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Orion heaved a sigh as he dismounted Abraxas. The stallion had slowed but not fully come to a stop when his feet hit the ground, but Orion fell into stride with his mount, leading him to the point where he met the bleary-eyed stablehand in the courtyard and passed over the reins. No words were exchanged, barely even more than a glance at that before the hired hand took his steed away towards the stables.
Instead, his eyes turned upward toward the estate windows, the faint glow of an oil lamp visible in the lower levels in anticipation for his return, but one particular room dark. In the pale starlight, he thought he saw her there, and his eyes lingered there a moment before striding towards the entryway, one hand reaching up to smooth his greying hair back into place.
His hands were still chilled from where he had washed them before returning home, and he made sure he inspected them and his face thoroughly before he began the ride home. No one else in their household would notice that the chiton he wore was now a dark forest green instead of the deep blue he had left with earlier in the afternoon.
But, Eliana would. For Eliana had seen too much.
Upon entering the expansive atrium, Orion was greeted by a houseservant who informed him of who remained in the city - Pallas and Esdras, of course, - who lingered awake - Diogenes and Rhea - and who had set themselves to bed for the night - Erasmos...and Eliana.
His head turned towards the staircase that led to their family’s wing of the home. Eliana may have been abed, sure, but there was no doubt in Orion’s mind that she was not asleep. How could she after what she had seen? Honestly, he would have been more than impressed if she could find her way to the land of dreams so swiftly after such a sight -but he knew that was impossible. His youngest daughter, he was afraid, was not made of such metal.
His footfalls, slow and deliberate, echoed on the marble, as he twisted his neck and rolled his shoulders to relieve the tension. They would be sore the next day, he was certain, but that was a minor cost for what ultimately had been a productive evening.
Taking one of the lit oil lamps from a sideboard, he approached her darkened doorway, pushing open the door without menace or malice, but allowing for the light of the lamp to pour in - especially as he crossed the room towards her bureau, allowing the flame to light the lamp there as he turned to face her.
Would she play dumb? Would she pretend that he had, in fact, roused her from a deep sleep? Would she burst into confused, feminine tears? Or would she look up to him with fear in his eyes as if he could turn the work of his hands on her - as if he would do that right then and there?
While he did not believe that his daughter was capable of coming to terms with what she had seen - not with as quickly as she ran away from the scene that night - but he was more than confident that he had not raised an imbecile.
Nor someone who would dare lie to his face by feigning ignorance as to why he was in her room unannounced, arms crossed and leaning against the vanity laden with her cosmetics.
“If you have questions...ask them.”
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Orion heaved a sigh as he dismounted Abraxas. The stallion had slowed but not fully come to a stop when his feet hit the ground, but Orion fell into stride with his mount, leading him to the point where he met the bleary-eyed stablehand in the courtyard and passed over the reins. No words were exchanged, barely even more than a glance at that before the hired hand took his steed away towards the stables.
Instead, his eyes turned upward toward the estate windows, the faint glow of an oil lamp visible in the lower levels in anticipation for his return, but one particular room dark. In the pale starlight, he thought he saw her there, and his eyes lingered there a moment before striding towards the entryway, one hand reaching up to smooth his greying hair back into place.
His hands were still chilled from where he had washed them before returning home, and he made sure he inspected them and his face thoroughly before he began the ride home. No one else in their household would notice that the chiton he wore was now a dark forest green instead of the deep blue he had left with earlier in the afternoon.
But, Eliana would. For Eliana had seen too much.
Upon entering the expansive atrium, Orion was greeted by a houseservant who informed him of who remained in the city - Pallas and Esdras, of course, - who lingered awake - Diogenes and Rhea - and who had set themselves to bed for the night - Erasmos...and Eliana.
His head turned towards the staircase that led to their family’s wing of the home. Eliana may have been abed, sure, but there was no doubt in Orion’s mind that she was not asleep. How could she after what she had seen? Honestly, he would have been more than impressed if she could find her way to the land of dreams so swiftly after such a sight -but he knew that was impossible. His youngest daughter, he was afraid, was not made of such metal.
His footfalls, slow and deliberate, echoed on the marble, as he twisted his neck and rolled his shoulders to relieve the tension. They would be sore the next day, he was certain, but that was a minor cost for what ultimately had been a productive evening.
Taking one of the lit oil lamps from a sideboard, he approached her darkened doorway, pushing open the door without menace or malice, but allowing for the light of the lamp to pour in - especially as he crossed the room towards her bureau, allowing the flame to light the lamp there as he turned to face her.
Would she play dumb? Would she pretend that he had, in fact, roused her from a deep sleep? Would she burst into confused, feminine tears? Or would she look up to him with fear in his eyes as if he could turn the work of his hands on her - as if he would do that right then and there?
While he did not believe that his daughter was capable of coming to terms with what she had seen - not with as quickly as she ran away from the scene that night - but he was more than confident that he had not raised an imbecile.
Nor someone who would dare lie to his face by feigning ignorance as to why he was in her room unannounced, arms crossed and leaning against the vanity laden with her cosmetics.
“If you have questions...ask them.”
Orion heaved a sigh as he dismounted Abraxas. The stallion had slowed but not fully come to a stop when his feet hit the ground, but Orion fell into stride with his mount, leading him to the point where he met the bleary-eyed stablehand in the courtyard and passed over the reins. No words were exchanged, barely even more than a glance at that before the hired hand took his steed away towards the stables.
Instead, his eyes turned upward toward the estate windows, the faint glow of an oil lamp visible in the lower levels in anticipation for his return, but one particular room dark. In the pale starlight, he thought he saw her there, and his eyes lingered there a moment before striding towards the entryway, one hand reaching up to smooth his greying hair back into place.
His hands were still chilled from where he had washed them before returning home, and he made sure he inspected them and his face thoroughly before he began the ride home. No one else in their household would notice that the chiton he wore was now a dark forest green instead of the deep blue he had left with earlier in the afternoon.
But, Eliana would. For Eliana had seen too much.
Upon entering the expansive atrium, Orion was greeted by a houseservant who informed him of who remained in the city - Pallas and Esdras, of course, - who lingered awake - Diogenes and Rhea - and who had set themselves to bed for the night - Erasmos...and Eliana.
His head turned towards the staircase that led to their family’s wing of the home. Eliana may have been abed, sure, but there was no doubt in Orion’s mind that she was not asleep. How could she after what she had seen? Honestly, he would have been more than impressed if she could find her way to the land of dreams so swiftly after such a sight -but he knew that was impossible. His youngest daughter, he was afraid, was not made of such metal.
His footfalls, slow and deliberate, echoed on the marble, as he twisted his neck and rolled his shoulders to relieve the tension. They would be sore the next day, he was certain, but that was a minor cost for what ultimately had been a productive evening.
Taking one of the lit oil lamps from a sideboard, he approached her darkened doorway, pushing open the door without menace or malice, but allowing for the light of the lamp to pour in - especially as he crossed the room towards her bureau, allowing the flame to light the lamp there as he turned to face her.
Would she play dumb? Would she pretend that he had, in fact, roused her from a deep sleep? Would she burst into confused, feminine tears? Or would she look up to him with fear in his eyes as if he could turn the work of his hands on her - as if he would do that right then and there?
While he did not believe that his daughter was capable of coming to terms with what she had seen - not with as quickly as she ran away from the scene that night - but he was more than confident that he had not raised an imbecile.
