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Theo met her fiance in the same place she’d last seen him; the guest house in which her family often occupied when visiting Vasiliádon. Since that night the wine had long been mopped up and the bodies that littered the inner courtyard taken away. But she still had trouble walking about at night in what had been the closest thing to her familial home for decades. Many of the tiles had been stained a dark black from the blood that was shed and Fotios had wasted no time in hiring men to chisel out that which was damaged and replacing it as if it’d never happened.
But the ghosts of those who died there still lingered. After Achilleas had taken her from the scene of their last stand, he’d brought her to the main house where she was whisked away upstairs. A warm bath awaited her and a change of clothes were offered before she settled in bed.
She hadn’t seen Emilios or Achilleas again until the day of the coronation.
The tour of the temples had been talked about in the upper echelons of society for the last couple weeks and from what she’d gathered, had quickly become somewhat of a fanfare. Now second in line to the throne and every bit the champion of the people, Achilleas of Mikaelidas’s impending marriage to yet another Leventi sister had been hailed as a way to begin healing after the Creed’s attack on the city. In them, they saw the future of the country. A step forward in healing after so much death. And after weeks of grieving, the people were yearning for more good news; more to cling to.
But Theo couldn’t imagine how any of them could be ready. The king's embers still glowed on his funeral pyre and Zacharias had yet to be found. Atop all of this, her father was unwell and had taken to bed which was most concerning to her. She’d expected him to accompany them; to provide a buffer against Fotios and Irakles. Against the grandeur and the onlookers.
And now she would be fed to the wolves.
Her mother had chosen her gown for the tour; a light pink silk organza gown that was held up on one shoulder. The gown was simple; unadorned and meant to show her fiance and the people of Vasiliádon her purity and how unnecessary it was to decorate her with gold and jewels as her natural beauty was enough. Her dark hair had been curled and tied atop her head; gold leather bands holding it around her crown and the color of the gown gave her complexion a naturally warm glow. The light pink was in deference to the goddess Aphrodite; in a bid to bless their union with love and children as it would be the first stop of their tour.
When Achilleas arrived, she’d spent most of the morning at her father’s side. At his insistence, she left him to join the procession which hardly seemed the intimate family affair it likely would have been had they not been royalty. But with his arrival, there was also a grand entourage of relatives, friends, and servants to accompany them. The litters were laden with gold and shrouded in veils from the public. And as they weren’t married yet, there were two of them. Both would be carried by servants instead of horses with their relatives and the like following on foot in the parade. Theo followed her mother out to meet Achilleas, Irakles, and Emilios. Her head was covered in a finely embroidered slip of fabric meant to display her modesty. She felt like a fraud; especially with Emilios standing behind Achilleas as they waited. She averted her gaze and looked up at Achilleas instead; not having seen him since the day of the chariot races, he looked completely different. Clothed in fine garments, he was clean and well groomed. Blood and dirt had been washed away and he looked every bit the third in line from the throne the people desired him to be.
Why couldn’t she be happy to see him?
She offered him a weak smile and leaned up to kiss his cheek as was the customary greeting. “Good afternoon, Achilleas… I trust your shoulder is healing well?”
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
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Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Theo met her fiance in the same place she’d last seen him; the guest house in which her family often occupied when visiting Vasiliádon. Since that night the wine had long been mopped up and the bodies that littered the inner courtyard taken away. But she still had trouble walking about at night in what had been the closest thing to her familial home for decades. Many of the tiles had been stained a dark black from the blood that was shed and Fotios had wasted no time in hiring men to chisel out that which was damaged and replacing it as if it’d never happened.
But the ghosts of those who died there still lingered. After Achilleas had taken her from the scene of their last stand, he’d brought her to the main house where she was whisked away upstairs. A warm bath awaited her and a change of clothes were offered before she settled in bed.
She hadn’t seen Emilios or Achilleas again until the day of the coronation.
The tour of the temples had been talked about in the upper echelons of society for the last couple weeks and from what she’d gathered, had quickly become somewhat of a fanfare. Now second in line to the throne and every bit the champion of the people, Achilleas of Mikaelidas’s impending marriage to yet another Leventi sister had been hailed as a way to begin healing after the Creed’s attack on the city. In them, they saw the future of the country. A step forward in healing after so much death. And after weeks of grieving, the people were yearning for more good news; more to cling to.
But Theo couldn’t imagine how any of them could be ready. The king's embers still glowed on his funeral pyre and Zacharias had yet to be found. Atop all of this, her father was unwell and had taken to bed which was most concerning to her. She’d expected him to accompany them; to provide a buffer against Fotios and Irakles. Against the grandeur and the onlookers.
And now she would be fed to the wolves.
Her mother had chosen her gown for the tour; a light pink silk organza gown that was held up on one shoulder. The gown was simple; unadorned and meant to show her fiance and the people of Vasiliádon her purity and how unnecessary it was to decorate her with gold and jewels as her natural beauty was enough. Her dark hair had been curled and tied atop her head; gold leather bands holding it around her crown and the color of the gown gave her complexion a naturally warm glow. The light pink was in deference to the goddess Aphrodite; in a bid to bless their union with love and children as it would be the first stop of their tour.
