The chatbox has been hidden for this page. It will reopen upon refresh. To hide the CBox permanently, select "Permanently Toggle Cbox" in your profile User Settings.
This chatbox is hidden. To reopen, edit your User Settings.
Essa’s mind had been weighing heavily since the ships left to sail towards Egypt. Of course she was worried about the men of Colchis. Much of her family was among them, and others she cared about. People who had impacted her life. People her loved ones cared for. Many she wished to see return home - and in one piece.
But there was no denying that her mind had other more selfish concerns on her mind as well.
Much as she hated it, her mind had shifted to where it always went. To the frightening concept that was her future. She knew what she wanted and she knew what was expected of her, but the path to those things seemed impossibly fraught for her. Her mother required her to marry well, to make connections at Court, to make suitable friends. She wanted only to find a love that was true.
It was such a silly thing to worry about when all the men were away at war, risking their lives in the name of their country.
Yet it consumed her mind because she did not know how to achieve this. She looked to her mother and sister and even her cousin and aunt. Compared to all of them, she was plain and dull. She didn’t have the same sparkling wit or sharp tongue or charm. She didn’t have their beauty and grace. She certainly didn’t have their confidence. She had long ago given up trying to be like them - she just wasn’t capable. But what path did that leave for her to take?
She had gone to the hall of the gods to pray to Ares to give their men strength, to protect them in their righteous cause. But as she finished her prayers, instead of returning home, she lingered and her feet carried her to the temple of Aphrodite.
Essa knelt before the statue of the goddess, closing her eyes as she searched for the words. “Great Goddess, please, I beg of you. Help me find my way. I search for love, but I am lost. Help me to be able to attract the attention of a suitable man. Mold me into what I need to be.” She tried to fight back tears but they came easily.
“I know that I am no beauty. I am nothing that would draw anyone’s eye. I am not the sort to be noticed, and even if I were, I wouldn’t know how to handle the attention. You are the goddess of beauty and love. If anyone can help me, surely it is you.”
Essa hesitated before continuing, her voice softer now. “I dare not ask for a miracle, Great Goddess. For all that it is in your power, I know I am not worthy. But please. I need something. A nudge in the right direction. Some way to be more than myself. To make my family proud. To finally be desired by someone. Anyone. To be worthy of a good man’s love. I swear, I’ll do anything. But I cannot see a way forward without your guidance. I beg of you, hear my plea.”
A soft sound caught her attention, making the young girl open her eyes and look around the temple. Had someone overheard her desperate prayer? Her eyes widened as her eyes landed on a young woman who had to be the loveliest woman she had ever seen.
“You’re so beautiful... Clearly the Goddess has smiled upon you,” she whispered, positively awestruck by the woman before her. “If only I could be like you...”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Essa’s mind had been weighing heavily since the ships left to sail towards Egypt. Of course she was worried about the men of Colchis. Much of her family was among them, and others she cared about. People who had impacted her life. People her loved ones cared for. Many she wished to see return home - and in one piece.
But there was no denying that her mind had other more selfish concerns on her mind as well.
Much as she hated it, her mind had shifted to where it always went. To the frightening concept that was her future. She knew what she wanted and she knew what was expected of her, but the path to those things seemed impossibly fraught for her. Her mother required her to marry well, to make connections at Court, to make suitable friends. She wanted only to find a love that was true.
It was such a silly thing to worry about when all the men were away at war, risking their lives in the name of their country.
Yet it consumed her mind because she did not know how to achieve this. She looked to her mother and sister and even her cousin and aunt. Compared to all of them, she was plain and dull. She didn’t have the same sparkling wit or sharp tongue or charm. She didn’t have their beauty and grace. She certainly didn’t have their confidence. She had long ago given up trying to be like them - she just wasn’t capable. But what path did that leave for her to take?
She had gone to the hall of the gods to pray to Ares to give their men strength, to protect them in their righteous cause. But as she finished her prayers, instead of returning home, she lingered and her feet carried her to the temple of Aphrodite.
Essa knelt before the statue of the goddess, closing her eyes as she searched for the words. “Great Goddess, please, I beg of you. Help me find my way. I search for love, but I am lost. Help me to be able to attract the attention of a suitable man. Mold me into what I need to be.” She tried to fight back tears but they came easily.
“I know that I am no beauty. I am nothing that would draw anyone’s eye. I am not the sort to be noticed, and even if I were, I wouldn’t know how to handle the attention. You are the goddess of beauty and love. If anyone can help me, surely it is you.”
Essa hesitated before continuing, her voice softer now. “I dare not ask for a miracle, Great Goddess. For all that it is in your power, I know I am not worthy. But please. I need something. A nudge in the right direction. Some way to be more than myself. To make my family proud. To finally be desired by someone. Anyone. To be worthy of a good man’s love. I swear, I’ll do anything. But I cannot see a way forward without your guidance. I beg of you, hear my plea.”
A soft sound caught her attention, making the young girl open her eyes and look around the temple. Had someone overheard her desperate prayer? Her eyes widened as her eyes landed on a young woman who had to be the loveliest woman she had ever seen.
“You’re so beautiful... Clearly the Goddess has smiled upon you,” she whispered, positively awestruck by the woman before her. “If only I could be like you...”
Essa’s mind had been weighing heavily since the ships left to sail towards Egypt. Of course she was worried about the men of Colchis. Much of her family was among them, and others she cared about. People who had impacted her life. People her loved ones cared for. Many she wished to see return home - and in one piece.
But there was no denying that her mind had other more selfish concerns on her mind as well.
Much as she hated it, her mind had shifted to where it always went. To the frightening concept that was her future. She knew what she wanted and she knew what was expected of her, but the path to those things seemed impossibly fraught for her. Her mother required her to marry well, to make connections at Court, to make suitable friends. She wanted only to find a love that was true.
It was such a silly thing to worry about when all the men were away at war, risking their lives in the name of their country.
Yet it consumed her mind because she did not know how to achieve this. She looked to her mother and sister and even her cousin and aunt. Compared to all of them, she was plain and dull. She didn’t have the same sparkling wit or sharp tongue or charm. She didn’t have their beauty and grace. She certainly didn’t have their confidence. She had long ago given up trying to be like them - she just wasn’t capable. But what path did that leave for her to take?
She had gone to the hall of the gods to pray to Ares to give their men strength, to protect them in their righteous cause. But as she finished her prayers, instead of returning home, she lingered and her feet carried her to the temple of Aphrodite.
Essa knelt before the statue of the goddess, closing her eyes as she searched for the words. “Great Goddess, please, I beg of you. Help me find my way. I search for love, but I am lost. Help me to be able to attract the attention of a suitable man. Mold me into what I need to be.” She tried to fight back tears but they came easily.
“I know that I am no beauty. I am nothing that would draw anyone’s eye. I am not the sort to be noticed, and even if I were, I wouldn’t know how to handle the attention. You are the goddess of beauty and love. If anyone can help me, surely it is you.”
Essa hesitated before continuing, her voice softer now. “I dare not ask for a miracle, Great Goddess. For all that it is in your power, I know I am not worthy. But please. I need something. A nudge in the right direction. Some way to be more than myself. To make my family proud. To finally be desired by someone. Anyone. To be worthy of a good man’s love. I swear, I’ll do anything. But I cannot see a way forward without your guidance. I beg of you, hear my plea.”
A soft sound caught her attention, making the young girl open her eyes and look around the temple. Had someone overheard her desperate prayer? Her eyes widened as her eyes landed on a young woman who had to be the loveliest woman she had ever seen.
“You’re so beautiful... Clearly the Goddess has smiled upon you,” she whispered, positively awestruck by the woman before her. “If only I could be like you...”
Soft feet glided across smooth flagstones as Euterpe walked through the temple, pausing now and then to adjust a flower arrangement or blow a speck of dust from immaculately kept stone. The temple was quiet compared to normal; only a few worshippers drifted through its center, and their overall mood seemed to agree on somber. With so many of the men of Midas gone off to war, her normal duties were in less demand, and so she turned to other diversions to keep her time occupied and productive.
