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Melina didn’t like court. She hated it, in fact. It was filled with beautiful women who would laugh and mingle and then there was Melina… awkward and uncharismatic. She tried to be confident, oh gods how she cried. She’d put her shoulders back, tilt her chin up, and walk just like she was taught to. But as soon as she saw her cousins, with their gorgeous smiles and laughs that were almost like music… Melina would find her confidence slipping away.
I am Nobody.
She knew that she wasn’t. She was Melina of Leventi, second daughter to Fotios of Leventi. Her family was rich and very powerful. She was rich and somewhat powerful. Except… none of that mattered. Because when people looked at her they did not see a Leventi. Leventi were beautiful, Leventi were charming, Leventi were everything that Melina was not.
I am an outsider.
That she was. Melina preferred to read books than to drink wine and gossip among people far cattier than she is. She preferred solitude than company. She wished she could be like Dorothea, alone in the woods with no one around but family. The woods were scary, and with someone as clumsy as Melina very dangerous. But nature was beautiful, and she wouldn’t have to talk or even go to court. When was the last time anyone saw the Dimitrou at court after all.
Why am I even here?
Obligation. As much as Melina thought she was not welcomed, she was still a Leventi. And obligation brought her to court on this day. She had to be proper. She had to come, as a Lady of Leventi is expected to. She couldn’t possibly understand the people who were excited by court. Those were the people who likely never came, she was sure. Guests of different Lords and Ladies. Or maybe it was the ones who loved gossip? Melina didn’t like gossip, in particular when they were about her.
Melina stood awkwardly in the corner. She watched as people went to and fro and talked amongst each other. Melina wanted to talk. She wanted to be a social butterfly, but she was worried. What if she made a mistake? What if she did something wrong? And with Xanthippe not by her side as she usually was, Melina felt even less prepared. Xan would protect her if something went wrong typically. She would find her an out, a means of escaping. But if Xan wasn’t here, Melina was all on her own. A terrifying prospect- and one that was sure that would lead to disaster.
Wine. Melina needed wine. That would make it look less awkward, right? At the very least it would give her something to do. Right, get herself a glass, and she can figure it out later. Melina steeled herself and walked around the room where there was a table of goblets, each with Taengea’s finest wine. As she went to step she realized there was a woman in her way. “Excuse me,” Melina said quietly. “I’d like to get some wine.” She pointed towards the table she was blocking.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Melina didn’t like court. She hated it, in fact. It was filled with beautiful women who would laugh and mingle and then there was Melina… awkward and uncharismatic. She tried to be confident, oh gods how she cried. She’d put her shoulders back, tilt her chin up, and walk just like she was taught to. But as soon as she saw her cousins, with their gorgeous smiles and laughs that were almost like music… Melina would find her confidence slipping away.
I am Nobody.
She knew that she wasn’t. She was Melina of Leventi, second daughter to Fotios of Leventi. Her family was rich and very powerful. She was rich and somewhat powerful. Except… none of that mattered. Because when people looked at her they did not see a Leventi. Leventi were beautiful, Leventi were charming, Leventi were everything that Melina was not.
I am an outsider.
That she was. Melina preferred to read books than to drink wine and gossip among people far cattier than she is. She preferred solitude than company. She wished she could be like Dorothea, alone in the woods with no one around but family. The woods were scary, and with someone as clumsy as Melina very dangerous. But nature was beautiful, and she wouldn’t have to talk or even go to court. When was the last time anyone saw the Dimitrou at court after all.
Why am I even here?
Obligation. As much as Melina thought she was not welcomed, she was still a Leventi. And obligation brought her to court on this day. She had to be proper. She had to come, as a Lady of Leventi is expected to. She couldn’t possibly understand the people who were excited by court. Those were the people who likely never came, she was sure. Guests of different Lords and Ladies. Or maybe it was the ones who loved gossip? Melina didn’t like gossip, in particular when they were about her.
Melina stood awkwardly in the corner. She watched as people went to and fro and talked amongst each other. Melina wanted to talk. She wanted to be a social butterfly, but she was worried. What if she made a mistake? What if she did something wrong? And with Xanthippe not by her side as she usually was, Melina felt even less prepared. Xan would protect her if something went wrong typically. She would find her an out, a means of escaping. But if Xan wasn’t here, Melina was all on her own. A terrifying prospect- and one that was sure that would lead to disaster.
Wine. Melina needed wine. That would make it look less awkward, right? At the very least it would give her something to do. Right, get herself a glass, and she can figure it out later. Melina steeled herself and walked around the room where there was a table of goblets, each with Taengea’s finest wine. As she went to step she realized there was a woman in her way. “Excuse me,” Melina said quietly. “I’d like to get some wine.” She pointed towards the table she was blocking.
Melina didn’t like court. She hated it, in fact. It was filled with beautiful women who would laugh and mingle and then there was Melina… awkward and uncharismatic. She tried to be confident, oh gods how she cried. She’d put her shoulders back, tilt her chin up, and walk just like she was taught to. But as soon as she saw her cousins, with their gorgeous smiles and laughs that were almost like music… Melina would find her confidence slipping away.
I am Nobody.
She knew that she wasn’t. She was Melina of Leventi, second daughter to Fotios of Leventi. Her family was rich and very powerful. She was rich and somewhat powerful. Except… none of that mattered. Because when people looked at her they did not see a Leventi. Leventi were beautiful, Leventi were charming, Leventi were everything that Melina was not.
I am an outsider.
That she was. Melina preferred to read books than to drink wine and gossip among people far cattier than she is. She preferred solitude than company. She wished she could be like Dorothea, alone in the woods with no one around but family. The woods were scary, and with someone as clumsy as Melina very dangerous. But nature was beautiful, and she wouldn’t have to talk or even go to court. When was the last time anyone saw the Dimitrou at court after all.
Why am I even here?
Obligation. As much as Melina thought she was not welcomed, she was still a Leventi. And obligation brought her to court on this day. She had to be proper. She had to come, as a Lady of Leventi is expected to. She couldn’t possibly understand the people who were excited by court. Those were the people who likely never came, she was sure. Guests of different Lords and Ladies. Or maybe it was the ones who loved gossip? Melina didn’t like gossip, in particular when they were about her.
Melina stood awkwardly in the corner. She watched as people went to and fro and talked amongst each other. Melina wanted to talk. She wanted to be a social butterfly, but she was worried. What if she made a mistake? What if she did something wrong? And with Xanthippe not by her side as she usually was, Melina felt even less prepared. Xan would protect her if something went wrong typically. She would find her an out, a means of escaping. But if Xan wasn’t here, Melina was all on her own. A terrifying prospect- and one that was sure that would lead to disaster.
Wine. Melina needed wine. That would make it look less awkward, right? At the very least it would give her something to do. Right, get herself a glass, and she can figure it out later. Melina steeled herself and walked around the room where there was a table of goblets, each with Taengea’s finest wine. As she went to step she realized there was a woman in her way. “Excuse me,” Melina said quietly. “I’d like to get some wine.” She pointed towards the table she was blocking.
It was funny how you could be in a room filled with people and yet feel entirely alone. Tasia should be used to the feeling by now, but there was something about being in court and surrounded with so many women she knew would sell her secrets faster than a sellsword could kill. Not that Tasia was any different, but...She felt different when her mother and sister were with her, less alone, less of a guest.
When Meena was in court with her, Tasia swore they were queens in their own right. They spun and wove their web until nearly everyone in the room was tangled up some how. And when she had Sara by her side, she could say what she wanted and mean it, because her secrets were safe. When she had Sara, she didn’t feel all that alone in a room filled with people. But they were not here and Tasia was alone, even when she had two girls on either side of her blabbering away. “You look so lovely today, Tasia!”
“She looks lovely everyday, Andreia.”
“Yes, well, I only meant she looks it especially today!” Andreia huffed defensively, eyeing her cousin up and down before turning her gaze to Tasia. “Your peplos is new, isn’t it? I love it!” Andreia and Calla were the closest thing Tasia could ever call friends and cousins. You wouldn’t know it, with how differently they appeared and acted. While Andreia was all bark and no bite, fair in color and heart, Calla was gloomy and annoyed with hair three shades darker than Tasia’s. The trio had known each other for years after their mothers introduced them and the rest was, well, history. She didn’t trust them as far as she could throw them, but they were interesting enough. “It is!” Tasia replied, genuinely pleased someone had noticed.
The fabric was a faded light purple, so light it very well may have been white; double layered, and pinched at the waist with a belt, it showed off her figure without being too obvious and the hems were embroidered with silver and gold thread. She had it made to match her kitten, not that she’d tell them that. “I’m so glad you noticed, I absolutely love it.” It wasn’t even a lie. Tasia pretended she didn’t notice Andreia poking her tongue out at Calla, who in reply curled her lip, and instead returned her own gaze to the masses. Despite the music and lively chatter, she felt bored. Why hadn’t Sara come again? She couldn’t remember... “Look! Wait, you can’t both look, don’t look Cal! Tasia, isn’t that...um, I forgot her name.”
