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The second prince and his son rode down to the shoreline with a small contingent of guards, their satchels with candles and offerings to place in the bowls to give to the sea. As Zan dismounted he noted the overwhelming number of women along the beach, his expression grim for a moment as he mentally counted the number of potential lost husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons. He'd foregone his cane today, worried that the sand would be an issue and trying to appear as strong and unbroken as possible in front of the public. Most of them knew of his injury, knew that it was one of the reasons he remained in Colchis to support his mother's regency instead of venturing off to war with their relatives, but it wouldn't do to show just how weak he could be at times.
Handing Dion his first bowl and candles, the two princes stood just a few paces from the royal women on the beach but each group seemed keen to remain isolated. His aunt was giving legitimacy to Thea's presence, while Imeeya, Leto, and Athanasia had formed into their usual huddle. This was the final event that Dion would be present at for a long while. His six months underground would begin shortly, and Zanon felt it important that his son was seen to be as lively and strong as possible. With Evras on bedrest still it was just the two of them representing the future of the Kotas line visibly, aside from the slightest addition to Thea's waistline.
"Here, we'll light this one first for your grandfather." This candle was surrounded by offerings of flowers, spices, and gold coins, and Zan lit it as Dion carefully cradled it in his palms. Together they spoke prayers to @ares for the victory of Tython and the Colchian troops, for fierceness and bravery in battle, and to @athena for the wisdom and cunning of the goddess to be granted to the leaders of the fight. As the other three were lit, one each for Vangelis, Yiannis, and Silas, the prayers were repeated and for each one Dion set the bowls upon the water, wading happily out into the waves to ensure they were not immediately pushed back into shore.
Dion was in the water still when the first cries echoed down the strand, and Zanon strode into the water as quickly as he could to meet his son and return them safely to shore. He cursed his injury, preventing him from the speed he wanted to show as they moved out of the way of the monstrous beasts on the beach. Staring at them for a long moment, he blinked as Dion started to creep forward to get a closer look, ever curious, taking hold of his shoulder firmly and guiding him toward the royal women.
"Aunt, sister." His voice was even, expression as unconcerned as he could force it to be without the furrow in his brow vanishing. It felt strained to refer to Thea as his sister, but the cries of witchcraft were already flowing, and as much as he was disappointed in Thea's actions and his own brother's betrayal, she was his wife's sister. His son's aunt. If everyone wanted to attack the Thanasi women he stood to lose more than the rest of them. Nodding at Tythra's orders, he looked over to where Leto, Imeeya, and Athanasia stood. "Ladies, will you join us please? Allow the fishermen to do their work."
The circle of guards around the royal family were getting visibly antsy, and Zanon's grip on Dion's shoulder was tight as he looked around at the crowd. They would need to get out of here and soon, but he refused to leave any of his family behind.
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The second prince and his son rode down to the shoreline with a small contingent of guards, their satchels with candles and offerings to place in the bowls to give to the sea. As Zan dismounted he noted the overwhelming number of women along the beach, his expression grim for a moment as he mentally counted the number of potential lost husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons. He'd foregone his cane today, worried that the sand would be an issue and trying to appear as strong and unbroken as possible in front of the public. Most of them knew of his injury, knew that it was one of the reasons he remained in Colchis to support his mother's regency instead of venturing off to war with their relatives, but it wouldn't do to show just how weak he could be at times.
Handing Dion his first bowl and candles, the two princes stood just a few paces from the royal women on the beach but each group seemed keen to remain isolated. His aunt was giving legitimacy to Thea's presence, while Imeeya, Leto, and Athanasia had formed into their usual huddle. This was the final event that Dion would be present at for a long while. His six months underground would begin shortly, and Zanon felt it important that his son was seen to be as lively and strong as possible. With Evras on bedrest still it was just the two of them representing the future of the Kotas line visibly, aside from the slightest addition to Thea's waistline.
"Here, we'll light this one first for your grandfather." This candle was surrounded by offerings of flowers, spices, and gold coins, and Zan lit it as Dion carefully cradled it in his palms. Together they spoke prayers to @ares for the victory of Tython and the Colchian troops, for fierceness and bravery in battle, and to @athena for the wisdom and cunning of the goddess to be granted to the leaders of the fight. As the other three were lit, one each for Vangelis, Yiannis, and Silas, the prayers were repeated and for each one Dion set the bowls upon the water, wading happily out into the waves to ensure they were not immediately pushed back into shore.
Dion was in the water still when the first cries echoed down the strand, and Zanon strode into the water as quickly as he could to meet his son and return them safely to shore. He cursed his injury, preventing him from the speed he wanted to show as they moved out of the way of the monstrous beasts on the beach. Staring at them for a long moment, he blinked as Dion started to creep forward to get a closer look, ever curious, taking hold of his shoulder firmly and guiding him toward the royal women.
"Aunt, sister." His voice was even, expression as unconcerned as he could force it to be without the furrow in his brow vanishing. It felt strained to refer to Thea as his sister, but the cries of witchcraft were already flowing, and as much as he was disappointed in Thea's actions and his own brother's betrayal, she was his wife's sister. His son's aunt. If everyone wanted to attack the Thanasi women he stood to lose more than the rest of them. Nodding at Tythra's orders, he looked over to where Leto, Imeeya, and Athanasia stood. "Ladies, will you join us please? Allow the fishermen to do their work."
The circle of guards around the royal family were getting visibly antsy, and Zanon's grip on Dion's shoulder was tight as he looked around at the crowd. They would need to get out of here and soon, but he refused to leave any of his family behind.
