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Dorothea had few friends her age. She hadn’t socialized much with the other members of court, having no female relatives to guide her and a father that didn’t much care to attend courtly events in the first place. When she was younger, she’d made a few acquaintances, but quickly found herself as an outsider among the girls. She was never going to be as pretty as any of them, not that she much cared, but they simply seemed to operate on a different level than she did. They cared about things that Dorothea had no interest in and had no interest in the things that she cared about. So before she had even really had a chance to make friends, Dorothea dismissed them.
However, she had recently come into acquaintance with Melina of Leventi—they had met at the horse races—and the two had formed a fast friendship. Perhaps it was because they could relate in some ways to each other or that they simply were both young girls who were lonely. In either case, Gavriil had hardly been able to say no when Dorothea asked if Melina might join them to celebrate her fourteenth birthday. They were to have a birthday dinner, then Melina would stay the night before traveling back home. Dorothea had never had anyone come over to spend time with her and found herself giddy with joy when she woke that morning.
Iason, of course, teased a bit when he noticed her unusually bright spirit. He was well into young manhood, not interested in the same things as Dorothea was, but couldn’t resist teasing her a bit about it on their hunt that morning. The three Dimitrous had a tradition of hunting on each other’s birthdays and Dorothea’s fell into a prime season. The weather was turning a bit colder and deer moved through their woods, searching for a place to settle. It wasn’t long before Dorothea’s arrow found a target and she claimed the first kill of the morning. Soon after, the rest of them had managed to find some game, hauling it back in on their horses so that it would serve as their meal for the evening. Dorothea took pride in knowing that she was capable of providing for herself, just like her father and brother.
The morning seemed to fly by, for she threw herself into helping prepare the meal rather than wait around for her friend to arrive. Shortly after the midday meal, a servant announced Melina’s arrival to have Dorothea rush by him in an effort to get to their entryway. Melina was there with a servant and Dorothea waved, practically running down the hallway. It wasn’t the most graceful way to greet her friend, but it did belay enthusiasm.
“Welcome Melina,” she said, arriving and taking her friend’s hands. “I’m so glad you could come. Are you tired from your journey? Would you like something to eat?” This was a side of Dorothea that others might not see, but one that her friend was getting to know.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Dorothea had few friends her age. She hadn’t socialized much with the other members of court, having no female relatives to guide her and a father that didn’t much care to attend courtly events in the first place. When she was younger, she’d made a few acquaintances, but quickly found herself as an outsider among the girls. She was never going to be as pretty as any of them, not that she much cared, but they simply seemed to operate on a different level than she did. They cared about things that Dorothea had no interest in and had no interest in the things that she cared about. So before she had even really had a chance to make friends, Dorothea dismissed them.
However, she had recently come into acquaintance with Melina of Leventi—they had met at the horse races—and the two had formed a fast friendship. Perhaps it was because they could relate in some ways to each other or that they simply were both young girls who were lonely. In either case, Gavriil had hardly been able to say no when Dorothea asked if Melina might join them to celebrate her fourteenth birthday. They were to have a birthday dinner, then Melina would stay the night before traveling back home. Dorothea had never had anyone come over to spend time with her and found herself giddy with joy when she woke that morning.
Iason, of course, teased a bit when he noticed her unusually bright spirit. He was well into young manhood, not interested in the same things as Dorothea was, but couldn’t resist teasing her a bit about it on their hunt that morning. The three Dimitrous had a tradition of hunting on each other’s birthdays and Dorothea’s fell into a prime season. The weather was turning a bit colder and deer moved through their woods, searching for a place to settle. It wasn’t long before Dorothea’s arrow found a target and she claimed the first kill of the morning. Soon after, the rest of them had managed to find some game, hauling it back in on their horses so that it would serve as their meal for the evening. Dorothea took pride in knowing that she was capable of providing for herself, just like her father and brother.
The morning seemed to fly by, for she threw herself into helping prepare the meal rather than wait around for her friend to arrive. Shortly after the midday meal, a servant announced Melina’s arrival to have Dorothea rush by him in an effort to get to their entryway. Melina was there with a servant and Dorothea waved, practically running down the hallway. It wasn’t the most graceful way to greet her friend, but it did belay enthusiasm.
“Welcome Melina,” she said, arriving and taking her friend’s hands. “I’m so glad you could come. Are you tired from your journey? Would you like something to eat?” This was a side of Dorothea that others might not see, but one that her friend was getting to know.
Dorothea had few friends her age. She hadn’t socialized much with the other members of court, having no female relatives to guide her and a father that didn’t much care to attend courtly events in the first place. When she was younger, she’d made a few acquaintances, but quickly found herself as an outsider among the girls. She was never going to be as pretty as any of them, not that she much cared, but they simply seemed to operate on a different level than she did. They cared about things that Dorothea had no interest in and had no interest in the things that she cared about. So before she had even really had a chance to make friends, Dorothea dismissed them.
However, she had recently come into acquaintance with Melina of Leventi—they had met at the horse races—and the two had formed a fast friendship. Perhaps it was because they could relate in some ways to each other or that they simply were both young girls who were lonely. In either case, Gavriil had hardly been able to say no when Dorothea asked if Melina might join them to celebrate her fourteenth birthday. They were to have a birthday dinner, then Melina would stay the night before traveling back home. Dorothea had never had anyone come over to spend time with her and found herself giddy with joy when she woke that morning.
Iason, of course, teased a bit when he noticed her unusually bright spirit. He was well into young manhood, not interested in the same things as Dorothea was, but couldn’t resist teasing her a bit about it on their hunt that morning. The three Dimitrous had a tradition of hunting on each other’s birthdays and Dorothea’s fell into a prime season. The weather was turning a bit colder and deer moved through their woods, searching for a place to settle. It wasn’t long before Dorothea’s arrow found a target and she claimed the first kill of the morning. Soon after, the rest of them had managed to find some game, hauling it back in on their horses so that it would serve as their meal for the evening. Dorothea took pride in knowing that she was capable of providing for herself, just like her father and brother.
The morning seemed to fly by, for she threw herself into helping prepare the meal rather than wait around for her friend to arrive. Shortly after the midday meal, a servant announced Melina’s arrival to have Dorothea rush by him in an effort to get to their entryway. Melina was there with a servant and Dorothea waved, practically running down the hallway. It wasn’t the most graceful way to greet her friend, but it did belay enthusiasm.
“Welcome Melina,” she said, arriving and taking her friend’s hands. “I’m so glad you could come. Are you tired from your journey? Would you like something to eat?” This was a side of Dorothea that others might not see, but one that her friend was getting to know.
Melina didn’t make friends. The only friend she ever had was Xan. That was… until Dorothea. Melina still couldn’t believe that they were friends. She felt blessed. No matter Melina’s shortcomings and imperfections, Dorothea was still willing to spend time with her. Not even just willing… she enjoyed it. She wasn’t looking for someone else to talk to when Melina was near. She didn’t ask Melina about her cousins, the prettier Leventis. She talked to Melina.
Which was why before seeing her Melina had a mini heart attack. What if she ruined it? What if she offended her? What if she never wanted to talk to Melina ever again? The tiny voice in her head warned her it could happen. No one like Melina- not typically. But maybe that won’t always be the case. First Dorothea and then…
No, no Melina shouldn’t get ahead of herself. She should be happy that she had one friend, a noble at that, that genuinely enjoyed spending time with her. And that was what Melina chose to focus on the whole way to Meganea. The trip was long- made longer with the refusal to arrive in anything but a carriage. Melina’s fear of horses may make her a black sheep of the family, but she was fine with it so long as it meant the closest horse to her were the ones pulling her carriage.
Today is going to be great. Melina thought to herself as the carriage began to roll to a stop. They were going to spend lots of time together. Melina would sleepover and then return home the following day. It was the first time being away from her parents- and her first time at a real sleepover! Melina packed and unpacked (and by Melina, she meant her maids) over and over again, making sure she had everything right. She wanted to make sure she had clothes that wouldn’t make her too silly. She wanted to make sure that everything Melina brought with her would be not be something that Dorothea would make fun of her for or feel uncomfortable with her bringing. She wanted things to go perfect.
