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The archery lessons for her cousin were going quite well, Dorothea thought. She had never had such a talented student. It was a nice change and good practice for her to have to focus her energies on looking for minute details that could be improved upon. It felt far more personal than the usual lessons she provided. Those the skills that needed correcting were generally the same. Not with Athanasia. She had mastered much of the basic archery skills required to be an excellent archer. She only needed some further refinement that would come with time. Dorothea gave her what instructions she could.
Today, they were taking a different approach, taking a break from lessons and from archery altogether. They’d had a good hunt the day before and a feast with their various guests. There were plenty of leftovers and Dorothea had the idea of taking some of them on a picnic with Asia. The pair had gotten to know each other during the lessons, but Dorothea wanted to spend some more time with her cousin before she left. They hadn’t been able to talk more casually, as cousins should. And there was so much Dorothea wished to know about her cousin’s life in Colchis. As much as Dorothea had read about other lands, she still wished to hear about them from people who actually lived there.
Picnic materials gathered, Dorothea made her way to the stables, where Asia would meet her and they would depart to a little grove that was perfect for picnicking. She was dressed casually, her hair hanging in loose curls by her side, rather than tied back in the usual tight braid she kept while shooting. It was nice to feel relaxed with all of the bustle that had been taking place in their home lately. Dorothea greatly preferred the quiet and their guests had disrupted that. However, she also had to admit that their company had been interesting.
“Hello, Asia,” she greeted, upon seeing her cousin. “Are you ready to go? I’m looking forward to showing you more of our lands.” If that was one thing she was proud of, it was the Dimitrou estates. Meganea was truly one of the most beautiful places in Taengea. It was always wonderful to show guests what it was like to live there.
Their horses ready, the two took an ambling ride through the outer area of the estate, heading towards the forest. They were headed further back, for a picnic by the river that flowed through their lands. It turned into a waterfall by the cliffs and perhaps Dorothea would take Asia there on the way back.
“I’m glad we’ve been able to get to know each other more,” Dorothea said as they rode. “I hope we can continue to stay in touch once you’ve left. I would like that.” She was being honest. Dorothea would love to know of her cousin’s life once it was no longer in the reach of her eyes. Soon, they would be to the picnic spot and could enjoy the small feast she had prepared.
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The archery lessons for her cousin were going quite well, Dorothea thought. She had never had such a talented student. It was a nice change and good practice for her to have to focus her energies on looking for minute details that could be improved upon. It felt far more personal than the usual lessons she provided. Those the skills that needed correcting were generally the same. Not with Athanasia. She had mastered much of the basic archery skills required to be an excellent archer. She only needed some further refinement that would come with time. Dorothea gave her what instructions she could.
Today, they were taking a different approach, taking a break from lessons and from archery altogether. They’d had a good hunt the day before and a feast with their various guests. There were plenty of leftovers and Dorothea had the idea of taking some of them on a picnic with Asia. The pair had gotten to know each other during the lessons, but Dorothea wanted to spend some more time with her cousin before she left. They hadn’t been able to talk more casually, as cousins should. And there was so much Dorothea wished to know about her cousin’s life in Colchis. As much as Dorothea had read about other lands, she still wished to hear about them from people who actually lived there.
Picnic materials gathered, Dorothea made her way to the stables, where Asia would meet her and they would depart to a little grove that was perfect for picnicking. She was dressed casually, her hair hanging in loose curls by her side, rather than tied back in the usual tight braid she kept while shooting. It was nice to feel relaxed with all of the bustle that had been taking place in their home lately. Dorothea greatly preferred the quiet and their guests had disrupted that. However, she also had to admit that their company had been interesting.
“Hello, Asia,” she greeted, upon seeing her cousin. “Are you ready to go? I’m looking forward to showing you more of our lands.” If that was one thing she was proud of, it was the Dimitrou estates. Meganea was truly one of the most beautiful places in Taengea. It was always wonderful to show guests what it was like to live there.
