrothal failings) guest of the Leventi family, and a royal lord who clearly intended the purchase, and had pressed a few stray coins into the hand of the stableboy.
Where he intended to ride was not something Rafail had considered, but it was enough to gallop out into the rolling expanse of green against the force of the wind. It felt good to get some exercise and feel the fresh air on his face when he knew he was about to spend another dull week trapped on some ill-equipped ship, and riding had always provided a sense of calm which could not be matched by other activities. Besides, it always helped when rider and horse understood one another, and this particular beast seemed more than comfortable with Rafail's presence, moving with the barest of commands, which only cemented his plan to purchase.
It was a fair while before he brought the horse to a stop, pausing where there was enough tree cover that they would be shielded from the sunlight, but not so much that the shade would grow chilly. Here, the lord dismounted, patting the horse's neck with some pride for its ability, eager to take a break before he returned to his host's home to dictate the intricacies of packing his belongings for the voyage ahead. He had brought a small flask of wine - Taengean wine, rather than his gifted drink - with him for the journey, the pottery shaped to resemble the bird on the Marikas crest, and paused to take a long drink before he dropped to a seat in the shade. Just a few minutes here, and then he would be on his way.
It would likely come as no surprise to any that Rafail had, once again, failed in securing a valuable marriage. He was already confident that Papa would have some choice words on the matter, and likely berate him endlessly for clinging onto some childish fantasy about princesses, but what did he care when he was so sure that this failure, at least, had undoubtedly been the fault of the Leventi girl. From the moment of his arrival, she had appeared uncomfortable with his presence, as if she expected a different suitor, and Rafail had done nothing but act as courteous as he always did in the presence of the fairer sex. He had invited her to ride; been perfectly polite in every conversation and only taken one, barely noticeable glance down her front when she had keenly displayed it to him. But Papa was sure to blame this one on him, as ever.
Failure aside, Rafail planned to enjoy the rest of his time in Taengea. The summer weather was delightful, and today, in particular, there was a soft breeze in the air which countered the heat and encouraged those who would rather hide indoors to enjoy the expansive grounds of the Leventi home. It was the ideal setting for a brief ride and provided ample chance for him to do precisely what he desired most from this trip: acquire a new stallion. It would hardly do for him - as accomplished as he was in the art of riding - to spend so long in the home of some famed for their horses without even considering a purchase.
Thus, with a final day free before he was set to return to Athenia tomorrow, he had dressed in some of his finest (as ever) riding-appropriate clothing (in what he, frankly, considered an exceptionally flattering navy blue shade), and drifted down to the stables to speak with the horse breeders. They were a talkative sort, keen to bring up a thousand details in which the Marikas had no interest and, after an admittedly tedious discussion where he was unnecessarily informed of all the different breeds and their particular skills, he had silenced the man and settled on a beautiful rose grey stallion. Its colouring reminded him of a mare he recalled Mama had once ridden, and the similarity had been enough to sell him, even after the stablehands commented it had been bred to excel in races. Requesting permission for a ride around the grounds had been no trouble, as he was both an honoured (presumably still, despite betrothal failings) guest of the Leventi family, and a royal lord who clearly intended the purchase, and had pressed a few stray coins into the hand of the stableboy.
Where he intended to ride was not something Rafail had considered, but it was enough to gallop out into the rolling expanse of green against the force of the wind. It felt good to get some exercise and feel the fresh air on his face when he knew he was about to spend another dull week trapped on some ill-equipped ship, and riding had always provided a sense of calm which could not be matched by other activities. Besides, it always helped when rider and horse understood one another, and this particular beast seemed more than comfortable with Rafail's presence, moving with the barest of commands, which only cemented his plan to purchase.
It was a fair while before he brought the horse to a stop, pausing where there was enough tree cover that they would be shielded from the sunlight, but not so much that the shade would grow chilly. Here, the lord dismounted, patting the horse's neck with some pride for its ability, eager to take a break before he returned to his host's home to dictate the intricacies of packing his belongings for the voyage ahead. He had brought a small flask of wine - Taengean wine, rather than his gifted drink - with him for the journey, the pottery shaped to resemble the bird on the Marikas crest, and paused to take a long drink before he dropped to a seat in the shade. Just a few minutes here, and then he would be on his way.
It had been a short while since the Lord Marikas came to visit the estate, yet, it seemed that as quickly as the Athenian had arrived, he would once again be going. No wonder, she thought, considering the lack of decorum Evangelina had shown in her rejection of him. Who would linger after such blatant hostility? Certainly not Nana.
Yet even taking into account the circumstances and the man's lack of princely title, Nana was left thoroughly disappointed at being given no time with the man. It was not so rare for Colchians and Athenians to visit Vasiliadon, but seldom did anyone of particular interest show up. Rafail of Marikas, on the other hand, seemed very interesting to the Leventi. She could only curse Fotios for his poor judgement. Evangelina was...decent looking, Nana supposed, but no match for herself, or Dafni, for that matter. It seemed Aphrodite was not so kind to all of the Leventi brood.
No matter. Though Nana was usually one to make her irritation apparent, she would not fret. Though this particular toy had been so rudely dangled in front of her face, only to be snatched away, she would not throw a tantrum. From what she knew, Athenia was a desolate wasteland, with little more than bookish old men and unremarkable lords, save Lord Rafail, and of course, her dear cousin Emilia, whom she had just recently met. It would be much more agreeable to her tastes to stay in Taengea. If only she could find a suitable husband...
Her thoughts took her to the far reaches of her family's land, taking Chrysea for a much-needed ride to ponder just who was deserving of her hand... Yet, she could come up with no name, leaving her with a rather frustrating conclusion. Though, in fairness, a wrong glance or a shift in tone could whip her into a frenzy, so this, of course, was nothing new.
Upon finding herself in a rather foul mood, and finding herself at the bounds of the estate, the golden-haired Leventi decided to turn back. Chrysea may have been prize mare, but even she had her limits. She would just have to finish her brooding at the Manor.
Returning at a bounding pace quite opposite to her slow retreat from her home, Nana had little time to agonize over the unfairness of her limited range of suitors, before another horse on the path came into view, and she quickly brought Chrysea to a screeching halt. She approached cautiously, feeling a bit more than a rush of excitement upon spotting none other than her family's honored guest, resting under a tree. Perhaps if they had met under different circumstances, the girl would have taken the opportunity to primp before he noticed her presence, but she quite felt she held the upper hand on this particular occasion. Lord Rafail was staying on the Leventi estate, after all.
Fighting back the grin that threatened to creep onto her face, the girl vocalized her presence upon stopping in front of the Athenian, as if the sound of Chrysea thundering along the path wasn't clear enough warning.
"Lord Marikas, what a surprise," she greeted, her eyes flicking from him to his new steed. "I trust you are satisfied with our stables?"
Waiting for the baron to rise to attention, Nana stroked her golden mare's mane, her efforts to remain cool slowly faltering as the corners of her mouth curled into a coy grin.
Smoothing the saffron silk in which she was dressed, she asked with a soft voice, "Would you mind providing your assistance, my Lord?"
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It had been a short while since the Lord Marikas came to visit the estate, yet, it seemed that as quickly as the Athenian had arrived, he would once again be going. No wonder, she thought, considering the lack of decorum Evangelina had shown in her rejection of him. Who would linger after such blatant hostility? Certainly not Nana.
Yet even taking into account the circumstances and the man's lack of princely title, Nana was left thoroughly disappointed at being given no time with the man. It was not so rare for Colchians and Athenians to visit Vasiliadon, but seldom did anyone of particular interest show up. Rafail of Marikas, on the other hand, seemed very interesting to the Leventi. She could only curse Fotios for his poor judgement. Evangelina was...decent looking, Nana supposed, but no match for herself, or Dafni, for that matter. It seemed Aphrodite was not so kind to all of the Leventi brood.
No matter. Though Nana was usually one to make her irritation apparent, she would not fret. Though this particular toy had been so rudely dangled in front of her face, only to be snatched away, she would not throw a tantrum. From what she knew, Athenia was a desolate wasteland, with little more than bookish old men and unremarkable lords, save Lord Rafail, and of course, her dear cousin Emilia, whom she had just recently met. It would be much more agreeable to her tastes to stay in Taengea. If only she could find a suitable husband...