And it should go perfect because real friends would forgive each other if the other friend was slightly weird… right?
Melina stepped out of the carriage with the widest smile in the world. She was just amazed by her friend’s home. It was surrounded by trees. It had an overwhelming pine smell. It was so fresh, so… free. Melina didn’t feel like she was visiting her friend- she felt like she was going on vacation. She never wanted to leave.
Arriving, Dorothea was immediately welcoming, taking Melina’s hands in hers. Melina looked at her with happy, shining eyes, “Oh, I’m good thank you! It’s so wonderful here! I know you described it to me before, but honestly, I feel like I stepped inside of a book. I have never seen so many trees in my life.” At least not this close to people living, at least. It’s so peaceful!
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Melina didn’t make friends. The only friend she ever had was Xan. That was… until Dorothea. Melina still couldn’t believe that they were friends. She felt blessed. No matter Melina’s shortcomings and imperfections, Dorothea was still willing to spend time with her. Not even just willing… she enjoyed it. She wasn’t looking for someone else to talk to when Melina was near. She didn’t ask Melina about her cousins, the prettier Leventis. She talked to Melina.
Which was why before seeing her Melina had a mini heart attack. What if she ruined it? What if she offended her? What if she never wanted to talk to Melina ever again? The tiny voice in her head warned her it could happen. No one like Melina- not typically. But maybe that won’t always be the case. First Dorothea and then…
No, no Melina shouldn’t get ahead of herself. She should be happy that she had one friend, a noble at that, that genuinely enjoyed spending time with her. And that was what Melina chose to focus on the whole way to Meganea. The trip was long- made longer with the refusal to arrive in anything but a carriage. Melina’s fear of horses may make her a black sheep of the family, but she was fine with it so long as it meant the closest horse to her were the ones pulling her carriage.
Today is going to be great. Melina thought to herself as the carriage began to roll to a stop. They were going to spend lots of time together. Melina would sleepover and then return home the following day. It was the first time being away from her parents- and her first time at a real sleepover! Melina packed and unpacked (and by Melina, she meant her maids) over and over again, making sure she had everything right. She wanted to make sure she had clothes that wouldn’t make her too silly. She wanted to make sure that everything Melina brought with her would be not be something that Dorothea would make fun of her for or feel uncomfortable with her bringing. She wanted things to go perfect.
And it should go perfect because real friends would forgive each other if the other friend was slightly weird… right?
Melina stepped out of the carriage with the widest smile in the world. She was just amazed by her friend’s home. It was surrounded by trees. It had an overwhelming pine smell. It was so fresh, so… free. Melina didn’t feel like she was visiting her friend- she felt like she was going on vacation. She never wanted to leave.
Arriving, Dorothea was immediately welcoming, taking Melina’s hands in hers. Melina looked at her with happy, shining eyes, “Oh, I’m good thank you! It’s so wonderful here! I know you described it to me before, but honestly, I feel like I stepped inside of a book. I have never seen so many trees in my life.” At least not this close to people living, at least. It’s so peaceful!
Melina didn’t make friends. The only friend she ever had was Xan. That was… until Dorothea. Melina still couldn’t believe that they were friends. She felt blessed. No matter Melina’s shortcomings and imperfections, Dorothea was still willing to spend time with her. Not even just willing… she enjoyed it. She wasn’t looking for someone else to talk to when Melina was near. She didn’t ask Melina about her cousins, the prettier Leventis. She talked to Melina.
Which was why before seeing her Melina had a mini heart attack. What if she ruined it? What if she offended her? What if she never wanted to talk to Melina ever again? The tiny voice in her head warned her it could happen. No one like Melina- not typically. But maybe that won’t always be the case. First Dorothea and then…
No, no Melina shouldn’t get ahead of herself. She should be happy that she had one friend, a noble at that, that genuinely enjoyed spending time with her. And that was what Melina chose to focus on the whole way to Meganea. The trip was long- made longer with the refusal to arrive in anything but a carriage. Melina’s fear of horses may make her a black sheep of the family, but she was fine with it so long as it meant the closest horse to her were the ones pulling her carriage.
Today is going to be great. Melina thought to herself as the carriage began to roll to a stop. They were going to spend lots of time together. Melina would sleepover and then return home the following day. It was the first time being away from her parents- and her first time at a real sleepover! Melina packed and unpacked (and by Melina, she meant her maids) over and over again, making sure she had everything right. She wanted to make sure she had clothes that wouldn’t make her too silly. She wanted to make sure that everything Melina brought with her would be not be something that Dorothea would make fun of her for or feel uncomfortable with her bringing. She wanted things to go perfect.
And it should go perfect because real friends would forgive each other if the other friend was slightly weird… right?
Melina stepped out of the carriage with the widest smile in the world. She was just amazed by her friend’s home. It was surrounded by trees. It had an overwhelming pine smell. It was so fresh, so… free. Melina didn’t feel like she was visiting her friend- she felt like she was going on vacation. She never wanted to leave.
Arriving, Dorothea was immediately welcoming, taking Melina’s hands in hers. Melina looked at her with happy, shining eyes, “Oh, I’m good thank you! It’s so wonderful here! I know you described it to me before, but honestly, I feel like I stepped inside of a book. I have never seen so many trees in my life.” At least not this close to people living, at least. It’s so peaceful!
She was so excited by her friend’s arrival. Dorothea hadn’t had anyone visit her ever before. They’d had other visitors, but none specifically for her. It felt like something wonderful was happening! In fact, nobody was even teasing her about the occasion, which probably meant something significant. Iason usually had a joke or two aimed her way, but he had said nothing about her birthday sleepover, except that he was looking forward to meeting her friend. That was better than anything Dorothea could have hoped for.
She had so many ideas for what they could do that it was difficult to not take off at once, trying to complete everything. Dorothea had to remind herself that Melina could come again. If she showed her everything now, there would be nothing that she could see later. Then perhaps she wouldn’t want to come again at all. Dorothea didn’t think that was the only reason Melina had come, but didn’t want to chance it if it was. She looked forward to seeing her friend again.
“Yes,” Dorothea replied enthusiastically, “I’m so excited for you to see our lands. To me, it’s the most beautiful place in all of Taengea.” She hadn’t really been to too many other places, but the Dimitrou estates did have a little something of everything. “We also are close to the sea. If you come again when it’s warmer, I’ll show you to my secret beach. But it’s far too chilly to swim now! We’ll stick to the forest. There’s so much to see there.”
The birthday girl was babbling a bit. She knew it, but couldn’t seem to stop herself. It was just so wonderful to have a visitor! In a way, this felt like one of the first times that she had truly looked forward to something since her mother died. Now, she had a new companion to spend time with. For the past two years, their house had been sad and Dorothea had lost one of her best friends. It wasn’t as though she was expecting Melina to fill that gap, but she had been the first female companion that Dorothea had really had outside of her mother.
The servants were taking Melina’s things and bringing them to Dorothea’s room. Dorothea thought she would begin Melina’s visit with a tour. Her friend didn’t particularly care for horses, the girl had learned, so they wouldn’t go out on horseback as she would have liked, but Dorothea planned to show her the new archery range that had been installed. Well, they’d always had one, but Dorothea was becoming so good that she asked for an extra challenge. Gavriil hadn’t been able to deny her.
“Come, let’s go for a walk around the grounds,” Dorothea said, looping her arm through Melina’s. “I’m sure it’d be nice to stretch your legs after being in the carriage. First, I’ll take you through our gardens.” The two girls began their walk, Dorothea feeling infinitely happy.
“How was your ride?” she asked. “Was it very long?”
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She was so excited by her friend’s arrival. Dorothea hadn’t had anyone visit her ever before. They’d had other visitors, but none specifically for her. It felt like something wonderful was happening! In fact, nobody was even teasing her about the occasion, which probably meant something significant. Iason usually had a joke or two aimed her way, but he had said nothing about her birthday sleepover, except that he was looking forward to meeting her friend. That was better than anything Dorothea could have hoped for.
