The chatbox has been hidden for this page. It will reopen upon refresh. To hide the CBox permanently, select "Permanently Toggle Cbox" in your profile User Settings.
This chatbox is hidden. To reopen, edit your User Settings.
Ophelia was hiding. She could no longer stand to remain in her family home with that dreadful woman, who was not -- nor would ever be -- a Condos. Expansive as the sprawling archontiko was, her presence seemed inescapable. The halls were eternally permeated with her cloying scent and each new day brought the sight of her seated at their breakfast table, decked out in jewels she had no right to own. Ophelia was nothing if not philanthropic, in fact she was known for her great generosity, but it was one thing to sympathize with and assist the poor and quite another to shower them with riches, take them to your bed and let them eat at your table. Her brother had given this commoner an inflated sense of self unbefitting of her station and Ophelia could no longer stand to witness it.
And so she was hiding.
Fortunately, she had many convenient hiding places. The excuses she would make for her absence would hold up well when she would return home with her bags full of shopping and her stories of mingling with other nobles. Her family liked it when she was seen, after all; more specifically, they liked it when she was seen with those who were respected.
This visit, however, was not for the good of House Condos, but her her. It was bring no glory and honour to her house, but it would bring her happiness, which was a rarity nowadays. Her nightmares had increased in number and the sleepless nights were beginning to take their toll. Her face was not as fresh as it might be, and only the sly and subtle use of cosmetics to conceal the shadows beneath her eyes had hidden this fact from her noble companions. She had strategically chosen to wear her hair down, veiling most of her face, but crowning her tresses with a particularly ornate circlet of braided gold interwoven with emeralds. The chitton she wore was of jade green, held in place by emerald fibulae at her right and left shoulders. The same mesmeric stones sparkled in the form of teardrops in her ears and at her throat, and in different shapes and sizes on a heavy belt that nipped in her waist. Even tired, anxious and annoyed at her brother, Ophelia still made an effort to look her best.
The nobles had failed to notice that anything was wrong with her, but she doubted her weariness would escape the notice of her eagle-eyed friend. Sage as he was, Lord Gavriil Dimitrou rarely missed a thing. It was one of the reasons she so highly revered and respected him. To her, intelligence was a quality to be prized, a precious trait that ought to be nurtured and glorified. While most praised the virility of the young men who spread their seed as freely as the anemone, she took care to praise Gavriil's wisdom, honesty and thoughtfulness.
She had never made a secret of her admiration for the older man. Why should she? She had known him for many years and he possessed all the qualities she admired. He was wealthy, yes, but it was more than that. He gave wise and candid counsel, never seeking to manipulate. There had been a time when she had foolishly believed he could care for her as more than a friend, for they did after all have much in common, but that time had now passed. Evangelina of Leventi had claimed his heart and his home. She would wear his ring, share his bed, hear his most intimate thoughts, perhaps even do him the great honour of bearing his children one day. Ophelia, meanwhile, would continue to be a loyal, true friend, and if remaining at his side after he had taken a Leventi to wife did not prove her loyalty, she did not know what would. She was no Senator, but surely even Gavriil had to agree that he could have hoped for no better ally than her.
After all, most only made visits when they wanted something; she wanted only the pleasure of his company. And so here she was, disembarking from her carriage with the help of a servant upon whom she beamed down like the sun, relieved to find herself standing on safe, familiar ground. Rather than asking why she had come, the guards simply smiled at her, one of them gesturing for her to follow. She did so, trailing behind the man with slow, elegant steps. However, they had only gone a little way when a servant stepped in front of them.
"Lady Ophelia!" the young man exclaimed. "You will forgive us, I am sure, but the Master is not currently at home." Ophelia's heart sank like a dead weight in her chest. "Oh. I see. Well, thank you for informing me. I suppose I shall depart, then." "You are welcome to wait for him," the servant stated. "The Lady of the house shall receive you in his stead."
The Lady of the house. Well, this should be interesting. Still, what was the worst that could happen? Why not see how Evangelina was faring as the mistress of one of the greatest noble houses in the Kingdom? Why not give herself the small satisfaction of reveling in the knowledge that she could do better?
Smiling sweetly at the servant, she inclined her head in a nod. "That would be most delightful."
"This way, please," the servant bowed his head before beginning a brisk walk in the opposite direction, leading her up a winding flight of stairs towards Gavriil's study, a room that was very familiar to her. As the servant entered the room, Ophelia took a moment to straighten her posture and smooth out any minor creases that might have formed in her chitton.
"Mistress, Lady Ophelia of Condos waits without. May I show her in?"
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Ophelia was hiding. She could no longer stand to remain in her family home with that dreadful woman, who was not -- nor would ever be -- a Condos. Expansive as the sprawling archontiko was, her presence seemed inescapable. The halls were eternally permeated with her cloying scent and each new day brought the sight of her seated at their breakfast table, decked out in jewels she had no right to own. Ophelia was nothing if not philanthropic, in fact she was known for her great generosity, but it was one thing to sympathize with and assist the poor and quite another to shower them with riches, take them to your bed and let them eat at your table. Her brother had given this commoner an inflated sense of self unbefitting of her station and Ophelia could no longer stand to witness it.
And so she was hiding.
Fortunately, she had many convenient hiding places. The excuses she would make for her absence would hold up well when she would return home with her bags full of shopping and her stories of mingling with other nobles. Her family liked it when she was seen, after all; more specifically, they liked it when she was seen with those who were respected.
This visit, however, was not for the good of House Condos, but her her. It was bring no glory and honour to her house, but it would bring her happiness, which was a rarity nowadays. Her nightmares had increased in number and the sleepless nights were beginning to take their toll. Her face was not as fresh as it might be, and only the sly and subtle use of cosmetics to conceal the shadows beneath her eyes had hidden this fact from her noble companions. She had strategically chosen to wear her hair down, veiling most of her face, but crowning her tresses with a particularly ornate circlet of braided gold interwoven with emeralds. The chitton she wore was of jade green, held in place by emerald fibulae at her right and left shoulders. The same mesmeric stones sparkled in the form of teardrops in her ears and at her throat, and in different shapes and sizes on a heavy belt that nipped in her waist. Even tired, anxious and annoyed at her brother, Ophelia still made an effort to look her best.
The nobles had failed to notice that anything was wrong with her, but she doubted her weariness would escape the notice of her eagle-eyed friend. Sage as he was, Lord Gavriil Dimitrou rarely missed a thing. It was one of the reasons she so highly revered and respected him. To her, intelligence was a quality to be prized, a precious trait that ought to be nurtured and glorified. While most praised the virility of the young men who spread their seed as freely as the anemone, she took care to praise Gavriil's wisdom, honesty and thoughtfulness.
She had never made a secret of her admiration for the older man. Why should she? She had known him for many years and he possessed all the qualities she admired. He was wealthy, yes, but it was more than that. He gave wise and candid counsel, never seeking to manipulate. There had been a time when she had foolishly believed he could care for her as more than a friend, for they did after all have much in common, but that time had now passed. Evangelina of Leventi had claimed his heart and his home. She would wear his ring, share his bed, hear his most intimate thoughts, perhaps even do him the great honour of bearing his children one day. Ophelia, meanwhile, would continue to be a loyal, true friend, and if remaining at his side after he had taken a Leventi to wife did not prove her loyalty, she did not know what would. She was no Senator, but surely even Gavriil had to agree that he could have hoped for no better ally than her.
After all, most only made visits when they wanted something; she wanted only the pleasure of his company. And so here she was, disembarking from her carriage with the help of a servant upon whom she beamed down like the sun, relieved to find herself standing on safe, familiar ground. Rather than asking why she had come, the guards simply smiled at her, one of them gesturing for her to follow. She did so, trailing behind the man with slow, elegant steps. However, they had only gone a little way when a servant stepped in front of them.
"Lady Ophelia!" the young man exclaimed. "You will forgive us, I am sure, but the Master is not currently at home." Ophelia's heart sank like a dead weight in her chest. "Oh. I see. Well, thank you for informing me. I suppose I shall depart, then." "You are welcome to wait for him," the servant stated. "The Lady of the house shall receive you in his stead."
The Lady of the house. Well, this should be interesting. Still, what was the worst that could happen? Why not see how Evangelina was faring as the mistress of one of the greatest noble houses in the Kingdom? Why not give herself the small satisfaction of reveling in the knowledge that she could do better?
Smiling sweetly at the servant, she inclined her head in a nod. "That would be most delightful."
"This way, please," the servant bowed his head before beginning a brisk walk in the opposite direction, leading her up a winding flight of stairs towards Gavriil's study, a room that was very familiar to her. As the servant entered the room, Ophelia took a moment to straighten her posture and smooth out any minor creases that might have formed in her chitton.
"Mistress, Lady Ophelia of Condos waits without. May I show her in?"
Ophelia was hiding. She could no longer stand to remain in her family home with that dreadful woman, who was not -- nor would ever be -- a Condos. Expansive as the sprawling archontiko was, her presence seemed inescapable. The halls were eternally permeated with her cloying scent and each new day brought the sight of her seated at their breakfast table, decked out in jewels she had no right to own. Ophelia was nothing if not philanthropic, in fact she was known for her great generosity, but it was one thing to sympathize with and assist the poor and quite another to shower them with riches, take them to your bed and let them eat at your table. Her brother had given this commoner an inflated sense of self unbefitting of her station and Ophelia could no longer stand to witness it.
And so she was hiding.
Fortunately, she had many convenient hiding places. The excuses she would make for her absence would hold up well when she would return home with her bags full of shopping and her stories of mingling with other nobles. Her family liked it when she was seen, after all; more specifically, they liked it when she was seen with those who were respected.
This visit, however, was not for the good of House Condos, but her her. It was bring no glory and honour to her house, but it would bring her happiness, which was a rarity nowadays. Her nightmares had increased in number and the sleepless nights were beginning to take their toll. Her face was not as fresh as it might be, and only the sly and subtle use of cosmetics to conceal the shadows beneath her eyes had hidden this fact from her noble companions. She had strategically chosen to wear her hair down, veiling most of her face, but crowning her tresses with a particularly ornate circlet of braided gold interwoven with emeralds. The chitton she wore was of jade green, held in place by emerald fibulae at her right and left shoulders. The same mesmeric stones sparkled in the form of teardrops in her ears and at her throat, and in different shapes and sizes on a heavy belt that nipped in her waist. Even tired, anxious and annoyed at her brother, Ophelia still made an effort to look her best.
The nobles had failed to notice that anything was wrong with her, but she doubted her weariness would escape the notice of her eagle-eyed friend. Sage as he was, Lord Gavriil Dimitrou rarely missed a thing. It was one of the reasons she so highly revered and respected him. To her, intelligence was a quality to be prized, a precious trait that ought to be nurtured and glorified. While most praised the virility of the young men who spread their seed as freely as the anemone, she took care to praise Gavriil's wisdom, honesty and thoughtfulness.
She had never made a secret of her admiration for the older man. Why should she? She had known him for many years and he possessed all the qualities she admired. He was wealthy, yes, but it was more than that. He gave wise and candid counsel, never seeking to manipulate. There had been a time when she had foolishly believed he could care for her as more than a friend, for they did after all have much in common, but that time had now passed. Evangelina of Leventi had claimed his heart and his home. She would wear his ring, share his bed, hear his most intimate thoughts, perhaps even do him the great honour of bearing his children one day. Ophelia, meanwhile, would continue to be a loyal, true friend, and if remaining at his side after he had taken a Leventi to wife did not prove her loyalty, she did not know what would. She was no Senator, but surely even Gavriil had to agree that he could have hoped for no better ally than her.
After all, most only made visits when they wanted something; she wanted only the pleasure of his company. And so here she was, disembarking from her carriage with the help of a servant upon whom she beamed down like the sun, relieved to find herself standing on safe, familiar ground. Rather than asking why she had come, the guards simply smiled at her, one of them gesturing for her to follow. She did so, trailing behind the man with slow, elegant steps. However, they had only gone a little way when a servant stepped in front of them.
"Lady Ophelia!" the young man exclaimed. "You will forgive us, I am sure, but the Master is not currently at home." Ophelia's heart sank like a dead weight in her chest. "Oh. I see. Well, thank you for informing me. I suppose I shall depart, then." "You are welcome to wait for him," the servant stated. "The Lady of the house shall receive you in his stead."
The Lady of the house. Well, this should be interesting. Still, what was the worst that could happen? Why not see how Evangelina was faring as the mistress of one of the greatest noble houses in the Kingdom? Why not give herself the small satisfaction of reveling in the knowledge that she could do better?
Smiling sweetly at the servant, she inclined her head in a nod. "That would be most delightful."
"This way, please," the servant bowed his head before beginning a brisk walk in the opposite direction, leading her up a winding flight of stairs towards Gavriil's study, a room that was very familiar to her. As the servant entered the room, Ophelia took a moment to straighten her posture and smooth out any minor creases that might have formed in her chitton.
"Mistress, Lady Ophelia of Condos waits without. May I show her in?"
Sunlight filtered through the paned glass window of the study and fell with a radiant warmth onto Evangelina as she sat curled into the chair. A pair of small slippers lay on the floor nearby as her bare feet were curled up underneath her. Her eyes had drifted shut for the moment and her head pressed back against the backrest of the chair, comfortably at home and at peace there in his study.