The second prince and his son rode down to the shoreline with a small contingent of guards, their satchels with candles and offerings to place in the bowls to give to the sea. As Zan dismounted he noted the overwhelming number of women along the beach, his expression grim for a moment as he mentally counted the number of potential lost husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons. He'd foregone his cane today, worried that the sand would be an issue and trying to appear as strong and unbroken as possible in front of the public. Most of them knew of his injury, knew that it was one of the reasons he remained in Colchis to support his mother's regency instead of venturing off to war with their relatives, but it wouldn't do to show just how weak he could be at times.
Handing Dion his first bowl and candles, the two princes stood just a few paces from the royal women on the beach but each group seemed keen to remain isolated. His aunt was giving legitimacy to Thea's presence, while Imeeya, Leto, and Athanasia had formed into their usual huddle. This was the final event that Dion would be present at for a long while. His six months underground would begin shortly, and Zanon felt it important that his son was seen to be as lively and strong as possible. With Evras on bedrest still it was just the two of them representing the future of the Kotas line visibly, aside from the slightest addition to Thea's waistline.
"Here, we'll light this one first for your grandfather." This candle was surrounded by offerings of flowers, spices, and gold coins, and Zan lit it as Dion carefully cradled it in his palms. Together they spoke prayers to @ares for the victory of Tython and the Colchian troops, for fierceness and bravery in battle, and to @athena for the wisdom and cunning of the goddess to be granted to the leaders of the fight. As the other three were lit, one each for Vangelis, Yiannis, and Silas, the prayers were repeated and for each one Dion set the bowls upon the water, wading happily out into the waves to ensure they were not immediately pushed back into shore.
Dion was in the water still when the first cries echoed down the strand, and Zanon strode into the water as quickly as he could to meet his son and return them safely to shore. He cursed his injury, preventing him from the speed he wanted to show as they moved out of the way of the monstrous beasts on the beach. Staring at them for a long moment, he blinked as Dion started to creep forward to get a closer look, ever curious, taking hold of his shoulder firmly and guiding him toward the royal women.
"Aunt, sister." His voice was even, expression as unconcerned as he could force it to be without the furrow in his brow vanishing. It felt strained to refer to Thea as his sister, but the cries of witchcraft were already flowing, and as much as he was disappointed in Thea's actions and his own brother's betrayal, she was his wife's sister. His son's aunt. If everyone wanted to attack the Thanasi women he stood to lose more than the rest of them. Nodding at Tythra's orders, he looked over to where Leto, Imeeya, and Athanasia stood. "Ladies, will you join us please? Allow the fishermen to do their work."
The circle of guards around the royal family were getting visibly antsy, and Zanon's grip on Dion's shoulder was tight as he looked around at the crowd. They would need to get out of here and soon, but he refused to leave any of his family behind.
Athanasia smiled at both Imeeya and Leto, whom she had formally met at her cousin’s party not too long ago. They seemed to keep running into each other, not that the princess minded. The Master Informer's sister was an interesting woman.
It might have seemed strange, but Athanasia's smile brightened when Imeeya admitted that she had broken one of her bowls. Her servants were setting hers upon the shore, ready for her to light the candles and send them into the sea. She had a few extras and she didn’t mind giving one of them to her cousin.
Before she could say anything, Leto offered her one of her own two bowls. Watching her trying to fit both candles into one, she picked up one of her silver-painted bowls and held it out to her. “Here.” she said. “I brought more than enough.”
As she arranged the candles and flowers inside the remaining bowls, she noticed her aunt Tythra with Thea of Thanasi. They made an odd pair, but the royal family’s support was what Thea needed right now. Athanasia made a mental note to speak with her before the festivities were over to show her own acceptance of the woman who carried her eldest brother’s child.
Zanon and Dion were not far away. Her nephew was splashing in the water making sure that the bowls were not pushed back by the waves. That looked like fun. Taking one of the servant’s baskets, she placed all of her bowls in it. “I’m going out past the waves to send them on their way. Would the two of you like to join me?”
It would be wise to light the candles first or the waves might douse the flame. As she was doing this, Athanasia heard shouts about hydras. There was, indeed something large, dark and sinister heading rapidly toward the shore. As there were not a bunch of heads sticking out of the water, it was not a hydra, if they even existed anymore.
Her thoughts echoed Leto’s words. Whatever could it be? He eyes widened as several whales slid out of the water and onto the beach, bringing the bowls ... now broken … with them. Why had they beached themselves? Was it a sign from the gods? Or just an act of nature?
Her guards immediately surrounded the princess and her companions. Cries of witchcraft replaced the shouts of sea monsters. Her eyes spun toward Thea, who was still in Aunt Tythra’s company. If anyone could protect her, it was the formidable Drakos matriarch. Zanon, with Dion in tow, approached them as fast as he was able. Her heart went out to him, knowing how frustrated he must be with his injury, even though he had saved his son from being crushed by the giant creatures lying on the shore.
Aunt Tythra sent for fisherman and priests of Poseidon to turn this disaster into a sacrifice. How clever. Athanasia thought it was sad that they were to be butchered, but she doubted that everyone on the beach combined would be able to push one of them back into the water. They were probably already dead. Perhaps Poseidon was honoring them with a gift of food that would feed the people of Midas for months.
Her guards joined the other royal guards as they surrounded the group. The princess stepped toward Thea and took her hand, grasping it lightly for encouragement.
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Athanasia smiled at both Imeeya and Leto, whom she had formally met at her cousin’s party not too long ago. They seemed to keep running into each other, not that the princess minded. The Master Informer's sister was an interesting woman.