Nor someone who would dare lie to his face by feigning ignorance as to why he was in her room unannounced, arms crossed and leaning against the vanity laden with her cosmetics.
“If you have questions...ask them.”
She shouldn’t have left her family. Eliana thought that about a million times this evening. She shouldn’t have left. She should have stayed right there.
But how was she to know? Why would she expect to see that.
About a week ago Eliana had left a bracelet at one of the gambling houses. It was recently closed down to be expanded so Eliana hadn’t been in a rush to retrieve it. But as she was walking the streets with Pallas and Rhea, they wandered in the area close to the gambling house. So taking advantage of this- Eliana had decided to go pick up her bracelet.
What she hadn’t expected to see was her father’s horse there. She hated Abraxas, and Abraxas hated her. She could tell from the grunt it gave as she approached the gambling house, and the glare she gave it right back. But she had entered, not thinking it would bother her father if she were to retrieve the bracelet. As she made her way towards the back tables, and was about to pick up the small silver bangle from the table she heard it a… whack!
What was going on? Eliana tip toed her way towards the sound and what she saw horrified her. Through a crack in the door she saw her father, blood sprayed towards him and an iron rod (was that a curtain rod?) in his hands. A man was below him, sobbing, begging.
What was going on?
“I-I don’t have the money right now! But I’ll g-get it! I swear it!”
Money? What money? She knew her dad would load people drachmas from time to time but…
Oh gods no.
Her father’s fists landed on the guy next. Over and over again. But what was odd was that he didn’t look angry. He didn’t even look upset. It just looked… natural. And that’s what made it so much more horrifying. There was no mercy. There was no hesitation.
Eliana hadn’t even realized she was stepping back until she found herself bumping into the table and sending the bangle clattering to the floor. Her heart stopped, and she moved on instinct, running as fast as she could outside the gambling house before her father could stop and see her.
She felt ill. So ill. In fact, once she had ran sufficiently far enough she found herself doubling over and vomiting into an alley. She had tears running down her face, and she felt so pale. What was happening? Why was he doing that? Why wasn’t he stopping? Did she really see that? Was that really her father?
Eliana hadn’t even thought to return to her siblings. She just went home. The servants had greeted her when she was there- asking if she wanted dinner or something but Eliana just moved right past them and to her bedroom where she remained the rest of the evening. Eventually she had managed to change her clothes to sleeping attire, but sleep itself would never come. The girl just sat in the window seat staring out into nothingness, her mind replaying the moment over and over again.
I should have never left my siblings.
And then she heard them- the sound of a horse. Abraxas. His hooves clanked against the ground and he let out another snort. And Eliana saw the shadowy figure that was her father. Quickly she put out the oil lamp and climbed into bed, slamming her eyes shut and at least pretending to be asleep so that she wouldn’t have to face him. He wouldn’t make his way here right? He wouldn’t try to talk to her… right?
Wrong. Because she could hear him as he moved closer and closer to her door, entering without knocking and moving towards her vanity. She wasn’t going to pretend to sleep, but she didn’t want to look at him. Would he still have blood? That… man’s blood?
Her fingers curled tighter around her blankets, and her lips pursed together. She didn’t want to cry in front of him. Not only would that go over poorly- but she didn’t want to show him how… absolutely horrified she was. While Eliana could typically control her emotions from being betrayed by her face- there was no way she could now.
And yet her dark eyes opened and they looked at her father, leaning against her vanity as if this was something… normal. As if this was a casual conversation.
Was he a monster?
She didn’t know what question to ask. Her mouth opened and then closed. She didn’t know what she wanted to know. And yet… she was just so confused. She wanted to believe her father had a reason to do that- a good reason a… right reason. So despite knowing the answer would only further prove that her father had done something unforgivable, the small little girl within Eliana asked just one question: “Why?”
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She shouldn’t have left her family. Eliana thought that about a million times this evening. She shouldn’t have left. She should have stayed right there.
But how was she to know? Why would she expect to see that.
About a week ago Eliana had left a bracelet at one of the gambling houses. It was recently closed down to be expanded so Eliana hadn’t been in a rush to retrieve it. But as she was walking the streets with Pallas and Rhea, they wandered in the area close to the gambling house. So taking advantage of this- Eliana had decided to go pick up her bracelet.
What she hadn’t expected to see was her father’s horse there. She hated Abraxas, and Abraxas hated her. She could tell from the grunt it gave as she approached the gambling house, and the glare she gave it right back. But she had entered, not thinking it would bother her father if she were to retrieve the bracelet. As she made her way towards the back tables, and was about to pick up the small silver bangle from the table she heard it a… whack!
What was going on? Eliana tip toed her way towards the sound and what she saw horrified her. Through a crack in the door she saw her father, blood sprayed towards him and an iron rod (was that a curtain rod?) in his hands. A man was below him, sobbing, begging.
What was going on?
“I-I don’t have the money right now! But I’ll g-get it! I swear it!”
Money? What money? She knew her dad would load people drachmas from time to time but…
Oh gods no.
Her father’s fists landed on the guy next. Over and over again. But what was odd was that he didn’t look angry. He didn’t even look upset. It just looked… natural. And that’s what made it so much more horrifying. There was no mercy. There was no hesitation.
Eliana hadn’t even realized she was stepping back until she found herself bumping into the table and sending the bangle clattering to the floor. Her heart stopped, and she moved on instinct, running as fast as she could outside the gambling house before her father could stop and see her.
She felt ill. So ill. In fact, once she had ran sufficiently far enough she found herself doubling over and vomiting into an alley. She had tears running down her face, and she felt so pale. What was happening? Why was he doing that? Why wasn’t he stopping? Did she really see that? Was that really her father?
Eliana hadn’t even thought to return to her siblings. She just went home. The servants had greeted her when she was there- asking if she wanted dinner or something but Eliana just moved right past them and to her bedroom where she remained the rest of the evening. Eventually she had managed to change her clothes to sleeping attire, but sleep itself would never come. The girl just sat in the window seat staring out into nothingness, her mind replaying the moment over and over again.
I should have never left my siblings.
And then she heard them- the sound of a horse. Abraxas. His hooves clanked against the ground and he let out another snort. And Eliana saw the shadowy figure that was her father. Quickly she put out the oil lamp and climbed into bed, slamming her eyes shut and at least pretending to be asleep so that she wouldn’t have to face him. He wouldn’t make his way here right? He wouldn’t try to talk to her… right?
Wrong. Because she could hear him as he moved closer and closer to her door, entering without knocking and moving towards her vanity. She wasn’t going to pretend to sleep, but she didn’t want to look at him. Would he still have blood? That… man’s blood?
Her fingers curled tighter around her blankets, and her lips pursed together. She didn’t want to cry in front of him. Not only would that go over poorly- but she didn’t want to show him how… absolutely horrified she was. While Eliana could typically control her emotions from being betrayed by her face- there was no way she could now.
And yet her dark eyes opened and they looked at her father, leaning against her vanity as if this was something… normal. As if this was a casual conversation.
Was he a monster?
She didn’t know what question to ask. Her mouth opened and then closed. She didn’t know what she wanted to know. And yet… she was just so confused. She wanted to believe her father had a reason to do that- a good reason a… right reason. So despite knowing the answer would only further prove that her father had done something unforgivable, the small little girl within Eliana asked just one question: “Why?”
She shouldn’t have left her family. Eliana thought that about a million times this evening. She shouldn’t have left. She should have stayed right there.