The longer, narrow room with the hearth just behind his desk at one end had large windows overlooking the grounds. The faint smell of Gavriil, paper, leather, and the almost constantly burning fireplace had the most calming sort of effect on her. It was very quickly becoming one of her favorite rooms in this house. A delicate hand reached up to pinch the bridge of her nose hoping to relieve some of the pressure.
A letter from her mother lay in the rich, decant wine colored fabric covering her lap. The chiton dipped deeply down to her breasts and fell in elegant folds over her feminine form. Around her waist, a wide elegant leather belt was braided into intricate and detailed knots accenting her smaller waist. It wasn’t the sort of dress she’d have ever dared to wear before she was married but always secretly admired on her cousins. The world was too crazy for her to continue with living in the shadows waiting for people to see her beyond her cousins.
Her time in the outdoors of Meganea had given her chestnut-brown hair a deeper, red tint reminiscent of those early rays of a sunrise spreading through the darkness. Today, it was pulled up in a high ponytail and decorated with a strand of her own braided hair around the base of the ponytail and proved to be elegant but functional in manner. She wasn’t a fan of most jewelry, perhaps that was why the only pieces she wore was the golden stag head with emeralds for eyes pinned just under her collar bone, and of course her rings.
The sound of the front door was muffled and she didn’t catch what was being said, nor did she figure it was important enough to disturb herself. That is… until there was a knock at the study door and her eyes came open and her hand fell down from her face to see one of the servants emerge, ‘Mistress, Lady Ophelia of Condos waits without. May I show her in?’
Evangelina didn’t immediately answer, it was quite uncommon to receive someone in a study, but would she trade the comfort of the room for one of the salons right now? She blinked for a moment weighing her options but her mind flitted to the question of, ‘why was Niko’s sister calling?’ They’d never been particularly close, if anything she’d always assumed Lady Ophelia had quite detested her. Hmmm? It wasn’t something she pondered upon at length for she had an inkling that instead of showing her to the salon, the servant had left her in the hallway with a promise that she’d be seen.
“Of course, show her in.” It was a soft neutral purr, knowing that her guest would probably be lurking just at the door hoping for some sort of tantalizing piece of gossip. That, however, did not stop the servant from receiving a deathly stern look that promised she would not forget this and soon enough be raking him over the coals. As the servant turned to slip back out the door, she called him sharply by his name, “Bates.” He froze and turned to look over his shoulder at his new mistress, ‘Yes, my lady.’ Her chin jutted out a little, “Please send in some tea and refreshments for her ladyship.” We wouldn't want her to think we've lost all our manners now would we? Her sharply arched eyebrow quickly said as much in tone.
There were a couple of other various chairs in the room, but Evangelina wasn’t about to sacrifice the one she was in at the moment. Her guest could sit comfortably… somewhere else. As Lady Ophelia was shown in, Evangelina smiled politely at the Condos woman. “Lady Ophelia. What a surprise! Please sit,” She gave a wave of her hand around the room though did not include the seat stationed behind Gavriil’s desk. Shifting in the chair, she slowly and deliberately brought her feet from out from under her. As her gaze slid over the immaculately groomed woman. What...did… she want?
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Sunlight filtered through the paned glass window of the study and fell with a radiant warmth onto Evangelina as she sat curled into the chair. A pair of small slippers lay on the floor nearby as her bare feet were curled up underneath her. Her eyes had drifted shut for the moment and her head pressed back against the backrest of the chair, comfortably at home and at peace there in his study.
The longer, narrow room with the hearth just behind his desk at one end had large windows overlooking the grounds. The faint smell of Gavriil, paper, leather, and the almost constantly burning fireplace had the most calming sort of effect on her. It was very quickly becoming one of her favorite rooms in this house. A delicate hand reached up to pinch the bridge of her nose hoping to relieve some of the pressure.
A letter from her mother lay in the rich, decant wine colored fabric covering her lap. The chiton dipped deeply down to her breasts and fell in elegant folds over her feminine form. Around her waist, a wide elegant leather belt was braided into intricate and detailed knots accenting her smaller waist. It wasn’t the sort of dress she’d have ever dared to wear before she was married but always secretly admired on her cousins. The world was too crazy for her to continue with living in the shadows waiting for people to see her beyond her cousins.
Her time in the outdoors of Meganea had given her chestnut-brown hair a deeper, red tint reminiscent of those early rays of a sunrise spreading through the darkness. Today, it was pulled up in a high ponytail and decorated with a strand of her own braided hair around the base of the ponytail and proved to be elegant but functional in manner. She wasn’t a fan of most jewelry, perhaps that was why the only pieces she wore was the golden stag head with emeralds for eyes pinned just under her collar bone, and of course her rings.
The sound of the front door was muffled and she didn’t catch what was being said, nor did she figure it was important enough to disturb herself. That is… until there was a knock at the study door and her eyes came open and her hand fell down from her face to see one of the servants emerge, ‘Mistress, Lady Ophelia of Condos waits without. May I show her in?’
Evangelina didn’t immediately answer, it was quite uncommon to receive someone in a study, but would she trade the comfort of the room for one of the salons right now? She blinked for a moment weighing her options but her mind flitted to the question of, ‘why was Niko’s sister calling?’ They’d never been particularly close, if anything she’d always assumed Lady Ophelia had quite detested her. Hmmm? It wasn’t something she pondered upon at length for she had an inkling that instead of showing her to the salon, the servant had left her in the hallway with a promise that she’d be seen.
“Of course, show her in.” It was a soft neutral purr, knowing that her guest would probably be lurking just at the door hoping for some sort of tantalizing piece of gossip. That, however, did not stop the servant from receiving a deathly stern look that promised she would not forget this and soon enough be raking him over the coals. As the servant turned to slip back out the door, she called him sharply by his name, “Bates.” He froze and turned to look over his shoulder at his new mistress, ‘Yes, my lady.’ Her chin jutted out a little, “Please send in some tea and refreshments for her ladyship.” We wouldn't want her to think we've lost all our manners now would we? Her sharply arched eyebrow quickly said as much in tone.
There were a couple of other various chairs in the room, but Evangelina wasn’t about to sacrifice the one she was in at the moment. Her guest could sit comfortably… somewhere else. As Lady Ophelia was shown in, Evangelina smiled politely at the Condos woman. “Lady Ophelia. What a surprise! Please sit,” She gave a wave of her hand around the room though did not include the seat stationed behind Gavriil’s desk. Shifting in the chair, she slowly and deliberately brought her feet from out from under her. As her gaze slid over the immaculately groomed woman. What...did… she want?
Sunlight filtered through the paned glass window of the study and fell with a radiant warmth onto Evangelina as she sat curled into the chair. A pair of small slippers lay on the floor nearby as her bare feet were curled up underneath her. Her eyes had drifted shut for the moment and her head pressed back against the backrest of the chair, comfortably at home and at peace there in his study.
The longer, narrow room with the hearth just behind his desk at one end had large windows overlooking the grounds. The faint smell of Gavriil, paper, leather, and the almost constantly burning fireplace had the most calming sort of effect on her. It was very quickly becoming one of her favorite rooms in this house. A delicate hand reached up to pinch the bridge of her nose hoping to relieve some of the pressure.
A letter from her mother lay in the rich, decant wine colored fabric covering her lap. The chiton dipped deeply down to her breasts and fell in elegant folds over her feminine form. Around her waist, a wide elegant leather belt was braided into intricate and detailed knots accenting her smaller waist. It wasn’t the sort of dress she’d have ever dared to wear before she was married but always secretly admired on her cousins. The world was too crazy for her to continue with living in the shadows waiting for people to see her beyond her cousins.
Her time in the outdoors of Meganea had given her chestnut-brown hair a deeper, red tint reminiscent of those early rays of a sunrise spreading through the darkness. Today, it was pulled up in a high ponytail and decorated with a strand of her own braided hair around the base of the ponytail and proved to be elegant but functional in manner. She wasn’t a fan of most jewelry, perhaps that was why the only pieces she wore was the golden stag head with emeralds for eyes pinned just under her collar bone, and of course her rings.
The sound of the front door was muffled and she didn’t catch what was being said, nor did she figure it was important enough to disturb herself. That is… until there was a knock at the study door and her eyes came open and her hand fell down from her face to see one of the servants emerge, ‘Mistress, Lady Ophelia of Condos waits without. May I show her in?’
Evangelina didn’t immediately answer, it was quite uncommon to receive someone in a study, but would she trade the comfort of the room for one of the salons right now? She blinked for a moment weighing her options but her mind flitted to the question of, ‘why was Niko’s sister calling?’ They’d never been particularly close, if anything she’d always assumed Lady Ophelia had quite detested her. Hmmm? It wasn’t something she pondered upon at length for she had an inkling that instead of showing her to the salon, the servant had left her in the hallway with a promise that she’d be seen.
“Of course, show her in.” It was a soft neutral purr, knowing that her guest would probably be lurking just at the door hoping for some sort of tantalizing piece of gossip. That, however, did not stop the servant from receiving a deathly stern look that promised she would not forget this and soon enough be raking him over the coals. As the servant turned to slip back out the door, she called him sharply by his name, “Bates.” He froze and turned to look over his shoulder at his new mistress, ‘Yes, my lady.’ Her chin jutted out a little, “Please send in some tea and refreshments for her ladyship.” We wouldn't want her to think we've lost all our manners now would we? Her sharply arched eyebrow quickly said as much in tone.
There were a couple of other various chairs in the room, but Evangelina wasn’t about to sacrifice the one she was in at the moment. Her guest could sit comfortably… somewhere else. As Lady Ophelia was shown in, Evangelina smiled politely at the Condos woman. “Lady Ophelia. What a surprise! Please sit,” She gave a wave of her hand around the room though did not include the seat stationed behind Gavriil’s desk. Shifting in the chair, she slowly and deliberately brought her feet from out from under her. As her gaze slid over the immaculately groomed woman. What...did… she want?
Ophelia was indeed lurking quietly in the hallway, still and silent as a sentinel in the night. But it was not the tantalizing promise of gossip that stilled her, but hope that she may catch word of Gavriil. Mayhaps the servant might divulge something to his mistress that he had may not have felt it his place to convey to her, despite knowing of her long-standing friendship with the man. Things were sure to be different now. He was married, after all. She doubted they would simply give her his location if she asked like they used to. Such questions were for the lady of the house to ask, and such information was for the lady of the house to give, should she choose to. Unfortunately for Ophelia, that particular lady happened to be of an enemy house.
She had known little of Evangelina before her marriage to Gavriil and admittedly she knew little of her now. She knew only that the girl had spent most of her life overshadowed by her cousins, though as she stepped into the familiar room, she found herself wondering how that could be the case. She was immediately struck by the beauty of the other woman. Her hair, simply yet elegantly styled, put her in mind of a sunset. It was true that her garb was slightly more revealing than that which Ophelia might have chosen to wear, but rules were different for married women. Now under the protection of a man, Evangelina had not the need to be as careful as a maiden. It would be known that she was not a maiden, and that she was property of husband. Thus, she was safe to wear whatever took her fancy, as long as it was not too scandalous of course. Ophelia had to admit that the colour became her well, as did did the smile that settled upon her features as she made her greeting. Whether or not this smile was sincere, Ophelia could not say. She doubted it, for Evangelina surely felt the same way about the Condos clan as they did about Leventi's. Still, the girl was a worthy hostess and this was to be commended. At the very least she had not faltered when Ophelia had entered the room. She had greeted her with poise and grace, which is more than some might have been able to do.
Ophelia glided forward with all the grace of a peacock, sinking into a curtsy that was deep enough to be respectful to a woman of equal station, but not any deeper than it needed to be. She was careful, however, not to make it any shallower than proprietary would allow, for she would not break the rules of etiquette under any circumstance. "Lady Evangelina, I thank you for your gracious welcome," she intoned, her voice carrying like a sweet melody through the spacious room.
As the new mistress of the home she had once hoped to inhabit herself raised her hand to indicate that Ophelia could take a seat, she noticed the gleam of the wedding ring flashing on her finger. She drew in a breath, taking a fraction of a second to collect herself and recompose her expression into one of soft serenity. "You are very kind," she replied, settling herself into her usual chair, which was the closest to the one in which Evangelina was seated. Sunshine streamed through the window, bathing them both in its aureus glow.
"Yes, this visit is rather a surprise to myself as well, but I was making some calls today and found that there was nowhere I would rather be than here," she explained quite truthfully. "I hope you will not take offense to this, My Lady. I respect your husband deeply and care for him as a friend and confidant, that is all. I was merely hoping to enquire after his well being, I had no idea that he would not be at home but your servant kindly said I might wait for him? IF that is an issue I shall depart and trouble you no further."
But I am already here...she added in silent thought, then instantly scolded herself for pinning her hopes on a Leventi. Still, like it or not, a Leventi held the power in this situation. As Lady of the house, Evangelina did have the power to send her away. But what if she did not? Well, perhaps Ophelia could use this time to learn more about the mysterious girl. How had one of such breathtaking beauty been cast in shadow all her life?
