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Crowds made Melina nervous. She could still remember when she was a child. She had gotten lost and led away by a strange man. Since then the Agora always managed to make her heart race. But it was a fear she at least had in control now that she was older. A fear that didn’t paralyze her. It did help, however, having Xan by her side.
The pair had gone to the Agora on this bright, sunny day. Melina wanted something new to read and the chance to get some fresh air. She kept an eye out for something to buy Xan too, though she hadn’t said that exactly. Maybe a new black chiton? Her friend did love the color black.
As the pair walked, a delicious smell filled the air. Melina’s stomach suddenly rumbled. Food! She had forgotten to eat before they left! Melina had spent extra time trying to do her own hair before relenting and letting her ladies handle it. She hadn’t thought to eat! “Oh, Xan! Could you fetch whatever that delicious smell is?” Melina asked her with a large smile. “I’ll… I’ll be standing right over there!” She pointed to a table filled with embroidery. Melina wasn’t necessarily interested in embroidery, but if Xan knew exactly where Melina was and Melina didn’t move, then she would be more comfortable sending her away for a moment. She knew it was silly, Melina was an adult and could easily find her way home unlike when she was six. But… it didn’t hurt, right?
Melina moved over to the table. She glanced at all the works. They were beautiful. Melina couldn’t help but feel a tinge of jealousy looking down at them. Even inanimate objects are prettier than I am. Melina’s finger moved to gently touch a purple one. Melina’s heart hurt even more. It was her favorite color, and it was so pretty. If she bought it, it would the prettiest thing in her room… including her.
I have to stop thinking like this. Melina thought. It was just someone’s embroidery. That’s it. Melina’s dark eyes continued to go down the table as she walked. Whoever created these were obviously very skilled. Melina wondered if she should try to develop a skill like this. Should she learn to sew? What happens if she pricks her finger? How pathetic would it be if she fainted from sewing? Melina would never live it down. She’d just shut herself away forever.
Melina sighed and then looked at the woman in charge of the table. She was just like her work- beautiful. She had pretty chocolate hair, large interesting eyes, and a soft face that Melina would kill to have. Melina should have chosen another table. Maybe a weapons table. She could have found something for Xan, at least. “Excuse me, how much is this purp-” Riiiiip. Melina had taken another step when her chiton caught on something on the table. Melina’s eyes widen as she suddenly looked down, grasping at the two halves of the cloth and looking around. Oh, no. This was terrible. Where was Xan?! She needed help!
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Crowds made Melina nervous. She could still remember when she was a child. She had gotten lost and led away by a strange man. Since then the Agora always managed to make her heart race. But it was a fear she at least had in control now that she was older. A fear that didn’t paralyze her. It did help, however, having Xan by her side.
The pair had gone to the Agora on this bright, sunny day. Melina wanted something new to read and the chance to get some fresh air. She kept an eye out for something to buy Xan too, though she hadn’t said that exactly. Maybe a new black chiton? Her friend did love the color black.
As the pair walked, a delicious smell filled the air. Melina’s stomach suddenly rumbled. Food! She had forgotten to eat before they left! Melina had spent extra time trying to do her own hair before relenting and letting her ladies handle it. She hadn’t thought to eat! “Oh, Xan! Could you fetch whatever that delicious smell is?” Melina asked her with a large smile. “I’ll… I’ll be standing right over there!” She pointed to a table filled with embroidery. Melina wasn’t necessarily interested in embroidery, but if Xan knew exactly where Melina was and Melina didn’t move, then she would be more comfortable sending her away for a moment. She knew it was silly, Melina was an adult and could easily find her way home unlike when she was six. But… it didn’t hurt, right?
Melina moved over to the table. She glanced at all the works. They were beautiful. Melina couldn’t help but feel a tinge of jealousy looking down at them. Even inanimate objects are prettier than I am. Melina’s finger moved to gently touch a purple one. Melina’s heart hurt even more. It was her favorite color, and it was so pretty. If she bought it, it would the prettiest thing in her room… including her.
I have to stop thinking like this. Melina thought. It was just someone’s embroidery. That’s it. Melina’s dark eyes continued to go down the table as she walked. Whoever created these were obviously very skilled. Melina wondered if she should try to develop a skill like this. Should she learn to sew? What happens if she pricks her finger? How pathetic would it be if she fainted from sewing? Melina would never live it down. She’d just shut herself away forever.
Melina sighed and then looked at the woman in charge of the table. She was just like her work- beautiful. She had pretty chocolate hair, large interesting eyes, and a soft face that Melina would kill to have. Melina should have chosen another table. Maybe a weapons table. She could have found something for Xan, at least. “Excuse me, how much is this purp-” Riiiiip. Melina had taken another step when her chiton caught on something on the table. Melina’s eyes widen as she suddenly looked down, grasping at the two halves of the cloth and looking around. Oh, no. This was terrible. Where was Xan?! She needed help!
Crowds made Melina nervous. She could still remember when she was a child. She had gotten lost and led away by a strange man. Since then the Agora always managed to make her heart race. But it was a fear she at least had in control now that she was older. A fear that didn’t paralyze her. It did help, however, having Xan by her side.
The pair had gone to the Agora on this bright, sunny day. Melina wanted something new to read and the chance to get some fresh air. She kept an eye out for something to buy Xan too, though she hadn’t said that exactly. Maybe a new black chiton? Her friend did love the color black.
As the pair walked, a delicious smell filled the air. Melina’s stomach suddenly rumbled. Food! She had forgotten to eat before they left! Melina had spent extra time trying to do her own hair before relenting and letting her ladies handle it. She hadn’t thought to eat! “Oh, Xan! Could you fetch whatever that delicious smell is?” Melina asked her with a large smile. “I’ll… I’ll be standing right over there!” She pointed to a table filled with embroidery. Melina wasn’t necessarily interested in embroidery, but if Xan knew exactly where Melina was and Melina didn’t move, then she would be more comfortable sending her away for a moment. She knew it was silly, Melina was an adult and could easily find her way home unlike when she was six. But… it didn’t hurt, right?
Melina moved over to the table. She glanced at all the works. They were beautiful. Melina couldn’t help but feel a tinge of jealousy looking down at them. Even inanimate objects are prettier than I am. Melina’s finger moved to gently touch a purple one. Melina’s heart hurt even more. It was her favorite color, and it was so pretty. If she bought it, it would the prettiest thing in her room… including her.
I have to stop thinking like this. Melina thought. It was just someone’s embroidery. That’s it. Melina’s dark eyes continued to go down the table as she walked. Whoever created these were obviously very skilled. Melina wondered if she should try to develop a skill like this. Should she learn to sew? What happens if she pricks her finger? How pathetic would it be if she fainted from sewing? Melina would never live it down. She’d just shut herself away forever.
Melina sighed and then looked at the woman in charge of the table. She was just like her work- beautiful. She had pretty chocolate hair, large interesting eyes, and a soft face that Melina would kill to have. Melina should have chosen another table. Maybe a weapons table. She could have found something for Xan, at least. “Excuse me, how much is this purp-” Riiiiip. Melina had taken another step when her chiton caught on something on the table. Melina’s eyes widen as she suddenly looked down, grasping at the two halves of the cloth and looking around. Oh, no. This was terrible. Where was Xan?! She needed help!
