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Nikolias had not needed to relax so badly in a long time. The fakery, bribery, and gossip, in addition to his not being able to understand body language, was getting to him. He needed to relax so badly that his head was honestly buzzing from disconnect today. He needed something to drink, like wine or ouzo, a nap, a vacation, and likely all three. Surely now that the traitors had been called out by the Senate, some rest and relaxation was in order. Even for just one day, it would be nice.
Perhaps Gavriil of Dimitrou would like to go along. Wilderness or forest, he didn't really care where they went at this point. Just so long as there was some good old-fashioned silence, and the company of someone who might understand his need for it. Surely Gavriil wasn't always happy being a Senator either.
He just had to propose the idea now. Maybe over a glass of wine or ouzo, he thought as he stepped up to the house. When a servant let him in, he smiled, though his eyes were tired.
"Hello. Rough days lately, hmm? Care for a few days away from it all? Or is that just me?"
For the sake of his family rank, he had to pretend to be someone he was not almost constantly, and it was well past beginning to wear on him. Then again, he was probably a little dehydrated as well. He wondered how Gavriil dealt with it all.
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Nikolias had not needed to relax so badly in a long time. The fakery, bribery, and gossip, in addition to his not being able to understand body language, was getting to him. He needed to relax so badly that his head was honestly buzzing from disconnect today. He needed something to drink, like wine or ouzo, a nap, a vacation, and likely all three. Surely now that the traitors had been called out by the Senate, some rest and relaxation was in order. Even for just one day, it would be nice.
Perhaps Gavriil of Dimitrou would like to go along. Wilderness or forest, he didn't really care where they went at this point. Just so long as there was some good old-fashioned silence, and the company of someone who might understand his need for it. Surely Gavriil wasn't always happy being a Senator either.
He just had to propose the idea now. Maybe over a glass of wine or ouzo, he thought as he stepped up to the house. When a servant let him in, he smiled, though his eyes were tired.
"Hello. Rough days lately, hmm? Care for a few days away from it all? Or is that just me?"
For the sake of his family rank, he had to pretend to be someone he was not almost constantly, and it was well past beginning to wear on him. Then again, he was probably a little dehydrated as well. He wondered how Gavriil dealt with it all.
Nikolias had not needed to relax so badly in a long time. The fakery, bribery, and gossip, in addition to his not being able to understand body language, was getting to him. He needed to relax so badly that his head was honestly buzzing from disconnect today. He needed something to drink, like wine or ouzo, a nap, a vacation, and likely all three. Surely now that the traitors had been called out by the Senate, some rest and relaxation was in order. Even for just one day, it would be nice.
Perhaps Gavriil of Dimitrou would like to go along. Wilderness or forest, he didn't really care where they went at this point. Just so long as there was some good old-fashioned silence, and the company of someone who might understand his need for it. Surely Gavriil wasn't always happy being a Senator either.
He just had to propose the idea now. Maybe over a glass of wine or ouzo, he thought as he stepped up to the house. When a servant let him in, he smiled, though his eyes were tired.
"Hello. Rough days lately, hmm? Care for a few days away from it all? Or is that just me?"
For the sake of his family rank, he had to pretend to be someone he was not almost constantly, and it was well past beginning to wear on him. Then again, he was probably a little dehydrated as well. He wondered how Gavriil dealt with it all.
The estate of the Dimitrous was not as fine as the rest of the estates of the barons, but it was massive. A sprawling compound built by the family with the oldest running name in Taengea, it had been added onto by generations of sons so that it provided an eclectic compound infusing ancient and mostly modern alike. Neither Gavriil nor his father had touched the buildings to add any, preferring instead to spend money where necessary to keep the ones they had intact. He'd gone into the city to be part of the Senate, as was his duty, and had come home again as quick as possible. He had not dragged his daughter with him to town but after the Senate meet, he was glad he hadn't brought Dorothea. The chaos this move of Irakles's had caused was worrisome.
He hadn't sent word to Nikolias to come all the way out here, but he wasn't surprised when the man showed up at his door either. Gavriil met his friend in the main room of his home and walked with him to the sitting room his late wife had once used where the house was cool and shaded. Cross breezes kept the room from getting stuffy and while he had a cup of watered down wine for him on the low table in front of the the lounging couch, another was easily produced by a servant and poured for Nikolias.
"I would love to get away from it," Gavriil admitted gravely as he went to sit on the couch he'd been occupying. Motioning to the opposite one, he waited until Nikolias was seated. "Alas, the Egyptian envoy is here and I am growing concerned with what they will see. Our king on house arrest and our prince performing the duties instead? Perhaps they will take offense..."
Though he was not afraid to go into battle, he was a sane man and one who wanted to live. The easiest way to do that was to maintain peace with one's neighbors. In this case, Egypt. If Egypt didn't like what was going on in Taengea, or, perhaps saw them in their vulnerable state, war might be an issue. The Egyptians were known to be volatile and near constantly at war with their neighbors. This peace that Greece was enjoying was tenuous at best.
The room they sat in was outfitted much like the rest of the rooms in this estate; whitewashed walls with the heads of past kills mounted up like trophies. Bearskin rugs lay across the floor and antlers decorated the surfaces of the home. A bowl comprised of interlocking horns sat on the table and held grapes for the two men to enjoy. Gavriil sat forward and reached for a few, eyeing Nikolias.
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The estate of the Dimitrous was not as fine as the rest of the estates of the barons, but it was massive. A sprawling compound built by the family with the oldest running name in Taengea, it had been added onto by generations of sons so that it provided an eclectic compound infusing ancient and mostly modern alike. Neither Gavriil nor his father had touched the buildings to add any, preferring instead to spend money where necessary to keep the ones they had intact. He'd gone into the city to be part of the Senate, as was his duty, and had come home again as quick as possible. He had not dragged his daughter with him to town but after the Senate meet, he was glad he hadn't brought Dorothea. The chaos this move of Irakles's had caused was worrisome.
He hadn't sent word to Nikolias to come all the way out here, but he wasn't surprised when the man showed up at his door either. Gavriil met his friend in the main room of his home and walked with him to the sitting room his late wife had once used where the house was cool and shaded. Cross breezes kept the room from getting stuffy and while he had a cup of watered down wine for him on the low table in front of the the lounging couch, another was easily produced by a servant and poured for Nikolias.
"I would love to get away from it," Gavriil admitted gravely as he went to sit on the couch he'd been occupying. Motioning to the opposite one, he waited until Nikolias was seated. "Alas, the Egyptian envoy is here and I am growing concerned with what they will see. Our king on house arrest and our prince performing the duties instead? Perhaps they will take offense..."
Though he was not afraid to go into battle, he was a sane man and one who wanted to live. The easiest way to do that was to maintain peace with one's neighbors. In this case, Egypt. If Egypt didn't like what was going on in Taengea, or, perhaps saw them in their vulnerable state, war might be an issue. The Egyptians were known to be volatile and near constantly at war with their neighbors. This peace that Greece was enjoying was tenuous at best.
The room they sat in was outfitted much like the rest of the rooms in this estate; whitewashed walls with the heads of past kills mounted up like trophies. Bearskin rugs lay across the floor and antlers decorated the surfaces of the home. A bowl comprised of interlocking horns sat on the table and held grapes for the two men to enjoy. Gavriil sat forward and reached for a few, eyeing Nikolias.