When Achilleas arrived, she’d spent most of the morning at her father’s side. At his insistence, she left him to join the procession which hardly seemed the intimate family affair it likely would have been had they not been royalty. But with his arrival, there was also a grand entourage of relatives, friends, and servants to accompany them. The litters were laden with gold and shrouded in veils from the public. And as they weren’t married yet, there were two of them. Both would be carried by servants instead of horses with their relatives and the like following on foot in the parade. Theo followed her mother out to meet Achilleas, Irakles, and Emilios. Her head was covered in a finely embroidered slip of fabric meant to display her modesty. She felt like a fraud; especially with Emilios standing behind Achilleas as they waited. She averted her gaze and looked up at Achilleas instead; not having seen him since the day of the chariot races, he looked completely different. Clothed in fine garments, he was clean and well groomed. Blood and dirt had been washed away and he looked every bit the third in line from the throne the people desired him to be.
Why couldn’t she be happy to see him?
She offered him a weak smile and leaned up to kiss his cheek as was the customary greeting. “Good afternoon, Achilleas… I trust your shoulder is healing well?”
This was how it begins.
Theo met her fiance in the same place she’d last seen him; the guest house in which her family often occupied when visiting Vasiliádon. Since that night the wine had long been mopped up and the bodies that littered the inner courtyard taken away. But she still had trouble walking about at night in what had been the closest thing to her familial home for decades. Many of the tiles had been stained a dark black from the blood that was shed and Fotios had wasted no time in hiring men to chisel out that which was damaged and replacing it as if it’d never happened.
But the ghosts of those who died there still lingered. After Achilleas had taken her from the scene of their last stand, he’d brought her to the main house where she was whisked away upstairs. A warm bath awaited her and a change of clothes were offered before she settled in bed.
She hadn’t seen Emilios or Achilleas again until the day of the coronation.
The tour of the temples had been talked about in the upper echelons of society for the last couple weeks and from what she’d gathered, had quickly become somewhat of a fanfare. Now second in line to the throne and every bit the champion of the people, Achilleas of Mikaelidas’s impending marriage to yet another Leventi sister had been hailed as a way to begin healing after the Creed’s attack on the city. In them, they saw the future of the country. A step forward in healing after so much death. And after weeks of grieving, the people were yearning for more good news; more to cling to.
But Theo couldn’t imagine how any of them could be ready. The king's embers still glowed on his funeral pyre and Zacharias had yet to be found. Atop all of this, her father was unwell and had taken to bed which was most concerning to her. She’d expected him to accompany them; to provide a buffer against Fotios and Irakles. Against the grandeur and the onlookers.
And now she would be fed to the wolves.
Her mother had chosen her gown for the tour; a light pink silk organza gown that was held up on one shoulder. The gown was simple; unadorned and meant to show her fiance and the people of Vasiliádon her purity and how unnecessary it was to decorate her with gold and jewels as her natural beauty was enough. Her dark hair had been curled and tied atop her head; gold leather bands holding it around her crown and the color of the gown gave her complexion a naturally warm glow. The light pink was in deference to the goddess Aphrodite; in a bid to bless their union with love and children as it would be the first stop of their tour.
When Achilleas arrived, she’d spent most of the morning at her father’s side. At his insistence, she left him to join the procession which hardly seemed the intimate family affair it likely would have been had they not been royalty. But with his arrival, there was also a grand entourage of relatives, friends, and servants to accompany them. The litters were laden with gold and shrouded in veils from the public. And as they weren’t married yet, there were two of them. Both would be carried by servants instead of horses with their relatives and the like following on foot in the parade. Theo followed her mother out to meet Achilleas, Irakles, and Emilios. Her head was covered in a finely embroidered slip of fabric meant to display her modesty. She felt like a fraud; especially with Emilios standing behind Achilleas as they waited. She averted her gaze and looked up at Achilleas instead; not having seen him since the day of the chariot races, he looked completely different. Clothed in fine garments, he was clean and well groomed. Blood and dirt had been washed away and he looked every bit the third in line from the throne the people desired him to be.
Why couldn’t she be happy to see him?
She offered him a weak smile and leaned up to kiss his cheek as was the customary greeting. “Good afternoon, Achilleas… I trust your shoulder is healing well?”
In an attempt to allow his future bride to shine, Achilleas had dressed simply, although his clothing was of a much finer quality that was normal for the plain speaking and dressing warrior. He’d bathed and shaved of course before he’d come to escort her on the tour of the temples, and his hair was still a shade darker than it’s normal hue, brushed back from his forehead to tumble back from his face. His chiton was dyed a rich deep blue shade that set off his eyes. His attire was trimmed in silver, that gave the impression of armor rather than jewelry, wide cuffs on each of his thick wrists, and a silver belt created to look like it was built of tiny links encircling his waist.