Tasia resisted the urge to roll back her eyes and followed Andreia’s line of sight. “Ah,” she murmured, “I can’t remember her name, either. I don’t think she’s from here. Cal?”
Calla shrugged, more interested in her wine. Ugh. Tasia and Andreia shared a look before they both agreed upon introducing themselves to the new girl. After all, one couldn’t have too many friends. Andreia, because it was mostly her idea and she insisted, made her approach first. Tasia could care less. Instead she turned to converse with Calla only to be interrupted. “Excuse me.” The voice was so soft Tasia wasn’t sure she even heard it. Calla glanced at Tasia and Tasia glanced at the newcomer. Something in her screamed that she should know exactly who was in front of her, but no name came forth; her mother would have been disappointed. The woman before her looked so much like a wounded doe that it nearly took Tasia aback. Not even Sara could manage such a sad look.
“Oh, forgive me!” Tasia murmured before she turned and grabbed a goblet from the table and offered it to the sad woman. Calla’s smile was tight lipped but friendly, until she looked over Tasia’s shoulder to where Andreia had disappeared and frowned. At what, Tasia wasn’t sure, but Cal squeezed her shoulder, excused herself and left. Typical. Tasia didn’t want to be alone! Where was the rest of her circle? Ugh! “Not having fun?” She questioned the maybe-stranger lightly, a soft smile on her lips.
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It was funny how you could be in a room filled with people and yet feel entirely alone. Tasia should be used to the feeling by now, but there was something about being in court and surrounded with so many women she knew would sell her secrets faster than a sellsword could kill. Not that Tasia was any different, but...She felt different when her mother and sister were with her, less alone, less of a guest.
When Meena was in court with her, Tasia swore they were queens in their own right. They spun and wove their web until nearly everyone in the room was tangled up some how. And when she had Sara by her side, she could say what she wanted and mean it, because her secrets were safe. When she had Sara, she didn’t feel all that alone in a room filled with people. But they were not here and Tasia was alone, even when she had two girls on either side of her blabbering away. “You look so lovely today, Tasia!”
“She looks lovely everyday, Andreia.”
“Yes, well, I only meant she looks it especially today!” Andreia huffed defensively, eyeing her cousin up and down before turning her gaze to Tasia. “Your peplos is new, isn’t it? I love it!” Andreia and Calla were the closest thing Tasia could ever call friends and cousins. You wouldn’t know it, with how differently they appeared and acted. While Andreia was all bark and no bite, fair in color and heart, Calla was gloomy and annoyed with hair three shades darker than Tasia’s. The trio had known each other for years after their mothers introduced them and the rest was, well, history. She didn’t trust them as far as she could throw them, but they were interesting enough. “It is!” Tasia replied, genuinely pleased someone had noticed.
The fabric was a faded light purple, so light it very well may have been white; double layered, and pinched at the waist with a belt, it showed off her figure without being too obvious and the hems were embroidered with silver and gold thread. She had it made to match her kitten, not that she’d tell them that. “I’m so glad you noticed, I absolutely love it.” It wasn’t even a lie. Tasia pretended she didn’t notice Andreia poking her tongue out at Calla, who in reply curled her lip, and instead returned her own gaze to the masses. Despite the music and lively chatter, she felt bored. Why hadn’t Sara come again? She couldn’t remember... “Look! Wait, you can’t both look, don’t look Cal! Tasia, isn’t that...um, I forgot her name.”
Tasia resisted the urge to roll back her eyes and followed Andreia’s line of sight. “Ah,” she murmured, “I can’t remember her name, either. I don’t think she’s from here. Cal?”
Calla shrugged, more interested in her wine. Ugh. Tasia and Andreia shared a look before they both agreed upon introducing themselves to the new girl. After all, one couldn’t have too many friends. Andreia, because it was mostly her idea and she insisted, made her approach first. Tasia could care less. Instead she turned to converse with Calla only to be interrupted. “Excuse me.” The voice was so soft Tasia wasn’t sure she even heard it. Calla glanced at Tasia and Tasia glanced at the newcomer. Something in her screamed that she should know exactly who was in front of her, but no name came forth; her mother would have been disappointed. The woman before her looked so much like a wounded doe that it nearly took Tasia aback. Not even Sara could manage such a sad look.
“Oh, forgive me!” Tasia murmured before she turned and grabbed a goblet from the table and offered it to the sad woman. Calla’s smile was tight lipped but friendly, until she looked over Tasia’s shoulder to where Andreia had disappeared and frowned. At what, Tasia wasn’t sure, but Cal squeezed her shoulder, excused herself and left. Typical. Tasia didn’t want to be alone! Where was the rest of her circle? Ugh! “Not having fun?” She questioned the maybe-stranger lightly, a soft smile on her lips.
It was funny how you could be in a room filled with people and yet feel entirely alone. Tasia should be used to the feeling by now, but there was something about being in court and surrounded with so many women she knew would sell her secrets faster than a sellsword could kill. Not that Tasia was any different, but...She felt different when her mother and sister were with her, less alone, less of a guest.
When Meena was in court with her, Tasia swore they were queens in their own right. They spun and wove their web until nearly everyone in the room was tangled up some how. And when she had Sara by her side, she could say what she wanted and mean it, because her secrets were safe. When she had Sara, she didn’t feel all that alone in a room filled with people. But they were not here and Tasia was alone, even when she had two girls on either side of her blabbering away. “You look so lovely today, Tasia!”
“She looks lovely everyday, Andreia.”
“Yes, well, I only meant she looks it especially today!” Andreia huffed defensively, eyeing her cousin up and down before turning her gaze to Tasia. “Your peplos is new, isn’t it? I love it!” Andreia and Calla were the closest thing Tasia could ever call friends and cousins. You wouldn’t know it, with how differently they appeared and acted. While Andreia was all bark and no bite, fair in color and heart, Calla was gloomy and annoyed with hair three shades darker than Tasia’s. The trio had known each other for years after their mothers introduced them and the rest was, well, history. She didn’t trust them as far as she could throw them, but they were interesting enough. “It is!” Tasia replied, genuinely pleased someone had noticed.
The fabric was a faded light purple, so light it very well may have been white; double layered, and pinched at the waist with a belt, it showed off her figure without being too obvious and the hems were embroidered with silver and gold thread. She had it made to match her kitten, not that she’d tell them that. “I’m so glad you noticed, I absolutely love it.” It wasn’t even a lie. Tasia pretended she didn’t notice Andreia poking her tongue out at Calla, who in reply curled her lip, and instead returned her own gaze to the masses. Despite the music and lively chatter, she felt bored. Why hadn’t Sara come again? She couldn’t remember... “Look! Wait, you can’t both look, don’t look Cal! Tasia, isn’t that...um, I forgot her name.”
Tasia resisted the urge to roll back her eyes and followed Andreia’s line of sight. “Ah,” she murmured, “I can’t remember her name, either. I don’t think she’s from here. Cal?”
Calla shrugged, more interested in her wine. Ugh. Tasia and Andreia shared a look before they both agreed upon introducing themselves to the new girl. After all, one couldn’t have too many friends. Andreia, because it was mostly her idea and she insisted, made her approach first. Tasia could care less. Instead she turned to converse with Calla only to be interrupted. “Excuse me.” The voice was so soft Tasia wasn’t sure she even heard it. Calla glanced at Tasia and Tasia glanced at the newcomer. Something in her screamed that she should know exactly who was in front of her, but no name came forth; her mother would have been disappointed. The woman before her looked so much like a wounded doe that it nearly took Tasia aback. Not even Sara could manage such a sad look.
“Oh, forgive me!” Tasia murmured before she turned and grabbed a goblet from the table and offered it to the sad woman. Calla’s smile was tight lipped but friendly, until she looked over Tasia’s shoulder to where Andreia had disappeared and frowned. At what, Tasia wasn’t sure, but Cal squeezed her shoulder, excused herself and left. Typical. Tasia didn’t want to be alone! Where was the rest of her circle? Ugh! “Not having fun?” She questioned the maybe-stranger lightly, a soft smile on her lips.
Melina had hoped that she would be able to retrieve the wine and not make conversation. She didn't do well with conversation. Surely she would embarrass herself. But as the wine was passed to her and one of the women left, the other spoke.
Not having fun?
Melina wanted to cringe. No, she wasn't having fun. Was it that obvious? Did her face betray her emotions? Did her eyes? Could Melina not hide anything? If this woman noticed, did her father or mother see as well? This was court. She should flourish. Instead she was just obviously... a grump. Her parents would have words with her when court was finished if she did not at least try to participate.