The estate of the Dimitrous was not as fine as the rest of the estates of the barons, but it was massive. A sprawling compound built by the family with the oldest running name in Taengea, it had been added onto by generations of sons so that it provided an eclectic compound infusing ancient and mostly modern alike. Neither Gavriil nor his father had touched the buildings to add any, preferring instead to spend money where necessary to keep the ones they had intact. He'd gone into the city to be part of the Senate, as was his duty, and had come home again as quick as possible. He had not dragged his daughter with him to town but after the Senate meet, he was glad he hadn't brought Dorothea. The chaos this move of Irakles's had caused was worrisome.
He hadn't sent word to Nikolias to come all the way out here, but he wasn't surprised when the man showed up at his door either. Gavriil met his friend in the main room of his home and walked with him to the sitting room his late wife had once used where the house was cool and shaded. Cross breezes kept the room from getting stuffy and while he had a cup of watered down wine for him on the low table in front of the the lounging couch, another was easily produced by a servant and poured for Nikolias.
"I would love to get away from it," Gavriil admitted gravely as he went to sit on the couch he'd been occupying. Motioning to the opposite one, he waited until Nikolias was seated. "Alas, the Egyptian envoy is here and I am growing concerned with what they will see. Our king on house arrest and our prince performing the duties instead? Perhaps they will take offense..."
Though he was not afraid to go into battle, he was a sane man and one who wanted to live. The easiest way to do that was to maintain peace with one's neighbors. In this case, Egypt. If Egypt didn't like what was going on in Taengea, or, perhaps saw them in their vulnerable state, war might be an issue. The Egyptians were known to be volatile and near constantly at war with their neighbors. This peace that Greece was enjoying was tenuous at best.
The room they sat in was outfitted much like the rest of the rooms in this estate; whitewashed walls with the heads of past kills mounted up like trophies. Bearskin rugs lay across the floor and antlers decorated the surfaces of the home. A bowl comprised of interlocking horns sat on the table and held grapes for the two men to enjoy. Gavriil sat forward and reached for a few, eyeing Nikolias.
"Ah yes, I'd nearly forgotten. Too absorbed with my own problems, I guess. Lucky bastards, the Egyptians," Nikolias commented. "It must be nice to think everyone is at your beck and call and that all you have to do is snap your fingers and you'll automatically get people to do your bidding." He smiled ironically. "Even if you're only visiting for awhile."
Nikolias sighed. "All that aside, you're right. It isn't very convenient timing, though. None of this was. I wish...never mind, I don't know exactly what I wish. Just that things hadn't turned into such a mess. What kind of a circus was all that, anyway?" he asked, referring to the fight after the Senate had reached its decision.
He paused to consider Gavriil's point. "I'm concerned with what they'll see, too, but it's hard to know if they'll take offense. Who takes over their country when their king is at war? And as far as I'm concerned, with the king being on house arrest until further notice? The less they know about the real causes, the better. Besides, even if they did know and take offense, what do you think we could do about it?"
What he wanted to say was sometimes it didn't matter if you did everything in order to not cause someone to take offense. They often did anyway.
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"Ah yes, I'd nearly forgotten. Too absorbed with my own problems, I guess. Lucky bastards, the Egyptians," Nikolias commented. "It must be nice to think everyone is at your beck and call and that all you have to do is snap your fingers and you'll automatically get people to do your bidding." He smiled ironically. "Even if you're only visiting for awhile."
Nikolias sighed. "All that aside, you're right. It isn't very convenient timing, though. None of this was. I wish...never mind, I don't know exactly what I wish. Just that things hadn't turned into such a mess. What kind of a circus was all that, anyway?" he asked, referring to the fight after the Senate had reached its decision.
He paused to consider Gavriil's point. "I'm concerned with what they'll see, too, but it's hard to know if they'll take offense. Who takes over their country when their king is at war? And as far as I'm concerned, with the king being on house arrest until further notice? The less they know about the real causes, the better. Besides, even if they did know and take offense, what do you think we could do about it?"
What he wanted to say was sometimes it didn't matter if you did everything in order to not cause someone to take offense. They often did anyway.
"Ah yes, I'd nearly forgotten. Too absorbed with my own problems, I guess. Lucky bastards, the Egyptians," Nikolias commented. "It must be nice to think everyone is at your beck and call and that all you have to do is snap your fingers and you'll automatically get people to do your bidding." He smiled ironically. "Even if you're only visiting for awhile."
Nikolias sighed. "All that aside, you're right. It isn't very convenient timing, though. None of this was. I wish...never mind, I don't know exactly what I wish. Just that things hadn't turned into such a mess. What kind of a circus was all that, anyway?" he asked, referring to the fight after the Senate had reached its decision.
He paused to consider Gavriil's point. "I'm concerned with what they'll see, too, but it's hard to know if they'll take offense. Who takes over their country when their king is at war? And as far as I'm concerned, with the king being on house arrest until further notice? The less they know about the real causes, the better. Besides, even if they did know and take offense, what do you think we could do about it?"
What he wanted to say was sometimes it didn't matter if you did everything in order to not cause someone to take offense. They often did anyway.
"Ah yes, I'd nearly forgotten. Too absorbed with my own problems, I guess. Lucky bastards, the Egyptians," Nikolias complained. Gavriil said nothing, but made an impatient noise at the use of the language. He and Nikolias of Condos were very different, in terms of what they wanted in life, and how they viewed it. Not so different that they had nothing in common, but Gavriil did not speak in such a way and was not inclined to continue this line of conversation as Nikolias continued, "It must be nice to think everyone is at your beck and call and that all you have to do is snap your fingers and you'll automatically get people to do your bidding. Even if you're only visiting for awhile."
“I do in this house,” Gavriil said bluntly. His servants were not only well trained, but loyal besides. He did not allow indolent, lazy servants to enter into his house, nor did he tolerate ones that stirred up trouble among their brethren. He could have pointed to the steward who’d let Nikolias in and led him through the low ceilinged halls to the great room, or to the servants who had thought to have fruit waiting for them in this very room; the room they knew their master would choose, and all without being seen. Gavriil did not have a problem seeing his servants performing their tasks, but nor did he stop to speak with them in a familiar way, like he was doing with Nikolias, who was his peer.
"All that aside, you're right. It isn't very convenient timing, though.” Nikolas changed the subject himself. ”None of this was. I wish...never mind, I don't know exactly what I wish. Just that things hadn't turned into such a mess. What kind of a circus was all that, anyway?"
“I would argue that the timing is perfect,” Gavriil countered. He frowned, considering the fireplace. “For our Prince, at least.” He did not convey more than that to Nikolias. Prince Irakles had come to his home for a private meeting in the guise of supper between senate members. It stood to logical reason that he’d met with Condos as well and Gavriil did not know where Nikolias stood on the issue of their king, and whether or not he’d committed the murders of which he’d been accused. What did not look good was King Stephanos losing his temper and punching the defenseless older man in the face. Gavriil could still see Stephanos’s face, blood red in rage, spittal flying from the man’s mouth like a rabid dog. If someone hadn’t pulled him off Irakles, Gavriil had no doubt whatsoever that they would have at least witnessed a murder. Either way, it didn’t help the king’s case.