But how was she to know? Why would she expect to see that.
About a week ago Eliana had left a bracelet at one of the gambling houses. It was recently closed down to be expanded so Eliana hadn’t been in a rush to retrieve it. But as she was walking the streets with Pallas and Rhea, they wandered in the area close to the gambling house. So taking advantage of this- Eliana had decided to go pick up her bracelet.
What she hadn’t expected to see was her father’s horse there. She hated Abraxas, and Abraxas hated her. She could tell from the grunt it gave as she approached the gambling house, and the glare she gave it right back. But she had entered, not thinking it would bother her father if she were to retrieve the bracelet. As she made her way towards the back tables, and was about to pick up the small silver bangle from the table she heard it a… whack!
What was going on? Eliana tip toed her way towards the sound and what she saw horrified her. Through a crack in the door she saw her father, blood sprayed towards him and an iron rod (was that a curtain rod?) in his hands. A man was below him, sobbing, begging.
What was going on?
“I-I don’t have the money right now! But I’ll g-get it! I swear it!”
Money? What money? She knew her dad would load people drachmas from time to time but…
Oh gods no.
Her father’s fists landed on the guy next. Over and over again. But what was odd was that he didn’t look angry. He didn’t even look upset. It just looked… natural. And that’s what made it so much more horrifying. There was no mercy. There was no hesitation.
Eliana hadn’t even realized she was stepping back until she found herself bumping into the table and sending the bangle clattering to the floor. Her heart stopped, and she moved on instinct, running as fast as she could outside the gambling house before her father could stop and see her.
She felt ill. So ill. In fact, once she had ran sufficiently far enough she found herself doubling over and vomiting into an alley. She had tears running down her face, and she felt so pale. What was happening? Why was he doing that? Why wasn’t he stopping? Did she really see that? Was that really her father?
Eliana hadn’t even thought to return to her siblings. She just went home. The servants had greeted her when she was there- asking if she wanted dinner or something but Eliana just moved right past them and to her bedroom where she remained the rest of the evening. Eventually she had managed to change her clothes to sleeping attire, but sleep itself would never come. The girl just sat in the window seat staring out into nothingness, her mind replaying the moment over and over again.
I should have never left my siblings.
And then she heard them- the sound of a horse. Abraxas. His hooves clanked against the ground and he let out another snort. And Eliana saw the shadowy figure that was her father. Quickly she put out the oil lamp and climbed into bed, slamming her eyes shut and at least pretending to be asleep so that she wouldn’t have to face him. He wouldn’t make his way here right? He wouldn’t try to talk to her… right?
Wrong. Because she could hear him as he moved closer and closer to her door, entering without knocking and moving towards her vanity. She wasn’t going to pretend to sleep, but she didn’t want to look at him. Would he still have blood? That… man’s blood?
Her fingers curled tighter around her blankets, and her lips pursed together. She didn’t want to cry in front of him. Not only would that go over poorly- but she didn’t want to show him how… absolutely horrified she was. While Eliana could typically control her emotions from being betrayed by her face- there was no way she could now.
And yet her dark eyes opened and they looked at her father, leaning against her vanity as if this was something… normal. As if this was a casual conversation.
Was he a monster?
She didn’t know what question to ask. Her mouth opened and then closed. She didn’t know what she wanted to know. And yet… she was just so confused. She wanted to believe her father had a reason to do that- a good reason a… right reason. So despite knowing the answer would only further prove that her father had done something unforgivable, the small little girl within Eliana asked just one question: “Why?”
Orion remained still a moment, wondering if any other words would follow the first. They wouldn’t. He knew that.
“Good starting point, I suppose,” Orion began, under his breath, before taking a deep inhale. He did not uncross his arms or gesticulate with them to explain his point. He was not up for judgement - particularly not from his own child. If anything, he had just done his duty and passed judgement. This, in his mind, would be no more different than explaining why fire burns the skin if touched or why one cannot breathe underwater.
Simply the facts of life.
“That man stole from us. Simply put. This was not his first offense, either. He was organized in siphoning away our profits and when caught was offered the option to repay us. He failed to do so, twice, and needed some further encouragement. He has now been sufficiently reminded and is aware of the consequences if he defaults yet again. As you well know, each default on a loan ensures the costs get steeper and steeper.” Orion paused a moment gauging his daughter’s reaction.
In truth, he was quite proud that she had not burst into tears or released the contents of her stomach on the floor. It would be quite a mess and he already had the stench of that from earlier in the evening clinging in his nose. Straightening as he stretched the annoyingly tight muscles in his shoulders once again, he added, his tone a touch lighter, “It is my hope he does find a way to make the payments before they are too far gone. We are not above taking livestock and belongings in exchange, but I would not be surprised if he has already lost most of that from getting himself in too deep with others.”
His eyes shot back to Eliana, the slightest bit of soothing concern in his voice as he began with, “It was never my intention for you to see such things…” before it once again took a pressing tone, not pleading for understanding, but simply explanatory as he added, “But this is the way it must be. As it has been. Otherwise, these problems would be so plentiful they would overrun Argothia. There is a reason they have not done so thus far.”
Remaining still, the only movement he offered was the slight lifting of his brows from where they leveled over his eyes. Not one for theatrics, he became acutely aware of how this might be perceived, with the low light casting menacing shadows across the wall. As such, he blew a breath quietly out his nose and glanced toward the open window, watching the wind billow through the sheer curtains there, his eyes raising up to the metal curtain rod that held them in place. He could almost feel the cool of it in his hands once more, as his eyes glanced directly from it to Eliana once more.
“Are you frightened?”
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Orion remained still a moment, wondering if any other words would follow the first. They wouldn’t. He knew that.
“Good starting point, I suppose,” Orion began, under his breath, before taking a deep inhale. He did not uncross his arms or gesticulate with them to explain his point. He was not up for judgement - particularly not from his own child. If anything, he had just done his duty and passed judgement. This, in his mind, would be no more different than explaining why fire burns the skin if touched or why one cannot breathe underwater.
Simply the facts of life.
“That man stole from us. Simply put. This was not his first offense, either. He was organized in siphoning away our profits and when caught was offered the option to repay us. He failed to do so, twice, and needed some further encouragement. He has now been sufficiently reminded and is aware of the consequences if he defaults yet again. As you well know, each default on a loan ensures the costs get steeper and steeper.” Orion paused a moment gauging his daughter’s reaction.
In truth, he was quite proud that she had not burst into tears or released the contents of her stomach on the floor. It would be quite a mess and he already had the stench of that from earlier in the evening clinging in his nose. Straightening as he stretched the annoyingly tight muscles in his shoulders once again, he added, his tone a touch lighter, “It is my hope he does find a way to make the payments before they are too far gone. We are not above taking livestock and belongings in exchange, but I would not be surprised if he has already lost most of that from getting himself in too deep with others.”
His eyes shot back to Eliana, the slightest bit of soothing concern in his voice as he began with, “It was never my intention for you to see such things…” before it once again took a pressing tone, not pleading for understanding, but simply explanatory as he added, “But this is the way it must be. As it has been. Otherwise, these problems would be so plentiful they would overrun Argothia. There is a reason they have not done so thus far.”
Remaining still, the only movement he offered was the slight lifting of his brows from where they leveled over his eyes. Not one for theatrics, he became acutely aware of how this might be perceived, with the low light casting menacing shadows across the wall. As such, he blew a breath quietly out his nose and glanced toward the open window, watching the wind billow through the sheer curtains there, his eyes raising up to the metal curtain rod that held them in place. He could almost feel the cool of it in his hands once more, as his eyes glanced directly from it to Eliana once more.