It might have seemed strange, but Athanasia's smile brightened when Imeeya admitted that she had broken one of her bowls. Her servants were setting hers upon the shore, ready for her to light the candles and send them into the sea. She had a few extras and she didn’t mind giving one of them to her cousin.
Before she could say anything, Leto offered her one of her own two bowls. Watching her trying to fit both candles into one, she picked up one of her silver-painted bowls and held it out to her. “Here.” she said. “I brought more than enough.”
As she arranged the candles and flowers inside the remaining bowls, she noticed her aunt Tythra with Thea of Thanasi. They made an odd pair, but the royal family’s support was what Thea needed right now. Athanasia made a mental note to speak with her before the festivities were over to show her own acceptance of the woman who carried her eldest brother’s child.
Zanon and Dion were not far away. Her nephew was splashing in the water making sure that the bowls were not pushed back by the waves. That looked like fun. Taking one of the servant’s baskets, she placed all of her bowls in it. “I’m going out past the waves to send them on their way. Would the two of you like to join me?”
It would be wise to light the candles first or the waves might douse the flame. As she was doing this, Athanasia heard shouts about hydras. There was, indeed something large, dark and sinister heading rapidly toward the shore. As there were not a bunch of heads sticking out of the water, it was not a hydra, if they even existed anymore.
Her thoughts echoed Leto’s words. Whatever could it be? He eyes widened as several whales slid out of the water and onto the beach, bringing the bowls ... now broken … with them. Why had they beached themselves? Was it a sign from the gods? Or just an act of nature?
Her guards immediately surrounded the princess and her companions. Cries of witchcraft replaced the shouts of sea monsters. Her eyes spun toward Thea, who was still in Aunt Tythra’s company. If anyone could protect her, it was the formidable Drakos matriarch. Zanon, with Dion in tow, approached them as fast as he was able. Her heart went out to him, knowing how frustrated he must be with his injury, even though he had saved his son from being crushed by the giant creatures lying on the shore.
Aunt Tythra sent for fisherman and priests of Poseidon to turn this disaster into a sacrifice. How clever. Athanasia thought it was sad that they were to be butchered, but she doubted that everyone on the beach combined would be able to push one of them back into the water. They were probably already dead. Perhaps Poseidon was honoring them with a gift of food that would feed the people of Midas for months.
Her guards joined the other royal guards as they surrounded the group. The princess stepped toward Thea and took her hand, grasping it lightly for encouragement.
Athanasia smiled at both Imeeya and Leto, whom she had formally met at her cousin’s party not too long ago. They seemed to keep running into each other, not that the princess minded. The Master Informer's sister was an interesting woman.
It might have seemed strange, but Athanasia's smile brightened when Imeeya admitted that she had broken one of her bowls. Her servants were setting hers upon the shore, ready for her to light the candles and send them into the sea. She had a few extras and she didn’t mind giving one of them to her cousin.
Before she could say anything, Leto offered her one of her own two bowls. Watching her trying to fit both candles into one, she picked up one of her silver-painted bowls and held it out to her. “Here.” she said. “I brought more than enough.”
As she arranged the candles and flowers inside the remaining bowls, she noticed her aunt Tythra with Thea of Thanasi. They made an odd pair, but the royal family’s support was what Thea needed right now. Athanasia made a mental note to speak with her before the festivities were over to show her own acceptance of the woman who carried her eldest brother’s child.
Zanon and Dion were not far away. Her nephew was splashing in the water making sure that the bowls were not pushed back by the waves. That looked like fun. Taking one of the servant’s baskets, she placed all of her bowls in it. “I’m going out past the waves to send them on their way. Would the two of you like to join me?”
It would be wise to light the candles first or the waves might douse the flame. As she was doing this, Athanasia heard shouts about hydras. There was, indeed something large, dark and sinister heading rapidly toward the shore. As there were not a bunch of heads sticking out of the water, it was not a hydra, if they even existed anymore.
Her thoughts echoed Leto’s words. Whatever could it be? He eyes widened as several whales slid out of the water and onto the beach, bringing the bowls ... now broken … with them. Why had they beached themselves? Was it a sign from the gods? Or just an act of nature?
Her guards immediately surrounded the princess and her companions. Cries of witchcraft replaced the shouts of sea monsters. Her eyes spun toward Thea, who was still in Aunt Tythra’s company. If anyone could protect her, it was the formidable Drakos matriarch. Zanon, with Dion in tow, approached them as fast as he was able. Her heart went out to him, knowing how frustrated he must be with his injury, even though he had saved his son from being crushed by the giant creatures lying on the shore.
Aunt Tythra sent for fisherman and priests of Poseidon to turn this disaster into a sacrifice. How clever. Athanasia thought it was sad that they were to be butchered, but she doubted that everyone on the beach combined would be able to push one of them back into the water. They were probably already dead. Perhaps Poseidon was honoring them with a gift of food that would feed the people of Midas for months.
Her guards joined the other royal guards as they surrounded the group. The princess stepped toward Thea and took her hand, grasping it lightly for encouragement.
'Incredulous' was not the right word to describe the look she gave to Princess Tythra, who blessedly kept her eyes pinned on the villainous rabble forming around them. It was not so much at being told to stay, but the honest-to-the-gods lecture she was receiving from the woman, regarding how to stand and compose herself amidst...this.
A thousand venomous responses lingered on the tip of her tongue, fueled by the adrenaline coursing through her veins and the need to protect not only herself but her own precious cargo as well.
Tythra had not been there in Oreboea, when Colchian citizens from the Prince's own province formed a mob, targeting the clearly pregnant princess and anyone bearing the Thanasi name. Tythra had not been there each and every time the word 'witch' was hissed at her passing, even while praying in the Hall of the Gods. Her mind echoed the words 'how dare she' over and over again in the fraction of a second, but it was never voice as the unthinkable happened...
