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She knew she had thought it hundreds of times prior to now. And the look on her face as soon as he told her the news made it feel as if he was well aware of how she felt about his task. Olena didn't like it one bit-- she didn't like the idea of being without him, even if it should only have been for a week or two. It was not like they could blame her for her trepidation. They had spent more time apart than they had together, more than any matched pair should. Life had finally brought them back together, and the redhead wanted nothing to do with his task.
And yet, she wanted to go with him.
The idea of being without him again made her nauseated. She didn’t want to be here with people she barely knew, serving in a role she only had because of him. Olena wanted to be at his side always, regardless of promises they had made other people. Her new role as a ladies maid meant that she had a duty. And he had already said that he would take the letter into the mouth of the lion’s den.
“I don’t like it.” She said it in their native tongue, just in case he hadn’t heard her the first time.
Her chiton was clean, not new but far nicer than anything she’d own before. The sleeves were olive lace, belt hanging low on her hips, a silver chain instead of a cheap leather sash. The material was soft, having once belonged to Lady Iris herself, which meant that while it was well loved, it was also well maintained. After a few weeks of a solid, filling diet, she was filling out again. The curves of her hips softened from the bones of the week before, her hair shiny and braided in neatly over her shoulder. She looked like a different woman, and perhaps it was because she was.
“Can you not just have someone else do it?” She asked as she leaned against the horse, hands on her hips with a pout on her lips. “I would think that anyone can send a simple letter.” She plucked the letter from his hands, twisting it in her fingers. It was not as if she could read it, nor was there any chance of her being able to. “It should be someone else.” She handed him back the letter, still pouting.
“I do not like this.”
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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“I don’t like it.”
She knew she had thought it hundreds of times prior to now. And the look on her face as soon as he told her the news made it feel as if he was well aware of how she felt about his task. Olena didn't like it one bit-- she didn't like the idea of being without him, even if it should only have been for a week or two. It was not like they could blame her for her trepidation. They had spent more time apart than they had together, more than any matched pair should. Life had finally brought them back together, and the redhead wanted nothing to do with his task.
And yet, she wanted to go with him.
The idea of being without him again made her nauseated. She didn’t want to be here with people she barely knew, serving in a role she only had because of him. Olena wanted to be at his side always, regardless of promises they had made other people. Her new role as a ladies maid meant that she had a duty. And he had already said that he would take the letter into the mouth of the lion’s den.
“I don’t like it.” She said it in their native tongue, just in case he hadn’t heard her the first time.
Her chiton was clean, not new but far nicer than anything she’d own before. The sleeves were olive lace, belt hanging low on her hips, a silver chain instead of a cheap leather sash. The material was soft, having once belonged to Lady Iris herself, which meant that while it was well loved, it was also well maintained. After a few weeks of a solid, filling diet, she was filling out again. The curves of her hips softened from the bones of the week before, her hair shiny and braided in neatly over her shoulder. She looked like a different woman, and perhaps it was because she was.
“Can you not just have someone else do it?” She asked as she leaned against the horse, hands on her hips with a pout on her lips. “I would think that anyone can send a simple letter.” She plucked the letter from his hands, twisting it in her fingers. It was not as if she could read it, nor was there any chance of her being able to. “It should be someone else.” She handed him back the letter, still pouting.
“I do not like this.”
“I don’t like it.”
She knew she had thought it hundreds of times prior to now. And the look on her face as soon as he told her the news made it feel as if he was well aware of how she felt about his task. Olena didn't like it one bit-- she didn't like the idea of being without him, even if it should only have been for a week or two. It was not like they could blame her for her trepidation. They had spent more time apart than they had together, more than any matched pair should. Life had finally brought them back together, and the redhead wanted nothing to do with his task.
And yet, she wanted to go with him.
The idea of being without him again made her nauseated. She didn’t want to be here with people she barely knew, serving in a role she only had because of him. Olena wanted to be at his side always, regardless of promises they had made other people. Her new role as a ladies maid meant that she had a duty. And he had already said that he would take the letter into the mouth of the lion’s den.
“I don’t like it.” She said it in their native tongue, just in case he hadn’t heard her the first time.
Her chiton was clean, not new but far nicer than anything she’d own before. The sleeves were olive lace, belt hanging low on her hips, a silver chain instead of a cheap leather sash. The material was soft, having once belonged to Lady Iris herself, which meant that while it was well loved, it was also well maintained. After a few weeks of a solid, filling diet, she was filling out again. The curves of her hips softened from the bones of the week before, her hair shiny and braided in neatly over her shoulder. She looked like a different woman, and perhaps it was because she was.
“Can you not just have someone else do it?” She asked as she leaned against the horse, hands on her hips with a pout on her lips. “I would think that anyone can send a simple letter.” She plucked the letter from his hands, twisting it in her fingers. It was not as if she could read it, nor was there any chance of her being able to. “It should be someone else.” She handed him back the letter, still pouting.
“I do not like this.”