Her thoughts took her to the far reaches of her family's land, taking Chrysea for a much-needed ride to ponder just who was deserving of her hand... Yet, she could come up with no name, leaving her with a rather frustrating conclusion. Though, in fairness, a wrong glance or a shift in tone could whip her into a frenzy, so this, of course, was nothing new.
Upon finding herself in a rather foul mood, and finding herself at the bounds of the estate, the golden-haired Leventi decided to turn back. Chrysea may have been prize mare, but even she had her limits. She would just have to finish her brooding at the Manor.
Returning at a bounding pace quite opposite to her slow retreat from her home, Nana had little time to agonize over the unfairness of her limited range of suitors, before another horse on the path came into view, and she quickly brought Chrysea to a screeching halt. She approached cautiously, feeling a bit more than a rush of excitement upon spotting none other than her family's honored guest, resting under a tree. Perhaps if they had met under different circumstances, the girl would have taken the opportunity to primp before he noticed her presence, but she quite felt she held the upper hand on this particular occasion. Lord Rafail was staying on the Leventi estate, after all.
Fighting back the grin that threatened to creep onto her face, the girl vocalized her presence upon stopping in front of the Athenian, as if the sound of Chrysea thundering along the path wasn't clear enough warning.
"Lord Marikas, what a surprise," she greeted, her eyes flicking from him to his new steed. "I trust you are satisfied with our stables?"
Waiting for the baron to rise to attention, Nana stroked her golden mare's mane, her efforts to remain cool slowly faltering as the corners of her mouth curled into a coy grin.
Smoothing the saffron silk in which she was dressed, she asked with a soft voice, "Would you mind providing your assistance, my Lord?"
It had been a short while since the Lord Marikas came to visit the estate, yet, it seemed that as quickly as the Athenian had arrived, he would once again be going. No wonder, she thought, considering the lack of decorum Evangelina had shown in her rejection of him. Who would linger after such blatant hostility? Certainly not Nana.
Yet even taking into account the circumstances and the man's lack of princely title, Nana was left thoroughly disappointed at being given no time with the man. It was not so rare for Colchians and Athenians to visit Vasiliadon, but seldom did anyone of particular interest show up. Rafail of Marikas, on the other hand, seemed very interesting to the Leventi. She could only curse Fotios for his poor judgement. Evangelina was...decent looking, Nana supposed, but no match for herself, or Dafni, for that matter. It seemed Aphrodite was not so kind to all of the Leventi brood.
No matter. Though Nana was usually one to make her irritation apparent, she would not fret. Though this particular toy had been so rudely dangled in front of her face, only to be snatched away, she would not throw a tantrum. From what she knew, Athenia was a desolate wasteland, with little more than bookish old men and unremarkable lords, save Lord Rafail, and of course, her dear cousin Emilia, whom she had just recently met. It would be much more agreeable to her tastes to stay in Taengea. If only she could find a suitable husband...
Her thoughts took her to the far reaches of her family's land, taking Chrysea for a much-needed ride to ponder just who was deserving of her hand... Yet, she could come up with no name, leaving her with a rather frustrating conclusion. Though, in fairness, a wrong glance or a shift in tone could whip her into a frenzy, so this, of course, was nothing new.
Upon finding herself in a rather foul mood, and finding herself at the bounds of the estate, the golden-haired Leventi decided to turn back. Chrysea may have been prize mare, but even she had her limits. She would just have to finish her brooding at the Manor.
Returning at a bounding pace quite opposite to her slow retreat from her home, Nana had little time to agonize over the unfairness of her limited range of suitors, before another horse on the path came into view, and she quickly brought Chrysea to a screeching halt. She approached cautiously, feeling a bit more than a rush of excitement upon spotting none other than her family's honored guest, resting under a tree. Perhaps if they had met under different circumstances, the girl would have taken the opportunity to primp before he noticed her presence, but she quite felt she held the upper hand on this particular occasion. Lord Rafail was staying on the Leventi estate, after all.
Fighting back the grin that threatened to creep onto her face, the girl vocalized her presence upon stopping in front of the Athenian, as if the sound of Chrysea thundering along the path wasn't clear enough warning.
"Lord Marikas, what a surprise," she greeted, her eyes flicking from him to his new steed. "I trust you are satisfied with our stables?"
Waiting for the baron to rise to attention, Nana stroked her golden mare's mane, her efforts to remain cool slowly faltering as the corners of her mouth curled into a coy grin.
Smoothing the saffron silk in which she was dressed, she asked with a soft voice, "Would you mind providing your assistance, my Lord?"
Rafail had not expected to run into another of the Leventi daughters during his brief outing that day, but he could not say he had not hoped it. They were each as stunningly gorgeous as the last - even the least attractive still shone above most women - and even a brief interaction with one or another would have been a comfort to his day. After all, solely because he did not secure a marriage with Evangelina did not mean he was prevented from ever speaking to the other Leventi girls for the rest of eternity. Instead, it only opened the door to more opportunities, for, now, there was no pesky betrothed to prevent his potential enjoyment of her sisters or cousins.
Thus, as the sound of another horse's approach marred his temporary enjoyment of solitude, he was not so inclined to distaste, for that was a woman's horse, and, as the mare pulled to a standstill before him, Rafail could not help but smile at the golden-haired beauty pausing before him. He was genuinely fortunate this day for, while he would have been glad to meet any of the Leventi daughters, the girl who had stumbled before him was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. He shifted his position to pull himself up and stand before her, not one to remain seated in the presence of a lady as if he were not a man raised to an exceptional standard, and bowed his head in a blend of greeting and response to her question.
"Lady Nana. Your family's stables are some of the finest I have ever seen," he answered, neglecting them the objectively more generous title of 'overall' solely because he considered his own to be of impressive standard themselves. They were, in truth, although still quite incomparable. "So many of my own are Leventi steeds, that it is an honour to be able to visit in person again. I fear I have not had the pleasure of such a trip in years now."
At her request, Rafail was quick to step into action, for women always preferred men who appeared their constant saviour. With steady hands, for he was well-versed in the movement from experience with his sister, nieces and any other ladies he happened to take out for a ride, he slipped his hands around her waist, gently lifting the girl from her position atop the mare and helping her to the ground in a fluid motion. Then, once she was down, he stepped aside again, bending the upper half of his body into the full bow he had previously neglected for, although she was of equal standing to him, Rafail preferred the formality, and he would never ignore it when it came to a woman who he liked the look of as much as this one.
The Marikas lord reached out a hand to take hers and place a soft kiss on the back of it, his blue gaze fixed lightly on hers. "When I first left Athenia, I did not expect Aphrodite to bless me with her presence, but I must have thought wrong, for here we are." He smiled at the woman, straightening to drop his hands back to his hips and slide his gaze over to the blanket draped over the back of his horse to add comfort to his ride, mind running over his available options. "Would you like to sit with me a short while, my Lady, if such a thing is not too forward? I cannot offer much given the circumstances, but I would be glad to set down a blanket, so you need not sit upon the ground and ruin your silks." As he spoke, he was already stepping towards his horse, cocky enough to assume that, since she had descended from her steed, she would wish to spend as much time as possible by his side. "Unfortunately I opted to leave behind my attendant when I came on this ride, else I would surely send him to fetch something finer."
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Rafail had not expected to run into another of the Leventi daughters during his brief outing that day, but he could not say he had not hoped it. They were each as stunningly gorgeous as the last - even the least attractive still shone above most women - and even a brief interaction with one or another would have been a comfort to his day. After all, solely because he did not secure a marriage with Evangelina did not mean he was prevented from ever speaking to the other Leventi girls for the rest of eternity. Instead, it only opened the door to more opportunities, for, now, there was no pesky betrothed to prevent his potential enjoyment of her sisters or cousins.
Thus, as the sound of another horse's approach marred his temporary enjoyment of solitude, he was not so inclined to distaste, for that was a woman's horse, and, as the mare pulled to a standstill before him, Rafail could not help but smile at the golden-haired beauty pausing before him. He was genuinely fortunate this day for, while he would have been glad to meet any of the Leventi daughters, the girl who had stumbled before him was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. He shifted his position to pull himself up and stand before her, not one to remain seated in the presence of a lady as if he were not a man raised to an exceptional standard, and bowed his head in a blend of greeting and response to her question.