Nikolias switched back abruptly to the conversation about the Egyptians, sharing opinions Gavriil agreed with, and had thought on long and hard. “War,” he said simply. “The peace we’ve sustained was tenuous at best. They have a new pharaoh. One who does not remember the good man our late king was and who has no relationship with our current king.”
Gavriil sighed and glanced at the cold fireplace. The day was too warm and the light too good through the windows to light it. He turned his attention back to Nikolias. “All this could have been sent in letters. Why have you come?” His question, though blunt, was not said in a cold tone, but rather, a bemused one.
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"Ah yes, I'd nearly forgotten. Too absorbed with my own problems, I guess. Lucky bastards, the Egyptians," Nikolias complained. Gavriil said nothing, but made an impatient noise at the use of the language. He and Nikolias of Condos were very different, in terms of what they wanted in life, and how they viewed it. Not so different that they had nothing in common, but Gavriil did not speak in such a way and was not inclined to continue this line of conversation as Nikolias continued, "It must be nice to think everyone is at your beck and call and that all you have to do is snap your fingers and you'll automatically get people to do your bidding. Even if you're only visiting for awhile."
“I do in this house,” Gavriil said bluntly. His servants were not only well trained, but loyal besides. He did not allow indolent, lazy servants to enter into his house, nor did he tolerate ones that stirred up trouble among their brethren. He could have pointed to the steward who’d let Nikolias in and led him through the low ceilinged halls to the great room, or to the servants who had thought to have fruit waiting for them in this very room; the room they knew their master would choose, and all without being seen. Gavriil did not have a problem seeing his servants performing their tasks, but nor did he stop to speak with them in a familiar way, like he was doing with Nikolias, who was his peer.
"All that aside, you're right. It isn't very convenient timing, though.” Nikolas changed the subject himself. ”None of this was. I wish...never mind, I don't know exactly what I wish. Just that things hadn't turned into such a mess. What kind of a circus was all that, anyway?"
“I would argue that the timing is perfect,” Gavriil countered. He frowned, considering the fireplace. “For our Prince, at least.” He did not convey more than that to Nikolias. Prince Irakles had come to his home for a private meeting in the guise of supper between senate members. It stood to logical reason that he’d met with Condos as well and Gavriil did not know where Nikolias stood on the issue of their king, and whether or not he’d committed the murders of which he’d been accused. What did not look good was King Stephanos losing his temper and punching the defenseless older man in the face. Gavriil could still see Stephanos’s face, blood red in rage, spittal flying from the man’s mouth like a rabid dog. If someone hadn’t pulled him off Irakles, Gavriil had no doubt whatsoever that they would have at least witnessed a murder. Either way, it didn’t help the king’s case.
Nikolias switched back abruptly to the conversation about the Egyptians, sharing opinions Gavriil agreed with, and had thought on long and hard. “War,” he said simply. “The peace we’ve sustained was tenuous at best. They have a new pharaoh. One who does not remember the good man our late king was and who has no relationship with our current king.”
Gavriil sighed and glanced at the cold fireplace. The day was too warm and the light too good through the windows to light it. He turned his attention back to Nikolias. “All this could have been sent in letters. Why have you come?” His question, though blunt, was not said in a cold tone, but rather, a bemused one.
"Ah yes, I'd nearly forgotten. Too absorbed with my own problems, I guess. Lucky bastards, the Egyptians," Nikolias complained. Gavriil said nothing, but made an impatient noise at the use of the language. He and Nikolias of Condos were very different, in terms of what they wanted in life, and how they viewed it. Not so different that they had nothing in common, but Gavriil did not speak in such a way and was not inclined to continue this line of conversation as Nikolias continued, "It must be nice to think everyone is at your beck and call and that all you have to do is snap your fingers and you'll automatically get people to do your bidding. Even if you're only visiting for awhile."
“I do in this house,” Gavriil said bluntly. His servants were not only well trained, but loyal besides. He did not allow indolent, lazy servants to enter into his house, nor did he tolerate ones that stirred up trouble among their brethren. He could have pointed to the steward who’d let Nikolias in and led him through the low ceilinged halls to the great room, or to the servants who had thought to have fruit waiting for them in this very room; the room they knew their master would choose, and all without being seen. Gavriil did not have a problem seeing his servants performing their tasks, but nor did he stop to speak with them in a familiar way, like he was doing with Nikolias, who was his peer.
"All that aside, you're right. It isn't very convenient timing, though.” Nikolas changed the subject himself. ”None of this was. I wish...never mind, I don't know exactly what I wish. Just that things hadn't turned into such a mess. What kind of a circus was all that, anyway?"
“I would argue that the timing is perfect,” Gavriil countered. He frowned, considering the fireplace. “For our Prince, at least.” He did not convey more than that to Nikolias. Prince Irakles had come to his home for a private meeting in the guise of supper between senate members. It stood to logical reason that he’d met with Condos as well and Gavriil did not know where Nikolias stood on the issue of their king, and whether or not he’d committed the murders of which he’d been accused. What did not look good was King Stephanos losing his temper and punching the defenseless older man in the face. Gavriil could still see Stephanos’s face, blood red in rage, spittal flying from the man’s mouth like a rabid dog. If someone hadn’t pulled him off Irakles, Gavriil had no doubt whatsoever that they would have at least witnessed a murder. Either way, it didn’t help the king’s case.
Nikolias switched back abruptly to the conversation about the Egyptians, sharing opinions Gavriil agreed with, and had thought on long and hard. “War,” he said simply. “The peace we’ve sustained was tenuous at best. They have a new pharaoh. One who does not remember the good man our late king was and who has no relationship with our current king.”
Gavriil sighed and glanced at the cold fireplace. The day was too warm and the light too good through the windows to light it. He turned his attention back to Nikolias. “All this could have been sent in letters. Why have you come?” His question, though blunt, was not said in a cold tone, but rather, a bemused one.
Nikolias didn't bother with anything more than what he had come for, for now. He had only raised the issues he had because he wanted to see if Gavriil was feeling the same level of stress, or at least to see if he might be amenable to going along. Nikolias never did like taking vacations alone. It was one thing to go hunting for a few days, but he was beginning to think that stress of the level he'd been feeling lately might require some sort of isolation on a desert isle; something even quiet Nikolias would find lonely.
"I've come to see if you might like to get away for a little while, but I can see I'm likely going to have to go alone this time if I want to get away at all. My son grousing about the fact that our family will likely never have the crown- something I certainly didn't teach him to do. I've wondered for years if I've been a bad father, and I'm worried my only son might lose his head- possibly literally, if there's enough interest or suspicion. And with the king and queen under house arrest...well, it still means they're the king and queen." Nikolias knew nothing would likely change, even if the Senate were likely to become more involved in the running of the government for the present. "So there's that. Then, as I've mentioned, there was that circus in the palace the other day. I'm not saying something didn't need to be done. It did. But...perhaps it could have ended more...I don't know the word...civilly? That one seems close enough. Between the two...it's made me severely uneasy, is all. But maybe I'm wrong, and nobody else would be worried if their heir were potentially going to do something reckless, especially if they had other sons, which I don't." He really was not expecting anyone to understand. It seemed no one ever entirely did anyway, but Gavriil was one of the courtiers he'd been able to find things in common with- not the least of which was a seemingly mutual dislike of being on the court in the first place.