It seemed simple enough. With his tie to the capitol and the housing he kept there, it was easiest for him to return to his home in order to gather his things. No one knew for certain he was involved after all, the men he'd gone in with had scattered, and according to those who gave him positions in the arena, he had still been too injured from the pirate's attack to fight. No one expected him to be doing anything but resting and recuperating, and for him to come back and collect his things and leave for good was easy enough to believe. He'd just gotten his freedom in the last few years, and if he told them he'd found Olena, those who knew him well would understand why he was leaving. When they spoke he'd made it clear that if he ever found her again he wouldn't fight in the arena again. It would be a thing for celebrating with old friends.
"I don't like it." The phrase had been thrown his way countless times since he had told her he'd agreed to this mission. Dima shook his head and gave the horse he'd been given for the journey a pat before the letter was taken from his hands. Neither of them could read the Greek characters but that didn't stop her from trying it seemed. They had both begun to heal in their own ways since they had come back together, both looked far healthier than they'd been before, and though the old baron's serviceable tunic was nothing fancy it was still finer than anything he'd worn before. They had been blessed by the gods to find one another again, and with the queen and Lady Iris and Lord Iason all giving them aid, they had a chance at a new free life together. He would not give that up for anything.
"I won't be long, just long enough to gather my things from my rooms and deliver the letter. It will be simple, and I'll be back before you know I'm gone."
Taking her jaw gently in his hands, he pressed a kiss to her forehead before pulling back to look her in the eye, smiling in hat he hoped as a reassuring manner. There as no denying he held a hint of unease about this adventure, but it all made perfect sense, and it should be simpler than anything else he'd done for the cause so far. There was no real need to be covert or hide his presence, the letter should cause no uproar, anyone could be paid to take a missive, and all he would need to do would be to hand it to the guard or servant he saw first to get it to the princess' desk.
"Love, Olena all will be well. I'm the one who has connections in the city, and I have a small amount of savings at home that will help us in our new life. Once I can bring that back we will be able to support ourselves, along with these posts. Or we could go anywhere you want, anywhere in the world and begin again." Dima wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to his chest and tucking his head against her own. "I promise, I'll come back to you. I'll always come back."
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It seemed simple enough. With his tie to the capitol and the housing he kept there, it was easiest for him to return to his home in order to gather his things. No one knew for certain he was involved after all, the men he'd gone in with had scattered, and according to those who gave him positions in the arena, he had still been too injured from the pirate's attack to fight. No one expected him to be doing anything but resting and recuperating, and for him to come back and collect his things and leave for good was easy enough to believe. He'd just gotten his freedom in the last few years, and if he told them he'd found Olena, those who knew him well would understand why he was leaving. When they spoke he'd made it clear that if he ever found her again he wouldn't fight in the arena again. It would be a thing for celebrating with old friends.
"I don't like it." The phrase had been thrown his way countless times since he had told her he'd agreed to this mission. Dima shook his head and gave the horse he'd been given for the journey a pat before the letter was taken from his hands. Neither of them could read the Greek characters but that didn't stop her from trying it seemed. They had both begun to heal in their own ways since they had come back together, both looked far healthier than they'd been before, and though the old baron's serviceable tunic was nothing fancy it was still finer than anything he'd worn before. They had been blessed by the gods to find one another again, and with the queen and Lady Iris and Lord Iason all giving them aid, they had a chance at a new free life together. He would not give that up for anything.
"I won't be long, just long enough to gather my things from my rooms and deliver the letter. It will be simple, and I'll be back before you know I'm gone."
Taking her jaw gently in his hands, he pressed a kiss to her forehead before pulling back to look her in the eye, smiling in hat he hoped as a reassuring manner. There as no denying he held a hint of unease about this adventure, but it all made perfect sense, and it should be simpler than anything else he'd done for the cause so far. There was no real need to be covert or hide his presence, the letter should cause no uproar, anyone could be paid to take a missive, and all he would need to do would be to hand it to the guard or servant he saw first to get it to the princess' desk.
"Love, Olena all will be well. I'm the one who has connections in the city, and I have a small amount of savings at home that will help us in our new life. Once I can bring that back we will be able to support ourselves, along with these posts. Or we could go anywhere you want, anywhere in the world and begin again." Dima wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to his chest and tucking his head against her own. "I promise, I'll come back to you. I'll always come back."
It seemed simple enough. With his tie to the capitol and the housing he kept there, it was easiest for him to return to his home in order to gather his things. No one knew for certain he was involved after all, the men he'd gone in with had scattered, and according to those who gave him positions in the arena, he had still been too injured from the pirate's attack to fight. No one expected him to be doing anything but resting and recuperating, and for him to come back and collect his things and leave for good was easy enough to believe. He'd just gotten his freedom in the last few years, and if he told them he'd found Olena, those who knew him well would understand why he was leaving. When they spoke he'd made it clear that if he ever found her again he wouldn't fight in the arena again. It would be a thing for celebrating with old friends.