Their horses ready, the two took an ambling ride through the outer area of the estate, heading towards the forest. They were headed further back, for a picnic by the river that flowed through their lands. It turned into a waterfall by the cliffs and perhaps Dorothea would take Asia there on the way back.
“I’m glad we’ve been able to get to know each other more,” Dorothea said as they rode. “I hope we can continue to stay in touch once you’ve left. I would like that.” She was being honest. Dorothea would love to know of her cousin’s life once it was no longer in the reach of her eyes. Soon, they would be to the picnic spot and could enjoy the small feast she had prepared.
The archery lessons for her cousin were going quite well, Dorothea thought. She had never had such a talented student. It was a nice change and good practice for her to have to focus her energies on looking for minute details that could be improved upon. It felt far more personal than the usual lessons she provided. Those the skills that needed correcting were generally the same. Not with Athanasia. She had mastered much of the basic archery skills required to be an excellent archer. She only needed some further refinement that would come with time. Dorothea gave her what instructions she could.
Today, they were taking a different approach, taking a break from lessons and from archery altogether. They’d had a good hunt the day before and a feast with their various guests. There were plenty of leftovers and Dorothea had the idea of taking some of them on a picnic with Asia. The pair had gotten to know each other during the lessons, but Dorothea wanted to spend some more time with her cousin before she left. They hadn’t been able to talk more casually, as cousins should. And there was so much Dorothea wished to know about her cousin’s life in Colchis. As much as Dorothea had read about other lands, she still wished to hear about them from people who actually lived there.
Picnic materials gathered, Dorothea made her way to the stables, where Asia would meet her and they would depart to a little grove that was perfect for picnicking. She was dressed casually, her hair hanging in loose curls by her side, rather than tied back in the usual tight braid she kept while shooting. It was nice to feel relaxed with all of the bustle that had been taking place in their home lately. Dorothea greatly preferred the quiet and their guests had disrupted that. However, she also had to admit that their company had been interesting.
“Hello, Asia,” she greeted, upon seeing her cousin. “Are you ready to go? I’m looking forward to showing you more of our lands.” If that was one thing she was proud of, it was the Dimitrou estates. Meganea was truly one of the most beautiful places in Taengea. It was always wonderful to show guests what it was like to live there.
Their horses ready, the two took an ambling ride through the outer area of the estate, heading towards the forest. They were headed further back, for a picnic by the river that flowed through their lands. It turned into a waterfall by the cliffs and perhaps Dorothea would take Asia there on the way back.
“I’m glad we’ve been able to get to know each other more,” Dorothea said as they rode. “I hope we can continue to stay in touch once you’ve left. I would like that.” She was being honest. Dorothea would love to know of her cousin’s life once it was no longer in the reach of her eyes. Soon, they would be to the picnic spot and could enjoy the small feast she had prepared.
If somebody had told Athanasia that she would look forward to her archery lessons with her cousin before they left Colchis, she would not have believed them. She hadn’t thought she needed tutoring at all, and she envisioned Dorothea either as one of those courtiers who would agree with her if she said the grass was blue and the sky was green, or a vain woman who had let the rumors about being blessed by the gods go straight to her head. She was neither.
It turned out that Athanasia did have a lot to learn about archery and Dorothea was an excellent teacher who had absolutely no problem correcting a princess. Then again, Athanasia wasn’t a Taengean princess and House Dimitrou owed no fealty to Colchis. The reason didn’t really matter. She got along well with Dorothea and they had fun together, whether shooting targets or hunting.
Yesterday they had brought down a lot of game on their hunting trip, some which had ended up on the table last night. Like most noble houses, they probably had their own hunters whose sole job was to provide meat for the family, but on this occasion, she and Dorothea had supplied it themselves. There was a sense of satisfaction in watching others enjoy the fruits of your labors. And the food was quite delicious.
Today the two cousins were going on a picnic together. Dorothea was handling all the arrangements and all Athanasia had to do was get dressed and meet her in the stables. There was no need to blend in with the surroundings today, so she chose a bright saffron peplos that she had never worn before. It was unadorned except for some red flowers and green leaves embroidered around the edges. She wore a simple set of golden jewelry which matched her fibulae. Her hair was tied loosely with a saffron ribbon which would keep it in place while she rode. When they arrived at their destination, she would remove it and let her long auburn-gold tresses tumble freely down her back.