If the truth be told, Achilleas wasn’t exactly thrilled with the fact that they would be carried in separate litters, or that he would have to ride in one at all. He really hated being closed in like that. If he’d had his way they’d have taken a carriage instead, an open one since everyone was so concerned about his betrothed’s virtue. Though he was unaware that she’d given it to his own brother many months ago. Achilleas, despite the royal blood that flowed through his veins was a simple man by nature, and the pomp and ceremony that he was forced to endure these last few weeks had been driving him mad. He’d been praying near constantly for his cousin’s wife to bear a healthy son.
When Theodora appeared, following behind her mother, her dark hair covered with the fancy bit of cream colored silk, his heart lifted, thinking she looked like an angel, when her gaze drifted up to meet his own. He’d not seen her since the day his uncle and elder cousin were killed, the day Stephanos inherited the crown neither of them had ever wanted. He’d seen her bedraggled, had carried her from the Leventi guest house, his blood running down his arm from the shoulder he’d taken a knife to, staining the fine fabric of her chiton, his only concern that she be treated by a physician.
Putting his hand under her elbow in an attempt to steady her when she leaned up, pressing her lips to his cheek, happiness lighting up Achileas’ eyes as she stepped back, “Good afternoon my lady.” He murmured with a quick smile for her. “I’m fine.” He assured her, flexing his arm to illustrate that he was healing nicely. Tilting his head slightly as he looked down at her, eyes concerned since he knew how close she was to her father, even if he couldn’t really relate given how his own father was with he and his three younger siblings, “Your father? Is he any better?”
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
In an attempt to allow his future bride to shine, Achilleas had dressed simply, although his clothing was of a much finer quality that was normal for the plain speaking and dressing warrior. He’d bathed and shaved of course before he’d come to escort her on the tour of the temples, and his hair was still a shade darker than it’s normal hue, brushed back from his forehead to tumble back from his face. His chiton was dyed a rich deep blue shade that set off his eyes. His attire was trimmed in silver, that gave the impression of armor rather than jewelry, wide cuffs on each of his thick wrists, and a silver belt created to look like it was built of tiny links encircling his waist.
If the truth be told, Achilleas wasn’t exactly thrilled with the fact that they would be carried in separate litters, or that he would have to ride in one at all. He really hated being closed in like that. If he’d had his way they’d have taken a carriage instead, an open one since everyone was so concerned about his betrothed’s virtue. Though he was unaware that she’d given it to his own brother many months ago. Achilleas, despite the royal blood that flowed through his veins was a simple man by nature, and the pomp and ceremony that he was forced to endure these last few weeks had been driving him mad. He’d been praying near constantly for his cousin’s wife to bear a healthy son.
When Theodora appeared, following behind her mother, her dark hair covered with the fancy bit of cream colored silk, his heart lifted, thinking she looked like an angel, when her gaze drifted up to meet his own. He’d not seen her since the day his uncle and elder cousin were killed, the day Stephanos inherited the crown neither of them had ever wanted. He’d seen her bedraggled, had carried her from the Leventi guest house, his blood running down his arm from the shoulder he’d taken a knife to, staining the fine fabric of her chiton, his only concern that she be treated by a physician.
Putting his hand under her elbow in an attempt to steady her when she leaned up, pressing her lips to his cheek, happiness lighting up Achileas’ eyes as she stepped back, “Good afternoon my lady.” He murmured with a quick smile for her. “I’m fine.” He assured her, flexing his arm to illustrate that he was healing nicely. Tilting his head slightly as he looked down at her, eyes concerned since he knew how close she was to her father, even if he couldn’t really relate given how his own father was with he and his three younger siblings, “Your father? Is he any better?”
In an attempt to allow his future bride to shine, Achilleas had dressed simply, although his clothing was of a much finer quality that was normal for the plain speaking and dressing warrior. He’d bathed and shaved of course before he’d come to escort her on the tour of the temples, and his hair was still a shade darker than it’s normal hue, brushed back from his forehead to tumble back from his face. His chiton was dyed a rich deep blue shade that set off his eyes. His attire was trimmed in silver, that gave the impression of armor rather than jewelry, wide cuffs on each of his thick wrists, and a silver belt created to look like it was built of tiny links encircling his waist.
If the truth be told, Achilleas wasn’t exactly thrilled with the fact that they would be carried in separate litters, or that he would have to ride in one at all. He really hated being closed in like that. If he’d had his way they’d have taken a carriage instead, an open one since everyone was so concerned about his betrothed’s virtue. Though he was unaware that she’d given it to his own brother many months ago. Achilleas, despite the royal blood that flowed through his veins was a simple man by nature, and the pomp and ceremony that he was forced to endure these last few weeks had been driving him mad. He’d been praying near constantly for his cousin’s wife to bear a healthy son.