"Lady Nana. Your family's stables are some of the finest I have ever seen," he answered, neglecting them the objectively more generous title of 'overall' solely because he considered his own to be of impressive standard themselves. They were, in truth, although still quite incomparable. "So many of my own are Leventi steeds, that it is an honour to be able to visit in person again. I fear I have not had the pleasure of such a trip in years now."
At her request, Rafail was quick to step into action, for women always preferred men who appeared their constant saviour. With steady hands, for he was well-versed in the movement from experience with his sister, nieces and any other ladies he happened to take out for a ride, he slipped his hands around her waist, gently lifting the girl from her position atop the mare and helping her to the ground in a fluid motion. Then, once she was down, he stepped aside again, bending the upper half of his body into the full bow he had previously neglected for, although she was of equal standing to him, Rafail preferred the formality, and he would never ignore it when it came to a woman who he liked the look of as much as this one.
The Marikas lord reached out a hand to take hers and place a soft kiss on the back of it, his blue gaze fixed lightly on hers. "When I first left Athenia, I did not expect Aphrodite to bless me with her presence, but I must have thought wrong, for here we are." He smiled at the woman, straightening to drop his hands back to his hips and slide his gaze over to the blanket draped over the back of his horse to add comfort to his ride, mind running over his available options. "Would you like to sit with me a short while, my Lady, if such a thing is not too forward? I cannot offer much given the circumstances, but I would be glad to set down a blanket, so you need not sit upon the ground and ruin your silks." As he spoke, he was already stepping towards his horse, cocky enough to assume that, since she had descended from her steed, she would wish to spend as much time as possible by his side. "Unfortunately I opted to leave behind my attendant when I came on this ride, else I would surely send him to fetch something finer."
Rafail had not expected to run into another of the Leventi daughters during his brief outing that day, but he could not say he had not hoped it. They were each as stunningly gorgeous as the last - even the least attractive still shone above most women - and even a brief interaction with one or another would have been a comfort to his day. After all, solely because he did not secure a marriage with Evangelina did not mean he was prevented from ever speaking to the other Leventi girls for the rest of eternity. Instead, it only opened the door to more opportunities, for, now, there was no pesky betrothed to prevent his potential enjoyment of her sisters or cousins.
Thus, as the sound of another horse's approach marred his temporary enjoyment of solitude, he was not so inclined to distaste, for that was a woman's horse, and, as the mare pulled to a standstill before him, Rafail could not help but smile at the golden-haired beauty pausing before him. He was genuinely fortunate this day for, while he would have been glad to meet any of the Leventi daughters, the girl who had stumbled before him was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. He shifted his position to pull himself up and stand before her, not one to remain seated in the presence of a lady as if he were not a man raised to an exceptional standard, and bowed his head in a blend of greeting and response to her question.
"Lady Nana. Your family's stables are some of the finest I have ever seen," he answered, neglecting them the objectively more generous title of 'overall' solely because he considered his own to be of impressive standard themselves. They were, in truth, although still quite incomparable. "So many of my own are Leventi steeds, that it is an honour to be able to visit in person again. I fear I have not had the pleasure of such a trip in years now."
At her request, Rafail was quick to step into action, for women always preferred men who appeared their constant saviour. With steady hands, for he was well-versed in the movement from experience with his sister, nieces and any other ladies he happened to take out for a ride, he slipped his hands around her waist, gently lifting the girl from her position atop the mare and helping her to the ground in a fluid motion. Then, once she was down, he stepped aside again, bending the upper half of his body into the full bow he had previously neglected for, although she was of equal standing to him, Rafail preferred the formality, and he would never ignore it when it came to a woman who he liked the look of as much as this one.
The Marikas lord reached out a hand to take hers and place a soft kiss on the back of it, his blue gaze fixed lightly on hers. "When I first left Athenia, I did not expect Aphrodite to bless me with her presence, but I must have thought wrong, for here we are." He smiled at the woman, straightening to drop his hands back to his hips and slide his gaze over to the blanket draped over the back of his horse to add comfort to his ride, mind running over his available options. "Would you like to sit with me a short while, my Lady, if such a thing is not too forward? I cannot offer much given the circumstances, but I would be glad to set down a blanket, so you need not sit upon the ground and ruin your silks." As he spoke, he was already stepping towards his horse, cocky enough to assume that, since she had descended from her steed, she would wish to spend as much time as possible by his side. "Unfortunately I opted to leave behind my attendant when I came on this ride, else I would surely send him to fetch something finer."
Upon reaching the man, she was almost surprised to find that he had remembered her name. Most men who came in contact with her made a point to forget it and steer as far clear away as they could. Perhaps she had misjudged Lord Rafail.
Nana listened intently as she gazed down at the golden-haired Athenian, her smile widening as she clapped her hands together in a show of delight.
"Such a wonderful thing to hear, my Lord. Though I will admit, I would be taken aback to hear anything contrary. Father and Uncle Fotios put such a great deal of time into ensuring our steeds are in tip-top shape. It's a labor of love, really, though I'm sure you know that already, judging from your keen eye."
As her still-new acquaintance made the move to lift her off of Chrysea, Nana rested her hands on his shoulders to steady herself, quickly removing them upon reaching the ground to smooth her skirt, though her hand was thereafter quickly taken in a kiss. Biting her lip at his compliments, she replied, "You flatter me so, Lord Rafail. It's no wonder ladies all throughout Greece are so taken with you."
Curtsying in return to his bow, Nana's eyes followed his as he turned his gaze to his new purchase, clasping her hands together as she watched him approach his steed to remove the blanket draped across its back. "It would be my pleasure. There's no need to worry yourself with such finery, I am quite sure your company will prove just as enjoyable without such luxuries."
With her approval, Nana watched as he set about pulling the sheet from the back of the stallion and placing it on the ground where he had therebefore sat.
With a quick flourish, Nana took her seat, taking care as to keep her silks within the confines of the blanket and once again smoothing the fabric, an act as essential as breathing to the preening peacock of a lady.
As soon as her companion had taken his seat, Nana wasted no time in getting straight into the details.
It was no secret that Evangelina had all but cursed the man sitting beside her. It seemed that upon hearing his description, she had got her hopes up, and suddenly found herself tricked with another. Nana could understand, perhaps, if she had feelings for another, and was made to marry a man of lower rank. But Rafail of Marikas? Nana could only see Evie as a fool for making such a horrid mistake. Uncle Fotios had pulled out all the stops in making their guest feel at home, and Evangelina certainly would not make a better match for herself. But that was her loss. Nana would just use it to her advantage.
"So, my Lord. I gather from conversation that my cousin Evangelina was... less than kind to you, in previous days. Certainly, I would understand your frustration, but allow me to elucidate you on my cousin. Of course, do not tell Fotios that I have told you such things, but," she began, lowering her voice to a whisper, "you have quite truly dodged an arrow."
Looking back to the rolling hills before them, she continued at a normal volume, musing, "Evangelina, well... She is pretty, I suppose. And, I hope you do not misunderstand, my Lord, prettiness can get you so far, but I shall be candid: you would not want her as your wife. She has a rather dim personality, and as you have experienced in your own interactions, she would not recognize Adonis if he looked her in the face," she trailed off, her gaze slowly meandering around to eventually lock on his.
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Upon reaching the man, she was almost surprised to find that he had remembered her name. Most men who came in contact with her made a point to forget it and steer as far clear away as they could. Perhaps she had misjudged Lord Rafail.
Nana listened intently as she gazed down at the golden-haired Athenian, her smile widening as she clapped her hands together in a show of delight.
"Such a wonderful thing to hear, my Lord. Though I will admit, I would be taken aback to hear anything contrary. Father and Uncle Fotios put such a great deal of time into ensuring our steeds are in tip-top shape. It's a labor of love, really, though I'm sure you know that already, judging from your keen eye."
As her still-new acquaintance made the move to lift her off of Chrysea, Nana rested her hands on his shoulders to steady herself, quickly removing them upon reaching the ground to smooth her skirt, though her hand was thereafter quickly taken in a kiss. Biting her lip at his compliments, she replied, "You flatter me so, Lord Rafail. It's no wonder ladies all throughout Greece are so taken with you."