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Ophelia was indeed lurking quietly in the hallway, still and silent as a sentinel in the night. But it was not the tantalizing promise of gossip that stilled her, but hope that she may catch word of Gavriil. Mayhaps the servant might divulge something to his mistress that he had may not have felt it his place to convey to her, despite knowing of her long-standing friendship with the man. Things were sure to be different now. He was married, after all. She doubted they would simply give her his location if she asked like they used to. Such questions were for the lady of the house to ask, and such information was for the lady of the house to give, should she choose to. Unfortunately for Ophelia, that particular lady happened to be of an enemy house.
She had known little of Evangelina before her marriage to Gavriil and admittedly she knew little of her now. She knew only that the girl had spent most of her life overshadowed by her cousins, though as she stepped into the familiar room, she found herself wondering how that could be the case. She was immediately struck by the beauty of the other woman. Her hair, simply yet elegantly styled, put her in mind of a sunset. It was true that her garb was slightly more revealing than that which Ophelia might have chosen to wear, but rules were different for married women. Now under the protection of a man, Evangelina had not the need to be as careful as a maiden. It would be known that she was not a maiden, and that she was property of husband. Thus, she was safe to wear whatever took her fancy, as long as it was not too scandalous of course. Ophelia had to admit that the colour became her well, as did did the smile that settled upon her features as she made her greeting. Whether or not this smile was sincere, Ophelia could not say. She doubted it, for Evangelina surely felt the same way about the Condos clan as they did about Leventi's. Still, the girl was a worthy hostess and this was to be commended. At the very least she had not faltered when Ophelia had entered the room. She had greeted her with poise and grace, which is more than some might have been able to do.
Ophelia glided forward with all the grace of a peacock, sinking into a curtsy that was deep enough to be respectful to a woman of equal station, but not any deeper than it needed to be. She was careful, however, not to make it any shallower than proprietary would allow, for she would not break the rules of etiquette under any circumstance. "Lady Evangelina, I thank you for your gracious welcome," she intoned, her voice carrying like a sweet melody through the spacious room.
As the new mistress of the home she had once hoped to inhabit herself raised her hand to indicate that Ophelia could take a seat, she noticed the gleam of the wedding ring flashing on her finger. She drew in a breath, taking a fraction of a second to collect herself and recompose her expression into one of soft serenity. "You are very kind," she replied, settling herself into her usual chair, which was the closest to the one in which Evangelina was seated. Sunshine streamed through the window, bathing them both in its aureus glow.
"Yes, this visit is rather a surprise to myself as well, but I was making some calls today and found that there was nowhere I would rather be than here," she explained quite truthfully. "I hope you will not take offense to this, My Lady. I respect your husband deeply and care for him as a friend and confidant, that is all. I was merely hoping to enquire after his well being, I had no idea that he would not be at home but your servant kindly said I might wait for him? IF that is an issue I shall depart and trouble you no further."
But I am already here...she added in silent thought, then instantly scolded herself for pinning her hopes on a Leventi. Still, like it or not, a Leventi held the power in this situation. As Lady of the house, Evangelina did have the power to send her away. But what if she did not? Well, perhaps Ophelia could use this time to learn more about the mysterious girl. How had one of such breathtaking beauty been cast in shadow all her life?
Ophelia was indeed lurking quietly in the hallway, still and silent as a sentinel in the night. But it was not the tantalizing promise of gossip that stilled her, but hope that she may catch word of Gavriil. Mayhaps the servant might divulge something to his mistress that he had may not have felt it his place to convey to her, despite knowing of her long-standing friendship with the man. Things were sure to be different now. He was married, after all. She doubted they would simply give her his location if she asked like they used to. Such questions were for the lady of the house to ask, and such information was for the lady of the house to give, should she choose to. Unfortunately for Ophelia, that particular lady happened to be of an enemy house.
She had known little of Evangelina before her marriage to Gavriil and admittedly she knew little of her now. She knew only that the girl had spent most of her life overshadowed by her cousins, though as she stepped into the familiar room, she found herself wondering how that could be the case. She was immediately struck by the beauty of the other woman. Her hair, simply yet elegantly styled, put her in mind of a sunset. It was true that her garb was slightly more revealing than that which Ophelia might have chosen to wear, but rules were different for married women. Now under the protection of a man, Evangelina had not the need to be as careful as a maiden. It would be known that she was not a maiden, and that she was property of husband. Thus, she was safe to wear whatever took her fancy, as long as it was not too scandalous of course. Ophelia had to admit that the colour became her well, as did did the smile that settled upon her features as she made her greeting. Whether or not this smile was sincere, Ophelia could not say. She doubted it, for Evangelina surely felt the same way about the Condos clan as they did about Leventi's. Still, the girl was a worthy hostess and this was to be commended. At the very least she had not faltered when Ophelia had entered the room. She had greeted her with poise and grace, which is more than some might have been able to do.
Ophelia glided forward with all the grace of a peacock, sinking into a curtsy that was deep enough to be respectful to a woman of equal station, but not any deeper than it needed to be. She was careful, however, not to make it any shallower than proprietary would allow, for she would not break the rules of etiquette under any circumstance. "Lady Evangelina, I thank you for your gracious welcome," she intoned, her voice carrying like a sweet melody through the spacious room.
As the new mistress of the home she had once hoped to inhabit herself raised her hand to indicate that Ophelia could take a seat, she noticed the gleam of the wedding ring flashing on her finger. She drew in a breath, taking a fraction of a second to collect herself and recompose her expression into one of soft serenity. "You are very kind," she replied, settling herself into her usual chair, which was the closest to the one in which Evangelina was seated. Sunshine streamed through the window, bathing them both in its aureus glow.
"Yes, this visit is rather a surprise to myself as well, but I was making some calls today and found that there was nowhere I would rather be than here," she explained quite truthfully. "I hope you will not take offense to this, My Lady. I respect your husband deeply and care for him as a friend and confidant, that is all. I was merely hoping to enquire after his well being, I had no idea that he would not be at home but your servant kindly said I might wait for him? IF that is an issue I shall depart and trouble you no further."
But I am already here...she added in silent thought, then instantly scolded herself for pinning her hopes on a Leventi. Still, like it or not, a Leventi held the power in this situation. As Lady of the house, Evangelina did have the power to send her away. But what if she did not? Well, perhaps Ophelia could use this time to learn more about the mysterious girl. How had one of such breathtaking beauty been cast in shadow all her life?
Niko’s sister glided forward almost as if she owned the room. Evangelina might have raised an eyebrow if she’d not been a Leventi and had spent her life watching women glid in like they owned a place. Inclining her head, in a return curtsy before she waved at the various chairs for Lady Ophelia to be seated.
‘Lady Evangelina, I thank you for your gracious welcome.’
Her cloyingly sweet tone dripped over the words like a warmed honey, sticky and sweet and, if Evangelina’s gut was correct, poison. It made Lady Ophelia all the more intriguing because other than their family rivalry what did the two know of one another? How else was she supposed to have reacted other than offer a gracious welcome to a woman lurking just outside the study doorway? Did Lady Ophelia think for a moment she was clever enough for Evangelina not to know how courtly ladies behaved? She’d grown up in the company of eight of them not including her mother and aunts.
Slipping her feet into her slippers, she kept a carefully guarded sagacious eye on her guest. Was that a slight falter at the sight of her hand, a sight of her wedding band? Well, now… that is interesting, her inner voice softly cooed.
As Lady Ophelia settled into a chair nearest herself, and the golden sunlight seeping in. The polite smile on Evangelina’s lips never seemed to budge even though Lady Ophelia granted her yet another compliment that seemed quite unwarranted. Tilting her head, she slanted a curious look over her cheekbones at Niko’s sister, “Did you expect me to be otherwise?” The purr slipped out in the most cordial of tones but there was a sharp, straightforwardness to it that wasn’t usually expected in polite conversations.
Why was Lady Ophelia here? The longer they sat there, the less she thought this had to do with the other woman’s brother and more to do with something much closer to home.
‘Yes, this visit is rather a surprise to myself as well, but I was making some calls today and found that there was nowhere I would rather be than here.’
Hitching the fabric at her thigh just enough to show off a slim ankle, she crossed one leg over the other as she prepared to hear what Lady Ophelia wished to say. She found Niko’s sister to be cautiously choosing her words, lacing them with the utmost sweetness. Too sweet if one was to ask Evangelina. There was most definitely something more to all of this. Ophelia continued, Evangelina regarded her a little more closely.
‘I hope you will not take offense to this, My Lady. I respect your husband deeply and care for him as a friend and confidant, that is all. I was merely hoping to enquire after his well being, I had no idea that he would not be at home but your servant kindly said I might wait for him? IF that is an issue I shall depart and trouble you no further.’
Had it been her imagination, or was it worded exactly as if she’d hoped that Evangelina would take offense? So this was about her husband, not Lord Nikos. She kept her face carefully trained, her gaze dropping to examine her fingernails a small smile forming on her lips.
“Oh, no offense is taken, Lady Ophelia.” The Condos’ woman wasn’t the only one who could let her words drip out, only Evangelina’s didn’t drip like honey but rather more like blood. Slow, steady little droplets meant to stain. “There are a great many people who find my husband to be the most loyal of friends and confidants.” Slowly, she lifted her head and settling a knowing look on Lady Ophelia before her, she blinked her long sweeping lashes innocently, “Why should that be an issue?” A dimpled smile formed brightly on her lips, “No, I insist you stay.”
There was a knock on the door and Evangelina continued to look at Lady Ophelia for a moment longer than necessary before pulling her gaze away to see Bates shuffle into the room with a platter of food refreshments varying from cheeses to breads to some olive oil and one of the other servants right behind carrying everything for the ladies to have some of the herbal tea Evangelina had brought with her from Meganea.
Waiting to pick up their conversation until the servants left, Evangelina slowly stood up. She wasn’t as tall as Lady Ophelia but people rarely remembered just how short she was. Moving over to the small table, she began to pour two cups of tea with a steady hand and a nonchalant manner.
“As to my husband’s well being, I’m sure he’ll be around soon enough for you to inquire to him personally about it.” Glancing over her shoulder she smiled again, “I’m certain he’ll be quite pleased to see you.” With one cup and saucer in each hand she turned and offered one to Lady Ophelia. “Though I must say, I didn’t realize you and he were so close,” Evangelina lifted her cup to her lips and watched her guest over the top of it as she took a sip. Swallowing, she smiled again as she lowered her cup a little, “Knowing that, I’ll have to arrange things for a dinner party of sorts.”
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Niko’s sister glided forward almost as if she owned the room. Evangelina might have raised an eyebrow if she’d not been a Leventi and had spent her life watching women glid in like they owned a place. Inclining her head, in a return curtsy before she waved at the various chairs for Lady Ophelia to be seated.
‘Lady Evangelina, I thank you for your gracious welcome.’
Her cloyingly sweet tone dripped over the words like a warmed honey, sticky and sweet and, if Evangelina’s gut was correct, poison. It made Lady Ophelia all the more intriguing because other than their family rivalry what did the two know of one another? How else was she supposed to have reacted other than offer a gracious welcome to a woman lurking just outside the study doorway? Did Lady Ophelia think for a moment she was clever enough for Evangelina not to know how courtly ladies behaved? She’d grown up in the company of eight of them not including her mother and aunts.
Slipping her feet into her slippers, she kept a carefully guarded sagacious eye on her guest. Was that a slight falter at the sight of her hand, a sight of her wedding band? Well, now… that is interesting, her inner voice softly cooed.
As Lady Ophelia settled into a chair nearest herself, and the golden sunlight seeping in. The polite smile on Evangelina’s lips never seemed to budge even though Lady Ophelia granted her yet another compliment that seemed quite unwarranted. Tilting her head, she slanted a curious look over her cheekbones at Niko’s sister, “Did you expect me to be otherwise?” The purr slipped out in the most cordial of tones but there was a sharp, straightforwardness to it that wasn’t usually expected in polite conversations.
Why was Lady Ophelia here? The longer they sat there, the less she thought this had to do with the other woman’s brother and more to do with something much closer to home.
‘Yes, this visit is rather a surprise to myself as well, but I was making some calls today and found that there was nowhere I would rather be than here.’
Hitching the fabric at her thigh just enough to show off a slim ankle, she crossed one leg over the other as she prepared to hear what Lady Ophelia wished to say. She found Niko’s sister to be cautiously choosing her words, lacing them with the utmost sweetness. Too sweet if one was to ask Evangelina. There was most definitely something more to all of this. Ophelia continued, Evangelina regarded her a little more closely.
‘I hope you will not take offense to this, My Lady. I respect your husband deeply and care for him as a friend and confidant, that is all. I was merely hoping to enquire after his well being, I had no idea that he would not be at home but your servant kindly said I might wait for him? IF that is an issue I shall depart and trouble you no further.’
Had it been her imagination, or was it worded exactly as if she’d hoped that Evangelina would take offense? So this was about her husband, not Lord Nikos. She kept her face carefully trained, her gaze dropping to examine her fingernails a small smile forming on her lips.
“Oh, no offense is taken, Lady Ophelia.” The Condos’ woman wasn’t the only one who could let her words drip out, only Evangelina’s didn’t drip like honey but rather more like blood. Slow, steady little droplets meant to stain. “There are a great many people who find my husband to be the most loyal of friends and confidants.” Slowly, she lifted her head and settling a knowing look on Lady Ophelia before her, she blinked her long sweeping lashes innocently, “Why should that be an issue?” A dimpled smile formed brightly on her lips, “No, I insist you stay.”
