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Night raced across the horizon as the ship neared the Isle of Emae. Behind them the ocean was a kaleidoscope of oranges, reds, peaches, and golds as the sun sank below the water. Prince Stephanos stood at the bow of the ship, a cloak wrapped about his slim shoulders. He was tall for sixteen but his sudden growth over the past few months had left him thin, as though he’d been stretched.
His face had already lost its childish roundness and had lengthened, leaving him with hard angles and golden fuzz on his chin that he liked to leave as a sign of maturity. On the other end of the ocean, the moon rose, casting into relief a dark blot on the otherwise empty sea. The Dimitrou’s land was ideal for hunting and when he had sent word that he and his cousins would be coming, Gavril Dimitrou had been most generous in his offer to host them for the first night, and any other as they might wish.
They would impose on the Dimitrous for one night only. The whole point was to leave court behind; to get away and hunt as their ancestors had done. No servants, no guards, just the spare prince and his cousins, Lord Achilleas and the younger Lord Emilios. The ship was big enough to accomodate their horses and the basic supplies they would need, but for all intents and purposes, they would be alone. Stephanos grinned at the prospect. It was for the freedom that he was here, not the hunt itself. Truth be known, he was much better with a sword or a chariot than a bow or a spear.
The day had been one long, boring, endless passage over ocean. They’d boarded the ship before the sun had risen; when the sky was a weak, watery gray. Zacharias, his elder brother, had watched him go in unhidden jealousy. As crown prince, their father would not let him go. Now they were coming up on the Isle Emae and it would be full night before their sandals touched solid earth.
“I’m ready to get off this ship,” he said, his eyes still on the island. This was not his first time on a hunt and it certainly was not his first time here, but it would be a new adventure to have all decisions be completely his own making. “How many animals will you kill, Achilleas?” At this teasing question, he shoved his shoulder into Emilios, inviting him to goad his older brother as well. The three of them had done nothing but tease each other mercilessly the whole day.
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Night raced across the horizon as the ship neared the Isle of Emae. Behind them the ocean was a kaleidoscope of oranges, reds, peaches, and golds as the sun sank below the water. Prince Stephanos stood at the bow of the ship, a cloak wrapped about his slim shoulders. He was tall for sixteen but his sudden growth over the past few months had left him thin, as though he’d been stretched.
His face had already lost its childish roundness and had lengthened, leaving him with hard angles and golden fuzz on his chin that he liked to leave as a sign of maturity. On the other end of the ocean, the moon rose, casting into relief a dark blot on the otherwise empty sea. The Dimitrou’s land was ideal for hunting and when he had sent word that he and his cousins would be coming, Gavril Dimitrou had been most generous in his offer to host them for the first night, and any other as they might wish.
They would impose on the Dimitrous for one night only. The whole point was to leave court behind; to get away and hunt as their ancestors had done. No servants, no guards, just the spare prince and his cousins, Lord Achilleas and the younger Lord Emilios. The ship was big enough to accomodate their horses and the basic supplies they would need, but for all intents and purposes, they would be alone. Stephanos grinned at the prospect. It was for the freedom that he was here, not the hunt itself. Truth be known, he was much better with a sword or a chariot than a bow or a spear.
The day had been one long, boring, endless passage over ocean. They’d boarded the ship before the sun had risen; when the sky was a weak, watery gray. Zacharias, his elder brother, had watched him go in unhidden jealousy. As crown prince, their father would not let him go. Now they were coming up on the Isle Emae and it would be full night before their sandals touched solid earth.
“I’m ready to get off this ship,” he said, his eyes still on the island. This was not his first time on a hunt and it certainly was not his first time here, but it would be a new adventure to have all decisions be completely his own making. “How many animals will you kill, Achilleas?” At this teasing question, he shoved his shoulder into Emilios, inviting him to goad his older brother as well. The three of them had done nothing but tease each other mercilessly the whole day.
Night raced across the horizon as the ship neared the Isle of Emae. Behind them the ocean was a kaleidoscope of oranges, reds, peaches, and golds as the sun sank below the water. Prince Stephanos stood at the bow of the ship, a cloak wrapped about his slim shoulders. He was tall for sixteen but his sudden growth over the past few months had left him thin, as though he’d been stretched.
His face had already lost its childish roundness and had lengthened, leaving him with hard angles and golden fuzz on his chin that he liked to leave as a sign of maturity. On the other end of the ocean, the moon rose, casting into relief a dark blot on the otherwise empty sea. The Dimitrou’s land was ideal for hunting and when he had sent word that he and his cousins would be coming, Gavril Dimitrou had been most generous in his offer to host them for the first night, and any other as they might wish.
They would impose on the Dimitrous for one night only. The whole point was to leave court behind; to get away and hunt as their ancestors had done. No servants, no guards, just the spare prince and his cousins, Lord Achilleas and the younger Lord Emilios. The ship was big enough to accomodate their horses and the basic supplies they would need, but for all intents and purposes, they would be alone. Stephanos grinned at the prospect. It was for the freedom that he was here, not the hunt itself. Truth be known, he was much better with a sword or a chariot than a bow or a spear.
The day had been one long, boring, endless passage over ocean. They’d boarded the ship before the sun had risen; when the sky was a weak, watery gray. Zacharias, his elder brother, had watched him go in unhidden jealousy. As crown prince, their father would not let him go. Now they were coming up on the Isle Emae and it would be full night before their sandals touched solid earth.
“I’m ready to get off this ship,” he said, his eyes still on the island. This was not his first time on a hunt and it certainly was not his first time here, but it would be a new adventure to have all decisions be completely his own making. “How many animals will you kill, Achilleas?” At this teasing question, he shoved his shoulder into Emilios, inviting him to goad his older brother as well. The three of them had done nothing but tease each other mercilessly the whole day.
Like his slightly younger cousin Stephanos, Achilleas wore a cloak against the constant ocean breeze. He leaned against the railing near the brow of the ship, the weight of his forearms holding it mostly closed. He too was tall for his age, and there was little difference between his height and that of his royal cousin. Emilios was shorter, though not by very much, and from the look of his limbs would be tall too, once he reached his full height.
Achilleas didn’t much care for the hairs that had begun to sprout along his jaw. It itched, so he had begun to shave. Not often as it still didn't grow very fast, once every few days was enough to keep the itching to a minimum. Achilleas had enjoyed the trip over, at least for the first few hours. But then watching the ocean and the sailors working had become rather dull. But at least he had the company of his brother and cousin to keep from becoming too bored.
When Stephanos broke the silence, Achilleas turned his head, looking over his shoulder at his cousin and brother with a boyish grin, for he wasn’t as serious now as he would become later in life. “All that I can.” He retorted, his voice deeper than it’d been just a year ago. He was grateful that it no longer warbled and cracked anymore. “I too am eager to be off the ship.” He looked at the island up ahead again. “The sooner we get to land the sooner we can get to bed.” He shook a hand free from his cloak, holding it up to forestall being teased, “So we get an early start in the morning.”
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This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Like his slightly younger cousin Stephanos, Achilleas wore a cloak against the constant ocean breeze. He leaned against the railing near the brow of the ship, the weight of his forearms holding it mostly closed. He too was tall for his age, and there was little difference between his height and that of his royal cousin. Emilios was shorter, though not by very much, and from the look of his limbs would be tall too, once he reached his full height.
Achilleas didn’t much care for the hairs that had begun to sprout along his jaw. It itched, so he had begun to shave. Not often as it still didn't grow very fast, once every few days was enough to keep the itching to a minimum. Achilleas had enjoyed the trip over, at least for the first few hours. But then watching the ocean and the sailors working had become rather dull. But at least he had the company of his brother and cousin to keep from becoming too bored.
When Stephanos broke the silence, Achilleas turned his head, looking over his shoulder at his cousin and brother with a boyish grin, for he wasn’t as serious now as he would become later in life. “All that I can.” He retorted, his voice deeper than it’d been just a year ago. He was grateful that it no longer warbled and cracked anymore. “I too am eager to be off the ship.” He looked at the island up ahead again. “The sooner we get to land the sooner we can get to bed.” He shook a hand free from his cloak, holding it up to forestall being teased, “So we get an early start in the morning.”
Like his slightly younger cousin Stephanos, Achilleas wore a cloak against the constant ocean breeze. He leaned against the railing near the brow of the ship, the weight of his forearms holding it mostly closed. He too was tall for his age, and there was little difference between his height and that of his royal cousin. Emilios was shorter, though not by very much, and from the look of his limbs would be tall too, once he reached his full height.
Achilleas didn’t much care for the hairs that had begun to sprout along his jaw. It itched, so he had begun to shave. Not often as it still didn't grow very fast, once every few days was enough to keep the itching to a minimum. Achilleas had enjoyed the trip over, at least for the first few hours. But then watching the ocean and the sailors working had become rather dull. But at least he had the company of his brother and cousin to keep from becoming too bored.
When Stephanos broke the silence, Achilleas turned his head, looking over his shoulder at his cousin and brother with a boyish grin, for he wasn’t as serious now as he would become later in life. “All that I can.” He retorted, his voice deeper than it’d been just a year ago. He was grateful that it no longer warbled and cracked anymore. “I too am eager to be off the ship.” He looked at the island up ahead again. “The sooner we get to land the sooner we can get to bed.” He shook a hand free from his cloak, holding it up to forestall being teased, “So we get an early start in the morning.”
The breeze on the deck was refreshing, so much so that Emilios had opted to leave his packed away in his trunk instead of having it on with the rest of the men. The chill felt good, the fresh air far better than the stuffy cabin below. In a few hours, they would be on solid land. And then, they would set off to their camp, where they would be free to hunt and enjoy themselves without any restrictions in their activity. The youngest of the set was anxious to get off the boat, much like his horse below (the beast was howling like a rabid animal).
He'd spent the majority of the ride soothing his beast-- now, he just needed air, too.
"I was ready the moment we loaded on that big baby." He said, referring to his horse down below. "You would think we are taking him off to be hunted, himself." It was his first real adventure across the sea, but the beast was making such a racket that Emilios was debating walking next time. The horse was making it far worse than it actually was. "Are they always this bad the first trip?" He had to ask, because if this was going to be like this every time, he would have to get a different horse for traveling.