Dorothea was not in the stables when she arrived, but their horses were already saddled. Athanasia walked up to the chestnut mare she had ridden yesterday and fed her an apple that she had brought with her. The mare was easy to handle and had a sweet disposition, exactly the kind of mount that a young woman who had always been wary of horses needed.
She turned at the sound of her cousin’s voice and smiled warmly. The princess already considered Dorothea a friend. “Good day, Dorothea. I hope you get to show me all of it today, or at least the most picturesque places.” Maybe there would be a place to swim. The day was hot and she had already told her cousin that she couldn’t sweat and overheated easily. During one of their lessons, she’d had to take a break and find some shade.
Soon they were on their way. “So am I,” she agreed. “I would love to correspond with you when I return to Colchis. We can share our adventures with each other and I might need some more archery tips. Perhaps I shall even write to your father and extend an invitation for you to visit me. I would love to show you the city of Midas. There are also some good forests to hunt in.”
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If somebody had told Athanasia that she would look forward to her archery lessons with her cousin before they left Colchis, she would not have believed them. She hadn’t thought she needed tutoring at all, and she envisioned Dorothea either as one of those courtiers who would agree with her if she said the grass was blue and the sky was green, or a vain woman who had let the rumors about being blessed by the gods go straight to her head. She was neither.
It turned out that Athanasia did have a lot to learn about archery and Dorothea was an excellent teacher who had absolutely no problem correcting a princess. Then again, Athanasia wasn’t a Taengean princess and House Dimitrou owed no fealty to Colchis. The reason didn’t really matter. She got along well with Dorothea and they had fun together, whether shooting targets or hunting.
Yesterday they had brought down a lot of game on their hunting trip, some which had ended up on the table last night. Like most noble houses, they probably had their own hunters whose sole job was to provide meat for the family, but on this occasion, she and Dorothea had supplied it themselves. There was a sense of satisfaction in watching others enjoy the fruits of your labors. And the food was quite delicious.
Today the two cousins were going on a picnic together. Dorothea was handling all the arrangements and all Athanasia had to do was get dressed and meet her in the stables. There was no need to blend in with the surroundings today, so she chose a bright saffron peplos that she had never worn before. It was unadorned except for some red flowers and green leaves embroidered around the edges. She wore a simple set of golden jewelry which matched her fibulae. Her hair was tied loosely with a saffron ribbon which would keep it in place while she rode. When they arrived at their destination, she would remove it and let her long auburn-gold tresses tumble freely down her back.
Dorothea was not in the stables when she arrived, but their horses were already saddled. Athanasia walked up to the chestnut mare she had ridden yesterday and fed her an apple that she had brought with her. The mare was easy to handle and had a sweet disposition, exactly the kind of mount that a young woman who had always been wary of horses needed.
She turned at the sound of her cousin’s voice and smiled warmly. The princess already considered Dorothea a friend. “Good day, Dorothea. I hope you get to show me all of it today, or at least the most picturesque places.” Maybe there would be a place to swim. The day was hot and she had already told her cousin that she couldn’t sweat and overheated easily. During one of their lessons, she’d had to take a break and find some shade.
Soon they were on their way. “So am I,” she agreed. “I would love to correspond with you when I return to Colchis. We can share our adventures with each other and I might need some more archery tips. Perhaps I shall even write to your father and extend an invitation for you to visit me. I would love to show you the city of Midas. There are also some good forests to hunt in.”
If somebody had told Athanasia that she would look forward to her archery lessons with her cousin before they left Colchis, she would not have believed them. She hadn’t thought she needed tutoring at all, and she envisioned Dorothea either as one of those courtiers who would agree with her if she said the grass was blue and the sky was green, or a vain woman who had let the rumors about being blessed by the gods go straight to her head. She was neither.