He shrugged, trying to maintain his usual calm and good nature, even in the face of likely disappointment that he'd probably have to face one of the most stressful times of his life alone. Not that it hadn't happened before, though.
"You've made some good points too, though. War, or the possibility thereof- and the visits from foreigners that accompany it- aren't going to stop just because we need a break. We must keep our peace for as long as possible- and I suppose that means figuratively as well as literally. I agree with you, regardless of my own circumstances, or those that are not my own, but concern those I care about."
He was going to sigh again, and potentially make a quick exit, when suddenly he stopped his agitated pacing.
"Wait. What exactly did you mean about this...problem with their Majesties...coming at the perfect time? How do you think that's possible?" Nikolias didn't see any kind of silver lining whatsoever, but he was well aware that Gavriil often saw things somewhat differently than he did.
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Nikolias didn't bother with anything more than what he had come for, for now. He had only raised the issues he had because he wanted to see if Gavriil was feeling the same level of stress, or at least to see if he might be amenable to going along. Nikolias never did like taking vacations alone. It was one thing to go hunting for a few days, but he was beginning to think that stress of the level he'd been feeling lately might require some sort of isolation on a desert isle; something even quiet Nikolias would find lonely.
"I've come to see if you might like to get away for a little while, but I can see I'm likely going to have to go alone this time if I want to get away at all. My son grousing about the fact that our family will likely never have the crown- something I certainly didn't teach him to do. I've wondered for years if I've been a bad father, and I'm worried my only son might lose his head- possibly literally, if there's enough interest or suspicion. And with the king and queen under house arrest...well, it still means they're the king and queen." Nikolias knew nothing would likely change, even if the Senate were likely to become more involved in the running of the government for the present. "So there's that. Then, as I've mentioned, there was that circus in the palace the other day. I'm not saying something didn't need to be done. It did. But...perhaps it could have ended more...I don't know the word...civilly? That one seems close enough. Between the two...it's made me severely uneasy, is all. But maybe I'm wrong, and nobody else would be worried if their heir were potentially going to do something reckless, especially if they had other sons, which I don't." He really was not expecting anyone to understand. It seemed no one ever entirely did anyway, but Gavriil was one of the courtiers he'd been able to find things in common with- not the least of which was a seemingly mutual dislike of being on the court in the first place.
He shrugged, trying to maintain his usual calm and good nature, even in the face of likely disappointment that he'd probably have to face one of the most stressful times of his life alone. Not that it hadn't happened before, though.
"You've made some good points too, though. War, or the possibility thereof- and the visits from foreigners that accompany it- aren't going to stop just because we need a break. We must keep our peace for as long as possible- and I suppose that means figuratively as well as literally. I agree with you, regardless of my own circumstances, or those that are not my own, but concern those I care about."
He was going to sigh again, and potentially make a quick exit, when suddenly he stopped his agitated pacing.
"Wait. What exactly did you mean about this...problem with their Majesties...coming at the perfect time? How do you think that's possible?" Nikolias didn't see any kind of silver lining whatsoever, but he was well aware that Gavriil often saw things somewhat differently than he did.
Nikolias didn't bother with anything more than what he had come for, for now. He had only raised the issues he had because he wanted to see if Gavriil was feeling the same level of stress, or at least to see if he might be amenable to going along. Nikolias never did like taking vacations alone. It was one thing to go hunting for a few days, but he was beginning to think that stress of the level he'd been feeling lately might require some sort of isolation on a desert isle; something even quiet Nikolias would find lonely.
"I've come to see if you might like to get away for a little while, but I can see I'm likely going to have to go alone this time if I want to get away at all. My son grousing about the fact that our family will likely never have the crown- something I certainly didn't teach him to do. I've wondered for years if I've been a bad father, and I'm worried my only son might lose his head- possibly literally, if there's enough interest or suspicion. And with the king and queen under house arrest...well, it still means they're the king and queen." Nikolias knew nothing would likely change, even if the Senate were likely to become more involved in the running of the government for the present. "So there's that. Then, as I've mentioned, there was that circus in the palace the other day. I'm not saying something didn't need to be done. It did. But...perhaps it could have ended more...I don't know the word...civilly? That one seems close enough. Between the two...it's made me severely uneasy, is all. But maybe I'm wrong, and nobody else would be worried if their heir were potentially going to do something reckless, especially if they had other sons, which I don't." He really was not expecting anyone to understand. It seemed no one ever entirely did anyway, but Gavriil was one of the courtiers he'd been able to find things in common with- not the least of which was a seemingly mutual dislike of being on the court in the first place.
He shrugged, trying to maintain his usual calm and good nature, even in the face of likely disappointment that he'd probably have to face one of the most stressful times of his life alone. Not that it hadn't happened before, though.
"You've made some good points too, though. War, or the possibility thereof- and the visits from foreigners that accompany it- aren't going to stop just because we need a break. We must keep our peace for as long as possible- and I suppose that means figuratively as well as literally. I agree with you, regardless of my own circumstances, or those that are not my own, but concern those I care about."
He was going to sigh again, and potentially make a quick exit, when suddenly he stopped his agitated pacing.
"Wait. What exactly did you mean about this...problem with their Majesties...coming at the perfect time? How do you think that's possible?" Nikolias didn't see any kind of silver lining whatsoever, but he was well aware that Gavriil often saw things somewhat differently than he did.
Gavriil couldn’t pretend that he’d expected Nikolias to be as candid as the other man chose to do. The Dimitrou lord listened to Nikolias’s troubles in complete silence, but his attention never wavered. He well understood a father’s concern, and the worst of it was, Nikolias’s fears weren’t misplaced. Nikos had known, though not expressly stated opinions, that Condos, not Mikaelidas should hold the throne. A serious position to hold, to be sure. It was also common knowledge that neither King Stephanos, nor his cousin Lord Achilleas held Lord Nikos in high esteem. The word ‘hate’ might be easily thrown into the conversation. Though, as far as Gavriil could work out, King Stephanos had been too preoccupied to bother paying Lord Nikos much mind, and probably wasn’t thinking of him at all, now.
Gavriil would have liked to have comforted his friend in some way on that account but Nikolias didn’t pause long enough for Gavriil to come up with the right words. All the other man had was the arrangement of empathetic features before Nikolias was moving on again and Gavriil’s face fell back into an impassive state as he listened. Obviously the other man was just pouring out his fears and not really expecting some sort of comment, which Gavriil could most definitely live with. Not a chatty person in the first place, he liked when other people solved their own problems.
Nikolias was pacing across the floor and Gavriil watched this with little patience. Nikolias was not alone in this insistence with expending energy in such a useless way, but Gavriil didn’t like having to shift his attention so often. He was about to invite Nikolias to sit again but the other man spoke abruptly.
"Wait. What exactly did you mean about this...problem with their Majesties...coming at the perfect time? How do you think that's possible?"
He avoided shifting in his seat. He’d hoped that Nikolias would have picked up on his attempt at subtlety but the man wouldn’t and he didn’t overly want to spell it out for him. “Convenient for Prince Irakles,” he said bluntly. Ideally Nikolias wouldn’t turn him in for treason. This wasn’t treason yet, but it was dancing around the subject. “Come, let’s talk of something less dangerous. There’s nothing to be done about it now.”