Emilios let himself relax, trying to ignore the beast. "Only if you aim has gotten better since last time." As long as they weren't talking about his own skills with a sword, he was fine to poke fun at his brother. The hunt, if nothing else, would be a good opportunity to practice his own growing skills with a bow. While he was talented, moving targets were still a bit of a shortcoming for him. And if this would make his a better fighter, than he was excited for the chance. And being with his brother and his cousin was always a good time.
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The breeze on the deck was refreshing, so much so that Emilios had opted to leave his packed away in his trunk instead of having it on with the rest of the men. The chill felt good, the fresh air far better than the stuffy cabin below. In a few hours, they would be on solid land. And then, they would set off to their camp, where they would be free to hunt and enjoy themselves without any restrictions in their activity. The youngest of the set was anxious to get off the boat, much like his horse below (the beast was howling like a rabid animal).
He'd spent the majority of the ride soothing his beast-- now, he just needed air, too.
"I was ready the moment we loaded on that big baby." He said, referring to his horse down below. "You would think we are taking him off to be hunted, himself." It was his first real adventure across the sea, but the beast was making such a racket that Emilios was debating walking next time. The horse was making it far worse than it actually was. "Are they always this bad the first trip?" He had to ask, because if this was going to be like this every time, he would have to get a different horse for traveling.
Emilios let himself relax, trying to ignore the beast. "Only if you aim has gotten better since last time." As long as they weren't talking about his own skills with a sword, he was fine to poke fun at his brother. The hunt, if nothing else, would be a good opportunity to practice his own growing skills with a bow. While he was talented, moving targets were still a bit of a shortcoming for him. And if this would make his a better fighter, than he was excited for the chance. And being with his brother and his cousin was always a good time.
The breeze on the deck was refreshing, so much so that Emilios had opted to leave his packed away in his trunk instead of having it on with the rest of the men. The chill felt good, the fresh air far better than the stuffy cabin below. In a few hours, they would be on solid land. And then, they would set off to their camp, where they would be free to hunt and enjoy themselves without any restrictions in their activity. The youngest of the set was anxious to get off the boat, much like his horse below (the beast was howling like a rabid animal).
He'd spent the majority of the ride soothing his beast-- now, he just needed air, too.
"I was ready the moment we loaded on that big baby." He said, referring to his horse down below. "You would think we are taking him off to be hunted, himself." It was his first real adventure across the sea, but the beast was making such a racket that Emilios was debating walking next time. The horse was making it far worse than it actually was. "Are they always this bad the first trip?" He had to ask, because if this was going to be like this every time, he would have to get a different horse for traveling.
Emilios let himself relax, trying to ignore the beast. "Only if you aim has gotten better since last time." As long as they weren't talking about his own skills with a sword, he was fine to poke fun at his brother. The hunt, if nothing else, would be a good opportunity to practice his own growing skills with a bow. While he was talented, moving targets were still a bit of a shortcoming for him. And if this would make his a better fighter, than he was excited for the chance. And being with his brother and his cousin was always a good time.
Stephanos rolled his eyes at Achilleas but kept his grin, turning his attention then to Emilios as he asked about the horse. “Mine never has,” he said, arching an eyebrow. “Perhaps yours is just flighty.” In truth, he didn’t know if his horse had ever acted up that way because he’d never taken the time to be with the beast while on the ocean. The grooms were there to see to the horses and to ensure that they didn’t injure themselves on the journey. That was good enough and he didn’t concern himself, unlike his younger cousin.
“I too am eager to be off the ship. The sooner we get to land the sooner we can get to bed. So we get an early start in the morning.” Achilleas said.
Stephanos nodded, drawing his cloak closer about him. “We’ve got a little bit of a ride ahead of us,” he said. “No more than an hour…”
The boat sailed on, the constant splash of oars in water and the drum keeping time below filling the air instead of the tranquil silence it might have been. Night was fully upon them by the time the boat drew up to the dock. Torches blazed along the small port, guiding them in. Stephanos moved across the deck to the other side, waiting with evident impatience for the gangway to be lowered. The sailors did not hurry despite the looks their young prince threw them.
They tied the boat to the dock and at last, set up the gangway. Stephanos was the first off the ship. He looked around as though he could see anything beyond the bright glow of the torches. They were surrounded on three sides by ancient forest with the sea to their backs. The trees were a black wall with a skinny, winding path winding away out of sight.
“Prince Stephanos.” He turned at the sound of his name to find a rather nondescript man bowing before rising back up. “I'm Telanus. Lord Dimitrou sent me ti meet you.”
“Excellent,” Stephanos grinned, turning to look for his cousins. “Not long until bed now,” he called.
The horses were offloaded in a single file line. His own, a bloodred mare, walked calmly but her ears were swiveled backward, her attention on Emilios’s terrified beast behind her. Achilleas’s horse was last to touch the dock. The grooms held the animals at the ready for the young nobles.
Stephanos gave Emilios’s a wide berth as he walked up to his horse. She'd been saddled and seemed as eager to get started as he was. Swinging up onto her back, he shifted until he was comfortable and grinned at the other two. “Come on,” he said, kicking his heels into the mare’s flanks to get her moving. She took a single step forward as though sensing she should wait for Telanus to get onto his own mount.
“Let's go. We have an hour yet.” His tone was light, ready to enjoy their ride through the pitch black of the forest. Anything could be lurking through those trees. The prospect was thrilling.
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Stephanos rolled his eyes at Achilleas but kept his grin, turning his attention then to Emilios as he asked about the horse. “Mine never has,” he said, arching an eyebrow. “Perhaps yours is just flighty.” In truth, he didn’t know if his horse had ever acted up that way because he’d never taken the time to be with the beast while on the ocean. The grooms were there to see to the horses and to ensure that they didn’t injure themselves on the journey. That was good enough and he didn’t concern himself, unlike his younger cousin.
“I too am eager to be off the ship. The sooner we get to land the sooner we can get to bed. So we get an early start in the morning.” Achilleas said.
Stephanos nodded, drawing his cloak closer about him. “We’ve got a little bit of a ride ahead of us,” he said. “No more than an hour…”
The boat sailed on, the constant splash of oars in water and the drum keeping time below filling the air instead of the tranquil silence it might have been. Night was fully upon them by the time the boat drew up to the dock. Torches blazed along the small port, guiding them in. Stephanos moved across the deck to the other side, waiting with evident impatience for the gangway to be lowered. The sailors did not hurry despite the looks their young prince threw them.
They tied the boat to the dock and at last, set up the gangway. Stephanos was the first off the ship. He looked around as though he could see anything beyond the bright glow of the torches. They were surrounded on three sides by ancient forest with the sea to their backs. The trees were a black wall with a skinny, winding path winding away out of sight.
“Prince Stephanos.” He turned at the sound of his name to find a rather nondescript man bowing before rising back up. “I'm Telanus. Lord Dimitrou sent me ti meet you.”
“Excellent,” Stephanos grinned, turning to look for his cousins. “Not long until bed now,” he called.
The horses were offloaded in a single file line. His own, a bloodred mare, walked calmly but her ears were swiveled backward, her attention on Emilios’s terrified beast behind her. Achilleas’s horse was last to touch the dock. The grooms held the animals at the ready for the young nobles.
Stephanos gave Emilios’s a wide berth as he walked up to his horse. She'd been saddled and seemed as eager to get started as he was. Swinging up onto her back, he shifted until he was comfortable and grinned at the other two. “Come on,” he said, kicking his heels into the mare’s flanks to get her moving. She took a single step forward as though sensing she should wait for Telanus to get onto his own mount.
“Let's go. We have an hour yet.” His tone was light, ready to enjoy their ride through the pitch black of the forest. Anything could be lurking through those trees. The prospect was thrilling.
Stephanos rolled his eyes at Achilleas but kept his grin, turning his attention then to Emilios as he asked about the horse. “Mine never has,” he said, arching an eyebrow. “Perhaps yours is just flighty.” In truth, he didn’t know if his horse had ever acted up that way because he’d never taken the time to be with the beast while on the ocean. The grooms were there to see to the horses and to ensure that they didn’t injure themselves on the journey. That was good enough and he didn’t concern himself, unlike his younger cousin.
“I too am eager to be off the ship. The sooner we get to land the sooner we can get to bed. So we get an early start in the morning.” Achilleas said.
Stephanos nodded, drawing his cloak closer about him. “We’ve got a little bit of a ride ahead of us,” he said. “No more than an hour…”
The boat sailed on, the constant splash of oars in water and the drum keeping time below filling the air instead of the tranquil silence it might have been. Night was fully upon them by the time the boat drew up to the dock. Torches blazed along the small port, guiding them in. Stephanos moved across the deck to the other side, waiting with evident impatience for the gangway to be lowered. The sailors did not hurry despite the looks their young prince threw them.
They tied the boat to the dock and at last, set up the gangway. Stephanos was the first off the ship. He looked around as though he could see anything beyond the bright glow of the torches. They were surrounded on three sides by ancient forest with the sea to their backs. The trees were a black wall with a skinny, winding path winding away out of sight.
“Prince Stephanos.” He turned at the sound of his name to find a rather nondescript man bowing before rising back up. “I'm Telanus. Lord Dimitrou sent me ti meet you.”
“Excellent,” Stephanos grinned, turning to look for his cousins. “Not long until bed now,” he called.
The horses were offloaded in a single file line. His own, a bloodred mare, walked calmly but her ears were swiveled backward, her attention on Emilios’s terrified beast behind her. Achilleas’s horse was last to touch the dock. The grooms held the animals at the ready for the young nobles.
Stephanos gave Emilios’s a wide berth as he walked up to his horse. She'd been saddled and seemed as eager to get started as he was. Swinging up onto her back, he shifted until he was comfortable and grinned at the other two. “Come on,” he said, kicking his heels into the mare’s flanks to get her moving. She took a single step forward as though sensing she should wait for Telanus to get onto his own mount.
“Let's go. We have an hour yet.” His tone was light, ready to enjoy their ride through the pitch black of the forest. Anything could be lurking through those trees. The prospect was thrilling.