Princess Tythra of Kotas, sister to the King of Colchis, defended Thea against the words of the people, countering them. Telling them 'no' as if they were children. Thea looked around at some of the nearby noble faces, and they seemed just as surprised as she did.
Her breath still felt short, but nevertheless, Thea did make the effort to straighten her spine, and lift her chin a fraction of an inch higher. Her hands still gripped at her own elbows across her abdomen, as if creating a shield of her own. Her heart raced as she watched Princess Tythra step forward and began the call for priests and fishermen to address the whales...
For a split second, Thea considered that it would be alright.
But that changed.
Her eyes widened and her lips parted to form a soft 'o' of surprise as her eyes found the stone. Her body tensed but in a sudden surge, she was surrounded by not only her Kotas guards but the Drakos as well.
Once physically shielded, Thea felt herself receding into her thoughts for a moment, as if replaying all that was happening as it happened, untangling the knot.
Why would they think I would do something like this?
Ah, it made sense, if one looked at it from someone who they determined to be evil without a second thought. Of course, it would be to wish ill-will on the King, have him slain in battle, then to have Vangelis ascend to the throne, making her Queen. Of course, that was what they thought. It was utterly ridiculous, because...wouldn't such a request anger the gods?
Oh...oh...the whales were the response of the gods. Right. At least, in that mindset.
However, Thea had done no such things. In fact, she prayed more fervently than ever before. And yet, still...this had been the response of the gods. And if the King and Crown Prince perished...
Though still aligned in posture and stoic in stance, Thea felt like an empty vase - beautiful but fragile. The pit of worry in her stomach seemed to have taken every trace of blush from her cheeks and she grew pale. Her lips and fingers felt numb from the primal fear and flight response that cried to every nerve in her body.
In that moment, Thea had heard Zanon address her, but still remained enraptured in her thoughts. Their walk had shed some light and drawn some sense of understanding between them. At least enough to give her the confidence that Zanon was not about to hand her over to a mob. How quickly that would solve many of the Kotas' problems - an accident, of course....
But then, she was drawn out of her frozen moment at the touch of a hand taking hers. She turned to see Princess Athanasia at her side. The flurry of activity and decisions being made seemed secondary as Thea felt the sudden urge to burst into tears...but she concealed it. Suddenly, after feeling isolated and detached among those who she was certain saw her as the enemy in their midst, she felt...protected.
It was as unsettling as it was comforting, a sudden and unexpected whiplash in her perception of the Kotas, Drakos, and herself. It had her head reeling.
Thea lightly squeezed Athanasia's hand in response, a silent thank you as she swallowed down any emotion that threatened to show itself. Her eyes flickered from the nobles around her to Queen Yanni.
The gods had spoken, whatever the message may have been. No more prayers would be heard that night.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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'Incredulous' was not the right word to describe the look she gave to Princess Tythra, who blessedly kept her eyes pinned on the villainous rabble forming around them. It was not so much at being told to stay, but the honest-to-the-gods lecture she was receiving from the woman, regarding how to stand and compose herself amidst...this.
A thousand venomous responses lingered on the tip of her tongue, fueled by the adrenaline coursing through her veins and the need to protect not only herself but her own precious cargo as well.
Tythra had not been there in Oreboea, when Colchian citizens from the Prince's own province formed a mob, targeting the clearly pregnant princess and anyone bearing the Thanasi name. Tythra had not been there each and every time the word 'witch' was hissed at her passing, even while praying in the Hall of the Gods. Her mind echoed the words 'how dare she' over and over again in the fraction of a second, but it was never voice as the unthinkable happened...
Princess Tythra of Kotas, sister to the King of Colchis, defended Thea against the words of the people, countering them. Telling them 'no' as if they were children. Thea looked around at some of the nearby noble faces, and they seemed just as surprised as she did.
Her breath still felt short, but nevertheless, Thea did make the effort to straighten her spine, and lift her chin a fraction of an inch higher. Her hands still gripped at her own elbows across her abdomen, as if creating a shield of her own. Her heart raced as she watched Princess Tythra step forward and began the call for priests and fishermen to address the whales...
For a split second, Thea considered that it would be alright.
But that changed.
Her eyes widened and her lips parted to form a soft 'o' of surprise as her eyes found the stone. Her body tensed but in a sudden surge, she was surrounded by not only her Kotas guards but the Drakos as well.
Once physically shielded, Thea felt herself receding into her thoughts for a moment, as if replaying all that was happening as it happened, untangling the knot.
Why would they think I would do something like this?
Ah, it made sense, if one looked at it from someone who they determined to be evil without a second thought. Of course, it would be to wish ill-will on the King, have him slain in battle, then to have Vangelis ascend to the throne, making her Queen. Of course, that was what they thought. It was utterly ridiculous, because...wouldn't such a request anger the gods?
Oh...oh...the whales were the response of the gods. Right. At least, in that mindset.
However, Thea had done no such things. In fact, she prayed more fervently than ever before. And yet, still...this had been the response of the gods. And if the King and Crown Prince perished...
Though still aligned in posture and stoic in stance, Thea felt like an empty vase - beautiful but fragile. The pit of worry in her stomach seemed to have taken every trace of blush from her cheeks and she grew pale. Her lips and fingers felt numb from the primal fear and flight response that cried to every nerve in her body.
In that moment, Thea had heard Zanon address her, but still remained enraptured in her thoughts. Their walk had shed some light and drawn some sense of understanding between them. At least enough to give her the confidence that Zanon was not about to hand her over to a mob. How quickly that would solve many of the Kotas' problems - an accident, of course....
