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Anastasia did not come to the Tempest of Set to see Chione H'Isazari, but there was no denying the inexorable pull that she had on the former bard. She lived for the spectacle of entertainment. or she had, once. Anastasia saw more and more of the life before her arrival in Egypt wilting away, from the nature of performance within her to the need to abate the copious wanderlust that existed within her.
Apparently, the pull of the pleasures of Egypt were so powerful that she felt herself, little by little, whittling away. The thought was a strange one, something she wasn't entirely sure she liked, but there was no denying just how intense the sensations within Egypt were. A trickling fascination with opium, dalliances that seemed fiercer and laden with strange and possibly evil emotions. She could identify those emotions, but aside from the love she felt for Akhenaten, to do so would be a vile thing.
Even as Anastasia dressed herself again, she felt the curl of arousal at the sight of Chione nearby her. The two of them were heated, sweat having seeped into the tarp that protected the interior of this tent from the sand below it. A breath - more of a gasp - escaped Ana's lips as she let herself admire the woman dressing in front of her. She couldn't help herself. She pushed forward, shrouding the woman's waist with her arms before claiming a kiss from her anew. Probing, her tongue sought to venture into the woman's mouth before she relinquished her hold and gestured with a wave of her head to the world outside.
"Surely, we won't be missed... but we've been lucky this tent hasn't been needed."
Were they? It seemed unlikely, given its size, that it was anything of use. Perhaps some unfortunate performer or slave would find the smells of sex in their personal tent. She really didn't care. Satisfied of the carnal desires that stirred within her, at least... for the moment, she was keen to explore this magical place with Chione. She wondered just how long they'd spent in each other's company, away from the world. Each moment was stolen away from its rightful possessor. Anastasia, despite having no need to steal, continued to be the thief she'd always been. In a different way.
The former bard flashed a grin at her companion, then slid around her, taking to Chione's back to properly fit the sheathe she'd worn to the noblewoman's body. She raised a hand next to her own hair, smoothing out the more unruly tresses before she reached for the sack she kept with her at all times. A mirrored, bronze dish allowed her to see her reflection as she reapplied malachite that had faded from their excursion. Masking over her eyes with kohl next, there was enough carmine for her to coat her lips.
"Don't follow me out right away," she warned. Despite everything, the two needed to be vigilant about how they appeared to others. It burned Ana to be so direct about it, but she turned away to head outside before she could be contradicted.
Pleased with her look once more, she pushed the tarp aside and met the black void of the night sky. Torches illuminated the path back to the circus, and Ana paced back and forth, stretching her limbs with a sort of eagerness about her until Chione finally followed her out. When she emerged, Ana linked her arm with hers, the picture of chaste friendship as a bright smile cast upon her lips. She pulled at Chione's arm as she asked,
"Will you show me around? I want to see everything!"
The main show was over, but the circus still seemed to exude life, laughter and astonishment voiced so evidently in the distance.
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Anastasia did not come to the Tempest of Set to see Chione H'Isazari, but there was no denying the inexorable pull that she had on the former bard. She lived for the spectacle of entertainment. or she had, once. Anastasia saw more and more of the life before her arrival in Egypt wilting away, from the nature of performance within her to the need to abate the copious wanderlust that existed within her.
Apparently, the pull of the pleasures of Egypt were so powerful that she felt herself, little by little, whittling away. The thought was a strange one, something she wasn't entirely sure she liked, but there was no denying just how intense the sensations within Egypt were. A trickling fascination with opium, dalliances that seemed fiercer and laden with strange and possibly evil emotions. She could identify those emotions, but aside from the love she felt for Akhenaten, to do so would be a vile thing.
Even as Anastasia dressed herself again, she felt the curl of arousal at the sight of Chione nearby her. The two of them were heated, sweat having seeped into the tarp that protected the interior of this tent from the sand below it. A breath - more of a gasp - escaped Ana's lips as she let herself admire the woman dressing in front of her. She couldn't help herself. She pushed forward, shrouding the woman's waist with her arms before claiming a kiss from her anew. Probing, her tongue sought to venture into the woman's mouth before she relinquished her hold and gestured with a wave of her head to the world outside.
"Surely, we won't be missed... but we've been lucky this tent hasn't been needed."
Were they? It seemed unlikely, given its size, that it was anything of use. Perhaps some unfortunate performer or slave would find the smells of sex in their personal tent. She really didn't care. Satisfied of the carnal desires that stirred within her, at least... for the moment, she was keen to explore this magical place with Chione. She wondered just how long they'd spent in each other's company, away from the world. Each moment was stolen away from its rightful possessor. Anastasia, despite having no need to steal, continued to be the thief she'd always been. In a different way.
The former bard flashed a grin at her companion, then slid around her, taking to Chione's back to properly fit the sheathe she'd worn to the noblewoman's body. She raised a hand next to her own hair, smoothing out the more unruly tresses before she reached for the sack she kept with her at all times. A mirrored, bronze dish allowed her to see her reflection as she reapplied malachite that had faded from their excursion. Masking over her eyes with kohl next, there was enough carmine for her to coat her lips.
"Don't follow me out right away," she warned. Despite everything, the two needed to be vigilant about how they appeared to others. It burned Ana to be so direct about it, but she turned away to head outside before she could be contradicted.
Pleased with her look once more, she pushed the tarp aside and met the black void of the night sky. Torches illuminated the path back to the circus, and Ana paced back and forth, stretching her limbs with a sort of eagerness about her until Chione finally followed her out. When she emerged, Ana linked her arm with hers, the picture of chaste friendship as a bright smile cast upon her lips. She pulled at Chione's arm as she asked,
"Will you show me around? I want to see everything!"
The main show was over, but the circus still seemed to exude life, laughter and astonishment voiced so evidently in the distance.
Anastasia did not come to the Tempest of Set to see Chione H'Isazari, but there was no denying the inexorable pull that she had on the former bard. She lived for the spectacle of entertainment. or she had, once. Anastasia saw more and more of the life before her arrival in Egypt wilting away, from the nature of performance within her to the need to abate the copious wanderlust that existed within her.
Apparently, the pull of the pleasures of Egypt were so powerful that she felt herself, little by little, whittling away. The thought was a strange one, something she wasn't entirely sure she liked, but there was no denying just how intense the sensations within Egypt were. A trickling fascination with opium, dalliances that seemed fiercer and laden with strange and possibly evil emotions. She could identify those emotions, but aside from the love she felt for Akhenaten, to do so would be a vile thing.
Even as Anastasia dressed herself again, she felt the curl of arousal at the sight of Chione nearby her. The two of them were heated, sweat having seeped into the tarp that protected the interior of this tent from the sand below it. A breath - more of a gasp - escaped Ana's lips as she let herself admire the woman dressing in front of her. She couldn't help herself. She pushed forward, shrouding the woman's waist with her arms before claiming a kiss from her anew. Probing, her tongue sought to venture into the woman's mouth before she relinquished her hold and gestured with a wave of her head to the world outside.
"Surely, we won't be missed... but we've been lucky this tent hasn't been needed."
Were they? It seemed unlikely, given its size, that it was anything of use. Perhaps some unfortunate performer or slave would find the smells of sex in their personal tent. She really didn't care. Satisfied of the carnal desires that stirred within her, at least... for the moment, she was keen to explore this magical place with Chione. She wondered just how long they'd spent in each other's company, away from the world. Each moment was stolen away from its rightful possessor. Anastasia, despite having no need to steal, continued to be the thief she'd always been. In a different way.
The former bard flashed a grin at her companion, then slid around her, taking to Chione's back to properly fit the sheathe she'd worn to the noblewoman's body. She raised a hand next to her own hair, smoothing out the more unruly tresses before she reached for the sack she kept with her at all times. A mirrored, bronze dish allowed her to see her reflection as she reapplied malachite that had faded from their excursion. Masking over her eyes with kohl next, there was enough carmine for her to coat her lips.
"Don't follow me out right away," she warned. Despite everything, the two needed to be vigilant about how they appeared to others. It burned Ana to be so direct about it, but she turned away to head outside before she could be contradicted.
Pleased with her look once more, she pushed the tarp aside and met the black void of the night sky. Torches illuminated the path back to the circus, and Ana paced back and forth, stretching her limbs with a sort of eagerness about her until Chione finally followed her out. When she emerged, Ana linked her arm with hers, the picture of chaste friendship as a bright smile cast upon her lips. She pulled at Chione's arm as she asked,
"Will you show me around? I want to see everything!"
The main show was over, but the circus still seemed to exude life, laughter and astonishment voiced so evidently in the distance.
Chione’s head was spinning as they pulled away from one another. Usually sex left her sated and content, but with Ana it was like a high she never came down from. If anything, every encounter only made her want Anastasia all the more. She was in the midst of rearranging the fabric of her sheathe when the smaller woman’s arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her forward to claim her mouth yet again. And just like that, Chione felt herself beginning to melt for this woman again.
What sort of sorcery was this that she had cast over the Egyptian? What other explanation was there for this strange feeling she inspired.
It was only the other woman’s words that brought her attention back to the tent they had found their stolen privacy within. It hadn’t escaped unscathed from their rendezvous - sweat stains and the small of sex in the air. Somehow that comforted Chione in a way she couldn’t explain. Like there was some evidence of their passion that would persist, even if no one ever understood or realized.
“Oh yes, I’d say we’ve had quite a lot of luck,” she answered back with a soft laugh. She pulled out her own small mirrored dish, taming her appearance to look less rumpled. She was just turning towards her companion when suddenly the spell between them was shattered.
’Don’t follow me out right away.’
Chione just blinked for a moment, nodding blankly, not that the Greek waited to see or hear her answer. It was just as well for the noblewoman as she found herself stunned. She understood the need for secrecy. More than anyone, she knew what they faced if they were caught. Yet she had never felt as though someone would be ashamed to be seen with her. Chione had begged her. It might seem small, but she had admitted things she never thought she would give voice to in her life. Just moment before she had felt invincible, and now... she couldn’t even think how to describe it.
No. This was ridiculous. Ana was just worried about keeping them both safe. The last thing she should do is take it personally.
So why did she feel so wounded?
Shaking those thoughts away, Chione emerged from the tent shortly after only for the Greek to take her arm with a bright smile. Immediately she felt relief. Obviously things were fine. This felt like more than an act. It had to be. The words they said in private were the truth, no matter what they had to pretend in the light of day. A smile softened the tense expression that had existed a moment before.
“Everything, you say,” she teased with a grin. The main show might have ended, but she knew there was still much to see. “Hmmm... there are so many options I don’t know where to begin,” she murmured, glancing around, pondering her options, blissfully unaware of just who might be watching the pair. Finally her eyes lit up as she had a realization. “Oh, I know just the thing!” She leaned down low, conspiratorially whispering to her new friend with a giggle. “Just wait. You haven’t see anything yet.”
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Chione’s head was spinning as they pulled away from one another. Usually sex left her sated and content, but with Ana it was like a high she never came down from. If anything, every encounter only made her want Anastasia all the more. She was in the midst of rearranging the fabric of her sheathe when the smaller woman’s arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her forward to claim her mouth yet again. And just like that, Chione felt herself beginning to melt for this woman again.
What sort of sorcery was this that she had cast over the Egyptian? What other explanation was there for this strange feeling she inspired.
It was only the other woman’s words that brought her attention back to the tent they had found their stolen privacy within. It hadn’t escaped unscathed from their rendezvous - sweat stains and the small of sex in the air. Somehow that comforted Chione in a way she couldn’t explain. Like there was some evidence of their passion that would persist, even if no one ever understood or realized.
“Oh yes, I’d say we’ve had quite a lot of luck,” she answered back with a soft laugh. She pulled out her own small mirrored dish, taming her appearance to look less rumpled. She was just turning towards her companion when suddenly the spell between them was shattered.
’Don’t follow me out right away.’
Chione just blinked for a moment, nodding blankly, not that the Greek waited to see or hear her answer. It was just as well for the noblewoman as she found herself stunned. She understood the need for secrecy. More than anyone, she knew what they faced if they were caught. Yet she had never felt as though someone would be ashamed to be seen with her. Chione had begged her. It might seem small, but she had admitted things she never thought she would give voice to in her life. Just moment before she had felt invincible, and now... she couldn’t even think how to describe it.