Quickly she took a sip of the wine and when she lowered the goblet again there was a smile. She had to play it off right? "Oh, no my mind was just elsewhere for a moment." She said flippantly, while her stomach was doing backflips. Wait, did it make her sound like she thought little of court? Did she sound like she didn't care?
Melina wanted to look around. She wanted to see if she could find one of her sister's. Maybe if she met their gaze they would understand and come to help and at least not let her make a fool of herself. But she knew if she looked around with a paniced expression this woman would think little of her. Melina had to keep calm and continue to smile, lest she make this even more uncomfortable for the two of them.
Who is this woman? Melina thought after a moment. She was no royal, that much was certain. There are only two daughters of the Dimitrou, one of which was her dear friend and the other was her younger sister. This was not Princess Xene or Gianna. Melina may not be friends with either, but she could at least recognize them. And this was not one of her many cousins. A Baroness from one of the provinces perhaps? Or maybe she came as someone's guest?
Melina hated these situations the most. She knew most of the nobility in Taengea, and with her memory she could easily put face to name. But Melina was no stranger to making mistakes, and she did not want to risk offending the woman by calling her by the wrong title. People could be so picky when it came to that. And simultaneously she would look like a fool if she assumed Lady and it turned out this woman was nothing more than a commoner, or worse... one of the Argothian hetaera.
Oh, maybe Melina should introduce herself. At the very least she knew that she had not met the woman. It was only proper. Right. Or should she walk away? Was that cold? She should keep talking, right? "Oh, excuse me I'm being rude. I'm Lady Melina of Leventi," Melina took another nervous sip of wine. She probably knew that, right? She was a Leventi. Maybe this was silly. But then again... she was the forgotten Leventi.
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Melina had hoped that she would be able to retrieve the wine and not make conversation. She didn't do well with conversation. Surely she would embarrass herself. But as the wine was passed to her and one of the women left, the other spoke.
Not having fun?
Melina wanted to cringe. No, she wasn't having fun. Was it that obvious? Did her face betray her emotions? Did her eyes? Could Melina not hide anything? If this woman noticed, did her father or mother see as well? This was court. She should flourish. Instead she was just obviously... a grump. Her parents would have words with her when court was finished if she did not at least try to participate.
Quickly she took a sip of the wine and when she lowered the goblet again there was a smile. She had to play it off right? "Oh, no my mind was just elsewhere for a moment." She said flippantly, while her stomach was doing backflips. Wait, did it make her sound like she thought little of court? Did she sound like she didn't care?
Melina wanted to look around. She wanted to see if she could find one of her sister's. Maybe if she met their gaze they would understand and come to help and at least not let her make a fool of herself. But she knew if she looked around with a paniced expression this woman would think little of her. Melina had to keep calm and continue to smile, lest she make this even more uncomfortable for the two of them.
Who is this woman? Melina thought after a moment. She was no royal, that much was certain. There are only two daughters of the Dimitrou, one of which was her dear friend and the other was her younger sister. This was not Princess Xene or Gianna. Melina may not be friends with either, but she could at least recognize them. And this was not one of her many cousins. A Baroness from one of the provinces perhaps? Or maybe she came as someone's guest?
Melina hated these situations the most. She knew most of the nobility in Taengea, and with her memory she could easily put face to name. But Melina was no stranger to making mistakes, and she did not want to risk offending the woman by calling her by the wrong title. People could be so picky when it came to that. And simultaneously she would look like a fool if she assumed Lady and it turned out this woman was nothing more than a commoner, or worse... one of the Argothian hetaera.
Oh, maybe Melina should introduce herself. At the very least she knew that she had not met the woman. It was only proper. Right. Or should she walk away? Was that cold? She should keep talking, right? "Oh, excuse me I'm being rude. I'm Lady Melina of Leventi," Melina took another nervous sip of wine. She probably knew that, right? She was a Leventi. Maybe this was silly. But then again... she was the forgotten Leventi.
Melina had hoped that she would be able to retrieve the wine and not make conversation. She didn't do well with conversation. Surely she would embarrass herself. But as the wine was passed to her and one of the women left, the other spoke.
Not having fun?
Melina wanted to cringe. No, she wasn't having fun. Was it that obvious? Did her face betray her emotions? Did her eyes? Could Melina not hide anything? If this woman noticed, did her father or mother see as well? This was court. She should flourish. Instead she was just obviously... a grump. Her parents would have words with her when court was finished if she did not at least try to participate.
Quickly she took a sip of the wine and when she lowered the goblet again there was a smile. She had to play it off right? "Oh, no my mind was just elsewhere for a moment." She said flippantly, while her stomach was doing backflips. Wait, did it make her sound like she thought little of court? Did she sound like she didn't care?
Melina wanted to look around. She wanted to see if she could find one of her sister's. Maybe if she met their gaze they would understand and come to help and at least not let her make a fool of herself. But she knew if she looked around with a paniced expression this woman would think little of her. Melina had to keep calm and continue to smile, lest she make this even more uncomfortable for the two of them.
Who is this woman? Melina thought after a moment. She was no royal, that much was certain. There are only two daughters of the Dimitrou, one of which was her dear friend and the other was her younger sister. This was not Princess Xene or Gianna. Melina may not be friends with either, but she could at least recognize them. And this was not one of her many cousins. A Baroness from one of the provinces perhaps? Or maybe she came as someone's guest?
Melina hated these situations the most. She knew most of the nobility in Taengea, and with her memory she could easily put face to name. But Melina was no stranger to making mistakes, and she did not want to risk offending the woman by calling her by the wrong title. People could be so picky when it came to that. And simultaneously she would look like a fool if she assumed Lady and it turned out this woman was nothing more than a commoner, or worse... one of the Argothian hetaera.
Oh, maybe Melina should introduce herself. At the very least she knew that she had not met the woman. It was only proper. Right. Or should she walk away? Was that cold? She should keep talking, right? "Oh, excuse me I'm being rude. I'm Lady Melina of Leventi," Melina took another nervous sip of wine. She probably knew that, right? She was a Leventi. Maybe this was silly. But then again... she was the forgotten Leventi.
She watched quietly as the woman raised the glass to her lips, patient and predatory as she searched her brain for a name. She knew who this was! Her name was on the tip of her tongue! Who, who, who, she pondered, but again and again and again she had no name. Tasia couldn’t be certain they’d ever spoken before, but her face was familiar, and Tasia prided herself in knowing everyone! So how could she have possibly forgotten whoever this was...? Maybe she’d had too much to drink? Ha, no, she hadn’t even had a sip! How bothersome. “Ah, I see.” She responded. “Personally, being around so many people fills me to the brim with anxiety. I feel like their eyes are on me at all times.” She offered quietly, testing the waters. The other woman seemed like the quiet sort, someone like Sara, but Tasia could be wrong.
“It’s easier when you have friends, though, don’t you think?” Another silence fell over the two as they both examined one another. She wondered what the sad woman thought when she saw her. Does she like my peplos? Tasia wondered absentmindedly. I don’t think she knows who I am. Well, at least that meant Tasia wasn’t the only fool here, but she took no offense. She was used to it, after all. She was a bastard, an outsider looking in. She might have her circle, but Tasia wasn’t one of them.
“Not at all!” She replied, and immediately felt her heart snag. Her smile did not falter. Leventi. Of course she was! How hadn’t she seen it? The raven brown hair, the eyes. She hadn’t any of the Leventi mannerisms, but it seemed so obvious now. She gave a quick dip before she batted her lashes and shyly twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Melina! I am Tasia of Vasiliádon. I believe our mothers are acquainted..?”
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She watched quietly as the woman raised the glass to her lips, patient and predatory as she searched her brain for a name. She knew who this was! Her name was on the tip of her tongue! Who, who, who, she pondered, but again and again and again she had no name. Tasia couldn’t be certain they’d ever spoken before, but her face was familiar, and Tasia prided herself in knowing everyone! So how could she have possibly forgotten whoever this was...? Maybe she’d had too much to drink? Ha, no, she hadn’t even had a sip! How bothersome. “Ah, I see.” She responded. “Personally, being around so many people fills me to the brim with anxiety. I feel like their eyes are on me at all times.” She offered quietly, testing the waters. The other woman seemed like the quiet sort, someone like Sara, but Tasia could be wrong.
“It’s easier when you have friends, though, don’t you think?” Another silence fell over the two as they both examined one another. She wondered what the sad woman thought when she saw her. Does she like my peplos? Tasia wondered absentmindedly. I don’t think she knows who I am. Well, at least that meant Tasia wasn’t the only fool here, but she took no offense. She was used to it, after all. She was a bastard, an outsider looking in. She might have her circle, but Tasia wasn’t one of them.
“Not at all!” She replied, and immediately felt her heart snag. Her smile did not falter. Leventi. Of course she was! How hadn’t she seen it? The raven brown hair, the eyes. She hadn’t any of the Leventi mannerisms, but it seemed so obvious now. She gave a quick dip before she batted her lashes and shyly twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Melina! I am Tasia of Vasiliádon. I believe our mothers are acquainted..?”