When Theodora appeared, following behind her mother, her dark hair covered with the fancy bit of cream colored silk, his heart lifted, thinking she looked like an angel, when her gaze drifted up to meet his own. He’d not seen her since the day his uncle and elder cousin were killed, the day Stephanos inherited the crown neither of them had ever wanted. He’d seen her bedraggled, had carried her from the Leventi guest house, his blood running down his arm from the shoulder he’d taken a knife to, staining the fine fabric of her chiton, his only concern that she be treated by a physician.
Putting his hand under her elbow in an attempt to steady her when she leaned up, pressing her lips to his cheek, happiness lighting up Achileas’ eyes as she stepped back, “Good afternoon my lady.” He murmured with a quick smile for her. “I’m fine.” He assured her, flexing his arm to illustrate that he was healing nicely. Tilting his head slightly as he looked down at her, eyes concerned since he knew how close she was to her father, even if he couldn’t really relate given how his own father was with he and his three younger siblings, “Your father? Is he any better?”
"Oh, he's fine!"
The words were calm and unconcerned and had at no point crossed Theodora's lips. Instead, they came from that of her uncle, as he crossed the gardens that separated the main house's front courtyard from that of the second.
"Simply a little under the weather currently." Fotios informed the group and caused several servants to smile and breathe signs of relief. It irritated Fotios significantly that they seemed to have such a personal stake in whether their master lived or died. Fear and respect where the appropriate emotions for servants and slaves - not compassion. Compassion made them believe that consideration and kindness went both ways. And trying to be considerate of a servants feelings only served to slow down the societal hierarchy and order system.
"Fear not, my Lord Achilleas." Fotios finally stated as he approached the two properly and bowed to the man in deference to his rank. "I'm sure he will be back on his feet in time for the wedding. I know he is anxious to see things progress and not be delayed by his health, however, so he insisted that today's tour went ahead."
Instead of his casual dress for the coronation (worn for particular reasons) Fotios was dressed a little more formally for this event. In a chiton of deepest blue - almost black - he wore black leather sandals and wore a belt the colour of iron. His hair was brushed loose and his himation, in purest white, flowed over one shoulder with an embroidered pattern in the same iron grey.
"Theodora you look positively stunning." He told his niece, directing his attention her way. "Pure and yet desirable. Very appropriate. Do you not think so, Lord Achilleas?" He asked the man, his gaze drifting to Lord Emilios as Achilleas turned his attention to his betrothed at the question. By the time Achilleas looked back at Fotios to answer the query, Fotios has long since removed his sharp look away from the second brother, as if it had never strayed from Achilleas' face.
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Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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"Oh, he's fine!"
The words were calm and unconcerned and had at no point crossed Theodora's lips. Instead, they came from that of her uncle, as he crossed the gardens that separated the main house's front courtyard from that of the second.
"Simply a little under the weather currently." Fotios informed the group and caused several servants to smile and breathe signs of relief. It irritated Fotios significantly that they seemed to have such a personal stake in whether their master lived or died. Fear and respect where the appropriate emotions for servants and slaves - not compassion. Compassion made them believe that consideration and kindness went both ways. And trying to be considerate of a servants feelings only served to slow down the societal hierarchy and order system.
"Fear not, my Lord Achilleas." Fotios finally stated as he approached the two properly and bowed to the man in deference to his rank. "I'm sure he will be back on his feet in time for the wedding. I know he is anxious to see things progress and not be delayed by his health, however, so he insisted that today's tour went ahead."
Instead of his casual dress for the coronation (worn for particular reasons) Fotios was dressed a little more formally for this event. In a chiton of deepest blue - almost black - he wore black leather sandals and wore a belt the colour of iron. His hair was brushed loose and his himation, in purest white, flowed over one shoulder with an embroidered pattern in the same iron grey.
"Theodora you look positively stunning." He told his niece, directing his attention her way. "Pure and yet desirable. Very appropriate. Do you not think so, Lord Achilleas?" He asked the man, his gaze drifting to Lord Emilios as Achilleas turned his attention to his betrothed at the question. By the time Achilleas looked back at Fotios to answer the query, Fotios has long since removed his sharp look away from the second brother, as if it had never strayed from Achilleas' face.
"Oh, he's fine!"
The words were calm and unconcerned and had at no point crossed Theodora's lips. Instead, they came from that of her uncle, as he crossed the gardens that separated the main house's front courtyard from that of the second.
"Simply a little under the weather currently." Fotios informed the group and caused several servants to smile and breathe signs of relief. It irritated Fotios significantly that they seemed to have such a personal stake in whether their master lived or died. Fear and respect where the appropriate emotions for servants and slaves - not compassion. Compassion made them believe that consideration and kindness went both ways. And trying to be considerate of a servants feelings only served to slow down the societal hierarchy and order system.
"Fear not, my Lord Achilleas." Fotios finally stated as he approached the two properly and bowed to the man in deference to his rank. "I'm sure he will be back on his feet in time for the wedding. I know he is anxious to see things progress and not be delayed by his health, however, so he insisted that today's tour went ahead."