The eldest of the trio hid a grin when Stephanos called his brother’s horse flighty. “Nay cousin, Emilios’ steed is a far cry from a pegasus.” He leaned against the railing of the ship, facing his kinsmen. “I’m sure your mount will settle once back on dry land.”
Though if it didn’t the racket it was making would ruin their hunting trip, which would be upsetting as he was looking forward to some peace and quiet with just his cousin and brother.
Achilleas gave a mock grimace at that little bit of news. “Now you tell us?” Reaching out he gave his cousin a light shove.
Achilleas stayed where he was, watching the moon’s reflection rippling on the surface of the sea, enjoying being away from courtiers, servants and the hustle and bustle of court life.
Achilleas wandered down the gangplank after his cousin, leaving the unloading of his belongings to their servants. He hadn’t brought much with him since their plan was to rough it, without servants after they left Lord Dimitrou’s estate in the morning.
Achilleas swung up onto the back of the chestnut gelding he’d named Sungold, with the practiced ease of a man born to the nobility and who’d been able to ride almost since he could walk.
He turned in his saddle watching as Emilio mounted his still nervously dancing horse. Least it’s not still making that racket. He thought, turning away to hide his smile.
“Lead on cousin.” He teased, then glanced back over his shoulder to make sure his brother was ready to go also.
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This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
The eldest of the trio hid a grin when Stephanos called his brother’s horse flighty. “Nay cousin, Emilios’ steed is a far cry from a pegasus.” He leaned against the railing of the ship, facing his kinsmen. “I’m sure your mount will settle once back on dry land.”
Though if it didn’t the racket it was making would ruin their hunting trip, which would be upsetting as he was looking forward to some peace and quiet with just his cousin and brother.
Achilleas gave a mock grimace at that little bit of news. “Now you tell us?” Reaching out he gave his cousin a light shove.
Achilleas stayed where he was, watching the moon’s reflection rippling on the surface of the sea, enjoying being away from courtiers, servants and the hustle and bustle of court life.
Achilleas wandered down the gangplank after his cousin, leaving the unloading of his belongings to their servants. He hadn’t brought much with him since their plan was to rough it, without servants after they left Lord Dimitrou’s estate in the morning.
Achilleas swung up onto the back of the chestnut gelding he’d named Sungold, with the practiced ease of a man born to the nobility and who’d been able to ride almost since he could walk.
He turned in his saddle watching as Emilio mounted his still nervously dancing horse. Least it’s not still making that racket. He thought, turning away to hide his smile.
“Lead on cousin.” He teased, then glanced back over his shoulder to make sure his brother was ready to go also.
The eldest of the trio hid a grin when Stephanos called his brother’s horse flighty. “Nay cousin, Emilios’ steed is a far cry from a pegasus.” He leaned against the railing of the ship, facing his kinsmen. “I’m sure your mount will settle once back on dry land.”
Though if it didn’t the racket it was making would ruin their hunting trip, which would be upsetting as he was looking forward to some peace and quiet with just his cousin and brother.
Achilleas gave a mock grimace at that little bit of news. “Now you tell us?” Reaching out he gave his cousin a light shove.
Achilleas stayed where he was, watching the moon’s reflection rippling on the surface of the sea, enjoying being away from courtiers, servants and the hustle and bustle of court life.
Achilleas wandered down the gangplank after his cousin, leaving the unloading of his belongings to their servants. He hadn’t brought much with him since their plan was to rough it, without servants after they left Lord Dimitrou’s estate in the morning.
Achilleas swung up onto the back of the chestnut gelding he’d named Sungold, with the practiced ease of a man born to the nobility and who’d been able to ride almost since he could walk.
He turned in his saddle watching as Emilio mounted his still nervously dancing horse. Least it’s not still making that racket. He thought, turning away to hide his smile.
“Lead on cousin.” He teased, then glanced back over his shoulder to make sure his brother was ready to go also.
The moment he saw land was the moment he could finally relax. He hadn't expected his horse to respond so poorly to being on a boat. And while the others suggested he just let the grooms and slaves handle the beast, Emilios was too fond of the bond he had with it to not feel a bit distressed alongside him. "Tis true, brother. But I know he wishes he was, just to get off this vessel." He was slightly impatient for the men to get the gangway down. He could hear the horse stamping his feet, sharing in his frustration to get off the boat.
He disembarked, pleased the weather wasn't poor for their journey. He was looking forward to a ride, knowing it will help the brown roan take out some of its frustration and fear out in exercise. Emilios couldn't help but laugh as his horse loudly snorted at the sight of him, almost dashing out of the handler's grip and onto land. Wasting no time, he mounted his beast, leaning forward to kiss his throat gently before nudging him forward a bit. "I don't know if I've ever been so happy to be on dry land. Led on, and let's find our beds."
A sword was attached to the saddle, but he set his bow on his back against the quiver, preferring to have that weapon close by if he needed it. The moon wasn't bright enough to fully light the way, but his eyes were well adjusted in the darkness now. A hand steadied the anxiousness of his horse, and as soon as Stephanos started forward, he fell into his spot in the back of the line.
"I take it we are leaving before dawn as well?" The idea of little sleep, after his tense trip, did not sound pleasant. But he wouldn't have much of a choice.
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The moment he saw land was the moment he could finally relax. He hadn't expected his horse to respond so poorly to being on a boat. And while the others suggested he just let the grooms and slaves handle the beast, Emilios was too fond of the bond he had with it to not feel a bit distressed alongside him. "Tis true, brother. But I know he wishes he was, just to get off this vessel." He was slightly impatient for the men to get the gangway down. He could hear the horse stamping his feet, sharing in his frustration to get off the boat.
He disembarked, pleased the weather wasn't poor for their journey. He was looking forward to a ride, knowing it will help the brown roan take out some of its frustration and fear out in exercise. Emilios couldn't help but laugh as his horse loudly snorted at the sight of him, almost dashing out of the handler's grip and onto land. Wasting no time, he mounted his beast, leaning forward to kiss his throat gently before nudging him forward a bit. "I don't know if I've ever been so happy to be on dry land. Led on, and let's find our beds."
A sword was attached to the saddle, but he set his bow on his back against the quiver, preferring to have that weapon close by if he needed it. The moon wasn't bright enough to fully light the way, but his eyes were well adjusted in the darkness now. A hand steadied the anxiousness of his horse, and as soon as Stephanos started forward, he fell into his spot in the back of the line.
"I take it we are leaving before dawn as well?" The idea of little sleep, after his tense trip, did not sound pleasant. But he wouldn't have much of a choice.
The moment he saw land was the moment he could finally relax. He hadn't expected his horse to respond so poorly to being on a boat. And while the others suggested he just let the grooms and slaves handle the beast, Emilios was too fond of the bond he had with it to not feel a bit distressed alongside him. "Tis true, brother. But I know he wishes he was, just to get off this vessel." He was slightly impatient for the men to get the gangway down. He could hear the horse stamping his feet, sharing in his frustration to get off the boat.
He disembarked, pleased the weather wasn't poor for their journey. He was looking forward to a ride, knowing it will help the brown roan take out some of its frustration and fear out in exercise. Emilios couldn't help but laugh as his horse loudly snorted at the sight of him, almost dashing out of the handler's grip and onto land. Wasting no time, he mounted his beast, leaning forward to kiss his throat gently before nudging him forward a bit. "I don't know if I've ever been so happy to be on dry land. Led on, and let's find our beds."
A sword was attached to the saddle, but he set his bow on his back against the quiver, preferring to have that weapon close by if he needed it. The moon wasn't bright enough to fully light the way, but his eyes were well adjusted in the darkness now. A hand steadied the anxiousness of his horse, and as soon as Stephanos started forward, he fell into his spot in the back of the line.
"I take it we are leaving before dawn as well?" The idea of little sleep, after his tense trip, did not sound pleasant. But he wouldn't have much of a choice.
“It’s just new and strange for him.” Achilleas said with all the wisdom of his three extra years. “I suspect that all the horses are eager to be off the ship. The others just know what to expect whereas yours doesn’t, not yet anyway.”
He patted his brother's shoulder, “The trip home shouldn’t be so bad.” Least I hope it won’t be. He thought somehow managing to keep a straight face.
Achilleas let out a low chuckle when Emilio’s horse snorted, eagerly prancing down the gangplank as if afraid the ship would swallow him up if he didn’t move fast enough. “Yes, let’s.” He agreed, as he swung up into his saddle, his sword in the sheath at his side. When on horse back, the draw was still a bit awkward for him, but he’d been practicing and with time Achilleas knew it would be as smooth as it was when he was on his own two feet.
Awkward though the draw may be, he was still skilled with a blade, and few men had been able to withstand him now that he’d neared maturity with the reach his height gave him, Most to those who could beat him where older men who’d been fighting nearly as long as he’d been alive.
Achilleas had his bow and quiver full of arrows attached to the back of one of the pack horses. He wasn’t as skilled as his brother in hunting with a bow, though in war when letting loose a volley of arrows, his skill was more than sufficient.
Achilleas looked over his shoulder at the pale spot that was his younger brother’s face. “Do you think you need another day brother?” He teased Emilios, then gave his attention back to the path before him that he could barely make out. He followed behind Stephano's horse, watching for any indication of holes that could injury his mount. They rode along, chatting and teasing back and forth until they reached the estate.
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“It’s just new and strange for him.” Achilleas said with all the wisdom of his three extra years. “I suspect that all the horses are eager to be off the ship. The others just know what to expect whereas yours doesn’t, not yet anyway.”
He patted his brother's shoulder, “The trip home shouldn’t be so bad.” Least I hope it won’t be. He thought somehow managing to keep a straight face.
Achilleas let out a low chuckle when Emilio’s horse snorted, eagerly prancing down the gangplank as if afraid the ship would swallow him up if he didn’t move fast enough. “Yes, let’s.” He agreed, as he swung up into his saddle, his sword in the sheath at his side. When on horse back, the draw was still a bit awkward for him, but he’d been practicing and with time Achilleas knew it would be as smooth as it was when he was on his own two feet.