She watched quietly as the woman raised the glass to her lips, patient and predatory as she searched her brain for a name. She knew who this was! Her name was on the tip of her tongue! Who, who, who, she pondered, but again and again and again she had no name. Tasia couldn’t be certain they’d ever spoken before, but her face was familiar, and Tasia prided herself in knowing everyone! So how could she have possibly forgotten whoever this was...? Maybe she’d had too much to drink? Ha, no, she hadn’t even had a sip! How bothersome. “Ah, I see.” She responded. “Personally, being around so many people fills me to the brim with anxiety. I feel like their eyes are on me at all times.” She offered quietly, testing the waters. The other woman seemed like the quiet sort, someone like Sara, but Tasia could be wrong.
“It’s easier when you have friends, though, don’t you think?” Another silence fell over the two as they both examined one another. She wondered what the sad woman thought when she saw her. Does she like my peplos? Tasia wondered absentmindedly. I don’t think she knows who I am. Well, at least that meant Tasia wasn’t the only fool here, but she took no offense. She was used to it, after all. She was a bastard, an outsider looking in. She might have her circle, but Tasia wasn’t one of them.
“Not at all!” She replied, and immediately felt her heart snag. Her smile did not falter. Leventi. Of course she was! How hadn’t she seen it? The raven brown hair, the eyes. She hadn’t any of the Leventi mannerisms, but it seemed so obvious now. She gave a quick dip before she batted her lashes and shyly twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Melina! I am Tasia of Vasiliádon. I believe our mothers are acquainted..?”
While Melina could certainly sympathize with anxiety, she could not understand why the woman she was talking with would have anxiety. She had friends, she was beautiful. She looked like she belonged here. Melina, on the other hand, didn’t belong anywhere. People would mistake her as a servant if it were not for her last name. She was a nobody, nothing. This girl probably had suitors at her door daily and a faraway prince asking for her hand in marriage.
It’s easier when you have friends don’t you think?
“My friend doesn’t often come to court. But I suppose so,” Wait, was that rude to say? That sounded dismissive, didn’t it? Or awkward? It was the truth though. The Dimitrou didn’t really go to court and so Melina didn’t often have the comfort of having Dorothea at her side. Xan was often here with her, so maybe that counted? Though she was here as her handmaiden… so maybe it didn’t. At least it probably wouldn’t count for a stranger who didn’t know of the dynamic between the two girls.
I am Tasia of Vasiliadon. I believe our mothers are acquainted…? Wait, was her mother acquainted with her’s? Who’s her mother? “Oh! Of course. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Tasia,” Melina kept her smile, even though her mind was racing. She didn’t keep track of who her mother knew. That task would be impossible. Her mother knew everyone. Her father as well. It was dizzying how many people they knew- and Melina had an excellent memory! But her parents were, in many ways, far superior to her. “And how is your mother doing?”
Tasia… Tasia… Melina did have to admit that the name did sound familiar. But where did she hear it from? She wasn’t some Lady, that Melina knew for sure. So why would she- Oh, of course. It suddenly dawned on her. It was Prince Irikles’s bastard. She was a very open secret in court, so of course, Melina would have been told about her. That would make her mother… Meena, right?
“It’s been ages since we’ve seen Meena,” Melina continued, having regained her footing somewhat. But now with this realization came new anxieties. Did she risk insulting the Mikaelidas by conversing with the bastard child? Tasia seemed nice, though, and clearly, other people didn’t have those anxieties.
Personally being around so many people fills me to the brim with anxiety. Now this made sense. Before Melina couldn’t fathom why a woman like her would be nervous in court. Court seemed to be a natural setting for her. But if she was a bastard child, then she certainly would have her struggles. Not that it was her fault who she was born to. Melina knew that well as well. She was born a Leventi, even if she certainly didn’t belong. Tasia didn’t share her blood at all, but Melina would venture to guess that she would be a better part of her family than Melina ever could.
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While Melina could certainly sympathize with anxiety, she could not understand why the woman she was talking with would have anxiety. She had friends, she was beautiful. She looked like she belonged here. Melina, on the other hand, didn’t belong anywhere. People would mistake her as a servant if it were not for her last name. She was a nobody, nothing. This girl probably had suitors at her door daily and a faraway prince asking for her hand in marriage.
It’s easier when you have friends don’t you think?
“My friend doesn’t often come to court. But I suppose so,” Wait, was that rude to say? That sounded dismissive, didn’t it? Or awkward? It was the truth though. The Dimitrou didn’t really go to court and so Melina didn’t often have the comfort of having Dorothea at her side. Xan was often here with her, so maybe that counted? Though she was here as her handmaiden… so maybe it didn’t. At least it probably wouldn’t count for a stranger who didn’t know of the dynamic between the two girls.
I am Tasia of Vasiliadon. I believe our mothers are acquainted…? Wait, was her mother acquainted with her’s? Who’s her mother? “Oh! Of course. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Tasia,” Melina kept her smile, even though her mind was racing. She didn’t keep track of who her mother knew. That task would be impossible. Her mother knew everyone. Her father as well. It was dizzying how many people they knew- and Melina had an excellent memory! But her parents were, in many ways, far superior to her. “And how is your mother doing?”
Tasia… Tasia… Melina did have to admit that the name did sound familiar. But where did she hear it from? She wasn’t some Lady, that Melina knew for sure. So why would she- Oh, of course. It suddenly dawned on her. It was Prince Irikles’s bastard. She was a very open secret in court, so of course, Melina would have been told about her. That would make her mother… Meena, right?
“It’s been ages since we’ve seen Meena,” Melina continued, having regained her footing somewhat. But now with this realization came new anxieties. Did she risk insulting the Mikaelidas by conversing with the bastard child? Tasia seemed nice, though, and clearly, other people didn’t have those anxieties.
Personally being around so many people fills me to the brim with anxiety. Now this made sense. Before Melina couldn’t fathom why a woman like her would be nervous in court. Court seemed to be a natural setting for her. But if she was a bastard child, then she certainly would have her struggles. Not that it was her fault who she was born to. Melina knew that well as well. She was born a Leventi, even if she certainly didn’t belong. Tasia didn’t share her blood at all, but Melina would venture to guess that she would be a better part of her family than Melina ever could.
While Melina could certainly sympathize with anxiety, she could not understand why the woman she was talking with would have anxiety. She had friends, she was beautiful. She looked like she belonged here. Melina, on the other hand, didn’t belong anywhere. People would mistake her as a servant if it were not for her last name. She was a nobody, nothing. This girl probably had suitors at her door daily and a faraway prince asking for her hand in marriage.
It’s easier when you have friends don’t you think?
“My friend doesn’t often come to court. But I suppose so,” Wait, was that rude to say? That sounded dismissive, didn’t it? Or awkward? It was the truth though. The Dimitrou didn’t really go to court and so Melina didn’t often have the comfort of having Dorothea at her side. Xan was often here with her, so maybe that counted? Though she was here as her handmaiden… so maybe it didn’t. At least it probably wouldn’t count for a stranger who didn’t know of the dynamic between the two girls.
I am Tasia of Vasiliadon. I believe our mothers are acquainted…? Wait, was her mother acquainted with her’s? Who’s her mother? “Oh! Of course. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Tasia,” Melina kept her smile, even though her mind was racing. She didn’t keep track of who her mother knew. That task would be impossible. Her mother knew everyone. Her father as well. It was dizzying how many people they knew- and Melina had an excellent memory! But her parents were, in many ways, far superior to her. “And how is your mother doing?”
Tasia… Tasia… Melina did have to admit that the name did sound familiar. But where did she hear it from? She wasn’t some Lady, that Melina knew for sure. So why would she- Oh, of course. It suddenly dawned on her. It was Prince Irikles’s bastard. She was a very open secret in court, so of course, Melina would have been told about her. That would make her mother… Meena, right?
“It’s been ages since we’ve seen Meena,” Melina continued, having regained her footing somewhat. But now with this realization came new anxieties. Did she risk insulting the Mikaelidas by conversing with the bastard child? Tasia seemed nice, though, and clearly, other people didn’t have those anxieties.
Personally being around so many people fills me to the brim with anxiety. Now this made sense. Before Melina couldn’t fathom why a woman like her would be nervous in court. Court seemed to be a natural setting for her. But if she was a bastard child, then she certainly would have her struggles. Not that it was her fault who she was born to. Melina knew that well as well. She was born a Leventi, even if she certainly didn’t belong. Tasia didn’t share her blood at all, but Melina would venture to guess that she would be a better part of her family than Melina ever could.