Another sunny day, another round of endless smiles and chatter with the jeweler in the stall next to her. She was working on something new—a sort of band meant to be worn as decoration in the hair. Stich after stitch, leaf after leaf, until the finished piece told the story of an enchanted forest, perhaps hiding Narcissus somewhere in its depths. She set it aside and glanced around, nodding with well-feigned interest at the story her neighbor had been spinning. She liked to focus all of her attention on a person when they spoke—it made them feel important and liked—but something about the jeweler was grating on her nerves today. Perhaps it was the fact that his sudden exclamations had nearly made her miss a stitch not once but twice. Or the fact that he continually questioned her about her occasionally absences from the market, claiming to miss her lovely face. “Travelling,” she always answered vaguely: the same answer she gave inquiring clients. Whichever factor it was, Avra was looking forward to the setting sun ending her work day. But that was several hours off still, and she had not done nearly enough business yet to warrant closing up early. Glancing almost sternly at the red-faced man, she turned her attention outwards to the rest of the marketplace.
Almost immediately, Avra felt the tension start to dissipate. The smiling and the chatter brought a smile to her own face—happiness breeds happiness. There was a woman chasing her young son from stall to stall, trying to prevent him from knocking everything over. A young couple stood just a little too close together, hoping no one would notice. Most of them wore plain, boring clothes. Avra sighed a bit, wishing they would pay her a visit over the food vendors or blacksmiths. She sold beauty. While it may not have been strictly necessary for daily life, Avra was of the firm opinion that everyone deserved to feel beautiful, always. She had met very, very few truly ugly people in her life, and usually they had a personality to match. All it took was looking just a smidge below the surface and keeping one’s eyes open! Avra began to hum quietly, signaling that the conversation with the jeweler was definitively over, and ducked under her little table to find another commission to work on. She came back up a moment later, empty-handed. Drat.
Perhaps not all was lost, however. Honey brown eyes raised to find a young woman about her age, looking nervous and perhaps a bit lost. It was instantly clear that this woman did not think very much of herself, which Avra thought was a horrible waste. Her hair was lovely, after all, and her clothes seemed to indicate a richness that was likely to leave her hands soft long after commoner’s would have wrinkled and cracked. Still, she held herself like she had something to be ashamed of, though she at least looked down at Avra’s work with an interest that left the embroiderer satisfied. She smiled cheerfully at the woman and glanced at the purple piece she had mentioned. One of her older works—Avra was especially keen to see it home to a new owner.
But before the woman could complete her question, tragedy struck. It was, after all, a tragedy to see a piece of cloth destroyed. Avra’s eyes widened, immediately searching for both the damage and the offending cause. And there it was: a thick silver pin lying hidden amongst her wares, delicate and beautiful and evil. Obviously someone had left her a surprise gift. Casting a glare at the jeweler, who was of course oblivious, Avra stood immediately to come to the woman’s aid. “Here, step behind the table,” she urged, throwing a huge sky-blue shawl around the woman's shoulders. The rip was bad, and Avra wondered incredulously how a pin of all things could rip a nearly four-inch hole in a chiton.
“I can mend it for you,” Avra said, smiling apologetically while curses rustled in her head. It was not her error, and yet it was her table and she could lose this obviously wealthy customer if she did not act fast. Every lost sale was a lost bit of beauty in the world—and a step away from her own aspirations of wealth and comfort. She held up a needle and rustled around for a spool of thread to match. “It wouldn’t take but a few moments.”
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Another sunny day, another round of endless smiles and chatter with the jeweler in the stall next to her. She was working on something new—a sort of band meant to be worn as decoration in the hair. Stich after stitch, leaf after leaf, until the finished piece told the story of an enchanted forest, perhaps hiding Narcissus somewhere in its depths. She set it aside and glanced around, nodding with well-feigned interest at the story her neighbor had been spinning. She liked to focus all of her attention on a person when they spoke—it made them feel important and liked—but something about the jeweler was grating on her nerves today. Perhaps it was the fact that his sudden exclamations had nearly made her miss a stitch not once but twice. Or the fact that he continually questioned her about her occasionally absences from the market, claiming to miss her lovely face. “Travelling,” she always answered vaguely: the same answer she gave inquiring clients. Whichever factor it was, Avra was looking forward to the setting sun ending her work day. But that was several hours off still, and she had not done nearly enough business yet to warrant closing up early. Glancing almost sternly at the red-faced man, she turned her attention outwards to the rest of the marketplace.
Almost immediately, Avra felt the tension start to dissipate. The smiling and the chatter brought a smile to her own face—happiness breeds happiness. There was a woman chasing her young son from stall to stall, trying to prevent him from knocking everything over. A young couple stood just a little too close together, hoping no one would notice. Most of them wore plain, boring clothes. Avra sighed a bit, wishing they would pay her a visit over the food vendors or blacksmiths. She sold beauty. While it may not have been strictly necessary for daily life, Avra was of the firm opinion that everyone deserved to feel beautiful, always. She had met very, very few truly ugly people in her life, and usually they had a personality to match. All it took was looking just a smidge below the surface and keeping one’s eyes open! Avra began to hum quietly, signaling that the conversation with the jeweler was definitively over, and ducked under her little table to find another commission to work on. She came back up a moment later, empty-handed. Drat.
Perhaps not all was lost, however. Honey brown eyes raised to find a young woman about her age, looking nervous and perhaps a bit lost. It was instantly clear that this woman did not think very much of herself, which Avra thought was a horrible waste. Her hair was lovely, after all, and her clothes seemed to indicate a richness that was likely to leave her hands soft long after commoner’s would have wrinkled and cracked. Still, she held herself like she had something to be ashamed of, though she at least looked down at Avra’s work with an interest that left the embroiderer satisfied. She smiled cheerfully at the woman and glanced at the purple piece she had mentioned. One of her older works—Avra was especially keen to see it home to a new owner.
But before the woman could complete her question, tragedy struck. It was, after all, a tragedy to see a piece of cloth destroyed. Avra’s eyes widened, immediately searching for both the damage and the offending cause. And there it was: a thick silver pin lying hidden amongst her wares, delicate and beautiful and evil. Obviously someone had left her a surprise gift. Casting a glare at the jeweler, who was of course oblivious, Avra stood immediately to come to the woman’s aid. “Here, step behind the table,” she urged, throwing a huge sky-blue shawl around the woman's shoulders. The rip was bad, and Avra wondered incredulously how a pin of all things could rip a nearly four-inch hole in a chiton.
“I can mend it for you,” Avra said, smiling apologetically while curses rustled in her head. It was not her error, and yet it was her table and she could lose this obviously wealthy customer if she did not act fast. Every lost sale was a lost bit of beauty in the world—and a step away from her own aspirations of wealth and comfort. She held up a needle and rustled around for a spool of thread to match. “It wouldn’t take but a few moments.”
Another sunny day, another round of endless smiles and chatter with the jeweler in the stall next to her. She was working on something new—a sort of band meant to be worn as decoration in the hair. Stich after stitch, leaf after leaf, until the finished piece told the story of an enchanted forest, perhaps hiding Narcissus somewhere in its depths. She set it aside and glanced around, nodding with well-feigned interest at the story her neighbor had been spinning. She liked to focus all of her attention on a person when they spoke—it made them feel important and liked—but something about the jeweler was grating on her nerves today. Perhaps it was the fact that his sudden exclamations had nearly made her miss a stitch not once but twice. Or the fact that he continually questioned her about her occasionally absences from the market, claiming to miss her lovely face. “Travelling,” she always answered vaguely: the same answer she gave inquiring clients. Whichever factor it was, Avra was looking forward to the setting sun ending her work day. But that was several hours off still, and she had not done nearly enough business yet to warrant closing up early. Glancing almost sternly at the red-faced man, she turned her attention outwards to the rest of the marketplace.