Awkward though the draw may be, he was still skilled with a blade, and few men had been able to withstand him now that he’d neared maturity with the reach his height gave him, Most to those who could beat him where older men who’d been fighting nearly as long as he’d been alive.
Achilleas had his bow and quiver full of arrows attached to the back of one of the pack horses. He wasn’t as skilled as his brother in hunting with a bow, though in war when letting loose a volley of arrows, his skill was more than sufficient.
Achilleas looked over his shoulder at the pale spot that was his younger brother’s face. “Do you think you need another day brother?” He teased Emilios, then gave his attention back to the path before him that he could barely make out. He followed behind Stephano's horse, watching for any indication of holes that could injury his mount. They rode along, chatting and teasing back and forth until they reached the estate.
“It’s just new and strange for him.” Achilleas said with all the wisdom of his three extra years. “I suspect that all the horses are eager to be off the ship. The others just know what to expect whereas yours doesn’t, not yet anyway.”
He patted his brother's shoulder, “The trip home shouldn’t be so bad.” Least I hope it won’t be. He thought somehow managing to keep a straight face.
Achilleas let out a low chuckle when Emilio’s horse snorted, eagerly prancing down the gangplank as if afraid the ship would swallow him up if he didn’t move fast enough. “Yes, let’s.” He agreed, as he swung up into his saddle, his sword in the sheath at his side. When on horse back, the draw was still a bit awkward for him, but he’d been practicing and with time Achilleas knew it would be as smooth as it was when he was on his own two feet.
Awkward though the draw may be, he was still skilled with a blade, and few men had been able to withstand him now that he’d neared maturity with the reach his height gave him, Most to those who could beat him where older men who’d been fighting nearly as long as he’d been alive.
Achilleas had his bow and quiver full of arrows attached to the back of one of the pack horses. He wasn’t as skilled as his brother in hunting with a bow, though in war when letting loose a volley of arrows, his skill was more than sufficient.
Achilleas looked over his shoulder at the pale spot that was his younger brother’s face. “Do you think you need another day brother?” He teased Emilios, then gave his attention back to the path before him that he could barely make out. He followed behind Stephano's horse, watching for any indication of holes that could injury his mount. They rode along, chatting and teasing back and forth until they reached the estate.
An hour imagined was much different than an hour experienced. He sagged in the saddle. He was tired of the dull, unending scenery of shadowed trees and the calls of animals unseen. The servant ahead of them was not talkative and it didn’t matter how much he tried to goad the man into speaking, he wouldn’t. His cousins were behind him which made conversation a little more difficult. At first he’d joked with them but after a while, he stopped doing even that.
The gentle plodding sound of hooves on dirt, the squeak of the saddle, the gentle swaying motion of his horse all lulled him. His eyes slid halfway closed and he found himself a hunching forward a bit more until he was pressing his face into his mare’s mane. He rode like that for a little ways before forcing himself back up, no less tired but somehow a little more awake.
In the distance, torches burned, signaling that they were at journey’s end. “There we are!” Stephanos twisted around in the saddle to look back at his cousins. They were barely visible in this thick darkness under the canopy of trees. Moonlight only pierced it in patches. One silver beam slid over Emilios’s face, gone just as his horse passed through.
Dimitrou’s estate was large but felt claustrophobic. A whitewashed wall skirted the perimeter while the house sat in the center of a square piece of land. The servant led them through to a central courtyard of flagstones. A statue of Artemis rose up in the corner, as though watching over them all. Stephanos glanced at her. He wasn’t an avid worshiper of her; had never prayed to her, actually but he didn’t want to earn her ire. Bestowing on the statue his most melting smile, he then turned away from it, widening his eyes at Achilleas and shaking his head.
Another servant headed out of the main house, followed by the tall, broad form of Gavril Dimitrou. He was a man that intimidated the young prince, not only because of his legendary hunting prowess, but his whole form radiated confidence and power; something Stephanos wanted very much to emulate. The younger Dimitrou children, Iason who was Emilios’s age, and Dorothea were not immediately visible behind their father but Stephanos guessed them to be somewhere close. The Dimitrou clan was nothing if not tightly knit.
“Your highness,” Gavril reached out a hand as Stephanos dismounted. He gripped the other man’s arm firmly before watching as Gavril went next to Achilleas with a “My Lord Achilleas,” and then to Emilios with another, a little patronizing, “My Lord Emilios.” Greetings done, he slipped his arm around Stephanos’s shoulders and led them all inside. Twisting a little, Stephanos made a face at Achilleas and Emilios that begged for a little help. It wasn’t that he minded Gavril so much as he felt about him the same way he felt about his father: unequal.
The Dimitrou hall was wide with a low ceiling. Animal heads were mounted along its walls. Braziers stood tall in the corners with bronze bowls of fires casting both light and shadow over the room. Once inside, Gavril let go and Stephanos stepped quickly back, settling between his cousins.
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An hour imagined was much different than an hour experienced. He sagged in the saddle. He was tired of the dull, unending scenery of shadowed trees and the calls of animals unseen. The servant ahead of them was not talkative and it didn’t matter how much he tried to goad the man into speaking, he wouldn’t. His cousins were behind him which made conversation a little more difficult. At first he’d joked with them but after a while, he stopped doing even that.
The gentle plodding sound of hooves on dirt, the squeak of the saddle, the gentle swaying motion of his horse all lulled him. His eyes slid halfway closed and he found himself a hunching forward a bit more until he was pressing his face into his mare’s mane. He rode like that for a little ways before forcing himself back up, no less tired but somehow a little more awake.
In the distance, torches burned, signaling that they were at journey’s end. “There we are!” Stephanos twisted around in the saddle to look back at his cousins. They were barely visible in this thick darkness under the canopy of trees. Moonlight only pierced it in patches. One silver beam slid over Emilios’s face, gone just as his horse passed through.
Dimitrou’s estate was large but felt claustrophobic. A whitewashed wall skirted the perimeter while the house sat in the center of a square piece of land. The servant led them through to a central courtyard of flagstones. A statue of Artemis rose up in the corner, as though watching over them all. Stephanos glanced at her. He wasn’t an avid worshiper of her; had never prayed to her, actually but he didn’t want to earn her ire. Bestowing on the statue his most melting smile, he then turned away from it, widening his eyes at Achilleas and shaking his head.
Another servant headed out of the main house, followed by the tall, broad form of Gavril Dimitrou. He was a man that intimidated the young prince, not only because of his legendary hunting prowess, but his whole form radiated confidence and power; something Stephanos wanted very much to emulate. The younger Dimitrou children, Iason who was Emilios’s age, and Dorothea were not immediately visible behind their father but Stephanos guessed them to be somewhere close. The Dimitrou clan was nothing if not tightly knit.
“Your highness,” Gavril reached out a hand as Stephanos dismounted. He gripped the other man’s arm firmly before watching as Gavril went next to Achilleas with a “My Lord Achilleas,” and then to Emilios with another, a little patronizing, “My Lord Emilios.” Greetings done, he slipped his arm around Stephanos’s shoulders and led them all inside. Twisting a little, Stephanos made a face at Achilleas and Emilios that begged for a little help. It wasn’t that he minded Gavril so much as he felt about him the same way he felt about his father: unequal.
The Dimitrou hall was wide with a low ceiling. Animal heads were mounted along its walls. Braziers stood tall in the corners with bronze bowls of fires casting both light and shadow over the room. Once inside, Gavril let go and Stephanos stepped quickly back, settling between his cousins.
An hour imagined was much different than an hour experienced. He sagged in the saddle. He was tired of the dull, unending scenery of shadowed trees and the calls of animals unseen. The servant ahead of them was not talkative and it didn’t matter how much he tried to goad the man into speaking, he wouldn’t. His cousins were behind him which made conversation a little more difficult. At first he’d joked with them but after a while, he stopped doing even that.
The gentle plodding sound of hooves on dirt, the squeak of the saddle, the gentle swaying motion of his horse all lulled him. His eyes slid halfway closed and he found himself a hunching forward a bit more until he was pressing his face into his mare’s mane. He rode like that for a little ways before forcing himself back up, no less tired but somehow a little more awake.
In the distance, torches burned, signaling that they were at journey’s end. “There we are!” Stephanos twisted around in the saddle to look back at his cousins. They were barely visible in this thick darkness under the canopy of trees. Moonlight only pierced it in patches. One silver beam slid over Emilios’s face, gone just as his horse passed through.
Dimitrou’s estate was large but felt claustrophobic. A whitewashed wall skirted the perimeter while the house sat in the center of a square piece of land. The servant led them through to a central courtyard of flagstones. A statue of Artemis rose up in the corner, as though watching over them all. Stephanos glanced at her. He wasn’t an avid worshiper of her; had never prayed to her, actually but he didn’t want to earn her ire. Bestowing on the statue his most melting smile, he then turned away from it, widening his eyes at Achilleas and shaking his head.
Another servant headed out of the main house, followed by the tall, broad form of Gavril Dimitrou. He was a man that intimidated the young prince, not only because of his legendary hunting prowess, but his whole form radiated confidence and power; something Stephanos wanted very much to emulate. The younger Dimitrou children, Iason who was Emilios’s age, and Dorothea were not immediately visible behind their father but Stephanos guessed them to be somewhere close. The Dimitrou clan was nothing if not tightly knit.
“Your highness,” Gavril reached out a hand as Stephanos dismounted. He gripped the other man’s arm firmly before watching as Gavril went next to Achilleas with a “My Lord Achilleas,” and then to Emilios with another, a little patronizing, “My Lord Emilios.” Greetings done, he slipped his arm around Stephanos’s shoulders and led them all inside. Twisting a little, Stephanos made a face at Achilleas and Emilios that begged for a little help. It wasn’t that he minded Gavril so much as he felt about him the same way he felt about his father: unequal.
The Dimitrou hall was wide with a low ceiling. Animal heads were mounted along its walls. Braziers stood tall in the corners with bronze bowls of fires casting both light and shadow over the room. Once inside, Gavril let go and Stephanos stepped quickly back, settling between his cousins.
