The chatbox has been hidden for this page. It will reopen upon refresh. To hide the CBox permanently, select "Permanently Toggle Cbox" in your profile User Settings.
This chatbox is hidden. To reopen, edit your User Settings.
From the window of her bedroom, she saw him. He was making his way up the road, headed straight towards the Antonis houses. Marietta didn’t know what to do. She had remembered just two months prior making a complete fool of herself at the Princess’s party. But despite her abhorrent behavior… Marietta’s feelings didn’t change.
What was about Captain Hector that made her feel so… girlish? He was a commoner, one much older than her at that. But he had a handsome, albeit rugged, face. He had a polite demeanor and a… charm about him that only a commoner could have. It was sometimes as if looking at a child, trying so hard and your heart just melting at their attempts. Hector of Arcana tried hard. Marietta saw just how hard of a worker he was. And it was so… genuine.
Why oh why did he have to be a poor?
Marietta caught herself wistfully sighing at her window. She had the urge to start writing in her journal or rereading his letter for the millionth time. Oh! She knew what she could do! She had the empty pot with the salve. She could return it, and that would give her the perfect excuse to talk.
Oh gods. Talk. Why was that so hard? Marietta wanted to speak with him. She wanted any excuse to be near him. But how could Marietta be expected to actually do that? She would blush or hiccup. She would make an utter fool of herself. Again.
It was such an easy skill, talking. You learn it as a toddler. And yet that skill that her sisters perfected seemed to utterly skip over Marietta. She was a failure, an embarrassment. So why would she go down to Captain Hector and further make an idiot of herself?
No, I shouldn’t think like that. Marietta pursed her lips. What was he going to do? Laugh in her face? Hector was too good a man to do that. In her eyes, Captain Hector was a Greek Hero. He was smart, and strong, and brave and everything good in this world. She just had to pray that Aphrodite would save her from being an embarrassment, and @athena would give her the wisdom to not make any mistakes in front of a Greek Hero.
Right. She could do this. Marietta went over to the empty jar and then hurried down to the entrance. Captain Hector was making his way to the other Antonis house. “Oh, Captain Hector!” Marietta called before hurriedly approaching. “Are you here to see Uncle Lacides? He isn’t in currently, I’m afraid. He got called away in the morning and I have yet to see his horse return.”
Wait, did that make it seem like she only spies on her family? “I-I was painting this morning. A-A portrait of the stables.” Well, at least she made it four sentences before she finally blushed. This was a record. Marietta dropped her gaze to the ground and embarrassedly shoved the empty pot towards Hector. “I-I thought your brother might want this back, Captain. Thank him for me. It certainly helped.”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
From the window of her bedroom, she saw him. He was making his way up the road, headed straight towards the Antonis houses. Marietta didn’t know what to do. She had remembered just two months prior making a complete fool of herself at the Princess’s party. But despite her abhorrent behavior… Marietta’s feelings didn’t change.
What was about Captain Hector that made her feel so… girlish? He was a commoner, one much older than her at that. But he had a handsome, albeit rugged, face. He had a polite demeanor and a… charm about him that only a commoner could have. It was sometimes as if looking at a child, trying so hard and your heart just melting at their attempts. Hector of Arcana tried hard. Marietta saw just how hard of a worker he was. And it was so… genuine.
Why oh why did he have to be a poor?
Marietta caught herself wistfully sighing at her window. She had the urge to start writing in her journal or rereading his letter for the millionth time. Oh! She knew what she could do! She had the empty pot with the salve. She could return it, and that would give her the perfect excuse to talk.
Oh gods. Talk. Why was that so hard? Marietta wanted to speak with him. She wanted any excuse to be near him. But how could Marietta be expected to actually do that? She would blush or hiccup. She would make an utter fool of herself. Again.
It was such an easy skill, talking. You learn it as a toddler. And yet that skill that her sisters perfected seemed to utterly skip over Marietta. She was a failure, an embarrassment. So why would she go down to Captain Hector and further make an idiot of herself?
No, I shouldn’t think like that. Marietta pursed her lips. What was he going to do? Laugh in her face? Hector was too good a man to do that. In her eyes, Captain Hector was a Greek Hero. He was smart, and strong, and brave and everything good in this world. She just had to pray that Aphrodite would save her from being an embarrassment, and @athena would give her the wisdom to not make any mistakes in front of a Greek Hero.
Right. She could do this. Marietta went over to the empty jar and then hurried down to the entrance. Captain Hector was making his way to the other Antonis house. “Oh, Captain Hector!” Marietta called before hurriedly approaching. “Are you here to see Uncle Lacides? He isn’t in currently, I’m afraid. He got called away in the morning and I have yet to see his horse return.”
Wait, did that make it seem like she only spies on her family? “I-I was painting this morning. A-A portrait of the stables.” Well, at least she made it four sentences before she finally blushed. This was a record. Marietta dropped her gaze to the ground and embarrassedly shoved the empty pot towards Hector. “I-I thought your brother might want this back, Captain. Thank him for me. It certainly helped.”
From the window of her bedroom, she saw him. He was making his way up the road, headed straight towards the Antonis houses. Marietta didn’t know what to do. She had remembered just two months prior making a complete fool of herself at the Princess’s party. But despite her abhorrent behavior… Marietta’s feelings didn’t change.
What was about Captain Hector that made her feel so… girlish? He was a commoner, one much older than her at that. But he had a handsome, albeit rugged, face. He had a polite demeanor and a… charm about him that only a commoner could have. It was sometimes as if looking at a child, trying so hard and your heart just melting at their attempts. Hector of Arcana tried hard. Marietta saw just how hard of a worker he was. And it was so… genuine.
Why oh why did he have to be a poor?
Marietta caught herself wistfully sighing at her window. She had the urge to start writing in her journal or rereading his letter for the millionth time. Oh! She knew what she could do! She had the empty pot with the salve. She could return it, and that would give her the perfect excuse to talk.
Oh gods. Talk. Why was that so hard? Marietta wanted to speak with him. She wanted any excuse to be near him. But how could Marietta be expected to actually do that? She would blush or hiccup. She would make an utter fool of herself. Again.
It was such an easy skill, talking. You learn it as a toddler. And yet that skill that her sisters perfected seemed to utterly skip over Marietta. She was a failure, an embarrassment. So why would she go down to Captain Hector and further make an idiot of herself?
No, I shouldn’t think like that. Marietta pursed her lips. What was he going to do? Laugh in her face? Hector was too good a man to do that. In her eyes, Captain Hector was a Greek Hero. He was smart, and strong, and brave and everything good in this world. She just had to pray that Aphrodite would save her from being an embarrassment, and @athena would give her the wisdom to not make any mistakes in front of a Greek Hero.