There was a knock on the door and Evangelina continued to look at Lady Ophelia for a moment longer than necessary before pulling her gaze away to see Bates shuffle into the room with a platter of food refreshments varying from cheeses to breads to some olive oil and one of the other servants right behind carrying everything for the ladies to have some of the herbal tea Evangelina had brought with her from Meganea.
Waiting to pick up their conversation until the servants left, Evangelina slowly stood up. She wasn’t as tall as Lady Ophelia but people rarely remembered just how short she was. Moving over to the small table, she began to pour two cups of tea with a steady hand and a nonchalant manner.
“As to my husband’s well being, I’m sure he’ll be around soon enough for you to inquire to him personally about it.” Glancing over her shoulder she smiled again, “I’m certain he’ll be quite pleased to see you.” With one cup and saucer in each hand she turned and offered one to Lady Ophelia. “Though I must say, I didn’t realize you and he were so close,” Evangelina lifted her cup to her lips and watched her guest over the top of it as she took a sip. Swallowing, she smiled again as she lowered her cup a little, “Knowing that, I’ll have to arrange things for a dinner party of sorts.”
Niko’s sister glided forward almost as if she owned the room. Evangelina might have raised an eyebrow if she’d not been a Leventi and had spent her life watching women glid in like they owned a place. Inclining her head, in a return curtsy before she waved at the various chairs for Lady Ophelia to be seated.
‘Lady Evangelina, I thank you for your gracious welcome.’
Her cloyingly sweet tone dripped over the words like a warmed honey, sticky and sweet and, if Evangelina’s gut was correct, poison. It made Lady Ophelia all the more intriguing because other than their family rivalry what did the two know of one another? How else was she supposed to have reacted other than offer a gracious welcome to a woman lurking just outside the study doorway? Did Lady Ophelia think for a moment she was clever enough for Evangelina not to know how courtly ladies behaved? She’d grown up in the company of eight of them not including her mother and aunts.
Slipping her feet into her slippers, she kept a carefully guarded sagacious eye on her guest. Was that a slight falter at the sight of her hand, a sight of her wedding band? Well, now… that is interesting, her inner voice softly cooed.
As Lady Ophelia settled into a chair nearest herself, and the golden sunlight seeping in. The polite smile on Evangelina’s lips never seemed to budge even though Lady Ophelia granted her yet another compliment that seemed quite unwarranted. Tilting her head, she slanted a curious look over her cheekbones at Niko’s sister, “Did you expect me to be otherwise?” The purr slipped out in the most cordial of tones but there was a sharp, straightforwardness to it that wasn’t usually expected in polite conversations.
Why was Lady Ophelia here? The longer they sat there, the less she thought this had to do with the other woman’s brother and more to do with something much closer to home.
‘Yes, this visit is rather a surprise to myself as well, but I was making some calls today and found that there was nowhere I would rather be than here.’
Hitching the fabric at her thigh just enough to show off a slim ankle, she crossed one leg over the other as she prepared to hear what Lady Ophelia wished to say. She found Niko’s sister to be cautiously choosing her words, lacing them with the utmost sweetness. Too sweet if one was to ask Evangelina. There was most definitely something more to all of this. Ophelia continued, Evangelina regarded her a little more closely.
‘I hope you will not take offense to this, My Lady. I respect your husband deeply and care for him as a friend and confidant, that is all. I was merely hoping to enquire after his well being, I had no idea that he would not be at home but your servant kindly said I might wait for him? IF that is an issue I shall depart and trouble you no further.’
Had it been her imagination, or was it worded exactly as if she’d hoped that Evangelina would take offense? So this was about her husband, not Lord Nikos. She kept her face carefully trained, her gaze dropping to examine her fingernails a small smile forming on her lips.
“Oh, no offense is taken, Lady Ophelia.” The Condos’ woman wasn’t the only one who could let her words drip out, only Evangelina’s didn’t drip like honey but rather more like blood. Slow, steady little droplets meant to stain. “There are a great many people who find my husband to be the most loyal of friends and confidants.” Slowly, she lifted her head and settling a knowing look on Lady Ophelia before her, she blinked her long sweeping lashes innocently, “Why should that be an issue?” A dimpled smile formed brightly on her lips, “No, I insist you stay.”
There was a knock on the door and Evangelina continued to look at Lady Ophelia for a moment longer than necessary before pulling her gaze away to see Bates shuffle into the room with a platter of food refreshments varying from cheeses to breads to some olive oil and one of the other servants right behind carrying everything for the ladies to have some of the herbal tea Evangelina had brought with her from Meganea.
Waiting to pick up their conversation until the servants left, Evangelina slowly stood up. She wasn’t as tall as Lady Ophelia but people rarely remembered just how short she was. Moving over to the small table, she began to pour two cups of tea with a steady hand and a nonchalant manner.
“As to my husband’s well being, I’m sure he’ll be around soon enough for you to inquire to him personally about it.” Glancing over her shoulder she smiled again, “I’m certain he’ll be quite pleased to see you.” With one cup and saucer in each hand she turned and offered one to Lady Ophelia. “Though I must say, I didn’t realize you and he were so close,” Evangelina lifted her cup to her lips and watched her guest over the top of it as she took a sip. Swallowing, she smiled again as she lowered her cup a little, “Knowing that, I’ll have to arrange things for a dinner party of sorts.”
Ophelia blinked in mild amazement at the tone in which Evangelina was now addressing her. There was something dangerous held within. Cordial as it seemed, a sharp undertone lurked beneath, like a tiny piece of glass artfully concealed in a delectable treat. Somehow, the sweet smile she wore made it all the more disconcerting. Ophelia considered the young lady for a moment, calculating how best to approach this situation. She had been asked a direct question. Many would lie, but it was against her ethos to do so. She believed in honesty, and so honesty is what she would provide.
"I did not know what to expect from you, Lady Evangelina," she admitted earnestly. "I know very little of you. I am sorry if my words gave offense. I did not mean to imply that your kindness came as a surprise, merely that I was grateful for it. You could have sent me away but you did not. I thank you for that." She held the girl's gaze for a moment, knowing that Evangelina would be able to see nothing but truth reflected in the emerald pools. There was one more thing she thought she might know about the girl, but she was not entirely sure of that, and an omission was not a lie. She had answered Evangelina's question with complete sincerity. Whether or not that was what Evangelina had wanted, or expected, she knew not.
All throughout her explanation, she studied Evangelina closely. Did the girl deliberately expose her ankle, as if to imply that she had known pleasures Ophelia had nott? If Evangelina hoped that this would make her jealous, she was mistaken. She had resigned herself to the fact that Lord Gavriil was married now and was quite happy to remain his dearest friend and companion. What occurred between he and his wife in their private moments together was not her affair, and if Evangelina was trying to provoke her into making it so, she was bringing shame upon her unsuspecting groom. Evangelina was peering closely at her now, but the Lady of Condos could not read her expression.
She might have been relieved at Evangelina's next words, were it not for the manner in which they were spoken. Their tone contradicted them, leading her to believe that the girl was insincere. An icy chill crept slowly down her spine, bringing with it a subtle, involuntary shiver. I must not jump to conclusions, she gave herself a silent scolding and reached once more for her equilibrium. She is unaccustomed to hosting, I must remember that. Certainly she will have never hosted a Condos before. She speaks to me in this manner because I am a Condos, but her words may be true. She may very well know of many who view her husband of a good friend and confidant, and why should they not? He is a wise and honourable man. "It relieves me greatly that there shall be no animosity between us on this matter, Lady Evangelina, for truly I mean no harm. You are gracious in allowing me to stay," her lips quirked upwards into a slight smile as she spoke then of her friend. "It surprises me not that there are many who seek your husband's friendship, for he is wise and good."
As the two servants entered, Ophelia moved her gaze away from the lady of the house to settle a smile upon them. "Thank you very much, both of you," she murmured softly. It was not the typical custom to thank the staff, especially those of lower rank, but Ophelia always made a point to do so. Once they had departed, her gaze settled once more on Lady Evangelina. Despite her uneasiness around the Leventi, she could not prevent the smile from blooming like a flower upon her lips at the promise of Gavriil's return. She found that she was beginning to not quite mind the girl so much as they spoke of her husband. There was even talk of a dinner party now, and Ophelia found that she was not at all opposed to the idea.
"I believe a dinner party would be a lovely idea, if you would be gracious enough to arrange it," she replied, her eyes shining with genuine enthusiasm. "I am sorry that our closeness comes as a surprise to you..." taking the teacup carefully, she sipped at the delicious liquid before carefully placing the cup back down on the saucer. "I know it must probably be an unpleasant shock...what with, well...what with me being me." What else could she say? With me being a Condos? With me being Nikos' sister? Both were implied. Hopefully Evangelina would understand and not force her to elaborate. "But I assure you that I am not here to come between you and Gavriil, nor to cause any trouble. I am simply his friend and have been for quite some time. I am speaking honestly to you, My Lady Evangelina, and I hope you can appreciate that. You are his wife now, and so I hope the three of us will be able to get along together. I do not wish to quarrel with you, for I know it will make him unhappy."
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Ophelia blinked in mild amazement at the tone in which Evangelina was now addressing her. There was something dangerous held within. Cordial as it seemed, a sharp undertone lurked beneath, like a tiny piece of glass artfully concealed in a delectable treat. Somehow, the sweet smile she wore made it all the more disconcerting. Ophelia considered the young lady for a moment, calculating how best to approach this situation. She had been asked a direct question. Many would lie, but it was against her ethos to do so. She believed in honesty, and so honesty is what she would provide.
"I did not know what to expect from you, Lady Evangelina," she admitted earnestly. "I know very little of you. I am sorry if my words gave offense. I did not mean to imply that your kindness came as a surprise, merely that I was grateful for it. You could have sent me away but you did not. I thank you for that." She held the girl's gaze for a moment, knowing that Evangelina would be able to see nothing but truth reflected in the emerald pools. There was one more thing she thought she might know about the girl, but she was not entirely sure of that, and an omission was not a lie. She had answered Evangelina's question with complete sincerity. Whether or not that was what Evangelina had wanted, or expected, she knew not.
All throughout her explanation, she studied Evangelina closely. Did the girl deliberately expose her ankle, as if to imply that she had known pleasures Ophelia had nott? If Evangelina hoped that this would make her jealous, she was mistaken. She had resigned herself to the fact that Lord Gavriil was married now and was quite happy to remain his dearest friend and companion. What occurred between he and his wife in their private moments together was not her affair, and if Evangelina was trying to provoke her into making it so, she was bringing shame upon her unsuspecting groom. Evangelina was peering closely at her now, but the Lady of Condos could not read her expression.
She might have been relieved at Evangelina's next words, were it not for the manner in which they were spoken. Their tone contradicted them, leading her to believe that the girl was insincere. An icy chill crept slowly down her spine, bringing with it a subtle, involuntary shiver. I must not jump to conclusions, she gave herself a silent scolding and reached once more for her equilibrium. She is unaccustomed to hosting, I must remember that. Certainly she will have never hosted a Condos before. She speaks to me in this manner because I am a Condos, but her words may be true. She may very well know of many who view her husband of a good friend and confidant, and why should they not? He is a wise and honourable man. "It relieves me greatly that there shall be no animosity between us on this matter, Lady Evangelina, for truly I mean no harm. You are gracious in allowing me to stay," her lips quirked upwards into a slight smile as she spoke then of her friend. "It surprises me not that there are many who seek your husband's friendship, for he is wise and good."
As the two servants entered, Ophelia moved her gaze away from the lady of the house to settle a smile upon them. "Thank you very much, both of you," she murmured softly. It was not the typical custom to thank the staff, especially those of lower rank, but Ophelia always made a point to do so. Once they had departed, her gaze settled once more on Lady Evangelina. Despite her uneasiness around the Leventi, she could not prevent the smile from blooming like a flower upon her lips at the promise of Gavriil's return. She found that she was beginning to not quite mind the girl so much as they spoke of her husband. There was even talk of a dinner party now, and Ophelia found that she was not at all opposed to the idea.
"I believe a dinner party would be a lovely idea, if you would be gracious enough to arrange it," she replied, her eyes shining with genuine enthusiasm. "I am sorry that our closeness comes as a surprise to you..." taking the teacup carefully, she sipped at the delicious liquid before carefully placing the cup back down on the saucer. "I know it must probably be an unpleasant shock...what with, well...what with me being me." What else could she say? With me being a Condos? With me being Nikos' sister? Both were implied. Hopefully Evangelina would understand and not force her to elaborate. "But I assure you that I am not here to come between you and Gavriil, nor to cause any trouble. I am simply his friend and have been for quite some time. I am speaking honestly to you, My Lady Evangelina, and I hope you can appreciate that. You are his wife now, and so I hope the three of us will be able to get along together. I do not wish to quarrel with you, for I know it will make him unhappy."
Ophelia blinked in mild amazement at the tone in which Evangelina was now addressing her. There was something dangerous held within. Cordial as it seemed, a sharp undertone lurked beneath, like a tiny piece of glass artfully concealed in a delectable treat. Somehow, the sweet smile she wore made it all the more disconcerting. Ophelia considered the young lady for a moment, calculating how best to approach this situation. She had been asked a direct question. Many would lie, but it was against her ethos to do so. She believed in honesty, and so honesty is what she would provide.