“Praise be to Artemis.” Achilleas said sounding more than a little relieved by the fact they had finally reached the end of their late night ride. He had worried that his mount would step in a hole that it was too dark to see clearly. If they had gone much further he’d been sure that they would have to dismount and lead their horses for their safety
Achilleas returned the handclasp with a nod, murmuring, “My Lord Gavril.” The pleasant expression on his face slipped slightly when he heard the way his brother was addressed. Achilleas folded his arms across his chest but didn’t actually say anything out of respect to his elders. The slight wasn’t something he could really do much about within the bounds of honor. So he was in a bit of a sour mood as he followed his cousin and their host through the front doors of the man’s house.
His mood lightened slightly when he caught the look Stephanos sent back over his shoulder, pleading for help. He didn't really have the faintest idea what he could do to rescue Steph from the older man’s claws, but he was going to try. Luckily as it turned out he didn't have to for Lord Gavril released Stephanos just inside the doors of his home.
With a faint smirk, Achilleas moved over a step to allow Stephanos stay between himself and Emilios, lifting his arm so it draped over his cousin’s shoulders. “Don’t worry. We’ll protect you.” He whispered in his cousin's ear, then lifted his voice so the older man could hear, “It’s been a very long day, Lord Gavril, perhaps you might have a servant show us to our room? We would like to leave early and need rest."
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This post was created by our staff team.
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“Praise be to Artemis.” Achilleas said sounding more than a little relieved by the fact they had finally reached the end of their late night ride. He had worried that his mount would step in a hole that it was too dark to see clearly. If they had gone much further he’d been sure that they would have to dismount and lead their horses for their safety
Achilleas returned the handclasp with a nod, murmuring, “My Lord Gavril.” The pleasant expression on his face slipped slightly when he heard the way his brother was addressed. Achilleas folded his arms across his chest but didn’t actually say anything out of respect to his elders. The slight wasn’t something he could really do much about within the bounds of honor. So he was in a bit of a sour mood as he followed his cousin and their host through the front doors of the man’s house.
His mood lightened slightly when he caught the look Stephanos sent back over his shoulder, pleading for help. He didn't really have the faintest idea what he could do to rescue Steph from the older man’s claws, but he was going to try. Luckily as it turned out he didn't have to for Lord Gavril released Stephanos just inside the doors of his home.
With a faint smirk, Achilleas moved over a step to allow Stephanos stay between himself and Emilios, lifting his arm so it draped over his cousin’s shoulders. “Don’t worry. We’ll protect you.” He whispered in his cousin's ear, then lifted his voice so the older man could hear, “It’s been a very long day, Lord Gavril, perhaps you might have a servant show us to our room? We would like to leave early and need rest."
“Praise be to Artemis.” Achilleas said sounding more than a little relieved by the fact they had finally reached the end of their late night ride. He had worried that his mount would step in a hole that it was too dark to see clearly. If they had gone much further he’d been sure that they would have to dismount and lead their horses for their safety
Achilleas returned the handclasp with a nod, murmuring, “My Lord Gavril.” The pleasant expression on his face slipped slightly when he heard the way his brother was addressed. Achilleas folded his arms across his chest but didn’t actually say anything out of respect to his elders. The slight wasn’t something he could really do much about within the bounds of honor. So he was in a bit of a sour mood as he followed his cousin and their host through the front doors of the man’s house.
His mood lightened slightly when he caught the look Stephanos sent back over his shoulder, pleading for help. He didn't really have the faintest idea what he could do to rescue Steph from the older man’s claws, but he was going to try. Luckily as it turned out he didn't have to for Lord Gavril released Stephanos just inside the doors of his home.
With a faint smirk, Achilleas moved over a step to allow Stephanos stay between himself and Emilios, lifting his arm so it draped over his cousin’s shoulders. “Don’t worry. We’ll protect you.” He whispered in his cousin's ear, then lifted his voice so the older man could hear, “It’s been a very long day, Lord Gavril, perhaps you might have a servant show us to our room? We would like to leave early and need rest."
Emilios was hoping for a few more hours of sleep than he knew he was going to get, but it was going to be for a good cause. He loved the idea of a hunt, had been looking forward to it for weeks. And even though his horse was in a mood, the chance to run and burn off energy would do them both good. He let the two tease him, focusing on the slow and steady pace towards the house. Once it came into view, he copied the prayers of his brother, glad for the rest.
His horse was taken off to rest on solid ground, and the boys were moved towards the main manor, where they met with Lord Gavril. After the greeting, Emilios his a snicker at the way the lord pulled Stephanos into him. A little mockingly, Emilios did the same thing to Achilleas, tousling his hair as they were lead into the house. As soon as they were in the home, they separated, allowing their cousin to step in between them. He was tempted to throw his arm around him, too, just to really make Stephanos feel uncomfortable.
Instead, he leaned in a whispered, “Always the damsel,” as he grinned ear to ear. His attention once again focused back on the Lord of the manor. “It has been a long journey, indeed. And if I don’t get at least 5 hours of sleep, these boys will be hunting me.” He was content to be the diva, the one who was used to a fluffy bed and little stress. “Unless there is a greater need for pleasantries? Then I may just fall asleep where I stand.”
That seemed to push the Lord into gear. He called for servants to escort the boys to their rooms, patting Emilios on the head as he walked by as if he was a delicate thing. Once they were clear of the man, the younger warned the two. “Not a word to father or I shall make you both into cloaks.”
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Emilios was hoping for a few more hours of sleep than he knew he was going to get, but it was going to be for a good cause. He loved the idea of a hunt, had been looking forward to it for weeks. And even though his horse was in a mood, the chance to run and burn off energy would do them both good. He let the two tease him, focusing on the slow and steady pace towards the house. Once it came into view, he copied the prayers of his brother, glad for the rest.
His horse was taken off to rest on solid ground, and the boys were moved towards the main manor, where they met with Lord Gavril. After the greeting, Emilios his a snicker at the way the lord pulled Stephanos into him. A little mockingly, Emilios did the same thing to Achilleas, tousling his hair as they were lead into the house. As soon as they were in the home, they separated, allowing their cousin to step in between them. He was tempted to throw his arm around him, too, just to really make Stephanos feel uncomfortable.
Instead, he leaned in a whispered, “Always the damsel,” as he grinned ear to ear. His attention once again focused back on the Lord of the manor. “It has been a long journey, indeed. And if I don’t get at least 5 hours of sleep, these boys will be hunting me.” He was content to be the diva, the one who was used to a fluffy bed and little stress. “Unless there is a greater need for pleasantries? Then I may just fall asleep where I stand.”
That seemed to push the Lord into gear. He called for servants to escort the boys to their rooms, patting Emilios on the head as he walked by as if he was a delicate thing. Once they were clear of the man, the younger warned the two. “Not a word to father or I shall make you both into cloaks.”
Emilios was hoping for a few more hours of sleep than he knew he was going to get, but it was going to be for a good cause. He loved the idea of a hunt, had been looking forward to it for weeks. And even though his horse was in a mood, the chance to run and burn off energy would do them both good. He let the two tease him, focusing on the slow and steady pace towards the house. Once it came into view, he copied the prayers of his brother, glad for the rest.
His horse was taken off to rest on solid ground, and the boys were moved towards the main manor, where they met with Lord Gavril. After the greeting, Emilios his a snicker at the way the lord pulled Stephanos into him. A little mockingly, Emilios did the same thing to Achilleas, tousling his hair as they were lead into the house. As soon as they were in the home, they separated, allowing their cousin to step in between them. He was tempted to throw his arm around him, too, just to really make Stephanos feel uncomfortable.
Instead, he leaned in a whispered, “Always the damsel,” as he grinned ear to ear. His attention once again focused back on the Lord of the manor. “It has been a long journey, indeed. And if I don’t get at least 5 hours of sleep, these boys will be hunting me.” He was content to be the diva, the one who was used to a fluffy bed and little stress. “Unless there is a greater need for pleasantries? Then I may just fall asleep where I stand.”
That seemed to push the Lord into gear. He called for servants to escort the boys to their rooms, patting Emilios on the head as he walked by as if he was a delicate thing. Once they were clear of the man, the younger warned the two. “Not a word to father or I shall make you both into cloaks.”
"Always the damsel," Emilios said in his ear. Stephanos affixed a smile while leaning against the younger boy to jab his elbow underneath the other's ribs. Achilleas settled his arm around his shoulders and the three of them stood, staring down the head of Dimitrou.
Gavriil appeared highly amused by the display but said nothing. At both Achilleas and Emilios's requests for beds, he nodded with an "Of course."
Stephanos pressed his lips together as the older lord gave a final pat to Emilios before disappearing through a doorway, that, presumably, led off to his own rooms. Glancing down as Emilios threatened them, he made a sympathetic face and said in a tone that suggested Emilios was six, "Are you a little sad he's not going to tuck you in an tell you a bedtime story?"
He ducked away in case Emilios lashed out, keeping Achilleas between them.
"Your highness. My lords? This way, if you please." A middle aged woman appeared in a far doorway. She looked as though she too wanted to hurry them along so that she could go back to bed. The hour was late.
Stephanos strode over to her and followed as she led them through the labyrinth of the house. One room fed into another and they took so many turns and new doors that he wasn't entirely sure in which direction they were heading anymore. At last she led them into a short, out of the way corridor. It was plain except for two doors standing side by side.
"Your highness, my lord has appointed the last room for your use." Turning to the brothers, she said, "And for you, the first. Should you require anything in the night, you will find a bell beside the bed." She added. Stephanos nodded to her as she bowed, releasing her to go. He waited until she was out of sight to tug open the door to Emilios and Achilleas's room. It was large. More animal heads were mounted along the walls, their glassy eyes staring at nothing. Several clay lamps burned, giving the room a cheerful glow but this wasn't what made him smirk. At the far end, beneath an open window, stood a single full bed piled high with furs.
"Well, well," he stood aside to let the other two see. "Guess you don't have to be scared of the dark with big brother snuggled up next to you." He gave a pat on Achilleas's shoulder. "See you in the morning."