She was getting nowhere. The conversation was dry and nearly one sided, and no matter how she softened her edges, the other woman would not return the favor. Her tone remained flat and dismissive, like her father’s. She hated it. Tasia had thought Melina to be a wounded doe, unsure and in need. Now Tasia saw that the only one in need of anything was herself. Someone help her, she was about to keel over from boredom. It never took Tasia long to disarm those of the same sex; they let their pretty walls fall so easily for her. She was harmless, she was easy to speak to, easy to befriend. Why wouldn’t they let her in? And even if they didn’t, the conversations were much more rich than whatever the hell....this was.
Melina seemed tightly wound. She supposed one had to be, to be a Leventi. Even so, Tasia felt annoyed and pitiful. It hurt to smile but what didn’t? “The pleasure is all mine! She’s well! And yours?”
Melina wore her thoughts plain to see. From the moment her brow furrowed just somewhat to the next in which it rose, Tasia knew the woman had put together all the pieces. Would she turn her nose up at her now that she knew Tasia was a...She hated the word even in her thoughts. The moment she stepped into a room all the women seemed to hold their breath, afraid they might catch whatever she has. As if she wasn’t a person at all. She might walk amongst them, share laughs and stories, but she knew what they all thought of her. Inside their tiny, bird sized brains, a single word repeated over and over.
Bastard. Bastard. Bastard.
She waited for Melina’s shoulder to stiffen, waited for her to raise her chin and make her retreat. Ladies didn’t like to speak to those lower than them. Ladies didn’t like to talk to trash. Despite her circle, despite having made a place for herself in court, Tasia would never be one of them. So she closed an imaginary fist around her secret heart and held it tight. You will not ache, you will remain unfeeling. It will not hurt. But who was she fooling? It always hurt. “My apologies on her behalf. She’s always busy, my mother. I’ll let her know you’ve asked after her!”
She felt the hairs on the back of her neck raise and wished her circle hadn’t dispersed. Wished her mother had cared enough to come.There was safety in numbers, safety in her mother. But she was alone; free sport. Tasia knew how the game went. It was a shame, then, that her own game fell short. What was she going to tell her mother? She had nothing of worth to give. “You needn’t speak to me further if you do not wish. I’d hate to cause you any further stress.” Tasia blinked prettily at the other woman and waited for her to leave; Tasia would have preferred to leave first, stung less, you see, but a part of her dared the other to show her true colors. Melina might have the look of a wounded doe, but under the mask she was as fake as the rest of them. Men were intolerable and cruel, but women were crueler.
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She was getting nowhere. The conversation was dry and nearly one sided, and no matter how she softened her edges, the other woman would not return the favor. Her tone remained flat and dismissive, like her father’s. She hated it. Tasia had thought Melina to be a wounded doe, unsure and in need. Now Tasia saw that the only one in need of anything was herself. Someone help her, she was about to keel over from boredom. It never took Tasia long to disarm those of the same sex; they let their pretty walls fall so easily for her. She was harmless, she was easy to speak to, easy to befriend. Why wouldn’t they let her in? And even if they didn’t, the conversations were much more rich than whatever the hell....this was.
Melina seemed tightly wound. She supposed one had to be, to be a Leventi. Even so, Tasia felt annoyed and pitiful. It hurt to smile but what didn’t? “The pleasure is all mine! She’s well! And yours?”
Melina wore her thoughts plain to see. From the moment her brow furrowed just somewhat to the next in which it rose, Tasia knew the woman had put together all the pieces. Would she turn her nose up at her now that she knew Tasia was a...She hated the word even in her thoughts. The moment she stepped into a room all the women seemed to hold their breath, afraid they might catch whatever she has. As if she wasn’t a person at all. She might walk amongst them, share laughs and stories, but she knew what they all thought of her. Inside their tiny, bird sized brains, a single word repeated over and over.
Bastard. Bastard. Bastard.
She waited for Melina’s shoulder to stiffen, waited for her to raise her chin and make her retreat. Ladies didn’t like to speak to those lower than them. Ladies didn’t like to talk to trash. Despite her circle, despite having made a place for herself in court, Tasia would never be one of them. So she closed an imaginary fist around her secret heart and held it tight. You will not ache, you will remain unfeeling. It will not hurt. But who was she fooling? It always hurt. “My apologies on her behalf. She’s always busy, my mother. I’ll let her know you’ve asked after her!”
She felt the hairs on the back of her neck raise and wished her circle hadn’t dispersed. Wished her mother had cared enough to come.There was safety in numbers, safety in her mother. But she was alone; free sport. Tasia knew how the game went. It was a shame, then, that her own game fell short. What was she going to tell her mother? She had nothing of worth to give. “You needn’t speak to me further if you do not wish. I’d hate to cause you any further stress.” Tasia blinked prettily at the other woman and waited for her to leave; Tasia would have preferred to leave first, stung less, you see, but a part of her dared the other to show her true colors. Melina might have the look of a wounded doe, but under the mask she was as fake as the rest of them. Men were intolerable and cruel, but women were crueler.
She was getting nowhere. The conversation was dry and nearly one sided, and no matter how she softened her edges, the other woman would not return the favor. Her tone remained flat and dismissive, like her father’s. She hated it. Tasia had thought Melina to be a wounded doe, unsure and in need. Now Tasia saw that the only one in need of anything was herself. Someone help her, she was about to keel over from boredom. It never took Tasia long to disarm those of the same sex; they let their pretty walls fall so easily for her. She was harmless, she was easy to speak to, easy to befriend. Why wouldn’t they let her in? And even if they didn’t, the conversations were much more rich than whatever the hell....this was.
Melina seemed tightly wound. She supposed one had to be, to be a Leventi. Even so, Tasia felt annoyed and pitiful. It hurt to smile but what didn’t? “The pleasure is all mine! She’s well! And yours?”
Melina wore her thoughts plain to see. From the moment her brow furrowed just somewhat to the next in which it rose, Tasia knew the woman had put together all the pieces. Would she turn her nose up at her now that she knew Tasia was a...She hated the word even in her thoughts. The moment she stepped into a room all the women seemed to hold their breath, afraid they might catch whatever she has. As if she wasn’t a person at all. She might walk amongst them, share laughs and stories, but she knew what they all thought of her. Inside their tiny, bird sized brains, a single word repeated over and over.
Bastard. Bastard. Bastard.
She waited for Melina’s shoulder to stiffen, waited for her to raise her chin and make her retreat. Ladies didn’t like to speak to those lower than them. Ladies didn’t like to talk to trash. Despite her circle, despite having made a place for herself in court, Tasia would never be one of them. So she closed an imaginary fist around her secret heart and held it tight. You will not ache, you will remain unfeeling. It will not hurt. But who was she fooling? It always hurt. “My apologies on her behalf. She’s always busy, my mother. I’ll let her know you’ve asked after her!”
She felt the hairs on the back of her neck raise and wished her circle hadn’t dispersed. Wished her mother had cared enough to come.There was safety in numbers, safety in her mother. But she was alone; free sport. Tasia knew how the game went. It was a shame, then, that her own game fell short. What was she going to tell her mother? She had nothing of worth to give. “You needn’t speak to me further if you do not wish. I’d hate to cause you any further stress.” Tasia blinked prettily at the other woman and waited for her to leave; Tasia would have preferred to leave first, stung less, you see, but a part of her dared the other to show her true colors. Melina might have the look of a wounded doe, but under the mask she was as fake as the rest of them. Men were intolerable and cruel, but women were crueler.
Melina was taken aback. Did Melina say something wrong? Her eyebrows furrowed confused. Was she just dismissed?! Melina… well, she was used to people not wanting to talk with her. But being told You needn’t speak to me further if you do not wish. Was that her way of giving Melina an out when it was the fact that she didn’t want to talk to her? Or did she truly feel that way?
This is confusing. Melina wasn’t the best in social situations. She was awkward. She tried but she wasn’t… very successful. Still, this was a situation in which Melina could only just stare and stand in this uncomfortable, prolonged silence.
What did I do? She asked about her mother… was that incorrect? Melina was not into court gossip. Did they have a falling out? Was it some sort of scandal? Was Melina not supposed to be talking to her?
Was it because she was a bastard?
To be fair, that would be something people thought about. That was what Melina immediately thought upon realizing who Tasia was. But Melina was not one to judge a person’s birth… specifically because of her mother. Eirini of Leventi was no lady when she met her father. While Melina’s own father had very noble blood through him, through her mother she had a blood of a whore. And… Melina could not care any less. Her mother was strong and intelligent and everything Melina wanted to be. If she was even… a percentage like her mother Melina wouldn’t be so hopeless. Birth had nothing to do with it. If birth determined a person, Melina wouldn’t be a Leventi.
But all of this was rather presumptuous of Melina. And the longer she tried to understand why the woman said what she said, the longer she had to stand in this uncomfortable silence. What did she see her cousins do when they didn’t know what to say? Oh… they laughed.