But then, she was drawn out of her frozen moment at the touch of a hand taking hers. She turned to see Princess Athanasia at her side. The flurry of activity and decisions being made seemed secondary as Thea felt the sudden urge to burst into tears...but she concealed it. Suddenly, after feeling isolated and detached among those who she was certain saw her as the enemy in their midst, she felt...protected.
It was as unsettling as it was comforting, a sudden and unexpected whiplash in her perception of the Kotas, Drakos, and herself. It had her head reeling.
Thea lightly squeezed Athanasia's hand in response, a silent thank you as she swallowed down any emotion that threatened to show itself. Her eyes flickered from the nobles around her to Queen Yanni.
The gods had spoken, whatever the message may have been. No more prayers would be heard that night.
'Incredulous' was not the right word to describe the look she gave to Princess Tythra, who blessedly kept her eyes pinned on the villainous rabble forming around them. It was not so much at being told to stay, but the honest-to-the-gods lecture she was receiving from the woman, regarding how to stand and compose herself amidst...this.
A thousand venomous responses lingered on the tip of her tongue, fueled by the adrenaline coursing through her veins and the need to protect not only herself but her own precious cargo as well.
Tythra had not been there in Oreboea, when Colchian citizens from the Prince's own province formed a mob, targeting the clearly pregnant princess and anyone bearing the Thanasi name. Tythra had not been there each and every time the word 'witch' was hissed at her passing, even while praying in the Hall of the Gods. Her mind echoed the words 'how dare she' over and over again in the fraction of a second, but it was never voice as the unthinkable happened...
Princess Tythra of Kotas, sister to the King of Colchis, defended Thea against the words of the people, countering them. Telling them 'no' as if they were children. Thea looked around at some of the nearby noble faces, and they seemed just as surprised as she did.
Her breath still felt short, but nevertheless, Thea did make the effort to straighten her spine, and lift her chin a fraction of an inch higher. Her hands still gripped at her own elbows across her abdomen, as if creating a shield of her own. Her heart raced as she watched Princess Tythra step forward and began the call for priests and fishermen to address the whales...
For a split second, Thea considered that it would be alright.
But that changed.
Her eyes widened and her lips parted to form a soft 'o' of surprise as her eyes found the stone. Her body tensed but in a sudden surge, she was surrounded by not only her Kotas guards but the Drakos as well.
Once physically shielded, Thea felt herself receding into her thoughts for a moment, as if replaying all that was happening as it happened, untangling the knot.
Why would they think I would do something like this?
Ah, it made sense, if one looked at it from someone who they determined to be evil without a second thought. Of course, it would be to wish ill-will on the King, have him slain in battle, then to have Vangelis ascend to the throne, making her Queen. Of course, that was what they thought. It was utterly ridiculous, because...wouldn't such a request anger the gods?
Oh...oh...the whales were the response of the gods. Right. At least, in that mindset.
However, Thea had done no such things. In fact, she prayed more fervently than ever before. And yet, still...this had been the response of the gods. And if the King and Crown Prince perished...
Though still aligned in posture and stoic in stance, Thea felt like an empty vase - beautiful but fragile. The pit of worry in her stomach seemed to have taken every trace of blush from her cheeks and she grew pale. Her lips and fingers felt numb from the primal fear and flight response that cried to every nerve in her body.
In that moment, Thea had heard Zanon address her, but still remained enraptured in her thoughts. Their walk had shed some light and drawn some sense of understanding between them. At least enough to give her the confidence that Zanon was not about to hand her over to a mob. How quickly that would solve many of the Kotas' problems - an accident, of course....
But then, she was drawn out of her frozen moment at the touch of a hand taking hers. She turned to see Princess Athanasia at her side. The flurry of activity and decisions being made seemed secondary as Thea felt the sudden urge to burst into tears...but she concealed it. Suddenly, after feeling isolated and detached among those who she was certain saw her as the enemy in their midst, she felt...protected.
It was as unsettling as it was comforting, a sudden and unexpected whiplash in her perception of the Kotas, Drakos, and herself. It had her head reeling.
Thea lightly squeezed Athanasia's hand in response, a silent thank you as she swallowed down any emotion that threatened to show itself. Her eyes flickered from the nobles around her to Queen Yanni.
The gods had spoken, whatever the message may have been. No more prayers would be heard that night.
Everything happened so fast, and before she knew it, the sound of shattered bowls filled the air like the chiming of bells. As the whales beached themselves, Leto's eyes grew wide.
A guiding hand of one of the guards present put her in closer quarters with Lady Imeeya and Princess Athanasia, startling her but at the same time, giving her a moment of comfort. Her eyes glanced about for Magnus for a brief moment, but it did not hold her attention for long as she stood wide-eyed, staring at the heaving whale nearest to them.
It was a massive beast, larger than she had ever imagined. At times, from the higher points of the city, they could be seen out past the harbor, their backs breaching the water and spewing a geyser of mist into the air. Slate gray as stone, apart from the shocking white of its belly, which bore lines that unsown fields of crops, with their ridges and valleys, the beast groaned. Was it in pain?
...was it being chased?
There were tales of larger creatures in the deep. Leto could not imagine that the whales wanted to beach itself, but fear could make all living creatures act irrationally. If a beast like the hydra chased it....or Poseidon bearing his trident...
But the whale bore not scars or signs of battle. It only shone fear and understanding of its fate, as it's chest heaved a few uncertain breaths and it's round, brown orb of an eye glassed over in its final moments of life.
"Ladies, will you join us please? Allow the fishermen to do their work."