Right. She could do this. Marietta went over to the empty jar and then hurried down to the entrance. Captain Hector was making his way to the other Antonis house. “Oh, Captain Hector!” Marietta called before hurriedly approaching. “Are you here to see Uncle Lacides? He isn’t in currently, I’m afraid. He got called away in the morning and I have yet to see his horse return.”
Wait, did that make it seem like she only spies on her family? “I-I was painting this morning. A-A portrait of the stables.” Well, at least she made it four sentences before she finally blushed. This was a record. Marietta dropped her gaze to the ground and embarrassedly shoved the empty pot towards Hector. “I-I thought your brother might want this back, Captain. Thank him for me. It certainly helped.”
It was rather standard, at this point, for formal quarterly requisitions to be made by each military unit in Athenia and for it to be brought before the Senate by General Lacides. He was, after all, the voice of the Athenian militants, and was damn good at his job. A leader through ever fiber of his being, he made it a point to know each of the Athenian Captains thoroughly, even if not on a deeply personal level. The General made himself well-aware of each unit's strengths and needs by setting up these quarterly meetings to go through everything with a fine-toothed comb.
Hector knew what an honor it was to even sit across the table from such a figure, given his military history and prowess. It was men like General Lacides that made him proud of carrying the shield. As such, he looked forward to these meetings, despite the tedium and hours long explanations for the equipment outfitting and requisitions he issued. After all, it was these finite reasons that would be set before any oppositional party at the Senate in case they wanted to know where their precious coin was going.
As he was granted admittance to the Antonis city-estate courtyard, Hector expected to be greeted there by at least the steward, if not a handmaiden of some sort from the General's home. It was quite common for Hector to have to wait for the General to tend to the rest of his business before meeting with him. The Captain understood entirely, knowing that even if a certain time was established for a meeting, there was always something or another that needed to be handled first - and rarely ever did anything go to plan perfectly.
However, to his surprise, it was not the steward that greeted him, but none other than Lady Marietta that moved in a flurry of fabric from the residence on the opposite side of the courtyard.
In the back of his mind, he noted how quickly she made her way to him. Her ankle must have healed remarkably well.
Bowing appropriately from the hip, with his helm tucked under his arm, a more genuine smile than he usually afforded in noble company softened his face, even offering a flash of teeth in the process.
"Lady Marietta," he greeted, "Is that so?" Hector could not help the glance up towards the General's estate, wondering what could have called him away. Then again, it would not be the first time, and he knew if the General would be terribly long, a missive would arrive for a rescheduling. Hector was not worried about it, but instead turned to the noblewoman once more with a smile.
"The stables must be flattered to be portrayed by such a skilled hand as yours," he replied, recalling the solitary painting that hung above the hearth of his home, the only work of art decorating the walls there. A simple man, he could not justify purchasing decorations for his home when he could use that money towards buying food, repairing equipment, or supplying his family with whatever they needed. So, to him, that painting was indeed very precious.
The slight stammer in her voice was not lost on him, and he followed the glance of her eyes down to the ground, worried that perhaps she had glanced at his sword. Sometimes, he supposed, women could be made nervous by such things, right? Particularly nobles, he suspected, given that they were often kept at home and far from most conflict in the cities and beyond.
Before he could ask as to her wellbeing, her hand jutted towards him with the empty salve container. Hector accepted it back with a smile, turning it in his hand once.
"I will. Clearly, it worked remarkably," he noted, his head tilting down to her ankle. The woman now stood straight and graceful, as if she had never been injured in the first place. "He will be very glad to hear of your full recovery."
Again, he glanced toward the General's estate and exhaled slightly.
"Shall I leave the General a message and return at a later time? Or do you think I should linger for a while longer?"
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
It was rather standard, at this point, for formal quarterly requisitions to be made by each military unit in Athenia and for it to be brought before the Senate by General Lacides. He was, after all, the voice of the Athenian militants, and was damn good at his job. A leader through ever fiber of his being, he made it a point to know each of the Athenian Captains thoroughly, even if not on a deeply personal level. The General made himself well-aware of each unit's strengths and needs by setting up these quarterly meetings to go through everything with a fine-toothed comb.
Hector knew what an honor it was to even sit across the table from such a figure, given his military history and prowess. It was men like General Lacides that made him proud of carrying the shield. As such, he looked forward to these meetings, despite the tedium and hours long explanations for the equipment outfitting and requisitions he issued. After all, it was these finite reasons that would be set before any oppositional party at the Senate in case they wanted to know where their precious coin was going.
As he was granted admittance to the Antonis city-estate courtyard, Hector expected to be greeted there by at least the steward, if not a handmaiden of some sort from the General's home. It was quite common for Hector to have to wait for the General to tend to the rest of his business before meeting with him. The Captain understood entirely, knowing that even if a certain time was established for a meeting, there was always something or another that needed to be handled first - and rarely ever did anything go to plan perfectly.
However, to his surprise, it was not the steward that greeted him, but none other than Lady Marietta that moved in a flurry of fabric from the residence on the opposite side of the courtyard.
In the back of his mind, he noted how quickly she made her way to him. Her ankle must have healed remarkably well.
Bowing appropriately from the hip, with his helm tucked under his arm, a more genuine smile than he usually afforded in noble company softened his face, even offering a flash of teeth in the process.
"Lady Marietta," he greeted, "Is that so?" Hector could not help the glance up towards the General's estate, wondering what could have called him away. Then again, it would not be the first time, and he knew if the General would be terribly long, a missive would arrive for a rescheduling. Hector was not worried about it, but instead turned to the noblewoman once more with a smile.
"The stables must be flattered to be portrayed by such a skilled hand as yours," he replied, recalling the solitary painting that hung above the hearth of his home, the only work of art decorating the walls there. A simple man, he could not justify purchasing decorations for his home when he could use that money towards buying food, repairing equipment, or supplying his family with whatever they needed. So, to him, that painting was indeed very precious.
The slight stammer in her voice was not lost on him, and he followed the glance of her eyes down to the ground, worried that perhaps she had glanced at his sword. Sometimes, he supposed, women could be made nervous by such things, right? Particularly nobles, he suspected, given that they were often kept at home and far from most conflict in the cities and beyond.
Before he could ask as to her wellbeing, her hand jutted towards him with the empty salve container. Hector accepted it back with a smile, turning it in his hand once.
"I will. Clearly, it worked remarkably," he noted, his head tilting down to her ankle. The woman now stood straight and graceful, as if she had never been injured in the first place. "He will be very glad to hear of your full recovery."
Again, he glanced toward the General's estate and exhaled slightly.
"Shall I leave the General a message and return at a later time? Or do you think I should linger for a while longer?"