Melina let out an awkward laugh, before taking a nervous drink of her wine. Oh god, that just made things worse didn’t it? She had to say something. “My mother is doing very well. We redesigned the garden last year and this year it’s in full bloom. Mother has been quite pleased with the results.” The flowers were Melina’s suggestion. That was… one thing she could get right. Melina had spent much of the summer reading there as a result. She was quite proud of that garden.
“I… I don’t have a problem speaking with you. Unless I should?” Melina finally said, taking another awkward sip. Was that rude to say? It wasn’t, right? “Or is it that you wish not to speak to me? I could walk away if that’s what you would prefer.” She did have a habit of making people uncomfortable. It was a wonder Xanthippe and Dorothea liked Melina. If Melina was honest, she thought it odd a woman like her could have friends.
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Melina was taken aback. Did Melina say something wrong? Her eyebrows furrowed confused. Was she just dismissed?! Melina… well, she was used to people not wanting to talk with her. But being told You needn’t speak to me further if you do not wish. Was that her way of giving Melina an out when it was the fact that she didn’t want to talk to her? Or did she truly feel that way?
This is confusing. Melina wasn’t the best in social situations. She was awkward. She tried but she wasn’t… very successful. Still, this was a situation in which Melina could only just stare and stand in this uncomfortable, prolonged silence.
What did I do? She asked about her mother… was that incorrect? Melina was not into court gossip. Did they have a falling out? Was it some sort of scandal? Was Melina not supposed to be talking to her?
Was it because she was a bastard?
To be fair, that would be something people thought about. That was what Melina immediately thought upon realizing who Tasia was. But Melina was not one to judge a person’s birth… specifically because of her mother. Eirini of Leventi was no lady when she met her father. While Melina’s own father had very noble blood through him, through her mother she had a blood of a whore. And… Melina could not care any less. Her mother was strong and intelligent and everything Melina wanted to be. If she was even… a percentage like her mother Melina wouldn’t be so hopeless. Birth had nothing to do with it. If birth determined a person, Melina wouldn’t be a Leventi.
But all of this was rather presumptuous of Melina. And the longer she tried to understand why the woman said what she said, the longer she had to stand in this uncomfortable silence. What did she see her cousins do when they didn’t know what to say? Oh… they laughed.
Melina let out an awkward laugh, before taking a nervous drink of her wine. Oh god, that just made things worse didn’t it? She had to say something. “My mother is doing very well. We redesigned the garden last year and this year it’s in full bloom. Mother has been quite pleased with the results.” The flowers were Melina’s suggestion. That was… one thing she could get right. Melina had spent much of the summer reading there as a result. She was quite proud of that garden.
“I… I don’t have a problem speaking with you. Unless I should?” Melina finally said, taking another awkward sip. Was that rude to say? It wasn’t, right? “Or is it that you wish not to speak to me? I could walk away if that’s what you would prefer.” She did have a habit of making people uncomfortable. It was a wonder Xanthippe and Dorothea liked Melina. If Melina was honest, she thought it odd a woman like her could have friends.
Melina was taken aback. Did Melina say something wrong? Her eyebrows furrowed confused. Was she just dismissed?! Melina… well, she was used to people not wanting to talk with her. But being told You needn’t speak to me further if you do not wish. Was that her way of giving Melina an out when it was the fact that she didn’t want to talk to her? Or did she truly feel that way?
This is confusing. Melina wasn’t the best in social situations. She was awkward. She tried but she wasn’t… very successful. Still, this was a situation in which Melina could only just stare and stand in this uncomfortable, prolonged silence.
What did I do? She asked about her mother… was that incorrect? Melina was not into court gossip. Did they have a falling out? Was it some sort of scandal? Was Melina not supposed to be talking to her?
Was it because she was a bastard?
To be fair, that would be something people thought about. That was what Melina immediately thought upon realizing who Tasia was. But Melina was not one to judge a person’s birth… specifically because of her mother. Eirini of Leventi was no lady when she met her father. While Melina’s own father had very noble blood through him, through her mother she had a blood of a whore. And… Melina could not care any less. Her mother was strong and intelligent and everything Melina wanted to be. If she was even… a percentage like her mother Melina wouldn’t be so hopeless. Birth had nothing to do with it. If birth determined a person, Melina wouldn’t be a Leventi.
But all of this was rather presumptuous of Melina. And the longer she tried to understand why the woman said what she said, the longer she had to stand in this uncomfortable silence. What did she see her cousins do when they didn’t know what to say? Oh… they laughed.
Melina let out an awkward laugh, before taking a nervous drink of her wine. Oh god, that just made things worse didn’t it? She had to say something. “My mother is doing very well. We redesigned the garden last year and this year it’s in full bloom. Mother has been quite pleased with the results.” The flowers were Melina’s suggestion. That was… one thing she could get right. Melina had spent much of the summer reading there as a result. She was quite proud of that garden.
“I… I don’t have a problem speaking with you. Unless I should?” Melina finally said, taking another awkward sip. Was that rude to say? It wasn’t, right? “Or is it that you wish not to speak to me? I could walk away if that’s what you would prefer.” She did have a habit of making people uncomfortable. It was a wonder Xanthippe and Dorothea liked Melina. If Melina was honest, she thought it odd a woman like her could have friends.
Tasia had thought she’d done the other girl a favor. Melina was obviously uncomfortable, and undoubtedly wanted to be anywhere else with anyone else. So Tasia had gifted the Leventi woman a chance to do just that. It was the kindest thing she’d done in a long time for a stranger, she really ought to have been given applause for it. Except Melina didn’t take it. She did the opposite. She stood there, as rigid as a wood plank, and stared.
Fuck.
Had Tasia offended her? She could hear her mother now, yapping away about connections and ruination. She hadn’t meant to offend Melina; she’d thought that's what the woman wanted. Why else would she be so aloof with Tasia? The girl herself went taut, waiting, wondering, until finally, Melina gave a forced laugh. Tasia’s released the breath she’d been holding and let out an awkward giggle of her own. Coming out today had been a mistake.
”I’m glad to hear it. I imagine your garden is very beautiful! All you Leventi women are, it seems only natural for your gardens to be, as well.” She wanted to vomit, but it didn’t matter. The topic of gardens was over. Tasia furrowed her brows sadly, shaking her head. ”I’m so sorry, I’ve offended you, haven’t I? That wasn’t my intention. I only meant, well...I know there are other women you must want to converse with that aren’t, well, you know.”
”I’m sorry, I’m terrible with words. Can we start over? I’d very much like us to be friends.”She held out her hand, smile sheepish and shy.
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Tasia had thought she’d done the other girl a favor. Melina was obviously uncomfortable, and undoubtedly wanted to be anywhere else with anyone else. So Tasia had gifted the Leventi woman a chance to do just that. It was the kindest thing she’d done in a long time for a stranger, she really ought to have been given applause for it. Except Melina didn’t take it. She did the opposite. She stood there, as rigid as a wood plank, and stared.
Fuck.
Had Tasia offended her? She could hear her mother now, yapping away about connections and ruination. She hadn’t meant to offend Melina; she’d thought that's what the woman wanted. Why else would she be so aloof with Tasia? The girl herself went taut, waiting, wondering, until finally, Melina gave a forced laugh. Tasia’s released the breath she’d been holding and let out an awkward giggle of her own. Coming out today had been a mistake.
”I’m glad to hear it. I imagine your garden is very beautiful! All you Leventi women are, it seems only natural for your gardens to be, as well.” She wanted to vomit, but it didn’t matter. The topic of gardens was over. Tasia furrowed her brows sadly, shaking her head. ”I’m so sorry, I’ve offended you, haven’t I? That wasn’t my intention. I only meant, well...I know there are other women you must want to converse with that aren’t, well, you know.”
”I’m sorry, I’m terrible with words. Can we start over? I’d very much like us to be friends.”She held out her hand, smile sheepish and shy.
Tasia had thought she’d done the other girl a favor. Melina was obviously uncomfortable, and undoubtedly wanted to be anywhere else with anyone else. So Tasia had gifted the Leventi woman a chance to do just that. It was the kindest thing she’d done in a long time for a stranger, she really ought to have been given applause for it. Except Melina didn’t take it. She did the opposite. She stood there, as rigid as a wood plank, and stared.
Fuck.
Had Tasia offended her? She could hear her mother now, yapping away about connections and ruination. She hadn’t meant to offend Melina; she’d thought that's what the woman wanted. Why else would she be so aloof with Tasia? The girl herself went taut, waiting, wondering, until finally, Melina gave a forced laugh. Tasia’s released the breath she’d been holding and let out an awkward giggle of her own. Coming out today had been a mistake.
”I’m glad to hear it. I imagine your garden is very beautiful! All you Leventi women are, it seems only natural for your gardens to be, as well.” She wanted to vomit, but it didn’t matter. The topic of gardens was over. Tasia furrowed her brows sadly, shaking her head. ”I’m so sorry, I’ve offended you, haven’t I? That wasn’t my intention. I only meant, well...I know there are other women you must want to converse with that aren’t, well, you know.”