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Gavriil couldn’t pretend that he’d expected Nikolias to be as candid as the other man chose to do. The Dimitrou lord listened to Nikolias’s troubles in complete silence, but his attention never wavered. He well understood a father’s concern, and the worst of it was, Nikolias’s fears weren’t misplaced. Nikos had known, though not expressly stated opinions, that Condos, not Mikaelidas should hold the throne. A serious position to hold, to be sure. It was also common knowledge that neither King Stephanos, nor his cousin Lord Achilleas held Lord Nikos in high esteem. The word ‘hate’ might be easily thrown into the conversation. Though, as far as Gavriil could work out, King Stephanos had been too preoccupied to bother paying Lord Nikos much mind, and probably wasn’t thinking of him at all, now.
Gavriil would have liked to have comforted his friend in some way on that account but Nikolias didn’t pause long enough for Gavriil to come up with the right words. All the other man had was the arrangement of empathetic features before Nikolias was moving on again and Gavriil’s face fell back into an impassive state as he listened. Obviously the other man was just pouring out his fears and not really expecting some sort of comment, which Gavriil could most definitely live with. Not a chatty person in the first place, he liked when other people solved their own problems.
Nikolias was pacing across the floor and Gavriil watched this with little patience. Nikolias was not alone in this insistence with expending energy in such a useless way, but Gavriil didn’t like having to shift his attention so often. He was about to invite Nikolias to sit again but the other man spoke abruptly.
"Wait. What exactly did you mean about this...problem with their Majesties...coming at the perfect time? How do you think that's possible?"
He avoided shifting in his seat. He’d hoped that Nikolias would have picked up on his attempt at subtlety but the man wouldn’t and he didn’t overly want to spell it out for him. “Convenient for Prince Irakles,” he said bluntly. Ideally Nikolias wouldn’t turn him in for treason. This wasn’t treason yet, but it was dancing around the subject. “Come, let’s talk of something less dangerous. There’s nothing to be done about it now.”
Gavriil couldn’t pretend that he’d expected Nikolias to be as candid as the other man chose to do. The Dimitrou lord listened to Nikolias’s troubles in complete silence, but his attention never wavered. He well understood a father’s concern, and the worst of it was, Nikolias’s fears weren’t misplaced. Nikos had known, though not expressly stated opinions, that Condos, not Mikaelidas should hold the throne. A serious position to hold, to be sure. It was also common knowledge that neither King Stephanos, nor his cousin Lord Achilleas held Lord Nikos in high esteem. The word ‘hate’ might be easily thrown into the conversation. Though, as far as Gavriil could work out, King Stephanos had been too preoccupied to bother paying Lord Nikos much mind, and probably wasn’t thinking of him at all, now.
Gavriil would have liked to have comforted his friend in some way on that account but Nikolias didn’t pause long enough for Gavriil to come up with the right words. All the other man had was the arrangement of empathetic features before Nikolias was moving on again and Gavriil’s face fell back into an impassive state as he listened. Obviously the other man was just pouring out his fears and not really expecting some sort of comment, which Gavriil could most definitely live with. Not a chatty person in the first place, he liked when other people solved their own problems.
Nikolias was pacing across the floor and Gavriil watched this with little patience. Nikolias was not alone in this insistence with expending energy in such a useless way, but Gavriil didn’t like having to shift his attention so often. He was about to invite Nikolias to sit again but the other man spoke abruptly.
"Wait. What exactly did you mean about this...problem with their Majesties...coming at the perfect time? How do you think that's possible?"
He avoided shifting in his seat. He’d hoped that Nikolias would have picked up on his attempt at subtlety but the man wouldn’t and he didn’t overly want to spell it out for him. “Convenient for Prince Irakles,” he said bluntly. Ideally Nikolias wouldn’t turn him in for treason. This wasn’t treason yet, but it was dancing around the subject. “Come, let’s talk of something less dangerous. There’s nothing to be done about it now.”
Nikolias nodded, suddenly not pacing so much anymore, though he was still somewhat agitated. "Let's just say I can see how Irakles might think it would be convenient and leave it at that."
But he sighed, all the same. He really couldn't think of anything to talk about, not anything happy, and perhaps that was why he was here...for someone to bounce ideas off of. Still, he tried to remain at least somewhat positive. What he could come up with- to do alone- might not be much of a solution to him, but it was something, at least, which might relax him.
"I think- with everything I just mentioned- it's possible I might be having some sort of internal crisis," he was honest enough in that moment to admit. "But maybe all I need is a few days at the Kalopsiti. I haven't checked up on things there in awhile. If you're sure you can't come along, that's fine. It's not like I'm considering killing a lion...." It was a weak attempt at a joke, perhaps- considering that he had, in private at least, thought of hunting such a creature as a way to bring glory to House Condos the way he had promised his father long ago that he would. If there were personal reasons for him why this glory could not be accomplished in war, hunting a lion, or somewhat less dangerously, winning an archery contest, might earn Nikolias, and House Condos, some measure of respect.
Not that he knew of any archery contests coming up, or it was possible that he might sign up for one.
He managed a halfhearted chuckle at his joke, the gist of which was in reality probably somewhat morbid. But he needed to laugh sometime soon, surely. Sooner or later, it was possible that everyone- at least, everyone noble, if no one else could afford to get away- could use a laugh, or a festival, or a vacation.
"It will be enough for now. I suppose it will have to be.Thank you for listening. But in all honesty... do you have any advice?" he had to ask.
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Nikolias nodded, suddenly not pacing so much anymore, though he was still somewhat agitated. "Let's just say I can see how Irakles might think it would be convenient and leave it at that."
But he sighed, all the same. He really couldn't think of anything to talk about, not anything happy, and perhaps that was why he was here...for someone to bounce ideas off of. Still, he tried to remain at least somewhat positive. What he could come up with- to do alone- might not be much of a solution to him, but it was something, at least, which might relax him.
"I think- with everything I just mentioned- it's possible I might be having some sort of internal crisis," he was honest enough in that moment to admit. "But maybe all I need is a few days at the Kalopsiti. I haven't checked up on things there in awhile. If you're sure you can't come along, that's fine. It's not like I'm considering killing a lion...." It was a weak attempt at a joke, perhaps- considering that he had, in private at least, thought of hunting such a creature as a way to bring glory to House Condos the way he had promised his father long ago that he would. If there were personal reasons for him why this glory could not be accomplished in war, hunting a lion, or somewhat less dangerously, winning an archery contest, might earn Nikolias, and House Condos, some measure of respect.
Not that he knew of any archery contests coming up, or it was possible that he might sign up for one.
He managed a halfhearted chuckle at his joke, the gist of which was in reality probably somewhat morbid. But he needed to laugh sometime soon, surely. Sooner or later, it was possible that everyone- at least, everyone noble, if no one else could afford to get away- could use a laugh, or a festival, or a vacation.
"It will be enough for now. I suppose it will have to be.Thank you for listening. But in all honesty... do you have any advice?" he had to ask.
Nikolias nodded, suddenly not pacing so much anymore, though he was still somewhat agitated. "Let's just say I can see how Irakles might think it would be convenient and leave it at that."