It was rather standard, at this point, for formal quarterly requisitions to be made by each military unit in Athenia and for it to be brought before the Senate by General Lacides. He was, after all, the voice of the Athenian militants, and was damn good at his job. A leader through ever fiber of his being, he made it a point to know each of the Athenian Captains thoroughly, even if not on a deeply personal level. The General made himself well-aware of each unit's strengths and needs by setting up these quarterly meetings to go through everything with a fine-toothed comb.
Hector knew what an honor it was to even sit across the table from such a figure, given his military history and prowess. It was men like General Lacides that made him proud of carrying the shield. As such, he looked forward to these meetings, despite the tedium and hours long explanations for the equipment outfitting and requisitions he issued. After all, it was these finite reasons that would be set before any oppositional party at the Senate in case they wanted to know where their precious coin was going.
As he was granted admittance to the Antonis city-estate courtyard, Hector expected to be greeted there by at least the steward, if not a handmaiden of some sort from the General's home. It was quite common for Hector to have to wait for the General to tend to the rest of his business before meeting with him. The Captain understood entirely, knowing that even if a certain time was established for a meeting, there was always something or another that needed to be handled first - and rarely ever did anything go to plan perfectly.
However, to his surprise, it was not the steward that greeted him, but none other than Lady Marietta that moved in a flurry of fabric from the residence on the opposite side of the courtyard.
In the back of his mind, he noted how quickly she made her way to him. Her ankle must have healed remarkably well.
Bowing appropriately from the hip, with his helm tucked under his arm, a more genuine smile than he usually afforded in noble company softened his face, even offering a flash of teeth in the process.
"Lady Marietta," he greeted, "Is that so?" Hector could not help the glance up towards the General's estate, wondering what could have called him away. Then again, it would not be the first time, and he knew if the General would be terribly long, a missive would arrive for a rescheduling. Hector was not worried about it, but instead turned to the noblewoman once more with a smile.
"The stables must be flattered to be portrayed by such a skilled hand as yours," he replied, recalling the solitary painting that hung above the hearth of his home, the only work of art decorating the walls there. A simple man, he could not justify purchasing decorations for his home when he could use that money towards buying food, repairing equipment, or supplying his family with whatever they needed. So, to him, that painting was indeed very precious.
The slight stammer in her voice was not lost on him, and he followed the glance of her eyes down to the ground, worried that perhaps she had glanced at his sword. Sometimes, he supposed, women could be made nervous by such things, right? Particularly nobles, he suspected, given that they were often kept at home and far from most conflict in the cities and beyond.
Before he could ask as to her wellbeing, her hand jutted towards him with the empty salve container. Hector accepted it back with a smile, turning it in his hand once.
"I will. Clearly, it worked remarkably," he noted, his head tilting down to her ankle. The woman now stood straight and graceful, as if she had never been injured in the first place. "He will be very glad to hear of your full recovery."
Again, he glanced toward the General's estate and exhaled slightly.
"Shall I leave the General a message and return at a later time? Or do you think I should linger for a while longer?"
The stables must be flattered to be portrayed by such a skilled hand as your’s.
Marietta will remember this moment for the rest of her life. She felt like she was floating. Her heart pounded, but a hiccup didn’t come. She wasn’t nervous. She was… happy. Hector complimented her. He really thought her painting was beautiful? Marietta wanted to squeal. She wanted to jump up and down and thank Apollo for giving her the talent that he bestowed upon her. Hector. Liked. Her. Paintings.
Marietta wanted to show him the work she was working on. Maybe she could show him her harp too! As much as she loved her art, music was her first love. Not just music, creation. Marietta was a creator and she wanted to show it all to Hector! Because he thought he was talented, so surely he would enjoy it right?
The smile grew so wide on Marietta’s face, and her eyes lit up like a child who saw snow for the first time. This was so new and exciting. Marietta never had a crush before. Especially not on a man that was like Hector. He was so kind and handsome and he appreciated Marietta. He didn’t just compliment her because she was an Antonis, he complimented her because he truly thought she was talented. “The only people outside of my family to see my painting have been Lord Elias and Lady Sofia. I’m glad you like it, Captain.” Marietta said sincerely. And it was different when she gave him the painting. It was something from the heart. She made another one, where Hector was the center. But she felt sending that one would be creepy. Marietta didn’t quite want to scare him.
Shall I leave a message for the General? Or do you think I should linger for a while longer? Did this mean he wanted to linger? Did Hector want to stay here? Marietta felt the blush again and the hiccup begin to form, but she forced it back down her throat. It wasn’t time for that quite yet.
“Why don’t you stay for tea, Captain?” Marietta blurted out before she could stop herself. She felt the palms of her hands begin to sweat. What was she doing? She was going to have tea with a man? And without her sisters to help her? Marietta never just had tea with people alone except for Sofia. What does one talk about?
And what tea do you drink?
“We have lots of tea here.” Marietta continued to babble nervously. “We have sage and mountain tea and thyme and dittany and… and so much more. I like tea a lot.” Her chattering was beginning to get quicker as she got more and more nervous. “W-What’s your favorite? Oh… oh you don’t have to choose! We can make them all! Yes! Uh,” Marietta looked over to the servant that was in earshot. “Go make the teas,” She said to him who looked taken aback and stared at Marietta for a second before heading off.
Hiccup.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
The stables must be flattered to be portrayed by such a skilled hand as your’s.
Marietta will remember this moment for the rest of her life. She felt like she was floating. Her heart pounded, but a hiccup didn’t come. She wasn’t nervous. She was… happy. Hector complimented her. He really thought her painting was beautiful? Marietta wanted to squeal. She wanted to jump up and down and thank Apollo for giving her the talent that he bestowed upon her. Hector. Liked. Her. Paintings.
Marietta wanted to show him the work she was working on. Maybe she could show him her harp too! As much as she loved her art, music was her first love. Not just music, creation. Marietta was a creator and she wanted to show it all to Hector! Because he thought he was talented, so surely he would enjoy it right?
The smile grew so wide on Marietta’s face, and her eyes lit up like a child who saw snow for the first time. This was so new and exciting. Marietta never had a crush before. Especially not on a man that was like Hector. He was so kind and handsome and he appreciated Marietta. He didn’t just compliment her because she was an Antonis, he complimented her because he truly thought she was talented. “The only people outside of my family to see my painting have been Lord Elias and Lady Sofia. I’m glad you like it, Captain.” Marietta said sincerely. And it was different when she gave him the painting. It was something from the heart. She made another one, where Hector was the center. But she felt sending that one would be creepy. Marietta didn’t quite want to scare him.
Shall I leave a message for the General? Or do you think I should linger for a while longer? Did this mean he wanted to linger? Did Hector want to stay here? Marietta felt the blush again and the hiccup begin to form, but she forced it back down her throat. It wasn’t time for that quite yet.