She had so many ideas for what they could do that it was difficult to not take off at once, trying to complete everything. Dorothea had to remind herself that Melina could come again. If she showed her everything now, there would be nothing that she could see later. Then perhaps she wouldn’t want to come again at all. Dorothea didn’t think that was the only reason Melina had come, but didn’t want to chance it if it was. She looked forward to seeing her friend again.
“Yes,” Dorothea replied enthusiastically, “I’m so excited for you to see our lands. To me, it’s the most beautiful place in all of Taengea.” She hadn’t really been to too many other places, but the Dimitrou estates did have a little something of everything. “We also are close to the sea. If you come again when it’s warmer, I’ll show you to my secret beach. But it’s far too chilly to swim now! We’ll stick to the forest. There’s so much to see there.”
The birthday girl was babbling a bit. She knew it, but couldn’t seem to stop herself. It was just so wonderful to have a visitor! In a way, this felt like one of the first times that she had truly looked forward to something since her mother died. Now, she had a new companion to spend time with. For the past two years, their house had been sad and Dorothea had lost one of her best friends. It wasn’t as though she was expecting Melina to fill that gap, but she had been the first female companion that Dorothea had really had outside of her mother.
The servants were taking Melina’s things and bringing them to Dorothea’s room. Dorothea thought she would begin Melina’s visit with a tour. Her friend didn’t particularly care for horses, the girl had learned, so they wouldn’t go out on horseback as she would have liked, but Dorothea planned to show her the new archery range that had been installed. Well, they’d always had one, but Dorothea was becoming so good that she asked for an extra challenge. Gavriil hadn’t been able to deny her.
“Come, let’s go for a walk around the grounds,” Dorothea said, looping her arm through Melina’s. “I’m sure it’d be nice to stretch your legs after being in the carriage. First, I’ll take you through our gardens.” The two girls began their walk, Dorothea feeling infinitely happy.
“How was your ride?” she asked. “Was it very long?”
She was so excited by her friend’s arrival. Dorothea hadn’t had anyone visit her ever before. They’d had other visitors, but none specifically for her. It felt like something wonderful was happening! In fact, nobody was even teasing her about the occasion, which probably meant something significant. Iason usually had a joke or two aimed her way, but he had said nothing about her birthday sleepover, except that he was looking forward to meeting her friend. That was better than anything Dorothea could have hoped for.
She had so many ideas for what they could do that it was difficult to not take off at once, trying to complete everything. Dorothea had to remind herself that Melina could come again. If she showed her everything now, there would be nothing that she could see later. Then perhaps she wouldn’t want to come again at all. Dorothea didn’t think that was the only reason Melina had come, but didn’t want to chance it if it was. She looked forward to seeing her friend again.
“Yes,” Dorothea replied enthusiastically, “I’m so excited for you to see our lands. To me, it’s the most beautiful place in all of Taengea.” She hadn’t really been to too many other places, but the Dimitrou estates did have a little something of everything. “We also are close to the sea. If you come again when it’s warmer, I’ll show you to my secret beach. But it’s far too chilly to swim now! We’ll stick to the forest. There’s so much to see there.”
The birthday girl was babbling a bit. She knew it, but couldn’t seem to stop herself. It was just so wonderful to have a visitor! In a way, this felt like one of the first times that she had truly looked forward to something since her mother died. Now, she had a new companion to spend time with. For the past two years, their house had been sad and Dorothea had lost one of her best friends. It wasn’t as though she was expecting Melina to fill that gap, but she had been the first female companion that Dorothea had really had outside of her mother.
The servants were taking Melina’s things and bringing them to Dorothea’s room. Dorothea thought she would begin Melina’s visit with a tour. Her friend didn’t particularly care for horses, the girl had learned, so they wouldn’t go out on horseback as she would have liked, but Dorothea planned to show her the new archery range that had been installed. Well, they’d always had one, but Dorothea was becoming so good that she asked for an extra challenge. Gavriil hadn’t been able to deny her.
“Come, let’s go for a walk around the grounds,” Dorothea said, looping her arm through Melina’s. “I’m sure it’d be nice to stretch your legs after being in the carriage. First, I’ll take you through our gardens.” The two girls began their walk, Dorothea feeling infinitely happy.
“How was your ride?” she asked. “Was it very long?”
Her excitement was contagious. Just like Dorothea who never had a friend over, Melina had never gone to a friend’s. As she talked, her eyes god wider and wider and her head nodded enthusiastically. The sea? Melina loved the sea! It was always so peaceful and the sound of the waves and the feeling of the wind soothed her. Also the only horses that were native to the sea were sea horses, and they weren’t near as terrifying as real horses. But that was a conversation for another day, when the girls were feeling silly.
Melina giggled as Dorothea looped her arm around her. This must be how her cousins felt when they were talking to all their friends. They were oh so popular. Melina was not like them. But to Dorothea that didn’t matter. She didn’t care that she wasn’t Theo or Evie or Nana, she was happy that she was Melina. And that, more than anything, warmed her heart. It gave her the confidence that she never had before. Melina felt like she could do anything.
“Oh, I’m excited to see your gardens! I’m sure it’s gorgeous.” Melina had an interest in flowers. She was always reading about them in her books. Lilies were her favorite. They were pure and understated, but beautiful in their simplicity. Exactly what Melina strove to be. Of course, she never told anyone the reasoning behind lilies being her favorite. She would simply call them pretty. “I’m sure if the forest is any proof of it, it is blessed by Lady Demeter and Artemis as well.”
Melina was convinced she was in paradise. She might write home to father and tell her that she would never return home. Maybe she could convince Lord Gavriil to adopt her. That… would actually be the world’s most awkward conversation and Melina didn’t want to imagine it in fear of cringing. She’ll just enjoy her time here instead.
“The ride was very long, but it was pretty and quiet. I took the time to read my book. It was about a man who sails around the world, discovering new lands in service of the gods. It was thrilling! He meets this woman he thinks is a Princess, but it turns out to be Nemesis in disguise.” It was Melina’s turn to babble. This would be the pair all day wouldn’t they? Melina who so rarely talked now found herself unable to stop. Everything felt so natural between them. It was almost as if Dorothea was Xan. Melina never had to worry about what she said to Xan, and Dorothea was proving to be the same.
“I could let you borrow it if you’d like. It’s an exhilarating read. The main heroine reminds me of you. She has a bow too,” Melina poked her friend’s side. “But she’s from Colchis.” Melina thanked the gods every day for not being from Colchis. It was cold and mountainous and even women there were soldiers. If she was an outsider in Taengea, Colchis was even worse. If only she was born in Athenia… Melina might flourish there.
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Her excitement was contagious. Just like Dorothea who never had a friend over, Melina had never gone to a friend’s. As she talked, her eyes god wider and wider and her head nodded enthusiastically. The sea? Melina loved the sea! It was always so peaceful and the sound of the waves and the feeling of the wind soothed her. Also the only horses that were native to the sea were sea horses, and they weren’t near as terrifying as real horses. But that was a conversation for another day, when the girls were feeling silly.
Melina giggled as Dorothea looped her arm around her. This must be how her cousins felt when they were talking to all their friends. They were oh so popular. Melina was not like them. But to Dorothea that didn’t matter. She didn’t care that she wasn’t Theo or Evie or Nana, she was happy that she was Melina. And that, more than anything, warmed her heart. It gave her the confidence that she never had before. Melina felt like she could do anything.
“Oh, I’m excited to see your gardens! I’m sure it’s gorgeous.” Melina had an interest in flowers. She was always reading about them in her books. Lilies were her favorite. They were pure and understated, but beautiful in their simplicity. Exactly what Melina strove to be. Of course, she never told anyone the reasoning behind lilies being her favorite. She would simply call them pretty. “I’m sure if the forest is any proof of it, it is blessed by Lady Demeter and Artemis as well.”
Melina was convinced she was in paradise. She might write home to father and tell her that she would never return home. Maybe she could convince Lord Gavriil to adopt her. That… would actually be the world’s most awkward conversation and Melina didn’t want to imagine it in fear of cringing. She’ll just enjoy her time here instead.