"I don't like it." The phrase had been thrown his way countless times since he had told her he'd agreed to this mission. Dima shook his head and gave the horse he'd been given for the journey a pat before the letter was taken from his hands. Neither of them could read the Greek characters but that didn't stop her from trying it seemed. They had both begun to heal in their own ways since they had come back together, both looked far healthier than they'd been before, and though the old baron's serviceable tunic was nothing fancy it was still finer than anything he'd worn before. They had been blessed by the gods to find one another again, and with the queen and Lady Iris and Lord Iason all giving them aid, they had a chance at a new free life together. He would not give that up for anything.
"I won't be long, just long enough to gather my things from my rooms and deliver the letter. It will be simple, and I'll be back before you know I'm gone."
Taking her jaw gently in his hands, he pressed a kiss to her forehead before pulling back to look her in the eye, smiling in hat he hoped as a reassuring manner. There as no denying he held a hint of unease about this adventure, but it all made perfect sense, and it should be simpler than anything else he'd done for the cause so far. There was no real need to be covert or hide his presence, the letter should cause no uproar, anyone could be paid to take a missive, and all he would need to do would be to hand it to the guard or servant he saw first to get it to the princess' desk.
"Love, Olena all will be well. I'm the one who has connections in the city, and I have a small amount of savings at home that will help us in our new life. Once I can bring that back we will be able to support ourselves, along with these posts. Or we could go anywhere you want, anywhere in the world and begin again." Dima wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to his chest and tucking his head against her own. "I promise, I'll come back to you. I'll always come back."
There was a sense that he was more confident about this than he really felt, but she hadn’t been around him enough in the past few weeks to know his emotions like she once had. They had once been so in sync with each other that conversation could come with a simple glance. Now, it was more difficult for her to see exactly what he was thinking. And perhaps, just perhaps, he was acting like this to keep her calm.
He had witnessed first hand just how fragile her mind could be. Her affinity for hard surfaces and covers shielding her had come around any time he left. Dima had to know that if he was truthful with her, even for just a moment, that she might have crumbled and been too terrified to do anything but hide. And no matter how many times he told her that it would be okay, Olena couldn’t help but feel like he was lying to her.
Things were never okay. Life had been cruel to them, so why would it be kind now? Why would he chance the fates?
“If it is just going to pick up a few things, I should be able to come with you.” She knew why she couldn’t go, but in her mind, it was silly. There was no reason she wouldn’t be safe with him, regardless of her promise to the Queen. She wanted to see his life, to have his back while he was doing such a dangerous task. “I do not like that I have to stay. It feels foolish now.” There was little she knew of this place, of where they were or where he was going. “How long will you be gone? A week, two? How long before I should worry when you are not back?” She could feel her anxiety rising, unable to come to terms with just what this meant for them.
She could lose him again.
His touch helped ease her for a moment, the balm of him so well known to her that she curled into him as much as she could. She hated how he would step away, how he would have to get onto the horse to leave. But for now, her hand moved to cover his. Olena laughed at the idea of them being able to pick anywhere to go. “I have been to many places, my heart.” She told him, smiling a bit, “But that isn’t anything without you now. If you do not come back to me, I will find you in the afterlife and make you wish you had never crossed me.” Slipping into him, into the space where she knew she belonged.
How could she lose a home she had just found a few weeks ago? How could she lose him again? “I need you to be safe. Get what you need and come back to me. I will not rest well until you are back in my bed.” Her lips kissed his pulse, needing the reassuring of the beating at the curve. She was hopeful that it would go quick.
It had to go quick.
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There was a sense that he was more confident about this than he really felt, but she hadn’t been around him enough in the past few weeks to know his emotions like she once had. They had once been so in sync with each other that conversation could come with a simple glance. Now, it was more difficult for her to see exactly what he was thinking. And perhaps, just perhaps, he was acting like this to keep her calm.
He had witnessed first hand just how fragile her mind could be. Her affinity for hard surfaces and covers shielding her had come around any time he left. Dima had to know that if he was truthful with her, even for just a moment, that she might have crumbled and been too terrified to do anything but hide. And no matter how many times he told her that it would be okay, Olena couldn’t help but feel like he was lying to her.
Things were never okay. Life had been cruel to them, so why would it be kind now? Why would he chance the fates?
“If it is just going to pick up a few things, I should be able to come with you.” She knew why she couldn’t go, but in her mind, it was silly. There was no reason she wouldn’t be safe with him, regardless of her promise to the Queen. She wanted to see his life, to have his back while he was doing such a dangerous task. “I do not like that I have to stay. It feels foolish now.” There was little she knew of this place, of where they were or where he was going. “How long will you be gone? A week, two? How long before I should worry when you are not back?” She could feel her anxiety rising, unable to come to terms with just what this meant for them.
She could lose him again.