Instead of his casual dress for the coronation (worn for particular reasons) Fotios was dressed a little more formally for this event. In a chiton of deepest blue - almost black - he wore black leather sandals and wore a belt the colour of iron. His hair was brushed loose and his himation, in purest white, flowed over one shoulder with an embroidered pattern in the same iron grey.
"Theodora you look positively stunning." He told his niece, directing his attention her way. "Pure and yet desirable. Very appropriate. Do you not think so, Lord Achilleas?" He asked the man, his gaze drifting to Lord Emilios as Achilleas turned his attention to his betrothed at the question. By the time Achilleas looked back at Fotios to answer the query, Fotios has long since removed his sharp look away from the second brother, as if it had never strayed from Achilleas' face.
While a temple tour may not be entirely necessary, Irakles was not someone to simply eschew with tradition and ceremony, the proper way things are supposed to be done for centuries before their times. A stickler for rules, especially when this would be the first marriage within his own direct family that would be under his arrangement. It made matters simply more important when it was a marriage to a girl from the House Leventi. The old general was leaving nothing to chance, and had woken up early to get ready. With a wince at a pounding head, he had quickly taken the warm water he had gotten servants to serve him every morning, before proceeding to dress for the day.
Having personally visited the temples prior to today, Irakles saw to it himself that the appropriate donations were provided to the priests of each temple, informing them of the dates they would arrive so it would expedite the whole event.
Dressed befitting of the father to the groom, his white chiton was edged with crimson edged embroidery shot through with golden threads. Over it, Irakles draped a brown chlamys, holding it in place with a golden clasp on his left shoulder.
He had accompanied Achilleas and Emilios from the Mikaelidas residence over to the Leventi household on horseback. Handing over Aeneus's reins to the Leventi stablehands upon arrival, the man now stood off to a side, going through all the preparations now ready for the celebrated couple. The litters were over the top, that the old general agreed on. He expected Achilleas to not fancy the litter, but it was not a debatable subject. The whole procession and pending ceremony was meant to infuse and return the joy and life to Taengea ever since the kingdom had been shaken up by the previous King's grisly demise.
If he had had his way, Irakles would have wanted Stephanos's wedding to Olympia to be made public, procession and all. But his nephew had been insistent on the ceremony being private, and in the end Irakles had settled for his own offspring's wedding to be held with as much pomp and ceremony as he could muster. The coronation which he had arranged was first - this wedding would be his second.
As Fotios appeared, Irakles hid a light cough, his throat unsettled from a burning sensation from the rising stomach acid. Stress from arranging two royal ceremonies, on top of assisting in kingdom affairs all over his day to day duties as Head of House was beginning to catch up to him. Meena's advise of the daily warm water every morning helped, but he made a mental note to visit his physician soon. Irakles was a natural workaholic anyway, so he wasn't about to let a small setback slow him down.
Clearing his throat to settle it, the general waited for Achilleas's response to Fotios, before he made his presence known by finally stepping forward, addressing Fotios in a low baritone that was simultaneously friendly but spoke of the importance of the day's events. Turning to the young Leventi bride with a warm smile, he further added on to Fotios's words, his posture clearly displaying his natural skills of leadership and calm persona.
"Lady Theodora will shine, and Achilleas is a lucky man to have a bride such as she. I am anxious to welcome her as part of our family." Irakles turned his smile to Achilleas, and then motioned in a general direction at the waiting litters, signalling for Emilios to step forward to assist them. "Shall we get going then?"
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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While a temple tour may not be entirely necessary, Irakles was not someone to simply eschew with tradition and ceremony, the proper way things are supposed to be done for centuries before their times. A stickler for rules, especially when this would be the first marriage within his own direct family that would be under his arrangement. It made matters simply more important when it was a marriage to a girl from the House Leventi. The old general was leaving nothing to chance, and had woken up early to get ready. With a wince at a pounding head, he had quickly taken the warm water he had gotten servants to serve him every morning, before proceeding to dress for the day.
Having personally visited the temples prior to today, Irakles saw to it himself that the appropriate donations were provided to the priests of each temple, informing them of the dates they would arrive so it would expedite the whole event.
Dressed befitting of the father to the groom, his white chiton was edged with crimson edged embroidery shot through with golden threads. Over it, Irakles draped a brown chlamys, holding it in place with a golden clasp on his left shoulder.
He had accompanied Achilleas and Emilios from the Mikaelidas residence over to the Leventi household on horseback. Handing over Aeneus's reins to the Leventi stablehands upon arrival, the man now stood off to a side, going through all the preparations now ready for the celebrated couple. The litters were over the top, that the old general agreed on. He expected Achilleas to not fancy the litter, but it was not a debatable subject. The whole procession and pending ceremony was meant to infuse and return the joy and life to Taengea ever since the kingdom had been shaken up by the previous King's grisly demise.
If he had had his way, Irakles would have wanted Stephanos's wedding to Olympia to be made public, procession and all. But his nephew had been insistent on the ceremony being private, and in the end Irakles had settled for his own offspring's wedding to be held with as much pomp and ceremony as he could muster. The coronation which he had arranged was first - this wedding would be his second.