”I’m sorry, I’m terrible with words. Can we start over? I’d very much like us to be friends.”She held out her hand, smile sheepish and shy.
A bastard? She didn’t say that outloud- Melina knew as much to say that. But she could at least read Tasia’s thoughts. Melina wanted to reassure Tasia. Why would she feel bad about talking to a bastard when her own mother was once a whore? But she didn’t quite know if that was polite to say. First, she didn’t want to offend her mother by comparing her to a bastard, nor did she want to offend Tasia by comparing her to a whore. This was needlessly complicated.
Maybe I can talk about my grandfather? Melina didn’t know who her grandfather was on her mother’s side. On her father’s side, Melina never once meant him. It reasons to believe her mother had a similar backstory though, didn’t she? But then again… Melina was assuming. Just because her mother didn’t talk about her father didn’t mean… well, that she was like Tasia.
No, I’ll just keep mother out of this. Melina decided, as she just continued to listen to Tasia speak. She apologized, which was something already very unusual for Melina. People didn’t often apologize to her. Usually, it was Melina at fault. Then she even said she wanted to be Melina’s friend, which caught the lady completely off guard. She wanted to be her friend? No one wanted to be her friend except for Dorothea and Xanthippe, and both was since childhood. Also, she was related to people that had only ever been rude to Melina. She didn’t know what to think of someone who shared blood with the Mikaelidas.
Then again, blood didn’t make a person. If they did, Melina would be so much better than who she was right now. Melina would be beautiful, and charismatic, and funny, and charming, and witty. She would be like her mother, strong, or like her father, powerful. Melina would be a true Leventi.
“I...I wasn’t offended. You have no reason to apologize.” Melina said, still trying to recollect herself. This was usually her apologizing for offending someone. She didn’t know how to react to being on the receiving end. She didn’t want to offend her by being so flustered. Gods, this was going to be a circle, wasn’t it? “I… I’m sorry. No, I don’t have other woman to talk to. My cousins are talking with their friends, and mine is the Dimitrou. They rarely show up to these.” Of which Melina was so fiercely jealous of Dorothea.
Right. What did Melina say after that? She should strike up a conversation right? That is what would be polite. She wanted to put the girl at ease. Oh wait! The hand! Of course. Melina shook it, that’s what she wanted right? But her palms were sweaty with obvious nerves. “Oh, I’m sorry!” Melina said quickly, reclaiming her hand. “I… It’s very warm in here, you know? Honestly, there should be better air circulation. They should have added more windows, don’t you think?” Another nervous giggle bubbled from Melina’s lips, before realizing she had been insulting the girl’s blood relatives. “Oh! But I’m glad they didn’t. It’s beautiful.”
She took a big gulp of her wine. This was going to be a long night.
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A bastard? She didn’t say that outloud- Melina knew as much to say that. But she could at least read Tasia’s thoughts. Melina wanted to reassure Tasia. Why would she feel bad about talking to a bastard when her own mother was once a whore? But she didn’t quite know if that was polite to say. First, she didn’t want to offend her mother by comparing her to a bastard, nor did she want to offend Tasia by comparing her to a whore. This was needlessly complicated.
Maybe I can talk about my grandfather? Melina didn’t know who her grandfather was on her mother’s side. On her father’s side, Melina never once meant him. It reasons to believe her mother had a similar backstory though, didn’t she? But then again… Melina was assuming. Just because her mother didn’t talk about her father didn’t mean… well, that she was like Tasia.
No, I’ll just keep mother out of this. Melina decided, as she just continued to listen to Tasia speak. She apologized, which was something already very unusual for Melina. People didn’t often apologize to her. Usually, it was Melina at fault. Then she even said she wanted to be Melina’s friend, which caught the lady completely off guard. She wanted to be her friend? No one wanted to be her friend except for Dorothea and Xanthippe, and both was since childhood. Also, she was related to people that had only ever been rude to Melina. She didn’t know what to think of someone who shared blood with the Mikaelidas.
Then again, blood didn’t make a person. If they did, Melina would be so much better than who she was right now. Melina would be beautiful, and charismatic, and funny, and charming, and witty. She would be like her mother, strong, or like her father, powerful. Melina would be a true Leventi.
“I...I wasn’t offended. You have no reason to apologize.” Melina said, still trying to recollect herself. This was usually her apologizing for offending someone. She didn’t know how to react to being on the receiving end. She didn’t want to offend her by being so flustered. Gods, this was going to be a circle, wasn’t it? “I… I’m sorry. No, I don’t have other woman to talk to. My cousins are talking with their friends, and mine is the Dimitrou. They rarely show up to these.” Of which Melina was so fiercely jealous of Dorothea.
Right. What did Melina say after that? She should strike up a conversation right? That is what would be polite. She wanted to put the girl at ease. Oh wait! The hand! Of course. Melina shook it, that’s what she wanted right? But her palms were sweaty with obvious nerves. “Oh, I’m sorry!” Melina said quickly, reclaiming her hand. “I… It’s very warm in here, you know? Honestly, there should be better air circulation. They should have added more windows, don’t you think?” Another nervous giggle bubbled from Melina’s lips, before realizing she had been insulting the girl’s blood relatives. “Oh! But I’m glad they didn’t. It’s beautiful.”
She took a big gulp of her wine. This was going to be a long night.
A bastard? She didn’t say that outloud- Melina knew as much to say that. But she could at least read Tasia’s thoughts. Melina wanted to reassure Tasia. Why would she feel bad about talking to a bastard when her own mother was once a whore? But she didn’t quite know if that was polite to say. First, she didn’t want to offend her mother by comparing her to a bastard, nor did she want to offend Tasia by comparing her to a whore. This was needlessly complicated.
Maybe I can talk about my grandfather? Melina didn’t know who her grandfather was on her mother’s side. On her father’s side, Melina never once meant him. It reasons to believe her mother had a similar backstory though, didn’t she? But then again… Melina was assuming. Just because her mother didn’t talk about her father didn’t mean… well, that she was like Tasia.
No, I’ll just keep mother out of this. Melina decided, as she just continued to listen to Tasia speak. She apologized, which was something already very unusual for Melina. People didn’t often apologize to her. Usually, it was Melina at fault. Then she even said she wanted to be Melina’s friend, which caught the lady completely off guard. She wanted to be her friend? No one wanted to be her friend except for Dorothea and Xanthippe, and both was since childhood. Also, she was related to people that had only ever been rude to Melina. She didn’t know what to think of someone who shared blood with the Mikaelidas.
Then again, blood didn’t make a person. If they did, Melina would be so much better than who she was right now. Melina would be beautiful, and charismatic, and funny, and charming, and witty. She would be like her mother, strong, or like her father, powerful. Melina would be a true Leventi.
“I...I wasn’t offended. You have no reason to apologize.” Melina said, still trying to recollect herself. This was usually her apologizing for offending someone. She didn’t know how to react to being on the receiving end. She didn’t want to offend her by being so flustered. Gods, this was going to be a circle, wasn’t it? “I… I’m sorry. No, I don’t have other woman to talk to. My cousins are talking with their friends, and mine is the Dimitrou. They rarely show up to these.” Of which Melina was so fiercely jealous of Dorothea.
Right. What did Melina say after that? She should strike up a conversation right? That is what would be polite. She wanted to put the girl at ease. Oh wait! The hand! Of course. Melina shook it, that’s what she wanted right? But her palms were sweaty with obvious nerves. “Oh, I’m sorry!” Melina said quickly, reclaiming her hand. “I… It’s very warm in here, you know? Honestly, there should be better air circulation. They should have added more windows, don’t you think?” Another nervous giggle bubbled from Melina’s lips, before realizing she had been insulting the girl’s blood relatives. “Oh! But I’m glad they didn’t. It’s beautiful.”
She took a big gulp of her wine. This was going to be a long night.
”You weren’t?” Thanks Gods, she thought. The last thing she needed after this night was her mother up her ass. That was the last thing anyone needed. ”I’m so glad!”Why couldn’t Sara have come? They could have had so much fun! Instead she was stuck in an never ending loop cycle of apologies with Melina, who Tasia realized looked as though she were on the verge of crying. Maybe that’s how she always looked...Either she was aloof or panicked, Tasia saw no other emotion save the two. Did Melina know any other emotion? Did she even know how to have fun? Or was she always like...Tasia resisted the urge to eye the woman up and down. ”Well, if that's the case, then I’m yours for the evening.” Their hands met and it felt like forever before Tasia could let go. She couldn't necessarily judge Melina for her sweaty palms, but she did so anyway. ”Please, it’s no worry.” Another smile. She was getting tired of smiling.