Almost immediately, Avra felt the tension start to dissipate. The smiling and the chatter brought a smile to her own face—happiness breeds happiness. There was a woman chasing her young son from stall to stall, trying to prevent him from knocking everything over. A young couple stood just a little too close together, hoping no one would notice. Most of them wore plain, boring clothes. Avra sighed a bit, wishing they would pay her a visit over the food vendors or blacksmiths. She sold beauty. While it may not have been strictly necessary for daily life, Avra was of the firm opinion that everyone deserved to feel beautiful, always. She had met very, very few truly ugly people in her life, and usually they had a personality to match. All it took was looking just a smidge below the surface and keeping one’s eyes open! Avra began to hum quietly, signaling that the conversation with the jeweler was definitively over, and ducked under her little table to find another commission to work on. She came back up a moment later, empty-handed. Drat.
Perhaps not all was lost, however. Honey brown eyes raised to find a young woman about her age, looking nervous and perhaps a bit lost. It was instantly clear that this woman did not think very much of herself, which Avra thought was a horrible waste. Her hair was lovely, after all, and her clothes seemed to indicate a richness that was likely to leave her hands soft long after commoner’s would have wrinkled and cracked. Still, she held herself like she had something to be ashamed of, though she at least looked down at Avra’s work with an interest that left the embroiderer satisfied. She smiled cheerfully at the woman and glanced at the purple piece she had mentioned. One of her older works—Avra was especially keen to see it home to a new owner.
But before the woman could complete her question, tragedy struck. It was, after all, a tragedy to see a piece of cloth destroyed. Avra’s eyes widened, immediately searching for both the damage and the offending cause. And there it was: a thick silver pin lying hidden amongst her wares, delicate and beautiful and evil. Obviously someone had left her a surprise gift. Casting a glare at the jeweler, who was of course oblivious, Avra stood immediately to come to the woman’s aid. “Here, step behind the table,” she urged, throwing a huge sky-blue shawl around the woman's shoulders. The rip was bad, and Avra wondered incredulously how a pin of all things could rip a nearly four-inch hole in a chiton.
“I can mend it for you,” Avra said, smiling apologetically while curses rustled in her head. It was not her error, and yet it was her table and she could lose this obviously wealthy customer if she did not act fast. Every lost sale was a lost bit of beauty in the world—and a step away from her own aspirations of wealth and comfort. She held up a needle and rustled around for a spool of thread to match. “It wouldn’t take but a few moments.”
Melina wanted to die. This was a very nice chiton! It was comfortable and it didn’t look too bad! Melina could almost walk out confidently in it! Dafni had told her it was pretty when they had gone out shopping together one time. Dafni had impeccable taste, and Melina couldn’t help but agree. And now because of a pin there was a tear. How could something so small cause this much catastrophe? And in public. What if there were people here to laugh at her? Melina wanted to get noticed, but not like this.
The merchant had given her a shawl to cover her shoulders and offered to mend it. If Melina was any other Leventi she would say of course you will mend it. Or perhaps she’d snap and say you have done enough. But instead she sniffed, biting her lip to keep tears of embarrassment from forming in her eyes. She gave a small nod and moved behind the table.
Please gods, no one notice me. Melina thought. What would happen if, say, Nana was strolling through the Agora and noticed her cousin behind a table. What if she said she was working? Oh gods, what if someone thought that the Leventi was suffering for drachmae that they would send a daughter to find a job.
“What was a pin doing on your table?” Melina wasn’t accusing her. Melina was not the type to get down or be harsh. Honestly, she thought it was simply her luck. Of course there would be a pin on her table. It was meant for Melina, the gods decreed. It didn’t matter what table Melina would have gone to, a pin would be there, and a tear would have happened no matter what. Melina was not allowed to have nice things.
“Oh… Oh no!” Melina’s eyes suddenly went wide. She saw a Lord slowly making his way down the Agora. She recognized that Lord, he was of a Leventi province. What if he saw this and told her father? Oh the embarrassment. Melina suddenly moved again, behind the woman. “Quick, don’t let that man see me.” Melina whispered, tucking herself down so that she could be unseen. “I’ll pay you double what that embroidery is worth.”
Just keep walking. Don’t stop to look at the table. Was there somewhere Melina could hide under? What if Xan comes by and realizes that Melina is gone again? Why did everything have to happen now?! Melina was cursed, that was the only explanation. She had done something to anger one god and now everything bad that could happen would happen. She should just go to every temple in Greece and beg for forgiveness. But what if that only annoys them more?
Melina noticed the man started working his way closer. Oh gods, he was going to see! “Triple!” she said through her teeth. Let no one notice.
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Melina wanted to die. This was a very nice chiton! It was comfortable and it didn’t look too bad! Melina could almost walk out confidently in it! Dafni had told her it was pretty when they had gone out shopping together one time. Dafni had impeccable taste, and Melina couldn’t help but agree. And now because of a pin there was a tear. How could something so small cause this much catastrophe? And in public. What if there were people here to laugh at her? Melina wanted to get noticed, but not like this.
The merchant had given her a shawl to cover her shoulders and offered to mend it. If Melina was any other Leventi she would say of course you will mend it. Or perhaps she’d snap and say you have done enough. But instead she sniffed, biting her lip to keep tears of embarrassment from forming in her eyes. She gave a small nod and moved behind the table.
Please gods, no one notice me. Melina thought. What would happen if, say, Nana was strolling through the Agora and noticed her cousin behind a table. What if she said she was working? Oh gods, what if someone thought that the Leventi was suffering for drachmae that they would send a daughter to find a job.
“What was a pin doing on your table?” Melina wasn’t accusing her. Melina was not the type to get down or be harsh. Honestly, she thought it was simply her luck. Of course there would be a pin on her table. It was meant for Melina, the gods decreed. It didn’t matter what table Melina would have gone to, a pin would be there, and a tear would have happened no matter what. Melina was not allowed to have nice things.
“Oh… Oh no!” Melina’s eyes suddenly went wide. She saw a Lord slowly making his way down the Agora. She recognized that Lord, he was of a Leventi province. What if he saw this and told her father? Oh the embarrassment. Melina suddenly moved again, behind the woman. “Quick, don’t let that man see me.” Melina whispered, tucking herself down so that she could be unseen. “I’ll pay you double what that embroidery is worth.”
Just keep walking. Don’t stop to look at the table. Was there somewhere Melina could hide under? What if Xan comes by and realizes that Melina is gone again? Why did everything have to happen now?! Melina was cursed, that was the only explanation. She had done something to anger one god and now everything bad that could happen would happen. She should just go to every temple in Greece and beg for forgiveness. But what if that only annoys them more?
Melina noticed the man started working his way closer. Oh gods, he was going to see! “Triple!” she said through her teeth. Let no one notice.
Melina wanted to die. This was a very nice chiton! It was comfortable and it didn’t look too bad! Melina could almost walk out confidently in it! Dafni had told her it was pretty when they had gone out shopping together one time. Dafni had impeccable taste, and Melina couldn’t help but agree. And now because of a pin there was a tear. How could something so small cause this much catastrophe? And in public. What if there were people here to laugh at her? Melina wanted to get noticed, but not like this.
The merchant had given her a shawl to cover her shoulders and offered to mend it. If Melina was any other Leventi she would say of course you will mend it. Or perhaps she’d snap and say you have done enough. But instead she sniffed, biting her lip to keep tears of embarrassment from forming in her eyes. She gave a small nod and moved behind the table.
Please gods, no one notice me. Melina thought. What would happen if, say, Nana was strolling through the Agora and noticed her cousin behind a table. What if she said she was working? Oh gods, what if someone thought that the Leventi was suffering for drachmae that they would send a daughter to find a job.