No. This was ridiculous. Ana was just worried about keeping them both safe. The last thing she should do is take it personally.
So why did she feel so wounded?
Shaking those thoughts away, Chione emerged from the tent shortly after only for the Greek to take her arm with a bright smile. Immediately she felt relief. Obviously things were fine. This felt like more than an act. It had to be. The words they said in private were the truth, no matter what they had to pretend in the light of day. A smile softened the tense expression that had existed a moment before.
“Everything, you say,” she teased with a grin. The main show might have ended, but she knew there was still much to see. “Hmmm... there are so many options I don’t know where to begin,” she murmured, glancing around, pondering her options, blissfully unaware of just who might be watching the pair. Finally her eyes lit up as she had a realization. “Oh, I know just the thing!” She leaned down low, conspiratorially whispering to her new friend with a giggle. “Just wait. You haven’t see anything yet.”
Chione’s head was spinning as they pulled away from one another. Usually sex left her sated and content, but with Ana it was like a high she never came down from. If anything, every encounter only made her want Anastasia all the more. She was in the midst of rearranging the fabric of her sheathe when the smaller woman’s arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her forward to claim her mouth yet again. And just like that, Chione felt herself beginning to melt for this woman again.
What sort of sorcery was this that she had cast over the Egyptian? What other explanation was there for this strange feeling she inspired.
It was only the other woman’s words that brought her attention back to the tent they had found their stolen privacy within. It hadn’t escaped unscathed from their rendezvous - sweat stains and the small of sex in the air. Somehow that comforted Chione in a way she couldn’t explain. Like there was some evidence of their passion that would persist, even if no one ever understood or realized.
“Oh yes, I’d say we’ve had quite a lot of luck,” she answered back with a soft laugh. She pulled out her own small mirrored dish, taming her appearance to look less rumpled. She was just turning towards her companion when suddenly the spell between them was shattered.
’Don’t follow me out right away.’
Chione just blinked for a moment, nodding blankly, not that the Greek waited to see or hear her answer. It was just as well for the noblewoman as she found herself stunned. She understood the need for secrecy. More than anyone, she knew what they faced if they were caught. Yet she had never felt as though someone would be ashamed to be seen with her. Chione had begged her. It might seem small, but she had admitted things she never thought she would give voice to in her life. Just moment before she had felt invincible, and now... she couldn’t even think how to describe it.
No. This was ridiculous. Ana was just worried about keeping them both safe. The last thing she should do is take it personally.
So why did she feel so wounded?
Shaking those thoughts away, Chione emerged from the tent shortly after only for the Greek to take her arm with a bright smile. Immediately she felt relief. Obviously things were fine. This felt like more than an act. It had to be. The words they said in private were the truth, no matter what they had to pretend in the light of day. A smile softened the tense expression that had existed a moment before.
“Everything, you say,” she teased with a grin. The main show might have ended, but she knew there was still much to see. “Hmmm... there are so many options I don’t know where to begin,” she murmured, glancing around, pondering her options, blissfully unaware of just who might be watching the pair. Finally her eyes lit up as she had a realization. “Oh, I know just the thing!” She leaned down low, conspiratorially whispering to her new friend with a giggle. “Just wait. You haven’t see anything yet.”
Nia felt like she was in a daze as she stepped from the main circus tent, her face effusive with excitement. The show had been breathtaking, and even if she had seen it all before, it never failed to move her. Besides, there were always things that were different each time; different acts, different routines, different performers. The Tempest of Set circus was not the type of show to remain complacent, and it showed. This time, she’d been as enraptured as ever, gasping aloud as acrobats flew through the air, enthralled as fire dancers dangerously tangled with searing flame. Leaving the performance behind, she felt lighter than she had in weeks, a contented smile resting on her lips as she emerged into the cooler evening air.
She’d gotten separated from Akhenaten after the show was over, and that’s who she was looking for as she wandered through the jumble of tents that made up the circus. “Hena!” she called out for her brother, ducking and peeking around corners to see if she might spot him. She didn’t find him, but who she did find both surprised and delighted her, while equally confusing her.
Arm in arm, Chione and Anastasia walked in a different direction, heads pressed together as they laughed at some jest shared between the two. For a moment, Nia even felt a pang of jealousy at the sight; Chione didn’t get close to just anyone, and with the awkward distance that had grown between them in the past weeks, it pained her more than she would admit to see her hanging on the arm of another woman.
But, she wiped such displeasure from her face before she approached, her smile warm as ever as she drifted within their eyesight. “Ana! Chione!” she called out to the pair, waving her hand until they saw her. “I didn’t even know you were here! What’d you think of the show? It was great, right? I was on the edge of my seat the whole time!”
Stopping as reached them, she slung an arm around Chione’s shoulders and kissed her cheek before turning her smile on Ana. “I had no idea you two knew each other,” she said, her surprise evident in her tone, even if she tried to keep it carefully neutral. At least she didn’t sound as jealous as she felt, even if her shock was seeping through. “How did you meet? And why didn’t anyone tell me?” She feigned a pout, her gaze almost accusatory as it took them in. “We could have been partying together all this time!”
Oblivious to the sensuality between the two, used to Chione naturally exuding such a thing, Nia could only suspect that they hadn’t wanted her to know they were hanging around each other to avoid her feeling the exact envy she did. Well, she was about to spoil all that, whether they liked it or not. Even if she had held many of those close to her at arm’s length for weeks now, Nia didn’t like being ignored.
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Nia felt like she was in a daze as she stepped from the main circus tent, her face effusive with excitement. The show had been breathtaking, and even if she had seen it all before, it never failed to move her. Besides, there were always things that were different each time; different acts, different routines, different performers. The Tempest of Set circus was not the type of show to remain complacent, and it showed. This time, she’d been as enraptured as ever, gasping aloud as acrobats flew through the air, enthralled as fire dancers dangerously tangled with searing flame. Leaving the performance behind, she felt lighter than she had in weeks, a contented smile resting on her lips as she emerged into the cooler evening air.
She’d gotten separated from Akhenaten after the show was over, and that’s who she was looking for as she wandered through the jumble of tents that made up the circus. “Hena!” she called out for her brother, ducking and peeking around corners to see if she might spot him. She didn’t find him, but who she did find both surprised and delighted her, while equally confusing her.
Arm in arm, Chione and Anastasia walked in a different direction, heads pressed together as they laughed at some jest shared between the two. For a moment, Nia even felt a pang of jealousy at the sight; Chione didn’t get close to just anyone, and with the awkward distance that had grown between them in the past weeks, it pained her more than she would admit to see her hanging on the arm of another woman.
But, she wiped such displeasure from her face before she approached, her smile warm as ever as she drifted within their eyesight. “Ana! Chione!” she called out to the pair, waving her hand until they saw her. “I didn’t even know you were here! What’d you think of the show? It was great, right? I was on the edge of my seat the whole time!”
Stopping as reached them, she slung an arm around Chione’s shoulders and kissed her cheek before turning her smile on Ana. “I had no idea you two knew each other,” she said, her surprise evident in her tone, even if she tried to keep it carefully neutral. At least she didn’t sound as jealous as she felt, even if her shock was seeping through. “How did you meet? And why didn’t anyone tell me?” She feigned a pout, her gaze almost accusatory as it took them in. “We could have been partying together all this time!”
Oblivious to the sensuality between the two, used to Chione naturally exuding such a thing, Nia could only suspect that they hadn’t wanted her to know they were hanging around each other to avoid her feeling the exact envy she did. Well, she was about to spoil all that, whether they liked it or not. Even if she had held many of those close to her at arm’s length for weeks now, Nia didn’t like being ignored.
Nia felt like she was in a daze as she stepped from the main circus tent, her face effusive with excitement. The show had been breathtaking, and even if she had seen it all before, it never failed to move her. Besides, there were always things that were different each time; different acts, different routines, different performers. The Tempest of Set circus was not the type of show to remain complacent, and it showed. This time, she’d been as enraptured as ever, gasping aloud as acrobats flew through the air, enthralled as fire dancers dangerously tangled with searing flame. Leaving the performance behind, she felt lighter than she had in weeks, a contented smile resting on her lips as she emerged into the cooler evening air.
She’d gotten separated from Akhenaten after the show was over, and that’s who she was looking for as she wandered through the jumble of tents that made up the circus. “Hena!” she called out for her brother, ducking and peeking around corners to see if she might spot him. She didn’t find him, but who she did find both surprised and delighted her, while equally confusing her.
Arm in arm, Chione and Anastasia walked in a different direction, heads pressed together as they laughed at some jest shared between the two. For a moment, Nia even felt a pang of jealousy at the sight; Chione didn’t get close to just anyone, and with the awkward distance that had grown between them in the past weeks, it pained her more than she would admit to see her hanging on the arm of another woman.
But, she wiped such displeasure from her face before she approached, her smile warm as ever as she drifted within their eyesight. “Ana! Chione!” she called out to the pair, waving her hand until they saw her. “I didn’t even know you were here! What’d you think of the show? It was great, right? I was on the edge of my seat the whole time!”
Stopping as reached them, she slung an arm around Chione’s shoulders and kissed her cheek before turning her smile on Ana. “I had no idea you two knew each other,” she said, her surprise evident in her tone, even if she tried to keep it carefully neutral. At least she didn’t sound as jealous as she felt, even if her shock was seeping through. “How did you meet? And why didn’t anyone tell me?” She feigned a pout, her gaze almost accusatory as it took them in. “We could have been partying together all this time!”
Oblivious to the sensuality between the two, used to Chione naturally exuding such a thing, Nia could only suspect that they hadn’t wanted her to know they were hanging around each other to avoid her feeling the exact envy she did. Well, she was about to spoil all that, whether they liked it or not. Even if she had held many of those close to her at arm’s length for weeks now, Nia didn’t like being ignored.
Anastasia wondered just how accustomed Chione was to hiding things. Surely, the woman manipulated men with falsehoods, or maybe the bard extrapolated her nefariousness on everyone that had her similar propensities. Her concern when she pushed back from Chione for a moment was for the both of them, clearly. The consequences for being caught in their situation were capital, but Ana always ran away from consequences. A flighty creature, owed to her lack of self-control, it never occurred to her that Chione might take her words as anything else.
Anastasia remained woefully ignorant of the hurt building within Chione, well past the moment the both of them linked their arms once again and all Anastasia could see was the grin that settled upon the H'Isazari heiress' expression. Ana couldn't help the moment of hesitation, so enraptured in this woman just a moment ago. She noticed the glow upon her features, or perhaps she perceived something that wasn't there. But, she admired openly, the heat within her stare palpable until the woman distracted her with her words.
"Everything, you say." Chione's voice seemed to hold a degree of mischief in it always, a subtle allure that tempted Ana's attentions. She felt a shiver of delight course down her spine. The idea of walking the circus with the Egyptian was distracting in it of itself. How many times would Ana struggle with the loss of control that Chione's presence instilled within her? She hoped to swallow her own lust and allow herself to enjoy Chione's presence simply for what it was in the moment. The idea of staying too fixated on the complex weave of feelings that welled within her...
Well, it wouldn't be much fun for either of them.
Chione had emerged looking nearly as pristine as she had when she arrived, and the hair or two out of place that she did see was akin to some physical evidence. She'd never forget their time together, but... might Chione? The thought flickered within Anastasia's mind just as she sought to push down the rest, frustration knitting upon her eyebrows for but a moment before she found the equal grin to Chione's.
"There are so many options I don't know where to begin."
Anastasia giggled at the notion, utterly delighted by the idea of this circus she'd heard so much about offering much more than just the main show behind the tent. A sudden realization, it seemed, and Chione leaned into her, whispering those words and Ana couldn't help the flicker of red that bloomed against her cheekbones.
"Anything? I can't wai--"
"Ana! Chione!"
Again?!
The slight arm of Neithotep H'Sheifa was raised into the air, waggling left and right. The visage grew larger, distance ridding her features of the sort of blur that it created. Even in the short time Anastasia had lived so near to the Sheifa property, she'd never seen Neithotep outside. She wondered, given her closeness to Hena and Chione, how that could possibly be. Did she not go out and indulge like the rest of them did?