Curtsying in return to his bow, Nana's eyes followed his as he turned his gaze to his new purchase, clasping her hands together as she watched him approach his steed to remove the blanket draped across its back. "It would be my pleasure. There's no need to worry yourself with such finery, I am quite sure your company will prove just as enjoyable without such luxuries."
With her approval, Nana watched as he set about pulling the sheet from the back of the stallion and placing it on the ground where he had therebefore sat.
With a quick flourish, Nana took her seat, taking care as to keep her silks within the confines of the blanket and once again smoothing the fabric, an act as essential as breathing to the preening peacock of a lady.
As soon as her companion had taken his seat, Nana wasted no time in getting straight into the details.
It was no secret that Evangelina had all but cursed the man sitting beside her. It seemed that upon hearing his description, she had got her hopes up, and suddenly found herself tricked with another. Nana could understand, perhaps, if she had feelings for another, and was made to marry a man of lower rank. But Rafail of Marikas? Nana could only see Evie as a fool for making such a horrid mistake. Uncle Fotios had pulled out all the stops in making their guest feel at home, and Evangelina certainly would not make a better match for herself. But that was her loss. Nana would just use it to her advantage.
"So, my Lord. I gather from conversation that my cousin Evangelina was... less than kind to you, in previous days. Certainly, I would understand your frustration, but allow me to elucidate you on my cousin. Of course, do not tell Fotios that I have told you such things, but," she began, lowering her voice to a whisper, "you have quite truly dodged an arrow."
Looking back to the rolling hills before them, she continued at a normal volume, musing, "Evangelina, well... She is pretty, I suppose. And, I hope you do not misunderstand, my Lord, prettiness can get you so far, but I shall be candid: you would not want her as your wife. She has a rather dim personality, and as you have experienced in your own interactions, she would not recognize Adonis if he looked her in the face," she trailed off, her gaze slowly meandering around to eventually lock on his.
Upon reaching the man, she was almost surprised to find that he had remembered her name. Most men who came in contact with her made a point to forget it and steer as far clear away as they could. Perhaps she had misjudged Lord Rafail.
Nana listened intently as she gazed down at the golden-haired Athenian, her smile widening as she clapped her hands together in a show of delight.
"Such a wonderful thing to hear, my Lord. Though I will admit, I would be taken aback to hear anything contrary. Father and Uncle Fotios put such a great deal of time into ensuring our steeds are in tip-top shape. It's a labor of love, really, though I'm sure you know that already, judging from your keen eye."
As her still-new acquaintance made the move to lift her off of Chrysea, Nana rested her hands on his shoulders to steady herself, quickly removing them upon reaching the ground to smooth her skirt, though her hand was thereafter quickly taken in a kiss. Biting her lip at his compliments, she replied, "You flatter me so, Lord Rafail. It's no wonder ladies all throughout Greece are so taken with you."
Curtsying in return to his bow, Nana's eyes followed his as he turned his gaze to his new purchase, clasping her hands together as she watched him approach his steed to remove the blanket draped across its back. "It would be my pleasure. There's no need to worry yourself with such finery, I am quite sure your company will prove just as enjoyable without such luxuries."
With her approval, Nana watched as he set about pulling the sheet from the back of the stallion and placing it on the ground where he had therebefore sat.
With a quick flourish, Nana took her seat, taking care as to keep her silks within the confines of the blanket and once again smoothing the fabric, an act as essential as breathing to the preening peacock of a lady.
As soon as her companion had taken his seat, Nana wasted no time in getting straight into the details.
It was no secret that Evangelina had all but cursed the man sitting beside her. It seemed that upon hearing his description, she had got her hopes up, and suddenly found herself tricked with another. Nana could understand, perhaps, if she had feelings for another, and was made to marry a man of lower rank. But Rafail of Marikas? Nana could only see Evie as a fool for making such a horrid mistake. Uncle Fotios had pulled out all the stops in making their guest feel at home, and Evangelina certainly would not make a better match for herself. But that was her loss. Nana would just use it to her advantage.
"So, my Lord. I gather from conversation that my cousin Evangelina was... less than kind to you, in previous days. Certainly, I would understand your frustration, but allow me to elucidate you on my cousin. Of course, do not tell Fotios that I have told you such things, but," she began, lowering her voice to a whisper, "you have quite truly dodged an arrow."
Looking back to the rolling hills before them, she continued at a normal volume, musing, "Evangelina, well... She is pretty, I suppose. And, I hope you do not misunderstand, my Lord, prettiness can get you so far, but I shall be candid: you would not want her as your wife. She has a rather dim personality, and as you have experienced in your own interactions, she would not recognize Adonis if he looked her in the face," she trailed off, her gaze slowly meandering around to eventually lock on his.
"Oh, certainly. It is one thing to raise horses, but another to know how to care for them, so they grow as fine as these," Rafail agreed readily, momentarily glad to have the opportunity to discuss something for which he cared as much as he did. "Any experienced rider would surely be able to recognise between these and a common steed from elsewhere." Too many times had the man heard of poor vendors on the streets of Thesnia and other provinces which relied heavily on the beasts who would claim that their creatures were equal to those produced by the Leventi, and, though they might have fooled those with an untrained eye, it was more than a little noticeable to others just how inferior the other horses were. In truth, it was nothing short of pathetic.
Opting to respond to the comment about how well he did with women with little more than an amused half-smile - most ladies did not like to listen to a man brag about his other conquests in the middle of his flirtations with them - Rafail moved to set the blanket neatly on the floor for Nana, smoothing it out tidily. "I do hope to live up to such stellar expectations, my Lady," he replied jokingly, although he already knew that it was quite impossible for him not to: conversation with him should have been deemed a luxury in itself.
He was careful in reclaiming his seat beside her, the action designed so that they were close, but not so much that propriety was compromised and maids could gossip. The lord leaned back purposefully, balancing himself on arms stretched behind him so as to accentuate their muscles, hand resting close enough that the pair of them might accidentally touch if not careful. It was all an often preplanned position, although he found it with such natural ease that one could not have assumed as much.
It seemed the topic of the hour was gossip about the girl Rafail had been sent to meet and, although he usually did not care for the rumours spread by ladies at court, this seemed as if it could be taken in a different light. An attempt to curry favour by destroying what lingering interest he might have possessed in the other Leventi girl. Ordinarily, the Marikas might have played along solely to appease his companion but, as he listened to Lady Nana's words, he could not help but find himself agreeing regardless.
"My time with Lady Evangelina has certainly been...unusual." That much was true. It was a rarity that Rafail was introduced to a woman who did not seem struck by him in some way and, although she had been entirely polite for the majority of their conversations, he could sense that there was an awkwardness between them which must have stemmed from a confusing lack of enthusiasm on her behalf. "Nonetheless, I think you are correct. I found her to be rather lacking in ways that, perhaps, other Leventi ladies are not." He had easily noticed the flirtatious comment with which she had ended her discussion on her cousin, and the way their eyes had met, and he held her gaze readily, body twisting, so it was slightly angled towards her in a manner which undoubtedly implied some degree of romantic interest.
"Luckily, I need not worry about the negative aspects of the potential betrothment any longer, a fact for which I am more than pleased, else I would not have had the honour of meeting the finest that Dynasteia Leventi has to offer in the form of yourself." Rafail offered her a smile which was simultaneously courteous and flirtatious, so that it could have been taken either way as she willed it. "If only my father had thought more wisely and considered a betrothal with the renowned Lady Nana of Leventi instead. I might not be the prince I should, but surely a fine princess such as yourself could forgive me that."
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"Oh, certainly. It is one thing to raise horses, but another to know how to care for them, so they grow as fine as these," Rafail agreed readily, momentarily glad to have the opportunity to discuss something for which he cared as much as he did. "Any experienced rider would surely be able to recognise between these and a common steed from elsewhere." Too many times had the man heard of poor vendors on the streets of Thesnia and other provinces which relied heavily on the beasts who would claim that their creatures were equal to those produced by the Leventi, and, though they might have fooled those with an untrained eye, it was more than a little noticeable to others just how inferior the other horses were. In truth, it was nothing short of pathetic.