As Fotios appeared, Irakles hid a light cough, his throat unsettled from a burning sensation from the rising stomach acid. Stress from arranging two royal ceremonies, on top of assisting in kingdom affairs all over his day to day duties as Head of House was beginning to catch up to him. Meena's advise of the daily warm water every morning helped, but he made a mental note to visit his physician soon. Irakles was a natural workaholic anyway, so he wasn't about to let a small setback slow him down.
Clearing his throat to settle it, the general waited for Achilleas's response to Fotios, before he made his presence known by finally stepping forward, addressing Fotios in a low baritone that was simultaneously friendly but spoke of the importance of the day's events. Turning to the young Leventi bride with a warm smile, he further added on to Fotios's words, his posture clearly displaying his natural skills of leadership and calm persona.
"Lady Theodora will shine, and Achilleas is a lucky man to have a bride such as she. I am anxious to welcome her as part of our family." Irakles turned his smile to Achilleas, and then motioned in a general direction at the waiting litters, signalling for Emilios to step forward to assist them. "Shall we get going then?"
While a temple tour may not be entirely necessary, Irakles was not someone to simply eschew with tradition and ceremony, the proper way things are supposed to be done for centuries before their times. A stickler for rules, especially when this would be the first marriage within his own direct family that would be under his arrangement. It made matters simply more important when it was a marriage to a girl from the House Leventi. The old general was leaving nothing to chance, and had woken up early to get ready. With a wince at a pounding head, he had quickly taken the warm water he had gotten servants to serve him every morning, before proceeding to dress for the day.
Having personally visited the temples prior to today, Irakles saw to it himself that the appropriate donations were provided to the priests of each temple, informing them of the dates they would arrive so it would expedite the whole event.
Dressed befitting of the father to the groom, his white chiton was edged with crimson edged embroidery shot through with golden threads. Over it, Irakles draped a brown chlamys, holding it in place with a golden clasp on his left shoulder.
He had accompanied Achilleas and Emilios from the Mikaelidas residence over to the Leventi household on horseback. Handing over Aeneus's reins to the Leventi stablehands upon arrival, the man now stood off to a side, going through all the preparations now ready for the celebrated couple. The litters were over the top, that the old general agreed on. He expected Achilleas to not fancy the litter, but it was not a debatable subject. The whole procession and pending ceremony was meant to infuse and return the joy and life to Taengea ever since the kingdom had been shaken up by the previous King's grisly demise.
If he had had his way, Irakles would have wanted Stephanos's wedding to Olympia to be made public, procession and all. But his nephew had been insistent on the ceremony being private, and in the end Irakles had settled for his own offspring's wedding to be held with as much pomp and ceremony as he could muster. The coronation which he had arranged was first - this wedding would be his second.
As Fotios appeared, Irakles hid a light cough, his throat unsettled from a burning sensation from the rising stomach acid. Stress from arranging two royal ceremonies, on top of assisting in kingdom affairs all over his day to day duties as Head of House was beginning to catch up to him. Meena's advise of the daily warm water every morning helped, but he made a mental note to visit his physician soon. Irakles was a natural workaholic anyway, so he wasn't about to let a small setback slow him down.
Clearing his throat to settle it, the general waited for Achilleas's response to Fotios, before he made his presence known by finally stepping forward, addressing Fotios in a low baritone that was simultaneously friendly but spoke of the importance of the day's events. Turning to the young Leventi bride with a warm smile, he further added on to Fotios's words, his posture clearly displaying his natural skills of leadership and calm persona.
"Lady Theodora will shine, and Achilleas is a lucky man to have a bride such as she. I am anxious to welcome her as part of our family." Irakles turned his smile to Achilleas, and then motioned in a general direction at the waiting litters, signalling for Emilios to step forward to assist them. "Shall we get going then?"
Looking up as the Prince of Mikaelidas approached the small group, Fotios smiled at his friend and nodded in encouragement of his words.
"While it is tradition for the daughter to be welcomed into her new House, Prince Irakles, I cannot help but feel we are each accepting a new member to our families." He told his friend with sincerity and warmth, his hand reaching out to clamp onto Irakles' shoulder in a gesture of good nature.
"Achilleas is a fine choice of groom and will be a strong bond between our Houses." To add to the compliment, Fotios nodded his head to Achilleas in respect of his rank, achievements and even his looks as anyone in close proximity would be able to tell that the man was handsome.
Fotios looked back to Irakles, his words now for his friend over the newly betrothed couple.
"I look forward to when the union produces children of both Mikaelidas and Leventi blood." He told the man. "Then we shall have even more to celebrate."
With a smile to his niece, Fotios released Irakles' shoulder and hastened the group with words designed to back up the Prince.
"Absolutely, we mustn't keep the Gods waiting." He agreed with his old friend and nodded his head towards the litters.
"Come, Theodora. Be careful not to dawdle."
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Looking up as the Prince of Mikaelidas approached the small group, Fotios smiled at his friend and nodded in encouragement of his words.