“Are you frightened?”
Orion remained still a moment, wondering if any other words would follow the first. They wouldn’t. He knew that.
“Good starting point, I suppose,” Orion began, under his breath, before taking a deep inhale. He did not uncross his arms or gesticulate with them to explain his point. He was not up for judgement - particularly not from his own child. If anything, he had just done his duty and passed judgement. This, in his mind, would be no more different than explaining why fire burns the skin if touched or why one cannot breathe underwater.
Simply the facts of life.
“That man stole from us. Simply put. This was not his first offense, either. He was organized in siphoning away our profits and when caught was offered the option to repay us. He failed to do so, twice, and needed some further encouragement. He has now been sufficiently reminded and is aware of the consequences if he defaults yet again. As you well know, each default on a loan ensures the costs get steeper and steeper.” Orion paused a moment gauging his daughter’s reaction.
In truth, he was quite proud that she had not burst into tears or released the contents of her stomach on the floor. It would be quite a mess and he already had the stench of that from earlier in the evening clinging in his nose. Straightening as he stretched the annoyingly tight muscles in his shoulders once again, he added, his tone a touch lighter, “It is my hope he does find a way to make the payments before they are too far gone. We are not above taking livestock and belongings in exchange, but I would not be surprised if he has already lost most of that from getting himself in too deep with others.”
His eyes shot back to Eliana, the slightest bit of soothing concern in his voice as he began with, “It was never my intention for you to see such things…” before it once again took a pressing tone, not pleading for understanding, but simply explanatory as he added, “But this is the way it must be. As it has been. Otherwise, these problems would be so plentiful they would overrun Argothia. There is a reason they have not done so thus far.”
Remaining still, the only movement he offered was the slight lifting of his brows from where they leveled over his eyes. Not one for theatrics, he became acutely aware of how this might be perceived, with the low light casting menacing shadows across the wall. As such, he blew a breath quietly out his nose and glanced toward the open window, watching the wind billow through the sheer curtains there, his eyes raising up to the metal curtain rod that held them in place. He could almost feel the cool of it in his hands once more, as his eyes glanced directly from it to Eliana once more.
“Are you frightened?”
Though her eyes never left him, she knew what he was looking at. She could hear her curtains shift as the soft breeze from her open window came into the room. It would have been a lovely night, a calm night if it were not for the man in front of her. She could be asleep, in a land of dreams, or at least in a stupor having drunk so much with her twin and brother. Everything could have been... better.
This doesn’t make sense. He was explaining it so calmly. It wasn’t gentle like he was soothing a child, just… calm. Like one of her tutors growing up teaching her about the world. He was speaking facts- but these facts didn’t match up with what Eliana… knew.
If he was stealing, why not have him arrested? There was no reason to get involved. There was no reason to beat him with a rod. And knowing that her father loans… did he do that to the people who couldn’t pay him back? And when they default…
People get stuck. It was a cold, harsh reality. Was he using the people of Argothia his people as… investments? Give them a little money now and then later bleed them dry and continually take… and take… and take…
No, it couldn’t be like that. Not at all. But as her father asked her if she was afraid, only one answer came immediately to her lips, “Yes.”
Because deep down Eliana did believe her father could be that cruel. Yesterday, maybe, she wouldn’t have been able to- but after what she saw today… well, he hadn’t left the home with a chiton of that color.
What she couldn’t understand was why this was all necessary. How far did it go? And who all knew about it? Did Uncle Diogenes know? Did her cousins know? There was no way Erasmos would be okay with this. But Esdras? And what about her siblings? They had to be in the dark like she was… right?
Finally, Eliana’s eyes dropped down from her father. They looked at her hands that, until that moment, she was unaware just how tightly she was clutching the top of her blanket. Her knuckles were white. Her face had remained straight, but everywhere else betrayed her fear. But fear of what exactly? That her father would do that to her? Could he? Would he? It’s not like he’s the most loving farther- he’s nothing like mother was.
The next question she had was more complicated- she didn’t know quite how to phrase it. How long has he been doing this? What does that answer? How often does he do this? ‘When it needs to be done.’ She could practically hear that answer now. “How much of our money…” Comes off the backs of Argothians? Are beaten out of their people? “...comes from moneylending?” Is this even what it’s about? Money? “Is this why you do that?”
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Though her eyes never left him, she knew what he was looking at. She could hear her curtains shift as the soft breeze from her open window came into the room. It would have been a lovely night, a calm night if it were not for the man in front of her. She could be asleep, in a land of dreams, or at least in a stupor having drunk so much with her twin and brother. Everything could have been... better.
This doesn’t make sense. He was explaining it so calmly. It wasn’t gentle like he was soothing a child, just… calm. Like one of her tutors growing up teaching her about the world. He was speaking facts- but these facts didn’t match up with what Eliana… knew.
If he was stealing, why not have him arrested? There was no reason to get involved. There was no reason to beat him with a rod. And knowing that her father loans… did he do that to the people who couldn’t pay him back? And when they default…
People get stuck. It was a cold, harsh reality. Was he using the people of Argothia his people as… investments? Give them a little money now and then later bleed them dry and continually take… and take… and take…
No, it couldn’t be like that. Not at all. But as her father asked her if she was afraid, only one answer came immediately to her lips, “Yes.”
Because deep down Eliana did believe her father could be that cruel. Yesterday, maybe, she wouldn’t have been able to- but after what she saw today… well, he hadn’t left the home with a chiton of that color.
What she couldn’t understand was why this was all necessary. How far did it go? And who all knew about it? Did Uncle Diogenes know? Did her cousins know? There was no way Erasmos would be okay with this. But Esdras? And what about her siblings? They had to be in the dark like she was… right?
Finally, Eliana’s eyes dropped down from her father. They looked at her hands that, until that moment, she was unaware just how tightly she was clutching the top of her blanket. Her knuckles were white. Her face had remained straight, but everywhere else betrayed her fear. But fear of what exactly? That her father would do that to her? Could he? Would he? It’s not like he’s the most loving farther- he’s nothing like mother was.
The next question she had was more complicated- she didn’t know quite how to phrase it. How long has he been doing this? What does that answer? How often does he do this? ‘When it needs to be done.’ She could practically hear that answer now. “How much of our money…” Comes off the backs of Argothians? Are beaten out of their people? “...comes from moneylending?” Is this even what it’s about? Money? “Is this why you do that?”
Though her eyes never left him, she knew what he was looking at. She could hear her curtains shift as the soft breeze from her open window came into the room. It would have been a lovely night, a calm night if it were not for the man in front of her. She could be asleep, in a land of dreams, or at least in a stupor having drunk so much with her twin and brother. Everything could have been... better.
This doesn’t make sense. He was explaining it so calmly. It wasn’t gentle like he was soothing a child, just… calm. Like one of her tutors growing up teaching her about the world. He was speaking facts- but these facts didn’t match up with what Eliana… knew.
If he was stealing, why not have him arrested? There was no reason to get involved. There was no reason to beat him with a rod. And knowing that her father loans… did he do that to the people who couldn’t pay him back? And when they default…
People get stuck. It was a cold, harsh reality. Was he using the people of Argothia his people as… investments? Give them a little money now and then later bleed them dry and continually take… and take… and take…
No, it couldn’t be like that. Not at all. But as her father asked her if she was afraid, only one answer came immediately to her lips, “Yes.”