“The ride was very long, but it was pretty and quiet. I took the time to read my book. It was about a man who sails around the world, discovering new lands in service of the gods. It was thrilling! He meets this woman he thinks is a Princess, but it turns out to be Nemesis in disguise.” It was Melina’s turn to babble. This would be the pair all day wouldn’t they? Melina who so rarely talked now found herself unable to stop. Everything felt so natural between them. It was almost as if Dorothea was Xan. Melina never had to worry about what she said to Xan, and Dorothea was proving to be the same.
“I could let you borrow it if you’d like. It’s an exhilarating read. The main heroine reminds me of you. She has a bow too,” Melina poked her friend’s side. “But she’s from Colchis.” Melina thanked the gods every day for not being from Colchis. It was cold and mountainous and even women there were soldiers. If she was an outsider in Taengea, Colchis was even worse. If only she was born in Athenia… Melina might flourish there.
Her excitement was contagious. Just like Dorothea who never had a friend over, Melina had never gone to a friend’s. As she talked, her eyes god wider and wider and her head nodded enthusiastically. The sea? Melina loved the sea! It was always so peaceful and the sound of the waves and the feeling of the wind soothed her. Also the only horses that were native to the sea were sea horses, and they weren’t near as terrifying as real horses. But that was a conversation for another day, when the girls were feeling silly.
Melina giggled as Dorothea looped her arm around her. This must be how her cousins felt when they were talking to all their friends. They were oh so popular. Melina was not like them. But to Dorothea that didn’t matter. She didn’t care that she wasn’t Theo or Evie or Nana, she was happy that she was Melina. And that, more than anything, warmed her heart. It gave her the confidence that she never had before. Melina felt like she could do anything.
“Oh, I’m excited to see your gardens! I’m sure it’s gorgeous.” Melina had an interest in flowers. She was always reading about them in her books. Lilies were her favorite. They were pure and understated, but beautiful in their simplicity. Exactly what Melina strove to be. Of course, she never told anyone the reasoning behind lilies being her favorite. She would simply call them pretty. “I’m sure if the forest is any proof of it, it is blessed by Lady Demeter and Artemis as well.”
Melina was convinced she was in paradise. She might write home to father and tell her that she would never return home. Maybe she could convince Lord Gavriil to adopt her. That… would actually be the world’s most awkward conversation and Melina didn’t want to imagine it in fear of cringing. She’ll just enjoy her time here instead.
“The ride was very long, but it was pretty and quiet. I took the time to read my book. It was about a man who sails around the world, discovering new lands in service of the gods. It was thrilling! He meets this woman he thinks is a Princess, but it turns out to be Nemesis in disguise.” It was Melina’s turn to babble. This would be the pair all day wouldn’t they? Melina who so rarely talked now found herself unable to stop. Everything felt so natural between them. It was almost as if Dorothea was Xan. Melina never had to worry about what she said to Xan, and Dorothea was proving to be the same.
“I could let you borrow it if you’d like. It’s an exhilarating read. The main heroine reminds me of you. She has a bow too,” Melina poked her friend’s side. “But she’s from Colchis.” Melina thanked the gods every day for not being from Colchis. It was cold and mountainous and even women there were soldiers. If she was an outsider in Taengea, Colchis was even worse. If only she was born in Athenia… Melina might flourish there.
It felt so wonderful to have a friend come over! Dorothea was so excited to have Melina there – and to have their arms linked made her feel so special. She’d never had any friends like this before, even though she had seen other girls engaging in such exchanges. She hadn’t been jealous exactly. Dorothea beat her own drum, happy with doing the things she did. Hunting was unusual for girls, especially ones her age, but Dorothea loved it. For her, it was a way to be closer to her father and brother. The Dimitrou cared far more about fitting in with them than with the girls of court. But it was awfully nice to have a friend her own age.
She and Melina had just seemed to get along. Dorothea hadn’t spent too much time thinking about it. They had similar interests and similar temperaments. They both seemed to hover on the outside of groups—and perhaps that was why they became friends. Though Melina was a Leventi and that made things a little different for her. Dorothea could avoid courtly events because her father did not want to go. In fact, she’d had to beg to even attend the races where she’d met Melina. As a Leventi, Melina had to attend far more events. Her family was incredibly social. It seemed exhausting, Dorothea thought.
“We take great care of them,” Dorothea replied, happy that her friend was interested in doing something as simple as taking a walk. She had spent a great deal of time worried about what exactly to do when Melina came over. What was it that girls did for hours on end? The two of them had only spent time together at social events in the past, but Dorothea hoped that they would have some fun on their own. Melina’s praise of their forest had Dorothea beaming. She loved spending time in the forest—it was her home. The fact that her friend enjoyed it felt like a sign.
“We had these gardens always,” Dorothea explained, “But when my mother married my father, she improved them so that they became what they are today.” They entered the first section of the gardens, where the carefully planted flowers bloomed in various states. The one thing that Dorothea loved about this area was that although everything had been planted with care, it was made to look almost wild. The plants grew in bunches, flowers mimicking how they might look when riding through the forest. It was their own slice of paradise just steps from their home.
She listened carefully as her friend described the ride and the book she had been reading. The book sounded most interesting—Dorothea loved reading herself, but spent most of her time reading texts of other places or of languages. There was so much to learn and she wanted to learn it all. That meant she rarely read stories, but loved them when she did. Melina’s book sounded like something she would enjoy.
“I would love that,” she said, “Did you finish it all?” Dorothea was constantly amazed with how quickly Melina seemed to read. She took much longer with her books, then again, they weren’t nearly as exciting as this book seemed to be. “My cousins are from Colchis,” she added, thinking of them suddenly. She had never been to visit them, but they had visited her home once a few years ago. “They have women archers there! My cousin told me all about them.” Well, he wasn’t much for talking, but he had at least indulged her interests. “It would be wonderful to be part of their group!”
They had entered her favorite part of the gardens—a small grove of trees that had been designed as a quiet retreat for when they could not go as far as the forest. Dorothea loved to study in this place. It was so peaceful. “This place is my favorite!” she exclaimed. “What do you think?”
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It felt so wonderful to have a friend come over! Dorothea was so excited to have Melina there – and to have their arms linked made her feel so special. She’d never had any friends like this before, even though she had seen other girls engaging in such exchanges. She hadn’t been jealous exactly. Dorothea beat her own drum, happy with doing the things she did. Hunting was unusual for girls, especially ones her age, but Dorothea loved it. For her, it was a way to be closer to her father and brother. The Dimitrou cared far more about fitting in with them than with the girls of court. But it was awfully nice to have a friend her own age.
She and Melina had just seemed to get along. Dorothea hadn’t spent too much time thinking about it. They had similar interests and similar temperaments. They both seemed to hover on the outside of groups—and perhaps that was why they became friends. Though Melina was a Leventi and that made things a little different for her. Dorothea could avoid courtly events because her father did not want to go. In fact, she’d had to beg to even attend the races where she’d met Melina. As a Leventi, Melina had to attend far more events. Her family was incredibly social. It seemed exhausting, Dorothea thought.
“We take great care of them,” Dorothea replied, happy that her friend was interested in doing something as simple as taking a walk. She had spent a great deal of time worried about what exactly to do when Melina came over. What was it that girls did for hours on end? The two of them had only spent time together at social events in the past, but Dorothea hoped that they would have some fun on their own. Melina’s praise of their forest had Dorothea beaming. She loved spending time in the forest—it was her home. The fact that her friend enjoyed it felt like a sign.
“We had these gardens always,” Dorothea explained, “But when my mother married my father, she improved them so that they became what they are today.” They entered the first section of the gardens, where the carefully planted flowers bloomed in various states. The one thing that Dorothea loved about this area was that although everything had been planted with care, it was made to look almost wild. The plants grew in bunches, flowers mimicking how they might look when riding through the forest. It was their own slice of paradise just steps from their home.
She listened carefully as her friend described the ride and the book she had been reading. The book sounded most interesting—Dorothea loved reading herself, but spent most of her time reading texts of other places or of languages. There was so much to learn and she wanted to learn it all. That meant she rarely read stories, but loved them when she did. Melina’s book sounded like something she would enjoy.