“Why don’t you stay for tea, Captain?” Marietta blurted out before she could stop herself. She felt the palms of her hands begin to sweat. What was she doing? She was going to have tea with a man? And without her sisters to help her? Marietta never just had tea with people alone except for Sofia. What does one talk about?
And what tea do you drink?
“We have lots of tea here.” Marietta continued to babble nervously. “We have sage and mountain tea and thyme and dittany and… and so much more. I like tea a lot.” Her chattering was beginning to get quicker as she got more and more nervous. “W-What’s your favorite? Oh… oh you don’t have to choose! We can make them all! Yes! Uh,” Marietta looked over to the servant that was in earshot. “Go make the teas,” She said to him who looked taken aback and stared at Marietta for a second before heading off.
Hiccup.
The stables must be flattered to be portrayed by such a skilled hand as your’s.
Marietta will remember this moment for the rest of her life. She felt like she was floating. Her heart pounded, but a hiccup didn’t come. She wasn’t nervous. She was… happy. Hector complimented her. He really thought her painting was beautiful? Marietta wanted to squeal. She wanted to jump up and down and thank Apollo for giving her the talent that he bestowed upon her. Hector. Liked. Her. Paintings.
Marietta wanted to show him the work she was working on. Maybe she could show him her harp too! As much as she loved her art, music was her first love. Not just music, creation. Marietta was a creator and she wanted to show it all to Hector! Because he thought he was talented, so surely he would enjoy it right?
The smile grew so wide on Marietta’s face, and her eyes lit up like a child who saw snow for the first time. This was so new and exciting. Marietta never had a crush before. Especially not on a man that was like Hector. He was so kind and handsome and he appreciated Marietta. He didn’t just compliment her because she was an Antonis, he complimented her because he truly thought she was talented. “The only people outside of my family to see my painting have been Lord Elias and Lady Sofia. I’m glad you like it, Captain.” Marietta said sincerely. And it was different when she gave him the painting. It was something from the heart. She made another one, where Hector was the center. But she felt sending that one would be creepy. Marietta didn’t quite want to scare him.
Shall I leave a message for the General? Or do you think I should linger for a while longer? Did this mean he wanted to linger? Did Hector want to stay here? Marietta felt the blush again and the hiccup begin to form, but she forced it back down her throat. It wasn’t time for that quite yet.
“Why don’t you stay for tea, Captain?” Marietta blurted out before she could stop herself. She felt the palms of her hands begin to sweat. What was she doing? She was going to have tea with a man? And without her sisters to help her? Marietta never just had tea with people alone except for Sofia. What does one talk about?
And what tea do you drink?
“We have lots of tea here.” Marietta continued to babble nervously. “We have sage and mountain tea and thyme and dittany and… and so much more. I like tea a lot.” Her chattering was beginning to get quicker as she got more and more nervous. “W-What’s your favorite? Oh… oh you don’t have to choose! We can make them all! Yes! Uh,” Marietta looked over to the servant that was in earshot. “Go make the teas,” She said to him who looked taken aback and stared at Marietta for a second before heading off.
Hiccup.
Perhaps the young Lady of Antonis was not out of the woods yet. Hector had seen many a young soldier feign bravery while still in pain, and the way that the young woman looked up to him was....odd to say the least.
Hector could not help but smile when she smiled at him, his expression shifting when she admitted to not showing many people her artwork.
"That is a shame, as it is quite lovely," he insisted, though, in truth, he had absolutely no authority on deciding what made art good and what made it subpar. It was truly the only piece of artwork hanging in his home. A simple man of simple means, the only time ornamentation came under his roof was when Ariadne, Ismene, or Demi managed to bring in flowers or some form of greenry to liven the plaster walls. For Hector, it was about comfort and utility, not necessarily looks.
"Tea?" Hector echoed.
It seemed the decision was made in a flurry of words and requests made to a passing Antonis servant. Hector attempted to open his mouth a few times to answer the Lady Marietta, but instead, she filled each potential gap in conversation with words - from describing the types of tea to ordering all of it to be made.
Hector was not sure how to tell her that he had only ever had tea on two occasions in his entire life. And even then, he drank them out of courtesy and without a thought as to his liking towards it.
But, Hector was not of the mind to dampen the eagerness of the young noblewoman to share this with him. After all, he did have business to discuss, and lingering around a while would be easier by far than walking to and fro once again. Accommodating to a fault, Hector chuckled softly as he watched the servant flit off to make 'all' of the teas.
"You are too kind, My Lady. This will be quite a treat - I did not know there were so many...varieties. You will have to tell me all you know about it."
With that, they started towards an outdoor sitting area, shaded by the shadows of the prominent estate and accompanied by the whisper of the wind through the fruit-laden trees. Hector eyed the ripening fruit, noting where excess had fallen to the ground, wasted before potentially being eaten. A pang of hunger and guilt swirled in his stomach as he tried to consider a way to ask the young Lady Antonis if he could bring some home to Arcana, to be dried and savored by his daughters.
Instead, he kept quiet as he took his seat, until the young Antonis woman hiccuped yet again.
"Does that happen often?" He paused, considering. "I do not mean to pry, but, I have noticed your...condition before. As my brother proved helpful before, I am sure he could be helpful as a healer once again."
Hector flashed a smile to the young lady, trying to fill the space of silence between them as who-knew-how-many teas were being made.
....would he have to drink them all?
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Perhaps the young Lady of Antonis was not out of the woods yet. Hector had seen many a young soldier feign bravery while still in pain, and the way that the young woman looked up to him was....odd to say the least.
Hector could not help but smile when she smiled at him, his expression shifting when she admitted to not showing many people her artwork.
"That is a shame, as it is quite lovely," he insisted, though, in truth, he had absolutely no authority on deciding what made art good and what made it subpar. It was truly the only piece of artwork hanging in his home. A simple man of simple means, the only time ornamentation came under his roof was when Ariadne, Ismene, or Demi managed to bring in flowers or some form of greenry to liven the plaster walls. For Hector, it was about comfort and utility, not necessarily looks.
"Tea?" Hector echoed.
It seemed the decision was made in a flurry of words and requests made to a passing Antonis servant. Hector attempted to open his mouth a few times to answer the Lady Marietta, but instead, she filled each potential gap in conversation with words - from describing the types of tea to ordering all of it to be made.
Hector was not sure how to tell her that he had only ever had tea on two occasions in his entire life. And even then, he drank them out of courtesy and without a thought as to his liking towards it.
But, Hector was not of the mind to dampen the eagerness of the young noblewoman to share this with him. After all, he did have business to discuss, and lingering around a while would be easier by far than walking to and fro once again. Accommodating to a fault, Hector chuckled softly as he watched the servant flit off to make 'all' of the teas.