But, of course she does. She's here, now.
Maybe Ana just wasn't as observant as she prided herself in being.
"I had no idea you two knew each other."
It would've been easier if you still didn't, she mused.
Nursing an expression of delighted surprise, the smile grew wider still when Nia placed that false pout upon her lips. But, it was her so casually putting her arm around Chione that almost caused Anastasia's eyes to narrow. She'd reached a reconciliation with Nia, of course. They saw eye to eye, possibly, and of course she would do nothing to trade that new impression. But, nevertheless, she felt pushed away. Not by Chione, but by Neithotep. There was clearly some sort of animosity about the three of them. Ana could feel it. Were there underlying issues that Ana's presence was exacerbating?
Tough. Chione is mine, too.
Maybe she was intruding on Neithotep's personal bubble, claiming both of her best friends as lovers, but... the wants of the heart didn't stop simply because someone put themselves between them.
"What's it been, two weeks now?" she asked, exchanging a look with Chione before she added,
"I was just leaving your brother's room when I saw her all by herself on the Sheifa property. I figured she could use some company, the poor thing."
Then, Anastasia took Chione's other arm, linking their fingers together before she went on to say,
"We've been inseparable ever since, wouldn't you agree?"
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Anastasia wondered just how accustomed Chione was to hiding things. Surely, the woman manipulated men with falsehoods, or maybe the bard extrapolated her nefariousness on everyone that had her similar propensities. Her concern when she pushed back from Chione for a moment was for the both of them, clearly. The consequences for being caught in their situation were capital, but Ana always ran away from consequences. A flighty creature, owed to her lack of self-control, it never occurred to her that Chione might take her words as anything else.
Anastasia remained woefully ignorant of the hurt building within Chione, well past the moment the both of them linked their arms once again and all Anastasia could see was the grin that settled upon the H'Isazari heiress' expression. Ana couldn't help the moment of hesitation, so enraptured in this woman just a moment ago. She noticed the glow upon her features, or perhaps she perceived something that wasn't there. But, she admired openly, the heat within her stare palpable until the woman distracted her with her words.
"Everything, you say." Chione's voice seemed to hold a degree of mischief in it always, a subtle allure that tempted Ana's attentions. She felt a shiver of delight course down her spine. The idea of walking the circus with the Egyptian was distracting in it of itself. How many times would Ana struggle with the loss of control that Chione's presence instilled within her? She hoped to swallow her own lust and allow herself to enjoy Chione's presence simply for what it was in the moment. The idea of staying too fixated on the complex weave of feelings that welled within her...
Well, it wouldn't be much fun for either of them.
Chione had emerged looking nearly as pristine as she had when she arrived, and the hair or two out of place that she did see was akin to some physical evidence. She'd never forget their time together, but... might Chione? The thought flickered within Anastasia's mind just as she sought to push down the rest, frustration knitting upon her eyebrows for but a moment before she found the equal grin to Chione's.
"There are so many options I don't know where to begin."
Anastasia giggled at the notion, utterly delighted by the idea of this circus she'd heard so much about offering much more than just the main show behind the tent. A sudden realization, it seemed, and Chione leaned into her, whispering those words and Ana couldn't help the flicker of red that bloomed against her cheekbones.
"Anything? I can't wai--"
"Ana! Chione!"
Again?!
The slight arm of Neithotep H'Sheifa was raised into the air, waggling left and right. The visage grew larger, distance ridding her features of the sort of blur that it created. Even in the short time Anastasia had lived so near to the Sheifa property, she'd never seen Neithotep outside. She wondered, given her closeness to Hena and Chione, how that could possibly be. Did she not go out and indulge like the rest of them did?
But, of course she does. She's here, now.
Maybe Ana just wasn't as observant as she prided herself in being.
"I had no idea you two knew each other."
It would've been easier if you still didn't, she mused.
Nursing an expression of delighted surprise, the smile grew wider still when Nia placed that false pout upon her lips. But, it was her so casually putting her arm around Chione that almost caused Anastasia's eyes to narrow. She'd reached a reconciliation with Nia, of course. They saw eye to eye, possibly, and of course she would do nothing to trade that new impression. But, nevertheless, she felt pushed away. Not by Chione, but by Neithotep. There was clearly some sort of animosity about the three of them. Ana could feel it. Were there underlying issues that Ana's presence was exacerbating?
Tough. Chione is mine, too.
Maybe she was intruding on Neithotep's personal bubble, claiming both of her best friends as lovers, but... the wants of the heart didn't stop simply because someone put themselves between them.
"What's it been, two weeks now?" she asked, exchanging a look with Chione before she added,
"I was just leaving your brother's room when I saw her all by herself on the Sheifa property. I figured she could use some company, the poor thing."
Then, Anastasia took Chione's other arm, linking their fingers together before she went on to say,
"We've been inseparable ever since, wouldn't you agree?"
Anastasia wondered just how accustomed Chione was to hiding things. Surely, the woman manipulated men with falsehoods, or maybe the bard extrapolated her nefariousness on everyone that had her similar propensities. Her concern when she pushed back from Chione for a moment was for the both of them, clearly. The consequences for being caught in their situation were capital, but Ana always ran away from consequences. A flighty creature, owed to her lack of self-control, it never occurred to her that Chione might take her words as anything else.
Anastasia remained woefully ignorant of the hurt building within Chione, well past the moment the both of them linked their arms once again and all Anastasia could see was the grin that settled upon the H'Isazari heiress' expression. Ana couldn't help the moment of hesitation, so enraptured in this woman just a moment ago. She noticed the glow upon her features, or perhaps she perceived something that wasn't there. But, she admired openly, the heat within her stare palpable until the woman distracted her with her words.
"Everything, you say." Chione's voice seemed to hold a degree of mischief in it always, a subtle allure that tempted Ana's attentions. She felt a shiver of delight course down her spine. The idea of walking the circus with the Egyptian was distracting in it of itself. How many times would Ana struggle with the loss of control that Chione's presence instilled within her? She hoped to swallow her own lust and allow herself to enjoy Chione's presence simply for what it was in the moment. The idea of staying too fixated on the complex weave of feelings that welled within her...
Well, it wouldn't be much fun for either of them.
Chione had emerged looking nearly as pristine as she had when she arrived, and the hair or two out of place that she did see was akin to some physical evidence. She'd never forget their time together, but... might Chione? The thought flickered within Anastasia's mind just as she sought to push down the rest, frustration knitting upon her eyebrows for but a moment before she found the equal grin to Chione's.
"There are so many options I don't know where to begin."
Anastasia giggled at the notion, utterly delighted by the idea of this circus she'd heard so much about offering much more than just the main show behind the tent. A sudden realization, it seemed, and Chione leaned into her, whispering those words and Ana couldn't help the flicker of red that bloomed against her cheekbones.
"Anything? I can't wai--"
"Ana! Chione!"
Again?!
The slight arm of Neithotep H'Sheifa was raised into the air, waggling left and right. The visage grew larger, distance ridding her features of the sort of blur that it created. Even in the short time Anastasia had lived so near to the Sheifa property, she'd never seen Neithotep outside. She wondered, given her closeness to Hena and Chione, how that could possibly be. Did she not go out and indulge like the rest of them did?
But, of course she does. She's here, now.
Maybe Ana just wasn't as observant as she prided herself in being.
"I had no idea you two knew each other."
It would've been easier if you still didn't, she mused.
Nursing an expression of delighted surprise, the smile grew wider still when Nia placed that false pout upon her lips. But, it was her so casually putting her arm around Chione that almost caused Anastasia's eyes to narrow. She'd reached a reconciliation with Nia, of course. They saw eye to eye, possibly, and of course she would do nothing to trade that new impression. But, nevertheless, she felt pushed away. Not by Chione, but by Neithotep. There was clearly some sort of animosity about the three of them. Ana could feel it. Were there underlying issues that Ana's presence was exacerbating?
Tough. Chione is mine, too.
Maybe she was intruding on Neithotep's personal bubble, claiming both of her best friends as lovers, but... the wants of the heart didn't stop simply because someone put themselves between them.
"What's it been, two weeks now?" she asked, exchanging a look with Chione before she added,
"I was just leaving your brother's room when I saw her all by herself on the Sheifa property. I figured she could use some company, the poor thing."
Then, Anastasia took Chione's other arm, linking their fingers together before she went on to say,
"We've been inseparable ever since, wouldn't you agree?"
They were in the midst of teasing jokes and giggles when a familiar voice called out. ’Ana! Chione!” It stopped the noblewoman in her tracks, shocked that Nia had noticed them at all. But then, another realization washed over her. Had she seriously noticed Ana first? It seemed her brother was right after all. Apparently Nia truly didn’t care as much for her as Chione had believed.
She blinked as she tried to erase the shock from her face as Nia approached. All the while, she caught herself holding slightly tighter to the smaller woman at her side. “Oh, the Tempest never disappoints,” she responded coolly, with a polite smile. Her friend knew she was familiar with the circus, enough to not read into her lack of detailed response.
Her lips pursed in mild surprise as Nia casually threw an arm over her shoulders, pressing a kiss to her cheek. She didn’t know what to feel about any of this anymore. It was confusing and exhausting. Instead she turned towards Ana, nodding in agreement. “Oh yes, that sounds about right,” she answered with a smile, hand squeezing Ana’s gently. It was a small innocent touch, and yet it helped her keep her calm.
’How did you meet? And why didn’t anyone tell me?’
“You sadly were already gone for the night when I arrived. Luckily Ana here found me and made certain my night was far from boring.” Chione couldn’t help the hint of venom that snuck into her voice as she responded to Nia’s surprise at her and Ana’s acquaintance. “I’m honestly surprised Hena didn’t mention it to you,” she mused instead, eyes narrowing slightly. “He had some interesting opinions on the matter that night. Quite insightful really.”
’Perhaps you just simply aren’t as close to my sister as you think you are.’ Those words were still sharp in her mind, even these weeks later. Far as she could tell, he must be right. What other explanation was there truly?
“I’m sure we would have been delighted to include you, but you’ve been so hard to find lately. Always unwell or vanished to who knows where it seems.” Chione gave a small shrug. Somehow, she was entirely oblivious to the blatant competition or envy for her attention between the women on either side of her. She was far too filled with dejected bitterness at the continued rejection of the one she had believed to be her best, most trusted friend. A feeling that she now believed was far from mutual.
She glanced towards Anastasia then, offering another gentle squeeze of her hand. She hated to share what limited time she could steal with the petite Greek woman. She already spent far too long sharing her as it was. Yet, the discretion required meant that they had to play along. What did Ana think of her lover’s sister anyway? Their time together involved little talking of such matters. Not when they could scarcely keep their hands nor their mouths to themselves.
“We’ll simply have to correct that error, will we not?”
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They were in the midst of teasing jokes and giggles when a familiar voice called out. ’Ana! Chione!” It stopped the noblewoman in her tracks, shocked that Nia had noticed them at all. But then, another realization washed over her. Had she seriously noticed Ana first? It seemed her brother was right after all. Apparently Nia truly didn’t care as much for her as Chione had believed.
She blinked as she tried to erase the shock from her face as Nia approached. All the while, she caught herself holding slightly tighter to the smaller woman at her side. “Oh, the Tempest never disappoints,” she responded coolly, with a polite smile. Her friend knew she was familiar with the circus, enough to not read into her lack of detailed response.
Her lips pursed in mild surprise as Nia casually threw an arm over her shoulders, pressing a kiss to her cheek. She didn’t know what to feel about any of this anymore. It was confusing and exhausting. Instead she turned towards Ana, nodding in agreement. “Oh yes, that sounds about right,” she answered with a smile, hand squeezing Ana’s gently. It was a small innocent touch, and yet it helped her keep her calm.
’How did you meet? And why didn’t anyone tell me?’
“You sadly were already gone for the night when I arrived. Luckily Ana here found me and made certain my night was far from boring.” Chione couldn’t help the hint of venom that snuck into her voice as she responded to Nia’s surprise at her and Ana’s acquaintance. “I’m honestly surprised Hena didn’t mention it to you,” she mused instead, eyes narrowing slightly. “He had some interesting opinions on the matter that night. Quite insightful really.”