“What was a pin doing on your table?” Melina wasn’t accusing her. Melina was not the type to get down or be harsh. Honestly, she thought it was simply her luck. Of course there would be a pin on her table. It was meant for Melina, the gods decreed. It didn’t matter what table Melina would have gone to, a pin would be there, and a tear would have happened no matter what. Melina was not allowed to have nice things.
“Oh… Oh no!” Melina’s eyes suddenly went wide. She saw a Lord slowly making his way down the Agora. She recognized that Lord, he was of a Leventi province. What if he saw this and told her father? Oh the embarrassment. Melina suddenly moved again, behind the woman. “Quick, don’t let that man see me.” Melina whispered, tucking herself down so that she could be unseen. “I’ll pay you double what that embroidery is worth.”
Just keep walking. Don’t stop to look at the table. Was there somewhere Melina could hide under? What if Xan comes by and realizes that Melina is gone again? Why did everything have to happen now?! Melina was cursed, that was the only explanation. She had done something to anger one god and now everything bad that could happen would happen. She should just go to every temple in Greece and beg for forgiveness. But what if that only annoys them more?
Melina noticed the man started working his way closer. Oh gods, he was going to see! “Triple!” she said through her teeth. Let no one notice.
The lady looked more mortified than anyone Avra had ever seen. In fact, she looked as though she was about to cry. No, this wouldn’t do at all. Business depended on customer satisfaction, and this woman was far from satisfied. This needed to be remedied—fast.
Avra made her smile even gentler as the lady joined her behind the table, looking small and uncomfortable under the shawl. “I think it was the jeweler. He’s been trying to get my attention of late,” she murmured with a shrugged, finding no reason to lie in this scenario. She glanced past the woman at the man in question, who was busy trying to convince a man that his wife needed new necklaces. “I’ll be having a stern word with him, in any case, about the damage he has caused.” This was not her fault. Avra needed to remember that, lest her happiness start to slip.
Avra had little time to dwell on the matter of the jeweler. There was a task to be done, and an anxious would-be customer to assist. Next thing she knew, however, the lady was crouched beneath the table, hidden by piles of tapestries and spools of thread. A glance around revealed a few potential culprits, mainly well-dressed men with an air of arrogance about them. It took no more than a moment to ‘accidentally’ knock a few tapestries from the table to better cover the stowaway, though Avra had to bite her lip to keep from cringing at the thought of her masterpieces hitting the ground. The way her table was arranged meant that the woman should now be fully hidden—the sides and front of the table were draped with wares to mere inches above the ground. Only if the man was particularly astute would be notice a disturbance below. Avra hoped the woman had enough sense to stay quiet. It wouldn’t be good for business for a wealthy man to discover Avra hiding a wealthy woman on the ground at her feet.
She smiled indulgently as the man approached, not outwardly acknowledging the woman’s promise of funds, though her heart lifted a bit. “Was there anything in particular you were looking for today, my lord?” she asked sweetly, gesturing at all her hard work. He grunted in response—lovely—and ran his hands over a few of the scarves, seeming to test the quality. “I assure you, all are made with love and care.” A brief discussion of price followed, and Avra painfully agreed to a slightly lower price in order to send him on his way as soon as possible. He took two pale pink scarves embroidered with gold and white flowers and walked away, Avra’s pockets barely any fuller. Her heart ached to part with her work for so little, knowing that each thread was infused with just a touch of her soul itself. Stories that she would never see again, and all for a nervous noblewoman hiding beneath a merchant’s table.
Her eyes flickered down to the stowaway, smiling peacefully. “The lord is gone, my lady. I watched him turn the corner.” A quick scan of the marketplace revealed no one else of similar status, unless they had taken to common clothes. “May I mend your chiton? I swear it will be fast, and no one will ever be able to tell it was ripped.”
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The lady looked more mortified than anyone Avra had ever seen. In fact, she looked as though she was about to cry. No, this wouldn’t do at all. Business depended on customer satisfaction, and this woman was far from satisfied. This needed to be remedied—fast.
Avra made her smile even gentler as the lady joined her behind the table, looking small and uncomfortable under the shawl. “I think it was the jeweler. He’s been trying to get my attention of late,” she murmured with a shrugged, finding no reason to lie in this scenario. She glanced past the woman at the man in question, who was busy trying to convince a man that his wife needed new necklaces. “I’ll be having a stern word with him, in any case, about the damage he has caused.” This was not her fault. Avra needed to remember that, lest her happiness start to slip.
Avra had little time to dwell on the matter of the jeweler. There was a task to be done, and an anxious would-be customer to assist. Next thing she knew, however, the lady was crouched beneath the table, hidden by piles of tapestries and spools of thread. A glance around revealed a few potential culprits, mainly well-dressed men with an air of arrogance about them. It took no more than a moment to ‘accidentally’ knock a few tapestries from the table to better cover the stowaway, though Avra had to bite her lip to keep from cringing at the thought of her masterpieces hitting the ground. The way her table was arranged meant that the woman should now be fully hidden—the sides and front of the table were draped with wares to mere inches above the ground. Only if the man was particularly astute would be notice a disturbance below. Avra hoped the woman had enough sense to stay quiet. It wouldn’t be good for business for a wealthy man to discover Avra hiding a wealthy woman on the ground at her feet.
She smiled indulgently as the man approached, not outwardly acknowledging the woman’s promise of funds, though her heart lifted a bit. “Was there anything in particular you were looking for today, my lord?” she asked sweetly, gesturing at all her hard work. He grunted in response—lovely—and ran his hands over a few of the scarves, seeming to test the quality. “I assure you, all are made with love and care.” A brief discussion of price followed, and Avra painfully agreed to a slightly lower price in order to send him on his way as soon as possible. He took two pale pink scarves embroidered with gold and white flowers and walked away, Avra’s pockets barely any fuller. Her heart ached to part with her work for so little, knowing that each thread was infused with just a touch of her soul itself. Stories that she would never see again, and all for a nervous noblewoman hiding beneath a merchant’s table.
Her eyes flickered down to the stowaway, smiling peacefully. “The lord is gone, my lady. I watched him turn the corner.” A quick scan of the marketplace revealed no one else of similar status, unless they had taken to common clothes. “May I mend your chiton? I swear it will be fast, and no one will ever be able to tell it was ripped.”
The lady looked more mortified than anyone Avra had ever seen. In fact, she looked as though she was about to cry. No, this wouldn’t do at all. Business depended on customer satisfaction, and this woman was far from satisfied. This needed to be remedied—fast.
Avra made her smile even gentler as the lady joined her behind the table, looking small and uncomfortable under the shawl. “I think it was the jeweler. He’s been trying to get my attention of late,” she murmured with a shrugged, finding no reason to lie in this scenario. She glanced past the woman at the man in question, who was busy trying to convince a man that his wife needed new necklaces. “I’ll be having a stern word with him, in any case, about the damage he has caused.” This was not her fault. Avra needed to remember that, lest her happiness start to slip.
Avra had little time to dwell on the matter of the jeweler. There was a task to be done, and an anxious would-be customer to assist. Next thing she knew, however, the lady was crouched beneath the table, hidden by piles of tapestries and spools of thread. A glance around revealed a few potential culprits, mainly well-dressed men with an air of arrogance about them. It took no more than a moment to ‘accidentally’ knock a few tapestries from the table to better cover the stowaway, though Avra had to bite her lip to keep from cringing at the thought of her masterpieces hitting the ground. The way her table was arranged meant that the woman should now be fully hidden—the sides and front of the table were draped with wares to mere inches above the ground. Only if the man was particularly astute would be notice a disturbance below. Avra hoped the woman had enough sense to stay quiet. It wouldn’t be good for business for a wealthy man to discover Avra hiding a wealthy woman on the ground at her feet.