But he sighed, all the same. He really couldn't think of anything to talk about, not anything happy, and perhaps that was why he was here...for someone to bounce ideas off of. Still, he tried to remain at least somewhat positive. What he could come up with- to do alone- might not be much of a solution to him, but it was something, at least, which might relax him.
"I think- with everything I just mentioned- it's possible I might be having some sort of internal crisis," he was honest enough in that moment to admit. "But maybe all I need is a few days at the Kalopsiti. I haven't checked up on things there in awhile. If you're sure you can't come along, that's fine. It's not like I'm considering killing a lion...." It was a weak attempt at a joke, perhaps- considering that he had, in private at least, thought of hunting such a creature as a way to bring glory to House Condos the way he had promised his father long ago that he would. If there were personal reasons for him why this glory could not be accomplished in war, hunting a lion, or somewhat less dangerously, winning an archery contest, might earn Nikolias, and House Condos, some measure of respect.
Not that he knew of any archery contests coming up, or it was possible that he might sign up for one.
He managed a halfhearted chuckle at his joke, the gist of which was in reality probably somewhat morbid. But he needed to laugh sometime soon, surely. Sooner or later, it was possible that everyone- at least, everyone noble, if no one else could afford to get away- could use a laugh, or a festival, or a vacation.
"It will be enough for now. I suppose it will have to be.Thank you for listening. But in all honesty... do you have any advice?" he had to ask.
"I think- with everything I just mentioned- it's possible I might be having some sort of internal crisis." Nikolias looked for all the world like a man at the end of his rope. Pacing back and forth before Gavriil, his display had sent irritation through the Dimitrou lord but that was nothing to the sudden spike of dread that Gavriil now had congealing in his gut. Internal Crisis. Those words alone meant that what Nikolias needed was some sort of emotional help. Wasn’t Olivia better for this sort of thing? Gavriil finally dropped his attention to his own hands which sat folded in his lap. He was just not the kind of person who was well equipped to help someone, verbally at least, through an emotional crisis. His words usually were fumbling in this kind of situation and tended to make people act worse. Not better. But he wasn’t a coward. He’d do his best, but really, it was the man’s wife’s job, wasn’t it? To help him?
Gavriil opened his mouth to say something to the effect of ‘go home. Olivia knows best’ but Nikolias came to the rescue and answered his own issue. "But maybe all I need is a few days at the Kalopsiti. I haven't checked up on things there in awhile. If you're sure you can't come along, that's fine. It's not like I'm considering killing a lion...."
“I have my daughters to look after,” Gavriil reclined back in his chair, more comfortable with this turn of events. Dorothea and Alexa, while strictly not needing him every second of the day, certainly benefited from his being around, rather than absent. Besides, Dorotheos was busy, Iason, Gods knew, had his hands full...this wasn’t the time to be cavorting around the countryside because Nikolias was having a personal, emotional crisis. But Gavriil wasn’t about to tell him that. The man was an adult and could do what he liked.
Nikolias laughed wryly at his own joke and Gavriil merely watched him. Some men did better with political upheaval than others, though, to make light of this situation seemed...crass.
"It will be enough for now. I suppose it will have to be.Thank you for listening. But in all honesty... do you have any advice?" Nikolias suddenly turned to him and Gavriil let out a long breath.
“Don’t go killing lions,” he said, also joking but his deadpan tone might have made the advice sound serious. His real advice came on the heels of his last words. “Stop vexing yourself about what you can’t control. See to it that Nikos doesn’t hang himself with his own tongue and leave the rest. Keeping yourself this anxious is only going to lead to indigestion.”
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"I think- with everything I just mentioned- it's possible I might be having some sort of internal crisis." Nikolias looked for all the world like a man at the end of his rope. Pacing back and forth before Gavriil, his display had sent irritation through the Dimitrou lord but that was nothing to the sudden spike of dread that Gavriil now had congealing in his gut. Internal Crisis. Those words alone meant that what Nikolias needed was some sort of emotional help. Wasn’t Olivia better for this sort of thing? Gavriil finally dropped his attention to his own hands which sat folded in his lap. He was just not the kind of person who was well equipped to help someone, verbally at least, through an emotional crisis. His words usually were fumbling in this kind of situation and tended to make people act worse. Not better. But he wasn’t a coward. He’d do his best, but really, it was the man’s wife’s job, wasn’t it? To help him?
Gavriil opened his mouth to say something to the effect of ‘go home. Olivia knows best’ but Nikolias came to the rescue and answered his own issue. "But maybe all I need is a few days at the Kalopsiti. I haven't checked up on things there in awhile. If you're sure you can't come along, that's fine. It's not like I'm considering killing a lion...."
“I have my daughters to look after,” Gavriil reclined back in his chair, more comfortable with this turn of events. Dorothea and Alexa, while strictly not needing him every second of the day, certainly benefited from his being around, rather than absent. Besides, Dorotheos was busy, Iason, Gods knew, had his hands full...this wasn’t the time to be cavorting around the countryside because Nikolias was having a personal, emotional crisis. But Gavriil wasn’t about to tell him that. The man was an adult and could do what he liked.
Nikolias laughed wryly at his own joke and Gavriil merely watched him. Some men did better with political upheaval than others, though, to make light of this situation seemed...crass.
"It will be enough for now. I suppose it will have to be.Thank you for listening. But in all honesty... do you have any advice?" Nikolias suddenly turned to him and Gavriil let out a long breath.
“Don’t go killing lions,” he said, also joking but his deadpan tone might have made the advice sound serious. His real advice came on the heels of his last words. “Stop vexing yourself about what you can’t control. See to it that Nikos doesn’t hang himself with his own tongue and leave the rest. Keeping yourself this anxious is only going to lead to indigestion.”
"I think- with everything I just mentioned- it's possible I might be having some sort of internal crisis." Nikolias looked for all the world like a man at the end of his rope. Pacing back and forth before Gavriil, his display had sent irritation through the Dimitrou lord but that was nothing to the sudden spike of dread that Gavriil now had congealing in his gut. Internal Crisis. Those words alone meant that what Nikolias needed was some sort of emotional help. Wasn’t Olivia better for this sort of thing? Gavriil finally dropped his attention to his own hands which sat folded in his lap. He was just not the kind of person who was well equipped to help someone, verbally at least, through an emotional crisis. His words usually were fumbling in this kind of situation and tended to make people act worse. Not better. But he wasn’t a coward. He’d do his best, but really, it was the man’s wife’s job, wasn’t it? To help him?
Gavriil opened his mouth to say something to the effect of ‘go home. Olivia knows best’ but Nikolias came to the rescue and answered his own issue. "But maybe all I need is a few days at the Kalopsiti. I haven't checked up on things there in awhile. If you're sure you can't come along, that's fine. It's not like I'm considering killing a lion...."
“I have my daughters to look after,” Gavriil reclined back in his chair, more comfortable with this turn of events. Dorothea and Alexa, while strictly not needing him every second of the day, certainly benefited from his being around, rather than absent. Besides, Dorotheos was busy, Iason, Gods knew, had his hands full...this wasn’t the time to be cavorting around the countryside because Nikolias was having a personal, emotional crisis. But Gavriil wasn’t about to tell him that. The man was an adult and could do what he liked.
Nikolias laughed wryly at his own joke and Gavriil merely watched him. Some men did better with political upheaval than others, though, to make light of this situation seemed...crass.