’Perhaps you just simply aren’t as close to my sister as you think you are.’ Those words were still sharp in her mind, even these weeks later. Far as she could tell, he must be right. What other explanation was there truly?
“I’m sure we would have been delighted to include you, but you’ve been so hard to find lately. Always unwell or vanished to who knows where it seems.” Chione gave a small shrug. Somehow, she was entirely oblivious to the blatant competition or envy for her attention between the women on either side of her. She was far too filled with dejected bitterness at the continued rejection of the one she had believed to be her best, most trusted friend. A feeling that she now believed was far from mutual.
She glanced towards Anastasia then, offering another gentle squeeze of her hand. She hated to share what limited time she could steal with the petite Greek woman. She already spent far too long sharing her as it was. Yet, the discretion required meant that they had to play along. What did Ana think of her lover’s sister anyway? Their time together involved little talking of such matters. Not when they could scarcely keep their hands nor their mouths to themselves.
“We’ll simply have to correct that error, will we not?”
They were in the midst of teasing jokes and giggles when a familiar voice called out. ’Ana! Chione!” It stopped the noblewoman in her tracks, shocked that Nia had noticed them at all. But then, another realization washed over her. Had she seriously noticed Ana first? It seemed her brother was right after all. Apparently Nia truly didn’t care as much for her as Chione had believed.
She blinked as she tried to erase the shock from her face as Nia approached. All the while, she caught herself holding slightly tighter to the smaller woman at her side. “Oh, the Tempest never disappoints,” she responded coolly, with a polite smile. Her friend knew she was familiar with the circus, enough to not read into her lack of detailed response.
Her lips pursed in mild surprise as Nia casually threw an arm over her shoulders, pressing a kiss to her cheek. She didn’t know what to feel about any of this anymore. It was confusing and exhausting. Instead she turned towards Ana, nodding in agreement. “Oh yes, that sounds about right,” she answered with a smile, hand squeezing Ana’s gently. It was a small innocent touch, and yet it helped her keep her calm.
’How did you meet? And why didn’t anyone tell me?’
“You sadly were already gone for the night when I arrived. Luckily Ana here found me and made certain my night was far from boring.” Chione couldn’t help the hint of venom that snuck into her voice as she responded to Nia’s surprise at her and Ana’s acquaintance. “I’m honestly surprised Hena didn’t mention it to you,” she mused instead, eyes narrowing slightly. “He had some interesting opinions on the matter that night. Quite insightful really.”
’Perhaps you just simply aren’t as close to my sister as you think you are.’ Those words were still sharp in her mind, even these weeks later. Far as she could tell, he must be right. What other explanation was there truly?
“I’m sure we would have been delighted to include you, but you’ve been so hard to find lately. Always unwell or vanished to who knows where it seems.” Chione gave a small shrug. Somehow, she was entirely oblivious to the blatant competition or envy for her attention between the women on either side of her. She was far too filled with dejected bitterness at the continued rejection of the one she had believed to be her best, most trusted friend. A feeling that she now believed was far from mutual.
She glanced towards Anastasia then, offering another gentle squeeze of her hand. She hated to share what limited time she could steal with the petite Greek woman. She already spent far too long sharing her as it was. Yet, the discretion required meant that they had to play along. What did Ana think of her lover’s sister anyway? Their time together involved little talking of such matters. Not when they could scarcely keep their hands nor their mouths to themselves.
“We’ll simply have to correct that error, will we not?”
This whole situation felt… uncomfortable. As soon as she approached the pair, it was as if the group collectively held its breath. Nia felt like she was waiting for… something, some comment to be dropped, some revelation to be made. Instead, an awkward energy emanated within the trio, the young woman unable to miss when Chione did not even bother to return her embrace.
Was that how it was now? Had the Isazari given up on her completely? Did she now seek solace in this foreign woman instead, one who had not known her for years like Nia did? Her face lost all expression as she took a step back from them, suddenly feeling as if she was the intruder, rather than this woman who had stolen her brother’s heart and apparently her best friend’s affection, as well.
She thought she and Ana had resolved their differences; upon their first meeting, she had not been left with a very high opinion of the bard. At first, she thought her nothing more than a gold digger, intent on her brother’s wealth. After their heart-to-heart, though, she felt different, but now? What was she doing? Was she trying to take Nia’s place? Both of those nearest and dearest to her now gravitated around this woman instead, and she felt as if she’d been slapped in the face.
We’ve been inseparable ever since.
Was that so? Well, far be it for her to separate them again. Already, Chione bordered on outright hostility, hardly bothering to hide the passive aggression in her pointed comments. Yes, Nia had been distant. Yes, there was a reason for it. No, she couldn’t tell her. Why couldn’t she accept that? Why must she take it so personally? Gods, if she only knew what it was she hid, surely she would understand, but… ugh!! Why couldn’t she trust her?! Had Nia ever given her cause not to? Surely, Chione knew her well enough to understand that if she was withholding something, it was for a good reason. But apparently, she’d rather think the worst and seek out others to fill that void instead…
“It’s not that hard to leave a note at my house,” she responded to Chione’s assertion that she was always so hard to find, her tone a little blunter than normal. “Even if I’m not there, it’s not like I’ll never be there again.”
For a moment, she bit her lip as she looked between the two, unsure if she ought to just suffer these little barbs all evening or walk away. We’ll simply have to correct that error, will we not? Nia’s gaze narrowed a little at that—she would have been happy to correct that error, were it not for the barely concealed venom in her tone. Gods, they were having a bit of a hiccup in their relationship right now, yes, but really?
“Indeed, we will,” she answered, the normal easy smile that rested on her face long gone. All her joy from the show was quickly deflating, replaced instead by a bitter resentment that she should apparently be so easily replaced. “Perhaps another night, though. It’s funny, maybe it’s just the booze, but something tells me neither of you really want me here right now.” Her gaze flicked to their conjoined hands, the way they had almost defensively drawn together, before resting on each of their faces. “Forgive my interruption.”
With that, she started to walk away, deciding she ought to just leave them be. She didn’t really want to deal with cutting stares and underhanded remarks the entire night, not on top of everything else. One evening of relaxation, one night she could just let loose and forget… apparently that was too much to ask for.
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This whole situation felt… uncomfortable. As soon as she approached the pair, it was as if the group collectively held its breath. Nia felt like she was waiting for… something, some comment to be dropped, some revelation to be made. Instead, an awkward energy emanated within the trio, the young woman unable to miss when Chione did not even bother to return her embrace.
Was that how it was now? Had the Isazari given up on her completely? Did she now seek solace in this foreign woman instead, one who had not known her for years like Nia did? Her face lost all expression as she took a step back from them, suddenly feeling as if she was the intruder, rather than this woman who had stolen her brother’s heart and apparently her best friend’s affection, as well.
She thought she and Ana had resolved their differences; upon their first meeting, she had not been left with a very high opinion of the bard. At first, she thought her nothing more than a gold digger, intent on her brother’s wealth. After their heart-to-heart, though, she felt different, but now? What was she doing? Was she trying to take Nia’s place? Both of those nearest and dearest to her now gravitated around this woman instead, and she felt as if she’d been slapped in the face.
We’ve been inseparable ever since.
Was that so? Well, far be it for her to separate them again. Already, Chione bordered on outright hostility, hardly bothering to hide the passive aggression in her pointed comments. Yes, Nia had been distant. Yes, there was a reason for it. No, she couldn’t tell her. Why couldn’t she accept that? Why must she take it so personally? Gods, if she only knew what it was she hid, surely she would understand, but… ugh!! Why couldn’t she trust her?! Had Nia ever given her cause not to? Surely, Chione knew her well enough to understand that if she was withholding something, it was for a good reason. But apparently, she’d rather think the worst and seek out others to fill that void instead…
“It’s not that hard to leave a note at my house,” she responded to Chione’s assertion that she was always so hard to find, her tone a little blunter than normal. “Even if I’m not there, it’s not like I’ll never be there again.”
For a moment, she bit her lip as she looked between the two, unsure if she ought to just suffer these little barbs all evening or walk away. We’ll simply have to correct that error, will we not? Nia’s gaze narrowed a little at that—she would have been happy to correct that error, were it not for the barely concealed venom in her tone. Gods, they were having a bit of a hiccup in their relationship right now, yes, but really?
“Indeed, we will,” she answered, the normal easy smile that rested on her face long gone. All her joy from the show was quickly deflating, replaced instead by a bitter resentment that she should apparently be so easily replaced. “Perhaps another night, though. It’s funny, maybe it’s just the booze, but something tells me neither of you really want me here right now.” Her gaze flicked to their conjoined hands, the way they had almost defensively drawn together, before resting on each of their faces. “Forgive my interruption.”
With that, she started to walk away, deciding she ought to just leave them be. She didn’t really want to deal with cutting stares and underhanded remarks the entire night, not on top of everything else. One evening of relaxation, one night she could just let loose and forget… apparently that was too much to ask for.
This whole situation felt… uncomfortable. As soon as she approached the pair, it was as if the group collectively held its breath. Nia felt like she was waiting for… something, some comment to be dropped, some revelation to be made. Instead, an awkward energy emanated within the trio, the young woman unable to miss when Chione did not even bother to return her embrace.
Was that how it was now? Had the Isazari given up on her completely? Did she now seek solace in this foreign woman instead, one who had not known her for years like Nia did? Her face lost all expression as she took a step back from them, suddenly feeling as if she was the intruder, rather than this woman who had stolen her brother’s heart and apparently her best friend’s affection, as well.
She thought she and Ana had resolved their differences; upon their first meeting, she had not been left with a very high opinion of the bard. At first, she thought her nothing more than a gold digger, intent on her brother’s wealth. After their heart-to-heart, though, she felt different, but now? What was she doing? Was she trying to take Nia’s place? Both of those nearest and dearest to her now gravitated around this woman instead, and she felt as if she’d been slapped in the face.
We’ve been inseparable ever since.
Was that so? Well, far be it for her to separate them again. Already, Chione bordered on outright hostility, hardly bothering to hide the passive aggression in her pointed comments. Yes, Nia had been distant. Yes, there was a reason for it. No, she couldn’t tell her. Why couldn’t she accept that? Why must she take it so personally? Gods, if she only knew what it was she hid, surely she would understand, but… ugh!! Why couldn’t she trust her?! Had Nia ever given her cause not to? Surely, Chione knew her well enough to understand that if she was withholding something, it was for a good reason. But apparently, she’d rather think the worst and seek out others to fill that void instead…
“It’s not that hard to leave a note at my house,” she responded to Chione’s assertion that she was always so hard to find, her tone a little blunter than normal. “Even if I’m not there, it’s not like I’ll never be there again.”
For a moment, she bit her lip as she looked between the two, unsure if she ought to just suffer these little barbs all evening or walk away. We’ll simply have to correct that error, will we not? Nia’s gaze narrowed a little at that—she would have been happy to correct that error, were it not for the barely concealed venom in her tone. Gods, they were having a bit of a hiccup in their relationship right now, yes, but really?
“Indeed, we will,” she answered, the normal easy smile that rested on her face long gone. All her joy from the show was quickly deflating, replaced instead by a bitter resentment that she should apparently be so easily replaced. “Perhaps another night, though. It’s funny, maybe it’s just the booze, but something tells me neither of you really want me here right now.” Her gaze flicked to their conjoined hands, the way they had almost defensively drawn together, before resting on each of their faces. “Forgive my interruption.”
With that, she started to walk away, deciding she ought to just leave them be. She didn’t really want to deal with cutting stares and underhanded remarks the entire night, not on top of everything else. One evening of relaxation, one night she could just let loose and forget… apparently that was too much to ask for.
Her eyes widened slightly, surprised at Nia’s insistence that she could have left a note. “You’re right, I should have considered that. I suppose it’s just that I no longer know where it is you spend your time lately,” she said, her voice soft as an uncharacteristic vulnerability flickered in her pale gaze. But only for a moment. She quickly reined those emotions in, settling her armor back in place. As if she was the one who wasn’t trying hard enough. Ridiculous. “Perhaps, I’ll remember that the next time. Though I cannot recall the last time you sought out my company. Unless there are some notes I have somehow not received? Is that the case?”