Because deep down Eliana did believe her father could be that cruel. Yesterday, maybe, she wouldn’t have been able to- but after what she saw today… well, he hadn’t left the home with a chiton of that color.
What she couldn’t understand was why this was all necessary. How far did it go? And who all knew about it? Did Uncle Diogenes know? Did her cousins know? There was no way Erasmos would be okay with this. But Esdras? And what about her siblings? They had to be in the dark like she was… right?
Finally, Eliana’s eyes dropped down from her father. They looked at her hands that, until that moment, she was unaware just how tightly she was clutching the top of her blanket. Her knuckles were white. Her face had remained straight, but everywhere else betrayed her fear. But fear of what exactly? That her father would do that to her? Could he? Would he? It’s not like he’s the most loving farther- he’s nothing like mother was.
The next question she had was more complicated- she didn’t know quite how to phrase it. How long has he been doing this? What does that answer? How often does he do this? ‘When it needs to be done.’ She could practically hear that answer now. “How much of our money…” Comes off the backs of Argothians? Are beaten out of their people? “...comes from moneylending?” Is this even what it’s about? Money? “Is this why you do that?”
Her honesty was commendable. Though their family trade was at one point considered an untrustworthy one, he had ensured that during his time as head of their businesses and the daily runnings of the province that nothing could be more trustworthy than the word of the Kassotis.
A Kassotis never lied, in his mind. Any promise he made, he ensured it was kept. If it was a promise of favor, he gave it willingly. If it was a promise of punishment, as it was tonight, he followed through. Orion never made promises that he could not ensure that he kept. That was a gamble, and the House never dealt in risks. That was for its patrons.
But, perhaps, the simple act of not talking about these things over the dinner table or a cup of tea had offended her? It was not so much a secret in his eyes as it was the sort of topic along the lines of speaking about bowel movements or the night any of his children were conceived. You don’t just ‘talk’ about it unless explicitly asked…
“You need not fear me. You would never find yourself in such a position, for one. No Kassotis would. I am not a man who does things without reason.” He paused, still finding a lesson in this, “But, knowing this fear you feel, if you were to find yourself in such a position...would you not do anything to stop it? Fear, contrary to popular belief, is not a bad thing.”
He paused, hearing her question as it cautiously formed. His daughter was a formidable personality in court, he had heard, so to witness her editing her phrases as she spoke was truly a testament as to how shaken she was. As if her physical reactions weren’t enough.
Damn. This complicated things.
“Some. Not as much as you would think,” he replied, honestly. Now the question: would he tell her that this was not only for his businesses but also for the others in town? After all, to steal from the businesses in Argothia meant they could not pay their due taxes. So, instead of punishing the businesses, punishing the criminals was far more efficient. To the root of the problem.
“Our businesses do too well for us to dwell on things like this. Game-running is our trade, this province is our legacy. Everything else falls beneath that. It is not every day that I get involved at in this part of the trade, but needs must. Things had to have come to a tipping point...like tonight.”
Orion had been tipped off that the man was planning to leave Argothia to avoid his consequences. That would simply not do. As Orion finished, he looked over Eliana, seeing that she understood what he was saying but the minutiae of her expressions giving away that she was not able to come to terms with the justifications.
“You clearly have thoughts. Speak them, Elli. It will not upset me, I assure you.” Nothing she said could - it would come from a place of fear and confusion, uninformed by all the aspects he knew too well.
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Her honesty was commendable. Though their family trade was at one point considered an untrustworthy one, he had ensured that during his time as head of their businesses and the daily runnings of the province that nothing could be more trustworthy than the word of the Kassotis.
A Kassotis never lied, in his mind. Any promise he made, he ensured it was kept. If it was a promise of favor, he gave it willingly. If it was a promise of punishment, as it was tonight, he followed through. Orion never made promises that he could not ensure that he kept. That was a gamble, and the House never dealt in risks. That was for its patrons.
But, perhaps, the simple act of not talking about these things over the dinner table or a cup of tea had offended her? It was not so much a secret in his eyes as it was the sort of topic along the lines of speaking about bowel movements or the night any of his children were conceived. You don’t just ‘talk’ about it unless explicitly asked…
“You need not fear me. You would never find yourself in such a position, for one. No Kassotis would. I am not a man who does things without reason.” He paused, still finding a lesson in this, “But, knowing this fear you feel, if you were to find yourself in such a position...would you not do anything to stop it? Fear, contrary to popular belief, is not a bad thing.”
He paused, hearing her question as it cautiously formed. His daughter was a formidable personality in court, he had heard, so to witness her editing her phrases as she spoke was truly a testament as to how shaken she was. As if her physical reactions weren’t enough.
Damn. This complicated things.
“Some. Not as much as you would think,” he replied, honestly. Now the question: would he tell her that this was not only for his businesses but also for the others in town? After all, to steal from the businesses in Argothia meant they could not pay their due taxes. So, instead of punishing the businesses, punishing the criminals was far more efficient. To the root of the problem.
“Our businesses do too well for us to dwell on things like this. Game-running is our trade, this province is our legacy. Everything else falls beneath that. It is not every day that I get involved at in this part of the trade, but needs must. Things had to have come to a tipping point...like tonight.”
Orion had been tipped off that the man was planning to leave Argothia to avoid his consequences. That would simply not do. As Orion finished, he looked over Eliana, seeing that she understood what he was saying but the minutiae of her expressions giving away that she was not able to come to terms with the justifications.
“You clearly have thoughts. Speak them, Elli. It will not upset me, I assure you.” Nothing she said could - it would come from a place of fear and confusion, uninformed by all the aspects he knew too well.
Her honesty was commendable. Though their family trade was at one point considered an untrustworthy one, he had ensured that during his time as head of their businesses and the daily runnings of the province that nothing could be more trustworthy than the word of the Kassotis.
A Kassotis never lied, in his mind. Any promise he made, he ensured it was kept. If it was a promise of favor, he gave it willingly. If it was a promise of punishment, as it was tonight, he followed through. Orion never made promises that he could not ensure that he kept. That was a gamble, and the House never dealt in risks. That was for its patrons.
But, perhaps, the simple act of not talking about these things over the dinner table or a cup of tea had offended her? It was not so much a secret in his eyes as it was the sort of topic along the lines of speaking about bowel movements or the night any of his children were conceived. You don’t just ‘talk’ about it unless explicitly asked…
“You need not fear me. You would never find yourself in such a position, for one. No Kassotis would. I am not a man who does things without reason.” He paused, still finding a lesson in this, “But, knowing this fear you feel, if you were to find yourself in such a position...would you not do anything to stop it? Fear, contrary to popular belief, is not a bad thing.”
He paused, hearing her question as it cautiously formed. His daughter was a formidable personality in court, he had heard, so to witness her editing her phrases as she spoke was truly a testament as to how shaken she was. As if her physical reactions weren’t enough.
Damn. This complicated things.
“Some. Not as much as you would think,” he replied, honestly. Now the question: would he tell her that this was not only for his businesses but also for the others in town? After all, to steal from the businesses in Argothia meant they could not pay their due taxes. So, instead of punishing the businesses, punishing the criminals was far more efficient. To the root of the problem.