Occasionally, those diversions included listening to the whispered prayers of Aphrodite’s devotees and offering a helping hand where she could. Stopping near the goddess’s statue, her ears pricked to such a prayer—folding her hands in front of her and waiting for the girl to finish. Her brow furrowed in concern at the words she heard, hazel eyes narrowing in sympathy. The poor child, believing such things about herself! How could such a lovely creature wallow so deeply in despair?
It didn’t take long for the young woman to notice her presence, looking up at her with stunned eyes. Euterpe smiled and shook her head at the girl’s comment on her beauty, extending a slim-fingered hand to help her to her feet. “Beauty takes many forms, my love,” she commented in a warm voice, cheek dimpling with her smile. “One form is not necessarily better than another. And no matter what form it takes, it ought to be celebrated. After all, a sunset and a flower are both beautiful, are they not? Yet, we do not compare one to the other.”
Gentle fingers stroked down the girl’s rounded cheek, lightly tweaking her chin. “You, my darling, have quite your own captivating appeal. No doubt, that will only strengthen with age. Be the sunset, love, and care not for the opinions of the flower.”
Releasing the young supplicant, Euterpe stepped back with a deepening smile. Smoothing her cream-colored chiton, a fabric that nearly matched the color of her skin and lent her an almost ethereal air, she spread the skirt and dipped in a curtsy. Though she did not know who this young woman was, the fineness of her dress and the smoothness of her features hinted at noble birth, and she would accord her appropriate respect. “My name is Euterpe, and I’m a priestess of this temple. I couldn’t help but overhear your prayer, and it tore at my heart. Tell me, what is your name, my lady? What can I do to help you?”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Soft feet glided across smooth flagstones as Euterpe walked through the temple, pausing now and then to adjust a flower arrangement or blow a speck of dust from immaculately kept stone. The temple was quiet compared to normal; only a few worshippers drifted through its center, and their overall mood seemed to agree on somber. With so many of the men of Midas gone off to war, her normal duties were in less demand, and so she turned to other diversions to keep her time occupied and productive.
Occasionally, those diversions included listening to the whispered prayers of Aphrodite’s devotees and offering a helping hand where she could. Stopping near the goddess’s statue, her ears pricked to such a prayer—folding her hands in front of her and waiting for the girl to finish. Her brow furrowed in concern at the words she heard, hazel eyes narrowing in sympathy. The poor child, believing such things about herself! How could such a lovely creature wallow so deeply in despair?
It didn’t take long for the young woman to notice her presence, looking up at her with stunned eyes. Euterpe smiled and shook her head at the girl’s comment on her beauty, extending a slim-fingered hand to help her to her feet. “Beauty takes many forms, my love,” she commented in a warm voice, cheek dimpling with her smile. “One form is not necessarily better than another. And no matter what form it takes, it ought to be celebrated. After all, a sunset and a flower are both beautiful, are they not? Yet, we do not compare one to the other.”
Gentle fingers stroked down the girl’s rounded cheek, lightly tweaking her chin. “You, my darling, have quite your own captivating appeal. No doubt, that will only strengthen with age. Be the sunset, love, and care not for the opinions of the flower.”
Releasing the young supplicant, Euterpe stepped back with a deepening smile. Smoothing her cream-colored chiton, a fabric that nearly matched the color of her skin and lent her an almost ethereal air, she spread the skirt and dipped in a curtsy. Though she did not know who this young woman was, the fineness of her dress and the smoothness of her features hinted at noble birth, and she would accord her appropriate respect. “My name is Euterpe, and I’m a priestess of this temple. I couldn’t help but overhear your prayer, and it tore at my heart. Tell me, what is your name, my lady? What can I do to help you?”
Soft feet glided across smooth flagstones as Euterpe walked through the temple, pausing now and then to adjust a flower arrangement or blow a speck of dust from immaculately kept stone. The temple was quiet compared to normal; only a few worshippers drifted through its center, and their overall mood seemed to agree on somber. With so many of the men of Midas gone off to war, her normal duties were in less demand, and so she turned to other diversions to keep her time occupied and productive.
Occasionally, those diversions included listening to the whispered prayers of Aphrodite’s devotees and offering a helping hand where she could. Stopping near the goddess’s statue, her ears pricked to such a prayer—folding her hands in front of her and waiting for the girl to finish. Her brow furrowed in concern at the words she heard, hazel eyes narrowing in sympathy. The poor child, believing such things about herself! How could such a lovely creature wallow so deeply in despair?
It didn’t take long for the young woman to notice her presence, looking up at her with stunned eyes. Euterpe smiled and shook her head at the girl’s comment on her beauty, extending a slim-fingered hand to help her to her feet. “Beauty takes many forms, my love,” she commented in a warm voice, cheek dimpling with her smile. “One form is not necessarily better than another. And no matter what form it takes, it ought to be celebrated. After all, a sunset and a flower are both beautiful, are they not? Yet, we do not compare one to the other.”
Gentle fingers stroked down the girl’s rounded cheek, lightly tweaking her chin. “You, my darling, have quite your own captivating appeal. No doubt, that will only strengthen with age. Be the sunset, love, and care not for the opinions of the flower.”
Releasing the young supplicant, Euterpe stepped back with a deepening smile. Smoothing her cream-colored chiton, a fabric that nearly matched the color of her skin and lent her an almost ethereal air, she spread the skirt and dipped in a curtsy. Though she did not know who this young woman was, the fineness of her dress and the smoothness of her features hinted at noble birth, and she would accord her appropriate respect. “My name is Euterpe, and I’m a priestess of this temple. I couldn’t help but overhear your prayer, and it tore at my heart. Tell me, what is your name, my lady? What can I do to help you?”
Essa could only stare at the beautiful woman before her. If she were to find out that she was Aphrodite herself, she wouldn’t be the least surprised. She was the sort of beautiful that didn’t need to try. One simply couldn’t help but look in her direction. From the flaming lengths of rare ginger hair to her lips seemingly permanently pressed into a perfect pout. Everything about her demanded to be seen, admired and appreciated.
The young girl delicately accepted the woman’s offered hands, slowly rising to her feet. Even standing, the vision before her was still a half foot taller. It seemed fitting though, that she still needed to look up at her. She was divine - if not Aphrodite herself, then surely one blessed by her and doing her good in the world. This was the sort of woman who would never struggle as Essa did. People would flock to her, compete for even a glance from her. The sort of woman people would do anything for.
She was everything Essa could ever dream of being in her most impossible fantasies.
Were it not for her warm and gentle touch, the young noble girl might well think she was having some sort of vision. This woman was perfection incarnate. The sort that rarely existed in reality. Her words only cemented this fact in Essa’s mind. Her words made sense, and soothed her heart in a way that surprised her, but deep down, she knew - even if those words were truth, they did not solve her problem. Still, she found herself leaning into the woman’s touch, utterly enraptured by her honeyed words.
Essa flushed deep red as she stepped back and curtsied before her. If anything, she felt as though she should be the one bowing before the priestess - not the other way around. Her hands smoothed over the peach peplos she wore, suddenly filled with anxiety at being before someone she felt was surely divine.
“My name is Essa,” she whispered softly, feeling all sorts of clumsy and lacking around the priestess before her. Her gaze had lowered to the ground in familiar habit. She worried her lower lip between her teeth for a moment, working up the courage to admit all her short-comings.
“I’ve been attending Court for nearly two years now. My family expects me to make proper connections, and yet... I find myself unable to connect with others. I’m so unlike the rest of my family. My mother is bold and fearless. My sister much the same. Yet I... I am no more than a mouse afraid of my own shadow.”
She swallowed hard, forcing herself to continue speaking before she lost all her nerve. “Everyone still sees me as a child, and they judge and ignore me as such. I do not know how to change this. If I am a sunset... then it seems there are too many clouds to obscure me, or else everyone is too transfixed by the garden that surrounds me to even glance my way.”