Chione had been prepared for a lot of things from the woman she had believed to be her best friend. But the words that came next were like a slap to the face. For a moment, she was frozen in shock as her once friend stalked away, only to be replaced by a rising anger. How dare she act as though Chione was the issue here! She had been trying for weeks to connect. It was Nia who had created this rift. Nia who had changed.
Her hand slipped from Ana’s as she quickly followed Nia, reaching out to grab her arm in a not entirely gentle manner.
“Don’t act like this was my choice, Neithotep,” she hissed, stepping in front of the smaller woman to block her path. “I know you have a need to be liked by everyone, but that is no reason to toy with me when I have only ever been a loyal friend to you. That it was your brother who dared to tell me the truth of your feelings...” Chione shook her head as her words trailed off. Her eyes seemed to shine a little brighter in the light, though she’d never admit it was tears welling in her eyes, or that she was trembling not with fury but with pain. She gave no one the power to wound her. Nia knew that better than most. She wouldn’t allow her to become an exception. She wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of knowing just how deep her rejection had cut. But despite her best efforts, she couldn’t hide entirely.
“You could have simply been honest with me rather than feeding me lie after lie. But don’t you dare pretend it is I who have pushed you away. I will not be made a fool of, not even by you.”
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Her eyes widened slightly, surprised at Nia’s insistence that she could have left a note. “You’re right, I should have considered that. I suppose it’s just that I no longer know where it is you spend your time lately,” she said, her voice soft as an uncharacteristic vulnerability flickered in her pale gaze. But only for a moment. She quickly reined those emotions in, settling her armor back in place. As if she was the one who wasn’t trying hard enough. Ridiculous. “Perhaps, I’ll remember that the next time. Though I cannot recall the last time you sought out my company. Unless there are some notes I have somehow not received? Is that the case?”
Chione had been prepared for a lot of things from the woman she had believed to be her best friend. But the words that came next were like a slap to the face. For a moment, she was frozen in shock as her once friend stalked away, only to be replaced by a rising anger. How dare she act as though Chione was the issue here! She had been trying for weeks to connect. It was Nia who had created this rift. Nia who had changed.
Her hand slipped from Ana’s as she quickly followed Nia, reaching out to grab her arm in a not entirely gentle manner.
“Don’t act like this was my choice, Neithotep,” she hissed, stepping in front of the smaller woman to block her path. “I know you have a need to be liked by everyone, but that is no reason to toy with me when I have only ever been a loyal friend to you. That it was your brother who dared to tell me the truth of your feelings...” Chione shook her head as her words trailed off. Her eyes seemed to shine a little brighter in the light, though she’d never admit it was tears welling in her eyes, or that she was trembling not with fury but with pain. She gave no one the power to wound her. Nia knew that better than most. She wouldn’t allow her to become an exception. She wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of knowing just how deep her rejection had cut. But despite her best efforts, she couldn’t hide entirely.
“You could have simply been honest with me rather than feeding me lie after lie. But don’t you dare pretend it is I who have pushed you away. I will not be made a fool of, not even by you.”
Her eyes widened slightly, surprised at Nia’s insistence that she could have left a note. “You’re right, I should have considered that. I suppose it’s just that I no longer know where it is you spend your time lately,” she said, her voice soft as an uncharacteristic vulnerability flickered in her pale gaze. But only for a moment. She quickly reined those emotions in, settling her armor back in place. As if she was the one who wasn’t trying hard enough. Ridiculous. “Perhaps, I’ll remember that the next time. Though I cannot recall the last time you sought out my company. Unless there are some notes I have somehow not received? Is that the case?”
Chione had been prepared for a lot of things from the woman she had believed to be her best friend. But the words that came next were like a slap to the face. For a moment, she was frozen in shock as her once friend stalked away, only to be replaced by a rising anger. How dare she act as though Chione was the issue here! She had been trying for weeks to connect. It was Nia who had created this rift. Nia who had changed.
Her hand slipped from Ana’s as she quickly followed Nia, reaching out to grab her arm in a not entirely gentle manner.
“Don’t act like this was my choice, Neithotep,” she hissed, stepping in front of the smaller woman to block her path. “I know you have a need to be liked by everyone, but that is no reason to toy with me when I have only ever been a loyal friend to you. That it was your brother who dared to tell me the truth of your feelings...” Chione shook her head as her words trailed off. Her eyes seemed to shine a little brighter in the light, though she’d never admit it was tears welling in her eyes, or that she was trembling not with fury but with pain. She gave no one the power to wound her. Nia knew that better than most. She wouldn’t allow her to become an exception. She wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of knowing just how deep her rejection had cut. But despite her best efforts, she couldn’t hide entirely.
“You could have simply been honest with me rather than feeding me lie after lie. But don’t you dare pretend it is I who have pushed you away. I will not be made a fool of, not even by you.”
Don’t act like this was my choice, Neithotep.
It wasn’t Chione’s choice, she was right, but nor was it Nia’s. Why couldn’t the Isazari understand that? If she was behaving differently, it was for a reason. Why should Chione think Nia would ever willingly abandon her? Had she not proven over the years that would never be the case? Why must she assume this was about her, when that could not be farther from the truth?
Something in Nia broke in that moment, the accusatory look on her friend’s face too much for her to bear. She’d tried to be strong. She had tried to withhold what she could, to keep the woman safe from a fate worse than death. If she wanted to talk about choice, they could talk about choice. But she was sure Chione would soon wish they had never spoken of any of it in the first place.
Each word felt like a slap, eyes welling with tears as each one rained down on her. How was it that she found herself so helplessly placed in this situation, and yet she continued to be punished for it? How much more punishment could she really take? Was the pharaoh’s rape not enough?
“You think you’ve been made a fool of, Chione?!” There was an unwonted rage in her tone, a deep-seated hurt that had little to do with the woman in front of her and everything to do with the circumstances that tore them asunder. She stepped forward with pain in her face, a reflecting light catching the glossy shine of tears in her eyes. “You think this was my choice, either?! When have I ever given you reason to doubt the way I care for you? Have you ever thought maybe there’s a reason that I haven’t been honest?! That there’s a reason I haven’t been around?!”
Anastasia’s presence was forgotten, as was her months-long attempt at discretion. Chione wanted the truth. Fine. She could have it. Nia couldn’t bear to hide from her any more.
Untying her kalasiris, she let it fall until her torso was exposed. Still-healing bruises and abrasions marked the once-smooth skin of her abdomen, her breasts, her back, blue and purple fading into the ugly yellow of old injury. Old scratches had healed into thin red lines, a salve applied daily to hopefully ward off scarring. “Tell me any of this was my choice, Chione!” she shouted, tears falling down reddened cheeks as she stood for the woman’s inspection. “Look into my eyes and tell me you think I had a choice!” She waited until she knew she saw before she was covering herself again in shame, turning away so that she could no longer meet her gaze.
“Night after night after night, all I’ve wanted is comfort, some semblance of normality. Threats hang over my head even now, and I’ve done what I’ve done to keep you safe, Chione. To keep this same wrath from falling on you. Do these marks look like the leavings of a sane man?”
Her hair fell forward to curtain her face, to hide the bitter shame of her outburst. “I don’t know what my brother has told you,” she muttered, almost as an afterthought. “But it wasn’t the truth. I have never doubted your loyalty to me. I would only ask to be extended that same courtesy.”
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Don’t act like this was my choice, Neithotep.
It wasn’t Chione’s choice, she was right, but nor was it Nia’s. Why couldn’t the Isazari understand that? If she was behaving differently, it was for a reason. Why should Chione think Nia would ever willingly abandon her? Had she not proven over the years that would never be the case? Why must she assume this was about her, when that could not be farther from the truth?
Something in Nia broke in that moment, the accusatory look on her friend’s face too much for her to bear. She’d tried to be strong. She had tried to withhold what she could, to keep the woman safe from a fate worse than death. If she wanted to talk about choice, they could talk about choice. But she was sure Chione would soon wish they had never spoken of any of it in the first place.
Each word felt like a slap, eyes welling with tears as each one rained down on her. How was it that she found herself so helplessly placed in this situation, and yet she continued to be punished for it? How much more punishment could she really take? Was the pharaoh’s rape not enough?
“You think you’ve been made a fool of, Chione?!” There was an unwonted rage in her tone, a deep-seated hurt that had little to do with the woman in front of her and everything to do with the circumstances that tore them asunder. She stepped forward with pain in her face, a reflecting light catching the glossy shine of tears in her eyes. “You think this was my choice, either?! When have I ever given you reason to doubt the way I care for you? Have you ever thought maybe there’s a reason that I haven’t been honest?! That there’s a reason I haven’t been around?!”
Anastasia’s presence was forgotten, as was her months-long attempt at discretion. Chione wanted the truth. Fine. She could have it. Nia couldn’t bear to hide from her any more.
Untying her kalasiris, she let it fall until her torso was exposed. Still-healing bruises and abrasions marked the once-smooth skin of her abdomen, her breasts, her back, blue and purple fading into the ugly yellow of old injury. Old scratches had healed into thin red lines, a salve applied daily to hopefully ward off scarring. “Tell me any of this was my choice, Chione!” she shouted, tears falling down reddened cheeks as she stood for the woman’s inspection. “Look into my eyes and tell me you think I had a choice!” She waited until she knew she saw before she was covering herself again in shame, turning away so that she could no longer meet her gaze.
“Night after night after night, all I’ve wanted is comfort, some semblance of normality. Threats hang over my head even now, and I’ve done what I’ve done to keep you safe, Chione. To keep this same wrath from falling on you. Do these marks look like the leavings of a sane man?”
Her hair fell forward to curtain her face, to hide the bitter shame of her outburst. “I don’t know what my brother has told you,” she muttered, almost as an afterthought. “But it wasn’t the truth. I have never doubted your loyalty to me. I would only ask to be extended that same courtesy.”
Don’t act like this was my choice, Neithotep.
It wasn’t Chione’s choice, she was right, but nor was it Nia’s. Why couldn’t the Isazari understand that? If she was behaving differently, it was for a reason. Why should Chione think Nia would ever willingly abandon her? Had she not proven over the years that would never be the case? Why must she assume this was about her, when that could not be farther from the truth?
Something in Nia broke in that moment, the accusatory look on her friend’s face too much for her to bear. She’d tried to be strong. She had tried to withhold what she could, to keep the woman safe from a fate worse than death. If she wanted to talk about choice, they could talk about choice. But she was sure Chione would soon wish they had never spoken of any of it in the first place.
Each word felt like a slap, eyes welling with tears as each one rained down on her. How was it that she found herself so helplessly placed in this situation, and yet she continued to be punished for it? How much more punishment could she really take? Was the pharaoh’s rape not enough?
“You think you’ve been made a fool of, Chione?!” There was an unwonted rage in her tone, a deep-seated hurt that had little to do with the woman in front of her and everything to do with the circumstances that tore them asunder. She stepped forward with pain in her face, a reflecting light catching the glossy shine of tears in her eyes. “You think this was my choice, either?! When have I ever given you reason to doubt the way I care for you? Have you ever thought maybe there’s a reason that I haven’t been honest?! That there’s a reason I haven’t been around?!”
Anastasia’s presence was forgotten, as was her months-long attempt at discretion. Chione wanted the truth. Fine. She could have it. Nia couldn’t bear to hide from her any more.
Untying her kalasiris, she let it fall until her torso was exposed. Still-healing bruises and abrasions marked the once-smooth skin of her abdomen, her breasts, her back, blue and purple fading into the ugly yellow of old injury. Old scratches had healed into thin red lines, a salve applied daily to hopefully ward off scarring. “Tell me any of this was my choice, Chione!” she shouted, tears falling down reddened cheeks as she stood for the woman’s inspection. “Look into my eyes and tell me you think I had a choice!” She waited until she knew she saw before she was covering herself again in shame, turning away so that she could no longer meet her gaze.
“Night after night after night, all I’ve wanted is comfort, some semblance of normality. Threats hang over my head even now, and I’ve done what I’ve done to keep you safe, Chione. To keep this same wrath from falling on you. Do these marks look like the leavings of a sane man?”