"You are too kind, My Lady. This will be quite a treat - I did not know there were so many...varieties. You will have to tell me all you know about it."
With that, they started towards an outdoor sitting area, shaded by the shadows of the prominent estate and accompanied by the whisper of the wind through the fruit-laden trees. Hector eyed the ripening fruit, noting where excess had fallen to the ground, wasted before potentially being eaten. A pang of hunger and guilt swirled in his stomach as he tried to consider a way to ask the young Lady Antonis if he could bring some home to Arcana, to be dried and savored by his daughters.
Instead, he kept quiet as he took his seat, until the young Antonis woman hiccuped yet again.
"Does that happen often?" He paused, considering. "I do not mean to pry, but, I have noticed your...condition before. As my brother proved helpful before, I am sure he could be helpful as a healer once again."
Hector flashed a smile to the young lady, trying to fill the space of silence between them as who-knew-how-many teas were being made.
....would he have to drink them all?
Perhaps the young Lady of Antonis was not out of the woods yet. Hector had seen many a young soldier feign bravery while still in pain, and the way that the young woman looked up to him was....odd to say the least.
Hector could not help but smile when she smiled at him, his expression shifting when she admitted to not showing many people her artwork.
"That is a shame, as it is quite lovely," he insisted, though, in truth, he had absolutely no authority on deciding what made art good and what made it subpar. It was truly the only piece of artwork hanging in his home. A simple man of simple means, the only time ornamentation came under his roof was when Ariadne, Ismene, or Demi managed to bring in flowers or some form of greenry to liven the plaster walls. For Hector, it was about comfort and utility, not necessarily looks.
"Tea?" Hector echoed.
It seemed the decision was made in a flurry of words and requests made to a passing Antonis servant. Hector attempted to open his mouth a few times to answer the Lady Marietta, but instead, she filled each potential gap in conversation with words - from describing the types of tea to ordering all of it to be made.
Hector was not sure how to tell her that he had only ever had tea on two occasions in his entire life. And even then, he drank them out of courtesy and without a thought as to his liking towards it.
But, Hector was not of the mind to dampen the eagerness of the young noblewoman to share this with him. After all, he did have business to discuss, and lingering around a while would be easier by far than walking to and fro once again. Accommodating to a fault, Hector chuckled softly as he watched the servant flit off to make 'all' of the teas.
"You are too kind, My Lady. This will be quite a treat - I did not know there were so many...varieties. You will have to tell me all you know about it."
With that, they started towards an outdoor sitting area, shaded by the shadows of the prominent estate and accompanied by the whisper of the wind through the fruit-laden trees. Hector eyed the ripening fruit, noting where excess had fallen to the ground, wasted before potentially being eaten. A pang of hunger and guilt swirled in his stomach as he tried to consider a way to ask the young Lady Antonis if he could bring some home to Arcana, to be dried and savored by his daughters.
Instead, he kept quiet as he took his seat, until the young Antonis woman hiccuped yet again.
"Does that happen often?" He paused, considering. "I do not mean to pry, but, I have noticed your...condition before. As my brother proved helpful before, I am sure he could be helpful as a healer once again."
Hector flashed a smile to the young lady, trying to fill the space of silence between them as who-knew-how-many teas were being made.
....would he have to drink them all?
Marietta knew what she had done was ridiculous. Why did she order so many teas? The Antonis had so many! But the normally nervous girl was even more nervous. Captain Hector was perfect in every way but one: His station. He was funny, he was charming, he was caring, he was kind and he was handsome. Ever since she first laid eyes on him, Marietta romanticized running away with a commoner. She dreamed of living in a small cabin in the woods, with a dog and a small little son to call their own. Or maybe her father would approve of their love (he would never) and give them a barony (only in her dreams). Lord Hector of Antonis had a nice ring to it, didn’t it? Or if her father decided against abdicating and took the crown instead, would he be a Prince? Marietta had no desires to be a Princess, but if there was a Prince Hector at her side…
Stop being silly, Etta! There she was, lost in her fantasies again. But then she heard a small rumble, so very quiet, and noticed that the captain had noticed the fruit treats. Oh, how fortunate! Because with tea always came little pastries. What a surprise! He’ll love them! He won’t think about the ruined fruit, marred and bruised by the earth, when he sees them! Melina found her smile growing larger, even if her hiccups didn’t disappear.
Does that happen often? Marietta felt a blush start to rise on her cheeks. He… thought her hiccuping was a medical condition? How did she explain that it happened when she was nervous. Then she would have to admit to being nervous around Hector. Should she say it only happened when she talked to people? Because that’s not true either. Her family didn’t cause this, nor her two closest friends…. Nor did Raf. What if he heard her speak to them? He’d think she was a liar.
H-hic! Oh god she was getting more nervous now trying to think up an excuse. She wanted to take a deep breath but each time she opened her mouth, another hiccup took its place. Oh gods, oh gods. Please- just… gods.
He was smiling at her too. And though his teeth might not be perfect to some (they certainly were not as clean as a noble’s would be) to Marietta they were part of the most handsome thing about him- his smile. That smile Marietta couldn’t even replicate in a painting because no matter how hard she practiced there was no way anything man made could match it’s beauty. It had the power to warm her. It had the power to bring smiles to all that was near him. It was captivating- hypnotic even. Like everything else about Hector it was perfect.
“I…” Marietta finally found some way to speak, through the hiccups. Though what words that would come to her, she did not know. Much like everything else… she was speaking first and thinking after. “I get myself in a little… tizzy. My brain works too fast and I get… nervous talking to people outside of my norm. And… and I hiccup.” The blush grew a bit redder. “And blush. And…s-stutter.” The stutter wasn’t all the time. Only when she was really nervous like right now.
She was saved from saying more as a flurry of different teas, far too many for just two people let alone a house of people, started entering the room with multiple servants and slaves there to pour. Different types of pastries were also served, though it was a much more reasonable number. While none of the servants said anything, Marietta could sense the air of annoyance coming from them. They were thinking what Marietta was thinking. Two people were not going to drink this.
“I’m sorry I… I ordered too much, didn’t I?” Of course she did. She didn’t have to ask them. Marietta’s eyes flickered down to the dark pool of tea that was served to her in it’s tiny cup. “I… I just -hic- didn’t want you to -hic- get… something you didn’t like. And then I spoke and… and..” the words wouldn’t stop. Marietta basically radiated heat. This was her chance and she was ruining it.