His touch helped ease her for a moment, the balm of him so well known to her that she curled into him as much as she could. She hated how he would step away, how he would have to get onto the horse to leave. But for now, her hand moved to cover his. Olena laughed at the idea of them being able to pick anywhere to go. “I have been to many places, my heart.” She told him, smiling a bit, “But that isn’t anything without you now. If you do not come back to me, I will find you in the afterlife and make you wish you had never crossed me.” Slipping into him, into the space where she knew she belonged.
How could she lose a home she had just found a few weeks ago? How could she lose him again? “I need you to be safe. Get what you need and come back to me. I will not rest well until you are back in my bed.” Her lips kissed his pulse, needing the reassuring of the beating at the curve. She was hopeful that it would go quick.
It had to go quick.
There was a sense that he was more confident about this than he really felt, but she hadn’t been around him enough in the past few weeks to know his emotions like she once had. They had once been so in sync with each other that conversation could come with a simple glance. Now, it was more difficult for her to see exactly what he was thinking. And perhaps, just perhaps, he was acting like this to keep her calm.
He had witnessed first hand just how fragile her mind could be. Her affinity for hard surfaces and covers shielding her had come around any time he left. Dima had to know that if he was truthful with her, even for just a moment, that she might have crumbled and been too terrified to do anything but hide. And no matter how many times he told her that it would be okay, Olena couldn’t help but feel like he was lying to her.
Things were never okay. Life had been cruel to them, so why would it be kind now? Why would he chance the fates?
“If it is just going to pick up a few things, I should be able to come with you.” She knew why she couldn’t go, but in her mind, it was silly. There was no reason she wouldn’t be safe with him, regardless of her promise to the Queen. She wanted to see his life, to have his back while he was doing such a dangerous task. “I do not like that I have to stay. It feels foolish now.” There was little she knew of this place, of where they were or where he was going. “How long will you be gone? A week, two? How long before I should worry when you are not back?” She could feel her anxiety rising, unable to come to terms with just what this meant for them.
She could lose him again.
His touch helped ease her for a moment, the balm of him so well known to her that she curled into him as much as she could. She hated how he would step away, how he would have to get onto the horse to leave. But for now, her hand moved to cover his. Olena laughed at the idea of them being able to pick anywhere to go. “I have been to many places, my heart.” She told him, smiling a bit, “But that isn’t anything without you now. If you do not come back to me, I will find you in the afterlife and make you wish you had never crossed me.” Slipping into him, into the space where she knew she belonged.
How could she lose a home she had just found a few weeks ago? How could she lose him again? “I need you to be safe. Get what you need and come back to me. I will not rest well until you are back in my bed.” Her lips kissed his pulse, needing the reassuring of the beating at the curve. She was hopeful that it would go quick.
It had to go quick.
He knew her fear well, though he'd had more time to overcome the trauma of their past. It had been replaced with new fears and pains and suffering that was a different beast to vanquish, but it was enough that he could be strong for her while still knowing the root cause. Perhaps he was fooling himself by thinking it would be an easy task to manage, but it was what he needed in order to leave her alone here. As much as he trusted Iason and the queen to care for her and ensure that all was well, leaving her after only a few weeks together again was a terrifying prospect.
"You are sworn to the queen now, as one of her maids you stay with her. When I come back we can think about where we want to go to be free, or if we will stay in their employ, but for now we have a duty." It had been so long since he felt loyalty to anyone but himself, the sense of certainty where he was and where he was going in life, what was expected of him, was a huge relief for the man who had only ever expected to work a farm. Perhaps if he'd been Greek he would have been a more natural soldier, but the people they came from had been a peaceful community of farmers and weavers.
Her kiss to the pulse point of his neck had him closing his eyes, embracing her and breathing in as she begged him to return. The answer on his lips was of course, of course he would return and of course he would be safe. But there was no true guarantee that he could make that happen. It was expected of course that this would be easy enough, return to Athenia and gather his things, then drop off a letter on his way back out of town. How difficult would it be to hand a note to a guard. Secretly, Dima didn't even care if it made it to the princess. Of course he hoped it would, but he would not risk himself any further than necessary to see it done.
"I'll be back in a few days. A week at most if the weather makes traveling difficult, but I promise not longer than that." Smiling in an attempt to reassure her, Dima peppered kisses across her forehead, nose, and cheeks, trying to make her smile like he had when they were so much younger. "I'll be back. And as soon as I am, we'll be married."
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He knew her fear well, though he'd had more time to overcome the trauma of their past. It had been replaced with new fears and pains and suffering that was a different beast to vanquish, but it was enough that he could be strong for her while still knowing the root cause. Perhaps he was fooling himself by thinking it would be an easy task to manage, but it was what he needed in order to leave her alone here. As much as he trusted Iason and the queen to care for her and ensure that all was well, leaving her after only a few weeks together again was a terrifying prospect.
