Daniil's brain was buzzing with a plethora of thoughts as she moved through the halls of the palace. She was curious and a tad nervous. Being allowed to attend court was a very big deal in the life of every noble and royal lady's life. Because of her nature and personality, the idea of going to court makes her nervous. You'd think that the menfolk of the family enjoyed watching you squirm. Your sisters will be a pro at this soon. she thought as she moved.

Daniil and Emilia had crossed paths on a few occasions, mainly when Pavlos chose for the family to visit or they just plain out ran into each other. This was her first visit on her own, and that was a cause for nerves on their own.

Daniil presented the letter to the guard so that she could pass into the family's private area. She followed her cousin's instructions up to the room on the top floor.

Standing in the doorway, Daniil took in the room, smiling. The first thing that she saw was a long window. Sh was impressed and made a mental note that she wanted a window like that someday. Her hazel gaze slid around the room and took in all the chests and the bolts of fabrics. Hearing her cousin's words made Daniil smile and let out a soft laugh. Hearing her comment about Persephone's peplos made her wonder what her own life would be like if her relationship with Agathe was not so stained. s

As she watched the activity in the room she found her mind painting images of what a similar scene would have been like at home. She made a mental note to have a chat with Agathe about her own dress for the Senate meet, even if it made her sister question her own sanity.

Daniil watched her cousin as Emilia picked up first a length of sea blue fabric that shimmered as she held it, and then she reached for a swath of a dark orange fabric that was nearly brown it shimmered also so the brunette assumed that both were silk. Only the members of the upper class wore it due to how expensive it was. She watched and listened to her cousin give orders. The sea blue silk would be made into a peplos likely, while the deep orange would be worn as the himation. At her intense suggestion, black pins to join the two together.

Momentarily her mind wandered to thoughts of the sea as the shade reminded Daniil of the harbor just before Poseidon whipped it into a frenzy just prior to a storm. She silently watched her cousin pick up a dark orange material and slide it underneath the blue. The pairing looks good together and with our shared skin tone and dark hair this mix would stand out like a shell in the ocean. I must learn how to do this. I think the family is getting tired of seeing me in drab colors that allow me to blend in with the scenery quite easily. She thought as she heard Emilia give orders for the seamstress and passed each piece to a waiting maid. Daniil could not help but agree with Emilia about the use of orange for the motives to trim the gown.

Daniil could help but let out a chuckle of amusement as she watched the scene. There was no doubt that Emilia was well suited to command, like many a princess. Daniil could do it as well, but she preferred to just ask the servants outright. Sugar attracted more ants then sour grapes, or so she thought.

Daniil watched Emilia’s expression go from one of surprise to a smile and she returned Emilia’s smile, though like her cousin, the smile fell short of the smiles that she gave to those that she considered her closest allies. In fact the smile she bestowed on Emilia was one of those smiles that Daniil reserved for family. I would not be surprised to discover that every member of a royal house has smiles for many occasions and people. She thought. Daniil knew that many held the members of House Marikas at arms length because the house itself and its member’s were not not exactly trustful of the Xanthos and the were not exactly amused with the idea of then warming a throne that could be theirs. There was another reason that House Marikas commonly held at arm’s length. The house was often thought to be one that was less then happy. And they were not far off on that one no matter what face the family showed to the world.

Daniil watched Emilia cross over to her. It was then that the brunette noticed that her cousin was dressed in a light pink gown, which looked stunning on her. With another smile and a curtsy from each girl the cousin’s began their dance. As of this moment Daniil outranked her cousin. She was pretty sure that it would not last too much longer, but they knew too that only the Gods knew for sure.

“I am glad, I hope that I did not disturb anything by my visit. To be plain, my father is determined and insistent that I will become a lady. As far as Court is concerned, I think he wishes for me to make a grand impression when I finally do attend. I think he leaves it to you to decide exactly what I need to learn so that I do not fall flat on my face at the council gathering. There has been little, if any talk about what will be discussed by the menfolk.” Daniil told her.

Hearing that Emilia would help her be ready for the meeting of the Senate meeting, Daniil relaxed and let out a happy giggle. “You have my thanks Emilia and a favor in return for this aid, and thank you. You are amazing with matching colors if what I saw was any indication. That matching of colors will look very good on someone with dark hair.”

Daniil nodded at the mention that court required pomp. From what her mother, Sera, had told her being presented at court was the first step on a high-born lady’s climb up the social ladder and also was a great step towards finding a husband, that was, if the father did not already have his eye set on a possible match for his daughter. I wonder if father has someone in mind for each of his daughters? Agathe should wed before either Emilia or I. If she does not, then Agathe, could face the rumor and speculation monster or worse.

Daniil’s hazel gaze followed Emilia as she turned to look at the bolts of fabrics and then Daniil saw her cousin break into a grin before she gave a flick of her wrist and that sent the maids into a flurry of action. Daniil watched as she brought her hands in front of her and intertwined her fingers in a motion of relaxed observance, Daniil had to hold back the urge to laugh as the maids bowed to her and the pulled her arms into the air. The hazel eyed beauty glanced over at Emilia, confusion and a thousand questions appearing in her eyes. What are they doing? Help? She thought willing her cousin to hear her and understand. She watched in total amusement as Emilia moved to help a third bring a three separate bolts of fabrics back to where Daniil was left standing.