“I need to be seen, but I don’t know how. I should have attracted someone’s attention by now - even my prickly too opinionated sister did at my age. Yet the only attention I’ve received is to be dismissed or mocked. I... I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I don’t know how to fix it. I keep hearing that I need to wait, just be patient... but if anything, it seems to only be getting worse, not better. I have to be more. I don’t want to let my family down any more than I already have, and I don’t want to be alone. I need this.”
Essa finally dared to look at the priestess before her, though her head remained bowed, hair falling forward slightly. “Perhaps... could you teach me to be like you? Even just a little like you. I dare not ask for more of a miracle than that.”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Essa could only stare at the beautiful woman before her. If she were to find out that she was Aphrodite herself, she wouldn’t be the least surprised. She was the sort of beautiful that didn’t need to try. One simply couldn’t help but look in her direction. From the flaming lengths of rare ginger hair to her lips seemingly permanently pressed into a perfect pout. Everything about her demanded to be seen, admired and appreciated.
The young girl delicately accepted the woman’s offered hands, slowly rising to her feet. Even standing, the vision before her was still a half foot taller. It seemed fitting though, that she still needed to look up at her. She was divine - if not Aphrodite herself, then surely one blessed by her and doing her good in the world. This was the sort of woman who would never struggle as Essa did. People would flock to her, compete for even a glance from her. The sort of woman people would do anything for.
She was everything Essa could ever dream of being in her most impossible fantasies.
Were it not for her warm and gentle touch, the young noble girl might well think she was having some sort of vision. This woman was perfection incarnate. The sort that rarely existed in reality. Her words only cemented this fact in Essa’s mind. Her words made sense, and soothed her heart in a way that surprised her, but deep down, she knew - even if those words were truth, they did not solve her problem. Still, she found herself leaning into the woman’s touch, utterly enraptured by her honeyed words.
Essa flushed deep red as she stepped back and curtsied before her. If anything, she felt as though she should be the one bowing before the priestess - not the other way around. Her hands smoothed over the peach peplos she wore, suddenly filled with anxiety at being before someone she felt was surely divine.
“My name is Essa,” she whispered softly, feeling all sorts of clumsy and lacking around the priestess before her. Her gaze had lowered to the ground in familiar habit. She worried her lower lip between her teeth for a moment, working up the courage to admit all her short-comings.
“I’ve been attending Court for nearly two years now. My family expects me to make proper connections, and yet... I find myself unable to connect with others. I’m so unlike the rest of my family. My mother is bold and fearless. My sister much the same. Yet I... I am no more than a mouse afraid of my own shadow.”
She swallowed hard, forcing herself to continue speaking before she lost all her nerve. “Everyone still sees me as a child, and they judge and ignore me as such. I do not know how to change this. If I am a sunset... then it seems there are too many clouds to obscure me, or else everyone is too transfixed by the garden that surrounds me to even glance my way.”
“I need to be seen, but I don’t know how. I should have attracted someone’s attention by now - even my prickly too opinionated sister did at my age. Yet the only attention I’ve received is to be dismissed or mocked. I... I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I don’t know how to fix it. I keep hearing that I need to wait, just be patient... but if anything, it seems to only be getting worse, not better. I have to be more. I don’t want to let my family down any more than I already have, and I don’t want to be alone. I need this.”
Essa finally dared to look at the priestess before her, though her head remained bowed, hair falling forward slightly. “Perhaps... could you teach me to be like you? Even just a little like you. I dare not ask for more of a miracle than that.”
Essa could only stare at the beautiful woman before her. If she were to find out that she was Aphrodite herself, she wouldn’t be the least surprised. She was the sort of beautiful that didn’t need to try. One simply couldn’t help but look in her direction. From the flaming lengths of rare ginger hair to her lips seemingly permanently pressed into a perfect pout. Everything about her demanded to be seen, admired and appreciated.
The young girl delicately accepted the woman’s offered hands, slowly rising to her feet. Even standing, the vision before her was still a half foot taller. It seemed fitting though, that she still needed to look up at her. She was divine - if not Aphrodite herself, then surely one blessed by her and doing her good in the world. This was the sort of woman who would never struggle as Essa did. People would flock to her, compete for even a glance from her. The sort of woman people would do anything for.
She was everything Essa could ever dream of being in her most impossible fantasies.
Were it not for her warm and gentle touch, the young noble girl might well think she was having some sort of vision. This woman was perfection incarnate. The sort that rarely existed in reality. Her words only cemented this fact in Essa’s mind. Her words made sense, and soothed her heart in a way that surprised her, but deep down, she knew - even if those words were truth, they did not solve her problem. Still, she found herself leaning into the woman’s touch, utterly enraptured by her honeyed words.
Essa flushed deep red as she stepped back and curtsied before her. If anything, she felt as though she should be the one bowing before the priestess - not the other way around. Her hands smoothed over the peach peplos she wore, suddenly filled with anxiety at being before someone she felt was surely divine.
“My name is Essa,” she whispered softly, feeling all sorts of clumsy and lacking around the priestess before her. Her gaze had lowered to the ground in familiar habit. She worried her lower lip between her teeth for a moment, working up the courage to admit all her short-comings.
“I’ve been attending Court for nearly two years now. My family expects me to make proper connections, and yet... I find myself unable to connect with others. I’m so unlike the rest of my family. My mother is bold and fearless. My sister much the same. Yet I... I am no more than a mouse afraid of my own shadow.”
She swallowed hard, forcing herself to continue speaking before she lost all her nerve. “Everyone still sees me as a child, and they judge and ignore me as such. I do not know how to change this. If I am a sunset... then it seems there are too many clouds to obscure me, or else everyone is too transfixed by the garden that surrounds me to even glance my way.”
“I need to be seen, but I don’t know how. I should have attracted someone’s attention by now - even my prickly too opinionated sister did at my age. Yet the only attention I’ve received is to be dismissed or mocked. I... I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I don’t know how to fix it. I keep hearing that I need to wait, just be patient... but if anything, it seems to only be getting worse, not better. I have to be more. I don’t want to let my family down any more than I already have, and I don’t want to be alone. I need this.”
Essa finally dared to look at the priestess before her, though her head remained bowed, hair falling forward slightly. “Perhaps... could you teach me to be like you? Even just a little like you. I dare not ask for more of a miracle than that.”
“Oh, little darling, what are we going to do with you?” Euterpe’s cheek dimpled with a soft smile, shaking her head as the young woman trampled all over herself. Taking her hand again, she led her over to a nearby bench, pushing her skirt out of the way before sitting down. Indicating for Lady Essa to do the same, she kept the girl’s hand in hers.
What had happened to this sweet child to see herself the way she did? The girl was as beautiful as the sunset Euterpe named her, though her face still held its childish roundness. Time would smooth her features into a flawless beauty that ladies all over the kingdom would envy her for, the priestess was sure of it. And yet, here she was, asking how she could be like her. Gods above, Euterpe had her work cut out for her with this one.
“Matters of the heart cannot be rushed,” she said in a gentle tone, lightly patting Essa’s hand. The deluge of grievances the young woman unleashed upon her wasn’t surprising; Euterpe often found that simply offering a sympathetic ear opened the dam, especially in ones who so clearly kept it all bottled up. It was a shame, really, that Lady Essa felt the need to keep such things to herself, but the priestess was only too happy to help bring them out.
“There are many who do not find their true love until their hair is already gray and their skin begins to sag. Patience is key when it comes to situations such as these, my dear. There is nothing worse than rushing headlong into a romance that you’re unsuited for. Real and lasting love will always be worth the wait. And it often finds you when you least expect it.”
Smoothing a lank of the girl’s dark hair from her cheek, Euterpe gently cupped her face. “And I cannot teach you to be like me, Essa. Nor would I ever want to. We are all unique, beautiful and special in our own ways. What I will try to help you with, however, is learning to be you.”