“Our businesses do too well for us to dwell on things like this. Game-running is our trade, this province is our legacy. Everything else falls beneath that. It is not every day that I get involved at in this part of the trade, but needs must. Things had to have come to a tipping point...like tonight.”
Orion had been tipped off that the man was planning to leave Argothia to avoid his consequences. That would simply not do. As Orion finished, he looked over Eliana, seeing that she understood what he was saying but the minutiae of her expressions giving away that she was not able to come to terms with the justifications.
“You clearly have thoughts. Speak them, Elli. It will not upset me, I assure you.” Nothing she said could - it would come from a place of fear and confusion, uninformed by all the aspects he knew too well.
He doesn’t do things without reason- but if there was a reason how far would he go? Has he killed? Would he kill? And was it so true that he wouldn’t hurt a Kassotis? Did that even matter? Even if Eliana didn’t fear for her own personal safety, now every time her father was away at night she would be thinking about who he was hurting- beating with… a curtain rod.
It was sick.
She had thoughts. She had too many thoughts. They were all racing in her mind all at once, and she couldn’t get them settled. She didn’t know how she should feel. And for once she wished she could read her father’s mind, to understand how he could justify what she saw today. If he was hiding this, what else was he hiding?
“I’m not afraid of upsetting you,” Eliana knew nothing she could say would upset him- she was more afraid of what he had to say. Any dream of the idealized ‘daddy’ was gone in just a second, and instead, she was faced with the cold, harsh reality. And she hated it- she didn’t want to keep falling deeper and deeper until there was only darkness and blood. The more she knew, the more she was afraid.
But there was no going back, was there?
Scratch, scratch, scratch. Eliana was torn by her thoughts by a scratching at the door followed by a whimper. She left her bed and crossed her room, past her father, to the door to let Alexei in. The old dog walked in the room and went to his spot on the foot of Eliana’s bed. But instead of sleeping as he might usually, he just stared at her father, head resting on his two paws watching him. Good boy.
Eliana felt a tightening in her throat like she wanted to cry but still, she refused to. Instead, she moved to the jug of water on a table in the corner of her room, pouring herself a mug. There was a burning question she had to ask- something that might ruin her entire perception of reality. Part of her wanted her to bite her tongue, leave it ambiguous, and allow her to live in this fantasy. But she was too deep, she had to know, no matter how much it killed her.
“Did mom know?” she didn’t look at her father- she didn’t need to know that he would tell her the truth. She just looked at Alexei, her guardian, her protector, the last of her mother’s gifts. The perception of her father was shattered- but the memory of her mother? If she knew, if she went along with what her father was doing… was Eliana’s entire reality a lie?
Eliana took a deep breath and put the mug down behind her, instead leaning against the table in a position like her father’s, a man she no longer wanted to be like. She glanced back up at him, giving him a cold stare. “Did she?”
Prosperity is assured. Because her father would beat it out of a person.
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He doesn’t do things without reason- but if there was a reason how far would he go? Has he killed? Would he kill? And was it so true that he wouldn’t hurt a Kassotis? Did that even matter? Even if Eliana didn’t fear for her own personal safety, now every time her father was away at night she would be thinking about who he was hurting- beating with… a curtain rod.
It was sick.
She had thoughts. She had too many thoughts. They were all racing in her mind all at once, and she couldn’t get them settled. She didn’t know how she should feel. And for once she wished she could read her father’s mind, to understand how he could justify what she saw today. If he was hiding this, what else was he hiding?
“I’m not afraid of upsetting you,” Eliana knew nothing she could say would upset him- she was more afraid of what he had to say. Any dream of the idealized ‘daddy’ was gone in just a second, and instead, she was faced with the cold, harsh reality. And she hated it- she didn’t want to keep falling deeper and deeper until there was only darkness and blood. The more she knew, the more she was afraid.
But there was no going back, was there?
Scratch, scratch, scratch. Eliana was torn by her thoughts by a scratching at the door followed by a whimper. She left her bed and crossed her room, past her father, to the door to let Alexei in. The old dog walked in the room and went to his spot on the foot of Eliana’s bed. But instead of sleeping as he might usually, he just stared at her father, head resting on his two paws watching him. Good boy.
Eliana felt a tightening in her throat like she wanted to cry but still, she refused to. Instead, she moved to the jug of water on a table in the corner of her room, pouring herself a mug. There was a burning question she had to ask- something that might ruin her entire perception of reality. Part of her wanted her to bite her tongue, leave it ambiguous, and allow her to live in this fantasy. But she was too deep, she had to know, no matter how much it killed her.
“Did mom know?” she didn’t look at her father- she didn’t need to know that he would tell her the truth. She just looked at Alexei, her guardian, her protector, the last of her mother’s gifts. The perception of her father was shattered- but the memory of her mother? If she knew, if she went along with what her father was doing… was Eliana’s entire reality a lie?
Eliana took a deep breath and put the mug down behind her, instead leaning against the table in a position like her father’s, a man she no longer wanted to be like. She glanced back up at him, giving him a cold stare. “Did she?”
Prosperity is assured. Because her father would beat it out of a person.
He doesn’t do things without reason- but if there was a reason how far would he go? Has he killed? Would he kill? And was it so true that he wouldn’t hurt a Kassotis? Did that even matter? Even if Eliana didn’t fear for her own personal safety, now every time her father was away at night she would be thinking about who he was hurting- beating with… a curtain rod.
It was sick.
She had thoughts. She had too many thoughts. They were all racing in her mind all at once, and she couldn’t get them settled. She didn’t know how she should feel. And for once she wished she could read her father’s mind, to understand how he could justify what she saw today. If he was hiding this, what else was he hiding?
“I’m not afraid of upsetting you,” Eliana knew nothing she could say would upset him- she was more afraid of what he had to say. Any dream of the idealized ‘daddy’ was gone in just a second, and instead, she was faced with the cold, harsh reality. And she hated it- she didn’t want to keep falling deeper and deeper until there was only darkness and blood. The more she knew, the more she was afraid.
But there was no going back, was there?
Scratch, scratch, scratch. Eliana was torn by her thoughts by a scratching at the door followed by a whimper. She left her bed and crossed her room, past her father, to the door to let Alexei in. The old dog walked in the room and went to his spot on the foot of Eliana’s bed. But instead of sleeping as he might usually, he just stared at her father, head resting on his two paws watching him. Good boy.
Eliana felt a tightening in her throat like she wanted to cry but still, she refused to. Instead, she moved to the jug of water on a table in the corner of her room, pouring herself a mug. There was a burning question she had to ask- something that might ruin her entire perception of reality. Part of her wanted her to bite her tongue, leave it ambiguous, and allow her to live in this fantasy. But she was too deep, she had to know, no matter how much it killed her.
“Did mom know?” she didn’t look at her father- she didn’t need to know that he would tell her the truth. She just looked at Alexei, her guardian, her protector, the last of her mother’s gifts. The perception of her father was shattered- but the memory of her mother? If she knew, if she went along with what her father was doing… was Eliana’s entire reality a lie?
Eliana took a deep breath and put the mug down behind her, instead leaning against the table in a position like her father’s, a man she no longer wanted to be like. She glanced back up at him, giving him a cold stare. “Did she?”
Prosperity is assured. Because her father would beat it out of a person.
There was a brief moment of reprieve when Eliana went to fetch the dog at the bedroom door and allow it in. The slightest flicker of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips, tight still though as he doubted his daughter wanted to see a full flashing grin. Orion liked the dog, which had long ago moved from keeping his company to the company of his children in recent years. Perhaps dogs did have a longer memory than credited - perhaps they saw Cassandra in the girls the same way he did too.