Opting to respond to the comment about how well he did with women with little more than an amused half-smile - most ladies did not like to listen to a man brag about his other conquests in the middle of his flirtations with them - Rafail moved to set the blanket neatly on the floor for Nana, smoothing it out tidily. "I do hope to live up to such stellar expectations, my Lady," he replied jokingly, although he already knew that it was quite impossible for him not to: conversation with him should have been deemed a luxury in itself.
He was careful in reclaiming his seat beside her, the action designed so that they were close, but not so much that propriety was compromised and maids could gossip. The lord leaned back purposefully, balancing himself on arms stretched behind him so as to accentuate their muscles, hand resting close enough that the pair of them might accidentally touch if not careful. It was all an often preplanned position, although he found it with such natural ease that one could not have assumed as much.
It seemed the topic of the hour was gossip about the girl Rafail had been sent to meet and, although he usually did not care for the rumours spread by ladies at court, this seemed as if it could be taken in a different light. An attempt to curry favour by destroying what lingering interest he might have possessed in the other Leventi girl. Ordinarily, the Marikas might have played along solely to appease his companion but, as he listened to Lady Nana's words, he could not help but find himself agreeing regardless.
"My time with Lady Evangelina has certainly been...unusual." That much was true. It was a rarity that Rafail was introduced to a woman who did not seem struck by him in some way and, although she had been entirely polite for the majority of their conversations, he could sense that there was an awkwardness between them which must have stemmed from a confusing lack of enthusiasm on her behalf. "Nonetheless, I think you are correct. I found her to be rather lacking in ways that, perhaps, other Leventi ladies are not." He had easily noticed the flirtatious comment with which she had ended her discussion on her cousin, and the way their eyes had met, and he held her gaze readily, body twisting, so it was slightly angled towards her in a manner which undoubtedly implied some degree of romantic interest.
"Luckily, I need not worry about the negative aspects of the potential betrothment any longer, a fact for which I am more than pleased, else I would not have had the honour of meeting the finest that Dynasteia Leventi has to offer in the form of yourself." Rafail offered her a smile which was simultaneously courteous and flirtatious, so that it could have been taken either way as she willed it. "If only my father had thought more wisely and considered a betrothal with the renowned Lady Nana of Leventi instead. I might not be the prince I should, but surely a fine princess such as yourself could forgive me that."
"Oh, certainly. It is one thing to raise horses, but another to know how to care for them, so they grow as fine as these," Rafail agreed readily, momentarily glad to have the opportunity to discuss something for which he cared as much as he did. "Any experienced rider would surely be able to recognise between these and a common steed from elsewhere." Too many times had the man heard of poor vendors on the streets of Thesnia and other provinces which relied heavily on the beasts who would claim that their creatures were equal to those produced by the Leventi, and, though they might have fooled those with an untrained eye, it was more than a little noticeable to others just how inferior the other horses were. In truth, it was nothing short of pathetic.
Opting to respond to the comment about how well he did with women with little more than an amused half-smile - most ladies did not like to listen to a man brag about his other conquests in the middle of his flirtations with them - Rafail moved to set the blanket neatly on the floor for Nana, smoothing it out tidily. "I do hope to live up to such stellar expectations, my Lady," he replied jokingly, although he already knew that it was quite impossible for him not to: conversation with him should have been deemed a luxury in itself.
He was careful in reclaiming his seat beside her, the action designed so that they were close, but not so much that propriety was compromised and maids could gossip. The lord leaned back purposefully, balancing himself on arms stretched behind him so as to accentuate their muscles, hand resting close enough that the pair of them might accidentally touch if not careful. It was all an often preplanned position, although he found it with such natural ease that one could not have assumed as much.
It seemed the topic of the hour was gossip about the girl Rafail had been sent to meet and, although he usually did not care for the rumours spread by ladies at court, this seemed as if it could be taken in a different light. An attempt to curry favour by destroying what lingering interest he might have possessed in the other Leventi girl. Ordinarily, the Marikas might have played along solely to appease his companion but, as he listened to Lady Nana's words, he could not help but find himself agreeing regardless.
"My time with Lady Evangelina has certainly been...unusual." That much was true. It was a rarity that Rafail was introduced to a woman who did not seem struck by him in some way and, although she had been entirely polite for the majority of their conversations, he could sense that there was an awkwardness between them which must have stemmed from a confusing lack of enthusiasm on her behalf. "Nonetheless, I think you are correct. I found her to be rather lacking in ways that, perhaps, other Leventi ladies are not." He had easily noticed the flirtatious comment with which she had ended her discussion on her cousin, and the way their eyes had met, and he held her gaze readily, body twisting, so it was slightly angled towards her in a manner which undoubtedly implied some degree of romantic interest.
"Luckily, I need not worry about the negative aspects of the potential betrothment any longer, a fact for which I am more than pleased, else I would not have had the honour of meeting the finest that Dynasteia Leventi has to offer in the form of yourself." Rafail offered her a smile which was simultaneously courteous and flirtatious, so that it could have been taken either way as she willed it. "If only my father had thought more wisely and considered a betrothal with the renowned Lady Nana of Leventi instead. I might not be the prince I should, but surely a fine princess such as yourself could forgive me that."
Nana couldn't help the smile that appeared as her companion confirmed what she already knew to be true. Evangelina was alright, and Nana certainly loved her, but Fotios certainly had made a mistake in choosing to pair her up with such a suitor as Lord Rafail.
"You are too kind, my Lord. I cannot help but feel the same way of our fortuitous meeting. If only my stupid uncle had arranged a meeting for us, rather than putting you through the unpleasantries of a meeting with Evangelina. She is lovely in the right circumstances, but I could not see the two of you living a happy life together. She is simply too rustic... Perhaps you are right. Perhaps we would have made a better match."
Averting her gaze, she chose her words carefully. "I am certain that I could forgive you such a thing. It seems that our society simply lives on denying those who are so clearly deserving of the world." She could have gone on to whine about how she deserved a tiara and a title, yet with Rafail, she felt that she would be preaching to the choir. Who could understand her plight better than him?
Adjusting in her seat, Nana moved her hand to steady herself and was quickly startled to feel it brush up against her new acquaintance's own hand, yet as she turned her eyes on him, she felt no urge to move away. She felt compelled instead to leave it there, and so she did.
Once again focused on the image of Lord Rafail, Nana studied his face, intent on remembering his eyes, his lips. It wasn't very often that she found such agreeable company, and even less often that they were not married or betrothed to another. Perhaps Aphrodite was smiling upon her today...She would have to make an offering soon.
"My lord, I wonder... what is it like, living in Athenia?"
Smoothing her dress as she spoke, she went on, "I have heard others speak of it, but I have never been there myself to confirm, and I feel I must know, if you would be so kind as to elucidate."
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Nana couldn't help the smile that appeared as her companion confirmed what she already knew to be true. Evangelina was alright, and Nana certainly loved her, but Fotios certainly had made a mistake in choosing to pair her up with such a suitor as Lord Rafail.
"You are too kind, my Lord. I cannot help but feel the same way of our fortuitous meeting. If only my stupid uncle had arranged a meeting for us, rather than putting you through the unpleasantries of a meeting with Evangelina. She is lovely in the right circumstances, but I could not see the two of you living a happy life together. She is simply too rustic... Perhaps you are right. Perhaps we would have made a better match."
Averting her gaze, she chose her words carefully. "I am certain that I could forgive you such a thing. It seems that our society simply lives on denying those who are so clearly deserving of the world." She could have gone on to whine about how she deserved a tiara and a title, yet with Rafail, she felt that she would be preaching to the choir. Who could understand her plight better than him?
Adjusting in her seat, Nana moved her hand to steady herself and was quickly startled to feel it brush up against her new acquaintance's own hand, yet as she turned her eyes on him, she felt no urge to move away. She felt compelled instead to leave it there, and so she did.
Once again focused on the image of Lord Rafail, Nana studied his face, intent on remembering his eyes, his lips. It wasn't very often that she found such agreeable company, and even less often that they were not married or betrothed to another. Perhaps Aphrodite was smiling upon her today...She would have to make an offering soon.
"My lord, I wonder... what is it like, living in Athenia?"