Opening the door to his own room, he found it to be nearly identical. The only difference was that while the other room had animal heads, this one was filled with mounted horns, giving the room a fierce appearance. He extinguished all the clay lamps but the one beside the bed. Shadows reared up along the ceiling. Ignoring them, he removed his sandals and climbed into the bed. The pungent scent of animal skin was not unpleasant so much as overpowering. Lying in the bed with the furs pulled up to his chin felt a little like having a pack of sleeping wolves on and around him. It made sleep a tad difficult.
All at once, he started. finding an unfamiliar face leaning over him. "Don't do that!" he flung his arm over his eyes like that might make the servant disappear.
"Apologies, your highness. But it is just before dawn. Your horses are being readied. Lord Gavriil has laid out a feast to break your fast but he and the family are still sleeping. Am I to wake them for you?"
Stephanos squinted up at him. How was it that he'd only just closed his eyes and somehow the night had fallen away by hours in what felt like seconds? He sat up, waving the man way. "No, don't wake them." He yawned. "We'll be fine."
After lacing up his sandals, he stretched and went in search of his cousins.
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"Always the damsel," Emilios said in his ear. Stephanos affixed a smile while leaning against the younger boy to jab his elbow underneath the other's ribs. Achilleas settled his arm around his shoulders and the three of them stood, staring down the head of Dimitrou.
Gavriil appeared highly amused by the display but said nothing. At both Achilleas and Emilios's requests for beds, he nodded with an "Of course."
Stephanos pressed his lips together as the older lord gave a final pat to Emilios before disappearing through a doorway, that, presumably, led off to his own rooms. Glancing down as Emilios threatened them, he made a sympathetic face and said in a tone that suggested Emilios was six, "Are you a little sad he's not going to tuck you in an tell you a bedtime story?"
He ducked away in case Emilios lashed out, keeping Achilleas between them.
"Your highness. My lords? This way, if you please." A middle aged woman appeared in a far doorway. She looked as though she too wanted to hurry them along so that she could go back to bed. The hour was late.
Stephanos strode over to her and followed as she led them through the labyrinth of the house. One room fed into another and they took so many turns and new doors that he wasn't entirely sure in which direction they were heading anymore. At last she led them into a short, out of the way corridor. It was plain except for two doors standing side by side.
"Your highness, my lord has appointed the last room for your use." Turning to the brothers, she said, "And for you, the first. Should you require anything in the night, you will find a bell beside the bed." She added. Stephanos nodded to her as she bowed, releasing her to go. He waited until she was out of sight to tug open the door to Emilios and Achilleas's room. It was large. More animal heads were mounted along the walls, their glassy eyes staring at nothing. Several clay lamps burned, giving the room a cheerful glow but this wasn't what made him smirk. At the far end, beneath an open window, stood a single full bed piled high with furs.
"Well, well," he stood aside to let the other two see. "Guess you don't have to be scared of the dark with big brother snuggled up next to you." He gave a pat on Achilleas's shoulder. "See you in the morning."
Opening the door to his own room, he found it to be nearly identical. The only difference was that while the other room had animal heads, this one was filled with mounted horns, giving the room a fierce appearance. He extinguished all the clay lamps but the one beside the bed. Shadows reared up along the ceiling. Ignoring them, he removed his sandals and climbed into the bed. The pungent scent of animal skin was not unpleasant so much as overpowering. Lying in the bed with the furs pulled up to his chin felt a little like having a pack of sleeping wolves on and around him. It made sleep a tad difficult.
All at once, he started. finding an unfamiliar face leaning over him. "Don't do that!" he flung his arm over his eyes like that might make the servant disappear.
"Apologies, your highness. But it is just before dawn. Your horses are being readied. Lord Gavriil has laid out a feast to break your fast but he and the family are still sleeping. Am I to wake them for you?"
Stephanos squinted up at him. How was it that he'd only just closed his eyes and somehow the night had fallen away by hours in what felt like seconds? He sat up, waving the man way. "No, don't wake them." He yawned. "We'll be fine."
After lacing up his sandals, he stretched and went in search of his cousins.
"Always the damsel," Emilios said in his ear. Stephanos affixed a smile while leaning against the younger boy to jab his elbow underneath the other's ribs. Achilleas settled his arm around his shoulders and the three of them stood, staring down the head of Dimitrou.
Gavriil appeared highly amused by the display but said nothing. At both Achilleas and Emilios's requests for beds, he nodded with an "Of course."
Stephanos pressed his lips together as the older lord gave a final pat to Emilios before disappearing through a doorway, that, presumably, led off to his own rooms. Glancing down as Emilios threatened them, he made a sympathetic face and said in a tone that suggested Emilios was six, "Are you a little sad he's not going to tuck you in an tell you a bedtime story?"
He ducked away in case Emilios lashed out, keeping Achilleas between them.
"Your highness. My lords? This way, if you please." A middle aged woman appeared in a far doorway. She looked as though she too wanted to hurry them along so that she could go back to bed. The hour was late.
Stephanos strode over to her and followed as she led them through the labyrinth of the house. One room fed into another and they took so many turns and new doors that he wasn't entirely sure in which direction they were heading anymore. At last she led them into a short, out of the way corridor. It was plain except for two doors standing side by side.
"Your highness, my lord has appointed the last room for your use." Turning to the brothers, she said, "And for you, the first. Should you require anything in the night, you will find a bell beside the bed." She added. Stephanos nodded to her as she bowed, releasing her to go. He waited until she was out of sight to tug open the door to Emilios and Achilleas's room. It was large. More animal heads were mounted along the walls, their glassy eyes staring at nothing. Several clay lamps burned, giving the room a cheerful glow but this wasn't what made him smirk. At the far end, beneath an open window, stood a single full bed piled high with furs.
"Well, well," he stood aside to let the other two see. "Guess you don't have to be scared of the dark with big brother snuggled up next to you." He gave a pat on Achilleas's shoulder. "See you in the morning."
Opening the door to his own room, he found it to be nearly identical. The only difference was that while the other room had animal heads, this one was filled with mounted horns, giving the room a fierce appearance. He extinguished all the clay lamps but the one beside the bed. Shadows reared up along the ceiling. Ignoring them, he removed his sandals and climbed into the bed. The pungent scent of animal skin was not unpleasant so much as overpowering. Lying in the bed with the furs pulled up to his chin felt a little like having a pack of sleeping wolves on and around him. It made sleep a tad difficult.
All at once, he started. finding an unfamiliar face leaning over him. "Don't do that!" he flung his arm over his eyes like that might make the servant disappear.
"Apologies, your highness. But it is just before dawn. Your horses are being readied. Lord Gavriil has laid out a feast to break your fast but he and the family are still sleeping. Am I to wake them for you?"
Stephanos squinted up at him. How was it that he'd only just closed his eyes and somehow the night had fallen away by hours in what felt like seconds? He sat up, waving the man way. "No, don't wake them." He yawned. "We'll be fine."
After lacing up his sandals, he stretched and went in search of his cousins.
Achilleas kept a slight, pleasant smile on his face for Lord Dimitrou as he stood with his brother and cousin, one of his arms still draped over Stephanos’ shoulders. He dropped his arm from his cousin’s shoulders as he moved to follow Lord Gavriil to the rooms he’d allotted to his brother, cousin and himself.
Biting the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing at the look on his younger brother’s face when he was patted on the head by the older man, then was teased by Stephanos. “Not funny Stephanos.” He said as sternly as he could given the fact that he was fighting the urge to grin over his brother’s expression..
When Steph ducked away, moving to put Achilleas between himself and Emilios, he raised a brow, obviously wondering if they were going to come to blows. But he was relieved when they didn’t, since it was too late to want to be breaking up a fight in the middle of the night. “Trust me I won’t say a word to father.” And he meant it, his father had never been easy to please and while he still had hopes of doing so, it wouldn't be at Emilios’ expense or by carrying tales.
“Lead the way.” Achilleas smiled at the servant, nearly as eager as she was to be in bed asleep. He trailed behind Stephanos, keeping about a step behind his younger royal cousin, he sent several glances over his shoulder at Emilios to ensure his brother hadn’t gotten lost, or in the middle of a sneak attack against either of them. Since he he was tired enough to have his reflexes be more than a bit slowed. “Thank you.” He said with another smile for the older woman, though this one revealed his weariness and his gratitude towards her for her guiding them to their rooms.
Achilleas looked through the doorway to the room he was to share with his brother and rolled his eyes when Steph teased Emilios again. “In a few hours.” He retorted since it was well past midnight by this point. “Rest well cousin.” Achilleas strode forward, crossing the room to sit on the side of the bed nearest the door. Leaning down he unlaced his sandals in preparation for getting some sleep before they left for their hunting trip.
Achilleas was dressed by the time Stephanos came looking for them, the brothers having been roused from their shared bed before the prince. “Morning.” He said with a yawn, since while his sleep had been deep, it hadn't been nearly as long as was normal. “Let’s break our fast and get on the road.” He nodded for Stephanos to lead the way, falling into step at his cousin’s side. The three young men ate heartily but quickly, all eager to avoid their well meaning host and it wasn’t long before they were mounting up and riding away from the house, eager for their adventure to begin.
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Achilleas kept a slight, pleasant smile on his face for Lord Dimitrou as he stood with his brother and cousin, one of his arms still draped over Stephanos’ shoulders. He dropped his arm from his cousin’s shoulders as he moved to follow Lord Gavriil to the rooms he’d allotted to his brother, cousin and himself.
Biting the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing at the look on his younger brother’s face when he was patted on the head by the older man, then was teased by Stephanos. “Not funny Stephanos.” He said as sternly as he could given the fact that he was fighting the urge to grin over his brother’s expression..
When Steph ducked away, moving to put Achilleas between himself and Emilios, he raised a brow, obviously wondering if they were going to come to blows. But he was relieved when they didn’t, since it was too late to want to be breaking up a fight in the middle of the night. “Trust me I won’t say a word to father.” And he meant it, his father had never been easy to please and while he still had hopes of doing so, it wouldn't be at Emilios’ expense or by carrying tales.