Her hair fell forward to curtain her face, to hide the bitter shame of her outburst. “I don’t know what my brother has told you,” she muttered, almost as an afterthought. “But it wasn’t the truth. I have never doubted your loyalty to me. I would only ask to be extended that same courtesy.”
Stunned into silence, Anastasia wasn't certain that her presence was needed in this little incursion any longer. The sweet satisfaction that the bard and the noblewoman indulged in just moments before seemed a distant memory, as the approach of Neithotep H'Sheifa not only required the secret to be held so high, but also the distance that she could only grasp at straws about was coming into full light in an entirely too public place for anyone's liking.
"It's not that hard to leave a note at my house..."
Did Nia really expect someone to do that? It seemed more a cry for help from an ailing victim than any sort of rational thought. However, as the mood between the three shifted, Anastasia immediately bit her lip, a mountain of regret for stoking unknown flames of resentment between them. But, then, as it went on, she wondered if anyone even knew she was there. So easily, she could simply wander off and wait for Chione while admiring the spectacles of the circus. But, she suspected that wouldn't be the right move to make. She brushed gently along Chione's shoulder, an encouraging clasp before she listened on.
"...something tells me neither of you really want me here right now..."
What? No!
The words wanted to flee from her lips, to assure Neithotep that while her presence was unexpected, it wasn't the fact that she was unwelcome or unloved that made everything so awkward and strange. Everyone in this little triangle had secrets to keep, and it seemed that those secrets were looming to an inevitable apex that might end in a destroyed friendship.
Of course Ana released Chione's hand, but not before brushing her thumb along the woman's palm. She let her by and watched Nia be cut off by her. She heard mention of Akhenaten, all-too-aware of the night the three had shared and how inflamed doubts within Chione had come to the surface. She'd tried to console her then, and it seemed for naught. How could Anastasia soothe the souls of others when her own fled from her body at the slightest of obstacles?
Slowly, Anastasia made her approach, to rejoin the two as they began and Neithotep's fingers worked at the bounds that held her kalasiris together.
Wha...
Then, she saw it. Raised flesh in splotchy bumps all over her torso and along the curves of her breasts. Anastasia raised a hand to her lips, her eyes grew. The pace within her chest, already so quick from this rampant assault of the senses... She felt bile rise within her throat, but not because of the wounds themselves.
Neithotep is my mirror.
Anastasia did not see the Egyptian's face, only the familiar bruises. Bronzed flesh seemed to pale, and heavy abrasions at the wrists joined the ones at the reflection's chest and torso. Anastasia did not see Chione in front of Nia, either.
She saw a Greek face.
"Look into my eyes and tell me you think I had a choice!"
An open mouth, uttering her damnation as he loomed closer.
"Puppet," the word came out from ashen lips, any semblance of colour leaving the siren's lips as she stared at Neithotep from her vantage point just behind Chione. The memories flooded out, the single word breathed from her lips drawing a multitude. She felt the quiver between her legs, just as her arms rose to cover her breasts. Legs tightened together as she stepped closer still, the moisture welling within her own gaze as those hazel saw the image of herself superimposed over Neithotep H'Sheifa.
"Calliope," she recognized.
"Alector," she added, the tears sliding easily down her cheeks as she drew closer still. The truth seemed a memory played in front of her very eyes, the parallels between herself and the noblewoman in front of her far too close for comfort. She was Calliope, and it was impossible to ignore. If Anastasia could go and console the 16 year old Greek woman, to encourage her and give her the force to continue on...
Could she have?
Anastasia stepped forward and took hold of both Neithotep and Chione's hands. They were too exposed, and to show those markings to people might cause a great deal more duress than Neithotep was willing to deal with. She led the pair of them back into the very same tent that Ana and Chione had occupied just moments before, totally incognizant that it'd just been used and the smells and disturbances within might point to the very secret the star-crossed lovers tried so hard to keep. In the midst of Calliope's admission, it was impossible to be aware of anything else.
"Hena said what he wanted us to hear. He wanted to hurt, but that doesn't matter right now... You... I..." Anastasia busied herself by reaching into her pack, intent on drawing a salve that she kept in the event that she suffered. She dabbed it onto a smooth rag she kept, handing it to Neithotep in the event that her wounds ached. Stuck between staring at those wounds and the twisted reflection that was Nia's face, she shook her head,
"How long have you suffered in silence, Calliope?" she asked, still in a daze.
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Stunned into silence, Anastasia wasn't certain that her presence was needed in this little incursion any longer. The sweet satisfaction that the bard and the noblewoman indulged in just moments before seemed a distant memory, as the approach of Neithotep H'Sheifa not only required the secret to be held so high, but also the distance that she could only grasp at straws about was coming into full light in an entirely too public place for anyone's liking.
"It's not that hard to leave a note at my house..."
Did Nia really expect someone to do that? It seemed more a cry for help from an ailing victim than any sort of rational thought. However, as the mood between the three shifted, Anastasia immediately bit her lip, a mountain of regret for stoking unknown flames of resentment between them. But, then, as it went on, she wondered if anyone even knew she was there. So easily, she could simply wander off and wait for Chione while admiring the spectacles of the circus. But, she suspected that wouldn't be the right move to make. She brushed gently along Chione's shoulder, an encouraging clasp before she listened on.
"...something tells me neither of you really want me here right now..."
What? No!
The words wanted to flee from her lips, to assure Neithotep that while her presence was unexpected, it wasn't the fact that she was unwelcome or unloved that made everything so awkward and strange. Everyone in this little triangle had secrets to keep, and it seemed that those secrets were looming to an inevitable apex that might end in a destroyed friendship.
Of course Ana released Chione's hand, but not before brushing her thumb along the woman's palm. She let her by and watched Nia be cut off by her. She heard mention of Akhenaten, all-too-aware of the night the three had shared and how inflamed doubts within Chione had come to the surface. She'd tried to console her then, and it seemed for naught. How could Anastasia soothe the souls of others when her own fled from her body at the slightest of obstacles?
Slowly, Anastasia made her approach, to rejoin the two as they began and Neithotep's fingers worked at the bounds that held her kalasiris together.
Wha...
Then, she saw it. Raised flesh in splotchy bumps all over her torso and along the curves of her breasts. Anastasia raised a hand to her lips, her eyes grew. The pace within her chest, already so quick from this rampant assault of the senses... She felt bile rise within her throat, but not because of the wounds themselves.
Neithotep is my mirror.
Anastasia did not see the Egyptian's face, only the familiar bruises. Bronzed flesh seemed to pale, and heavy abrasions at the wrists joined the ones at the reflection's chest and torso. Anastasia did not see Chione in front of Nia, either.
She saw a Greek face.
"Look into my eyes and tell me you think I had a choice!"
An open mouth, uttering her damnation as he loomed closer.
"Puppet," the word came out from ashen lips, any semblance of colour leaving the siren's lips as she stared at Neithotep from her vantage point just behind Chione. The memories flooded out, the single word breathed from her lips drawing a multitude. She felt the quiver between her legs, just as her arms rose to cover her breasts. Legs tightened together as she stepped closer still, the moisture welling within her own gaze as those hazel saw the image of herself superimposed over Neithotep H'Sheifa.
"Calliope," she recognized.
"Alector," she added, the tears sliding easily down her cheeks as she drew closer still. The truth seemed a memory played in front of her very eyes, the parallels between herself and the noblewoman in front of her far too close for comfort. She was Calliope, and it was impossible to ignore. If Anastasia could go and console the 16 year old Greek woman, to encourage her and give her the force to continue on...
Could she have?
Anastasia stepped forward and took hold of both Neithotep and Chione's hands. They were too exposed, and to show those markings to people might cause a great deal more duress than Neithotep was willing to deal with. She led the pair of them back into the very same tent that Ana and Chione had occupied just moments before, totally incognizant that it'd just been used and the smells and disturbances within might point to the very secret the star-crossed lovers tried so hard to keep. In the midst of Calliope's admission, it was impossible to be aware of anything else.
"Hena said what he wanted us to hear. He wanted to hurt, but that doesn't matter right now... You... I..." Anastasia busied herself by reaching into her pack, intent on drawing a salve that she kept in the event that she suffered. She dabbed it onto a smooth rag she kept, handing it to Neithotep in the event that her wounds ached. Stuck between staring at those wounds and the twisted reflection that was Nia's face, she shook her head,
"How long have you suffered in silence, Calliope?" she asked, still in a daze.
Stunned into silence, Anastasia wasn't certain that her presence was needed in this little incursion any longer. The sweet satisfaction that the bard and the noblewoman indulged in just moments before seemed a distant memory, as the approach of Neithotep H'Sheifa not only required the secret to be held so high, but also the distance that she could only grasp at straws about was coming into full light in an entirely too public place for anyone's liking.
"It's not that hard to leave a note at my house..."
Did Nia really expect someone to do that? It seemed more a cry for help from an ailing victim than any sort of rational thought. However, as the mood between the three shifted, Anastasia immediately bit her lip, a mountain of regret for stoking unknown flames of resentment between them. But, then, as it went on, she wondered if anyone even knew she was there. So easily, she could simply wander off and wait for Chione while admiring the spectacles of the circus. But, she suspected that wouldn't be the right move to make. She brushed gently along Chione's shoulder, an encouraging clasp before she listened on.
"...something tells me neither of you really want me here right now..."
What? No!
The words wanted to flee from her lips, to assure Neithotep that while her presence was unexpected, it wasn't the fact that she was unwelcome or unloved that made everything so awkward and strange. Everyone in this little triangle had secrets to keep, and it seemed that those secrets were looming to an inevitable apex that might end in a destroyed friendship.
Of course Ana released Chione's hand, but not before brushing her thumb along the woman's palm. She let her by and watched Nia be cut off by her. She heard mention of Akhenaten, all-too-aware of the night the three had shared and how inflamed doubts within Chione had come to the surface. She'd tried to console her then, and it seemed for naught. How could Anastasia soothe the souls of others when her own fled from her body at the slightest of obstacles?
Slowly, Anastasia made her approach, to rejoin the two as they began and Neithotep's fingers worked at the bounds that held her kalasiris together.
Wha...
Then, she saw it. Raised flesh in splotchy bumps all over her torso and along the curves of her breasts. Anastasia raised a hand to her lips, her eyes grew. The pace within her chest, already so quick from this rampant assault of the senses... She felt bile rise within her throat, but not because of the wounds themselves.
Neithotep is my mirror.
Anastasia did not see the Egyptian's face, only the familiar bruises. Bronzed flesh seemed to pale, and heavy abrasions at the wrists joined the ones at the reflection's chest and torso. Anastasia did not see Chione in front of Nia, either.
She saw a Greek face.
"Look into my eyes and tell me you think I had a choice!"
An open mouth, uttering her damnation as he loomed closer.
"Puppet," the word came out from ashen lips, any semblance of colour leaving the siren's lips as she stared at Neithotep from her vantage point just behind Chione. The memories flooded out, the single word breathed from her lips drawing a multitude. She felt the quiver between her legs, just as her arms rose to cover her breasts. Legs tightened together as she stepped closer still, the moisture welling within her own gaze as those hazel saw the image of herself superimposed over Neithotep H'Sheifa.
"Calliope," she recognized.
"Alector," she added, the tears sliding easily down her cheeks as she drew closer still. The truth seemed a memory played in front of her very eyes, the parallels between herself and the noblewoman in front of her far too close for comfort. She was Calliope, and it was impossible to ignore. If Anastasia could go and console the 16 year old Greek woman, to encourage her and give her the force to continue on...
Could she have?
Anastasia stepped forward and took hold of both Neithotep and Chione's hands. They were too exposed, and to show those markings to people might cause a great deal more duress than Neithotep was willing to deal with. She led the pair of them back into the very same tent that Ana and Chione had occupied just moments before, totally incognizant that it'd just been used and the smells and disturbances within might point to the very secret the star-crossed lovers tried so hard to keep. In the midst of Calliope's admission, it was impossible to be aware of anything else.