She smiled indulgently as the man approached, not outwardly acknowledging the woman’s promise of funds, though her heart lifted a bit. “Was there anything in particular you were looking for today, my lord?” she asked sweetly, gesturing at all her hard work. He grunted in response—lovely—and ran his hands over a few of the scarves, seeming to test the quality. “I assure you, all are made with love and care.” A brief discussion of price followed, and Avra painfully agreed to a slightly lower price in order to send him on his way as soon as possible. He took two pale pink scarves embroidered with gold and white flowers and walked away, Avra’s pockets barely any fuller. Her heart ached to part with her work for so little, knowing that each thread was infused with just a touch of her soul itself. Stories that she would never see again, and all for a nervous noblewoman hiding beneath a merchant’s table.
Her eyes flickered down to the stowaway, smiling peacefully. “The lord is gone, my lady. I watched him turn the corner.” A quick scan of the marketplace revealed no one else of similar status, unless they had taken to common clothes. “May I mend your chiton? I swear it will be fast, and no one will ever be able to tell it was ripped.”
Wow. The man was ripping off this woman’s work! How rude! This man had money why did he have to be so cheap? Melina could not understand nobles. These people put all their livelyhoods into the goods they sold. Meanwhile they had everything they could want just for being born. So why not agree at the price the merchant originally asked for?
As Melina stewed over these thoughts she almost forgot that she, a Lady of Leventi, was on the floor underneath tapestries with a ripped chiton. This whole situation was ridiculous. She’d tell Dorothea about it. They could laugh. But no one else. They would make a fool out of her. Melina of Leventi, dirty and ratty like a poor commoner. Gods, she could already hear the gossips in Court. The cows.
The lord is gone, my lady. Oh thank the gods. Melina sheepishly emerged from her hiding spot and looked over at the merchant. “You must think me a fool.” She wouldn’t be the only one. Melina brushed the dirt off her knees and looked back to her. “It… Perhaps it is best I don’t explain.” Melina wouldn’t be able to get the right words. The whole situation was embarrassing.
“Right… go ahead. Thank you.” Melina smiled at her and turned to the hole towards the girl. “I’ll pay the difference as well. The man was ripping you off. It was so terribly rude. Even the blind could tell your work is worth more than a few owls. A drachmae, at least, if not two.” Well… maybe not two drachmae. Melina was being far too generous. But she was very grateful to the woman. A woman she didn’t even know the name of.
Oh right. Introductions. Melina was being rude. “I’m sorry. I hadn’t given you a name.” Honestly she didn’t typically introduce herself to merchants, but well… this one literally had her hands on her right now. “Lady Melina of Leventi.” Leventi. Gods Melina hated that name. She hated the wealth that came with it. Yes, it made things easier, but it carried with her a burden that she’d rather not have. The responsibility of her name was too heavy for a woman unworthy like her.
Not, of course, that she would say that. That was secrets best left for her diary. Not to a random stranger, no matter how kind she was. Speaking of kindness… how unkind of the jewler. What was going on between them, Melina wondered? “Is it that jewler that is giving you trouble?” Melina motioned her chin towards a table. “If so I will make sure that none of my jewels are bought from them any longer.” And losing Leventi business can hurt. “Or… I could have someone have a word with them. It’s not good for the business of the city to have two merchants fighting amongst each other. People should just get along.” Right? Or was she naive?
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Wow. The man was ripping off this woman’s work! How rude! This man had money why did he have to be so cheap? Melina could not understand nobles. These people put all their livelyhoods into the goods they sold. Meanwhile they had everything they could want just for being born. So why not agree at the price the merchant originally asked for?
As Melina stewed over these thoughts she almost forgot that she, a Lady of Leventi, was on the floor underneath tapestries with a ripped chiton. This whole situation was ridiculous. She’d tell Dorothea about it. They could laugh. But no one else. They would make a fool out of her. Melina of Leventi, dirty and ratty like a poor commoner. Gods, she could already hear the gossips in Court. The cows.
The lord is gone, my lady. Oh thank the gods. Melina sheepishly emerged from her hiding spot and looked over at the merchant. “You must think me a fool.” She wouldn’t be the only one. Melina brushed the dirt off her knees and looked back to her. “It… Perhaps it is best I don’t explain.” Melina wouldn’t be able to get the right words. The whole situation was embarrassing.
“Right… go ahead. Thank you.” Melina smiled at her and turned to the hole towards the girl. “I’ll pay the difference as well. The man was ripping you off. It was so terribly rude. Even the blind could tell your work is worth more than a few owls. A drachmae, at least, if not two.” Well… maybe not two drachmae. Melina was being far too generous. But she was very grateful to the woman. A woman she didn’t even know the name of.
Oh right. Introductions. Melina was being rude. “I’m sorry. I hadn’t given you a name.” Honestly she didn’t typically introduce herself to merchants, but well… this one literally had her hands on her right now. “Lady Melina of Leventi.” Leventi. Gods Melina hated that name. She hated the wealth that came with it. Yes, it made things easier, but it carried with her a burden that she’d rather not have. The responsibility of her name was too heavy for a woman unworthy like her.
Not, of course, that she would say that. That was secrets best left for her diary. Not to a random stranger, no matter how kind she was. Speaking of kindness… how unkind of the jewler. What was going on between them, Melina wondered? “Is it that jewler that is giving you trouble?” Melina motioned her chin towards a table. “If so I will make sure that none of my jewels are bought from them any longer.” And losing Leventi business can hurt. “Or… I could have someone have a word with them. It’s not good for the business of the city to have two merchants fighting amongst each other. People should just get along.” Right? Or was she naive?
Wow. The man was ripping off this woman’s work! How rude! This man had money why did he have to be so cheap? Melina could not understand nobles. These people put all their livelyhoods into the goods they sold. Meanwhile they had everything they could want just for being born. So why not agree at the price the merchant originally asked for?
As Melina stewed over these thoughts she almost forgot that she, a Lady of Leventi, was on the floor underneath tapestries with a ripped chiton. This whole situation was ridiculous. She’d tell Dorothea about it. They could laugh. But no one else. They would make a fool out of her. Melina of Leventi, dirty and ratty like a poor commoner. Gods, she could already hear the gossips in Court. The cows.
The lord is gone, my lady. Oh thank the gods. Melina sheepishly emerged from her hiding spot and looked over at the merchant. “You must think me a fool.” She wouldn’t be the only one. Melina brushed the dirt off her knees and looked back to her. “It… Perhaps it is best I don’t explain.” Melina wouldn’t be able to get the right words. The whole situation was embarrassing.
“Right… go ahead. Thank you.” Melina smiled at her and turned to the hole towards the girl. “I’ll pay the difference as well. The man was ripping you off. It was so terribly rude. Even the blind could tell your work is worth more than a few owls. A drachmae, at least, if not two.” Well… maybe not two drachmae. Melina was being far too generous. But she was very grateful to the woman. A woman she didn’t even know the name of.
Oh right. Introductions. Melina was being rude. “I’m sorry. I hadn’t given you a name.” Honestly she didn’t typically introduce herself to merchants, but well… this one literally had her hands on her right now. “Lady Melina of Leventi.” Leventi. Gods Melina hated that name. She hated the wealth that came with it. Yes, it made things easier, but it carried with her a burden that she’d rather not have. The responsibility of her name was too heavy for a woman unworthy like her.