“Lead the way.” Achilleas smiled at the servant, nearly as eager as she was to be in bed asleep. He trailed behind Stephanos, keeping about a step behind his younger royal cousin, he sent several glances over his shoulder at Emilios to ensure his brother hadn’t gotten lost, or in the middle of a sneak attack against either of them. Since he he was tired enough to have his reflexes be more than a bit slowed. “Thank you.” He said with another smile for the older woman, though this one revealed his weariness and his gratitude towards her for her guiding them to their rooms.
Achilleas looked through the doorway to the room he was to share with his brother and rolled his eyes when Steph teased Emilios again. “In a few hours.” He retorted since it was well past midnight by this point. “Rest well cousin.” Achilleas strode forward, crossing the room to sit on the side of the bed nearest the door. Leaning down he unlaced his sandals in preparation for getting some sleep before they left for their hunting trip.
Achilleas was dressed by the time Stephanos came looking for them, the brothers having been roused from their shared bed before the prince. “Morning.” He said with a yawn, since while his sleep had been deep, it hadn't been nearly as long as was normal. “Let’s break our fast and get on the road.” He nodded for Stephanos to lead the way, falling into step at his cousin’s side. The three young men ate heartily but quickly, all eager to avoid their well meaning host and it wasn’t long before they were mounting up and riding away from the house, eager for their adventure to begin.
Achilleas kept a slight, pleasant smile on his face for Lord Dimitrou as he stood with his brother and cousin, one of his arms still draped over Stephanos’ shoulders. He dropped his arm from his cousin’s shoulders as he moved to follow Lord Gavriil to the rooms he’d allotted to his brother, cousin and himself.
Biting the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing at the look on his younger brother’s face when he was patted on the head by the older man, then was teased by Stephanos. “Not funny Stephanos.” He said as sternly as he could given the fact that he was fighting the urge to grin over his brother’s expression..
When Steph ducked away, moving to put Achilleas between himself and Emilios, he raised a brow, obviously wondering if they were going to come to blows. But he was relieved when they didn’t, since it was too late to want to be breaking up a fight in the middle of the night. “Trust me I won’t say a word to father.” And he meant it, his father had never been easy to please and while he still had hopes of doing so, it wouldn't be at Emilios’ expense or by carrying tales.
“Lead the way.” Achilleas smiled at the servant, nearly as eager as she was to be in bed asleep. He trailed behind Stephanos, keeping about a step behind his younger royal cousin, he sent several glances over his shoulder at Emilios to ensure his brother hadn’t gotten lost, or in the middle of a sneak attack against either of them. Since he he was tired enough to have his reflexes be more than a bit slowed. “Thank you.” He said with another smile for the older woman, though this one revealed his weariness and his gratitude towards her for her guiding them to their rooms.
Achilleas looked through the doorway to the room he was to share with his brother and rolled his eyes when Steph teased Emilios again. “In a few hours.” He retorted since it was well past midnight by this point. “Rest well cousin.” Achilleas strode forward, crossing the room to sit on the side of the bed nearest the door. Leaning down he unlaced his sandals in preparation for getting some sleep before they left for their hunting trip.
Achilleas was dressed by the time Stephanos came looking for them, the brothers having been roused from their shared bed before the prince. “Morning.” He said with a yawn, since while his sleep had been deep, it hadn't been nearly as long as was normal. “Let’s break our fast and get on the road.” He nodded for Stephanos to lead the way, falling into step at his cousin’s side. The three young men ate heartily but quickly, all eager to avoid their well meaning host and it wasn’t long before they were mounting up and riding away from the house, eager for their adventure to begin.
The young man wasn’t put off by being the butt of the joke, especially among his current company. But he took it with a smile. When he was younger, Emilios had once gone to his father to complain about the teasing that he always seemed to be the brunt of. And Irakles, in all his wisdom, told him that it wasn’t his place to complain about it. He could either embrace it, as most men did or let it make him weak. As the son of a prince, the last thing he wanted to do was to be weak. So he adapted and learned that they only way to feel more comfortable about the teasing was to tease back.
And so, he did.
In that respect, he had become a bit of a joker. He and Stephanos seemed to get along the best because they were both the ‘spare’. Both able to be themselves without the stifling disappointment that could come from their actions. And it wasn’t something that he minded. Embrace or be weak. And being weak wasn’t a viable option for the son of Prince Irakles. Even if the sudden punch in the gut caught him off guard, he managed to fake a bit of a smile before trailing behind the others with his wounded pride.
He settled into the room, not even bothering to undress as he collapsed into the bed. The voyage over had stressed him out more than he had initially let on, and all his body wanted to do was rest. There was no worrying for his beast now, safe and bedded down within the stables. And within the safety of the mansion, it was easy to find rest.
The boy was a hard sleeper, which was part of the reason he’d taken to the role of archer so readily-- stand at the rear and shoot only when told to. He had half expected Stephanos to dump a pitcher of water on his head to wake, but his brother knew him well enough to smack him in the head with one of the pillows mid-snore. It didn’t take him long to straighten out his clothes and lace up his sandals, yawning the entire time. As soon as Stephanos walked into the room, he gave his cousin a wink. “Do you even know how to sleep alone? I could have let you and Achilleas keep each other company last night.”
Emilios was quick to follow the servants, his stomach empty from the journey and more than ready for a filling meal. He wasted no time serving himself a plate, ignoring protocol that would have had Stephanos fill his first in favor of getting a good share of the pig being served. As they finished, he made sure to have some of the pastries loaded into their saddlebags, knowing that they would want something more to eat along the trail. “I can hear the house starting to wake. Let’s go before someone decided to invite themselves along.”
As he stepped into the courtyard, he was glad to see his horse already saddled, angrily working the ground with his hoof. Some attention, along with an apple he’d snagged from the table, and the beast was quieted for the time being. Emilios double checked his bag, as well as his bow and spear before mounting. “You ladies need a few more moments, or can we be off?”
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The young man wasn’t put off by being the butt of the joke, especially among his current company. But he took it with a smile. When he was younger, Emilios had once gone to his father to complain about the teasing that he always seemed to be the brunt of. And Irakles, in all his wisdom, told him that it wasn’t his place to complain about it. He could either embrace it, as most men did or let it make him weak. As the son of a prince, the last thing he wanted to do was to be weak. So he adapted and learned that they only way to feel more comfortable about the teasing was to tease back.
And so, he did.
In that respect, he had become a bit of a joker. He and Stephanos seemed to get along the best because they were both the ‘spare’. Both able to be themselves without the stifling disappointment that could come from their actions. And it wasn’t something that he minded. Embrace or be weak. And being weak wasn’t a viable option for the son of Prince Irakles. Even if the sudden punch in the gut caught him off guard, he managed to fake a bit of a smile before trailing behind the others with his wounded pride.
He settled into the room, not even bothering to undress as he collapsed into the bed. The voyage over had stressed him out more than he had initially let on, and all his body wanted to do was rest. There was no worrying for his beast now, safe and bedded down within the stables. And within the safety of the mansion, it was easy to find rest.
The boy was a hard sleeper, which was part of the reason he’d taken to the role of archer so readily-- stand at the rear and shoot only when told to. He had half expected Stephanos to dump a pitcher of water on his head to wake, but his brother knew him well enough to smack him in the head with one of the pillows mid-snore. It didn’t take him long to straighten out his clothes and lace up his sandals, yawning the entire time. As soon as Stephanos walked into the room, he gave his cousin a wink. “Do you even know how to sleep alone? I could have let you and Achilleas keep each other company last night.”
Emilios was quick to follow the servants, his stomach empty from the journey and more than ready for a filling meal. He wasted no time serving himself a plate, ignoring protocol that would have had Stephanos fill his first in favor of getting a good share of the pig being served. As they finished, he made sure to have some of the pastries loaded into their saddlebags, knowing that they would want something more to eat along the trail. “I can hear the house starting to wake. Let’s go before someone decided to invite themselves along.”
As he stepped into the courtyard, he was glad to see his horse already saddled, angrily working the ground with his hoof. Some attention, along with an apple he’d snagged from the table, and the beast was quieted for the time being. Emilios double checked his bag, as well as his bow and spear before mounting. “You ladies need a few more moments, or can we be off?”
The young man wasn’t put off by being the butt of the joke, especially among his current company. But he took it with a smile. When he was younger, Emilios had once gone to his father to complain about the teasing that he always seemed to be the brunt of. And Irakles, in all his wisdom, told him that it wasn’t his place to complain about it. He could either embrace it, as most men did or let it make him weak. As the son of a prince, the last thing he wanted to do was to be weak. So he adapted and learned that they only way to feel more comfortable about the teasing was to tease back.
And so, he did.
In that respect, he had become a bit of a joker. He and Stephanos seemed to get along the best because they were both the ‘spare’. Both able to be themselves without the stifling disappointment that could come from their actions. And it wasn’t something that he minded. Embrace or be weak. And being weak wasn’t a viable option for the son of Prince Irakles. Even if the sudden punch in the gut caught him off guard, he managed to fake a bit of a smile before trailing behind the others with his wounded pride.
He settled into the room, not even bothering to undress as he collapsed into the bed. The voyage over had stressed him out more than he had initially let on, and all his body wanted to do was rest. There was no worrying for his beast now, safe and bedded down within the stables. And within the safety of the mansion, it was easy to find rest.
The boy was a hard sleeper, which was part of the reason he’d taken to the role of archer so readily-- stand at the rear and shoot only when told to. He had half expected Stephanos to dump a pitcher of water on his head to wake, but his brother knew him well enough to smack him in the head with one of the pillows mid-snore. It didn’t take him long to straighten out his clothes and lace up his sandals, yawning the entire time. As soon as Stephanos walked into the room, he gave his cousin a wink. “Do you even know how to sleep alone? I could have let you and Achilleas keep each other company last night.”
Emilios was quick to follow the servants, his stomach empty from the journey and more than ready for a filling meal. He wasted no time serving himself a plate, ignoring protocol that would have had Stephanos fill his first in favor of getting a good share of the pig being served. As they finished, he made sure to have some of the pastries loaded into their saddlebags, knowing that they would want something more to eat along the trail. “I can hear the house starting to wake. Let’s go before someone decided to invite themselves along.”