“I would love that,” she said, “Did you finish it all?” Dorothea was constantly amazed with how quickly Melina seemed to read. She took much longer with her books, then again, they weren’t nearly as exciting as this book seemed to be. “My cousins are from Colchis,” she added, thinking of them suddenly. She had never been to visit them, but they had visited her home once a few years ago. “They have women archers there! My cousin told me all about them.” Well, he wasn’t much for talking, but he had at least indulged her interests. “It would be wonderful to be part of their group!”
They had entered her favorite part of the gardens—a small grove of trees that had been designed as a quiet retreat for when they could not go as far as the forest. Dorothea loved to study in this place. It was so peaceful. “This place is my favorite!” she exclaimed. “What do you think?”
It felt so wonderful to have a friend come over! Dorothea was so excited to have Melina there – and to have their arms linked made her feel so special. She’d never had any friends like this before, even though she had seen other girls engaging in such exchanges. She hadn’t been jealous exactly. Dorothea beat her own drum, happy with doing the things she did. Hunting was unusual for girls, especially ones her age, but Dorothea loved it. For her, it was a way to be closer to her father and brother. The Dimitrou cared far more about fitting in with them than with the girls of court. But it was awfully nice to have a friend her own age.
She and Melina had just seemed to get along. Dorothea hadn’t spent too much time thinking about it. They had similar interests and similar temperaments. They both seemed to hover on the outside of groups—and perhaps that was why they became friends. Though Melina was a Leventi and that made things a little different for her. Dorothea could avoid courtly events because her father did not want to go. In fact, she’d had to beg to even attend the races where she’d met Melina. As a Leventi, Melina had to attend far more events. Her family was incredibly social. It seemed exhausting, Dorothea thought.
“We take great care of them,” Dorothea replied, happy that her friend was interested in doing something as simple as taking a walk. She had spent a great deal of time worried about what exactly to do when Melina came over. What was it that girls did for hours on end? The two of them had only spent time together at social events in the past, but Dorothea hoped that they would have some fun on their own. Melina’s praise of their forest had Dorothea beaming. She loved spending time in the forest—it was her home. The fact that her friend enjoyed it felt like a sign.
“We had these gardens always,” Dorothea explained, “But when my mother married my father, she improved them so that they became what they are today.” They entered the first section of the gardens, where the carefully planted flowers bloomed in various states. The one thing that Dorothea loved about this area was that although everything had been planted with care, it was made to look almost wild. The plants grew in bunches, flowers mimicking how they might look when riding through the forest. It was their own slice of paradise just steps from their home.
She listened carefully as her friend described the ride and the book she had been reading. The book sounded most interesting—Dorothea loved reading herself, but spent most of her time reading texts of other places or of languages. There was so much to learn and she wanted to learn it all. That meant she rarely read stories, but loved them when she did. Melina’s book sounded like something she would enjoy.
“I would love that,” she said, “Did you finish it all?” Dorothea was constantly amazed with how quickly Melina seemed to read. She took much longer with her books, then again, they weren’t nearly as exciting as this book seemed to be. “My cousins are from Colchis,” she added, thinking of them suddenly. She had never been to visit them, but they had visited her home once a few years ago. “They have women archers there! My cousin told me all about them.” Well, he wasn’t much for talking, but he had at least indulged her interests. “It would be wonderful to be part of their group!”
They had entered her favorite part of the gardens—a small grove of trees that had been designed as a quiet retreat for when they could not go as far as the forest. Dorothea loved to study in this place. It was so peaceful. “This place is my favorite!” she exclaimed. “What do you think?”
Melina looked around the gardens wide eyed. They were gorgeous. They were so unique too! The gardens back at home was amazing, as was everything else in the Leventi household. In fact one would call it perfect. It was perfectly measured, perfectly manicured, and perfectly spaced. It was prim, proper, and organized. And they were beautiful. The colors were vibrate, the flowers always felt like they were in bloom.
But this garden was, in Melina’s opinion, far better. She was sure her family would vehemently disagree, but Melina didn’t care. It was wild and free. The Leventi gardens looked like artwork, but this… looked like nature. It smelled fresh. There were greens and colors what seemed to be in random spots, but it was well plot out. Melina didn’t feel overwhelmed by nature, she felt one with it.
Then Dorothea led her to a small grove. Melina looked around, a large smile dancing on her face. It was so peaceful here. It was quiet. It was… everything Melina had ever desired. What was the chances she could convince Dorothea’s father to adopt her? Or, at the very least, let Melina moved in. She found herself imagining all the books she could read here.
If this were a novel, Dorothea would be the main character. Dorothea was a Princess, hidden away. She wouldn’t know that she was a Princess though. Not until the kingdom she was actually from came riding in. They would go to Dorothea and tell her of her duty. And Dorothea would have no choice but to travel to her new Kingdom and marry a charming prince and become Queen. It would break her heart, but she would do what she had to do.
But thank the gods this wasn’t an actual story, because Melina would be heartbroken if her only friend got whisked away somewhere and never saw Melina again. Now Melina was in a silly mood. She felt giggly. They were just being nice and getting a tour, but the more Melina saw the more hyper she felt. She was just like a little kid after having had one too many sweets.
Dorothea also had that affect on her. She just… made her happy. Their relationship was just so… genuine. Melina really felt like she could trust Dorothea with anything. She felt like she could tell her about her thoughts and worries and Dorothea would listen. She wouldn’t make fun of her. She wouldn’t even laugh. And Melina felt like she awsn’t like the other girls who would just talk behind her back. Dorothea was… the one blessing she had in her cursed world.
“It’s wonderful!” Melina gasped. “It’s so amazing! Can I move in? I don’t want to ever leave!” And then suddenly… Melina remembered something. Her hands covered her mouth for a second and her eyes widened. “Oh my gosh, I didn’t say it yet!” Melina wrapped her arms tight around her friend. “Happy birthday!”
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Melina looked around the gardens wide eyed. They were gorgeous. They were so unique too! The gardens back at home was amazing, as was everything else in the Leventi household. In fact one would call it perfect. It was perfectly measured, perfectly manicured, and perfectly spaced. It was prim, proper, and organized. And they were beautiful. The colors were vibrate, the flowers always felt like they were in bloom.
But this garden was, in Melina’s opinion, far better. She was sure her family would vehemently disagree, but Melina didn’t care. It was wild and free. The Leventi gardens looked like artwork, but this… looked like nature. It smelled fresh. There were greens and colors what seemed to be in random spots, but it was well plot out. Melina didn’t feel overwhelmed by nature, she felt one with it.
Then Dorothea led her to a small grove. Melina looked around, a large smile dancing on her face. It was so peaceful here. It was quiet. It was… everything Melina had ever desired. What was the chances she could convince Dorothea’s father to adopt her? Or, at the very least, let Melina moved in. She found herself imagining all the books she could read here.
If this were a novel, Dorothea would be the main character. Dorothea was a Princess, hidden away. She wouldn’t know that she was a Princess though. Not until the kingdom she was actually from came riding in. They would go to Dorothea and tell her of her duty. And Dorothea would have no choice but to travel to her new Kingdom and marry a charming prince and become Queen. It would break her heart, but she would do what she had to do.
But thank the gods this wasn’t an actual story, because Melina would be heartbroken if her only friend got whisked away somewhere and never saw Melina again. Now Melina was in a silly mood. She felt giggly. They were just being nice and getting a tour, but the more Melina saw the more hyper she felt. She was just like a little kid after having had one too many sweets.
Dorothea also had that affect on her. She just… made her happy. Their relationship was just so… genuine. Melina really felt like she could trust Dorothea with anything. She felt like she could tell her about her thoughts and worries and Dorothea would listen. She wouldn’t make fun of her. She wouldn’t even laugh. And Melina felt like she awsn’t like the other girls who would just talk behind her back. Dorothea was… the one blessing she had in her cursed world.