And she ran on her injured ankle like it was already healed. It throbbed and hurt more than anything right now, cutting through her nerves to remind her that it was there and it did not appreciate the extra effort she put in to act like everything was normal. When clearly the most not normal thing here was… her.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Marietta knew what she had done was ridiculous. Why did she order so many teas? The Antonis had so many! But the normally nervous girl was even more nervous. Captain Hector was perfect in every way but one: His station. He was funny, he was charming, he was caring, he was kind and he was handsome. Ever since she first laid eyes on him, Marietta romanticized running away with a commoner. She dreamed of living in a small cabin in the woods, with a dog and a small little son to call their own. Or maybe her father would approve of their love (he would never) and give them a barony (only in her dreams). Lord Hector of Antonis had a nice ring to it, didn’t it? Or if her father decided against abdicating and took the crown instead, would he be a Prince? Marietta had no desires to be a Princess, but if there was a Prince Hector at her side…
Stop being silly, Etta! There she was, lost in her fantasies again. But then she heard a small rumble, so very quiet, and noticed that the captain had noticed the fruit treats. Oh, how fortunate! Because with tea always came little pastries. What a surprise! He’ll love them! He won’t think about the ruined fruit, marred and bruised by the earth, when he sees them! Melina found her smile growing larger, even if her hiccups didn’t disappear.
Does that happen often? Marietta felt a blush start to rise on her cheeks. He… thought her hiccuping was a medical condition? How did she explain that it happened when she was nervous. Then she would have to admit to being nervous around Hector. Should she say it only happened when she talked to people? Because that’s not true either. Her family didn’t cause this, nor her two closest friends…. Nor did Raf. What if he heard her speak to them? He’d think she was a liar.
H-hic! Oh god she was getting more nervous now trying to think up an excuse. She wanted to take a deep breath but each time she opened her mouth, another hiccup took its place. Oh gods, oh gods. Please- just… gods.
He was smiling at her too. And though his teeth might not be perfect to some (they certainly were not as clean as a noble’s would be) to Marietta they were part of the most handsome thing about him- his smile. That smile Marietta couldn’t even replicate in a painting because no matter how hard she practiced there was no way anything man made could match it’s beauty. It had the power to warm her. It had the power to bring smiles to all that was near him. It was captivating- hypnotic even. Like everything else about Hector it was perfect.
“I…” Marietta finally found some way to speak, through the hiccups. Though what words that would come to her, she did not know. Much like everything else… she was speaking first and thinking after. “I get myself in a little… tizzy. My brain works too fast and I get… nervous talking to people outside of my norm. And… and I hiccup.” The blush grew a bit redder. “And blush. And…s-stutter.” The stutter wasn’t all the time. Only when she was really nervous like right now.
She was saved from saying more as a flurry of different teas, far too many for just two people let alone a house of people, started entering the room with multiple servants and slaves there to pour. Different types of pastries were also served, though it was a much more reasonable number. While none of the servants said anything, Marietta could sense the air of annoyance coming from them. They were thinking what Marietta was thinking. Two people were not going to drink this.
“I’m sorry I… I ordered too much, didn’t I?” Of course she did. She didn’t have to ask them. Marietta’s eyes flickered down to the dark pool of tea that was served to her in it’s tiny cup. “I… I just -hic- didn’t want you to -hic- get… something you didn’t like. And then I spoke and… and..” the words wouldn’t stop. Marietta basically radiated heat. This was her chance and she was ruining it.
And she ran on her injured ankle like it was already healed. It throbbed and hurt more than anything right now, cutting through her nerves to remind her that it was there and it did not appreciate the extra effort she put in to act like everything was normal. When clearly the most not normal thing here was… her.
Marietta knew what she had done was ridiculous. Why did she order so many teas? The Antonis had so many! But the normally nervous girl was even more nervous. Captain Hector was perfect in every way but one: His station. He was funny, he was charming, he was caring, he was kind and he was handsome. Ever since she first laid eyes on him, Marietta romanticized running away with a commoner. She dreamed of living in a small cabin in the woods, with a dog and a small little son to call their own. Or maybe her father would approve of their love (he would never) and give them a barony (only in her dreams). Lord Hector of Antonis had a nice ring to it, didn’t it? Or if her father decided against abdicating and took the crown instead, would he be a Prince? Marietta had no desires to be a Princess, but if there was a Prince Hector at her side…
Stop being silly, Etta! There she was, lost in her fantasies again. But then she heard a small rumble, so very quiet, and noticed that the captain had noticed the fruit treats. Oh, how fortunate! Because with tea always came little pastries. What a surprise! He’ll love them! He won’t think about the ruined fruit, marred and bruised by the earth, when he sees them! Melina found her smile growing larger, even if her hiccups didn’t disappear.
Does that happen often? Marietta felt a blush start to rise on her cheeks. He… thought her hiccuping was a medical condition? How did she explain that it happened when she was nervous. Then she would have to admit to being nervous around Hector. Should she say it only happened when she talked to people? Because that’s not true either. Her family didn’t cause this, nor her two closest friends…. Nor did Raf. What if he heard her speak to them? He’d think she was a liar.
H-hic! Oh god she was getting more nervous now trying to think up an excuse. She wanted to take a deep breath but each time she opened her mouth, another hiccup took its place. Oh gods, oh gods. Please- just… gods.
He was smiling at her too. And though his teeth might not be perfect to some (they certainly were not as clean as a noble’s would be) to Marietta they were part of the most handsome thing about him- his smile. That smile Marietta couldn’t even replicate in a painting because no matter how hard she practiced there was no way anything man made could match it’s beauty. It had the power to warm her. It had the power to bring smiles to all that was near him. It was captivating- hypnotic even. Like everything else about Hector it was perfect.
“I…” Marietta finally found some way to speak, through the hiccups. Though what words that would come to her, she did not know. Much like everything else… she was speaking first and thinking after. “I get myself in a little… tizzy. My brain works too fast and I get… nervous talking to people outside of my norm. And… and I hiccup.” The blush grew a bit redder. “And blush. And…s-stutter.” The stutter wasn’t all the time. Only when she was really nervous like right now.
She was saved from saying more as a flurry of different teas, far too many for just two people let alone a house of people, started entering the room with multiple servants and slaves there to pour. Different types of pastries were also served, though it was a much more reasonable number. While none of the servants said anything, Marietta could sense the air of annoyance coming from them. They were thinking what Marietta was thinking. Two people were not going to drink this.
“I’m sorry I… I ordered too much, didn’t I?” Of course she did. She didn’t have to ask them. Marietta’s eyes flickered down to the dark pool of tea that was served to her in it’s tiny cup. “I… I just -hic- didn’t want you to -hic- get… something you didn’t like. And then I spoke and… and..” the words wouldn’t stop. Marietta basically radiated heat. This was her chance and she was ruining it.
And she ran on her injured ankle like it was already healed. It throbbed and hurt more than anything right now, cutting through her nerves to remind her that it was there and it did not appreciate the extra effort she put in to act like everything was normal. When clearly the most not normal thing here was… her.