Smoothing her dress as she spoke, she went on, "I have heard others speak of it, but I have never been there myself to confirm, and I feel I must know, if you would be so kind as to elucidate."
Nana couldn't help the smile that appeared as her companion confirmed what she already knew to be true. Evangelina was alright, and Nana certainly loved her, but Fotios certainly had made a mistake in choosing to pair her up with such a suitor as Lord Rafail.
"You are too kind, my Lord. I cannot help but feel the same way of our fortuitous meeting. If only my stupid uncle had arranged a meeting for us, rather than putting you through the unpleasantries of a meeting with Evangelina. She is lovely in the right circumstances, but I could not see the two of you living a happy life together. She is simply too rustic... Perhaps you are right. Perhaps we would have made a better match."
Averting her gaze, she chose her words carefully. "I am certain that I could forgive you such a thing. It seems that our society simply lives on denying those who are so clearly deserving of the world." She could have gone on to whine about how she deserved a tiara and a title, yet with Rafail, she felt that she would be preaching to the choir. Who could understand her plight better than him?
Adjusting in her seat, Nana moved her hand to steady herself and was quickly startled to feel it brush up against her new acquaintance's own hand, yet as she turned her eyes on him, she felt no urge to move away. She felt compelled instead to leave it there, and so she did.
Once again focused on the image of Lord Rafail, Nana studied his face, intent on remembering his eyes, his lips. It wasn't very often that she found such agreeable company, and even less often that they were not married or betrothed to another. Perhaps Aphrodite was smiling upon her today...She would have to make an offering soon.
"My lord, I wonder... what is it like, living in Athenia?"
Smoothing her dress as she spoke, she went on, "I have heard others speak of it, but I have never been there myself to confirm, and I feel I must know, if you would be so kind as to elucidate."
"Never fear. I am sure all the injustices of this trip shall find themselves righted someday," Rafail replied, his tone coy, so that the fine lady would know precisely what he was implying though he did not speak the words out loud. This was just the type of woman he would always have wanted as a wife, even though she did not hold the royal title he coveted, and had there not been societal conventions that both of them were made to follow, he would have been willing to request a courtship right then and there. "If we have yet to be given the world, then I am sure that is only because something truly great must be coming for us, no? It is only somewhat delayed in its arrival." He was firmly of the opinion that one would always get what they deserved, and the Marikas lord was certain that he would eventually get the glory he was overdue as a member of his dynasty.
Her hand brushed against his, but he did nothing to move his own away as he likely should, instead raising a finger to stroke it lightly against her skin, though the action was done as if completely absentmindedly. "If you have never been to Athenia, then do take this as a formal invitation from House Marikas itself. You are always welcome at my home." Rafail hoped the words came across as more courteous than they sounded, for though it may have seemed like nothing more than a ploy to have her end her trip in his bed, it was more than that. He did wish for her to enjoy the potential trip to his kingdom.
"Athenia is not quite as beautiful as Taengea, I would wager, though there are certainly some provinces which may begin to rival your lands, particularly the Marikas ones, if I might be so bold. My own, Thesnia, is stunning: quaint, yet a marvellous landscape all at once." He imagined she was not solely interested in his barony, however, nor did he believe it would benefit their relationship if the man rambled on about subjects that neither thrilled nor expanded upon the virtues of his nation. "You may have heard mention that we are little more than a centre of knowledge in Greece, and though I will not deny that my countrymen and I have had access to the finest libraries, we are not obsessed with learning, for there is plenty else to do. Our festivals are wonderful, and I am an excellent charioteer, so I compete often. The wine flows freely, and our markets are stopped with fine merchants. It is the pique of Grecian culture, and I believe a lady such as yourself would be perfectly suited to its charm."
Another invitation, of sorts, but Rafail thought it rather deserved, given how well the pair of them had been getting on in the past few moments alone. His blue eyes had been focussed on her own golden ones, but now he dropped his gaze to her lips, though there was nothing he could physically do. The unspoken expression of desire, and the soft look in his eyes should have been enough to entice her.
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"Never fear. I am sure all the injustices of this trip shall find themselves righted someday," Rafail replied, his tone coy, so that the fine lady would know precisely what he was implying though he did not speak the words out loud. This was just the type of woman he would always have wanted as a wife, even though she did not hold the royal title he coveted, and had there not been societal conventions that both of them were made to follow, he would have been willing to request a courtship right then and there. "If we have yet to be given the world, then I am sure that is only because something truly great must be coming for us, no? It is only somewhat delayed in its arrival." He was firmly of the opinion that one would always get what they deserved, and the Marikas lord was certain that he would eventually get the glory he was overdue as a member of his dynasty.
Her hand brushed against his, but he did nothing to move his own away as he likely should, instead raising a finger to stroke it lightly against her skin, though the action was done as if completely absentmindedly. "If you have never been to Athenia, then do take this as a formal invitation from House Marikas itself. You are always welcome at my home." Rafail hoped the words came across as more courteous than they sounded, for though it may have seemed like nothing more than a ploy to have her end her trip in his bed, it was more than that. He did wish for her to enjoy the potential trip to his kingdom.
"Athenia is not quite as beautiful as Taengea, I would wager, though there are certainly some provinces which may begin to rival your lands, particularly the Marikas ones, if I might be so bold. My own, Thesnia, is stunning: quaint, yet a marvellous landscape all at once." He imagined she was not solely interested in his barony, however, nor did he believe it would benefit their relationship if the man rambled on about subjects that neither thrilled nor expanded upon the virtues of his nation. "You may have heard mention that we are little more than a centre of knowledge in Greece, and though I will not deny that my countrymen and I have had access to the finest libraries, we are not obsessed with learning, for there is plenty else to do. Our festivals are wonderful, and I am an excellent charioteer, so I compete often. The wine flows freely, and our markets are stopped with fine merchants. It is the pique of Grecian culture, and I believe a lady such as yourself would be perfectly suited to its charm."
Another invitation, of sorts, but Rafail thought it rather deserved, given how well the pair of them had been getting on in the past few moments alone. His blue eyes had been focussed on her own golden ones, but now he dropped his gaze to her lips, though there was nothing he could physically do. The unspoken expression of desire, and the soft look in his eyes should have been enough to entice her.
"Never fear. I am sure all the injustices of this trip shall find themselves righted someday," Rafail replied, his tone coy, so that the fine lady would know precisely what he was implying though he did not speak the words out loud. This was just the type of woman he would always have wanted as a wife, even though she did not hold the royal title he coveted, and had there not been societal conventions that both of them were made to follow, he would have been willing to request a courtship right then and there. "If we have yet to be given the world, then I am sure that is only because something truly great must be coming for us, no? It is only somewhat delayed in its arrival." He was firmly of the opinion that one would always get what they deserved, and the Marikas lord was certain that he would eventually get the glory he was overdue as a member of his dynasty.
Her hand brushed against his, but he did nothing to move his own away as he likely should, instead raising a finger to stroke it lightly against her skin, though the action was done as if completely absentmindedly. "If you have never been to Athenia, then do take this as a formal invitation from House Marikas itself. You are always welcome at my home." Rafail hoped the words came across as more courteous than they sounded, for though it may have seemed like nothing more than a ploy to have her end her trip in his bed, it was more than that. He did wish for her to enjoy the potential trip to his kingdom.
"Athenia is not quite as beautiful as Taengea, I would wager, though there are certainly some provinces which may begin to rival your lands, particularly the Marikas ones, if I might be so bold. My own, Thesnia, is stunning: quaint, yet a marvellous landscape all at once." He imagined she was not solely interested in his barony, however, nor did he believe it would benefit their relationship if the man rambled on about subjects that neither thrilled nor expanded upon the virtues of his nation. "You may have heard mention that we are little more than a centre of knowledge in Greece, and though I will not deny that my countrymen and I have had access to the finest libraries, we are not obsessed with learning, for there is plenty else to do. Our festivals are wonderful, and I am an excellent charioteer, so I compete often. The wine flows freely, and our markets are stopped with fine merchants. It is the pique of Grecian culture, and I believe a lady such as yourself would be perfectly suited to its charm."