“It’s wonderful!” Melina gasped. “It’s so amazing! Can I move in? I don’t want to ever leave!” And then suddenly… Melina remembered something. Her hands covered her mouth for a second and her eyes widened. “Oh my gosh, I didn’t say it yet!” Melina wrapped her arms tight around her friend. “Happy birthday!”
Melina looked around the gardens wide eyed. They were gorgeous. They were so unique too! The gardens back at home was amazing, as was everything else in the Leventi household. In fact one would call it perfect. It was perfectly measured, perfectly manicured, and perfectly spaced. It was prim, proper, and organized. And they were beautiful. The colors were vibrate, the flowers always felt like they were in bloom.
But this garden was, in Melina’s opinion, far better. She was sure her family would vehemently disagree, but Melina didn’t care. It was wild and free. The Leventi gardens looked like artwork, but this… looked like nature. It smelled fresh. There were greens and colors what seemed to be in random spots, but it was well plot out. Melina didn’t feel overwhelmed by nature, she felt one with it.
Then Dorothea led her to a small grove. Melina looked around, a large smile dancing on her face. It was so peaceful here. It was quiet. It was… everything Melina had ever desired. What was the chances she could convince Dorothea’s father to adopt her? Or, at the very least, let Melina moved in. She found herself imagining all the books she could read here.
If this were a novel, Dorothea would be the main character. Dorothea was a Princess, hidden away. She wouldn’t know that she was a Princess though. Not until the kingdom she was actually from came riding in. They would go to Dorothea and tell her of her duty. And Dorothea would have no choice but to travel to her new Kingdom and marry a charming prince and become Queen. It would break her heart, but she would do what she had to do.
But thank the gods this wasn’t an actual story, because Melina would be heartbroken if her only friend got whisked away somewhere and never saw Melina again. Now Melina was in a silly mood. She felt giggly. They were just being nice and getting a tour, but the more Melina saw the more hyper she felt. She was just like a little kid after having had one too many sweets.
Dorothea also had that affect on her. She just… made her happy. Their relationship was just so… genuine. Melina really felt like she could trust Dorothea with anything. She felt like she could tell her about her thoughts and worries and Dorothea would listen. She wouldn’t make fun of her. She wouldn’t even laugh. And Melina felt like she awsn’t like the other girls who would just talk behind her back. Dorothea was… the one blessing she had in her cursed world.
“It’s wonderful!” Melina gasped. “It’s so amazing! Can I move in? I don’t want to ever leave!” And then suddenly… Melina remembered something. Her hands covered her mouth for a second and her eyes widened. “Oh my gosh, I didn’t say it yet!” Melina wrapped her arms tight around her friend. “Happy birthday!”
Dorothea felt her smile widening as she watched her friend take in the scenery around her. It was a joy to have someone else in their gardens and see their beauty. They weren’t the most traditional, not meticulously kempt like other places. They were wild and free, bringing the appearance of nature into the area near their home. That was what Dorothea loved so much about them. Also that her mother had planted many of these shrubs and flowers. It was a place where she could come to feel a piece of the woman she missed dearly.
Before she could dwell on that too much, however, Melina was throwing her arms around her, wishing Dorothea a happy birthday. Dorothea returned the hug enthusiastically, gigging a little bit at the sensation. She had hugged people before, but never any friends. She had never been close enough with anyone to merit such physical affection. That was reserved for her family. But Dorothea had to say that she didn’t mind this one bit. In fact, she rather loved it.
“Thank you!” she exclaimed when they finally took a step back. “I’ve never done anything so special for my birthday before! I am so happy you could come to celebrate with me.” It was probably a bit of a sad statement if she thought about it, but Dorothea didn’t mean anything by it. She had, of course, celebrated with her family every year. However, this was the first time that she had had a friend come over to celebrate with them. It was really something she would cherish forever.
“Come! There’s still so much to see!” Dorothea wanted to take Melina to the archery arena. She had received a new bow from her father that morning—he preferred to give her gifts quietly, without a fuss—and Dorothea wanted to try it out for herself. She had brought it out to the archery arena, but had to turn around before she could test it out. Maybe Melina would want to try as well! It would be so wonderful if she knew another girl that could shoot with her!
“My mother planted everything here,” she said, looping her arm through Melina’s, guiding her through the gardens. “It’s truly a gift from the gods that everything is still growing. I believe that it’s because she knew that this is how plants grow in nature. They aren’t meant to be perfect, they are meant to be free. That’s why I love it here. Do you have gardens at your home?”
Dorothea hoped that one day she might be able to visit Melina at her home, even though her father was quite intimidating. It might be a different sort of visit, perhaps a bit more proper, but she would like to see how her friend lived.
“We’re on our way to the archery arena next. My pappa gave me a new bow this morning! We can shoot together!” She was so buoyed by the visit, not exactly considering that her friend might not want to shoot. Not everyone did. But maybe she could try! It was Dorothea’s birthday after all.
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Dorothea felt her smile widening as she watched her friend take in the scenery around her. It was a joy to have someone else in their gardens and see their beauty. They weren’t the most traditional, not meticulously kempt like other places. They were wild and free, bringing the appearance of nature into the area near their home. That was what Dorothea loved so much about them. Also that her mother had planted many of these shrubs and flowers. It was a place where she could come to feel a piece of the woman she missed dearly.
Before she could dwell on that too much, however, Melina was throwing her arms around her, wishing Dorothea a happy birthday. Dorothea returned the hug enthusiastically, gigging a little bit at the sensation. She had hugged people before, but never any friends. She had never been close enough with anyone to merit such physical affection. That was reserved for her family. But Dorothea had to say that she didn’t mind this one bit. In fact, she rather loved it.
“Thank you!” she exclaimed when they finally took a step back. “I’ve never done anything so special for my birthday before! I am so happy you could come to celebrate with me.” It was probably a bit of a sad statement if she thought about it, but Dorothea didn’t mean anything by it. She had, of course, celebrated with her family every year. However, this was the first time that she had had a friend come over to celebrate with them. It was really something she would cherish forever.
“Come! There’s still so much to see!” Dorothea wanted to take Melina to the archery arena. She had received a new bow from her father that morning—he preferred to give her gifts quietly, without a fuss—and Dorothea wanted to try it out for herself. She had brought it out to the archery arena, but had to turn around before she could test it out. Maybe Melina would want to try as well! It would be so wonderful if she knew another girl that could shoot with her!
“My mother planted everything here,” she said, looping her arm through Melina’s, guiding her through the gardens. “It’s truly a gift from the gods that everything is still growing. I believe that it’s because she knew that this is how plants grow in nature. They aren’t meant to be perfect, they are meant to be free. That’s why I love it here. Do you have gardens at your home?”
Dorothea hoped that one day she might be able to visit Melina at her home, even though her father was quite intimidating. It might be a different sort of visit, perhaps a bit more proper, but she would like to see how her friend lived.
“We’re on our way to the archery arena next. My pappa gave me a new bow this morning! We can shoot together!” She was so buoyed by the visit, not exactly considering that her friend might not want to shoot. Not everyone did. But maybe she could try! It was Dorothea’s birthday after all.
Dorothea felt her smile widening as she watched her friend take in the scenery around her. It was a joy to have someone else in their gardens and see their beauty. They weren’t the most traditional, not meticulously kempt like other places. They were wild and free, bringing the appearance of nature into the area near their home. That was what Dorothea loved so much about them. Also that her mother had planted many of these shrubs and flowers. It was a place where she could come to feel a piece of the woman she missed dearly.
Before she could dwell on that too much, however, Melina was throwing her arms around her, wishing Dorothea a happy birthday. Dorothea returned the hug enthusiastically, gigging a little bit at the sensation. She had hugged people before, but never any friends. She had never been close enough with anyone to merit such physical affection. That was reserved for her family. But Dorothea had to say that she didn’t mind this one bit. In fact, she rather loved it.
“Thank you!” she exclaimed when they finally took a step back. “I’ve never done anything so special for my birthday before! I am so happy you could come to celebrate with me.” It was probably a bit of a sad statement if she thought about it, but Dorothea didn’t mean anything by it. She had, of course, celebrated with her family every year. However, this was the first time that she had had a friend come over to celebrate with them. It was really something she would cherish forever.