"You are sworn to the queen now, as one of her maids you stay with her. When I come back we can think about where we want to go to be free, or if we will stay in their employ, but for now we have a duty." It had been so long since he felt loyalty to anyone but himself, the sense of certainty where he was and where he was going in life, what was expected of him, was a huge relief for the man who had only ever expected to work a farm. Perhaps if he'd been Greek he would have been a more natural soldier, but the people they came from had been a peaceful community of farmers and weavers.
Her kiss to the pulse point of his neck had him closing his eyes, embracing her and breathing in as she begged him to return. The answer on his lips was of course, of course he would return and of course he would be safe. But there was no true guarantee that he could make that happen. It was expected of course that this would be easy enough, return to Athenia and gather his things, then drop off a letter on his way back out of town. How difficult would it be to hand a note to a guard. Secretly, Dima didn't even care if it made it to the princess. Of course he hoped it would, but he would not risk himself any further than necessary to see it done.
"I'll be back in a few days. A week at most if the weather makes traveling difficult, but I promise not longer than that." Smiling in an attempt to reassure her, Dima peppered kisses across her forehead, nose, and cheeks, trying to make her smile like he had when they were so much younger. "I'll be back. And as soon as I am, we'll be married."
He knew her fear well, though he'd had more time to overcome the trauma of their past. It had been replaced with new fears and pains and suffering that was a different beast to vanquish, but it was enough that he could be strong for her while still knowing the root cause. Perhaps he was fooling himself by thinking it would be an easy task to manage, but it was what he needed in order to leave her alone here. As much as he trusted Iason and the queen to care for her and ensure that all was well, leaving her after only a few weeks together again was a terrifying prospect.
"You are sworn to the queen now, as one of her maids you stay with her. When I come back we can think about where we want to go to be free, or if we will stay in their employ, but for now we have a duty." It had been so long since he felt loyalty to anyone but himself, the sense of certainty where he was and where he was going in life, what was expected of him, was a huge relief for the man who had only ever expected to work a farm. Perhaps if he'd been Greek he would have been a more natural soldier, but the people they came from had been a peaceful community of farmers and weavers.
Her kiss to the pulse point of his neck had him closing his eyes, embracing her and breathing in as she begged him to return. The answer on his lips was of course, of course he would return and of course he would be safe. But there was no true guarantee that he could make that happen. It was expected of course that this would be easy enough, return to Athenia and gather his things, then drop off a letter on his way back out of town. How difficult would it be to hand a note to a guard. Secretly, Dima didn't even care if it made it to the princess. Of course he hoped it would, but he would not risk himself any further than necessary to see it done.
"I'll be back in a few days. A week at most if the weather makes traveling difficult, but I promise not longer than that." Smiling in an attempt to reassure her, Dima peppered kisses across her forehead, nose, and cheeks, trying to make her smile like he had when they were so much younger. "I'll be back. And as soon as I am, we'll be married."
The childish way her nose wrinkled at the word ‘duty’ should have made him laugh, but the deep-set worry in his eyes canceled out the humorous effect. Olena rarely had known a true duty, like the kind he was reminding her they had. As children, she had been able to enjoy the freedoms of having older sisters. Her duty, at such a young age, was simply to enjoy life while tending to the fiock. She’d spent half her life fighting the fake ‘duty’ she’d been forced into as a whore, retreating into any chance to numb herself.
This idea of now having a ‘duty’ to another person sat just as poorly as it had in the past. But there was a better understanding of that, as she quietly tried to come to terms with it. Persephone could have turned her out the moment he showed up with her. Guards could have been called and she would have been returned to the people who technically owned her. And yet, it hadn’t happened. Instead, she took the damaged girl under her wing and offered her another layer of protection that she hadn’t known she needed. While being with Dima was all she wanted, being a part of the Queen’s maids meant that she wouldn’t need to find a whore house if something happened to him.
She’d almost forgotten what that sense of security felt like.
Even though all she wanted was the safety of his arms, Olena would have to accept that he was right. Though she did not like it. Content for the moment to just be held, she listened to his words. A week-- that was not so long. She could manage a week without him, certainly. There was plenty to do, and perhaps she would be able to work on their marriage cloth. Knowing this task was upon them, she had yet to touch the materials that Iris had offered a few days prior. But she’d hidden it from him, tucking it into the small chest at the foot of their bed. Though it had little else in it, she had hoped he hadn’t noticed it at the bottom.
“Good. I have a great need to be your wife, Dima.” She told him, wanting him more than she thought he even knew. After more than a decade without him, there was no need to wait any longer. And it warmed her to know that he felt the same. Life had been hard to them both, but they would find happiness.
So why did she feel as if she was going to vomit?
His kisses set her at ease, the playfulness enough to distract her from her own thoughts. Giggling, she leaned herself closer to him, angling her face and neck for better access. “Ride fast, my love. I shall be nothing without you.” She told him, slowly moving her hands to his face, cupping his cheeks as she pulled him down for a long kiss. Pouring her fears and hopes into it, Olena wanted nothing more than to leave him with a memory, in case things didn’t go as planned.