Not, of course, that she would say that. That was secrets best left for her diary. Not to a random stranger, no matter how kind she was. Speaking of kindness… how unkind of the jewler. What was going on between them, Melina wondered? “Is it that jewler that is giving you trouble?” Melina motioned her chin towards a table. “If so I will make sure that none of my jewels are bought from them any longer.” And losing Leventi business can hurt. “Or… I could have someone have a word with them. It’s not good for the business of the city to have two merchants fighting amongst each other. People should just get along.” Right? Or was she naive?
The lady rose from the ground with some embarrassment, and Avra hurriedly picked up the ‘fallen’ tapestries and folded them neatly, intending to search them for any sign of disrepair as soon as she was alone. “I do not think you a fool, my lady,” Avra smiled, taking back up her needle and thread. Again, there was no need to lie. Avra was delighted—quite often she had to weave and alter her words into an appropriate stance and, while the woman might be a bit strange or shy, she was certainly not a fool. “Nothing transpired, after all.” A discreet wink followed her words; Avra had no need of blackmail and gossip was only a worthy pastime when no greater stories could be found.
Bending slightly to examine the rip—just above the woman’s hip, by lucky coincidence, a simple fix—Avra almost missed the introduction. Leventi… not only a noblewoman but a royal. Avra gasped slightly despite her best efforts, dipping her head even further in respect. It was exceedingly rare for Avra to find herself in the presence of someone so important, though not the first occasion. An evening spent with the king, for instance… “It is an honor, Lady Melina,” she replied, regaining her composure with relative ease, “I am called Avra.” It seemed such a dull name in comparison, and Avra almost felt a bubble of jealousy somewhere deep in her core. She wondered how someone with such a powerful name would feel compelled to hide under a merchant’s table. If Avra was royal, she would have faced the lord with a smile and a greeting, and her sheer confidence would have sewn up any hint of danger. Then again, perhaps there were things she didn’t understand about the royals and their society. She desperately wanted to learn, to float high above with ladies like Melina.
Lady Melina was a woman of kindness, too, to offer such lavish repayment. “I appreciate your extreme generosity, my lady,” Avra breathed, smiling all the brighter. Two drachmae. That would give her housing and food for much longer than she would ever care to stay. She bent again to begin mending the chiton, each stich tiny and neat, nearly invisible against the original fabric. Avra could have done such a job in under a minute, but for a lady of a royal house… it needed to be absolutely perfect. This could quite possibly be her biggest accomplishment ever.
She finished the stitching before responding to Lady Melina’s inquiries about the jeweler, her gently tinkling laughter nearly answer enough. There must have been a misunderstanding; Avra must not have been clear enough about the jeweler’s intentions, for the lady to think he meant her harm. Still, it was awfully sweet for the lady to offer assistance in the matter, contrived or not. Sweet and perhaps a little intimidating: was it truly so easy for a royal to destroy a livelihood? She ran a careful finger over her work, satisfied, before taking a step back to a respectful distance. “Oh, no, my lady. That won’t be necessary. I don’t believe he meant me any harm, it’s just…” Avra twirled a loose strand of hair and tucked it behind her ear with another smile, “He does not have the tact one might wish for from a suitor, and I have not been clear enough with him regarding my intentions, or lack thereof.” She shrugged a bit and nodded at the lady’s chiton. “If you like, I could embellish it with flowers or some such scene, though I’m sure the stitches are near invisible.”
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The lady rose from the ground with some embarrassment, and Avra hurriedly picked up the ‘fallen’ tapestries and folded them neatly, intending to search them for any sign of disrepair as soon as she was alone. “I do not think you a fool, my lady,” Avra smiled, taking back up her needle and thread. Again, there was no need to lie. Avra was delighted—quite often she had to weave and alter her words into an appropriate stance and, while the woman might be a bit strange or shy, she was certainly not a fool. “Nothing transpired, after all.” A discreet wink followed her words; Avra had no need of blackmail and gossip was only a worthy pastime when no greater stories could be found.
Bending slightly to examine the rip—just above the woman’s hip, by lucky coincidence, a simple fix—Avra almost missed the introduction. Leventi… not only a noblewoman but a royal. Avra gasped slightly despite her best efforts, dipping her head even further in respect. It was exceedingly rare for Avra to find herself in the presence of someone so important, though not the first occasion. An evening spent with the king, for instance… “It is an honor, Lady Melina,” she replied, regaining her composure with relative ease, “I am called Avra.” It seemed such a dull name in comparison, and Avra almost felt a bubble of jealousy somewhere deep in her core. She wondered how someone with such a powerful name would feel compelled to hide under a merchant’s table. If Avra was royal, she would have faced the lord with a smile and a greeting, and her sheer confidence would have sewn up any hint of danger. Then again, perhaps there were things she didn’t understand about the royals and their society. She desperately wanted to learn, to float high above with ladies like Melina.
Lady Melina was a woman of kindness, too, to offer such lavish repayment. “I appreciate your extreme generosity, my lady,” Avra breathed, smiling all the brighter. Two drachmae. That would give her housing and food for much longer than she would ever care to stay. She bent again to begin mending the chiton, each stich tiny and neat, nearly invisible against the original fabric. Avra could have done such a job in under a minute, but for a lady of a royal house… it needed to be absolutely perfect. This could quite possibly be her biggest accomplishment ever.
She finished the stitching before responding to Lady Melina’s inquiries about the jeweler, her gently tinkling laughter nearly answer enough. There must have been a misunderstanding; Avra must not have been clear enough about the jeweler’s intentions, for the lady to think he meant her harm. Still, it was awfully sweet for the lady to offer assistance in the matter, contrived or not. Sweet and perhaps a little intimidating: was it truly so easy for a royal to destroy a livelihood? She ran a careful finger over her work, satisfied, before taking a step back to a respectful distance. “Oh, no, my lady. That won’t be necessary. I don’t believe he meant me any harm, it’s just…” Avra twirled a loose strand of hair and tucked it behind her ear with another smile, “He does not have the tact one might wish for from a suitor, and I have not been clear enough with him regarding my intentions, or lack thereof.” She shrugged a bit and nodded at the lady’s chiton. “If you like, I could embellish it with flowers or some such scene, though I’m sure the stitches are near invisible.”
The lady rose from the ground with some embarrassment, and Avra hurriedly picked up the ‘fallen’ tapestries and folded them neatly, intending to search them for any sign of disrepair as soon as she was alone. “I do not think you a fool, my lady,” Avra smiled, taking back up her needle and thread. Again, there was no need to lie. Avra was delighted—quite often she had to weave and alter her words into an appropriate stance and, while the woman might be a bit strange or shy, she was certainly not a fool. “Nothing transpired, after all.” A discreet wink followed her words; Avra had no need of blackmail and gossip was only a worthy pastime when no greater stories could be found.
Bending slightly to examine the rip—just above the woman’s hip, by lucky coincidence, a simple fix—Avra almost missed the introduction. Leventi… not only a noblewoman but a royal. Avra gasped slightly despite her best efforts, dipping her head even further in respect. It was exceedingly rare for Avra to find herself in the presence of someone so important, though not the first occasion. An evening spent with the king, for instance… “It is an honor, Lady Melina,” she replied, regaining her composure with relative ease, “I am called Avra.” It seemed such a dull name in comparison, and Avra almost felt a bubble of jealousy somewhere deep in her core. She wondered how someone with such a powerful name would feel compelled to hide under a merchant’s table. If Avra was royal, she would have faced the lord with a smile and a greeting, and her sheer confidence would have sewn up any hint of danger. Then again, perhaps there were things she didn’t understand about the royals and their society. She desperately wanted to learn, to float high above with ladies like Melina.