"It will be enough for now. I suppose it will have to be.Thank you for listening. But in all honesty... do you have any advice?" Nikolias suddenly turned to him and Gavriil let out a long breath.
“Don’t go killing lions,” he said, also joking but his deadpan tone might have made the advice sound serious. His real advice came on the heels of his last words. “Stop vexing yourself about what you can’t control. See to it that Nikos doesn’t hang himself with his own tongue and leave the rest. Keeping yourself this anxious is only going to lead to indigestion.”
Nikolias smiled thinly. "I was actually referring to what one might do about Nikos. There are times I don't think anything I've taught him has made a difference. Especially times like the one we are currently experiencing. But if you don't know..." Nikolias sighed. "Prayer doesn't seem to be doing much- except maybe keeping his head on at all- but maybe that's all I can ask. Every man has his own opinion. Even Kronos and Zeus had to go their separate ways, in the end." True, it was somewhat harder as a mortal, particularly as a noble mortal, where a bunch of people all lived in one place, albeit in different wings of the house. But it was something. And there might be something else. "Though I should know better than to think he'll automatically follow an order- if I were to outright order him- perhaps I might also suggest it's time he marry." Though that would probably only increase the friction between them, Nikolias was at a loss as to what else to do. Right now, it felt like the only thing he had left to suggest, though he knew it would most likely be in vain.
"You're right, though, that I shouldn't get myself worked up- though gods know it seems impossible at the moment, when I've lost sight of how to deal with my son. It could just be that I was blessed where my daughters are concerned, but they don't give me half the trouble Nikos has. Well, what will be will be- and the gods will aid who they may, whether the dice roll in our favor or not." He knew it was just the way things would be. The gods could be fickle. But in the end, what he had been doing was all he could keep doing,
"Perhaps the coming weeks will improve matters." The words were said without much hope, but at least the hope was there at all.
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Nikolias smiled thinly. "I was actually referring to what one might do about Nikos. There are times I don't think anything I've taught him has made a difference. Especially times like the one we are currently experiencing. But if you don't know..." Nikolias sighed. "Prayer doesn't seem to be doing much- except maybe keeping his head on at all- but maybe that's all I can ask. Every man has his own opinion. Even Kronos and Zeus had to go their separate ways, in the end." True, it was somewhat harder as a mortal, particularly as a noble mortal, where a bunch of people all lived in one place, albeit in different wings of the house. But it was something. And there might be something else. "Though I should know better than to think he'll automatically follow an order- if I were to outright order him- perhaps I might also suggest it's time he marry." Though that would probably only increase the friction between them, Nikolias was at a loss as to what else to do. Right now, it felt like the only thing he had left to suggest, though he knew it would most likely be in vain.
"You're right, though, that I shouldn't get myself worked up- though gods know it seems impossible at the moment, when I've lost sight of how to deal with my son. It could just be that I was blessed where my daughters are concerned, but they don't give me half the trouble Nikos has. Well, what will be will be- and the gods will aid who they may, whether the dice roll in our favor or not." He knew it was just the way things would be. The gods could be fickle. But in the end, what he had been doing was all he could keep doing,
"Perhaps the coming weeks will improve matters." The words were said without much hope, but at least the hope was there at all.
Nikolias smiled thinly. "I was actually referring to what one might do about Nikos. There are times I don't think anything I've taught him has made a difference. Especially times like the one we are currently experiencing. But if you don't know..." Nikolias sighed. "Prayer doesn't seem to be doing much- except maybe keeping his head on at all- but maybe that's all I can ask. Every man has his own opinion. Even Kronos and Zeus had to go their separate ways, in the end." True, it was somewhat harder as a mortal, particularly as a noble mortal, where a bunch of people all lived in one place, albeit in different wings of the house. But it was something. And there might be something else. "Though I should know better than to think he'll automatically follow an order- if I were to outright order him- perhaps I might also suggest it's time he marry." Though that would probably only increase the friction between them, Nikolias was at a loss as to what else to do. Right now, it felt like the only thing he had left to suggest, though he knew it would most likely be in vain.
"You're right, though, that I shouldn't get myself worked up- though gods know it seems impossible at the moment, when I've lost sight of how to deal with my son. It could just be that I was blessed where my daughters are concerned, but they don't give me half the trouble Nikos has. Well, what will be will be- and the gods will aid who they may, whether the dice roll in our favor or not." He knew it was just the way things would be. The gods could be fickle. But in the end, what he had been doing was all he could keep doing,
"Perhaps the coming weeks will improve matters." The words were said without much hope, but at least the hope was there at all.
There was no way in this life or the next that Gavriil was going to advise Nikolias about how to deal with Nikos. In Gavriil’s opinion, it was far, far too late to change the boy. Nikos had grown up as vain as a peacock and as useful as a fat cat. The boy had all the potential and none of the drive. And, as far as Gavriil had bothered to notice whenever he did cross paths with the Condos youth, any interest Nikos did take had a self interested tilt and an unearned arrogance to go with it. In short, he had a terribly low opinion of his friend’s son and didn’t see that changing. Therefore, he didn’t mention it. It would pointlessly cause Nikolias pain, a thing he did not want to do.
“Perhaps they will,” Gavriil said and finally roused himself out of his chair. Gesturing for Nikolias to follow, he walked slowly towards the door and opened it, signalling to his friend that the visit was over. However, he would accompany the man to the front door, partially because he did not want to seem too abrupt, and partially because he wasn’t throwing Nikolias out. This was a friendly conversation, after all. Gavriil trusted Nikolias to know the difference between Gavriil’s naturally gruff mannerisms and true rudeness.
“Come, old friend. I will walk you out.” He waited until Nikolias passed him and walked out into the hall to shut the door behind them. “Keep praying,” Gavriil advised. “It never hurts. The gods do what they will but it is our job to offer sacrifices.” The walk through the Dimitrou manor was not as fine as one through the Condos manor would have been. The furniture had been new in his grandfather’s time and neither his father nor Gavriil had seen fit to change it. All of it was handsome and well made, though, nowadays, considered unfashionable. All the furniture also had a well worn look of past grandeur. That was fine. The Dimitrou line was the oldest and also the least wealthy of any of the noble houses. While far from poor, they could not and would not pretend to keep up with their richer friends. Gavriil saw little point in pretending and really? How did one decide how much money was ‘enough’? He had enough to feed and clothe his own, and a surplus to do as he pleased. To earn more would be to render someone else poorer and he did not see any reason to do that.
A man of few words, he did not start more conversation than that for Nikolias. He was content with a companionable silence and a congenial parting if it came to that.
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There was no way in this life or the next that Gavriil was going to advise Nikolias about how to deal with Nikos. In Gavriil’s opinion, it was far, far too late to change the boy. Nikos had grown up as vain as a peacock and as useful as a fat cat. The boy had all the potential and none of the drive. And, as far as Gavriil had bothered to notice whenever he did cross paths with the Condos youth, any interest Nikos did take had a self interested tilt and an unearned arrogance to go with it. In short, he had a terribly low opinion of his friend’s son and didn’t see that changing. Therefore, he didn’t mention it. It would pointlessly cause Nikolias pain, a thing he did not want to do.