As if seeing the thoughts of his late wife passing across his mind, Eliana asked her question. The stare that met his eyes was not inherited from the Kassotis line, but whatever deep, Colchian magic lurked in her veins — from her mother.
In truth, he knew Eliana would not like the answer he would give if it were just a simple ‘yes’ - it would probably result in actual tears which, at this hour, would be too burdensome. He still had every intention of taking a warm bath before falling asleep that night, otherwise there would be hell to pay in his muscles and joints for the week to come. So, while keeping to his truth, he massaged the words carefully.
“Not in as much detail as you now bear,” Orion admitted, his eyes drifting down to the dark green chiton - not his - and recalling how many nights he had returned home, marred with the blood of another, and how dutifully Cassandra would clean it to the point of it seeming as if it were brand new, just purchased off the fabric stand. “It was her way to not ask questions that she did not want to know the answer to, and...it would be a lie to say that I didn’t appreciate it. It helps to...keep these things separated, between home and work.”
After a moment of pause, Orion unfolded his arms and gingerly pushed away from the vanity he had been steadily leaning against. He did not approach her as if she were some witless, frightened animal -he was proud of the fact that his daughter had a strong posture and standing, even when uncertain. It was why she excelled in court - in her own duty to the family name. No, instead he did cross to her but merely rested a hand on her upper arm, not as comforting as a hand on the shoulder or the cheek would be, but more of a reassurance of his sincerity.
“I do deeply regret that you saw what you did. It was not for you to see, much like watching the sausage as it is made.” A slight huff of a laugh blew through his nose a moment as he shrugged, removing his hand to pet Alexei on the head briefly, “No one likes to think of the cost of life and blood for each animal that graces our table for each meal. Or, in our case, the coin in our hands.”
Orion looked back to Eliana, pausing a moment before holding his hand out to guide her back to her bed for the night, “ Sometimes, it is fairer to cope without dwelling on such things. Healthier, even. Allowing us to sleep better at night.” It was somewhere between request and an order, as was a father’s way. He was quickly coming to terms with the fact that Eliana had a new changed perception of him.
Perhaps it was too much to hope that it would clear from her mind in time, much like the way old hurts like forcing her to eat vegetables or punishing her for the foul words she would call Pallas in a fit. No one recalled every unlikeable thing in their lives, right? This, while a shock, would pass in time - either swept under the rug with passing days or...through exposure to the truth of life in it.
Quickly, he tucked away an idea to continue to bring that point home - was that damned jeweler still in Vasiliadon? If so, it would be worth the annoyance of his haggling to prove that, no matter how clean or dirty the coin lay in his hand, it still offered them a life that they could not avoid. And, as long as he had known his daughter in this lifetime, she was not one to ever consider a life other than this one….
Unless, he was mistaken...
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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There was a brief moment of reprieve when Eliana went to fetch the dog at the bedroom door and allow it in. The slightest flicker of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips, tight still though as he doubted his daughter wanted to see a full flashing grin. Orion liked the dog, which had long ago moved from keeping his company to the company of his children in recent years. Perhaps dogs did have a longer memory than credited - perhaps they saw Cassandra in the girls the same way he did too.
As if seeing the thoughts of his late wife passing across his mind, Eliana asked her question. The stare that met his eyes was not inherited from the Kassotis line, but whatever deep, Colchian magic lurked in her veins — from her mother.
In truth, he knew Eliana would not like the answer he would give if it were just a simple ‘yes’ - it would probably result in actual tears which, at this hour, would be too burdensome. He still had every intention of taking a warm bath before falling asleep that night, otherwise there would be hell to pay in his muscles and joints for the week to come. So, while keeping to his truth, he massaged the words carefully.
“Not in as much detail as you now bear,” Orion admitted, his eyes drifting down to the dark green chiton - not his - and recalling how many nights he had returned home, marred with the blood of another, and how dutifully Cassandra would clean it to the point of it seeming as if it were brand new, just purchased off the fabric stand. “It was her way to not ask questions that she did not want to know the answer to, and...it would be a lie to say that I didn’t appreciate it. It helps to...keep these things separated, between home and work.”
After a moment of pause, Orion unfolded his arms and gingerly pushed away from the vanity he had been steadily leaning against. He did not approach her as if she were some witless, frightened animal -he was proud of the fact that his daughter had a strong posture and standing, even when uncertain. It was why she excelled in court - in her own duty to the family name. No, instead he did cross to her but merely rested a hand on her upper arm, not as comforting as a hand on the shoulder or the cheek would be, but more of a reassurance of his sincerity.
“I do deeply regret that you saw what you did. It was not for you to see, much like watching the sausage as it is made.” A slight huff of a laugh blew through his nose a moment as he shrugged, removing his hand to pet Alexei on the head briefly, “No one likes to think of the cost of life and blood for each animal that graces our table for each meal. Or, in our case, the coin in our hands.”
Orion looked back to Eliana, pausing a moment before holding his hand out to guide her back to her bed for the night, “ Sometimes, it is fairer to cope without dwelling on such things. Healthier, even. Allowing us to sleep better at night.” It was somewhere between request and an order, as was a father’s way. He was quickly coming to terms with the fact that Eliana had a new changed perception of him.
Perhaps it was too much to hope that it would clear from her mind in time, much like the way old hurts like forcing her to eat vegetables or punishing her for the foul words she would call Pallas in a fit. No one recalled every unlikeable thing in their lives, right? This, while a shock, would pass in time - either swept under the rug with passing days or...through exposure to the truth of life in it.
Quickly, he tucked away an idea to continue to bring that point home - was that damned jeweler still in Vasiliadon? If so, it would be worth the annoyance of his haggling to prove that, no matter how clean or dirty the coin lay in his hand, it still offered them a life that they could not avoid. And, as long as he had known his daughter in this lifetime, she was not one to ever consider a life other than this one….
Unless, he was mistaken...
There was a brief moment of reprieve when Eliana went to fetch the dog at the bedroom door and allow it in. The slightest flicker of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips, tight still though as he doubted his daughter wanted to see a full flashing grin. Orion liked the dog, which had long ago moved from keeping his company to the company of his children in recent years. Perhaps dogs did have a longer memory than credited - perhaps they saw Cassandra in the girls the same way he did too.
As if seeing the thoughts of his late wife passing across his mind, Eliana asked her question. The stare that met his eyes was not inherited from the Kassotis line, but whatever deep, Colchian magic lurked in her veins — from her mother.
In truth, he knew Eliana would not like the answer he would give if it were just a simple ‘yes’ - it would probably result in actual tears which, at this hour, would be too burdensome. He still had every intention of taking a warm bath before falling asleep that night, otherwise there would be hell to pay in his muscles and joints for the week to come. So, while keeping to his truth, he massaged the words carefully.
“Not in as much detail as you now bear,” Orion admitted, his eyes drifting down to the dark green chiton - not his - and recalling how many nights he had returned home, marred with the blood of another, and how dutifully Cassandra would clean it to the point of it seeming as if it were brand new, just purchased off the fabric stand. “It was her way to not ask questions that she did not want to know the answer to, and...it would be a lie to say that I didn’t appreciate it. It helps to...keep these things separated, between home and work.”