Lady Melina was a woman of kindness, too, to offer such lavish repayment. “I appreciate your extreme generosity, my lady,” Avra breathed, smiling all the brighter. Two drachmae. That would give her housing and food for much longer than she would ever care to stay. She bent again to begin mending the chiton, each stich tiny and neat, nearly invisible against the original fabric. Avra could have done such a job in under a minute, but for a lady of a royal house… it needed to be absolutely perfect. This could quite possibly be her biggest accomplishment ever.
She finished the stitching before responding to Lady Melina’s inquiries about the jeweler, her gently tinkling laughter nearly answer enough. There must have been a misunderstanding; Avra must not have been clear enough about the jeweler’s intentions, for the lady to think he meant her harm. Still, it was awfully sweet for the lady to offer assistance in the matter, contrived or not. Sweet and perhaps a little intimidating: was it truly so easy for a royal to destroy a livelihood? She ran a careful finger over her work, satisfied, before taking a step back to a respectful distance. “Oh, no, my lady. That won’t be necessary. I don’t believe he meant me any harm, it’s just…” Avra twirled a loose strand of hair and tucked it behind her ear with another smile, “He does not have the tact one might wish for from a suitor, and I have not been clear enough with him regarding my intentions, or lack thereof.” She shrugged a bit and nodded at the lady’s chiton. “If you like, I could embellish it with flowers or some such scene, though I’m sure the stitches are near invisible.”
Melina had regretted saying two drachmae. That was quite a lot. Her embroidery was lovely, quite so, but were they worth two drachmae? Her mother would chastise her and her father would call her a fool. But Melina had said it, and the woman acknowledged those words, and so Melina was bound. Two drachmae for a fixed chiton and… purple embroidery.
Melina needed to think before she spoke. She needed to slow down and not let her words get the best of her. But Melina, as intelligent as she may be, was not good at thinking when it came to conversation. Now her wallet was suffering for it. Oh well, at least… she made someone happy? Did money buy friends, maybe? How… sad. Though perhaps it not best to rush thinking of friendship with a random commoner.
Melina’s eyes fell to the chiton. It really was patched incredibly well. It was so hidden, in fact, that had Melina not known what occurred she might not even notice it. Alas, this chiton was likely to be thrown away once she returned home. A Leventi would never be caught wearing mended clothing, even a Leventi as ordinary as Melina. But she could recognize the woman’s skill. Melina was saved the embarrassment of walking home clutching her side. (Or at least, until Xan returned to her.)
“Right, two drachmae.” Melina reached into her coin purse and dropped the two golden coins into the woman’s hand. Her mind was already calculating how many books she wouldn’t be able to buy this trip. But at least this was worth it. The woman should be pleased with the result. Was this a month’s wage for her? Two? Melina didn’t quite know what was considered normal to commoners. She hoped that it was a lot though because it sure felt like it to Melina.
But when she spoke of the jeweler Melina frowned. Just because you mean no harm doesn’t mean you don’t cause harm. Melina didn’t mean harm by some of the words she said, but she certainly caused it when an awkward situation suddenly arises or someone may be offended. But, also, leaving a hidden needle isn’t something done accidentally, is it? Melina was the master of not meaning harm but causing it nonetheless… but even she wouldn’t do that. Melina didn’t much like this jeweler. To Melina, he was incredibly rude. This woman was nice. He shouldn’t act that way.
“You should always be clear. But he shouldn’t have acted this way, nonetheless. There are times for kindness, but should you be too kind you will find yourself bullied.” Melina knew this from experience. “I would hate to see that happen. You seem a kind woman.” And kindness was something that Melina felt was lost in the world. People all around her seemed secretive and devious. (Well, except Dorothea and Xan of course.) Perhaps it was Melina too used to being hurt, she truly felt a kind soul deserved kindness in return.
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Melina had regretted saying two drachmae. That was quite a lot. Her embroidery was lovely, quite so, but were they worth two drachmae? Her mother would chastise her and her father would call her a fool. But Melina had said it, and the woman acknowledged those words, and so Melina was bound. Two drachmae for a fixed chiton and… purple embroidery.
Melina needed to think before she spoke. She needed to slow down and not let her words get the best of her. But Melina, as intelligent as she may be, was not good at thinking when it came to conversation. Now her wallet was suffering for it. Oh well, at least… she made someone happy? Did money buy friends, maybe? How… sad. Though perhaps it not best to rush thinking of friendship with a random commoner.
Melina’s eyes fell to the chiton. It really was patched incredibly well. It was so hidden, in fact, that had Melina not known what occurred she might not even notice it. Alas, this chiton was likely to be thrown away once she returned home. A Leventi would never be caught wearing mended clothing, even a Leventi as ordinary as Melina. But she could recognize the woman’s skill. Melina was saved the embarrassment of walking home clutching her side. (Or at least, until Xan returned to her.)
“Right, two drachmae.” Melina reached into her coin purse and dropped the two golden coins into the woman’s hand. Her mind was already calculating how many books she wouldn’t be able to buy this trip. But at least this was worth it. The woman should be pleased with the result. Was this a month’s wage for her? Two? Melina didn’t quite know what was considered normal to commoners. She hoped that it was a lot though because it sure felt like it to Melina.
But when she spoke of the jeweler Melina frowned. Just because you mean no harm doesn’t mean you don’t cause harm. Melina didn’t mean harm by some of the words she said, but she certainly caused it when an awkward situation suddenly arises or someone may be offended. But, also, leaving a hidden needle isn’t something done accidentally, is it? Melina was the master of not meaning harm but causing it nonetheless… but even she wouldn’t do that. Melina didn’t much like this jeweler. To Melina, he was incredibly rude. This woman was nice. He shouldn’t act that way.
“You should always be clear. But he shouldn’t have acted this way, nonetheless. There are times for kindness, but should you be too kind you will find yourself bullied.” Melina knew this from experience. “I would hate to see that happen. You seem a kind woman.” And kindness was something that Melina felt was lost in the world. People all around her seemed secretive and devious. (Well, except Dorothea and Xan of course.) Perhaps it was Melina too used to being hurt, she truly felt a kind soul deserved kindness in return.
Melina had regretted saying two drachmae. That was quite a lot. Her embroidery was lovely, quite so, but were they worth two drachmae? Her mother would chastise her and her father would call her a fool. But Melina had said it, and the woman acknowledged those words, and so Melina was bound. Two drachmae for a fixed chiton and… purple embroidery.
Melina needed to think before she spoke. She needed to slow down and not let her words get the best of her. But Melina, as intelligent as she may be, was not good at thinking when it came to conversation. Now her wallet was suffering for it. Oh well, at least… she made someone happy? Did money buy friends, maybe? How… sad. Though perhaps it not best to rush thinking of friendship with a random commoner.
Melina’s eyes fell to the chiton. It really was patched incredibly well. It was so hidden, in fact, that had Melina not known what occurred she might not even notice it. Alas, this chiton was likely to be thrown away once she returned home. A Leventi would never be caught wearing mended clothing, even a Leventi as ordinary as Melina. But she could recognize the woman’s skill. Melina was saved the embarrassment of walking home clutching her side. (Or at least, until Xan returned to her.)
“Right, two drachmae.” Melina reached into her coin purse and dropped the two golden coins into the woman’s hand. Her mind was already calculating how many books she wouldn’t be able to buy this trip. But at least this was worth it. The woman should be pleased with the result. Was this a month’s wage for her? Two? Melina didn’t quite know what was considered normal to commoners. She hoped that it was a lot though because it sure felt like it to Melina.