Dropping her hand from the young woman’s face, she instead took Essa’s hand and placed it on top of her heart, covering it with both of her own before lightly tapping the back. “Confidence lives inside of you, my lady. You must simply learn how to tempt it forward.”
Returning her hands to her own lap, Euterpe’s smile deepened. “Focus on your own strengths rather than how you feel others perceive you. Chances are, they don’t even think of you the way you believe they do. All of us are our own worst enemies and tell ourselves the harshest lies. The key is learning how to tune those voices out.” Cocking her head to the side, she went on curiously, “So tell me, my lady. What are you interested in? What are things that you do well? Do you have any passions or hobbies?”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
“Oh, little darling, what are we going to do with you?” Euterpe’s cheek dimpled with a soft smile, shaking her head as the young woman trampled all over herself. Taking her hand again, she led her over to a nearby bench, pushing her skirt out of the way before sitting down. Indicating for Lady Essa to do the same, she kept the girl’s hand in hers.
What had happened to this sweet child to see herself the way she did? The girl was as beautiful as the sunset Euterpe named her, though her face still held its childish roundness. Time would smooth her features into a flawless beauty that ladies all over the kingdom would envy her for, the priestess was sure of it. And yet, here she was, asking how she could be like her. Gods above, Euterpe had her work cut out for her with this one.
“Matters of the heart cannot be rushed,” she said in a gentle tone, lightly patting Essa’s hand. The deluge of grievances the young woman unleashed upon her wasn’t surprising; Euterpe often found that simply offering a sympathetic ear opened the dam, especially in ones who so clearly kept it all bottled up. It was a shame, really, that Lady Essa felt the need to keep such things to herself, but the priestess was only too happy to help bring them out.
“There are many who do not find their true love until their hair is already gray and their skin begins to sag. Patience is key when it comes to situations such as these, my dear. There is nothing worse than rushing headlong into a romance that you’re unsuited for. Real and lasting love will always be worth the wait. And it often finds you when you least expect it.”
Smoothing a lank of the girl’s dark hair from her cheek, Euterpe gently cupped her face. “And I cannot teach you to be like me, Essa. Nor would I ever want to. We are all unique, beautiful and special in our own ways. What I will try to help you with, however, is learning to be you.”
Dropping her hand from the young woman’s face, she instead took Essa’s hand and placed it on top of her heart, covering it with both of her own before lightly tapping the back. “Confidence lives inside of you, my lady. You must simply learn how to tempt it forward.”
Returning her hands to her own lap, Euterpe’s smile deepened. “Focus on your own strengths rather than how you feel others perceive you. Chances are, they don’t even think of you the way you believe they do. All of us are our own worst enemies and tell ourselves the harshest lies. The key is learning how to tune those voices out.” Cocking her head to the side, she went on curiously, “So tell me, my lady. What are you interested in? What are things that you do well? Do you have any passions or hobbies?”
“Oh, little darling, what are we going to do with you?” Euterpe’s cheek dimpled with a soft smile, shaking her head as the young woman trampled all over herself. Taking her hand again, she led her over to a nearby bench, pushing her skirt out of the way before sitting down. Indicating for Lady Essa to do the same, she kept the girl’s hand in hers.
What had happened to this sweet child to see herself the way she did? The girl was as beautiful as the sunset Euterpe named her, though her face still held its childish roundness. Time would smooth her features into a flawless beauty that ladies all over the kingdom would envy her for, the priestess was sure of it. And yet, here she was, asking how she could be like her. Gods above, Euterpe had her work cut out for her with this one.
“Matters of the heart cannot be rushed,” she said in a gentle tone, lightly patting Essa’s hand. The deluge of grievances the young woman unleashed upon her wasn’t surprising; Euterpe often found that simply offering a sympathetic ear opened the dam, especially in ones who so clearly kept it all bottled up. It was a shame, really, that Lady Essa felt the need to keep such things to herself, but the priestess was only too happy to help bring them out.
“There are many who do not find their true love until their hair is already gray and their skin begins to sag. Patience is key when it comes to situations such as these, my dear. There is nothing worse than rushing headlong into a romance that you’re unsuited for. Real and lasting love will always be worth the wait. And it often finds you when you least expect it.”
Smoothing a lank of the girl’s dark hair from her cheek, Euterpe gently cupped her face. “And I cannot teach you to be like me, Essa. Nor would I ever want to. We are all unique, beautiful and special in our own ways. What I will try to help you with, however, is learning to be you.”
Dropping her hand from the young woman’s face, she instead took Essa’s hand and placed it on top of her heart, covering it with both of her own before lightly tapping the back. “Confidence lives inside of you, my lady. You must simply learn how to tempt it forward.”
Returning her hands to her own lap, Euterpe’s smile deepened. “Focus on your own strengths rather than how you feel others perceive you. Chances are, they don’t even think of you the way you believe they do. All of us are our own worst enemies and tell ourselves the harshest lies. The key is learning how to tune those voices out.” Cocking her head to the side, she went on curiously, “So tell me, my lady. What are you interested in? What are things that you do well? Do you have any passions or hobbies?”
Essa watched the priestess with wide eyes, admiring everything about her. Even the little dimple that appeared at her cheek when she smiled so kindly was charming. Why couldn’t she have been so blessed? Her face lowered slightly at her words, wondering just indeed what they could do with her. She knew she was far from everything a royal lady was meant to be.
She allowed the older woman to take her hand and lead her over to a bench. She followed her lead, sitting beside her, but with her body angled towards the beautiful priestess, eagerly awaiting her words of wisdom.
Her words only brought further dismay. “I don’t have that luxury!” she cried impatiently, feeling tears rising towards the surface. “I will have to marry for the good of my family, but if I leave that match entirely to my mother I will surely end up in a marriage as cold as a winter’s day in Colchis. I don’t want that, not at all. I have to attract an acceptable suitor and I only have so long before my chance runs out. If I cannot find someone I can love in that time... I’ll lose all say in my marriage. I don’t want an arrangement devoid of emotion. I know I can’t marry just anyone, but surely if I were more desirable, someone might like me enough to be considered. Or at least give me a taste of love before I am saddled with a husband of my mother’s selection.”
Dismay was etched into her features as she spoke, her words tumbling forth in a hurry. Essa might be younger than her sister, but her mother hoped to make Imeeya a Queen, or at least a Princess. Her match would take longer. She intended Essa to marry a non-royal to secure the family name, which meant she had more options, but less time. It should be easy enough to attract such notice at court, and yet she failed miserably time and time again. The only time she had been approached by a man was when Mihail of Thanasi decided to mock her.
For all that Imeeya was the headstrong, too opinionated sister, at least men sought out her attention.
Things went from bad to worse as the priestess told her that she could not teach her. Or at least so it seemed. A hint of relief came as she continued to say she would try to help Essa. “Anything you can do would be appreciated,” she said, gratitude heavy in her voice. “There are so many expectations I must meet and I have fallen so far short of them. If I can manage even a fraction of your poise and beauty and charm, I will be thankful beyond words, truly.”
Somehow, each of the priestess’s gentle touches soothed Essa’s frantic soul, even if the worries still swirled about her mind. There was an innate comfort to her touch that Essa felt lacking in her life. Her mother loved her - there was no doubt of that - but she was not a warm woman. Especially not when her daughter proved to be so disappointing. She wasn’t who Essa would ever think to turn to for reassurance.
She listened intently, even if she felt more confused. “What if I was born lacking confidence entirely?” she asked, voice small and timid. It was how she often felt when she looked at her sister and mother. Somehow, she had been born lacking a piece of either of them.
Essa turned quiet as she considered the woman’s words. “Perhaps it might not be so bad as I fear, but it is at least partially true. I’m not stupid. I know when someone is condescending to me, or insulting me.” She pursed her lips in a thin tight line, remembering some of the darker moments of Court.