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The childish way her nose wrinkled at the word ‘duty’ should have made him laugh, but the deep-set worry in his eyes canceled out the humorous effect. Olena rarely had known a true duty, like the kind he was reminding her they had. As children, she had been able to enjoy the freedoms of having older sisters. Her duty, at such a young age, was simply to enjoy life while tending to the fiock. She’d spent half her life fighting the fake ‘duty’ she’d been forced into as a whore, retreating into any chance to numb herself.
This idea of now having a ‘duty’ to another person sat just as poorly as it had in the past. But there was a better understanding of that, as she quietly tried to come to terms with it. Persephone could have turned her out the moment he showed up with her. Guards could have been called and she would have been returned to the people who technically owned her. And yet, it hadn’t happened. Instead, she took the damaged girl under her wing and offered her another layer of protection that she hadn’t known she needed. While being with Dima was all she wanted, being a part of the Queen’s maids meant that she wouldn’t need to find a whore house if something happened to him.
She’d almost forgotten what that sense of security felt like.
Even though all she wanted was the safety of his arms, Olena would have to accept that he was right. Though she did not like it. Content for the moment to just be held, she listened to his words. A week-- that was not so long. She could manage a week without him, certainly. There was plenty to do, and perhaps she would be able to work on their marriage cloth. Knowing this task was upon them, she had yet to touch the materials that Iris had offered a few days prior. But she’d hidden it from him, tucking it into the small chest at the foot of their bed. Though it had little else in it, she had hoped he hadn’t noticed it at the bottom.
“Good. I have a great need to be your wife, Dima.” She told him, wanting him more than she thought he even knew. After more than a decade without him, there was no need to wait any longer. And it warmed her to know that he felt the same. Life had been hard to them both, but they would find happiness.
So why did she feel as if she was going to vomit?
His kisses set her at ease, the playfulness enough to distract her from her own thoughts. Giggling, she leaned herself closer to him, angling her face and neck for better access. “Ride fast, my love. I shall be nothing without you.” She told him, slowly moving her hands to his face, cupping his cheeks as she pulled him down for a long kiss. Pouring her fears and hopes into it, Olena wanted nothing more than to leave him with a memory, in case things didn’t go as planned.
The childish way her nose wrinkled at the word ‘duty’ should have made him laugh, but the deep-set worry in his eyes canceled out the humorous effect. Olena rarely had known a true duty, like the kind he was reminding her they had. As children, she had been able to enjoy the freedoms of having older sisters. Her duty, at such a young age, was simply to enjoy life while tending to the fiock. She’d spent half her life fighting the fake ‘duty’ she’d been forced into as a whore, retreating into any chance to numb herself.
This idea of now having a ‘duty’ to another person sat just as poorly as it had in the past. But there was a better understanding of that, as she quietly tried to come to terms with it. Persephone could have turned her out the moment he showed up with her. Guards could have been called and she would have been returned to the people who technically owned her. And yet, it hadn’t happened. Instead, she took the damaged girl under her wing and offered her another layer of protection that she hadn’t known she needed. While being with Dima was all she wanted, being a part of the Queen’s maids meant that she wouldn’t need to find a whore house if something happened to him.
She’d almost forgotten what that sense of security felt like.
Even though all she wanted was the safety of his arms, Olena would have to accept that he was right. Though she did not like it. Content for the moment to just be held, she listened to his words. A week-- that was not so long. She could manage a week without him, certainly. There was plenty to do, and perhaps she would be able to work on their marriage cloth. Knowing this task was upon them, she had yet to touch the materials that Iris had offered a few days prior. But she’d hidden it from him, tucking it into the small chest at the foot of their bed. Though it had little else in it, she had hoped he hadn’t noticed it at the bottom.
“Good. I have a great need to be your wife, Dima.” She told him, wanting him more than she thought he even knew. After more than a decade without him, there was no need to wait any longer. And it warmed her to know that he felt the same. Life had been hard to them both, but they would find happiness.
So why did she feel as if she was going to vomit?
His kisses set her at ease, the playfulness enough to distract her from her own thoughts. Giggling, she leaned herself closer to him, angling her face and neck for better access. “Ride fast, my love. I shall be nothing without you.” She told him, slowly moving her hands to his face, cupping his cheeks as she pulled him down for a long kiss. Pouring her fears and hopes into it, Olena wanted nothing more than to leave him with a memory, in case things didn’t go as planned.
"And I have a great need to be your husband, Olena of Olbia."
Dima smiled the way he did only for her, as if he was the farm boy again and she was the weaver's girl. It was an expression that made years fall off his face, one he hadn't been capable of before she had returned to him. There was a joy in the idea of them finally being married that lifted his spirits in a way nothing else could. He'd caught a glimpse of the white cloth at the bottom of their trunk, but he hadn't dared touch it. That was to be revealed on their wedding day. Until then, he could wait, but he didn't want to have to wait too much longer.