It turned out that Athanasia did have a lot to learn about archery and Dorothea was an excellent teacher who had absolutely no problem correcting a princess. Then again, Athanasia wasn’t a Taengean princess and House Dimitrou owed no fealty to Colchis. The reason didn’t really matter. She got along well with Dorothea and they had fun together, whether shooting targets or hunting.
Yesterday they had brought down a lot of game on their hunting trip, some which had ended up on the table last night. Like most noble houses, they probably had their own hunters whose sole job was to provide meat for the family, but on this occasion, she and Dorothea had supplied it themselves. There was a sense of satisfaction in watching others enjoy the fruits of your labors. And the food was quite delicious.
Today the two cousins were going on a picnic together. Dorothea was handling all the arrangements and all Athanasia had to do was get dressed and meet her in the stables. There was no need to blend in with the surroundings today, so she chose a bright saffron peplos that she had never worn before. It was unadorned except for some red flowers and green leaves embroidered around the edges. She wore a simple set of golden jewelry which matched her fibulae. Her hair was tied loosely with a saffron ribbon which would keep it in place while she rode. When they arrived at their destination, she would remove it and let her long auburn-gold tresses tumble freely down her back.
Dorothea was not in the stables when she arrived, but their horses were already saddled. Athanasia walked up to the chestnut mare she had ridden yesterday and fed her an apple that she had brought with her. The mare was easy to handle and had a sweet disposition, exactly the kind of mount that a young woman who had always been wary of horses needed.
She turned at the sound of her cousin’s voice and smiled warmly. The princess already considered Dorothea a friend. “Good day, Dorothea. I hope you get to show me all of it today, or at least the most picturesque places.” Maybe there would be a place to swim. The day was hot and she had already told her cousin that she couldn’t sweat and overheated easily. During one of their lessons, she’d had to take a break and find some shade.
Soon they were on their way. “So am I,” she agreed. “I would love to correspond with you when I return to Colchis. We can share our adventures with each other and I might need some more archery tips. Perhaps I shall even write to your father and extend an invitation for you to visit me. I would love to show you the city of Midas. There are also some good forests to hunt in.”
It had been nice having her cousins here, despite the Dimitrous generally preferring a much quieter household. They had been stretched the past few weeks with so many people in their home, but it was a rare opportunity. Dorothea drank it all in, wanting to learn as much as she could about her family and also about Colchis. She was now more sure than ever that she wanted to travel. She wanted to make her way out of Taengea and into lands beyond her imagination. Colchis was certainly on that list. No matter it’s general reputation to most Taengeans, Dorothea had an open mind. To her, she didn’t mind so much what the people were rumored to be like. She’d enjoyed her cousins so not everyone could be so bad.
It was a rather dull mindset to write off entire people because how they were perceived to be different. Even though Dorothea hadn’t experienced much of the world, she had done enough reading to have at least an idea of what lay beyond their borders. Now all that was left was for her to visit these lands herself. She didn’t know if Colchis would be the first foreign land she would visit, but she did know that it would not be her last.
“That would be wonderful,” she said truthfully, responding to her cousin’s offer to let Dorothea visit. “I would be honored. It would be such a treat to visit your home and to hunt in your forests.” She wondered if it would be a different challenge. Or would it be the much the same as what she was used to? How would she behave in a new land? Would she feel a sense of unease hunting in a place that was unfamiliar to her or would it feel like home? Dorothea wanted to know so much about herself. What would she be like in some place different?
“I would be happy to share any archery tips and be grateful to know of your adventures,” Dorothea added. “I did not think we would ever have an opportunity to know each other like this and I am grateful for our friendship, Asia.”
It was such a pleasant day. Perfect for a ride and a picnic. There was almost nothing Dorothea loved more than to be out in nature on such a day as this. In her basket there was food from their hunt yesterday. Likely too large a spread for the two girls, but at least they could have a sample of everything. They wound their way through the forest, riding next to each other when they could, Dorothea taking the lead through some of the narrow pathways. It was wonderful just to ride. She pointed out the directions of a few things, but otherwise let the two of them enjoy the nature.