But when she spoke of the jeweler Melina frowned. Just because you mean no harm doesn’t mean you don’t cause harm. Melina didn’t mean harm by some of the words she said, but she certainly caused it when an awkward situation suddenly arises or someone may be offended. But, also, leaving a hidden needle isn’t something done accidentally, is it? Melina was the master of not meaning harm but causing it nonetheless… but even she wouldn’t do that. Melina didn’t much like this jeweler. To Melina, he was incredibly rude. This woman was nice. He shouldn’t act that way.
“You should always be clear. But he shouldn’t have acted this way, nonetheless. There are times for kindness, but should you be too kind you will find yourself bullied.” Melina knew this from experience. “I would hate to see that happen. You seem a kind woman.” And kindness was something that Melina felt was lost in the world. People all around her seemed secretive and devious. (Well, except Dorothea and Xan of course.) Perhaps it was Melina too used to being hurt, she truly felt a kind soul deserved kindness in return.
Avra ran her fingers over the two drachmae, keeping her eyes respectfully levelled in an attempt to avoid drawing attention to her fascination. These coins… this was the start of a fortune Avra could scarcely dream of (though she did so every night). How had she been so lucky? What could she have done to warrant such a lovely chance encounter? Thank you, she thought, making a note to pray properly to every god later on. “Thank you,” she breathed, stowing the coins carefully in her bag.
Her eyes returned to the nearly invisible rip, still searching for any potential flaws in her handiwork. There were none, of course, but it would not do to generate a boycott from a royal family if Lady Melina were to discover an error later on. Avra almost missed the lady’s next words, so lost was she in the search for flaws and the fantasy of piles of coins.
It would not do to argue with a royal lady. There was no sense in saying that her kindness was the primary reason that people were kind to her in return. Lady Melina had gotten it in her head that the jeweler was a spiteful man, but Avra simply found him tiresome. The pin had been a gift, and he had been too awkward or too sly to hand it to her. A simple mistake, not a malicious one. People were kind to the embroiderer because she was talented and beautiful and acted as though the world was the fluffiest of clouds. As far as Avra was concerned, she could only float on the cloud as long as she kept herself light and bright enough to stay atop it. “My attempts at kindness could never compare to your own, my lady,” she settled on, smiling brightly at her newest benefactor. She hoped Lady Melina did not think her comments disingenuous; that was always Avra’s fear. She knew from experience that many people were prone to disbelief that others could contain genuine love and kindness for all people. It was Avra’s wish to spread the truth: love and joy were the brightest lights in existence and could never be so tainted.
“But I shall be careful, nonetheless. It would be a tragedy to see another beautiful lady’s clothes disfigured by a bully.” Avra cast a glance at the jeweler, who for once did not appear to be listening in. Guilt clawed halfheartedly at her stomach; he was not a bully, and her libel did not become her.
Her face brightened again as she resumed straightening the already perfect display, long fingers lovingly tracing each design they came across. “Please, feel free to return whenever suits you. It would be the ultimate honor to design a piece embellishing your beauty, my lady.” Avra could see it now: a forest green shawl with dimly lit flowers filling a grotto. Beautiful, but leaving room for its owner to shine brightest of all. After all, that was what art was best at: highlighting the beauty the gods already created. And the royals possessed the greatest beauty of all.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Avra ran her fingers over the two drachmae, keeping her eyes respectfully levelled in an attempt to avoid drawing attention to her fascination. These coins… this was the start of a fortune Avra could scarcely dream of (though she did so every night). How had she been so lucky? What could she have done to warrant such a lovely chance encounter? Thank you, she thought, making a note to pray properly to every god later on. “Thank you,” she breathed, stowing the coins carefully in her bag.
Her eyes returned to the nearly invisible rip, still searching for any potential flaws in her handiwork. There were none, of course, but it would not do to generate a boycott from a royal family if Lady Melina were to discover an error later on. Avra almost missed the lady’s next words, so lost was she in the search for flaws and the fantasy of piles of coins.
It would not do to argue with a royal lady. There was no sense in saying that her kindness was the primary reason that people were kind to her in return. Lady Melina had gotten it in her head that the jeweler was a spiteful man, but Avra simply found him tiresome. The pin had been a gift, and he had been too awkward or too sly to hand it to her. A simple mistake, not a malicious one. People were kind to the embroiderer because she was talented and beautiful and acted as though the world was the fluffiest of clouds. As far as Avra was concerned, she could only float on the cloud as long as she kept herself light and bright enough to stay atop it. “My attempts at kindness could never compare to your own, my lady,” she settled on, smiling brightly at her newest benefactor. She hoped Lady Melina did not think her comments disingenuous; that was always Avra’s fear. She knew from experience that many people were prone to disbelief that others could contain genuine love and kindness for all people. It was Avra’s wish to spread the truth: love and joy were the brightest lights in existence and could never be so tainted.
“But I shall be careful, nonetheless. It would be a tragedy to see another beautiful lady’s clothes disfigured by a bully.” Avra cast a glance at the jeweler, who for once did not appear to be listening in. Guilt clawed halfheartedly at her stomach; he was not a bully, and her libel did not become her.
Her face brightened again as she resumed straightening the already perfect display, long fingers lovingly tracing each design they came across. “Please, feel free to return whenever suits you. It would be the ultimate honor to design a piece embellishing your beauty, my lady.” Avra could see it now: a forest green shawl with dimly lit flowers filling a grotto. Beautiful, but leaving room for its owner to shine brightest of all. After all, that was what art was best at: highlighting the beauty the gods already created. And the royals possessed the greatest beauty of all.
Avra ran her fingers over the two drachmae, keeping her eyes respectfully levelled in an attempt to avoid drawing attention to her fascination. These coins… this was the start of a fortune Avra could scarcely dream of (though she did so every night). How had she been so lucky? What could she have done to warrant such a lovely chance encounter? Thank you, she thought, making a note to pray properly to every god later on. “Thank you,” she breathed, stowing the coins carefully in her bag.
Her eyes returned to the nearly invisible rip, still searching for any potential flaws in her handiwork. There were none, of course, but it would not do to generate a boycott from a royal family if Lady Melina were to discover an error later on. Avra almost missed the lady’s next words, so lost was she in the search for flaws and the fantasy of piles of coins.
It would not do to argue with a royal lady. There was no sense in saying that her kindness was the primary reason that people were kind to her in return. Lady Melina had gotten it in her head that the jeweler was a spiteful man, but Avra simply found him tiresome. The pin had been a gift, and he had been too awkward or too sly to hand it to her. A simple mistake, not a malicious one. People were kind to the embroiderer because she was talented and beautiful and acted as though the world was the fluffiest of clouds. As far as Avra was concerned, she could only float on the cloud as long as she kept herself light and bright enough to stay atop it. “My attempts at kindness could never compare to your own, my lady,” she settled on, smiling brightly at her newest benefactor. She hoped Lady Melina did not think her comments disingenuous; that was always Avra’s fear. She knew from experience that many people were prone to disbelief that others could contain genuine love and kindness for all people. It was Avra’s wish to spread the truth: love and joy were the brightest lights in existence and could never be so tainted.
“But I shall be careful, nonetheless. It would be a tragedy to see another beautiful lady’s clothes disfigured by a bully.” Avra cast a glance at the jeweler, who for once did not appear to be listening in. Guilt clawed halfheartedly at her stomach; he was not a bully, and her libel did not become her.
Her face brightened again as she resumed straightening the already perfect display, long fingers lovingly tracing each design they came across. “Please, feel free to return whenever suits you. It would be the ultimate honor to design a piece embellishing your beauty, my lady.” Avra could see it now: a forest green shawl with dimly lit flowers filling a grotto. Beautiful, but leaving room for its owner to shine brightest of all. After all, that was what art was best at: highlighting the beauty the gods already created. And the royals possessed the greatest beauty of all.