There was something revealed in her eyes, but he could not quite put a finger on it. The way she looked up at him and a flush came to her cheek. Was she...nervous around him?
Well, he supposed, he did arrive in his more composed military regalia, as he did for meetings with General Lacides out of honor. And, well, he did have his sword on.
"I hope...well, I am sorry that I make you nervous. I can have my sword left at the gate, if you wish? Would that help?" It...sounded ridiculous the moment the words crossed his lips and he huffed a slight laugh and an even slighter shrug with a tilt of the head. "I assure you, I am quite harmless in proper company. I have had a lot of practice over the years."
They were saved from that moment by the arrival of what he was certain were two dozen cups of tea - twelve or so for each of them. Hector held his expression in place, which actually made it odder, even as he took his seat in at the garden table.
Then, for some reason, to break the oddity of the moment...he spoke.
"But, I do understand, though. There is a soldier in Arcana, an archer in fact. He, at times, can be quite an anxious person - finds anything to worry about - and suddenly he cannot stop belching." Hector could not stop the grin that crossed his face as he glanced around the courtyard, reminiscing. "So, we do on occasion surprise him - startling him on purpose, telling him he has a particularly unsavory duty - and he simply cannot stop."
A chuckle escaped him and he shook his head, enjoying the memory as he turned his eyes to Lady Marietta, blinking a few times as his grin and laugh turned into a slight clearing of his throat, the back of his hand raising to keep his feigned cough from contaminating the teas.
"Of course, that is not to say...I mean...."
He glanced down and pointed at the cup nearest him.
"Er, which one is this? I'll just..." and he lifted the tea to his lips, quickly filling his mouth with the hot liquid so that he could prevent any other stories from horribly embarrassing him in front of a noble woman. He must have sounded so crass and provincial - which, well, he was by nature. Still, in such company, he could use with a bit more caution.
"Oh...I think I know this one. Sage. I use it while cooking." It was odd, really, to taste the flavors he usually used while cooking in liquid form. As a tea. The associated flavors filled his mind with thoughts of plentiful, warm, fresh meals. How many months had it been since he roasted poultry? Sage and rosemary beneath the skin of the bird for flavor...and salt...
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
There was something revealed in her eyes, but he could not quite put a finger on it. The way she looked up at him and a flush came to her cheek. Was she...nervous around him?
Well, he supposed, he did arrive in his more composed military regalia, as he did for meetings with General Lacides out of honor. And, well, he did have his sword on.
"I hope...well, I am sorry that I make you nervous. I can have my sword left at the gate, if you wish? Would that help?" It...sounded ridiculous the moment the words crossed his lips and he huffed a slight laugh and an even slighter shrug with a tilt of the head. "I assure you, I am quite harmless in proper company. I have had a lot of practice over the years."
They were saved from that moment by the arrival of what he was certain were two dozen cups of tea - twelve or so for each of them. Hector held his expression in place, which actually made it odder, even as he took his seat in at the garden table.
Then, for some reason, to break the oddity of the moment...he spoke.
"But, I do understand, though. There is a soldier in Arcana, an archer in fact. He, at times, can be quite an anxious person - finds anything to worry about - and suddenly he cannot stop belching." Hector could not stop the grin that crossed his face as he glanced around the courtyard, reminiscing. "So, we do on occasion surprise him - startling him on purpose, telling him he has a particularly unsavory duty - and he simply cannot stop."
A chuckle escaped him and he shook his head, enjoying the memory as he turned his eyes to Lady Marietta, blinking a few times as his grin and laugh turned into a slight clearing of his throat, the back of his hand raising to keep his feigned cough from contaminating the teas.
"Of course, that is not to say...I mean...."
He glanced down and pointed at the cup nearest him.
"Er, which one is this? I'll just..." and he lifted the tea to his lips, quickly filling his mouth with the hot liquid so that he could prevent any other stories from horribly embarrassing him in front of a noble woman. He must have sounded so crass and provincial - which, well, he was by nature. Still, in such company, he could use with a bit more caution.
"Oh...I think I know this one. Sage. I use it while cooking." It was odd, really, to taste the flavors he usually used while cooking in liquid form. As a tea. The associated flavors filled his mind with thoughts of plentiful, warm, fresh meals. How many months had it been since he roasted poultry? Sage and rosemary beneath the skin of the bird for flavor...and salt...
There was something revealed in her eyes, but he could not quite put a finger on it. The way she looked up at him and a flush came to her cheek. Was she...nervous around him?
Well, he supposed, he did arrive in his more composed military regalia, as he did for meetings with General Lacides out of honor. And, well, he did have his sword on.
"I hope...well, I am sorry that I make you nervous. I can have my sword left at the gate, if you wish? Would that help?" It...sounded ridiculous the moment the words crossed his lips and he huffed a slight laugh and an even slighter shrug with a tilt of the head. "I assure you, I am quite harmless in proper company. I have had a lot of practice over the years."
They were saved from that moment by the arrival of what he was certain were two dozen cups of tea - twelve or so for each of them. Hector held his expression in place, which actually made it odder, even as he took his seat in at the garden table.
Then, for some reason, to break the oddity of the moment...he spoke.
"But, I do understand, though. There is a soldier in Arcana, an archer in fact. He, at times, can be quite an anxious person - finds anything to worry about - and suddenly he cannot stop belching." Hector could not stop the grin that crossed his face as he glanced around the courtyard, reminiscing. "So, we do on occasion surprise him - startling him on purpose, telling him he has a particularly unsavory duty - and he simply cannot stop."
A chuckle escaped him and he shook his head, enjoying the memory as he turned his eyes to Lady Marietta, blinking a few times as his grin and laugh turned into a slight clearing of his throat, the back of his hand raising to keep his feigned cough from contaminating the teas.
"Of course, that is not to say...I mean...."
He glanced down and pointed at the cup nearest him.
"Er, which one is this? I'll just..." and he lifted the tea to his lips, quickly filling his mouth with the hot liquid so that he could prevent any other stories from horribly embarrassing him in front of a noble woman. He must have sounded so crass and provincial - which, well, he was by nature. Still, in such company, he could use with a bit more caution.
"Oh...I think I know this one. Sage. I use it while cooking." It was odd, really, to taste the flavors he usually used while cooking in liquid form. As a tea. The associated flavors filled his mind with thoughts of plentiful, warm, fresh meals. How many months had it been since he roasted poultry? Sage and rosemary beneath the skin of the bird for flavor...and salt...
He thinks it’s the sword. Marietta didn’t know what to feel about that. Relieved, maybe, that he didn’t know the truth? Relieved that he couldn’t hear how hard her heart pounded every time he was near. Relieved that he didn’t notice her looking for him when she heard the Captain of Arcana was at an event or delivering business to her uncle- all the while being too shy to actually approach him. Relieved that he didn’t realize how his voice was more magical than any note she could play on her harp, and how his smile made Marietta want to melt.