Tilting her head, she pondered the priestess’s question. “Well, I love to read. I love tales of romance and adventure. I like studying languages as well, though I seldom get to practice speaking them aloud, I can write rather well in a few different languages beyond Greek.” She paused, trying to think if there was anything else she was forgetting. “I can’t think of anything else. I suppose I prefer to focus on others rather than myself. It gives me the illusion of feeling useful.”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Essa watched the priestess with wide eyes, admiring everything about her. Even the little dimple that appeared at her cheek when she smiled so kindly was charming. Why couldn’t she have been so blessed? Her face lowered slightly at her words, wondering just indeed what they could do with her. She knew she was far from everything a royal lady was meant to be.
She allowed the older woman to take her hand and lead her over to a bench. She followed her lead, sitting beside her, but with her body angled towards the beautiful priestess, eagerly awaiting her words of wisdom.
Her words only brought further dismay. “I don’t have that luxury!” she cried impatiently, feeling tears rising towards the surface. “I will have to marry for the good of my family, but if I leave that match entirely to my mother I will surely end up in a marriage as cold as a winter’s day in Colchis. I don’t want that, not at all. I have to attract an acceptable suitor and I only have so long before my chance runs out. If I cannot find someone I can love in that time... I’ll lose all say in my marriage. I don’t want an arrangement devoid of emotion. I know I can’t marry just anyone, but surely if I were more desirable, someone might like me enough to be considered. Or at least give me a taste of love before I am saddled with a husband of my mother’s selection.”
Dismay was etched into her features as she spoke, her words tumbling forth in a hurry. Essa might be younger than her sister, but her mother hoped to make Imeeya a Queen, or at least a Princess. Her match would take longer. She intended Essa to marry a non-royal to secure the family name, which meant she had more options, but less time. It should be easy enough to attract such notice at court, and yet she failed miserably time and time again. The only time she had been approached by a man was when Mihail of Thanasi decided to mock her.
For all that Imeeya was the headstrong, too opinionated sister, at least men sought out her attention.
Things went from bad to worse as the priestess told her that she could not teach her. Or at least so it seemed. A hint of relief came as she continued to say she would try to help Essa. “Anything you can do would be appreciated,” she said, gratitude heavy in her voice. “There are so many expectations I must meet and I have fallen so far short of them. If I can manage even a fraction of your poise and beauty and charm, I will be thankful beyond words, truly.”
Somehow, each of the priestess’s gentle touches soothed Essa’s frantic soul, even if the worries still swirled about her mind. There was an innate comfort to her touch that Essa felt lacking in her life. Her mother loved her - there was no doubt of that - but she was not a warm woman. Especially not when her daughter proved to be so disappointing. She wasn’t who Essa would ever think to turn to for reassurance.
She listened intently, even if she felt more confused. “What if I was born lacking confidence entirely?” she asked, voice small and timid. It was how she often felt when she looked at her sister and mother. Somehow, she had been born lacking a piece of either of them.
Essa turned quiet as she considered the woman’s words. “Perhaps it might not be so bad as I fear, but it is at least partially true. I’m not stupid. I know when someone is condescending to me, or insulting me.” She pursed her lips in a thin tight line, remembering some of the darker moments of Court.
Tilting her head, she pondered the priestess’s question. “Well, I love to read. I love tales of romance and adventure. I like studying languages as well, though I seldom get to practice speaking them aloud, I can write rather well in a few different languages beyond Greek.” She paused, trying to think if there was anything else she was forgetting. “I can’t think of anything else. I suppose I prefer to focus on others rather than myself. It gives me the illusion of feeling useful.”
Essa watched the priestess with wide eyes, admiring everything about her. Even the little dimple that appeared at her cheek when she smiled so kindly was charming. Why couldn’t she have been so blessed? Her face lowered slightly at her words, wondering just indeed what they could do with her. She knew she was far from everything a royal lady was meant to be.
She allowed the older woman to take her hand and lead her over to a bench. She followed her lead, sitting beside her, but with her body angled towards the beautiful priestess, eagerly awaiting her words of wisdom.
Her words only brought further dismay. “I don’t have that luxury!” she cried impatiently, feeling tears rising towards the surface. “I will have to marry for the good of my family, but if I leave that match entirely to my mother I will surely end up in a marriage as cold as a winter’s day in Colchis. I don’t want that, not at all. I have to attract an acceptable suitor and I only have so long before my chance runs out. If I cannot find someone I can love in that time... I’ll lose all say in my marriage. I don’t want an arrangement devoid of emotion. I know I can’t marry just anyone, but surely if I were more desirable, someone might like me enough to be considered. Or at least give me a taste of love before I am saddled with a husband of my mother’s selection.”
Dismay was etched into her features as she spoke, her words tumbling forth in a hurry. Essa might be younger than her sister, but her mother hoped to make Imeeya a Queen, or at least a Princess. Her match would take longer. She intended Essa to marry a non-royal to secure the family name, which meant she had more options, but less time. It should be easy enough to attract such notice at court, and yet she failed miserably time and time again. The only time she had been approached by a man was when Mihail of Thanasi decided to mock her.
For all that Imeeya was the headstrong, too opinionated sister, at least men sought out her attention.
Things went from bad to worse as the priestess told her that she could not teach her. Or at least so it seemed. A hint of relief came as she continued to say she would try to help Essa. “Anything you can do would be appreciated,” she said, gratitude heavy in her voice. “There are so many expectations I must meet and I have fallen so far short of them. If I can manage even a fraction of your poise and beauty and charm, I will be thankful beyond words, truly.”
Somehow, each of the priestess’s gentle touches soothed Essa’s frantic soul, even if the worries still swirled about her mind. There was an innate comfort to her touch that Essa felt lacking in her life. Her mother loved her - there was no doubt of that - but she was not a warm woman. Especially not when her daughter proved to be so disappointing. She wasn’t who Essa would ever think to turn to for reassurance.
She listened intently, even if she felt more confused. “What if I was born lacking confidence entirely?” she asked, voice small and timid. It was how she often felt when she looked at her sister and mother. Somehow, she had been born lacking a piece of either of them.
Essa turned quiet as she considered the woman’s words. “Perhaps it might not be so bad as I fear, but it is at least partially true. I’m not stupid. I know when someone is condescending to me, or insulting me.” She pursed her lips in a thin tight line, remembering some of the darker moments of Court.
Tilting her head, she pondered the priestess’s question. “Well, I love to read. I love tales of romance and adventure. I like studying languages as well, though I seldom get to practice speaking them aloud, I can write rather well in a few different languages beyond Greek.” She paused, trying to think if there was anything else she was forgetting. “I can’t think of anything else. I suppose I prefer to focus on others rather than myself. It gives me the illusion of feeling useful.”
The girl’s pain broke Euterpe’s heart, her face tightening in sympathy at Lady Essa’s agonized outburst. Over and over, the priestess was glad she not been born noble, to be so devoid of the choices that made up so much of one’s life. Granted, it was highly unlikely she would ever take a husband for herself, not if she remained in Aphrodite’s service as she intended to. However, this was her choice. As for Essa, that decision would be made for her. Even if it was the way things had been for so long… it hardly seemed right.
“Have you spoken with your mother about these things?” she asked gently, though she could only imagine the princess’s reaction if she had. Euterpe herself had done her best to advise Princess Tythra a few months prior, and judging from Essa’s reaction, the priestess’s words had not stuck. The woman had seemed the sort who held her own beliefs and was unlikely to stray from them, but a parent’s love for their child was a powerful thing. Perhaps with the right push…?
“Even if she chooses your match for you, maybe she will let you meet him ahead of time and weigh in on the choice,” she offered, even if she was skeptical of her own words. “Love cannot be forced, but it can be cultivated. Plant the seed and tend it correctly, and it can often grow the most beautiful blooms.” Euterpe gave the girl a small smile. “A good foundation for love is a strong friendship. If you are saddled with a match that is not of your choosing, I would at least try to start there. You never know what might happen.”