Brown eyes roamed the room, nodding thoughtfully. There was a lot her family could have done better, that was for certain. Now that Melina had mentioned it, it was awfully warm, wasn’t it? With a window just behind them, Tasia gave her new friend a teasing smile before she lightly wrapped her hand around Melina’s and led her towards it. Here they were a tad distanced from the crowd. She smoothed out the back of her skirt before leaning against a window seat. She patted the spot next to her lightly.
”Is that better?” She folded her hands into her skirt and shyly looked down at her sandals before gazing up through her eyelashes at Melina. I’m pretty, aren’t I? Let down your walls! ”I would very much like to know more about you if you would allow me. Seeing as we are friends now! What’s your favorite....color? Favorite meal? Book?”
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”You weren’t?” Thanks Gods, she thought. The last thing she needed after this night was her mother up her ass. That was the last thing anyone needed. ”I’m so glad!”Why couldn’t Sara have come? They could have had so much fun! Instead she was stuck in an never ending loop cycle of apologies with Melina, who Tasia realized looked as though she were on the verge of crying. Maybe that’s how she always looked...Either she was aloof or panicked, Tasia saw no other emotion save the two. Did Melina know any other emotion? Did she even know how to have fun? Or was she always like...Tasia resisted the urge to eye the woman up and down. ”Well, if that's the case, then I’m yours for the evening.” Their hands met and it felt like forever before Tasia could let go. She couldn't necessarily judge Melina for her sweaty palms, but she did so anyway. ”Please, it’s no worry.” Another smile. She was getting tired of smiling.
Brown eyes roamed the room, nodding thoughtfully. There was a lot her family could have done better, that was for certain. Now that Melina had mentioned it, it was awfully warm, wasn’t it? With a window just behind them, Tasia gave her new friend a teasing smile before she lightly wrapped her hand around Melina’s and led her towards it. Here they were a tad distanced from the crowd. She smoothed out the back of her skirt before leaning against a window seat. She patted the spot next to her lightly.
”Is that better?” She folded her hands into her skirt and shyly looked down at her sandals before gazing up through her eyelashes at Melina. I’m pretty, aren’t I? Let down your walls! ”I would very much like to know more about you if you would allow me. Seeing as we are friends now! What’s your favorite....color? Favorite meal? Book?”
”You weren’t?” Thanks Gods, she thought. The last thing she needed after this night was her mother up her ass. That was the last thing anyone needed. ”I’m so glad!”Why couldn’t Sara have come? They could have had so much fun! Instead she was stuck in an never ending loop cycle of apologies with Melina, who Tasia realized looked as though she were on the verge of crying. Maybe that’s how she always looked...Either she was aloof or panicked, Tasia saw no other emotion save the two. Did Melina know any other emotion? Did she even know how to have fun? Or was she always like...Tasia resisted the urge to eye the woman up and down. ”Well, if that's the case, then I’m yours for the evening.” Their hands met and it felt like forever before Tasia could let go. She couldn't necessarily judge Melina for her sweaty palms, but she did so anyway. ”Please, it’s no worry.” Another smile. She was getting tired of smiling.
Brown eyes roamed the room, nodding thoughtfully. There was a lot her family could have done better, that was for certain. Now that Melina had mentioned it, it was awfully warm, wasn’t it? With a window just behind them, Tasia gave her new friend a teasing smile before she lightly wrapped her hand around Melina’s and led her towards it. Here they were a tad distanced from the crowd. She smoothed out the back of her skirt before leaning against a window seat. She patted the spot next to her lightly.
”Is that better?” She folded her hands into her skirt and shyly looked down at her sandals before gazing up through her eyelashes at Melina. I’m pretty, aren’t I? Let down your walls! ”I would very much like to know more about you if you would allow me. Seeing as we are friends now! What’s your favorite....color? Favorite meal? Book?”
Melina was overwhelmed. She didn’t much like being touched- first off. She didn’t hate it, but it simply wasn’t her cup of tea. But she held her hand and led her to sit and Melina could not stop thinking about how sweaty her palms were. Melina should have discretely wiped them or something- Tasia was likely disgusted. Melina would be disgusted if she were in her position.
And then she kept talking. One question after another- Melina didn’t know where to start! The often quiet girl, relegated to the background (where she belonged), was suddenly in the foreground and in a conversation that she had not prepared for. And she was friends- but Melina didn’t usually have friends! This was very quick, Melina felt dizzy. Was this a trick? A trap?
Favorite color? Favorite meal? Book? Melina blinked, trying to rapidly come up with an answer- any answer. “My favorite color is purple.” That one is easy- it was all over her room. Purple was such a rich color, and it happened to be a Leventi color. “I… really enjoy venison,” though not when Xan freshly hunts one and leaves it on the table- years later Melina still remembered how disastrous that day was. “And… I really like the Odyssey,” Odysseus showed the power of being Nobody, her favorite quote, though in the context of Melina it was always a sad one.
There- those were proper answers were they not? Melina gave Tasia a smile and tried to calm her beating heart. She shouldn’t show just how nervous she was. Yet, any second now, Melina was positive she was going to mess something up. She might say something rude or make Tasia uncomfortable, or utterly embarrass herself. Melina was prone to failure.
“I, um,” Melina stuttered, trying to figure out what more there was to say. Should she ask the same question? That would make her look unoriginal, wouldn’t it? “You look lovely! Your outfit- I mean. Where did you get it?” Melina did mean it, she did look lovely. Melina would never wear something like that- so confidently as well. It was her cousins who were blessed with beauty, not Melina. One could only wish.
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Melina was overwhelmed. She didn’t much like being touched- first off. She didn’t hate it, but it simply wasn’t her cup of tea. But she held her hand and led her to sit and Melina could not stop thinking about how sweaty her palms were. Melina should have discretely wiped them or something- Tasia was likely disgusted. Melina would be disgusted if she were in her position.
And then she kept talking. One question after another- Melina didn’t know where to start! The often quiet girl, relegated to the background (where she belonged), was suddenly in the foreground and in a conversation that she had not prepared for. And she was friends- but Melina didn’t usually have friends! This was very quick, Melina felt dizzy. Was this a trick? A trap?
Favorite color? Favorite meal? Book? Melina blinked, trying to rapidly come up with an answer- any answer. “My favorite color is purple.” That one is easy- it was all over her room. Purple was such a rich color, and it happened to be a Leventi color. “I… really enjoy venison,” though not when Xan freshly hunts one and leaves it on the table- years later Melina still remembered how disastrous that day was. “And… I really like the Odyssey,” Odysseus showed the power of being Nobody, her favorite quote, though in the context of Melina it was always a sad one.
There- those were proper answers were they not? Melina gave Tasia a smile and tried to calm her beating heart. She shouldn’t show just how nervous she was. Yet, any second now, Melina was positive she was going to mess something up. She might say something rude or make Tasia uncomfortable, or utterly embarrass herself. Melina was prone to failure.
“I, um,” Melina stuttered, trying to figure out what more there was to say. Should she ask the same question? That would make her look unoriginal, wouldn’t it? “You look lovely! Your outfit- I mean. Where did you get it?” Melina did mean it, she did look lovely. Melina would never wear something like that- so confidently as well. It was her cousins who were blessed with beauty, not Melina. One could only wish.
Melina was overwhelmed. She didn’t much like being touched- first off. She didn’t hate it, but it simply wasn’t her cup of tea. But she held her hand and led her to sit and Melina could not stop thinking about how sweaty her palms were. Melina should have discretely wiped them or something- Tasia was likely disgusted. Melina would be disgusted if she were in her position.
And then she kept talking. One question after another- Melina didn’t know where to start! The often quiet girl, relegated to the background (where she belonged), was suddenly in the foreground and in a conversation that she had not prepared for. And she was friends- but Melina didn’t usually have friends! This was very quick, Melina felt dizzy. Was this a trick? A trap?
Favorite color? Favorite meal? Book? Melina blinked, trying to rapidly come up with an answer- any answer. “My favorite color is purple.” That one is easy- it was all over her room. Purple was such a rich color, and it happened to be a Leventi color. “I… really enjoy venison,” though not when Xan freshly hunts one and leaves it on the table- years later Melina still remembered how disastrous that day was. “And… I really like the Odyssey,” Odysseus showed the power of being Nobody, her favorite quote, though in the context of Melina it was always a sad one.
There- those were proper answers were they not? Melina gave Tasia a smile and tried to calm her beating heart. She shouldn’t show just how nervous she was. Yet, any second now, Melina was positive she was going to mess something up. She might say something rude or make Tasia uncomfortable, or utterly embarrass herself. Melina was prone to failure.
“I, um,” Melina stuttered, trying to figure out what more there was to say. Should she ask the same question? That would make her look unoriginal, wouldn’t it? “You look lovely! Your outfit- I mean. Where did you get it?” Melina did mean it, she did look lovely. Melina would never wear something like that- so confidently as well. It was her cousins who were blessed with beauty, not Melina. One could only wish.