"I did not know what to expect from you, Lady Evangelina," she admitted earnestly. "I know very little of you. I am sorry if my words gave offense. I did not mean to imply that your kindness came as a surprise, merely that I was grateful for it. You could have sent me away but you did not. I thank you for that." She held the girl's gaze for a moment, knowing that Evangelina would be able to see nothing but truth reflected in the emerald pools. There was one more thing she thought she might know about the girl, but she was not entirely sure of that, and an omission was not a lie. She had answered Evangelina's question with complete sincerity. Whether or not that was what Evangelina had wanted, or expected, she knew not.
All throughout her explanation, she studied Evangelina closely. Did the girl deliberately expose her ankle, as if to imply that she had known pleasures Ophelia had nott? If Evangelina hoped that this would make her jealous, she was mistaken. She had resigned herself to the fact that Lord Gavriil was married now and was quite happy to remain his dearest friend and companion. What occurred between he and his wife in their private moments together was not her affair, and if Evangelina was trying to provoke her into making it so, she was bringing shame upon her unsuspecting groom. Evangelina was peering closely at her now, but the Lady of Condos could not read her expression.
She might have been relieved at Evangelina's next words, were it not for the manner in which they were spoken. Their tone contradicted them, leading her to believe that the girl was insincere. An icy chill crept slowly down her spine, bringing with it a subtle, involuntary shiver. I must not jump to conclusions, she gave herself a silent scolding and reached once more for her equilibrium. She is unaccustomed to hosting, I must remember that. Certainly she will have never hosted a Condos before. She speaks to me in this manner because I am a Condos, but her words may be true. She may very well know of many who view her husband of a good friend and confidant, and why should they not? He is a wise and honourable man. "It relieves me greatly that there shall be no animosity between us on this matter, Lady Evangelina, for truly I mean no harm. You are gracious in allowing me to stay," her lips quirked upwards into a slight smile as she spoke then of her friend. "It surprises me not that there are many who seek your husband's friendship, for he is wise and good."
As the two servants entered, Ophelia moved her gaze away from the lady of the house to settle a smile upon them. "Thank you very much, both of you," she murmured softly. It was not the typical custom to thank the staff, especially those of lower rank, but Ophelia always made a point to do so. Once they had departed, her gaze settled once more on Lady Evangelina. Despite her uneasiness around the Leventi, she could not prevent the smile from blooming like a flower upon her lips at the promise of Gavriil's return. She found that she was beginning to not quite mind the girl so much as they spoke of her husband. There was even talk of a dinner party now, and Ophelia found that she was not at all opposed to the idea.
"I believe a dinner party would be a lovely idea, if you would be gracious enough to arrange it," she replied, her eyes shining with genuine enthusiasm. "I am sorry that our closeness comes as a surprise to you..." taking the teacup carefully, she sipped at the delicious liquid before carefully placing the cup back down on the saucer. "I know it must probably be an unpleasant shock...what with, well...what with me being me." What else could she say? With me being a Condos? With me being Nikos' sister? Both were implied. Hopefully Evangelina would understand and not force her to elaborate. "But I assure you that I am not here to come between you and Gavriil, nor to cause any trouble. I am simply his friend and have been for quite some time. I am speaking honestly to you, My Lady Evangelina, and I hope you can appreciate that. You are his wife now, and so I hope the three of us will be able to get along together. I do not wish to quarrel with you, for I know it will make him unhappy."
It appeared to Evangelina that despite knowing very little of who she was, Ophelia had opted to think the worse. Not that, she could blame Ophelia for that… She might have been more insulted if she’d not already had a run in with Lord Condos on several occasions and quite prepared for the worst opinion possible to be thrust upon her. Raising an eyebrow, she studied the other lady as she tried to cover her faux pas.
The Condos daughter was, to plainly put it, quite lovely. A regal bearing and a delicate, innocent appearance. Despite being a few years older than herself, the other woman hardly looked it. Why had Ophelia not made a match by now?
Straightening, she offered a carefully placed smile and waved away Ophelia’s reply, “Of course, I’m sure your words weren’t meant to give offence but I have absolutely no reason to have not seen you.” She pinned her dark eyes on Ophelia’s again and raised an eyebrow, “Do I?” If there were going to be any past transgressions pointed out between their families than it would be Ophelia who did it.
Lifting her tea, to her lips again, but not pulling her discomforting focus away from her guest. Maybe she wasn’t being the most hospitable, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on the other woman’s behavior. As if she was here for the sole purpose to pick her apart and the closeness she spoke of with Gavriil, she could feel her claws coming out slightly. Did she think she could worm her way in? Evangelina’s position as wife wasn’t certain at all, not until another child was born.
Testing a theory, Evangelina made mention of her husband again only to note the smile that formed on Ophelia’s lips. Was it her imagination or did Ophelia seem to light up just at the mention of him? The corner of her own lip raised just fractionally, her hand tightening on the handle of her tea cup as she suddenly pictured flinging the tea at the other woman.
Casting her gaze down to her tea, she smiled again at that thought. The more Ophelia seemed to try and lay it at Evangelina’s feet that she had nothing to be worried about the more suspicious of the Condos’ reasonings. She seemed so tenacious about making the point that Evangelina had nothing to worry about that Evangelina couldn’t help wanting to delve a little deeper into this.
‘It surprises me not that there are many who seek your husband's friendship, for he is wise and good.’
Pursing her lips, her gaze raised to Ophelia again, “He is.” The corner of her mouth lifted to one side. But I’m not, you might not wish to forget that, my darling. Taking a deep breath, she moved to sit back in her chair plucking a grape from the batch that was on a nearby table and plopping it into her mouth as she slipped her shoes off again and settled herself with her bare feet tucked under her again into the chair.
She mentioned Gavriil returning and watched Ophelia light up again, blooming and leaving no doubt in her mind that there was more than friendship that blossomed in Ophelia’s mind regarding her husband. ‘I believe a dinner party would be a lovely idea, if you would be gracious enough to arrange it. I am sorry that our closeness comes as a surprise to you...I know it must probably be an unpleasant shock...what with, well...what with me being me.’ This made Evangelina’s eyebrows rise up, innocently questioning what she could mean by it being an unpleasant shock. Any woman claiming a closeness with her husband would have been an unpleasant shock why did Opehlia think she was on some pedestal of hatred?
Twisting a little in her seat, her fingernails tapped lightly on the tea cup as Ophelia spoke again before she had a chance to form her own reply to that. ‘But I assure you that I am not here to come between you and Gavriil, nor to cause any trouble. I am simply his friend and have been for quite some time. I am speaking honestly to you, My Lady Evangelina, and I hope you can appreciate that. You are his wife now, and so I hope the three of us will be able to get along together. I do not wish to quarrel with you, for I know it will make him unhappy.’
There was a small tick in her jaw as she studied the woman, her lips tightened in control that was slipping just a little from her fingertips at the other woman’s gaul. As if she stood a chance at coming between herself and Gavriil, it would be over Evangelina’s cold dead body first. Pasting a slow, cat-like smile on her lips she cleared her throat and when she spoke it was soft with a slightly nippy bite to it, “Of course my dear, I am his wife and if I even suspected you of any malice tendencies to my marriage…” She blinked almost innocently as she continued, “Why… I don’t know what I would do…” Her dark eyes seemed to darken just a little more. Okay, so that was a lie… she knew exactly what she’d do. She’d bury Ophelia in the back yard and plant some lovely flowers there.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
It appeared to Evangelina that despite knowing very little of who she was, Ophelia had opted to think the worse. Not that, she could blame Ophelia for that… She might have been more insulted if she’d not already had a run in with Lord Condos on several occasions and quite prepared for the worst opinion possible to be thrust upon her. Raising an eyebrow, she studied the other lady as she tried to cover her faux pas.
The Condos daughter was, to plainly put it, quite lovely. A regal bearing and a delicate, innocent appearance. Despite being a few years older than herself, the other woman hardly looked it. Why had Ophelia not made a match by now?
Straightening, she offered a carefully placed smile and waved away Ophelia’s reply, “Of course, I’m sure your words weren’t meant to give offence but I have absolutely no reason to have not seen you.” She pinned her dark eyes on Ophelia’s again and raised an eyebrow, “Do I?” If there were going to be any past transgressions pointed out between their families than it would be Ophelia who did it.
Lifting her tea, to her lips again, but not pulling her discomforting focus away from her guest. Maybe she wasn’t being the most hospitable, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on the other woman’s behavior. As if she was here for the sole purpose to pick her apart and the closeness she spoke of with Gavriil, she could feel her claws coming out slightly. Did she think she could worm her way in? Evangelina’s position as wife wasn’t certain at all, not until another child was born.
Testing a theory, Evangelina made mention of her husband again only to note the smile that formed on Ophelia’s lips. Was it her imagination or did Ophelia seem to light up just at the mention of him? The corner of her own lip raised just fractionally, her hand tightening on the handle of her tea cup as she suddenly pictured flinging the tea at the other woman.
Casting her gaze down to her tea, she smiled again at that thought. The more Ophelia seemed to try and lay it at Evangelina’s feet that she had nothing to be worried about the more suspicious of the Condos’ reasonings. She seemed so tenacious about making the point that Evangelina had nothing to worry about that Evangelina couldn’t help wanting to delve a little deeper into this.
‘It surprises me not that there are many who seek your husband's friendship, for he is wise and good.’
Pursing her lips, her gaze raised to Ophelia again, “He is.” The corner of her mouth lifted to one side. But I’m not, you might not wish to forget that, my darling. Taking a deep breath, she moved to sit back in her chair plucking a grape from the batch that was on a nearby table and plopping it into her mouth as she slipped her shoes off again and settled herself with her bare feet tucked under her again into the chair.
She mentioned Gavriil returning and watched Ophelia light up again, blooming and leaving no doubt in her mind that there was more than friendship that blossomed in Ophelia’s mind regarding her husband. ‘I believe a dinner party would be a lovely idea, if you would be gracious enough to arrange it. I am sorry that our closeness comes as a surprise to you...I know it must probably be an unpleasant shock...what with, well...what with me being me.’ This made Evangelina’s eyebrows rise up, innocently questioning what she could mean by it being an unpleasant shock. Any woman claiming a closeness with her husband would have been an unpleasant shock why did Opehlia think she was on some pedestal of hatred?
Twisting a little in her seat, her fingernails tapped lightly on the tea cup as Ophelia spoke again before she had a chance to form her own reply to that. ‘But I assure you that I am not here to come between you and Gavriil, nor to cause any trouble. I am simply his friend and have been for quite some time. I am speaking honestly to you, My Lady Evangelina, and I hope you can appreciate that. You are his wife now, and so I hope the three of us will be able to get along together. I do not wish to quarrel with you, for I know it will make him unhappy.’
There was a small tick in her jaw as she studied the woman, her lips tightened in control that was slipping just a little from her fingertips at the other woman’s gaul. As if she stood a chance at coming between herself and Gavriil, it would be over Evangelina’s cold dead body first. Pasting a slow, cat-like smile on her lips she cleared her throat and when she spoke it was soft with a slightly nippy bite to it, “Of course my dear, I am his wife and if I even suspected you of any malice tendencies to my marriage…” She blinked almost innocently as she continued, “Why… I don’t know what I would do…” Her dark eyes seemed to darken just a little more. Okay, so that was a lie… she knew exactly what she’d do. She’d bury Ophelia in the back yard and plant some lovely flowers there.
It appeared to Evangelina that despite knowing very little of who she was, Ophelia had opted to think the worse. Not that, she could blame Ophelia for that… She might have been more insulted if she’d not already had a run in with Lord Condos on several occasions and quite prepared for the worst opinion possible to be thrust upon her. Raising an eyebrow, she studied the other lady as she tried to cover her faux pas.
The Condos daughter was, to plainly put it, quite lovely. A regal bearing and a delicate, innocent appearance. Despite being a few years older than herself, the other woman hardly looked it. Why had Ophelia not made a match by now?
Straightening, she offered a carefully placed smile and waved away Ophelia’s reply, “Of course, I’m sure your words weren’t meant to give offence but I have absolutely no reason to have not seen you.” She pinned her dark eyes on Ophelia’s again and raised an eyebrow, “Do I?” If there were going to be any past transgressions pointed out between their families than it would be Ophelia who did it.
Lifting her tea, to her lips again, but not pulling her discomforting focus away from her guest. Maybe she wasn’t being the most hospitable, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on the other woman’s behavior. As if she was here for the sole purpose to pick her apart and the closeness she spoke of with Gavriil, she could feel her claws coming out slightly. Did she think she could worm her way in? Evangelina’s position as wife wasn’t certain at all, not until another child was born.
Testing a theory, Evangelina made mention of her husband again only to note the smile that formed on Ophelia’s lips. Was it her imagination or did Ophelia seem to light up just at the mention of him? The corner of her own lip raised just fractionally, her hand tightening on the handle of her tea cup as she suddenly pictured flinging the tea at the other woman.
Casting her gaze down to her tea, she smiled again at that thought. The more Ophelia seemed to try and lay it at Evangelina’s feet that she had nothing to be worried about the more suspicious of the Condos’ reasonings. She seemed so tenacious about making the point that Evangelina had nothing to worry about that Evangelina couldn’t help wanting to delve a little deeper into this.