Distracted in her observations of the whale, Leto was brought back to her immediate surroundings by Prince Zanon's request. Swallowing, she nodded and followed with the crowd, her eyes once again looking for Magnus. While her instinct would be to find her way to his side, Leto considered that, logically, they would all ultimately return to the Kotas and Drakos estates, respectively. After all, considering the chaos of the moment, there was no safer place that she could be than beside the two noblewomen, surrounded by guards.
"Lady Imeeya..." Leto started, not entirely certain what to say. The young noblewoman seemed stricken by the same realization Leto had - they both lost their chance to say their prayers. For Leto, it was agony to think that Silanos or Maleos could fall in battle for the lack of her prayers, but for Imeeya, with royal kindred fighting for Colchis, there were more dire circumstances.
Leaning in toward the noblewoman, she murmured quickly and quietly, "Before the fishermen take the offering to the Temples, we should see to saying our prayers there with some haste. With what we have." Leto's hands looked down at her specially crafted candles, swallowing.
Though the gods may have made it clear in that moment that they would not hear the prayers of those on the beach, the stubborn streak in Leto's blood steeled her resolve the same way the iron blades her parents crafted was tempered. The two men she cared for would not perish for the sins of others.
They would hear her.
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Everything happened so fast, and before she knew it, the sound of shattered bowls filled the air like the chiming of bells. As the whales beached themselves, Leto's eyes grew wide.
A guiding hand of one of the guards present put her in closer quarters with Lady Imeeya and Princess Athanasia, startling her but at the same time, giving her a moment of comfort. Her eyes glanced about for Magnus for a brief moment, but it did not hold her attention for long as she stood wide-eyed, staring at the heaving whale nearest to them.
It was a massive beast, larger than she had ever imagined. At times, from the higher points of the city, they could be seen out past the harbor, their backs breaching the water and spewing a geyser of mist into the air. Slate gray as stone, apart from the shocking white of its belly, which bore lines that unsown fields of crops, with their ridges and valleys, the beast groaned. Was it in pain?
...was it being chased?
There were tales of larger creatures in the deep. Leto could not imagine that the whales wanted to beach itself, but fear could make all living creatures act irrationally. If a beast like the hydra chased it....or Poseidon bearing his trident...
But the whale bore not scars or signs of battle. It only shone fear and understanding of its fate, as it's chest heaved a few uncertain breaths and it's round, brown orb of an eye glassed over in its final moments of life.
"Ladies, will you join us please? Allow the fishermen to do their work."
Distracted in her observations of the whale, Leto was brought back to her immediate surroundings by Prince Zanon's request. Swallowing, she nodded and followed with the crowd, her eyes once again looking for Magnus. While her instinct would be to find her way to his side, Leto considered that, logically, they would all ultimately return to the Kotas and Drakos estates, respectively. After all, considering the chaos of the moment, there was no safer place that she could be than beside the two noblewomen, surrounded by guards.
"Lady Imeeya..." Leto started, not entirely certain what to say. The young noblewoman seemed stricken by the same realization Leto had - they both lost their chance to say their prayers. For Leto, it was agony to think that Silanos or Maleos could fall in battle for the lack of her prayers, but for Imeeya, with royal kindred fighting for Colchis, there were more dire circumstances.
Leaning in toward the noblewoman, she murmured quickly and quietly, "Before the fishermen take the offering to the Temples, we should see to saying our prayers there with some haste. With what we have." Leto's hands looked down at her specially crafted candles, swallowing.
Though the gods may have made it clear in that moment that they would not hear the prayers of those on the beach, the stubborn streak in Leto's blood steeled her resolve the same way the iron blades her parents crafted was tempered. The two men she cared for would not perish for the sins of others.
They would hear her.
Everything happened so fast, and before she knew it, the sound of shattered bowls filled the air like the chiming of bells. As the whales beached themselves, Leto's eyes grew wide.
A guiding hand of one of the guards present put her in closer quarters with Lady Imeeya and Princess Athanasia, startling her but at the same time, giving her a moment of comfort. Her eyes glanced about for Magnus for a brief moment, but it did not hold her attention for long as she stood wide-eyed, staring at the heaving whale nearest to them.
It was a massive beast, larger than she had ever imagined. At times, from the higher points of the city, they could be seen out past the harbor, their backs breaching the water and spewing a geyser of mist into the air. Slate gray as stone, apart from the shocking white of its belly, which bore lines that unsown fields of crops, with their ridges and valleys, the beast groaned. Was it in pain?
...was it being chased?
There were tales of larger creatures in the deep. Leto could not imagine that the whales wanted to beach itself, but fear could make all living creatures act irrationally. If a beast like the hydra chased it....or Poseidon bearing his trident...
But the whale bore not scars or signs of battle. It only shone fear and understanding of its fate, as it's chest heaved a few uncertain breaths and it's round, brown orb of an eye glassed over in its final moments of life.
"Ladies, will you join us please? Allow the fishermen to do their work."
Distracted in her observations of the whale, Leto was brought back to her immediate surroundings by Prince Zanon's request. Swallowing, she nodded and followed with the crowd, her eyes once again looking for Magnus. While her instinct would be to find her way to his side, Leto considered that, logically, they would all ultimately return to the Kotas and Drakos estates, respectively. After all, considering the chaos of the moment, there was no safer place that she could be than beside the two noblewomen, surrounded by guards.
"Lady Imeeya..." Leto started, not entirely certain what to say. The young noblewoman seemed stricken by the same realization Leto had - they both lost their chance to say their prayers. For Leto, it was agony to think that Silanos or Maleos could fall in battle for the lack of her prayers, but for Imeeya, with royal kindred fighting for Colchis, there were more dire circumstances.