After a moment of pause, Orion unfolded his arms and gingerly pushed away from the vanity he had been steadily leaning against. He did not approach her as if she were some witless, frightened animal -he was proud of the fact that his daughter had a strong posture and standing, even when uncertain. It was why she excelled in court - in her own duty to the family name. No, instead he did cross to her but merely rested a hand on her upper arm, not as comforting as a hand on the shoulder or the cheek would be, but more of a reassurance of his sincerity.
“I do deeply regret that you saw what you did. It was not for you to see, much like watching the sausage as it is made.” A slight huff of a laugh blew through his nose a moment as he shrugged, removing his hand to pet Alexei on the head briefly, “No one likes to think of the cost of life and blood for each animal that graces our table for each meal. Or, in our case, the coin in our hands.”
Orion looked back to Eliana, pausing a moment before holding his hand out to guide her back to her bed for the night, “ Sometimes, it is fairer to cope without dwelling on such things. Healthier, even. Allowing us to sleep better at night.” It was somewhere between request and an order, as was a father’s way. He was quickly coming to terms with the fact that Eliana had a new changed perception of him.
Perhaps it was too much to hope that it would clear from her mind in time, much like the way old hurts like forcing her to eat vegetables or punishing her for the foul words she would call Pallas in a fit. No one recalled every unlikeable thing in their lives, right? This, while a shock, would pass in time - either swept under the rug with passing days or...through exposure to the truth of life in it.
Quickly, he tucked away an idea to continue to bring that point home - was that damned jeweler still in Vasiliadon? If so, it would be worth the annoyance of his haggling to prove that, no matter how clean or dirty the coin lay in his hand, it still offered them a life that they could not avoid. And, as long as he had known his daughter in this lifetime, she was not one to ever consider a life other than this one….
Unless, he was mistaken...
While she didn’t know in as much detail as Eliana, the point was that she did know. And with that tiny assertion, Eliana’s world came crashing down. She felt the weight of Atlas resting on her, but unlike the titan, she would not be able to bear it. It’ll crush her- suffocate her, kill her.
The cost of life- of blood that graces the coin in their hand. The coin that Eliana loved, appreciated was sullied by the agony of another. Fuck, this was hard. This was... Eliana felt dizzy. She didn’t want to hear anymore. She didn’t want to process this night. She didn’t know what to do.
Sleep. That’s what her father wanted of her. But sleep wouldn’t find her, Eliana knew that. And yet, like the obedient daughter she had always been, she climbed back into bed without a word. One never questioned Orion of Kassotis, and now Eliana knew the consequences of those who would dare.
Sometimes it is fairer to cope without dwelling on such things.
For a moment Eliana wished she had the power. She had seen something terrible, nightmare-inducing, and she wished with all her might that she could forget it. But at that moment she realized something… if she did not dwell if she did not allow it to bother her… did that make her in the wrong? What kind of person could see such horrors with their very eyes and not feel the least bit bothered by it?
The kind of person in her room right now.
He spoke so casually about it. How the sausage was made. Did he have no qualms at all for the human life that he beat to a bloody mess? Did he not hear the cries, the begs, of the man as he pleaded for mercy? Did he not care about any of that? At all?
And mom, who might not have known specifics, but known enough that her father couldn’t honestly answer no how could she… condone this? Eliana knew her mother to be a good person. She adored her mother. And now in some way, shape, or form the woman she grew up wanting to be was… not the woman she knew. This family was not the family that she knew.
Who could Eliana even trust? Was anyone in her family who they appeared to be? How many secrets did they have; how many skeletons were in Kassotis closets? When her father left her bedroom Eliana turned to her side. She felt the tears drip off her face and onto her bed.
This world, everything it was… just one big, fucked up lie.
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While she didn’t know in as much detail as Eliana, the point was that she did know. And with that tiny assertion, Eliana’s world came crashing down. She felt the weight of Atlas resting on her, but unlike the titan, she would not be able to bear it. It’ll crush her- suffocate her, kill her.
The cost of life- of blood that graces the coin in their hand. The coin that Eliana loved, appreciated was sullied by the agony of another. Fuck, this was hard. This was... Eliana felt dizzy. She didn’t want to hear anymore. She didn’t want to process this night. She didn’t know what to do.
Sleep. That’s what her father wanted of her. But sleep wouldn’t find her, Eliana knew that. And yet, like the obedient daughter she had always been, she climbed back into bed without a word. One never questioned Orion of Kassotis, and now Eliana knew the consequences of those who would dare.
Sometimes it is fairer to cope without dwelling on such things.
For a moment Eliana wished she had the power. She had seen something terrible, nightmare-inducing, and she wished with all her might that she could forget it. But at that moment she realized something… if she did not dwell if she did not allow it to bother her… did that make her in the wrong? What kind of person could see such horrors with their very eyes and not feel the least bit bothered by it?
The kind of person in her room right now.
He spoke so casually about it. How the sausage was made. Did he have no qualms at all for the human life that he beat to a bloody mess? Did he not hear the cries, the begs, of the man as he pleaded for mercy? Did he not care about any of that? At all?
And mom, who might not have known specifics, but known enough that her father couldn’t honestly answer no how could she… condone this? Eliana knew her mother to be a good person. She adored her mother. And now in some way, shape, or form the woman she grew up wanting to be was… not the woman she knew. This family was not the family that she knew.
Who could Eliana even trust? Was anyone in her family who they appeared to be? How many secrets did they have; how many skeletons were in Kassotis closets? When her father left her bedroom Eliana turned to her side. She felt the tears drip off her face and onto her bed.
This world, everything it was… just one big, fucked up lie.
While she didn’t know in as much detail as Eliana, the point was that she did know. And with that tiny assertion, Eliana’s world came crashing down. She felt the weight of Atlas resting on her, but unlike the titan, she would not be able to bear it. It’ll crush her- suffocate her, kill her.
The cost of life- of blood that graces the coin in their hand. The coin that Eliana loved, appreciated was sullied by the agony of another. Fuck, this was hard. This was... Eliana felt dizzy. She didn’t want to hear anymore. She didn’t want to process this night. She didn’t know what to do.
Sleep. That’s what her father wanted of her. But sleep wouldn’t find her, Eliana knew that. And yet, like the obedient daughter she had always been, she climbed back into bed without a word. One never questioned Orion of Kassotis, and now Eliana knew the consequences of those who would dare.
Sometimes it is fairer to cope without dwelling on such things.
For a moment Eliana wished she had the power. She had seen something terrible, nightmare-inducing, and she wished with all her might that she could forget it. But at that moment she realized something… if she did not dwell if she did not allow it to bother her… did that make her in the wrong? What kind of person could see such horrors with their very eyes and not feel the least bit bothered by it?
The kind of person in her room right now.
He spoke so casually about it. How the sausage was made. Did he have no qualms at all for the human life that he beat to a bloody mess? Did he not hear the cries, the begs, of the man as he pleaded for mercy? Did he not care about any of that? At all?
And mom, who might not have known specifics, but known enough that her father couldn’t honestly answer no how could she… condone this? Eliana knew her mother to be a good person. She adored her mother. And now in some way, shape, or form the woman she grew up wanting to be was… not the woman she knew. This family was not the family that she knew.
Who could Eliana even trust? Was anyone in her family who they appeared to be? How many secrets did they have; how many skeletons were in Kassotis closets? When her father left her bedroom Eliana turned to her side. She felt the tears drip off her face and onto her bed.
This world, everything it was… just one big, fucked up lie.