If Euterpe had her way, Essa and every other romantic out there would have their own choice in such matters, and the world would be a beautiful place full of love, desire, and genuine commitment. However, even as idealistic as she was, the priestess was not totally naïve. She understood this was not the way the world looked, especially for someone with royal blood. She didn’t want to disappoint the girl, but she didn’t want to mislead her, either. She wouldn’t put it past the girl’s mother to come back to the temple demanding her blood if she filled Essa’s head with false hope.
What if I was born lacking confidence entirely?
The priestess could hardly understand the notion, especially in one with Essa’s status and beauty. What had happened to the girl that she should be so utterly devoid of self-worth, particularly at such a young age? Would that she could simply instill such a thing in her. As it stood, she would do whatever she could to help, but it saddened her that she should feel so bereft in the first place.
“No one is born that way, love,” she soothed her companion, gently patting her knee. “In some of us, it’s simply buried deeper and needs a little coaxing.”
She listened as Essa enumerated her interests, smiling and nodding thoughtfully. “Well, for one thing, just remember that it’s all right to focus on yourself sometimes. You are just as important as the others you turn your attention on. The kindest thing you can do for your own well-being is show yourself the love and care you show others. I promise you, it works wonders.” Gently cupping the girl’s chin for a moment, she then let her hand drop. “Focus on the things you do well and the things that bring you joy, and seek out others with some of the same passions. Love doesn’t come out of nowhere. There is always a spark to light the flame.”
Perhaps it was considered unladylike for someone like Essa to be bookish, but just as there were those attracted to women of an overly feminine nature, there were others who preferred intelligence. “Common interests and passions can help form the base for something much bigger.”
Tilting her head curiously, she asked in a gentle tone, “Is there anyone you want to notice you, my lady? Any particular attentions you wish to attract?”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
The girl’s pain broke Euterpe’s heart, her face tightening in sympathy at Lady Essa’s agonized outburst. Over and over, the priestess was glad she not been born noble, to be so devoid of the choices that made up so much of one’s life. Granted, it was highly unlikely she would ever take a husband for herself, not if she remained in Aphrodite’s service as she intended to. However, this was her choice. As for Essa, that decision would be made for her. Even if it was the way things had been for so long… it hardly seemed right.
“Have you spoken with your mother about these things?” she asked gently, though she could only imagine the princess’s reaction if she had. Euterpe herself had done her best to advise Princess Tythra a few months prior, and judging from Essa’s reaction, the priestess’s words had not stuck. The woman had seemed the sort who held her own beliefs and was unlikely to stray from them, but a parent’s love for their child was a powerful thing. Perhaps with the right push…?
“Even if she chooses your match for you, maybe she will let you meet him ahead of time and weigh in on the choice,” she offered, even if she was skeptical of her own words. “Love cannot be forced, but it can be cultivated. Plant the seed and tend it correctly, and it can often grow the most beautiful blooms.” Euterpe gave the girl a small smile. “A good foundation for love is a strong friendship. If you are saddled with a match that is not of your choosing, I would at least try to start there. You never know what might happen.”
If Euterpe had her way, Essa and every other romantic out there would have their own choice in such matters, and the world would be a beautiful place full of love, desire, and genuine commitment. However, even as idealistic as she was, the priestess was not totally naïve. She understood this was not the way the world looked, especially for someone with royal blood. She didn’t want to disappoint the girl, but she didn’t want to mislead her, either. She wouldn’t put it past the girl’s mother to come back to the temple demanding her blood if she filled Essa’s head with false hope.
What if I was born lacking confidence entirely?
The priestess could hardly understand the notion, especially in one with Essa’s status and beauty. What had happened to the girl that she should be so utterly devoid of self-worth, particularly at such a young age? Would that she could simply instill such a thing in her. As it stood, she would do whatever she could to help, but it saddened her that she should feel so bereft in the first place.
“No one is born that way, love,” she soothed her companion, gently patting her knee. “In some of us, it’s simply buried deeper and needs a little coaxing.”
She listened as Essa enumerated her interests, smiling and nodding thoughtfully. “Well, for one thing, just remember that it’s all right to focus on yourself sometimes. You are just as important as the others you turn your attention on. The kindest thing you can do for your own well-being is show yourself the love and care you show others. I promise you, it works wonders.” Gently cupping the girl’s chin for a moment, she then let her hand drop. “Focus on the things you do well and the things that bring you joy, and seek out others with some of the same passions. Love doesn’t come out of nowhere. There is always a spark to light the flame.”
Perhaps it was considered unladylike for someone like Essa to be bookish, but just as there were those attracted to women of an overly feminine nature, there were others who preferred intelligence. “Common interests and passions can help form the base for something much bigger.”
Tilting her head curiously, she asked in a gentle tone, “Is there anyone you want to notice you, my lady? Any particular attentions you wish to attract?”
The girl’s pain broke Euterpe’s heart, her face tightening in sympathy at Lady Essa’s agonized outburst. Over and over, the priestess was glad she not been born noble, to be so devoid of the choices that made up so much of one’s life. Granted, it was highly unlikely she would ever take a husband for herself, not if she remained in Aphrodite’s service as she intended to. However, this was her choice. As for Essa, that decision would be made for her. Even if it was the way things had been for so long… it hardly seemed right.
“Have you spoken with your mother about these things?” she asked gently, though she could only imagine the princess’s reaction if she had. Euterpe herself had done her best to advise Princess Tythra a few months prior, and judging from Essa’s reaction, the priestess’s words had not stuck. The woman had seemed the sort who held her own beliefs and was unlikely to stray from them, but a parent’s love for their child was a powerful thing. Perhaps with the right push…?
“Even if she chooses your match for you, maybe she will let you meet him ahead of time and weigh in on the choice,” she offered, even if she was skeptical of her own words. “Love cannot be forced, but it can be cultivated. Plant the seed and tend it correctly, and it can often grow the most beautiful blooms.” Euterpe gave the girl a small smile. “A good foundation for love is a strong friendship. If you are saddled with a match that is not of your choosing, I would at least try to start there. You never know what might happen.”
If Euterpe had her way, Essa and every other romantic out there would have their own choice in such matters, and the world would be a beautiful place full of love, desire, and genuine commitment. However, even as idealistic as she was, the priestess was not totally naïve. She understood this was not the way the world looked, especially for someone with royal blood. She didn’t want to disappoint the girl, but she didn’t want to mislead her, either. She wouldn’t put it past the girl’s mother to come back to the temple demanding her blood if she filled Essa’s head with false hope.
What if I was born lacking confidence entirely?
The priestess could hardly understand the notion, especially in one with Essa’s status and beauty. What had happened to the girl that she should be so utterly devoid of self-worth, particularly at such a young age? Would that she could simply instill such a thing in her. As it stood, she would do whatever she could to help, but it saddened her that she should feel so bereft in the first place.
“No one is born that way, love,” she soothed her companion, gently patting her knee. “In some of us, it’s simply buried deeper and needs a little coaxing.”
She listened as Essa enumerated her interests, smiling and nodding thoughtfully. “Well, for one thing, just remember that it’s all right to focus on yourself sometimes. You are just as important as the others you turn your attention on. The kindest thing you can do for your own well-being is show yourself the love and care you show others. I promise you, it works wonders.” Gently cupping the girl’s chin for a moment, she then let her hand drop. “Focus on the things you do well and the things that bring you joy, and seek out others with some of the same passions. Love doesn’t come out of nowhere. There is always a spark to light the flame.”
Perhaps it was considered unladylike for someone like Essa to be bookish, but just as there were those attracted to women of an overly feminine nature, there were others who preferred intelligence. “Common interests and passions can help form the base for something much bigger.”
Tilting her head curiously, she asked in a gentle tone, “Is there anyone you want to notice you, my lady? Any particular attentions you wish to attract?”