"While it is tradition for the daughter to be welcomed into her new House, Prince Irakles, I cannot help but feel we are each accepting a new member to our families." He told his friend with sincerity and warmth, his hand reaching out to clamp onto Irakles' shoulder in a gesture of good nature.
"Achilleas is a fine choice of groom and will be a strong bond between our Houses." To add to the compliment, Fotios nodded his head to Achilleas in respect of his rank, achievements and even his looks as anyone in close proximity would be able to tell that the man was handsome.
Fotios looked back to Irakles, his words now for his friend over the newly betrothed couple.
"I look forward to when the union produces children of both Mikaelidas and Leventi blood." He told the man. "Then we shall have even more to celebrate."
With a smile to his niece, Fotios released Irakles' shoulder and hastened the group with words designed to back up the Prince.
"Absolutely, we mustn't keep the Gods waiting." He agreed with his old friend and nodded his head towards the litters.
"Come, Theodora. Be careful not to dawdle."
Looking up as the Prince of Mikaelidas approached the small group, Fotios smiled at his friend and nodded in encouragement of his words.
"While it is tradition for the daughter to be welcomed into her new House, Prince Irakles, I cannot help but feel we are each accepting a new member to our families." He told his friend with sincerity and warmth, his hand reaching out to clamp onto Irakles' shoulder in a gesture of good nature.
"Achilleas is a fine choice of groom and will be a strong bond between our Houses." To add to the compliment, Fotios nodded his head to Achilleas in respect of his rank, achievements and even his looks as anyone in close proximity would be able to tell that the man was handsome.
Fotios looked back to Irakles, his words now for his friend over the newly betrothed couple.
"I look forward to when the union produces children of both Mikaelidas and Leventi blood." He told the man. "Then we shall have even more to celebrate."
With a smile to his niece, Fotios released Irakles' shoulder and hastened the group with words designed to back up the Prince.
"Absolutely, we mustn't keep the Gods waiting." He agreed with his old friend and nodded his head towards the litters.
"Come, Theodora. Be careful not to dawdle."
Whatever resolve she’d had in following her mother out was quickly crumbling under the weight of her uncle as he appeared. No sooner had she opened her mouth to inform Achilleas about her father’s health had the man stepped forward to speak for her; a trait she despised in most men, made even more infuriating when her Uncle did it. She was quite capable of speaking for herself. As the most vocal of the sisters and in some ways the most head-strong, speaking her mind had never been a problem. Perhaps that was exactly why he spoke.. Because he knew that about her.
A flash of annoyance crossed her features and she stepped back from her betrothed; folding her hands in front of her. Whatever this day was, it was clear it was not for them. Not surrounded by the company being kept. She looked around for her sisters; something familiar to cling to. But her mother spoke up. “Yes, well… now that we’re all caught up.. We should be going. We have a strict schedule to keep, after all..”
Theo thought about grasping for Selene for half a second to have her go with her, but Achilleas took her hand and wrapped it into the crook of his arm instead before he escorted her to the waiting litter that was sitting on the ground in anticipation for her. She glanced back at Emilios as Achilleas told her how ridiculous everything seemed. She offered him a short smirk before he handed her off to her mother as the whole thing was ridiculous.
After sitting, her mother sorted out her skirts to be the most presentable and had her lean back in the cushioned pillows that rested atop the plush seat. It was hot and the silk was cloying. For the life of her she couldn’t understand why they didn’t just ride horses. The Leventi’s were known far and wide for their horse stock. In her estimation, it would only further their notoriety to have both she and Achilleas on some of their finest. If she had any say in any of this, none of it would have been done like this.
With a frustrated sigh, she slouched back in the litter and her mother tsked; raising Theo’s chin and pushing her shoulders back. “Don’t slouch dear.. You’re a Leventi. Sit up.. Show your pride.” ...Except that Theo didn’t feel very prideful at the moment. The last thing she wanted to be doing was riding down a hill on a slave drawn litter to ask the Gods to marry a man she didn’t want to marry while the man she loved stood beside them. The whole thing was some cosmic joke; some cruel ploy played by the Gods.
Finally draped in flowers and looking like some kind of ornamental shrine with a golden jeweled headpiece placed over her veil, her mother was appeased with her daughter's appearance and stepped away from the litter; motioning with her hand for the slaves to lift it to their shoulders. Despite what some might think, the act was anything but smooth and Theo gripped the sides of the ornate cart to keep from toppling out. Her mother leaned passed the slaves and made a few final adjustments; pushing her dress off her leg to show the long, lean shape of her thigh. Theo immediately widened her eyes and stared down at her; pushing the dress back. “Mother!”