"Hena said what he wanted us to hear. He wanted to hurt, but that doesn't matter right now... You... I..." Anastasia busied herself by reaching into her pack, intent on drawing a salve that she kept in the event that she suffered. She dabbed it onto a smooth rag she kept, handing it to Neithotep in the event that her wounds ached. Stuck between staring at those wounds and the twisted reflection that was Nia's face, she shook her head,
"How long have you suffered in silence, Calliope?" she asked, still in a daze.
What stung Chione so deeply was the unexpected nature of it all. Nia had always been the one person she believed she could trust and count on above all others. Even more so than her own family. Then all of a sudden these past months, it was like she had become someone else entirely. She had never believed her capable of treating her this way and yet... there was no denying the amount of lies that her best friend had told her. Nia had even admitted it back when she finally managed to drag her out for a night.
She’d told her to trust her, and yet...
Nia had broken the trust between them, and it was hard for Chione to ignore that, especially when the younger woman kept insisting it was necessary without ever actually revealing, well, anything. Combine that with what her brother had said... how was the Isazari woman meant to believe any different? It all seemed so confusing and impossible.
Why had Nia so suddenly turned her back on her?
That was the question that haunted her night after night. A question that only ever seemed to be silenced by Ana’s presence and the myriad of distractions she offered. Which only made Nia’s questions all the harder to face. “I’ve been trying to believe that for months now!” she answered, her lip wobbling slightly. “Because I never thought any of this was possible. I never thought you could so thoroughly turn your back on me after everything. Yet... here we are. What else am I supposed to believe? How can I trust you so completely when every word you’ve said to me has been one lie after another?” Her voice grew soft as she spoke, defeated almost. She was revealing too much. She knew that.
Maybe it was being faced with Nia’s tears that had her moments from shattering apart herself. What could hurt her friend, her sister, so deeply that she had turned away from her altogether? Chione just couldn’t understand. With that missing piece of the puzzle... everything felt so fragile, so uncertain.
But then the Sheifa woman began to remove her kalasiris, letting it fall to reveal tanned skin littered with bruises of various shades, welts and cuts marring once perfect skin. Chione’s eyes went wide as she took in this sight and the implications it presented. How had this happened? How could they have fallen so far that Nia would suffer anything like this, and feel she couldn’t confide in the one who knew her best?
Her eyes darted back up, now at the younger woman’s back as she explained it was an effort to protect Chione from the same fate. “Nia...” she whispered softly, taking a step closer to her, suddenly overwhelmed with shame and guilt and the urge to comfort her even though she was surely no longer welcome to. But then Ana was grabbed both their arms, pulling them back into the tent they had just departed. Her eyes glanced towards her lover as she pointed out the obvious. Hena had only been hoping to hurt Chione for imposing herself upon those in his life. And she had been stupid enough to take his words at their value.
The question that followed earned Ana an odd look. Who was this Calliope she seemed to be addressing? She parted her lips to ask, but thought better of it. She could question her further when they were alone. For now, she needed to focus on Nia, on mending what she had broken.
“I... I’m so sorry, Nia,” she whispered. “I should have believed you... I just... We’ve never kept anything from each other before now. I couldn’t imagine a situation where that could change. I never imagined...” Her voice trailed off as her eyes shifted back to the now covered wounds she knew lurked beneath her friend’s attire. “I didn’t understand. I was so wrapped up in my own fears that...” Her own tears began to emerge against her best efforts. “How could you ever forgive me for such a betrayal?”
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What stung Chione so deeply was the unexpected nature of it all. Nia had always been the one person she believed she could trust and count on above all others. Even more so than her own family. Then all of a sudden these past months, it was like she had become someone else entirely. She had never believed her capable of treating her this way and yet... there was no denying the amount of lies that her best friend had told her. Nia had even admitted it back when she finally managed to drag her out for a night.
She’d told her to trust her, and yet...
Nia had broken the trust between them, and it was hard for Chione to ignore that, especially when the younger woman kept insisting it was necessary without ever actually revealing, well, anything. Combine that with what her brother had said... how was the Isazari woman meant to believe any different? It all seemed so confusing and impossible.
Why had Nia so suddenly turned her back on her?
That was the question that haunted her night after night. A question that only ever seemed to be silenced by Ana’s presence and the myriad of distractions she offered. Which only made Nia’s questions all the harder to face. “I’ve been trying to believe that for months now!” she answered, her lip wobbling slightly. “Because I never thought any of this was possible. I never thought you could so thoroughly turn your back on me after everything. Yet... here we are. What else am I supposed to believe? How can I trust you so completely when every word you’ve said to me has been one lie after another?” Her voice grew soft as she spoke, defeated almost. She was revealing too much. She knew that.
Maybe it was being faced with Nia’s tears that had her moments from shattering apart herself. What could hurt her friend, her sister, so deeply that she had turned away from her altogether? Chione just couldn’t understand. With that missing piece of the puzzle... everything felt so fragile, so uncertain.
But then the Sheifa woman began to remove her kalasiris, letting it fall to reveal tanned skin littered with bruises of various shades, welts and cuts marring once perfect skin. Chione’s eyes went wide as she took in this sight and the implications it presented. How had this happened? How could they have fallen so far that Nia would suffer anything like this, and feel she couldn’t confide in the one who knew her best?
Her eyes darted back up, now at the younger woman’s back as she explained it was an effort to protect Chione from the same fate. “Nia...” she whispered softly, taking a step closer to her, suddenly overwhelmed with shame and guilt and the urge to comfort her even though she was surely no longer welcome to. But then Ana was grabbed both their arms, pulling them back into the tent they had just departed. Her eyes glanced towards her lover as she pointed out the obvious. Hena had only been hoping to hurt Chione for imposing herself upon those in his life. And she had been stupid enough to take his words at their value.
The question that followed earned Ana an odd look. Who was this Calliope she seemed to be addressing? She parted her lips to ask, but thought better of it. She could question her further when they were alone. For now, she needed to focus on Nia, on mending what she had broken.
“I... I’m so sorry, Nia,” she whispered. “I should have believed you... I just... We’ve never kept anything from each other before now. I couldn’t imagine a situation where that could change. I never imagined...” Her voice trailed off as her eyes shifted back to the now covered wounds she knew lurked beneath her friend’s attire. “I didn’t understand. I was so wrapped up in my own fears that...” Her own tears began to emerge against her best efforts. “How could you ever forgive me for such a betrayal?”
What stung Chione so deeply was the unexpected nature of it all. Nia had always been the one person she believed she could trust and count on above all others. Even more so than her own family. Then all of a sudden these past months, it was like she had become someone else entirely. She had never believed her capable of treating her this way and yet... there was no denying the amount of lies that her best friend had told her. Nia had even admitted it back when she finally managed to drag her out for a night.
She’d told her to trust her, and yet...
Nia had broken the trust between them, and it was hard for Chione to ignore that, especially when the younger woman kept insisting it was necessary without ever actually revealing, well, anything. Combine that with what her brother had said... how was the Isazari woman meant to believe any different? It all seemed so confusing and impossible.
Why had Nia so suddenly turned her back on her?
That was the question that haunted her night after night. A question that only ever seemed to be silenced by Ana’s presence and the myriad of distractions she offered. Which only made Nia’s questions all the harder to face. “I’ve been trying to believe that for months now!” she answered, her lip wobbling slightly. “Because I never thought any of this was possible. I never thought you could so thoroughly turn your back on me after everything. Yet... here we are. What else am I supposed to believe? How can I trust you so completely when every word you’ve said to me has been one lie after another?” Her voice grew soft as she spoke, defeated almost. She was revealing too much. She knew that.
Maybe it was being faced with Nia’s tears that had her moments from shattering apart herself. What could hurt her friend, her sister, so deeply that she had turned away from her altogether? Chione just couldn’t understand. With that missing piece of the puzzle... everything felt so fragile, so uncertain.
But then the Sheifa woman began to remove her kalasiris, letting it fall to reveal tanned skin littered with bruises of various shades, welts and cuts marring once perfect skin. Chione’s eyes went wide as she took in this sight and the implications it presented. How had this happened? How could they have fallen so far that Nia would suffer anything like this, and feel she couldn’t confide in the one who knew her best?
Her eyes darted back up, now at the younger woman’s back as she explained it was an effort to protect Chione from the same fate. “Nia...” she whispered softly, taking a step closer to her, suddenly overwhelmed with shame and guilt and the urge to comfort her even though she was surely no longer welcome to. But then Ana was grabbed both their arms, pulling them back into the tent they had just departed. Her eyes glanced towards her lover as she pointed out the obvious. Hena had only been hoping to hurt Chione for imposing herself upon those in his life. And she had been stupid enough to take his words at their value.
The question that followed earned Ana an odd look. Who was this Calliope she seemed to be addressing? She parted her lips to ask, but thought better of it. She could question her further when they were alone. For now, she needed to focus on Nia, on mending what she had broken.
“I... I’m so sorry, Nia,” she whispered. “I should have believed you... I just... We’ve never kept anything from each other before now. I couldn’t imagine a situation where that could change. I never imagined...” Her voice trailed off as her eyes shifted back to the now covered wounds she knew lurked beneath her friend’s attire. “I didn’t understand. I was so wrapped up in my own fears that...” Her own tears began to emerge against her best efforts. “How could you ever forgive me for such a betrayal?”
Had Nia been asked to describe her emotions in that moment, she would not have been able to. The complex knot of fear, relief, sadness, guilt, anger… The woman shook with it, violent tremors that had her knees wobbling beneath her so fiercely that she feared she might collapse to the ground. There it was. Out in the open. All she had hidden from Chione for months, bared to her so that her own eyes might see. Still, she did not give the man’s name, but surely this was enough. Enough to keep her from prying, to see for herself what fate might await her if she kept probing too deeply.
Reflexively flinching when Ana grabbed her hand to pull them all inside the tent, it was all Nia could do to calm herself, to not pull away like every instinct told her she should. The bard was not the Pharaoh, and she was not going to hurt her. Though her peculiar murmurings had Nia raising a brow, wondering if her brother’s mistress might be a bit touched in the head. Why did she keep calling her Calliope? Why was she looking at her as if she’d seen a ghost?
These were questions that could be addressed at a later time, though, simply taking the rag she offered in numb fingers and responding with a nod of thanks. Absently, she dabbed at one of the fresher bruises on her chest, though most of the ache was gone. If there was one thing she could be grateful of when it came to this war, it was that Iahotep was among those fighting. Blasphemous prayers had been offered for his death, but she was past the point of caring. Let the gods smite her. Their chosen representative had done plenty of that already.
She turned back to Chione as the woman whispered her apologies, her own eyes overflowing with tears. Guilt crept up her spine at her dramatic response, wondering if perhaps there might have been a gentler way to inform her. Ever the impulsive one, however, she’d been unable to control the anger from the accusations flung in her face, succumbing to an emotional nature that prompted her explosive reaction. But could anyone blame her? Given what she’d been through, what she’d suffered… how many could say they would behave any more rationally than she did?
“You had no way of knowing,” she finally said in a hoarse whisper, though her gaze shown with the hurt she had repressed for so long. “No matter how I asked you to trust me, you couldn’t have known.” Of course, she wanted to forgive Chione, and part of her already had. After all, there were others who had committed far graver sins against Nia. But her constant questioning, her constant unwillingness to believe her still stung, and she found herself at a loss for further words.
Her arms crossed and wrapped almost protectively around her torso, as if to hold in any further emotion that might overflow. Nia had been so vulnerable for so long, it was hard to feel anything but. With Hena’s increasingly erratic behavior, Chione’s distant anger, and the general detachment of her family at large left Nia feeling more isolated than ever, and now… now she hardly knew how to bridge that gap. Her sole comfort and strength was Zoser, but she couldn’t bring him into this. He was a secret even more closely guarded than the Pharaoh, for fear that he should suffer because of her.
Gods, but everything was such a mess. How did they even begin to repair it?
“I’m sorry, I really am. I never wanted to keep this, or anything from you. I thought I was doing the right thing, even if you hated me for it.” Nia swallowed hard, a tremulous gaze raising to meet Chione’s again. So distracted and distressed she was by her emotional revelations, she didn’t even notice the disarray of the tent, nor the all-too-familiar scent of sweat and sex that permeated the air. Perhaps, had she been in a clearer state, she would have seen, would have said something, but now? Now, all she cared about were the tears streaming down her and Chione’s faces, the shattered bits of a lifelong love that lay haphazardly between them.