Another invitation, of sorts, but Rafail thought it rather deserved, given how well the pair of them had been getting on in the past few moments alone. His blue eyes had been focussed on her own golden ones, but now he dropped his gaze to her lips, though there was nothing he could physically do. The unspoken expression of desire, and the soft look in his eyes should have been enough to entice her.
Nana couldn't help but raise her eyebrows at the Athenian's suggestion, a grin playing on her face as he stroked her ego. "I can only hope that is the case, Lord Rafail. We shall simply have to wait and see, won't we?"
Her happiness would only grow with each honeyed word that escaped the Marikas' lips. It was quite apparent from his forwardness that Rafail was interested in her, as she was with him. Despite their differences in homelands, Rafail of Marikas seemed, to Nana, her ideal specimen of a Taengean lord. Perhaps she would have to speak with Papa.
As he spoke of his homeland, she could feel a tension settle over her, her heart pounding fast as his hand touched hers. She sat frozen, a silent statue as he spoke, trying to compose her thoughts as she gave him her undivided attention. Then, she produced a longwinded response that matched her loquacious disposition, trying to hide her reaction. "I should like that, very much. With your description, I feel it is far more suited to my tastes than I would have previously thought. I cannot help but feel that if one lives one's life hunched over a desk, slaving away at scrolls, they miss out on the finer things in life, the experiences." In other words, the parties. "I hope that I may come to visit you soon, and see what your beautiful country has to offer..."
Glancing away for a moment while catching her breath, she was quickly lured back by his magnetism, almost enchanted, as she breathily concluded, "Perhaps, I may even get to see you in action..."
She was overwhelmingly aware of the beating of her heart, and of her breathing, as she gazed deeply into his eyes, knowing exactly what would come next.
Nana did not resist the urge when it came upon her, closing the almost nonexistent distance that sat between them, before leaning in, closing her eyes, and pressing her lips to his.
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Nana couldn't help but raise her eyebrows at the Athenian's suggestion, a grin playing on her face as he stroked her ego. "I can only hope that is the case, Lord Rafail. We shall simply have to wait and see, won't we?"
Her happiness would only grow with each honeyed word that escaped the Marikas' lips. It was quite apparent from his forwardness that Rafail was interested in her, as she was with him. Despite their differences in homelands, Rafail of Marikas seemed, to Nana, her ideal specimen of a Taengean lord. Perhaps she would have to speak with Papa.
As he spoke of his homeland, she could feel a tension settle over her, her heart pounding fast as his hand touched hers. She sat frozen, a silent statue as he spoke, trying to compose her thoughts as she gave him her undivided attention. Then, she produced a longwinded response that matched her loquacious disposition, trying to hide her reaction. "I should like that, very much. With your description, I feel it is far more suited to my tastes than I would have previously thought. I cannot help but feel that if one lives one's life hunched over a desk, slaving away at scrolls, they miss out on the finer things in life, the experiences." In other words, the parties. "I hope that I may come to visit you soon, and see what your beautiful country has to offer..."
Glancing away for a moment while catching her breath, she was quickly lured back by his magnetism, almost enchanted, as she breathily concluded, "Perhaps, I may even get to see you in action..."
She was overwhelmingly aware of the beating of her heart, and of her breathing, as she gazed deeply into his eyes, knowing exactly what would come next.
Nana did not resist the urge when it came upon her, closing the almost nonexistent distance that sat between them, before leaning in, closing her eyes, and pressing her lips to his.
Nana couldn't help but raise her eyebrows at the Athenian's suggestion, a grin playing on her face as he stroked her ego. "I can only hope that is the case, Lord Rafail. We shall simply have to wait and see, won't we?"
Her happiness would only grow with each honeyed word that escaped the Marikas' lips. It was quite apparent from his forwardness that Rafail was interested in her, as she was with him. Despite their differences in homelands, Rafail of Marikas seemed, to Nana, her ideal specimen of a Taengean lord. Perhaps she would have to speak with Papa.
As he spoke of his homeland, she could feel a tension settle over her, her heart pounding fast as his hand touched hers. She sat frozen, a silent statue as he spoke, trying to compose her thoughts as she gave him her undivided attention. Then, she produced a longwinded response that matched her loquacious disposition, trying to hide her reaction. "I should like that, very much. With your description, I feel it is far more suited to my tastes than I would have previously thought. I cannot help but feel that if one lives one's life hunched over a desk, slaving away at scrolls, they miss out on the finer things in life, the experiences." In other words, the parties. "I hope that I may come to visit you soon, and see what your beautiful country has to offer..."
Glancing away for a moment while catching her breath, she was quickly lured back by his magnetism, almost enchanted, as she breathily concluded, "Perhaps, I may even get to see you in action..."
She was overwhelmingly aware of the beating of her heart, and of her breathing, as she gazed deeply into his eyes, knowing exactly what would come next.
Nana did not resist the urge when it came upon her, closing the almost nonexistent distance that sat between them, before leaning in, closing her eyes, and pressing her lips to his.
"I am of quite the same mind," Rafail responded as she expressed her beliefs towards the comforts of life. He had always thought that life was not to be wasted, for they only had a short time of it. Why should they waste their days with dull things like politics and philosophy when they were still young when there were so many opportunities for the pair of them to enjoy themselves otherwise. "I would be most honoured for the opportunity to show you my skills, and perhaps you might show me one of your own? In truth, I believe it would be fair to say than since the moment I first laid eyes upon you, I have been eager to see more of you." A less virtuous comment, perhaps, than most would have expected from a conversation between two well-bred individuals of royal statue, but nothing too strange in Rafail's eyes. Women, after all, tended to prefer honesty, and he could only imagine she would dislike it less if he were to have hidden his intentions for now instead.
The kiss was simultaneously surprising and not, so that, for a moment, the Marikas lord was caught off-guard, and his eyes took a moment to flicker shut. When they did, however, the pair were neatly connected in the kiss, and one hand drifted upwards to cup her cheek, the other falling to the small of her back. She was not, then, some dull prude of a woman as was so often the case with these royal ladies who wished to save themselves until marriage (a concept Rafail truly could not comprehend). He leaned gladly into the kiss, pressing himself into the beautiful blonde and wondering why he had been so unfortunate not to have run into her until now.
Once their kiss was over - after what felt like an eternity and too short a time at once - Rafail was quite reluctant to pull away, his hands lingering for a moment more where he had gently placed them. At the clear risk of sounding like the philanderer he was, he had shared such a moment with many women in the past, but it was rare that he found the kiss alone as enjoyable as this, for usually it was designed as an easy precursor to the infinitely more pleasurable actions which were his real objective. This had felt whole enough in itself. Different, somehow.
Letting his features fall from their currently inquisitive look into a more placid smile, there was a brief hesitation before he found the correct words with which to speak again, gaze still on her soft lips. "You are a true vision of perfection, my Lady Nana. I pity every man who shall never enjoy the divine opportunity to spend time at your side, but I shall certainly pray to the gods in gratitude for this meeting." He was thoughtful for another long second, then slowly reached for the golden owl-shaped pin which had helped to hold together the topmost fold of his azure chiton. Carefully, he removed it, taking care not to dislodge the other piece which held the fabric. "A token. I do hope that you might remember me when I return to my home kingdom. Perhaps we might remain in contact once I have left here?" Given the closeness between them only a moment prior, the blonde lord did not think it too ludicrous a request.
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"I am of quite the same mind," Rafail responded as she expressed her beliefs towards the comforts of life. He had always thought that life was not to be wasted, for they only had a short time of it. Why should they waste their days with dull things like politics and philosophy when they were still young when there were so many opportunities for the pair of them to enjoy themselves otherwise. "I would be most honoured for the opportunity to show you my skills, and perhaps you might show me one of your own? In truth, I believe it would be fair to say than since the moment I first laid eyes upon you, I have been eager to see more of you." A less virtuous comment, perhaps, than most would have expected from a conversation between two well-bred individuals of royal statue, but nothing too strange in Rafail's eyes. Women, after all, tended to prefer honesty, and he could only imagine she would dislike it less if he were to have hidden his intentions for now instead.