Leaning in toward the noblewoman, she murmured quickly and quietly, "Before the fishermen take the offering to the Temples, we should see to saying our prayers there with some haste. With what we have." Leto's hands looked down at her specially crafted candles, swallowing.
Though the gods may have made it clear in that moment that they would not hear the prayers of those on the beach, the stubborn streak in Leto's blood steeled her resolve the same way the iron blades her parents crafted was tempered. The two men she cared for would not perish for the sins of others.
They would hear her.
Imeeya wasn’t sure why she had expected that she might have been able to pray in peace today. It was what she prefered. Nothing flashy and nothing so public as this. Had she been fully thinking, she wouldn’t have brought the extra bowl for Silanos, it would cause too many questions from those who might see. From the moment Leto and Asia had approached, she was worried that she might have given herself away. Fortunately, she hadn’t needed to worry nearly so much.
Just as she was trying to prepare her bowls and candles for her prayers, there was a disturbance in the ocean. There were calls from amongst the crowd of a sea monster, and Imeeya hesitated to put her bowls in the water under such circumstances. Maybe it was a sign that the gods were not pleased with such sacrifices. She didn’t want to displease the gods. She thought about her uncle and cousins at war. They had to return, didn’t they? Silanos, there was so much left unsaid. If the gods were mad about her asking to keep them safe...it was too much to consider.
There was a brief moment of chaos as the monster turned out to be a pod of whales beaching themselves on the shore, and she heard her mother’s voice echo out over the crowds with instructions on how to deal with them. She didn’t care to listen to the specifics. She’d had enough of listening to her mother lately. They seemed to always be at odds in one way or another.
Her cousin Zanon appeared beside them as Imeeya tried to decide if she should still do her prayers under such circumstances. He had brought guards to usher her and Athanasia back towards safety away from the visibly upset crowd. He had invited Leto along as well, but Leto had other plans. It was tempting. She needed to pray for those away at war, the thought of any of those she prayed for falling in battle was too much to bear. War had already taken enough from her: her father, her uncle. She was not about to let it take more from her if she could help it.
Instead of following her cousin back towards her mother and others in the royal family, she ducked around the guards with Leto, heading into the streets of Minas. It was best if they could get there before the temples were full of stinking whale meat. The smell might be pleasant to the gods, but Imeeya couldn’t imagine that. It was best if they could get to the temples as quickly as possible.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Imeeya wasn’t sure why she had expected that she might have been able to pray in peace today. It was what she prefered. Nothing flashy and nothing so public as this. Had she been fully thinking, she wouldn’t have brought the extra bowl for Silanos, it would cause too many questions from those who might see. From the moment Leto and Asia had approached, she was worried that she might have given herself away. Fortunately, she hadn’t needed to worry nearly so much.
Just as she was trying to prepare her bowls and candles for her prayers, there was a disturbance in the ocean. There were calls from amongst the crowd of a sea monster, and Imeeya hesitated to put her bowls in the water under such circumstances. Maybe it was a sign that the gods were not pleased with such sacrifices. She didn’t want to displease the gods. She thought about her uncle and cousins at war. They had to return, didn’t they? Silanos, there was so much left unsaid. If the gods were mad about her asking to keep them safe...it was too much to consider.
There was a brief moment of chaos as the monster turned out to be a pod of whales beaching themselves on the shore, and she heard her mother’s voice echo out over the crowds with instructions on how to deal with them. She didn’t care to listen to the specifics. She’d had enough of listening to her mother lately. They seemed to always be at odds in one way or another.
Her cousin Zanon appeared beside them as Imeeya tried to decide if she should still do her prayers under such circumstances. He had brought guards to usher her and Athanasia back towards safety away from the visibly upset crowd. He had invited Leto along as well, but Leto had other plans. It was tempting. She needed to pray for those away at war, the thought of any of those she prayed for falling in battle was too much to bear. War had already taken enough from her: her father, her uncle. She was not about to let it take more from her if she could help it.
Instead of following her cousin back towards her mother and others in the royal family, she ducked around the guards with Leto, heading into the streets of Minas. It was best if they could get there before the temples were full of stinking whale meat. The smell might be pleasant to the gods, but Imeeya couldn’t imagine that. It was best if they could get to the temples as quickly as possible.
Imeeya wasn’t sure why she had expected that she might have been able to pray in peace today. It was what she prefered. Nothing flashy and nothing so public as this. Had she been fully thinking, she wouldn’t have brought the extra bowl for Silanos, it would cause too many questions from those who might see. From the moment Leto and Asia had approached, she was worried that she might have given herself away. Fortunately, she hadn’t needed to worry nearly so much.
Just as she was trying to prepare her bowls and candles for her prayers, there was a disturbance in the ocean. There were calls from amongst the crowd of a sea monster, and Imeeya hesitated to put her bowls in the water under such circumstances. Maybe it was a sign that the gods were not pleased with such sacrifices. She didn’t want to displease the gods. She thought about her uncle and cousins at war. They had to return, didn’t they? Silanos, there was so much left unsaid. If the gods were mad about her asking to keep them safe...it was too much to consider.
There was a brief moment of chaos as the monster turned out to be a pod of whales beaching themselves on the shore, and she heard her mother’s voice echo out over the crowds with instructions on how to deal with them. She didn’t care to listen to the specifics. She’d had enough of listening to her mother lately. They seemed to always be at odds in one way or another.
Her cousin Zanon appeared beside them as Imeeya tried to decide if she should still do her prayers under such circumstances. He had brought guards to usher her and Athanasia back towards safety away from the visibly upset crowd. He had invited Leto along as well, but Leto had other plans. It was tempting. She needed to pray for those away at war, the thought of any of those she prayed for falling in battle was too much to bear. War had already taken enough from her: her father, her uncle. She was not about to let it take more from her if she could help it.