As he stepped into the courtyard, he was glad to see his horse already saddled, angrily working the ground with his hoof. Some attention, along with an apple he’d snagged from the table, and the beast was quieted for the time being. Emilios double checked his bag, as well as his bow and spear before mounting. “You ladies need a few more moments, or can we be off?”
“Next time we come hunting,” Stephanos said in response to Achilleas’s ‘good morning’. “We’re leaving way earlier in the day. I got this much sleep.” He gestured to indicate exactly how little while they walked to breakfast. Perhaps they’d leave even the night before on the ship, and get to Dimitrou lands sooner in the day.
“Do you even know how to sleep alone? I could have let you and Achilleas keep eachother company last night.” Emilios's jibe was met with a ready smirk.
“Oh I’d rather share with you, since you’re so much prettier than Achilleas.” He slapped Achilleas on his broad shoulders to emphasize the difference in build and height between the 16 Achilleas and 12 year old Emilios.
Breakfast was mercifully quick and, like Emilios, Stephanos brought a bit of food with him for later. The morning wasn’t cold but it was wet. Dew clung to leaves and grass, soaking his feet and sandals as he walked out to his horse. It ignored him until he swung up on its back and forced its head up with a tug of the reins.
“A good luck kiss from Lord Gavriil would have been nice, but this will have to do,” Stephanos said in response to Emilios’s quip if he and his cousin (the ‘ladies’) needed anything. He blew a kiss at the house and then clicked his tongue at his horse. Within moments, all three were out of the Dimitrou compound and into the woods themselves.
The journey they now made would take only a few hours at an easy walking pace for the horses and they reached the site where they would make camp by midday. Unfortunately, the first day of camping was always the most labor intensive. Firewood had to be gathered, a fire pit dug out, a spot for them to lay their bedrolls on later needed to be prepared, and a search around to ensure they weren’t in any dangerous animal’s territory still had to be performed.
“Who’s up for gathering the firewood?” He asked as he tethered his horse to a tree. They would also need to feed and water the horses. “I don’t mind to take the horses,” Stephanos offered, eyeing the slow moving stream a few paces away. He knew his horse would drink from the stream but he didn’t know about the other two. If they wouldn’t, he’d have to find rocks and dam up the water to make a pool. Horses could be finicky that way.
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“Next time we come hunting,” Stephanos said in response to Achilleas’s ‘good morning’. “We’re leaving way earlier in the day. I got this much sleep.” He gestured to indicate exactly how little while they walked to breakfast. Perhaps they’d leave even the night before on the ship, and get to Dimitrou lands sooner in the day.
“Do you even know how to sleep alone? I could have let you and Achilleas keep eachother company last night.” Emilios's jibe was met with a ready smirk.
“Oh I’d rather share with you, since you’re so much prettier than Achilleas.” He slapped Achilleas on his broad shoulders to emphasize the difference in build and height between the 16 Achilleas and 12 year old Emilios.
Breakfast was mercifully quick and, like Emilios, Stephanos brought a bit of food with him for later. The morning wasn’t cold but it was wet. Dew clung to leaves and grass, soaking his feet and sandals as he walked out to his horse. It ignored him until he swung up on its back and forced its head up with a tug of the reins.
“A good luck kiss from Lord Gavriil would have been nice, but this will have to do,” Stephanos said in response to Emilios’s quip if he and his cousin (the ‘ladies’) needed anything. He blew a kiss at the house and then clicked his tongue at his horse. Within moments, all three were out of the Dimitrou compound and into the woods themselves.
The journey they now made would take only a few hours at an easy walking pace for the horses and they reached the site where they would make camp by midday. Unfortunately, the first day of camping was always the most labor intensive. Firewood had to be gathered, a fire pit dug out, a spot for them to lay their bedrolls on later needed to be prepared, and a search around to ensure they weren’t in any dangerous animal’s territory still had to be performed.
“Who’s up for gathering the firewood?” He asked as he tethered his horse to a tree. They would also need to feed and water the horses. “I don’t mind to take the horses,” Stephanos offered, eyeing the slow moving stream a few paces away. He knew his horse would drink from the stream but he didn’t know about the other two. If they wouldn’t, he’d have to find rocks and dam up the water to make a pool. Horses could be finicky that way.
“Next time we come hunting,” Stephanos said in response to Achilleas’s ‘good morning’. “We’re leaving way earlier in the day. I got this much sleep.” He gestured to indicate exactly how little while they walked to breakfast. Perhaps they’d leave even the night before on the ship, and get to Dimitrou lands sooner in the day.
“Do you even know how to sleep alone? I could have let you and Achilleas keep eachother company last night.” Emilios's jibe was met with a ready smirk.
“Oh I’d rather share with you, since you’re so much prettier than Achilleas.” He slapped Achilleas on his broad shoulders to emphasize the difference in build and height between the 16 Achilleas and 12 year old Emilios.
Breakfast was mercifully quick and, like Emilios, Stephanos brought a bit of food with him for later. The morning wasn’t cold but it was wet. Dew clung to leaves and grass, soaking his feet and sandals as he walked out to his horse. It ignored him until he swung up on its back and forced its head up with a tug of the reins.
“A good luck kiss from Lord Gavriil would have been nice, but this will have to do,” Stephanos said in response to Emilios’s quip if he and his cousin (the ‘ladies’) needed anything. He blew a kiss at the house and then clicked his tongue at his horse. Within moments, all three were out of the Dimitrou compound and into the woods themselves.
The journey they now made would take only a few hours at an easy walking pace for the horses and they reached the site where they would make camp by midday. Unfortunately, the first day of camping was always the most labor intensive. Firewood had to be gathered, a fire pit dug out, a spot for them to lay their bedrolls on later needed to be prepared, and a search around to ensure they weren’t in any dangerous animal’s territory still had to be performed.
“Who’s up for gathering the firewood?” He asked as he tethered his horse to a tree. They would also need to feed and water the horses. “I don’t mind to take the horses,” Stephanos offered, eyeing the slow moving stream a few paces away. He knew his horse would drink from the stream but he didn’t know about the other two. If they wouldn’t, he’d have to find rocks and dam up the water to make a pool. Horses could be finicky that way.
Achilleas covered his mouth with the back as his hand as he yawned hugely. “No argument from me.” He’d gotten roughly the same amount as his cousin and brother.
As the first born son of a prince, Achilleas was burdened with all the responsibilities and expectations that came with being his father's heir, and he sometimes envied Emilios’ position as the second son, unaware that his brother chafed at being in his shadow.
Achilleas ate quickly, joining his companions in taking food for their journey. While he had complete faith in their ability to live off the land, he was wise enough to know it would be some time before they could find a campsite, hunt or fish for their dinner, not to mention cleaning the catch and cooking it so they might enjoy the fruits of their labors.
“What do you think?” Achilleas asked when they entered the small clearing. There were trees close together enough to provide a decent windbreak so they should be comfortable even without a tent. They brought one of course, but unless it rained they’d decided not to bother with it.
“I’ll go gather firewood.” Achilleas said easily, even as he tethered his own mount to another tree not too far from where Stephanos had tied his. There should no issue with his horse drinking from a running stream, unless something happens to frighten the other wise well trained gelding.
“I won’t be long.” He said with nod for his brother and cousin then walked from the campsite they’d picked for themselves. Emilios and Stephanos were busy with the various tasks needed to make it home for the next few days. Achilleas hurried to gather wood so he could help with the camp set up. He had never been one to shirk his duties, Irakles had beaten that point into him all his life.
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Staff Team
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This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Achilleas covered his mouth with the back as his hand as he yawned hugely. “No argument from me.” He’d gotten roughly the same amount as his cousin and brother.
As the first born son of a prince, Achilleas was burdened with all the responsibilities and expectations that came with being his father's heir, and he sometimes envied Emilios’ position as the second son, unaware that his brother chafed at being in his shadow.
Achilleas ate quickly, joining his companions in taking food for their journey. While he had complete faith in their ability to live off the land, he was wise enough to know it would be some time before they could find a campsite, hunt or fish for their dinner, not to mention cleaning the catch and cooking it so they might enjoy the fruits of their labors.
“What do you think?” Achilleas asked when they entered the small clearing. There were trees close together enough to provide a decent windbreak so they should be comfortable even without a tent. They brought one of course, but unless it rained they’d decided not to bother with it.
“I’ll go gather firewood.” Achilleas said easily, even as he tethered his own mount to another tree not too far from where Stephanos had tied his. There should no issue with his horse drinking from a running stream, unless something happens to frighten the other wise well trained gelding.
“I won’t be long.” He said with nod for his brother and cousin then walked from the campsite they’d picked for themselves. Emilios and Stephanos were busy with the various tasks needed to make it home for the next few days. Achilleas hurried to gather wood so he could help with the camp set up. He had never been one to shirk his duties, Irakles had beaten that point into him all his life.
Achilleas covered his mouth with the back as his hand as he yawned hugely. “No argument from me.” He’d gotten roughly the same amount as his cousin and brother.
As the first born son of a prince, Achilleas was burdened with all the responsibilities and expectations that came with being his father's heir, and he sometimes envied Emilios’ position as the second son, unaware that his brother chafed at being in his shadow.
Achilleas ate quickly, joining his companions in taking food for their journey. While he had complete faith in their ability to live off the land, he was wise enough to know it would be some time before they could find a campsite, hunt or fish for their dinner, not to mention cleaning the catch and cooking it so they might enjoy the fruits of their labors.
“What do you think?” Achilleas asked when they entered the small clearing. There were trees close together enough to provide a decent windbreak so they should be comfortable even without a tent. They brought one of course, but unless it rained they’d decided not to bother with it.
“I’ll go gather firewood.” Achilleas said easily, even as he tethered his own mount to another tree not too far from where Stephanos had tied his. There should no issue with his horse drinking from a running stream, unless something happens to frighten the other wise well trained gelding.
“I won’t be long.” He said with nod for his brother and cousin then walked from the campsite they’d picked for themselves. Emilios and Stephanos were busy with the various tasks needed to make it home for the next few days. Achilleas hurried to gather wood so he could help with the camp set up. He had never been one to shirk his duties, Irakles had beaten that point into him all his life.