Daniil took in the shades of the fabrics in wonderment. The first that she laid eyes on was a shade of red silk that gleamed like a ruby thanks to the sun coming through the window. The second was a soft green that reminded her of the new grass that sprung up in the garden at the beginning of spring, that was a common color in Daniil’s own arsenal of clothing. The last made Daniil suck in a breath as she let out a gasp of surprise. It was gold and sparkled like it was a jewel on its own. Daniil watched as the red and the green fabrics were draped over one arm and the gold was draped over her other arm.

At Emilia’s question Daniil looked over the fabrics in thought, her gaze shifting back and forth as if she was choosing, and then she told her cousin, “I usually wear green because of my eyes. I like all three shades. The red would be an interesting change though, and the gold looks good with them both."

Daniil watched her cousin work with an amused expression. She reminded her of Elena and Agathe so much right now. The expression did not wavier in the slightest as her cousin chastised her for being concerned for what the menfolk around her discussed. She knew by the look in her eyes that it was better to let the dog sleep then to bring it up again. Unlike her cousin, Daniil was intensely curious about what the men around her discussed because it helped her with being able to know what was going on in the world around her.

"Ahhhh I enjoy wearing sandals when I can. Slippers are kept for very special occasions." Danii told her with a smile. She watched Emilia hold up the cloth pieces to her skin as a servant she guessed it had to be Helen, held up the gold to her skin. She nodded at the lesson that she received that special clothes were not to be made of the same color that she wore as a common daily color. Special events were a place to make a statement according to her cousin.

"I have a necklace from Papa that has a red stone in it that comes to here." she said pointing to just above where her cleavage was just starting to bloom. She would have to remember to dress in the future in such a way to bring attention to her there. Seeing the stones Daniil let out a squeal of delight that was utterly girlish. "Oh those would look amazing as earnings and would likely draw attention to my eyes." she said before she blushed and added "They would compliment the gown? And what color would you have the slippers be?"

Daniil's mind was busy even when she was not physically so. She was always watching, listening, and taking notes. She was always on the lookout for information and items that could be of benefit to her family and house. She would find no news to ferret here, unless one called being made up for the Senate a big deal. Now that it was happening, it was fun. Daniil was not exactly happy about the idea when it was presented to her. She was more comfortable in a chiton and bare feet. She was not always comfortable in the longer peplos and and sandals or whatever foot coverings was deemed appropriate. She was actually enjoying being her cousin's poppet for dressing. Now if only she, Elena, and Agathe could could do something like this among themselves.

"You too? I love bare feet. There is something comforting about feeling grass under my feet. I wish we could go to gatherings in bare feet." Daniil said happily before she gave back the wicked grin an wink. Daniil tilted her head and watched the maid bring forth a box. Her gaze slid to Emilia as she lifted out two strands of linked chains and beads. Those don't look like a necklace or a bracelet, hmmmm, what are they? Daniil wondered. She did not have to wait long to find out as she watched Emilia as she picked one of the chains and slipped it over her middle toe, before clasping the rest around her ankle. Daniil grinned back at her "Those. What are they called and where do I find them?" She suddenly began bouncing on the balls of her feet. She would have to talk to one of the menfolk to see if one of them would take her shopping for them.

Daniil was now intrigued and as she watched her cousin walk around. Her smile grew as she heard them jingle. She laughed lightly as Emilia nodded in approval. The fact that she had gained that approval made her happy. That meant that she had done something correct and that made her very happy.

Daniil's fingers closed over the earrings. Daniil was over the moon when her cousin pulled out a matching set of chains and she put them on her feet just like she had done her own. She liked the feel of them on her feet compared to wearing sandals or slippers. "These are more comfortable then slippers, and I think that if I told Father that the idea for them came from you. I do believe that he sees you and your sister as someone that I should emulate." Daniil assured her cousin.

Daniil nodded. "I can see why you would say that.They are very comfortable so I will have to see about getting these made for my own wardrobe. Who knows maybe Agathe and Elena would like them too!" she said with a grin. The other advantage would be that the jingling would allow the menfolk to know when we were approaching. It would allow them to hold their tongues if they were discussing anything that they did not deem appropriate for us to hear. she thought silently. Cousin, you have no idea how much help that you have been with this visit. she added silently.

Daniil raised her own a brow at her cousin's expression after she expressed interest in the new footwear. I think I have confused her with actually liking something girly. I can still wield a sword and ride a horse as well as like new things even if they were girly things. Its not like I have grown two heads or a tail! she thought in amusement. Yes, Daniil usually had Balius with her as a bodyguard if she went outside the walls of the family home, but there were also times where it was not beyond her to carry a weapon on her. She hid it in such a way that it was hard to tell that she even had one on her. The only time that she was unarmed was when she was attending major events, like the upcoming Senate meeting.

"The only drawback I see is if one wears these on those really super hot days. One could burn their feet." Daniil said with a small laugh. "Not that I would be out of doors during the hottest time of the day." she added. "These are a lot more comfortable then wearing slippers or sandals."

Daniil nodded enthusiastically. "Please? Favorite colors are green and blue. I will have more pairs made to go with my other gowns, especially this new one and the one I had made that is a pale yellow-gold in color." she told Emilia. "why? Emulating you only shows that I admire you, which I do, Highness." she added. Two can play at the whole formality game, cousin. Shows that you would rather keep me at arms length. Not that I would not do the same. Unless you hold my skills with a sword and horse against me. she thought, but she was careful to control her expression. The brunette gave her cousin a genuine smile as she laid a hand on her lower arm.

Daniil nodded as she took her cousin's advice to heart. "So I should make my own style then." she said with a nod. "I like that idea!" she added with a chuckle.