The kiss was simultaneously surprising and not, so that, for a moment, the Marikas lord was caught off-guard, and his eyes took a moment to flicker shut. When they did, however, the pair were neatly connected in the kiss, and one hand drifted upwards to cup her cheek, the other falling to the small of her back. She was not, then, some dull prude of a woman as was so often the case with these royal ladies who wished to save themselves until marriage (a concept Rafail truly could not comprehend). He leaned gladly into the kiss, pressing himself into the beautiful blonde and wondering why he had been so unfortunate not to have run into her until now.
Once their kiss was over - after what felt like an eternity and too short a time at once - Rafail was quite reluctant to pull away, his hands lingering for a moment more where he had gently placed them. At the clear risk of sounding like the philanderer he was, he had shared such a moment with many women in the past, but it was rare that he found the kiss alone as enjoyable as this, for usually it was designed as an easy precursor to the infinitely more pleasurable actions which were his real objective. This had felt whole enough in itself. Different, somehow.
Letting his features fall from their currently inquisitive look into a more placid smile, there was a brief hesitation before he found the correct words with which to speak again, gaze still on her soft lips. "You are a true vision of perfection, my Lady Nana. I pity every man who shall never enjoy the divine opportunity to spend time at your side, but I shall certainly pray to the gods in gratitude for this meeting." He was thoughtful for another long second, then slowly reached for the golden owl-shaped pin which had helped to hold together the topmost fold of his azure chiton. Carefully, he removed it, taking care not to dislodge the other piece which held the fabric. "A token. I do hope that you might remember me when I return to my home kingdom. Perhaps we might remain in contact once I have left here?" Given the closeness between them only a moment prior, the blonde lord did not think it too ludicrous a request.
"I am of quite the same mind," Rafail responded as she expressed her beliefs towards the comforts of life. He had always thought that life was not to be wasted, for they only had a short time of it. Why should they waste their days with dull things like politics and philosophy when they were still young when there were so many opportunities for the pair of them to enjoy themselves otherwise. "I would be most honoured for the opportunity to show you my skills, and perhaps you might show me one of your own? In truth, I believe it would be fair to say than since the moment I first laid eyes upon you, I have been eager to see more of you." A less virtuous comment, perhaps, than most would have expected from a conversation between two well-bred individuals of royal statue, but nothing too strange in Rafail's eyes. Women, after all, tended to prefer honesty, and he could only imagine she would dislike it less if he were to have hidden his intentions for now instead.
The kiss was simultaneously surprising and not, so that, for a moment, the Marikas lord was caught off-guard, and his eyes took a moment to flicker shut. When they did, however, the pair were neatly connected in the kiss, and one hand drifted upwards to cup her cheek, the other falling to the small of her back. She was not, then, some dull prude of a woman as was so often the case with these royal ladies who wished to save themselves until marriage (a concept Rafail truly could not comprehend). He leaned gladly into the kiss, pressing himself into the beautiful blonde and wondering why he had been so unfortunate not to have run into her until now.
Once their kiss was over - after what felt like an eternity and too short a time at once - Rafail was quite reluctant to pull away, his hands lingering for a moment more where he had gently placed them. At the clear risk of sounding like the philanderer he was, he had shared such a moment with many women in the past, but it was rare that he found the kiss alone as enjoyable as this, for usually it was designed as an easy precursor to the infinitely more pleasurable actions which were his real objective. This had felt whole enough in itself. Different, somehow.
Letting his features fall from their currently inquisitive look into a more placid smile, there was a brief hesitation before he found the correct words with which to speak again, gaze still on her soft lips. "You are a true vision of perfection, my Lady Nana. I pity every man who shall never enjoy the divine opportunity to spend time at your side, but I shall certainly pray to the gods in gratitude for this meeting." He was thoughtful for another long second, then slowly reached for the golden owl-shaped pin which had helped to hold together the topmost fold of his azure chiton. Carefully, he removed it, taking care not to dislodge the other piece which held the fabric. "A token. I do hope that you might remember me when I return to my home kingdom. Perhaps we might remain in contact once I have left here?" Given the closeness between them only a moment prior, the blonde lord did not think it too ludicrous a request.
Breath shaky as the kiss concluded, Nana's eyes remained shut for a moment, fluttering open to look at Rafail with all the vulnerability she had laid out by closing the distance between them. He had charmed her - he was an Adonis. So rarely did she feel a true feeling of chemistry with a man, but this was one of those moments.
Smiling as she let out a delighted sigh, she took in his words. He truly was an Adonis - her Adonis, as indicated by his vocal worship of her. It seemed that he saw the beauty so many in her own homeland had been reticent to acknowledge, instead heaping their praise onto Selene, or Theodora. Rafail, however, clearly had more taste than that - an important trait in a life partner.
She blinked as the baron reached to his shoulder, removing a gorgeously intricate owl-shaped pin, and holding it out for her. Nana's breath hitched in her throat for a moment - providing a favor was one thing, but providing a favor with a family symbol was another entirely. Looking down to the pin in his hand, she stared at it for a long moment, lips parted as she concentrated on the piece before her, before she looked up to Rafail again, and took the pin from his hand, bringing it up to her lips and kissing it.
"I'd like that very much," she said softly, eyes flicking back to the pin in her hand to study it as she turned it about. "Perhaps, one day soon, this pin shall be reunited with its twin," she mused, suggesting her desire to visit him in his province. "I should like very much to become acquainted with the capital, and with Thesnia, my Lord. It sounds as charming as my family's country home in Macendia... Perhaps, one day, you may visit, and I can give you a proper tour."
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Check out their information page here.
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Breath shaky as the kiss concluded, Nana's eyes remained shut for a moment, fluttering open to look at Rafail with all the vulnerability she had laid out by closing the distance between them. He had charmed her - he was an Adonis. So rarely did she feel a true feeling of chemistry with a man, but this was one of those moments.
Smiling as she let out a delighted sigh, she took in his words. He truly was an Adonis - her Adonis, as indicated by his vocal worship of her. It seemed that he saw the beauty so many in her own homeland had been reticent to acknowledge, instead heaping their praise onto Selene, or Theodora. Rafail, however, clearly had more taste than that - an important trait in a life partner.
She blinked as the baron reached to his shoulder, removing a gorgeously intricate owl-shaped pin, and holding it out for her. Nana's breath hitched in her throat for a moment - providing a favor was one thing, but providing a favor with a family symbol was another entirely. Looking down to the pin in his hand, she stared at it for a long moment, lips parted as she concentrated on the piece before her, before she looked up to Rafail again, and took the pin from his hand, bringing it up to her lips and kissing it.
"I'd like that very much," she said softly, eyes flicking back to the pin in her hand to study it as she turned it about. "Perhaps, one day soon, this pin shall be reunited with its twin," she mused, suggesting her desire to visit him in his province. "I should like very much to become acquainted with the capital, and with Thesnia, my Lord. It sounds as charming as my family's country home in Macendia... Perhaps, one day, you may visit, and I can give you a proper tour."
Breath shaky as the kiss concluded, Nana's eyes remained shut for a moment, fluttering open to look at Rafail with all the vulnerability she had laid out by closing the distance between them. He had charmed her - he was an Adonis. So rarely did she feel a true feeling of chemistry with a man, but this was one of those moments.
Smiling as she let out a delighted sigh, she took in his words. He truly was an Adonis - her Adonis, as indicated by his vocal worship of her. It seemed that he saw the beauty so many in her own homeland had been reticent to acknowledge, instead heaping their praise onto Selene, or Theodora. Rafail, however, clearly had more taste than that - an important trait in a life partner.
She blinked as the baron reached to his shoulder, removing a gorgeously intricate owl-shaped pin, and holding it out for her. Nana's breath hitched in her throat for a moment - providing a favor was one thing, but providing a favor with a family symbol was another entirely. Looking down to the pin in his hand, she stared at it for a long moment, lips parted as she concentrated on the piece before her, before she looked up to Rafail again, and took the pin from his hand, bringing it up to her lips and kissing it.
"I'd like that very much," she said softly, eyes flicking back to the pin in her hand to study it as she turned it about. "Perhaps, one day soon, this pin shall be reunited with its twin," she mused, suggesting her desire to visit him in his province. "I should like very much to become acquainted with the capital, and with Thesnia, my Lord. It sounds as charming as my family's country home in Macendia... Perhaps, one day, you may visit, and I can give you a proper tour."