“Come! There’s still so much to see!” Dorothea wanted to take Melina to the archery arena. She had received a new bow from her father that morning—he preferred to give her gifts quietly, without a fuss—and Dorothea wanted to try it out for herself. She had brought it out to the archery arena, but had to turn around before she could test it out. Maybe Melina would want to try as well! It would be so wonderful if she knew another girl that could shoot with her!
“My mother planted everything here,” she said, looping her arm through Melina’s, guiding her through the gardens. “It’s truly a gift from the gods that everything is still growing. I believe that it’s because she knew that this is how plants grow in nature. They aren’t meant to be perfect, they are meant to be free. That’s why I love it here. Do you have gardens at your home?”
Dorothea hoped that one day she might be able to visit Melina at her home, even though her father was quite intimidating. It might be a different sort of visit, perhaps a bit more proper, but she would like to see how her friend lived.
“We’re on our way to the archery arena next. My pappa gave me a new bow this morning! We can shoot together!” She was so buoyed by the visit, not exactly considering that her friend might not want to shoot. Not everyone did. But maybe she could try! It was Dorothea’s birthday after all.
What was up next… honestly made Melina nervous. Now, she knew full well ahead of time that the Dimitrou was woodsy. She knew they hunted- as lots of people, including Xan, did. But when coming here Melina didn’t expect she would be touching a bow. She didn’t know the first thing about archery! There was a wood part that you hold with one hand, and a string you pull back with the other. That was about the extent of her knowled- oh wait, there was also an arrow that you notch. There, that’s it, done.
Now, Melina could tell you about the women archers in Colchis- she has read a book on them. She could tell you of the past heroes that preferred bows as their weapons. She could tell you where most of the wood comes from, and she could even tell you fictional stories about archers. But when it came to the minutiae of archery well, Melina was left blind and helpless.
The bright side was that Dorothea had told her that it would be at a target. Melina had no reason to tell her that she was afraid of blood, or that she would faint at the sight of it. Unless they used carcasses as targets, which Melina doubted, (that sounded grotesque, and she didn’t imagine the Dimitrou like that. ) her friend wouldn’t have to know what an utter wimp she was. She’d just tease her for being awful at holding a bow- which Melina was fine, she has to start somewhere. And maybe Dorothea can teach her and she could be like the Colchis warriors- except without all the blood and, well, actual combat.
“Cool, that sounds fun!” Melina said, gathering up the courage to actually put excitement on her face. She followed Dorothea towards the archery range. “Though… I never held a bow before. So you’re not allowed to make fun of me when I fail,” Melina warned, though she knew Dorothea would never make fun of her for real. Everyone else, Melina felt confident would laugh at her- but at most Dorothea would tease her in good nature. That was how sure Melina was of their friendship, the only relationship she had complete confidence in.
The archery range was nice too. And, just as Melina expected, they did not use carcasses as targets. It was a nice archery range, with the edge of the forest right there beckoning them to enter. Everything just felt so… real here. It wasn’t like the city, it was so much better. When Melina was younger and more naive she had once questioned why people don’t just move to Vasiliadon- the provinces seemed so dull. But now that she visited here she knew that was just her being stupid because things were peaceful. Better. Or maybe it was the company that made Melina think that way?
“Okay, what first, teacher?” Melina gave Dorothea a wide smile. For someone who rarely stepped out of her comfort zone, she was actually eager to learn. Maybe if she became really good at this her father would be impressed- even proud!
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What was up next… honestly made Melina nervous. Now, she knew full well ahead of time that the Dimitrou was woodsy. She knew they hunted- as lots of people, including Xan, did. But when coming here Melina didn’t expect she would be touching a bow. She didn’t know the first thing about archery! There was a wood part that you hold with one hand, and a string you pull back with the other. That was about the extent of her knowled- oh wait, there was also an arrow that you notch. There, that’s it, done.
Now, Melina could tell you about the women archers in Colchis- she has read a book on them. She could tell you of the past heroes that preferred bows as their weapons. She could tell you where most of the wood comes from, and she could even tell you fictional stories about archers. But when it came to the minutiae of archery well, Melina was left blind and helpless.
The bright side was that Dorothea had told her that it would be at a target. Melina had no reason to tell her that she was afraid of blood, or that she would faint at the sight of it. Unless they used carcasses as targets, which Melina doubted, (that sounded grotesque, and she didn’t imagine the Dimitrou like that. ) her friend wouldn’t have to know what an utter wimp she was. She’d just tease her for being awful at holding a bow- which Melina was fine, she has to start somewhere. And maybe Dorothea can teach her and she could be like the Colchis warriors- except without all the blood and, well, actual combat.
“Cool, that sounds fun!” Melina said, gathering up the courage to actually put excitement on her face. She followed Dorothea towards the archery range. “Though… I never held a bow before. So you’re not allowed to make fun of me when I fail,” Melina warned, though she knew Dorothea would never make fun of her for real. Everyone else, Melina felt confident would laugh at her- but at most Dorothea would tease her in good nature. That was how sure Melina was of their friendship, the only relationship she had complete confidence in.
The archery range was nice too. And, just as Melina expected, they did not use carcasses as targets. It was a nice archery range, with the edge of the forest right there beckoning them to enter. Everything just felt so… real here. It wasn’t like the city, it was so much better. When Melina was younger and more naive she had once questioned why people don’t just move to Vasiliadon- the provinces seemed so dull. But now that she visited here she knew that was just her being stupid because things were peaceful. Better. Or maybe it was the company that made Melina think that way?
“Okay, what first, teacher?” Melina gave Dorothea a wide smile. For someone who rarely stepped out of her comfort zone, she was actually eager to learn. Maybe if she became really good at this her father would be impressed- even proud!
What was up next… honestly made Melina nervous. Now, she knew full well ahead of time that the Dimitrou was woodsy. She knew they hunted- as lots of people, including Xan, did. But when coming here Melina didn’t expect she would be touching a bow. She didn’t know the first thing about archery! There was a wood part that you hold with one hand, and a string you pull back with the other. That was about the extent of her knowled- oh wait, there was also an arrow that you notch. There, that’s it, done.
Now, Melina could tell you about the women archers in Colchis- she has read a book on them. She could tell you of the past heroes that preferred bows as their weapons. She could tell you where most of the wood comes from, and she could even tell you fictional stories about archers. But when it came to the minutiae of archery well, Melina was left blind and helpless.
The bright side was that Dorothea had told her that it would be at a target. Melina had no reason to tell her that she was afraid of blood, or that she would faint at the sight of it. Unless they used carcasses as targets, which Melina doubted, (that sounded grotesque, and she didn’t imagine the Dimitrou like that. ) her friend wouldn’t have to know what an utter wimp she was. She’d just tease her for being awful at holding a bow- which Melina was fine, she has to start somewhere. And maybe Dorothea can teach her and she could be like the Colchis warriors- except without all the blood and, well, actual combat.
“Cool, that sounds fun!” Melina said, gathering up the courage to actually put excitement on her face. She followed Dorothea towards the archery range. “Though… I never held a bow before. So you’re not allowed to make fun of me when I fail,” Melina warned, though she knew Dorothea would never make fun of her for real. Everyone else, Melina felt confident would laugh at her- but at most Dorothea would tease her in good nature. That was how sure Melina was of their friendship, the only relationship she had complete confidence in.
The archery range was nice too. And, just as Melina expected, they did not use carcasses as targets. It was a nice archery range, with the edge of the forest right there beckoning them to enter. Everything just felt so… real here. It wasn’t like the city, it was so much better. When Melina was younger and more naive she had once questioned why people don’t just move to Vasiliadon- the provinces seemed so dull. But now that she visited here she knew that was just her being stupid because things were peaceful. Better. Or maybe it was the company that made Melina think that way?
“Okay, what first, teacher?” Melina gave Dorothea a wide smile. For someone who rarely stepped out of her comfort zone, she was actually eager to learn. Maybe if she became really good at this her father would be impressed- even proud!