‘It surprises me not that there are many who seek your husband's friendship, for he is wise and good.’
Pursing her lips, her gaze raised to Ophelia again, “He is.” The corner of her mouth lifted to one side. But I’m not, you might not wish to forget that, my darling. Taking a deep breath, she moved to sit back in her chair plucking a grape from the batch that was on a nearby table and plopping it into her mouth as she slipped her shoes off again and settled herself with her bare feet tucked under her again into the chair.
She mentioned Gavriil returning and watched Ophelia light up again, blooming and leaving no doubt in her mind that there was more than friendship that blossomed in Ophelia’s mind regarding her husband. ‘I believe a dinner party would be a lovely idea, if you would be gracious enough to arrange it. I am sorry that our closeness comes as a surprise to you...I know it must probably be an unpleasant shock...what with, well...what with me being me.’ This made Evangelina’s eyebrows rise up, innocently questioning what she could mean by it being an unpleasant shock. Any woman claiming a closeness with her husband would have been an unpleasant shock why did Opehlia think she was on some pedestal of hatred?
Twisting a little in her seat, her fingernails tapped lightly on the tea cup as Ophelia spoke again before she had a chance to form her own reply to that. ‘But I assure you that I am not here to come between you and Gavriil, nor to cause any trouble. I am simply his friend and have been for quite some time. I am speaking honestly to you, My Lady Evangelina, and I hope you can appreciate that. You are his wife now, and so I hope the three of us will be able to get along together. I do not wish to quarrel with you, for I know it will make him unhappy.’
There was a small tick in her jaw as she studied the woman, her lips tightened in control that was slipping just a little from her fingertips at the other woman’s gaul. As if she stood a chance at coming between herself and Gavriil, it would be over Evangelina’s cold dead body first. Pasting a slow, cat-like smile on her lips she cleared her throat and when she spoke it was soft with a slightly nippy bite to it, “Of course my dear, I am his wife and if I even suspected you of any malice tendencies to my marriage…” She blinked almost innocently as she continued, “Why… I don’t know what I would do…” Her dark eyes seemed to darken just a little more. Okay, so that was a lie… she knew exactly what she’d do. She’d bury Ophelia in the back yard and plant some lovely flowers there.
Again, Ophelia found herself temporarily lost for words. She was not accustomed to being addressed so boldly, but she really ought to have seen this coming. Leventi's were known for their boldness, after all. She had yet to meet one who had presented as cautious. Perhaps that was why they always managed to gain the upper hand, because in their eyes caution was for lesser men, or women as the case may be. Evangelina spoke not unkindly, but nor did Ophelia find within her tone the warmth expected of a hostess, despite the smile that never faltered.
The fair rose of Condos took a deep breath, delicately folding her hands together in her lap as she met the direct gaze of her old friend's bride. "Some would not have seen me," her voice was gentle, but direct. "I know not what you may have heard of me from your sisters and cousins; rumours can be terrible things, but I assure you that none of them are true. I am a good and honest person and I have come with only the best intentions. But I confess that there is another reason I feared being turned away, one I had previously omitted." If Evangelina wanted all of their grievances out in the open, then that is what she would have, though Ophelia's next statement was no grievance but a simple fact. How Evangelina would feel about the matter, however, she knew not. "Though he has spoken not of it to me, I have reason to believe that my brother may have a fondness for you that is unreturned. I did not mention this at first as I felt it none of my business. Your dealings with my brother are your private affair, but I feared that the wife of another would not wish to admit the sister of a man who still seeks her affections. I assure you, however, that I am not my brother's messenger. Never would I agree to carry a token of love to another man's wife. Your virtue is quite safe in my hands, Lady Dimitrou," she made a point then to call Evangelina by her married surname, hoping it would reassure the girl that she had respect for this marriage and no intention of tearing the new husband wife asunder in any way. To do so would be an insult to Hera.
Oh...something is very wrong here.
Ophelia realized immediately that she had been led into a trap, caught in a snare by the clever woman, but how she did not know. She had said nothing untoward, but it seemed her words had confirmed some suspicion in the other woman's mind, for the temperature seemed to have dropped considerably. Perhaps she had spoken too warmly of Gavriil, giving Evangelina the wrong impression. She had thought she had made it abundantly clear that the two were good friends, nothing more nor less, but who knew what suspicions whirled in the minds of of brides of powerful men? She, being twenty-six and still unmarried, had absolutely no idea, though she dearly wished she had.
Evangelina's reply to her praise of Gavriil's stellar character was so cold that it chilled her to the very core. For a moment her smile faltered, her jade eyes widening like a deer caught in the inescapable path of a hunter's loosed arrow. Inhaling slowly, she managed to regain composure. Her smile returned, though fainter than before, for she was less certain of herself now. This girl is dangerous, she realized, watching the new Lady of House Dimitrou as she casually kicked off her slippers and tucked her delicate feet up behind her. It was a symbol of power, Ophelia supposed; a way of silently signifying that she now owned this house, and with it lay claim to Gavriil. There was no need of it, for Ophelia would never desecrate a marriage, but there was no way for Evangelina to truly know that aside from the glowing words that were spoken of her by others. Perhaps Evangelina was not the type to take the word of acquaintances on a matter as important as this.
Ophelia did not fail to notice the subtle raise of the other girl's eyebrows -- a silent query in response to her statement. She thought for a moment, considering whether it best to speak or remain silent. "Because I do not get along with all of your cousins," she explained quietly after a slight hesitation. "I feared perhaps you would not wish me to associate with your husband," she spoke very quietly, but made certain not to mumble, nor to inject any venom into her voice when she spoke of the Leventi cousins. Her tone was polite and, for the most part, quite without emotion. That was the only way she could force herself to speak such words without burning with embarrassment.
She had entered this room expecting to find a shrinking violet weighed down by the mantle of responsibility; a girl playing dress-up in her mother's clothes. The formidable opponent that faced her with a indeed a surprise and not of the pleasant variety. All she could do now was offer the girl a truce for the sake of Gavriil and hope that she accepted.
Ah, so, that was how it was going to be; so much for the truce, then. Evangelina's voice dripped with passive aggression, her eyes darkening as they fixed on Ophelia. Well, so be it. Let the Leventi search for intrigue, she would fine none. Gavriil was her dear friend and nothing more, but no snake of a girl was going to deprive her of a person she truly cared for. She could pry and spy and sneak and suspect all she wanted, but she would find nothing untoward. In the end, it would be only herself she would hurt. A slow, satisfied smile settled upon the lips of the Condos rose as she envisioned the Leventi bride digging her own metaphorical grave, driving herself wild with suspicion until it drove her to madness. "Oh of course, a woman must protect her marriage," she intoned, her voice dripping with molasses. "And Gavriil, too! Why, with such a beautiful wife as you he must be constantly chasing men away from this place! With a big stick too, I imagine!" she let out a chiming laugh, sipping delicately from her teacup. "But me? I would never dishonour Hera in such a way."
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Again, Ophelia found herself temporarily lost for words. She was not accustomed to being addressed so boldly, but she really ought to have seen this coming. Leventi's were known for their boldness, after all. She had yet to meet one who had presented as cautious. Perhaps that was why they always managed to gain the upper hand, because in their eyes caution was for lesser men, or women as the case may be. Evangelina spoke not unkindly, but nor did Ophelia find within her tone the warmth expected of a hostess, despite the smile that never faltered.
The fair rose of Condos took a deep breath, delicately folding her hands together in her lap as she met the direct gaze of her old friend's bride. "Some would not have seen me," her voice was gentle, but direct. "I know not what you may have heard of me from your sisters and cousins; rumours can be terrible things, but I assure you that none of them are true. I am a good and honest person and I have come with only the best intentions. But I confess that there is another reason I feared being turned away, one I had previously omitted." If Evangelina wanted all of their grievances out in the open, then that is what she would have, though Ophelia's next statement was no grievance but a simple fact. How Evangelina would feel about the matter, however, she knew not. "Though he has spoken not of it to me, I have reason to believe that my brother may have a fondness for you that is unreturned. I did not mention this at first as I felt it none of my business. Your dealings with my brother are your private affair, but I feared that the wife of another would not wish to admit the sister of a man who still seeks her affections. I assure you, however, that I am not my brother's messenger. Never would I agree to carry a token of love to another man's wife. Your virtue is quite safe in my hands, Lady Dimitrou," she made a point then to call Evangelina by her married surname, hoping it would reassure the girl that she had respect for this marriage and no intention of tearing the new husband wife asunder in any way. To do so would be an insult to Hera.
Oh...something is very wrong here.
Ophelia realized immediately that she had been led into a trap, caught in a snare by the clever woman, but how she did not know. She had said nothing untoward, but it seemed her words had confirmed some suspicion in the other woman's mind, for the temperature seemed to have dropped considerably. Perhaps she had spoken too warmly of Gavriil, giving Evangelina the wrong impression. She had thought she had made it abundantly clear that the two were good friends, nothing more nor less, but who knew what suspicions whirled in the minds of of brides of powerful men? She, being twenty-six and still unmarried, had absolutely no idea, though she dearly wished she had.
Evangelina's reply to her praise of Gavriil's stellar character was so cold that it chilled her to the very core. For a moment her smile faltered, her jade eyes widening like a deer caught in the inescapable path of a hunter's loosed arrow. Inhaling slowly, she managed to regain composure. Her smile returned, though fainter than before, for she was less certain of herself now. This girl is dangerous, she realized, watching the new Lady of House Dimitrou as she casually kicked off her slippers and tucked her delicate feet up behind her. It was a symbol of power, Ophelia supposed; a way of silently signifying that she now owned this house, and with it lay claim to Gavriil. There was no need of it, for Ophelia would never desecrate a marriage, but there was no way for Evangelina to truly know that aside from the glowing words that were spoken of her by others. Perhaps Evangelina was not the type to take the word of acquaintances on a matter as important as this.
Ophelia did not fail to notice the subtle raise of the other girl's eyebrows -- a silent query in response to her statement. She thought for a moment, considering whether it best to speak or remain silent. "Because I do not get along with all of your cousins," she explained quietly after a slight hesitation. "I feared perhaps you would not wish me to associate with your husband," she spoke very quietly, but made certain not to mumble, nor to inject any venom into her voice when she spoke of the Leventi cousins. Her tone was polite and, for the most part, quite without emotion. That was the only way she could force herself to speak such words without burning with embarrassment.
She had entered this room expecting to find a shrinking violet weighed down by the mantle of responsibility; a girl playing dress-up in her mother's clothes. The formidable opponent that faced her with a indeed a surprise and not of the pleasant variety. All she could do now was offer the girl a truce for the sake of Gavriil and hope that she accepted.
Ah, so, that was how it was going to be; so much for the truce, then. Evangelina's voice dripped with passive aggression, her eyes darkening as they fixed on Ophelia. Well, so be it. Let the Leventi search for intrigue, she would fine none. Gavriil was her dear friend and nothing more, but no snake of a girl was going to deprive her of a person she truly cared for. She could pry and spy and sneak and suspect all she wanted, but she would find nothing untoward. In the end, it would be only herself she would hurt. A slow, satisfied smile settled upon the lips of the Condos rose as she envisioned the Leventi bride digging her own metaphorical grave, driving herself wild with suspicion until it drove her to madness. "Oh of course, a woman must protect her marriage," she intoned, her voice dripping with molasses. "And Gavriil, too! Why, with such a beautiful wife as you he must be constantly chasing men away from this place! With a big stick too, I imagine!" she let out a chiming laugh, sipping delicately from her teacup. "But me? I would never dishonour Hera in such a way."
Again, Ophelia found herself temporarily lost for words. She was not accustomed to being addressed so boldly, but she really ought to have seen this coming. Leventi's were known for their boldness, after all. She had yet to meet one who had presented as cautious. Perhaps that was why they always managed to gain the upper hand, because in their eyes caution was for lesser men, or women as the case may be. Evangelina spoke not unkindly, but nor did Ophelia find within her tone the warmth expected of a hostess, despite the smile that never faltered.
The fair rose of Condos took a deep breath, delicately folding her hands together in her lap as she met the direct gaze of her old friend's bride. "Some would not have seen me," her voice was gentle, but direct. "I know not what you may have heard of me from your sisters and cousins; rumours can be terrible things, but I assure you that none of them are true. I am a good and honest person and I have come with only the best intentions. But I confess that there is another reason I feared being turned away, one I had previously omitted." If Evangelina wanted all of their grievances out in the open, then that is what she would have, though Ophelia's next statement was no grievance but a simple fact. How Evangelina would feel about the matter, however, she knew not. "Though he has spoken not of it to me, I have reason to believe that my brother may have a fondness for you that is unreturned. I did not mention this at first as I felt it none of my business. Your dealings with my brother are your private affair, but I feared that the wife of another would not wish to admit the sister of a man who still seeks her affections. I assure you, however, that I am not my brother's messenger. Never would I agree to carry a token of love to another man's wife. Your virtue is quite safe in my hands, Lady Dimitrou," she made a point then to call Evangelina by her married surname, hoping it would reassure the girl that she had respect for this marriage and no intention of tearing the new husband wife asunder in any way. To do so would be an insult to Hera.
Oh...something is very wrong here.