Soon, they arrived at their picnic spot, breaking free from the forest and arriving at the cliffside, overlooking the sea. There was a small outcropping of rocks, where Dorothea often stopped to have picnics. It blocked the wind, but not their view. Dismounting, Dorothea let her horse free to graze, telling Asia that their horses would be fine here despite the cliff. They were used to this ride and knew well enough to stay away from the edge.
She settled in on the rocks, unpacking their lunch. “Are you happy to be going home?” Dorothea asked finally, when everything was set. This visit was nice, but surely her cousin must miss her home. For all Dorothea wanted to travel, she knew that Meganea would always be her home.
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It had been nice having her cousins here, despite the Dimitrous generally preferring a much quieter household. They had been stretched the past few weeks with so many people in their home, but it was a rare opportunity. Dorothea drank it all in, wanting to learn as much as she could about her family and also about Colchis. She was now more sure than ever that she wanted to travel. She wanted to make her way out of Taengea and into lands beyond her imagination. Colchis was certainly on that list. No matter it’s general reputation to most Taengeans, Dorothea had an open mind. To her, she didn’t mind so much what the people were rumored to be like. She’d enjoyed her cousins so not everyone could be so bad.
It was a rather dull mindset to write off entire people because how they were perceived to be different. Even though Dorothea hadn’t experienced much of the world, she had done enough reading to have at least an idea of what lay beyond their borders. Now all that was left was for her to visit these lands herself. She didn’t know if Colchis would be the first foreign land she would visit, but she did know that it would not be her last.
“That would be wonderful,” she said truthfully, responding to her cousin’s offer to let Dorothea visit. “I would be honored. It would be such a treat to visit your home and to hunt in your forests.” She wondered if it would be a different challenge. Or would it be the much the same as what she was used to? How would she behave in a new land? Would she feel a sense of unease hunting in a place that was unfamiliar to her or would it feel like home? Dorothea wanted to know so much about herself. What would she be like in some place different?
“I would be happy to share any archery tips and be grateful to know of your adventures,” Dorothea added. “I did not think we would ever have an opportunity to know each other like this and I am grateful for our friendship, Asia.”
It was such a pleasant day. Perfect for a ride and a picnic. There was almost nothing Dorothea loved more than to be out in nature on such a day as this. In her basket there was food from their hunt yesterday. Likely too large a spread for the two girls, but at least they could have a sample of everything. They wound their way through the forest, riding next to each other when they could, Dorothea taking the lead through some of the narrow pathways. It was wonderful just to ride. She pointed out the directions of a few things, but otherwise let the two of them enjoy the nature.
Soon, they arrived at their picnic spot, breaking free from the forest and arriving at the cliffside, overlooking the sea. There was a small outcropping of rocks, where Dorothea often stopped to have picnics. It blocked the wind, but not their view. Dismounting, Dorothea let her horse free to graze, telling Asia that their horses would be fine here despite the cliff. They were used to this ride and knew well enough to stay away from the edge.
She settled in on the rocks, unpacking their lunch. “Are you happy to be going home?” Dorothea asked finally, when everything was set. This visit was nice, but surely her cousin must miss her home. For all Dorothea wanted to travel, she knew that Meganea would always be her home.
It had been nice having her cousins here, despite the Dimitrous generally preferring a much quieter household. They had been stretched the past few weeks with so many people in their home, but it was a rare opportunity. Dorothea drank it all in, wanting to learn as much as she could about her family and also about Colchis. She was now more sure than ever that she wanted to travel. She wanted to make her way out of Taengea and into lands beyond her imagination. Colchis was certainly on that list. No matter it’s general reputation to most Taengeans, Dorothea had an open mind. To her, she didn’t mind so much what the people were rumored to be like. She’d enjoyed her cousins so not everyone could be so bad.
It was a rather dull mindset to write off entire people because how they were perceived to be different. Even though Dorothea hadn’t experienced much of the world, she had done enough reading to have at least an idea of what lay beyond their borders. Now all that was left was for her to visit these lands herself. She didn’t know if Colchis would be the first foreign land she would visit, but she did know that it would not be her last.