Essa couldn’t bite back the sharp laugh that came when the Priestess asked if she had spoken of her concerns with her mother. “My mother would simply scold me for being too emotional yet again. There is no place for such things in politics after all. All things are politics to her.” There was a touch of bitterness in her voice as she explained. She couldn’t even count the number of times her mother had told her she needed to better control her emotions, or that one couldn’t make decisions based upon feelings. She was intellectual, but she led with her heart rather than her mind. Something her mother couldn’t fathom.
The young girl worried her lower lip as she considered further the possibility. “Perhaps,” she conceded finally. “Maybe I could find love in such a match...” Though a part of her felt dejected at the thought. She wanted a grand, sweeping romance. The sort that was alive with passion like the tales she read. But, a gentler love would still be better than a marriage entirely devoid of such things... “It might not be what I’ve dreamed of, but such would be better than following my mother’s footsteps,” she murmured, more to herself than anything. She had never known her father, had no memory of her mother before his death. Yet she couldn’t imagine Tythra in love. Couldn’t imagine her mother as warm. Surely she had been born to a marriage as cold as her mother remained today.
Perhaps if she could hold on to hope just a little longer, even merely the smallest seed... perhaps that could be enough for the young girl.
The look she gave Euterpe was at best skeptical. “Apparently, mine is deeper than even the Colchis mines,” she grumbled in response. Everyone else she knew seemed to have found theirs, a way to hold their head high, conduct themselves with confidence. And then there was her - hopelessly lost in a sea, barely keeping her head above water, surrounded by those ignorant of her struggles.
She sighed deeper at the suggestion that she focus upon herself. “I am no good at lying, Priestess, not even to myself.” She was well aware of her failures. Those were pointed out to her abundantly. She couldn’t seem to escape them. But what was there to love about her? Her kindness was viewed as a weakness in a society that focused on strength and courage. The things she had none of. She was a meek mouse of a girl - easily forgotten, easily ignored, and easily silenced.
Still, as the beautiful priestess cupped her chin, she almost believed there was something hidden deep within her worth loving.
Only for that feeling to shrivel to dust at the advice to focus on what she was good at. “If only I knew what I was good at. I’m terrible at everything that matters it seems. The only thing that brings me joy is my stories. Nobles don’t care about such frivolous pursuits unless it is a scroll of military strategy or trade documents.”
Essa sighed before shaking her head. “No. There are many handsome men at court, naturally, but the only ones I know well enough to even guess at are my cousins. I have to know someone’s heart to feel anything real, and that is difficult enough as it is without the fact that no one dislikes themselves enough to wish to share my company.” She had crushes, of course. Timaeus of Valoratis had saved her once years ago. She had once imagined that swearing her undying love to him. Now she was old enough to see that was ridiculous. A crush was just a fantasy. Essa wanted something real and true.
Something that couldn’t seem further out of her reach. So she forced a smile and looked up at the beautiful priestess once more.
“It’s okay. I knew I couldn’t expect a miracle. Perhaps you’re right. My mother’s choice for me might be salvageable. I can find a way to be content eventually. That is more hope than I dared to hold onto before.”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Essa couldn’t bite back the sharp laugh that came when the Priestess asked if she had spoken of her concerns with her mother. “My mother would simply scold me for being too emotional yet again. There is no place for such things in politics after all. All things are politics to her.” There was a touch of bitterness in her voice as she explained. She couldn’t even count the number of times her mother had told her she needed to better control her emotions, or that one couldn’t make decisions based upon feelings. She was intellectual, but she led with her heart rather than her mind. Something her mother couldn’t fathom.
The young girl worried her lower lip as she considered further the possibility. “Perhaps,” she conceded finally. “Maybe I could find love in such a match...” Though a part of her felt dejected at the thought. She wanted a grand, sweeping romance. The sort that was alive with passion like the tales she read. But, a gentler love would still be better than a marriage entirely devoid of such things... “It might not be what I’ve dreamed of, but such would be better than following my mother’s footsteps,” she murmured, more to herself than anything. She had never known her father, had no memory of her mother before his death. Yet she couldn’t imagine Tythra in love. Couldn’t imagine her mother as warm. Surely she had been born to a marriage as cold as her mother remained today.
Perhaps if she could hold on to hope just a little longer, even merely the smallest seed... perhaps that could be enough for the young girl.
The look she gave Euterpe was at best skeptical. “Apparently, mine is deeper than even the Colchis mines,” she grumbled in response. Everyone else she knew seemed to have found theirs, a way to hold their head high, conduct themselves with confidence. And then there was her - hopelessly lost in a sea, barely keeping her head above water, surrounded by those ignorant of her struggles.
She sighed deeper at the suggestion that she focus upon herself. “I am no good at lying, Priestess, not even to myself.” She was well aware of her failures. Those were pointed out to her abundantly. She couldn’t seem to escape them. But what was there to love about her? Her kindness was viewed as a weakness in a society that focused on strength and courage. The things she had none of. She was a meek mouse of a girl - easily forgotten, easily ignored, and easily silenced.
Still, as the beautiful priestess cupped her chin, she almost believed there was something hidden deep within her worth loving.
Only for that feeling to shrivel to dust at the advice to focus on what she was good at. “If only I knew what I was good at. I’m terrible at everything that matters it seems. The only thing that brings me joy is my stories. Nobles don’t care about such frivolous pursuits unless it is a scroll of military strategy or trade documents.”
Essa sighed before shaking her head. “No. There are many handsome men at court, naturally, but the only ones I know well enough to even guess at are my cousins. I have to know someone’s heart to feel anything real, and that is difficult enough as it is without the fact that no one dislikes themselves enough to wish to share my company.” She had crushes, of course. Timaeus of Valoratis had saved her once years ago. She had once imagined that swearing her undying love to him. Now she was old enough to see that was ridiculous. A crush was just a fantasy. Essa wanted something real and true.
Something that couldn’t seem further out of her reach. So she forced a smile and looked up at the beautiful priestess once more.
“It’s okay. I knew I couldn’t expect a miracle. Perhaps you’re right. My mother’s choice for me might be salvageable. I can find a way to be content eventually. That is more hope than I dared to hold onto before.”
Essa couldn’t bite back the sharp laugh that came when the Priestess asked if she had spoken of her concerns with her mother. “My mother would simply scold me for being too emotional yet again. There is no place for such things in politics after all. All things are politics to her.” There was a touch of bitterness in her voice as she explained. She couldn’t even count the number of times her mother had told her she needed to better control her emotions, or that one couldn’t make decisions based upon feelings. She was intellectual, but she led with her heart rather than her mind. Something her mother couldn’t fathom.
The young girl worried her lower lip as she considered further the possibility. “Perhaps,” she conceded finally. “Maybe I could find love in such a match...” Though a part of her felt dejected at the thought. She wanted a grand, sweeping romance. The sort that was alive with passion like the tales she read. But, a gentler love would still be better than a marriage entirely devoid of such things... “It might not be what I’ve dreamed of, but such would be better than following my mother’s footsteps,” she murmured, more to herself than anything. She had never known her father, had no memory of her mother before his death. Yet she couldn’t imagine Tythra in love. Couldn’t imagine her mother as warm. Surely she had been born to a marriage as cold as her mother remained today.
Perhaps if she could hold on to hope just a little longer, even merely the smallest seed... perhaps that could be enough for the young girl.
The look she gave Euterpe was at best skeptical. “Apparently, mine is deeper than even the Colchis mines,” she grumbled in response. Everyone else she knew seemed to have found theirs, a way to hold their head high, conduct themselves with confidence. And then there was her - hopelessly lost in a sea, barely keeping her head above water, surrounded by those ignorant of her struggles.
She sighed deeper at the suggestion that she focus upon herself. “I am no good at lying, Priestess, not even to myself.” She was well aware of her failures. Those were pointed out to her abundantly. She couldn’t seem to escape them. But what was there to love about her? Her kindness was viewed as a weakness in a society that focused on strength and courage. The things she had none of. She was a meek mouse of a girl - easily forgotten, easily ignored, and easily silenced.