Ophelia realized immediately that she had been led into a trap, caught in a snare by the clever woman, but how she did not know. She had said nothing untoward, but it seemed her words had confirmed some suspicion in the other woman's mind, for the temperature seemed to have dropped considerably. Perhaps she had spoken too warmly of Gavriil, giving Evangelina the wrong impression. She had thought she had made it abundantly clear that the two were good friends, nothing more nor less, but who knew what suspicions whirled in the minds of of brides of powerful men? She, being twenty-six and still unmarried, had absolutely no idea, though she dearly wished she had.
Evangelina's reply to her praise of Gavriil's stellar character was so cold that it chilled her to the very core. For a moment her smile faltered, her jade eyes widening like a deer caught in the inescapable path of a hunter's loosed arrow. Inhaling slowly, she managed to regain composure. Her smile returned, though fainter than before, for she was less certain of herself now. This girl is dangerous, she realized, watching the new Lady of House Dimitrou as she casually kicked off her slippers and tucked her delicate feet up behind her. It was a symbol of power, Ophelia supposed; a way of silently signifying that she now owned this house, and with it lay claim to Gavriil. There was no need of it, for Ophelia would never desecrate a marriage, but there was no way for Evangelina to truly know that aside from the glowing words that were spoken of her by others. Perhaps Evangelina was not the type to take the word of acquaintances on a matter as important as this.
Ophelia did not fail to notice the subtle raise of the other girl's eyebrows -- a silent query in response to her statement. She thought for a moment, considering whether it best to speak or remain silent. "Because I do not get along with all of your cousins," she explained quietly after a slight hesitation. "I feared perhaps you would not wish me to associate with your husband," she spoke very quietly, but made certain not to mumble, nor to inject any venom into her voice when she spoke of the Leventi cousins. Her tone was polite and, for the most part, quite without emotion. That was the only way she could force herself to speak such words without burning with embarrassment.
She had entered this room expecting to find a shrinking violet weighed down by the mantle of responsibility; a girl playing dress-up in her mother's clothes. The formidable opponent that faced her with a indeed a surprise and not of the pleasant variety. All she could do now was offer the girl a truce for the sake of Gavriil and hope that she accepted.
Ah, so, that was how it was going to be; so much for the truce, then. Evangelina's voice dripped with passive aggression, her eyes darkening as they fixed on Ophelia. Well, so be it. Let the Leventi search for intrigue, she would fine none. Gavriil was her dear friend and nothing more, but no snake of a girl was going to deprive her of a person she truly cared for. She could pry and spy and sneak and suspect all she wanted, but she would find nothing untoward. In the end, it would be only herself she would hurt. A slow, satisfied smile settled upon the lips of the Condos rose as she envisioned the Leventi bride digging her own metaphorical grave, driving herself wild with suspicion until it drove her to madness. "Oh of course, a woman must protect her marriage," she intoned, her voice dripping with molasses. "And Gavriil, too! Why, with such a beautiful wife as you he must be constantly chasing men away from this place! With a big stick too, I imagine!" she let out a chiming laugh, sipping delicately from her teacup. "But me? I would never dishonour Hera in such a way."
Could this other well-bred Taengean lady not see how offensive it was to assume that Evangelina was also a heathen and would turn her away? She was neither that childish nor was she brought up not to welcome even people you hated into your home. That wasn’t to say she hated Ophelia, hated would imply that Evangelina thought or felt things about the Condos’ woman and that simply wasn’t the case.
‘Some would not have seen me,’ Evangelina inclined her head, it was definitely a possibility. Some might not have seen her and for that, they would have been inexplicably rude. ‘I know not what you may have heard of me from your sisters and cousins; rumours can be terrible things, but I assure you that none of them are true. I am a good and honest person and I have come with only the best intentions. But I confess that there is another reason I feared being turned away, one I had previously omitted.’
She opened her mouth to object but not before Ophelia continued with her next reasoning, ‘Though he has spoken not of it to me, I have reason to believe that my brother may have a fondness for you that is unreturned. I did not mention this at first as I felt it none of my business. Your dealings with my brother are your private affair, but I feared that the wife of another would not wish to admit the sister of a man who still seeks her affections. I assure you, however, that I am not my brother's messenger. Never would I agree to carry a token of love to another man's wife. Your virtue is quite safe in my hands, Lady Dimitrou.’
An eyebrow arched curiously at Lady Ophelia’s choice of topic. She went from mentioning Nikos’ fondness and the fact that Evangelina didn’t return it to trying to reassure Evangelina that she’d never carry a token of love to another man’s wife and ended with an assurance that Evangelina’s virtue was safe in her hands. Firming her lips, she bent her head and looked into her lap. Was Lady Ophelia trying to disconcert her with all of this?
“You do me a great disservice, Lady Ophelia. I’m not usually one to think too much about idle gossip, it’s a terrible hobby fit only for the insipid and old ladies.” She spoke calmly and slowly raised her gaze to look directly at Ophelia once more. “And you are right, it is none of your business what has transpired between your brother, myself, and my husband.” The corner of her lip curved up, “I can quite assure you that Lord Gavriil is well aware of the situation and I’m quite capable of keeping my own virtue safe. I’d never expect to lay such a burden down upon someone else.”
As Evangelina’s words went from silkily assured to more pointed, she wondered if Ophelia truly realized how close she was to pushing Evangelina from controlled aggression into aggressive aggression. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Gavriil completely and entirely it was this mealy-mouthed, simpering creature that was sipping tea with her that she didn’t trust. There had been one too many times already in this short conversation that the woman’s eyes had lit up with the name of Evangelina’s husband, one too many times that she’d went over the line in speaking of how they were just friends... , and one too many times had she told Evangelina she had nothing to worry about.
It was quite simple. Gavriil could be her friend, but there was only room for one wife in this household and that was her. Her chin came out just fractionally, if Ophelia thought for an instant there was a way to worm her way around Evangelina then she was going to be sadly mistaken. There was one path to Gavriil and that path was directly through her. She pressed her lips together again as she let her idle threat seep out and settle with Ophelia.
‘Oh of course, a woman must protect her marriage,’ Evangelina’s eyes narrowed slightly at the cloying sweetness of her voice. Did Ophelia think this was Evangelina’s first run in with women who played that sweet card? Evangelina had cut her teeth on courtly women like that. ‘And Gavriil, too! Why, with such a beautiful wife as you he must be constantly chasing men away from this place! With a big stick too, I imagine!’ Ophelia chimed in with an airy, feigned laugh as if trying to bring some levity to the conversation. Evangelina gave her a pressed lip smile. Be careful, my darling. A Leventi’s husband is a precious thing… ‘But me? I would never dishonour Hera in such a way.’
Her lips curled a little more at that thought, if anyone knew the plight of a jealous wife it was the Queen goddess, herself. There would be prayers to Hera as soon as the Dimitrou’s guest parted. If the goddess truly wanted to bless her a bit of help now would be greatly appreciated.
“Oh, don’t let your imagination run away with you.” Evangelina teased back with feigned amusement taking another sip of her tea. “He makes sure to shoot a warning arrow at them before they get too close.” She murmured. “Now tell me, for this dinner party… Who can I invite for you?” She blinked innocently and wrinkled her nose at the distasteful thought, “Uneven pairings are so awkward, and surely there is someone here at court who has caught your eye.”
@hera
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Could this other well-bred Taengean lady not see how offensive it was to assume that Evangelina was also a heathen and would turn her away? She was neither that childish nor was she brought up not to welcome even people you hated into your home. That wasn’t to say she hated Ophelia, hated would imply that Evangelina thought or felt things about the Condos’ woman and that simply wasn’t the case.
‘Some would not have seen me,’ Evangelina inclined her head, it was definitely a possibility. Some might not have seen her and for that, they would have been inexplicably rude. ‘I know not what you may have heard of me from your sisters and cousins; rumours can be terrible things, but I assure you that none of them are true. I am a good and honest person and I have come with only the best intentions. But I confess that there is another reason I feared being turned away, one I had previously omitted.’
She opened her mouth to object but not before Ophelia continued with her next reasoning, ‘Though he has spoken not of it to me, I have reason to believe that my brother may have a fondness for you that is unreturned. I did not mention this at first as I felt it none of my business. Your dealings with my brother are your private affair, but I feared that the wife of another would not wish to admit the sister of a man who still seeks her affections. I assure you, however, that I am not my brother's messenger. Never would I agree to carry a token of love to another man's wife. Your virtue is quite safe in my hands, Lady Dimitrou.’
An eyebrow arched curiously at Lady Ophelia’s choice of topic. She went from mentioning Nikos’ fondness and the fact that Evangelina didn’t return it to trying to reassure Evangelina that she’d never carry a token of love to another man’s wife and ended with an assurance that Evangelina’s virtue was safe in her hands. Firming her lips, she bent her head and looked into her lap. Was Lady Ophelia trying to disconcert her with all of this?
“You do me a great disservice, Lady Ophelia. I’m not usually one to think too much about idle gossip, it’s a terrible hobby fit only for the insipid and old ladies.” She spoke calmly and slowly raised her gaze to look directly at Ophelia once more. “And you are right, it is none of your business what has transpired between your brother, myself, and my husband.” The corner of her lip curved up, “I can quite assure you that Lord Gavriil is well aware of the situation and I’m quite capable of keeping my own virtue safe. I’d never expect to lay such a burden down upon someone else.”
As Evangelina’s words went from silkily assured to more pointed, she wondered if Ophelia truly realized how close she was to pushing Evangelina from controlled aggression into aggressive aggression. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Gavriil completely and entirely it was this mealy-mouthed, simpering creature that was sipping tea with her that she didn’t trust. There had been one too many times already in this short conversation that the woman’s eyes had lit up with the name of Evangelina’s husband, one too many times that she’d went over the line in speaking of how they were just friends... , and one too many times had she told Evangelina she had nothing to worry about.
It was quite simple. Gavriil could be her friend, but there was only room for one wife in this household and that was her. Her chin came out just fractionally, if Ophelia thought for an instant there was a way to worm her way around Evangelina then she was going to be sadly mistaken. There was one path to Gavriil and that path was directly through her. She pressed her lips together again as she let her idle threat seep out and settle with Ophelia.
‘Oh of course, a woman must protect her marriage,’ Evangelina’s eyes narrowed slightly at the cloying sweetness of her voice. Did Ophelia think this was Evangelina’s first run in with women who played that sweet card? Evangelina had cut her teeth on courtly women like that. ‘And Gavriil, too! Why, with such a beautiful wife as you he must be constantly chasing men away from this place! With a big stick too, I imagine!’ Ophelia chimed in with an airy, feigned laugh as if trying to bring some levity to the conversation. Evangelina gave her a pressed lip smile. Be careful, my darling. A Leventi’s husband is a precious thing… ‘But me? I would never dishonour Hera in such a way.’
Her lips curled a little more at that thought, if anyone knew the plight of a jealous wife it was the Queen goddess, herself. There would be prayers to Hera as soon as the Dimitrou’s guest parted. If the goddess truly wanted to bless her a bit of help now would be greatly appreciated.
“Oh, don’t let your imagination run away with you.” Evangelina teased back with feigned amusement taking another sip of her tea. “He makes sure to shoot a warning arrow at them before they get too close.” She murmured. “Now tell me, for this dinner party… Who can I invite for you?” She blinked innocently and wrinkled her nose at the distasteful thought, “Uneven pairings are so awkward, and surely there is someone here at court who has caught your eye.”
@hera
Could this other well-bred Taengean lady not see how offensive it was to assume that Evangelina was also a heathen and would turn her away? She was neither that childish nor was she brought up not to welcome even people you hated into your home. That wasn’t to say she hated Ophelia, hated would imply that Evangelina thought or felt things about the Condos’ woman and that simply wasn’t the case.
‘Some would not have seen me,’ Evangelina inclined her head, it was definitely a possibility. Some might not have seen her and for that, they would have been inexplicably rude. ‘I know not what you may have heard of me from your sisters and cousins; rumours can be terrible things, but I assure you that none of them are true. I am a good and honest person and I have come with only the best intentions. But I confess that there is another reason I feared being turned away, one I had previously omitted.’
She opened her mouth to object but not before Ophelia continued with her next reasoning, ‘Though he has spoken not of it to me, I have reason to believe that my brother may have a fondness for you that is unreturned. I did not mention this at first as I felt it none of my business. Your dealings with my brother are your private affair, but I feared that the wife of another would not wish to admit the sister of a man who still seeks her affections. I assure you, however, that I am not my brother's messenger. Never would I agree to carry a token of love to another man's wife. Your virtue is quite safe in my hands, Lady Dimitrou.’
An eyebrow arched curiously at Lady Ophelia’s choice of topic. She went from mentioning Nikos’ fondness and the fact that Evangelina didn’t return it to trying to reassure Evangelina that she’d never carry a token of love to another man’s wife and ended with an assurance that Evangelina’s virtue was safe in her hands. Firming her lips, she bent her head and looked into her lap. Was Lady Ophelia trying to disconcert her with all of this?
“You do me a great disservice, Lady Ophelia. I’m not usually one to think too much about idle gossip, it’s a terrible hobby fit only for the insipid and old ladies.” She spoke calmly and slowly raised her gaze to look directly at Ophelia once more. “And you are right, it is none of your business what has transpired between your brother, myself, and my husband.” The corner of her lip curved up, “I can quite assure you that Lord Gavriil is well aware of the situation and I’m quite capable of keeping my own virtue safe. I’d never expect to lay such a burden down upon someone else.”