“That would be wonderful,” she said truthfully, responding to her cousin’s offer to let Dorothea visit. “I would be honored. It would be such a treat to visit your home and to hunt in your forests.” She wondered if it would be a different challenge. Or would it be the much the same as what she was used to? How would she behave in a new land? Would she feel a sense of unease hunting in a place that was unfamiliar to her or would it feel like home? Dorothea wanted to know so much about herself. What would she be like in some place different?
“I would be happy to share any archery tips and be grateful to know of your adventures,” Dorothea added. “I did not think we would ever have an opportunity to know each other like this and I am grateful for our friendship, Asia.”
It was such a pleasant day. Perfect for a ride and a picnic. There was almost nothing Dorothea loved more than to be out in nature on such a day as this. In her basket there was food from their hunt yesterday. Likely too large a spread for the two girls, but at least they could have a sample of everything. They wound their way through the forest, riding next to each other when they could, Dorothea taking the lead through some of the narrow pathways. It was wonderful just to ride. She pointed out the directions of a few things, but otherwise let the two of them enjoy the nature.
Soon, they arrived at their picnic spot, breaking free from the forest and arriving at the cliffside, overlooking the sea. There was a small outcropping of rocks, where Dorothea often stopped to have picnics. It blocked the wind, but not their view. Dismounting, Dorothea let her horse free to graze, telling Asia that their horses would be fine here despite the cliff. They were used to this ride and knew well enough to stay away from the edge.
She settled in on the rocks, unpacking their lunch. “Are you happy to be going home?” Dorothea asked finally, when everything was set. This visit was nice, but surely her cousin must miss her home. For all Dorothea wanted to travel, she knew that Meganea would always be her home.
Athanasia looked around her with interest as she and Dorothea rode through the forest. It was so green and fragrant, and flowers grew everywhere. There were not many feminine things that she enjoyed, but she did love flowers. A few hardy varieties grew in crags between the rocks and in the woods where she hunted, but here they were abundant wherever she went. It truly was a beautiful kingdom and she hoped she would be able to visit more often.
She was also looking forward to showing her cousin the city of Midas. Would Dorothea be disappointed by the mountains and cliffs after residing in Taengea all her life? The terrains of the kingdoms were vastly different, but her homeland had an appeal of its own. Colchis was much more austere than Taengea. Yet there was beauty in its austerity. Somehow she would convince her uncle to allow it.
Maybe she could convince her mother to write a letter and suggest it. After all, there were few women among the nobility that the princess truly liked to associate with. Most of those she knew were vapid creatures who talked of nothing but clothes, sandals, and finding husbands. Imeeya was more like her, always enthusiastic for adventure. She adored her sister-in-law too, but was forbidden to associate with the other members of the Thanasi family. Athanasia often wondered what they were like. She had not seen them much since Zan and Evras had married when she was six.
So her mother should be happy to allow her cousin to visit. For her part, Dorothea seemed eager to do so and to correspond with her too. The princess smiled. “In truth, I didn’t think we would become such good friends, but I’m glad I was wrong. We have much more in common with each other than most noblewomen I have met.” She wrinkled her nose. “I’m sure you know the ones I’m talking about.”
They reached the spot that Dorothea had picked out for their picnic. The cliff and the rocks reminded Athanasia of home, though there was not as much grass in Colchis for the horses to graze on. She dismounted and let her borrowed horse roam where he would.
Athanasia helped her cousin unpack their repast and then settled comfortably on the ground. She titled her head as she considered Dorothea’s question. “In truth, I wish I could stay a bit longer and explore more of your kingdom, and I’m sorry our trip is almost over. I definitely don’t look forward to traveling by sea again. I wish I could just skip that part.
“Have you traveled much by sea, Dorothea? Unfortunately, it will be necessary to get to Colchis.”