Truly it didn’t cross Dorothea’s mind much that Melina would be scared of hunting. Yes, she was aware that her friend probably didn’t hunt much or likely didn’t care for it. This was sort of a strange hobby for young noblewoman, she knew. It didn’t damper Dorothea’s enthusiasm for it, however. And she thought that Melina would warm up to the idea. At least, that was what she hoped. Besides, it wasn’t as though they were going on a hunt or anything. Dorothea had already done that this morning—she wouldn’t take another gift from the forest when they had plenty already.
Melina’s words didn’t exactly match her tone and her face and Dorothea wondered if she had made a mistake. She didn’t want to lose her only friend over something she could do any day. That wouldn’t be right. Though perhaps she was willing to try, Dorothea thought, glancing at Melina. It was then that she decided they would only try one round rather than the usual twenty or thirty Dorothea preferred. She didn’t want to bore Melina.
“I would never,” she swore seriously, promising not to make fun of her friend. “I can’t believe you’ve never held a bow before! I was just a baby when I started learning.” It was funny the different ways that they had grown up. This was just another thing she could add to her now growing list of how her family was different. Dorothea had never realized the Dimitrous were all that different from anyone else until she started meeting others. Then it became obvious. Some might have felt embarrassment upon learning such facts, but Dorothea didn’t mind at all. In fact, she mostly felt sorry for everyone else. She loved their family and everything about it. She considered herself very lucky to be growing up the way she was. Dorothea always got to do whatever she wanted—she was free. It seemed far better than trying to follow society’s rules and worrying about what others thought about her at all times. That was too stressful. She wanted to do as she wished and of course be outside as much as possible.
Dorothea beamed over at Melina, happy her friend at least wanted to try. “Thank you for coming out here with me,” she said fondly. “I just am so excited about my new bow. I promise we won’t spend all day out here. Just a little bit.”
She made her way over to the place where they stored their bows and arrows, selecting one for Melina and reverently holding her own aloft. She handed Melina the bow, making sure her friend had it the right way. “Here, this is how you hold it.” Dorothea demonstrated with her own bow, watching to make sure the other girl had it right. When she was sure her friend had her grip right, she transitioned on to teaching how she would pull back the string. Sans arrow, of course. One had to get the fundamentals down first before actually shooting. They would go over the exercise of pulling the string back while also keeping the right grip on the bow for several minutes. Dorothea wanted to make sure Melina had it just right.
“Good, you’re almost ready,” she said, smiling. This was so exciting! Before they would shoot though, she had found a burning question bubbling up within her. For all Dorothea’s talk about not caring about what others thought, she was still a fourteen year old girl after all.
“Melina, do you think I’m odd?” she asked. “Or my family? For knowing all this. For living all the way out here?” She just wanted to know.
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Truly it didn’t cross Dorothea’s mind much that Melina would be scared of hunting. Yes, she was aware that her friend probably didn’t hunt much or likely didn’t care for it. This was sort of a strange hobby for young noblewoman, she knew. It didn’t damper Dorothea’s enthusiasm for it, however. And she thought that Melina would warm up to the idea. At least, that was what she hoped. Besides, it wasn’t as though they were going on a hunt or anything. Dorothea had already done that this morning—she wouldn’t take another gift from the forest when they had plenty already.
Melina’s words didn’t exactly match her tone and her face and Dorothea wondered if she had made a mistake. She didn’t want to lose her only friend over something she could do any day. That wouldn’t be right. Though perhaps she was willing to try, Dorothea thought, glancing at Melina. It was then that she decided they would only try one round rather than the usual twenty or thirty Dorothea preferred. She didn’t want to bore Melina.
“I would never,” she swore seriously, promising not to make fun of her friend. “I can’t believe you’ve never held a bow before! I was just a baby when I started learning.” It was funny the different ways that they had grown up. This was just another thing she could add to her now growing list of how her family was different. Dorothea had never realized the Dimitrous were all that different from anyone else until she started meeting others. Then it became obvious. Some might have felt embarrassment upon learning such facts, but Dorothea didn’t mind at all. In fact, she mostly felt sorry for everyone else. She loved their family and everything about it. She considered herself very lucky to be growing up the way she was. Dorothea always got to do whatever she wanted—she was free. It seemed far better than trying to follow society’s rules and worrying about what others thought about her at all times. That was too stressful. She wanted to do as she wished and of course be outside as much as possible.
Dorothea beamed over at Melina, happy her friend at least wanted to try. “Thank you for coming out here with me,” she said fondly. “I just am so excited about my new bow. I promise we won’t spend all day out here. Just a little bit.”
She made her way over to the place where they stored their bows and arrows, selecting one for Melina and reverently holding her own aloft. She handed Melina the bow, making sure her friend had it the right way. “Here, this is how you hold it.” Dorothea demonstrated with her own bow, watching to make sure the other girl had it right. When she was sure her friend had her grip right, she transitioned on to teaching how she would pull back the string. Sans arrow, of course. One had to get the fundamentals down first before actually shooting. They would go over the exercise of pulling the string back while also keeping the right grip on the bow for several minutes. Dorothea wanted to make sure Melina had it just right.
“Good, you’re almost ready,” she said, smiling. This was so exciting! Before they would shoot though, she had found a burning question bubbling up within her. For all Dorothea’s talk about not caring about what others thought, she was still a fourteen year old girl after all.
“Melina, do you think I’m odd?” she asked. “Or my family? For knowing all this. For living all the way out here?” She just wanted to know.
Truly it didn’t cross Dorothea’s mind much that Melina would be scared of hunting. Yes, she was aware that her friend probably didn’t hunt much or likely didn’t care for it. This was sort of a strange hobby for young noblewoman, she knew. It didn’t damper Dorothea’s enthusiasm for it, however. And she thought that Melina would warm up to the idea. At least, that was what she hoped. Besides, it wasn’t as though they were going on a hunt or anything. Dorothea had already done that this morning—she wouldn’t take another gift from the forest when they had plenty already.
Melina’s words didn’t exactly match her tone and her face and Dorothea wondered if she had made a mistake. She didn’t want to lose her only friend over something she could do any day. That wouldn’t be right. Though perhaps she was willing to try, Dorothea thought, glancing at Melina. It was then that she decided they would only try one round rather than the usual twenty or thirty Dorothea preferred. She didn’t want to bore Melina.
“I would never,” she swore seriously, promising not to make fun of her friend. “I can’t believe you’ve never held a bow before! I was just a baby when I started learning.” It was funny the different ways that they had grown up. This was just another thing she could add to her now growing list of how her family was different. Dorothea had never realized the Dimitrous were all that different from anyone else until she started meeting others. Then it became obvious. Some might have felt embarrassment upon learning such facts, but Dorothea didn’t mind at all. In fact, she mostly felt sorry for everyone else. She loved their family and everything about it. She considered herself very lucky to be growing up the way she was. Dorothea always got to do whatever she wanted—she was free. It seemed far better than trying to follow society’s rules and worrying about what others thought about her at all times. That was too stressful. She wanted to do as she wished and of course be outside as much as possible.
Dorothea beamed over at Melina, happy her friend at least wanted to try. “Thank you for coming out here with me,” she said fondly. “I just am so excited about my new bow. I promise we won’t spend all day out here. Just a little bit.”
She made her way over to the place where they stored their bows and arrows, selecting one for Melina and reverently holding her own aloft. She handed Melina the bow, making sure her friend had it the right way. “Here, this is how you hold it.” Dorothea demonstrated with her own bow, watching to make sure the other girl had it right. When she was sure her friend had her grip right, she transitioned on to teaching how she would pull back the string. Sans arrow, of course. One had to get the fundamentals down first before actually shooting. They would go over the exercise of pulling the string back while also keeping the right grip on the bow for several minutes. Dorothea wanted to make sure Melina had it just right.
“Good, you’re almost ready,” she said, smiling. This was so exciting! Before they would shoot though, she had found a burning question bubbling up within her. For all Dorothea’s talk about not caring about what others thought, she was still a fourteen year old girl after all.
“Melina, do you think I’m odd?” she asked. “Or my family? For knowing all this. For living all the way out here?” She just wanted to know.