… Actually, yeah, relieved is what she felt.
But it was silly too. Marietta did fear swords, yes, but not… when they were strapped to a person’s side. She lived with military men, she was used to them. No, she feared them when they were wielded. She feared the damage they could do. But the sight of a sword alone was not enough to make her hiccup and certainly not enough to make her blush.
But the mere thought of Hector was…
Then the captain started talking about… belching? She supposed it was to make her feel better. If she belched when she was nervous Marietta would never show her face in public again. That would be uncouth and unladylike of her. Though the subject matter made her a bit green, she couldn’t help but giggle along with Hector, and she relaxed somewhat. But then something happened- something Marietta did not expect.
Was Captain Hector… nervous? Was Marietta making him nervous? Did he have a crush bac- That was silly, why would she even think that? It was probably because she was acting all odd. She was putting him off kilter. Or maybe… maybe it was because he was talking about belching to a Lady. Marietta shouldn’t allow herself to get all excited. Especially because… her love was forbidden anyhow.
And yet… for a moment, just one second Marietta felt happy. She felt a warmness wrap over her like a blanket at the mere notion that her feelings weren’t unrequited. She felt that glimmer of hope spark like an ember from the fires. But then reality set back in, and her head left the clouds.
Hope was a dangerous thing.
Marietta reached for her cup. That was when Hector spoke again. Oh… I think I know this one. Sage. Once more she felt her heart flutter and her stomach bubble. She gave a small smile into her cup, shyly saying, “Sage is my favorite tea.” Before she took a drink of her tea herself. She bit her lip, looking pleased. It seems they shared the same taste. That was something they had in common! That was the very first thing they ever shared that was in common. They both liked sage! I mean… he didn’t say he liked it… but he recognized it so surely…
“Have some biscuits, Captain,” Marietta pushed the plate of cookies and sweets his way. “And… and if you’d like you could take some sage tea home with you. We have loads, it won’t even be missed.”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
He thinks it’s the sword. Marietta didn’t know what to feel about that. Relieved, maybe, that he didn’t know the truth? Relieved that he couldn’t hear how hard her heart pounded every time he was near. Relieved that he didn’t notice her looking for him when she heard the Captain of Arcana was at an event or delivering business to her uncle- all the while being too shy to actually approach him. Relieved that he didn’t realize how his voice was more magical than any note she could play on her harp, and how his smile made Marietta want to melt.
… Actually, yeah, relieved is what she felt.
But it was silly too. Marietta did fear swords, yes, but not… when they were strapped to a person’s side. She lived with military men, she was used to them. No, she feared them when they were wielded. She feared the damage they could do. But the sight of a sword alone was not enough to make her hiccup and certainly not enough to make her blush.
But the mere thought of Hector was…
Then the captain started talking about… belching? She supposed it was to make her feel better. If she belched when she was nervous Marietta would never show her face in public again. That would be uncouth and unladylike of her. Though the subject matter made her a bit green, she couldn’t help but giggle along with Hector, and she relaxed somewhat. But then something happened- something Marietta did not expect.
Was Captain Hector… nervous? Was Marietta making him nervous? Did he have a crush bac- That was silly, why would she even think that? It was probably because she was acting all odd. She was putting him off kilter. Or maybe… maybe it was because he was talking about belching to a Lady. Marietta shouldn’t allow herself to get all excited. Especially because… her love was forbidden anyhow.
And yet… for a moment, just one second Marietta felt happy. She felt a warmness wrap over her like a blanket at the mere notion that her feelings weren’t unrequited. She felt that glimmer of hope spark like an ember from the fires. But then reality set back in, and her head left the clouds.
Hope was a dangerous thing.
Marietta reached for her cup. That was when Hector spoke again. Oh… I think I know this one. Sage. Once more she felt her heart flutter and her stomach bubble. She gave a small smile into her cup, shyly saying, “Sage is my favorite tea.” Before she took a drink of her tea herself. She bit her lip, looking pleased. It seems they shared the same taste. That was something they had in common! That was the very first thing they ever shared that was in common. They both liked sage! I mean… he didn’t say he liked it… but he recognized it so surely…
“Have some biscuits, Captain,” Marietta pushed the plate of cookies and sweets his way. “And… and if you’d like you could take some sage tea home with you. We have loads, it won’t even be missed.”
He thinks it’s the sword. Marietta didn’t know what to feel about that. Relieved, maybe, that he didn’t know the truth? Relieved that he couldn’t hear how hard her heart pounded every time he was near. Relieved that he didn’t notice her looking for him when she heard the Captain of Arcana was at an event or delivering business to her uncle- all the while being too shy to actually approach him. Relieved that he didn’t realize how his voice was more magical than any note she could play on her harp, and how his smile made Marietta want to melt.
… Actually, yeah, relieved is what she felt.
But it was silly too. Marietta did fear swords, yes, but not… when they were strapped to a person’s side. She lived with military men, she was used to them. No, she feared them when they were wielded. She feared the damage they could do. But the sight of a sword alone was not enough to make her hiccup and certainly not enough to make her blush.
But the mere thought of Hector was…
Then the captain started talking about… belching? She supposed it was to make her feel better. If she belched when she was nervous Marietta would never show her face in public again. That would be uncouth and unladylike of her. Though the subject matter made her a bit green, she couldn’t help but giggle along with Hector, and she relaxed somewhat. But then something happened- something Marietta did not expect.
Was Captain Hector… nervous? Was Marietta making him nervous? Did he have a crush bac- That was silly, why would she even think that? It was probably because she was acting all odd. She was putting him off kilter. Or maybe… maybe it was because he was talking about belching to a Lady. Marietta shouldn’t allow herself to get all excited. Especially because… her love was forbidden anyhow.
And yet… for a moment, just one second Marietta felt happy. She felt a warmness wrap over her like a blanket at the mere notion that her feelings weren’t unrequited. She felt that glimmer of hope spark like an ember from the fires. But then reality set back in, and her head left the clouds.
Hope was a dangerous thing.
Marietta reached for her cup. That was when Hector spoke again. Oh… I think I know this one. Sage. Once more she felt her heart flutter and her stomach bubble. She gave a small smile into her cup, shyly saying, “Sage is my favorite tea.” Before she took a drink of her tea herself. She bit her lip, looking pleased. It seems they shared the same taste. That was something they had in common! That was the very first thing they ever shared that was in common. They both liked sage! I mean… he didn’t say he liked it… but he recognized it so surely…
“Have some biscuits, Captain,” Marietta pushed the plate of cookies and sweets his way. “And… and if you’d like you could take some sage tea home with you. We have loads, it won’t even be missed.”