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Athanasia looked around her with interest as she and Dorothea rode through the forest. It was so green and fragrant, and flowers grew everywhere. There were not many feminine things that she enjoyed, but she did love flowers. A few hardy varieties grew in crags between the rocks and in the woods where she hunted, but here they were abundant wherever she went. It truly was a beautiful kingdom and she hoped she would be able to visit more often.
She was also looking forward to showing her cousin the city of Midas. Would Dorothea be disappointed by the mountains and cliffs after residing in Taengea all her life? The terrains of the kingdoms were vastly different, but her homeland had an appeal of its own. Colchis was much more austere than Taengea. Yet there was beauty in its austerity. Somehow she would convince her uncle to allow it.
Maybe she could convince her mother to write a letter and suggest it. After all, there were few women among the nobility that the princess truly liked to associate with. Most of those she knew were vapid creatures who talked of nothing but clothes, sandals, and finding husbands. Imeeya was more like her, always enthusiastic for adventure. She adored her sister-in-law too, but was forbidden to associate with the other members of the Thanasi family. Athanasia often wondered what they were like. She had not seen them much since Zan and Evras had married when she was six.
So her mother should be happy to allow her cousin to visit. For her part, Dorothea seemed eager to do so and to correspond with her too. The princess smiled. “In truth, I didn’t think we would become such good friends, but I’m glad I was wrong. We have much more in common with each other than most noblewomen I have met.” She wrinkled her nose. “I’m sure you know the ones I’m talking about.”
They reached the spot that Dorothea had picked out for their picnic. The cliff and the rocks reminded Athanasia of home, though there was not as much grass in Colchis for the horses to graze on. She dismounted and let her borrowed horse roam where he would.
Athanasia helped her cousin unpack their repast and then settled comfortably on the ground. She titled her head as she considered Dorothea’s question. “In truth, I wish I could stay a bit longer and explore more of your kingdom, and I’m sorry our trip is almost over. I definitely don’t look forward to traveling by sea again. I wish I could just skip that part.
“Have you traveled much by sea, Dorothea? Unfortunately, it will be necessary to get to Colchis.”
Athanasia looked around her with interest as she and Dorothea rode through the forest. It was so green and fragrant, and flowers grew everywhere. There were not many feminine things that she enjoyed, but she did love flowers. A few hardy varieties grew in crags between the rocks and in the woods where she hunted, but here they were abundant wherever she went. It truly was a beautiful kingdom and she hoped she would be able to visit more often.
She was also looking forward to showing her cousin the city of Midas. Would Dorothea be disappointed by the mountains and cliffs after residing in Taengea all her life? The terrains of the kingdoms were vastly different, but her homeland had an appeal of its own. Colchis was much more austere than Taengea. Yet there was beauty in its austerity. Somehow she would convince her uncle to allow it.
Maybe she could convince her mother to write a letter and suggest it. After all, there were few women among the nobility that the princess truly liked to associate with. Most of those she knew were vapid creatures who talked of nothing but clothes, sandals, and finding husbands. Imeeya was more like her, always enthusiastic for adventure. She adored her sister-in-law too, but was forbidden to associate with the other members of the Thanasi family. Athanasia often wondered what they were like. She had not seen them much since Zan and Evras had married when she was six.
So her mother should be happy to allow her cousin to visit. For her part, Dorothea seemed eager to do so and to correspond with her too. The princess smiled. “In truth, I didn’t think we would become such good friends, but I’m glad I was wrong. We have much more in common with each other than most noblewomen I have met.” She wrinkled her nose. “I’m sure you know the ones I’m talking about.”
They reached the spot that Dorothea had picked out for their picnic. The cliff and the rocks reminded Athanasia of home, though there was not as much grass in Colchis for the horses to graze on. She dismounted and let her borrowed horse roam where he would.
Athanasia helped her cousin unpack their repast and then settled comfortably on the ground. She titled her head as she considered Dorothea’s question. “In truth, I wish I could stay a bit longer and explore more of your kingdom, and I’m sorry our trip is almost over. I definitely don’t look forward to traveling by sea again. I wish I could just skip that part.
“Have you traveled much by sea, Dorothea? Unfortunately, it will be necessary to get to Colchis.”