"Think about what flowers you want, Lady Iris said she would show us to a field where they bloomed beautifully. We could deck the whole place out, make it special."
The last blossoms of the year would be fading soon, but he would be back in time, and when they had collected their fill and made this place feel as much like home as possible, then they would be wed. His little fortune that he had amassed to buy her freedom could go into buying her a new gown for the day, or getting them a little cottage somewhere. It wouldn't be the height of luxury, but it would be theirs.
Leaning down he tried not to recognize the desperation in the way she kissed him, as if she was afraid it might be their last. He held her tight, trying to reassure her that he would return, that soon everything would be right again and they could finally marry after too long suffering apart. It felt wrong to be leaving her, and he hated the idea of it. In all honesty he would have preferred to bring her with him, but the risk of her being recognized and taken back was too great with her notable hair.
"You have my heart. Keep it safe for me until I return."
It was time, and with one final kiss he broke away and mounted the horse that had been provided to him. He would be able to make it to the city in a day or so, and from there it would take less than a week for him to conclude his business and return. One week, and then everything would be settled and they could be together forever with nothing to tear them apart.
"I love you Olena."
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"And I have a great need to be your husband, Olena of Olbia."
Dima smiled the way he did only for her, as if he was the farm boy again and she was the weaver's girl. It was an expression that made years fall off his face, one he hadn't been capable of before she had returned to him. There was a joy in the idea of them finally being married that lifted his spirits in a way nothing else could. He'd caught a glimpse of the white cloth at the bottom of their trunk, but he hadn't dared touch it. That was to be revealed on their wedding day. Until then, he could wait, but he didn't want to have to wait too much longer.
"Think about what flowers you want, Lady Iris said she would show us to a field where they bloomed beautifully. We could deck the whole place out, make it special."
The last blossoms of the year would be fading soon, but he would be back in time, and when they had collected their fill and made this place feel as much like home as possible, then they would be wed. His little fortune that he had amassed to buy her freedom could go into buying her a new gown for the day, or getting them a little cottage somewhere. It wouldn't be the height of luxury, but it would be theirs.
Leaning down he tried not to recognize the desperation in the way she kissed him, as if she was afraid it might be their last. He held her tight, trying to reassure her that he would return, that soon everything would be right again and they could finally marry after too long suffering apart. It felt wrong to be leaving her, and he hated the idea of it. In all honesty he would have preferred to bring her with him, but the risk of her being recognized and taken back was too great with her notable hair.
"You have my heart. Keep it safe for me until I return."
It was time, and with one final kiss he broke away and mounted the horse that had been provided to him. He would be able to make it to the city in a day or so, and from there it would take less than a week for him to conclude his business and return. One week, and then everything would be settled and they could be together forever with nothing to tear them apart.
"I love you Olena."
"And I have a great need to be your husband, Olena of Olbia."
Dima smiled the way he did only for her, as if he was the farm boy again and she was the weaver's girl. It was an expression that made years fall off his face, one he hadn't been capable of before she had returned to him. There was a joy in the idea of them finally being married that lifted his spirits in a way nothing else could. He'd caught a glimpse of the white cloth at the bottom of their trunk, but he hadn't dared touch it. That was to be revealed on their wedding day. Until then, he could wait, but he didn't want to have to wait too much longer.
"Think about what flowers you want, Lady Iris said she would show us to a field where they bloomed beautifully. We could deck the whole place out, make it special."
The last blossoms of the year would be fading soon, but he would be back in time, and when they had collected their fill and made this place feel as much like home as possible, then they would be wed. His little fortune that he had amassed to buy her freedom could go into buying her a new gown for the day, or getting them a little cottage somewhere. It wouldn't be the height of luxury, but it would be theirs.
Leaning down he tried not to recognize the desperation in the way she kissed him, as if she was afraid it might be their last. He held her tight, trying to reassure her that he would return, that soon everything would be right again and they could finally marry after too long suffering apart. It felt wrong to be leaving her, and he hated the idea of it. In all honesty he would have preferred to bring her with him, but the risk of her being recognized and taken back was too great with her notable hair.
"You have my heart. Keep it safe for me until I return."
It was time, and with one final kiss he broke away and mounted the horse that had been provided to him. He would be able to make it to the city in a day or so, and from there it would take less than a week for him to conclude his business and return. One week, and then everything would be settled and they could be together forever with nothing to tear them apart.
"I love you Olena."
She never doubted his love for her, but in the back of her mind, there was the slightest doubt that he may not have truly wished for them to be married. Perhaps she was concerned that he had stayed by her side now out of obligation, that he had little desire to have her as his wife because of how she’d spent the past decade. Olena didn’t think that, at least not really. But it was hard for her to trust in herself and in their love not to worry that he did not want her. But to hear him say things like that, to know that he was invested in their wedding as much as she was, seemed to calm her mind.
The idea of working on their marriage cloth didn’t seem so daunting as it did only moments before.