“Perhaps they will,” Gavriil said and finally roused himself out of his chair. Gesturing for Nikolias to follow, he walked slowly towards the door and opened it, signalling to his friend that the visit was over. However, he would accompany the man to the front door, partially because he did not want to seem too abrupt, and partially because he wasn’t throwing Nikolias out. This was a friendly conversation, after all. Gavriil trusted Nikolias to know the difference between Gavriil’s naturally gruff mannerisms and true rudeness.
“Come, old friend. I will walk you out.” He waited until Nikolias passed him and walked out into the hall to shut the door behind them. “Keep praying,” Gavriil advised. “It never hurts. The gods do what they will but it is our job to offer sacrifices.” The walk through the Dimitrou manor was not as fine as one through the Condos manor would have been. The furniture had been new in his grandfather’s time and neither his father nor Gavriil had seen fit to change it. All of it was handsome and well made, though, nowadays, considered unfashionable. All the furniture also had a well worn look of past grandeur. That was fine. The Dimitrou line was the oldest and also the least wealthy of any of the noble houses. While far from poor, they could not and would not pretend to keep up with their richer friends. Gavriil saw little point in pretending and really? How did one decide how much money was ‘enough’? He had enough to feed and clothe his own, and a surplus to do as he pleased. To earn more would be to render someone else poorer and he did not see any reason to do that.
A man of few words, he did not start more conversation than that for Nikolias. He was content with a companionable silence and a congenial parting if it came to that.
There was no way in this life or the next that Gavriil was going to advise Nikolias about how to deal with Nikos. In Gavriil’s opinion, it was far, far too late to change the boy. Nikos had grown up as vain as a peacock and as useful as a fat cat. The boy had all the potential and none of the drive. And, as far as Gavriil had bothered to notice whenever he did cross paths with the Condos youth, any interest Nikos did take had a self interested tilt and an unearned arrogance to go with it. In short, he had a terribly low opinion of his friend’s son and didn’t see that changing. Therefore, he didn’t mention it. It would pointlessly cause Nikolias pain, a thing he did not want to do.
“Perhaps they will,” Gavriil said and finally roused himself out of his chair. Gesturing for Nikolias to follow, he walked slowly towards the door and opened it, signalling to his friend that the visit was over. However, he would accompany the man to the front door, partially because he did not want to seem too abrupt, and partially because he wasn’t throwing Nikolias out. This was a friendly conversation, after all. Gavriil trusted Nikolias to know the difference between Gavriil’s naturally gruff mannerisms and true rudeness.
“Come, old friend. I will walk you out.” He waited until Nikolias passed him and walked out into the hall to shut the door behind them. “Keep praying,” Gavriil advised. “It never hurts. The gods do what they will but it is our job to offer sacrifices.” The walk through the Dimitrou manor was not as fine as one through the Condos manor would have been. The furniture had been new in his grandfather’s time and neither his father nor Gavriil had seen fit to change it. All of it was handsome and well made, though, nowadays, considered unfashionable. All the furniture also had a well worn look of past grandeur. That was fine. The Dimitrou line was the oldest and also the least wealthy of any of the noble houses. While far from poor, they could not and would not pretend to keep up with their richer friends. Gavriil saw little point in pretending and really? How did one decide how much money was ‘enough’? He had enough to feed and clothe his own, and a surplus to do as he pleased. To earn more would be to render someone else poorer and he did not see any reason to do that.
A man of few words, he did not start more conversation than that for Nikolias. He was content with a companionable silence and a congenial parting if it came to that.
Nikolias nodded and followed Gavriil out, out of words for the present. Sometimes it was nice just to have someone listen- or even be quiet with you. While Gavriil was, in Nikolias' estimation, a man of few words anyway, they seemed to understand one another, and lack of words did not necessarily imply rudeness. Nor did furniture unchanged for generations imply poverty of character, Nikolias thought with a slightly amused smile.
He was well aware that perhaps there was nothing to be done about his son's desiring the crown, come what may, but it was nice to see that Gavriil seemed to recognize the strain it put on Nikolias, even as Nikolias accepted there was probably little to do but wait and see how things played out. Knowing that there was nothing to do but wait did not make the waiting any easier to do, after all.
"I will- and thank you for listening." Gods knew there were few enough people Nikolias would have shared his worries with, though the court members often gossiped away regardless of what was shared knowledge or not.
Court would no doubt be tenser than usual for awhile, for everyone currently involved. Nikolias had the uneasy feeling that even if things were brought to a rather swift resolution- which he doubted they would be- stability would not last long regardless. As a courtier, he knew better than to expect there to be tranquility at all times, but he did wonder just how much and for how long Taengea could endure without breaking, especially with the possibility of war looming.
Well, time would tell. All he could do was pray that things would go better than expected, futile though his prayers might be.
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Nikolias nodded and followed Gavriil out, out of words for the present. Sometimes it was nice just to have someone listen- or even be quiet with you. While Gavriil was, in Nikolias' estimation, a man of few words anyway, they seemed to understand one another, and lack of words did not necessarily imply rudeness. Nor did furniture unchanged for generations imply poverty of character, Nikolias thought with a slightly amused smile.
He was well aware that perhaps there was nothing to be done about his son's desiring the crown, come what may, but it was nice to see that Gavriil seemed to recognize the strain it put on Nikolias, even as Nikolias accepted there was probably little to do but wait and see how things played out. Knowing that there was nothing to do but wait did not make the waiting any easier to do, after all.
"I will- and thank you for listening." Gods knew there were few enough people Nikolias would have shared his worries with, though the court members often gossiped away regardless of what was shared knowledge or not.
Court would no doubt be tenser than usual for awhile, for everyone currently involved. Nikolias had the uneasy feeling that even if things were brought to a rather swift resolution- which he doubted they would be- stability would not last long regardless. As a courtier, he knew better than to expect there to be tranquility at all times, but he did wonder just how much and for how long Taengea could endure without breaking, especially with the possibility of war looming.
Well, time would tell. All he could do was pray that things would go better than expected, futile though his prayers might be.
Nikolias nodded and followed Gavriil out, out of words for the present. Sometimes it was nice just to have someone listen- or even be quiet with you. While Gavriil was, in Nikolias' estimation, a man of few words anyway, they seemed to understand one another, and lack of words did not necessarily imply rudeness. Nor did furniture unchanged for generations imply poverty of character, Nikolias thought with a slightly amused smile.
He was well aware that perhaps there was nothing to be done about his son's desiring the crown, come what may, but it was nice to see that Gavriil seemed to recognize the strain it put on Nikolias, even as Nikolias accepted there was probably little to do but wait and see how things played out. Knowing that there was nothing to do but wait did not make the waiting any easier to do, after all.
"I will- and thank you for listening." Gods knew there were few enough people Nikolias would have shared his worries with, though the court members often gossiped away regardless of what was shared knowledge or not.
Court would no doubt be tenser than usual for awhile, for everyone currently involved. Nikolias had the uneasy feeling that even if things were brought to a rather swift resolution- which he doubted they would be- stability would not last long regardless. As a courtier, he knew better than to expect there to be tranquility at all times, but he did wonder just how much and for how long Taengea could endure without breaking, especially with the possibility of war looming.
Well, time would tell. All he could do was pray that things would go better than expected, futile though his prayers might be.