As Evangelina’s words went from silkily assured to more pointed, she wondered if Ophelia truly realized how close she was to pushing Evangelina from controlled aggression into aggressive aggression. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Gavriil completely and entirely it was this mealy-mouthed, simpering creature that was sipping tea with her that she didn’t trust. There had been one too many times already in this short conversation that the woman’s eyes had lit up with the name of Evangelina’s husband, one too many times that she’d went over the line in speaking of how they were just friends... , and one too many times had she told Evangelina she had nothing to worry about.
It was quite simple. Gavriil could be her friend, but there was only room for one wife in this household and that was her. Her chin came out just fractionally, if Ophelia thought for an instant there was a way to worm her way around Evangelina then she was going to be sadly mistaken. There was one path to Gavriil and that path was directly through her. She pressed her lips together again as she let her idle threat seep out and settle with Ophelia.
‘Oh of course, a woman must protect her marriage,’ Evangelina’s eyes narrowed slightly at the cloying sweetness of her voice. Did Ophelia think this was Evangelina’s first run in with women who played that sweet card? Evangelina had cut her teeth on courtly women like that. ‘And Gavriil, too! Why, with such a beautiful wife as you he must be constantly chasing men away from this place! With a big stick too, I imagine!’ Ophelia chimed in with an airy, feigned laugh as if trying to bring some levity to the conversation. Evangelina gave her a pressed lip smile. Be careful, my darling. A Leventi’s husband is a precious thing… ‘But me? I would never dishonour Hera in such a way.’
Her lips curled a little more at that thought, if anyone knew the plight of a jealous wife it was the Queen goddess, herself. There would be prayers to Hera as soon as the Dimitrou’s guest parted. If the goddess truly wanted to bless her a bit of help now would be greatly appreciated.
“Oh, don’t let your imagination run away with you.” Evangelina teased back with feigned amusement taking another sip of her tea. “He makes sure to shoot a warning arrow at them before they get too close.” She murmured. “Now tell me, for this dinner party… Who can I invite for you?” She blinked innocently and wrinkled her nose at the distasteful thought, “Uneven pairings are so awkward, and surely there is someone here at court who has caught your eye.”
@hera
Evangelina remained silent as she spoke, for which she was grateful, but Ophelia found the girl's expression rather disconcerting. The other woman had asked her a question, she had merely answered with the truth. Honesty seemed to be a foreign concept to most in Taengea, but Ophelia believed that everyone was due it, even the basest of criminals. In her mind, all had a right to hear the truth. Evangelina had made direct inquiries and thus received direct answers. Why, then, was she offended? If indeed she was and Ophelia was not simply misreading the situation.
"I am sorry if you think I do you a disservice, Lady Evangelina. In truth I think you are correct. As I said myself, gossip can be very hurtful, yet it is inescapable, and one cannot avoid hearing things whether they wish to or not. I meant not to accuse you of spreading rumour if that was how it appeared," the rose stated frankly. "Nor did I mean to imply that you were of questionable virtue; I simply meant that I would not put that virtue into question by ever presuming to carry love tokens from another to you, or any other man's wife, for to do so would be a great dishonour to the sacred bonds of marriage, and to the great goddess Hera whom we all serve."
Satisfied that she had now put forward a more coherent explanation, Ophelia offered a gentle smile. It surprised her not one bit that Gavriil was aware of the situation with Nikos, for he was a kind man who would surely not think ill of Evangelina for such a thing. She could not control who chose to give her their heart, after all, though why Nikos had chosen to bestow his heart upon this particular woman she knew not. Was Evangelina kind to Nikos, or did she deliberately try to unnerve him as well?
Ophelia was most definitely not fooled by this girl, who one moment pressed her lips together as if to trap the anger inside her and the next offered her little closed-lipped smiles. Ophelia could already see her for exactly what she was: a girl playing at womanhood, uncertain in her position and therefore far too possessive of her husband. Her heart had probably transformed from an organ into an emerald upon the night of her wedding and if one were to cut her she would probably bleed green, so envious she must be of those who had no need of such games. It was truly a shame that Gavriil had married such a sort, for he deserved a genuinely loving wife, one who would trust him completely. If she were married to such an honourable gentleman, she would certainly believe any woman who claimed nothing more than an innocent friendship, for that was all that was between them.
Perhaps Evangelina had lied. Perhaps she did believe the innocence of Ophelia's attachment to Gavriil, but resented her presence because of her Condos roots, or her relation to Nikos. If it was the latter she could hardly blame the girl; it would probably make almost anyone uncomfortable to have the sister of the man you had rejected sitting in your husband's study and drinking your tea. Still, if that was so, Ophelia would much rather she be upfront about about it. At least then they could discuss it, perhaps negotiate certain hours for her visits so that Evangelina would not have to see her and be made to feel uncomfortable. As it was, she was forced to conclude that the girl was nothing more than the jealous and possessive wife of a man who deserved much better.
Evangelina was teasing her now, joining in with her little joke, but Ophelia could tell that the girl's amusement was feigned. Nevertheless, she pasted on a saccharine smile and let out a silvery laugh. "Well, I suppose it is gracious of him to warm them!" she chimed, offering a broad grin that displayed her straight, white teeth in all their pearlescent glory.
Now this...this truly caught her by surprise. She knew not how to answer the girl's question, because there was no man at court who had caught her eye romantically. Evanthe's face flashed briefly through her mind, but she forced the angelic visage away as she had been forced to do so many times before. Instead, she considered who might be a decent companion for the evening. "I hear there is a terrible lack of eligible bachelors among our class at present," she replied, letting out an airy laugh. "But I hear Lord Diogenes is rather good company, and searching for a second wife? If not, I would not mind having Captain Damocles as a companion for the evening. I cannot marry him of course, but he is pleasant enough company and a friend of the family; he would even out the pairings. Really, though, it is your party my dear, I am certain that anyone you invite will be lovely."
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Evangelina remained silent as she spoke, for which she was grateful, but Ophelia found the girl's expression rather disconcerting. The other woman had asked her a question, she had merely answered with the truth. Honesty seemed to be a foreign concept to most in Taengea, but Ophelia believed that everyone was due it, even the basest of criminals. In her mind, all had a right to hear the truth. Evangelina had made direct inquiries and thus received direct answers. Why, then, was she offended? If indeed she was and Ophelia was not simply misreading the situation.
"I am sorry if you think I do you a disservice, Lady Evangelina. In truth I think you are correct. As I said myself, gossip can be very hurtful, yet it is inescapable, and one cannot avoid hearing things whether they wish to or not. I meant not to accuse you of spreading rumour if that was how it appeared," the rose stated frankly. "Nor did I mean to imply that you were of questionable virtue; I simply meant that I would not put that virtue into question by ever presuming to carry love tokens from another to you, or any other man's wife, for to do so would be a great dishonour to the sacred bonds of marriage, and to the great goddess Hera whom we all serve."
Satisfied that she had now put forward a more coherent explanation, Ophelia offered a gentle smile. It surprised her not one bit that Gavriil was aware of the situation with Nikos, for he was a kind man who would surely not think ill of Evangelina for such a thing. She could not control who chose to give her their heart, after all, though why Nikos had chosen to bestow his heart upon this particular woman she knew not. Was Evangelina kind to Nikos, or did she deliberately try to unnerve him as well?
Ophelia was most definitely not fooled by this girl, who one moment pressed her lips together as if to trap the anger inside her and the next offered her little closed-lipped smiles. Ophelia could already see her for exactly what she was: a girl playing at womanhood, uncertain in her position and therefore far too possessive of her husband. Her heart had probably transformed from an organ into an emerald upon the night of her wedding and if one were to cut her she would probably bleed green, so envious she must be of those who had no need of such games. It was truly a shame that Gavriil had married such a sort, for he deserved a genuinely loving wife, one who would trust him completely. If she were married to such an honourable gentleman, she would certainly believe any woman who claimed nothing more than an innocent friendship, for that was all that was between them.
Perhaps Evangelina had lied. Perhaps she did believe the innocence of Ophelia's attachment to Gavriil, but resented her presence because of her Condos roots, or her relation to Nikos. If it was the latter she could hardly blame the girl; it would probably make almost anyone uncomfortable to have the sister of the man you had rejected sitting in your husband's study and drinking your tea. Still, if that was so, Ophelia would much rather she be upfront about about it. At least then they could discuss it, perhaps negotiate certain hours for her visits so that Evangelina would not have to see her and be made to feel uncomfortable. As it was, she was forced to conclude that the girl was nothing more than the jealous and possessive wife of a man who deserved much better.
Evangelina was teasing her now, joining in with her little joke, but Ophelia could tell that the girl's amusement was feigned. Nevertheless, she pasted on a saccharine smile and let out a silvery laugh. "Well, I suppose it is gracious of him to warm them!" she chimed, offering a broad grin that displayed her straight, white teeth in all their pearlescent glory.
Now this...this truly caught her by surprise. She knew not how to answer the girl's question, because there was no man at court who had caught her eye romantically. Evanthe's face flashed briefly through her mind, but she forced the angelic visage away as she had been forced to do so many times before. Instead, she considered who might be a decent companion for the evening. "I hear there is a terrible lack of eligible bachelors among our class at present," she replied, letting out an airy laugh. "But I hear Lord Diogenes is rather good company, and searching for a second wife? If not, I would not mind having Captain Damocles as a companion for the evening. I cannot marry him of course, but he is pleasant enough company and a friend of the family; he would even out the pairings. Really, though, it is your party my dear, I am certain that anyone you invite will be lovely."
Evangelina remained silent as she spoke, for which she was grateful, but Ophelia found the girl's expression rather disconcerting. The other woman had asked her a question, she had merely answered with the truth. Honesty seemed to be a foreign concept to most in Taengea, but Ophelia believed that everyone was due it, even the basest of criminals. In her mind, all had a right to hear the truth. Evangelina had made direct inquiries and thus received direct answers. Why, then, was she offended? If indeed she was and Ophelia was not simply misreading the situation.
"I am sorry if you think I do you a disservice, Lady Evangelina. In truth I think you are correct. As I said myself, gossip can be very hurtful, yet it is inescapable, and one cannot avoid hearing things whether they wish to or not. I meant not to accuse you of spreading rumour if that was how it appeared," the rose stated frankly. "Nor did I mean to imply that you were of questionable virtue; I simply meant that I would not put that virtue into question by ever presuming to carry love tokens from another to you, or any other man's wife, for to do so would be a great dishonour to the sacred bonds of marriage, and to the great goddess Hera whom we all serve."
Satisfied that she had now put forward a more coherent explanation, Ophelia offered a gentle smile. It surprised her not one bit that Gavriil was aware of the situation with Nikos, for he was a kind man who would surely not think ill of Evangelina for such a thing. She could not control who chose to give her their heart, after all, though why Nikos had chosen to bestow his heart upon this particular woman she knew not. Was Evangelina kind to Nikos, or did she deliberately try to unnerve him as well?
Ophelia was most definitely not fooled by this girl, who one moment pressed her lips together as if to trap the anger inside her and the next offered her little closed-lipped smiles. Ophelia could already see her for exactly what she was: a girl playing at womanhood, uncertain in her position and therefore far too possessive of her husband. Her heart had probably transformed from an organ into an emerald upon the night of her wedding and if one were to cut her she would probably bleed green, so envious she must be of those who had no need of such games. It was truly a shame that Gavriil had married such a sort, for he deserved a genuinely loving wife, one who would trust him completely. If she were married to such an honourable gentleman, she would certainly believe any woman who claimed nothing more than an innocent friendship, for that was all that was between them.
Perhaps Evangelina had lied. Perhaps she did believe the innocence of Ophelia's attachment to Gavriil, but resented her presence because of her Condos roots, or her relation to Nikos. If it was the latter she could hardly blame the girl; it would probably make almost anyone uncomfortable to have the sister of the man you had rejected sitting in your husband's study and drinking your tea. Still, if that was so, Ophelia would much rather she be upfront about about it. At least then they could discuss it, perhaps negotiate certain hours for her visits so that Evangelina would not have to see her and be made to feel uncomfortable. As it was, she was forced to conclude that the girl was nothing more than the jealous and possessive wife of a man who deserved much better.
Evangelina was teasing her now, joining in with her little joke, but Ophelia could tell that the girl's amusement was feigned. Nevertheless, she pasted on a saccharine smile and let out a silvery laugh. "Well, I suppose it is gracious of him to warm them!" she chimed, offering a broad grin that displayed her straight, white teeth in all their pearlescent glory.
Now this...this truly caught her by surprise. She knew not how to answer the girl's question, because there was no man at court who had caught her eye romantically. Evanthe's face flashed briefly through her mind, but she forced the angelic visage away as she had been forced to do so many times before. Instead, she considered who might be a decent companion for the evening. "I hear there is a terrible lack of eligible bachelors among our class at present," she replied, letting out an airy laugh. "But I hear Lord Diogenes is rather good company, and searching for a second wife? If not, I would not mind having Captain Damocles as a companion for the evening. I cannot marry him of course, but he is pleasant enough company and a friend of the family; he would even out the pairings. Really, though, it is your party my dear, I am certain that anyone you invite will be lovely."