“Tell no one,” she went on with a shake of her head. “No matter what, okay? Both of you.” She turned to include Ana in that, as well. “When I say how dangerous it could turn out to be, hopefully now you believe me.”
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Had Nia been asked to describe her emotions in that moment, she would not have been able to. The complex knot of fear, relief, sadness, guilt, anger… The woman shook with it, violent tremors that had her knees wobbling beneath her so fiercely that she feared she might collapse to the ground. There it was. Out in the open. All she had hidden from Chione for months, bared to her so that her own eyes might see. Still, she did not give the man’s name, but surely this was enough. Enough to keep her from prying, to see for herself what fate might await her if she kept probing too deeply.
Reflexively flinching when Ana grabbed her hand to pull them all inside the tent, it was all Nia could do to calm herself, to not pull away like every instinct told her she should. The bard was not the Pharaoh, and she was not going to hurt her. Though her peculiar murmurings had Nia raising a brow, wondering if her brother’s mistress might be a bit touched in the head. Why did she keep calling her Calliope? Why was she looking at her as if she’d seen a ghost?
These were questions that could be addressed at a later time, though, simply taking the rag she offered in numb fingers and responding with a nod of thanks. Absently, she dabbed at one of the fresher bruises on her chest, though most of the ache was gone. If there was one thing she could be grateful of when it came to this war, it was that Iahotep was among those fighting. Blasphemous prayers had been offered for his death, but she was past the point of caring. Let the gods smite her. Their chosen representative had done plenty of that already.
She turned back to Chione as the woman whispered her apologies, her own eyes overflowing with tears. Guilt crept up her spine at her dramatic response, wondering if perhaps there might have been a gentler way to inform her. Ever the impulsive one, however, she’d been unable to control the anger from the accusations flung in her face, succumbing to an emotional nature that prompted her explosive reaction. But could anyone blame her? Given what she’d been through, what she’d suffered… how many could say they would behave any more rationally than she did?
“You had no way of knowing,” she finally said in a hoarse whisper, though her gaze shown with the hurt she had repressed for so long. “No matter how I asked you to trust me, you couldn’t have known.” Of course, she wanted to forgive Chione, and part of her already had. After all, there were others who had committed far graver sins against Nia. But her constant questioning, her constant unwillingness to believe her still stung, and she found herself at a loss for further words.
Her arms crossed and wrapped almost protectively around her torso, as if to hold in any further emotion that might overflow. Nia had been so vulnerable for so long, it was hard to feel anything but. With Hena’s increasingly erratic behavior, Chione’s distant anger, and the general detachment of her family at large left Nia feeling more isolated than ever, and now… now she hardly knew how to bridge that gap. Her sole comfort and strength was Zoser, but she couldn’t bring him into this. He was a secret even more closely guarded than the Pharaoh, for fear that he should suffer because of her.
Gods, but everything was such a mess. How did they even begin to repair it?
“I’m sorry, I really am. I never wanted to keep this, or anything from you. I thought I was doing the right thing, even if you hated me for it.” Nia swallowed hard, a tremulous gaze raising to meet Chione’s again. So distracted and distressed she was by her emotional revelations, she didn’t even notice the disarray of the tent, nor the all-too-familiar scent of sweat and sex that permeated the air. Perhaps, had she been in a clearer state, she would have seen, would have said something, but now? Now, all she cared about were the tears streaming down her and Chione’s faces, the shattered bits of a lifelong love that lay haphazardly between them.
“Tell no one,” she went on with a shake of her head. “No matter what, okay? Both of you.” She turned to include Ana in that, as well. “When I say how dangerous it could turn out to be, hopefully now you believe me.”
Had Nia been asked to describe her emotions in that moment, she would not have been able to. The complex knot of fear, relief, sadness, guilt, anger… The woman shook with it, violent tremors that had her knees wobbling beneath her so fiercely that she feared she might collapse to the ground. There it was. Out in the open. All she had hidden from Chione for months, bared to her so that her own eyes might see. Still, she did not give the man’s name, but surely this was enough. Enough to keep her from prying, to see for herself what fate might await her if she kept probing too deeply.
Reflexively flinching when Ana grabbed her hand to pull them all inside the tent, it was all Nia could do to calm herself, to not pull away like every instinct told her she should. The bard was not the Pharaoh, and she was not going to hurt her. Though her peculiar murmurings had Nia raising a brow, wondering if her brother’s mistress might be a bit touched in the head. Why did she keep calling her Calliope? Why was she looking at her as if she’d seen a ghost?
These were questions that could be addressed at a later time, though, simply taking the rag she offered in numb fingers and responding with a nod of thanks. Absently, she dabbed at one of the fresher bruises on her chest, though most of the ache was gone. If there was one thing she could be grateful of when it came to this war, it was that Iahotep was among those fighting. Blasphemous prayers had been offered for his death, but she was past the point of caring. Let the gods smite her. Their chosen representative had done plenty of that already.
She turned back to Chione as the woman whispered her apologies, her own eyes overflowing with tears. Guilt crept up her spine at her dramatic response, wondering if perhaps there might have been a gentler way to inform her. Ever the impulsive one, however, she’d been unable to control the anger from the accusations flung in her face, succumbing to an emotional nature that prompted her explosive reaction. But could anyone blame her? Given what she’d been through, what she’d suffered… how many could say they would behave any more rationally than she did?
“You had no way of knowing,” she finally said in a hoarse whisper, though her gaze shown with the hurt she had repressed for so long. “No matter how I asked you to trust me, you couldn’t have known.” Of course, she wanted to forgive Chione, and part of her already had. After all, there were others who had committed far graver sins against Nia. But her constant questioning, her constant unwillingness to believe her still stung, and she found herself at a loss for further words.
Her arms crossed and wrapped almost protectively around her torso, as if to hold in any further emotion that might overflow. Nia had been so vulnerable for so long, it was hard to feel anything but. With Hena’s increasingly erratic behavior, Chione’s distant anger, and the general detachment of her family at large left Nia feeling more isolated than ever, and now… now she hardly knew how to bridge that gap. Her sole comfort and strength was Zoser, but she couldn’t bring him into this. He was a secret even more closely guarded than the Pharaoh, for fear that he should suffer because of her.
Gods, but everything was such a mess. How did they even begin to repair it?
“I’m sorry, I really am. I never wanted to keep this, or anything from you. I thought I was doing the right thing, even if you hated me for it.” Nia swallowed hard, a tremulous gaze raising to meet Chione’s again. So distracted and distressed she was by her emotional revelations, she didn’t even notice the disarray of the tent, nor the all-too-familiar scent of sweat and sex that permeated the air. Perhaps, had she been in a clearer state, she would have seen, would have said something, but now? Now, all she cared about were the tears streaming down her and Chione’s faces, the shattered bits of a lifelong love that lay haphazardly between them.
“Tell no one,” she went on with a shake of her head. “No matter what, okay? Both of you.” She turned to include Ana in that, as well. “When I say how dangerous it could turn out to be, hopefully now you believe me.”
Re-emerging from her dreadful fling into the past, Ana moved and spoke and didn't quite remember why she did it. Gripped by a memory, she cursed herself even as lament gripped her senses. Nia was the victim, the one going through these horrors in the present, and of course Ana would ruin it. When the nobles moved on from her little outcry, she breathed a sigh of relief. This wasn't about her, and once she offered that rag, she was more than happy to back off and let Chione and Neithotep have their reconciliation without her.
Chione's apology came within moments of Nia revealing her bruises, and Ana deliberately avoided looking at the both of them. This outpouring of emotion, it unnerved Anastasia. Preferring to keep her emotions buried, she even felt a lingering jealousy at how cathartic it might've felt to tell anyone about anything. She tired of her lies, of the games she played. But, what was she without them? Once Neithotep addressed the both of them, Ana merely nodded.
While Ana craved proximity with Neithotep for the fact that she was with her brother, there were complications. Being too close to Nias now would make it difficult to keep those secrets, those dreadful lies that ruled over her world. She said nothing, keen to allow the two Egyptians to comfort one another. The air was thick was emotion and as Anastasia always did, she wanted to run. Offering a shaky smile, Ana also came to a realization.
This is the same tent...
The smell of sweat and sex was still strong in the air, with signs of the place shifting around and the press of bodies into the tarps that kept the sand from coming in.
I need to get out.
She realized this now. Not only for the sake of the two friends furthering their reconciliation, but to preserve her and Chione's secret from being unearthed. The smile sifted from her expression, unveiled anxiety manifesting upon her features as it became more and more impossible to control herself.
"I should go... You two have so much to catch up on. I'll just be a burden..."
That inching step took her at last to the tent's entrance just as she pushed the fabric aside and sought to leave.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Re-emerging from her dreadful fling into the past, Ana moved and spoke and didn't quite remember why she did it. Gripped by a memory, she cursed herself even as lament gripped her senses. Nia was the victim, the one going through these horrors in the present, and of course Ana would ruin it. When the nobles moved on from her little outcry, she breathed a sigh of relief. This wasn't about her, and once she offered that rag, she was more than happy to back off and let Chione and Neithotep have their reconciliation without her.
Chione's apology came within moments of Nia revealing her bruises, and Ana deliberately avoided looking at the both of them. This outpouring of emotion, it unnerved Anastasia. Preferring to keep her emotions buried, she even felt a lingering jealousy at how cathartic it might've felt to tell anyone about anything. She tired of her lies, of the games she played. But, what was she without them? Once Neithotep addressed the both of them, Ana merely nodded.
While Ana craved proximity with Neithotep for the fact that she was with her brother, there were complications. Being too close to Nias now would make it difficult to keep those secrets, those dreadful lies that ruled over her world. She said nothing, keen to allow the two Egyptians to comfort one another. The air was thick was emotion and as Anastasia always did, she wanted to run. Offering a shaky smile, Ana also came to a realization.
This is the same tent...
The smell of sweat and sex was still strong in the air, with signs of the place shifting around and the press of bodies into the tarps that kept the sand from coming in.
I need to get out.
She realized this now. Not only for the sake of the two friends furthering their reconciliation, but to preserve her and Chione's secret from being unearthed. The smile sifted from her expression, unveiled anxiety manifesting upon her features as it became more and more impossible to control herself.
"I should go... You two have so much to catch up on. I'll just be a burden..."
That inching step took her at last to the tent's entrance just as she pushed the fabric aside and sought to leave.
Re-emerging from her dreadful fling into the past, Ana moved and spoke and didn't quite remember why she did it. Gripped by a memory, she cursed herself even as lament gripped her senses. Nia was the victim, the one going through these horrors in the present, and of course Ana would ruin it. When the nobles moved on from her little outcry, she breathed a sigh of relief. This wasn't about her, and once she offered that rag, she was more than happy to back off and let Chione and Neithotep have their reconciliation without her.
Chione's apology came within moments of Nia revealing her bruises, and Ana deliberately avoided looking at the both of them. This outpouring of emotion, it unnerved Anastasia. Preferring to keep her emotions buried, she even felt a lingering jealousy at how cathartic it might've felt to tell anyone about anything. She tired of her lies, of the games she played. But, what was she without them? Once Neithotep addressed the both of them, Ana merely nodded.
While Ana craved proximity with Neithotep for the fact that she was with her brother, there were complications. Being too close to Nias now would make it difficult to keep those secrets, those dreadful lies that ruled over her world. She said nothing, keen to allow the two Egyptians to comfort one another. The air was thick was emotion and as Anastasia always did, she wanted to run. Offering a shaky smile, Ana also came to a realization.
This is the same tent...
The smell of sweat and sex was still strong in the air, with signs of the place shifting around and the press of bodies into the tarps that kept the sand from coming in.
I need to get out.
She realized this now. Not only for the sake of the two friends furthering their reconciliation, but to preserve her and Chione's secret from being unearthed. The smile sifted from her expression, unveiled anxiety manifesting upon her features as it became more and more impossible to control herself.
"I should go... You two have so much to catch up on. I'll just be a burden..."
That inching step took her at last to the tent's entrance just as she pushed the fabric aside and sought to leave.