“Perhaps she will let us use some in the gardens on the grounds as well. There are white roses outside of our window that make my heart sing.” She was taken back to their youth, where they would practice weaving flowers and ivy into crowns for their wedding day. The thought of being able to do that again with him, to get the chance to pick their flowers as they had always wished to do, brought tears to her eyes. They would have their wedding, and while it would not have their families present, at least they would have the friends they had recently found.
And they would have each other.
As his forehead rested against her, she sighed, “And you take mine with you.” This all felt so odd, so wrong. But she would not fight him on it any more. It was too late to try and convince him otherwise. And she would not insult him again but suggest ignoring the duty asked of him. She could be strong now, could watch him leave knowing that he would return. And staying behind was the safest option-- until they could guarantee that no one was still looking for her, it was not safe to head into any major ports with a city.
It was best for her to stay behind.
As he mounted his horse, looking down at her, she did her best to smile, ignoring the sick feeling in her stomach. “I love you, Dmytros.” Her hand came to her lips, pressing a kiss to it gently before extending her hand out to him. There was so much she wanted to say, as if she was terrified she would not get to say it at all. But she tried her best to keep her face neutral, to hide her panic from him. And as he looked back at her one last time before riding out of sight, Olena was almost positive she had fooled him into thinking that she would be fine without him for the short time he was gone.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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She never doubted his love for her, but in the back of her mind, there was the slightest doubt that he may not have truly wished for them to be married. Perhaps she was concerned that he had stayed by her side now out of obligation, that he had little desire to have her as his wife because of how she’d spent the past decade. Olena didn’t think that, at least not really. But it was hard for her to trust in herself and in their love not to worry that he did not want her. But to hear him say things like that, to know that he was invested in their wedding as much as she was, seemed to calm her mind.
The idea of working on their marriage cloth didn’t seem so daunting as it did only moments before.
“Perhaps she will let us use some in the gardens on the grounds as well. There are white roses outside of our window that make my heart sing.” She was taken back to their youth, where they would practice weaving flowers and ivy into crowns for their wedding day. The thought of being able to do that again with him, to get the chance to pick their flowers as they had always wished to do, brought tears to her eyes. They would have their wedding, and while it would not have their families present, at least they would have the friends they had recently found.
And they would have each other.
As his forehead rested against her, she sighed, “And you take mine with you.” This all felt so odd, so wrong. But she would not fight him on it any more. It was too late to try and convince him otherwise. And she would not insult him again but suggest ignoring the duty asked of him. She could be strong now, could watch him leave knowing that he would return. And staying behind was the safest option-- until they could guarantee that no one was still looking for her, it was not safe to head into any major ports with a city.
It was best for her to stay behind.
As he mounted his horse, looking down at her, she did her best to smile, ignoring the sick feeling in her stomach. “I love you, Dmytros.” Her hand came to her lips, pressing a kiss to it gently before extending her hand out to him. There was so much she wanted to say, as if she was terrified she would not get to say it at all. But she tried her best to keep her face neutral, to hide her panic from him. And as he looked back at her one last time before riding out of sight, Olena was almost positive she had fooled him into thinking that she would be fine without him for the short time he was gone.
She never doubted his love for her, but in the back of her mind, there was the slightest doubt that he may not have truly wished for them to be married. Perhaps she was concerned that he had stayed by her side now out of obligation, that he had little desire to have her as his wife because of how she’d spent the past decade. Olena didn’t think that, at least not really. But it was hard for her to trust in herself and in their love not to worry that he did not want her. But to hear him say things like that, to know that he was invested in their wedding as much as she was, seemed to calm her mind.
The idea of working on their marriage cloth didn’t seem so daunting as it did only moments before.
“Perhaps she will let us use some in the gardens on the grounds as well. There are white roses outside of our window that make my heart sing.” She was taken back to their youth, where they would practice weaving flowers and ivy into crowns for their wedding day. The thought of being able to do that again with him, to get the chance to pick their flowers as they had always wished to do, brought tears to her eyes. They would have their wedding, and while it would not have their families present, at least they would have the friends they had recently found.
And they would have each other.
As his forehead rested against her, she sighed, “And you take mine with you.” This all felt so odd, so wrong. But she would not fight him on it any more. It was too late to try and convince him otherwise. And she would not insult him again but suggest ignoring the duty asked of him. She could be strong now, could watch him leave knowing that he would return. And staying behind was the safest option-- until they could guarantee that no one was still looking for her, it was not safe to head into any major ports with a city.
It was best for her to stay behind.
As he mounted his horse, looking down at her, she did her best to smile, ignoring the sick feeling in her stomach. “I love you, Dmytros.” Her hand came to her lips, pressing a kiss to it gently before extending her hand out to him. There was so much she wanted to say, as if she was terrified she would not get to say it at all. But she tried her best to keep her face neutral, to hide her panic from him. And as he looked back at her one last time before riding out of sight, Olena was almost positive she had fooled him into thinking that she would be fine without him for the short time he was gone.