Instead of following her cousin back towards her mother and others in the royal family, she ducked around the guards with Leto, heading into the streets of Minas. It was best if they could get there before the temples were full of stinking whale meat. The smell might be pleasant to the gods, but Imeeya couldn’t imagine that. It was best if they could get to the temples as quickly as possible.
Much to the annoyance of Tythra, she saw from her position within the guards her daughter slip away. Though, at the very least she wasn’t getting involved, which was something. Though she would have to make a mental note of that friend she was travelling with. What was her name again? Leto, was it? She’d have to look further into her.
But that wasn’t the problem now. With the riled up crowd, some shouting witch, while others saying this was a bad omen from the gods, it was time to go. The fishermen were doing what they could, but with the Priests of Poesidon’s help along with extra guards once everyone was safely away, Tythra was fairly certain that things would be handled. What was most important was the safety of the nobles. She could send someone from the Drakos manor later to check on the progress, and help in whichever way she could, as could the Kotas, later.
“Let’s go,” Tythra said, but she moved behind Thea. “You walk ahead, chin up, shoulders back.” This was a group of Kotas, and Thea was to marry the crown prince. This was a moment she had to show Colchis the power she was truly capable of. Not false witch magic, but the confidence that came from being a leader. For once Vang returns, and he will return, she would find herself one day becoming Queen.
At least it wasn’t Nethis.
Tythra signaled for the guards to move, and forward they went. Tythra, not once, looked at the agitators spewing nonsense. A Kotas was strong, a Kotas was brave, and a Kotas would not cower. Tythra learned this growing up and brought those lessons to the Drakos, and it was time for Thea to learn the same. Zanon knew it as well, the way he approached them.
Through the crowd they pushed through, just as the priests arrived to help quell and soothe the rage of the Colchians. The only prayers that would be heard today would be that to Poesidon, but that would not stop the faith of the Colchians on the coming days. Their hearts would go out to their soldiers, and sacrafices all over the kingdom would be had in name of the gods.
Just let this not be an omen for something far worse being brought to their shores.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Much to the annoyance of Tythra, she saw from her position within the guards her daughter slip away. Though, at the very least she wasn’t getting involved, which was something. Though she would have to make a mental note of that friend she was travelling with. What was her name again? Leto, was it? She’d have to look further into her.
But that wasn’t the problem now. With the riled up crowd, some shouting witch, while others saying this was a bad omen from the gods, it was time to go. The fishermen were doing what they could, but with the Priests of Poesidon’s help along with extra guards once everyone was safely away, Tythra was fairly certain that things would be handled. What was most important was the safety of the nobles. She could send someone from the Drakos manor later to check on the progress, and help in whichever way she could, as could the Kotas, later.
“Let’s go,” Tythra said, but she moved behind Thea. “You walk ahead, chin up, shoulders back.” This was a group of Kotas, and Thea was to marry the crown prince. This was a moment she had to show Colchis the power she was truly capable of. Not false witch magic, but the confidence that came from being a leader. For once Vang returns, and he will return, she would find herself one day becoming Queen.
At least it wasn’t Nethis.
Tythra signaled for the guards to move, and forward they went. Tythra, not once, looked at the agitators spewing nonsense. A Kotas was strong, a Kotas was brave, and a Kotas would not cower. Tythra learned this growing up and brought those lessons to the Drakos, and it was time for Thea to learn the same. Zanon knew it as well, the way he approached them.
Through the crowd they pushed through, just as the priests arrived to help quell and soothe the rage of the Colchians. The only prayers that would be heard today would be that to Poesidon, but that would not stop the faith of the Colchians on the coming days. Their hearts would go out to their soldiers, and sacrafices all over the kingdom would be had in name of the gods.
Just let this not be an omen for something far worse being brought to their shores.
Much to the annoyance of Tythra, she saw from her position within the guards her daughter slip away. Though, at the very least she wasn’t getting involved, which was something. Though she would have to make a mental note of that friend she was travelling with. What was her name again? Leto, was it? She’d have to look further into her.
But that wasn’t the problem now. With the riled up crowd, some shouting witch, while others saying this was a bad omen from the gods, it was time to go. The fishermen were doing what they could, but with the Priests of Poesidon’s help along with extra guards once everyone was safely away, Tythra was fairly certain that things would be handled. What was most important was the safety of the nobles. She could send someone from the Drakos manor later to check on the progress, and help in whichever way she could, as could the Kotas, later.
“Let’s go,” Tythra said, but she moved behind Thea. “You walk ahead, chin up, shoulders back.” This was a group of Kotas, and Thea was to marry the crown prince. This was a moment she had to show Colchis the power she was truly capable of. Not false witch magic, but the confidence that came from being a leader. For once Vang returns, and he will return, she would find herself one day becoming Queen.
At least it wasn’t Nethis.
Tythra signaled for the guards to move, and forward they went. Tythra, not once, looked at the agitators spewing nonsense. A Kotas was strong, a Kotas was brave, and a Kotas would not cower. Tythra learned this growing up and brought those lessons to the Drakos, and it was time for Thea to learn the same. Zanon knew it as well, the way he approached them.
Through the crowd they pushed through, just as the priests arrived to help quell and soothe the rage of the Colchians. The only prayers that would be heard today would be that to Poesidon, but that would not stop the faith of the Colchians on the coming days. Their hearts would go out to their soldiers, and sacrafices all over the kingdom would be had in name of the gods.
Just let this not be an omen for something far worse being brought to their shores.