Still, as the beautiful priestess cupped her chin, she almost believed there was something hidden deep within her worth loving.
Only for that feeling to shrivel to dust at the advice to focus on what she was good at. “If only I knew what I was good at. I’m terrible at everything that matters it seems. The only thing that brings me joy is my stories. Nobles don’t care about such frivolous pursuits unless it is a scroll of military strategy or trade documents.”
Essa sighed before shaking her head. “No. There are many handsome men at court, naturally, but the only ones I know well enough to even guess at are my cousins. I have to know someone’s heart to feel anything real, and that is difficult enough as it is without the fact that no one dislikes themselves enough to wish to share my company.” She had crushes, of course. Timaeus of Valoratis had saved her once years ago. She had once imagined that swearing her undying love to him. Now she was old enough to see that was ridiculous. A crush was just a fantasy. Essa wanted something real and true.
Something that couldn’t seem further out of her reach. So she forced a smile and looked up at the beautiful priestess once more.
“It’s okay. I knew I couldn’t expect a miracle. Perhaps you’re right. My mother’s choice for me might be salvageable. I can find a way to be content eventually. That is more hope than I dared to hold onto before.”
It was clear Essa was a romantic at heart, so it was no wonder that Euterpe felt such a strong kinship to the girl. What cruel fate to have put such a soul in a noblewoman, and a Drakos, at that. It was unlikely Essa would ever have the chance to be swept up in the sort of romance she so obviously craved, and perhaps it was cruel to make her think otherwise. Or was it more cruel for her to think it was something she could never have? There had to be love formed in some political marriages; surely, they couldn’t all be completely miserable. If they were, why would they keep up such a practice? She knew affairs abounded by the plenty, as well, but…
Oh, gods. What could Euterpe really say? It was always a delicate line, offering advice on love and sexuality to those of the higher classes. One of these days, she was sure an angry mother was bound to sweep in and cut her down over something she’d said, and Princess Tythra was about the last woman she wanted to do such a thing. But neither could she let Lady Essa wallow in misery—she had not come here to be let down. The least the courtesan could do was give her a little hope.
With a soft sigh, the priestess shook her head and gently took both of Essa’s hands. “Miracles happen every day, sweet girl,” she murmured to the noblewoman, chafing the girl’s fingers. “And there is nothing written in stone that says it won’t happen to you. You are bright and beautiful, with an expansive imagination, and no matter what you might think of yourself, there is nothing wrong with you.” A touch of a smile rested on plush lips, freeing one of her hands to brush a lock of hair back from the younger woman’s face. “Having emotions isn’t a crime or something to be ashamed of, no matter what those around you might say. The gods would not have designed us to be that way if it did not serve a purpose. Revel in love and heartache alike, my lady, for it means you are alive.” Chuckling softly, she took the woman’s hand again and squeezed. “Which is much better than the alternative, I should think.”
Dropping Essa’s hand, she reached over to lightly tap the girl’s chest. “Real strength is found in here, my little love. Strength of heart, strength of character, strength of spirit. You do not need to be what others tell you. All you need to be is yourself. And to remember that not all strength looks the same. Even your mother, as strong as she may seem, has weaknesses, just like the rest of us.” A wry smile once more curved her mouth, lightly cupping Essa’s cheek. “There is strength in a soft heart like yours, my lady. I would dare to say the softest hearts are the strongest for letting themselves be vulnerable.”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
It was clear Essa was a romantic at heart, so it was no wonder that Euterpe felt such a strong kinship to the girl. What cruel fate to have put such a soul in a noblewoman, and a Drakos, at that. It was unlikely Essa would ever have the chance to be swept up in the sort of romance she so obviously craved, and perhaps it was cruel to make her think otherwise. Or was it more cruel for her to think it was something she could never have? There had to be love formed in some political marriages; surely, they couldn’t all be completely miserable. If they were, why would they keep up such a practice? She knew affairs abounded by the plenty, as well, but…
Oh, gods. What could Euterpe really say? It was always a delicate line, offering advice on love and sexuality to those of the higher classes. One of these days, she was sure an angry mother was bound to sweep in and cut her down over something she’d said, and Princess Tythra was about the last woman she wanted to do such a thing. But neither could she let Lady Essa wallow in misery—she had not come here to be let down. The least the courtesan could do was give her a little hope.
With a soft sigh, the priestess shook her head and gently took both of Essa’s hands. “Miracles happen every day, sweet girl,” she murmured to the noblewoman, chafing the girl’s fingers. “And there is nothing written in stone that says it won’t happen to you. You are bright and beautiful, with an expansive imagination, and no matter what you might think of yourself, there is nothing wrong with you.” A touch of a smile rested on plush lips, freeing one of her hands to brush a lock of hair back from the younger woman’s face. “Having emotions isn’t a crime or something to be ashamed of, no matter what those around you might say. The gods would not have designed us to be that way if it did not serve a purpose. Revel in love and heartache alike, my lady, for it means you are alive.” Chuckling softly, she took the woman’s hand again and squeezed. “Which is much better than the alternative, I should think.”
Dropping Essa’s hand, she reached over to lightly tap the girl’s chest. “Real strength is found in here, my little love. Strength of heart, strength of character, strength of spirit. You do not need to be what others tell you. All you need to be is yourself. And to remember that not all strength looks the same. Even your mother, as strong as she may seem, has weaknesses, just like the rest of us.” A wry smile once more curved her mouth, lightly cupping Essa’s cheek. “There is strength in a soft heart like yours, my lady. I would dare to say the softest hearts are the strongest for letting themselves be vulnerable.”
It was clear Essa was a romantic at heart, so it was no wonder that Euterpe felt such a strong kinship to the girl. What cruel fate to have put such a soul in a noblewoman, and a Drakos, at that. It was unlikely Essa would ever have the chance to be swept up in the sort of romance she so obviously craved, and perhaps it was cruel to make her think otherwise. Or was it more cruel for her to think it was something she could never have? There had to be love formed in some political marriages; surely, they couldn’t all be completely miserable. If they were, why would they keep up such a practice? She knew affairs abounded by the plenty, as well, but…
Oh, gods. What could Euterpe really say? It was always a delicate line, offering advice on love and sexuality to those of the higher classes. One of these days, she was sure an angry mother was bound to sweep in and cut her down over something she’d said, and Princess Tythra was about the last woman she wanted to do such a thing. But neither could she let Lady Essa wallow in misery—she had not come here to be let down. The least the courtesan could do was give her a little hope.
With a soft sigh, the priestess shook her head and gently took both of Essa’s hands. “Miracles happen every day, sweet girl,” she murmured to the noblewoman, chafing the girl’s fingers. “And there is nothing written in stone that says it won’t happen to you. You are bright and beautiful, with an expansive imagination, and no matter what you might think of yourself, there is nothing wrong with you.” A touch of a smile rested on plush lips, freeing one of her hands to brush a lock of hair back from the younger woman’s face. “Having emotions isn’t a crime or something to be ashamed of, no matter what those around you might say. The gods would not have designed us to be that way if it did not serve a purpose. Revel in love and heartache alike, my lady, for it means you are alive.” Chuckling softly, she took the woman’s hand again and squeezed. “Which is much better than the alternative, I should think.”
Dropping Essa’s hand, she reached over to lightly tap the girl’s chest. “Real strength is found in here, my little love. Strength of heart, strength of character, strength of spirit. You do not need to be what others tell you. All you need to be is yourself. And to remember that not all strength looks the same. Even your mother, as strong as she may seem, has weaknesses, just like the rest of us.” A wry smile once more curved her mouth, lightly cupping Essa’s cheek. “There is strength in a soft heart like yours, my lady. I would dare to say the softest hearts are the strongest for letting themselves be vulnerable.”