The woman doubled down and pushed it off again; leveling a glare at her. “Hush, girl. You are a Leventi.. Admired by the people for your beauty and allure. You have a role to play. The people want to see you for what you are and you will show them. You will make them love you because in doing so you further our name.” Her steely green eyes glared at her; daring her to defy her. Theo set her jaw; her face blushing a deep crimson… but she didn’t touch her dress again. Instead, she turned away. A lump formed in her throat that made it hard to breathe but she wouldn’t cry. Even with as angry and frustrated as she was, she wouldn’t let anyone see her cry.. The only one who’d ever seen such a thing was standing behind his brother; at a loss for words, apparently, as he watched the spectacle while doing nothing to stop it.
What had he been doing?? She’d PROMISED him she would do everything in her power to stop things and short of appealing to the king himself, she had; risking her relationship with her father and left mortified in front of her uncle, she’d fought for him. What had he done for her? Here she was; a pretty piece atop a golden bed; offered up to the Gods and Achilleas and the people of Vasiliadon like a fattened calf and he walked behind it all with upturned hands.
And for the first time in their relationship.. Since she accepted him for who he was, she began to doubt.
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This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Whatever resolve she’d had in following her mother out was quickly crumbling under the weight of her uncle as he appeared. No sooner had she opened her mouth to inform Achilleas about her father’s health had the man stepped forward to speak for her; a trait she despised in most men, made even more infuriating when her Uncle did it. She was quite capable of speaking for herself. As the most vocal of the sisters and in some ways the most head-strong, speaking her mind had never been a problem. Perhaps that was exactly why he spoke.. Because he knew that about her.
A flash of annoyance crossed her features and she stepped back from her betrothed; folding her hands in front of her. Whatever this day was, it was clear it was not for them. Not surrounded by the company being kept. She looked around for her sisters; something familiar to cling to. But her mother spoke up. “Yes, well… now that we’re all caught up.. We should be going. We have a strict schedule to keep, after all..”
Theo thought about grasping for Selene for half a second to have her go with her, but Achilleas took her hand and wrapped it into the crook of his arm instead before he escorted her to the waiting litter that was sitting on the ground in anticipation for her. She glanced back at Emilios as Achilleas told her how ridiculous everything seemed. She offered him a short smirk before he handed her off to her mother as the whole thing was ridiculous.
After sitting, her mother sorted out her skirts to be the most presentable and had her lean back in the cushioned pillows that rested atop the plush seat. It was hot and the silk was cloying. For the life of her she couldn’t understand why they didn’t just ride horses. The Leventi’s were known far and wide for their horse stock. In her estimation, it would only further their notoriety to have both she and Achilleas on some of their finest. If she had any say in any of this, none of it would have been done like this.
With a frustrated sigh, she slouched back in the litter and her mother tsked; raising Theo’s chin and pushing her shoulders back. “Don’t slouch dear.. You’re a Leventi. Sit up.. Show your pride.” ...Except that Theo didn’t feel very prideful at the moment. The last thing she wanted to be doing was riding down a hill on a slave drawn litter to ask the Gods to marry a man she didn’t want to marry while the man she loved stood beside them. The whole thing was some cosmic joke; some cruel ploy played by the Gods.
Finally draped in flowers and looking like some kind of ornamental shrine with a golden jeweled headpiece placed over her veil, her mother was appeased with her daughter's appearance and stepped away from the litter; motioning with her hand for the slaves to lift it to their shoulders. Despite what some might think, the act was anything but smooth and Theo gripped the sides of the ornate cart to keep from toppling out. Her mother leaned passed the slaves and made a few final adjustments; pushing her dress off her leg to show the long, lean shape of her thigh. Theo immediately widened her eyes and stared down at her; pushing the dress back. “Mother!”
The woman doubled down and pushed it off again; leveling a glare at her. “Hush, girl. You are a Leventi.. Admired by the people for your beauty and allure. You have a role to play. The people want to see you for what you are and you will show them. You will make them love you because in doing so you further our name.” Her steely green eyes glared at her; daring her to defy her. Theo set her jaw; her face blushing a deep crimson… but she didn’t touch her dress again. Instead, she turned away. A lump formed in her throat that made it hard to breathe but she wouldn’t cry. Even with as angry and frustrated as she was, she wouldn’t let anyone see her cry.. The only one who’d ever seen such a thing was standing behind his brother; at a loss for words, apparently, as he watched the spectacle while doing nothing to stop it.
What had he been doing?? She’d PROMISED him she would do everything in her power to stop things and short of appealing to the king himself, she had; risking her relationship with her father and left mortified in front of her uncle, she’d fought for him. What had he done for her? Here she was; a pretty piece atop a golden bed; offered up to the Gods and Achilleas and the people of Vasiliadon like a fattened calf and he walked behind it all with upturned hands.
And for the first time in their relationship.. Since she accepted him for who he was, she began to doubt.
Whatever resolve she’d had in following her mother out was quickly crumbling under the weight of her uncle as he appeared. No sooner had she opened her mouth to inform Achilleas about her father’s health had the man stepped forward to speak for her; a trait she despised in most men, made even more infuriating when her Uncle did it. She was quite capable of speaking for herself. As the most vocal of the sisters and in some ways the most head-strong, speaking her mind had never been a problem. Perhaps that was exactly why he spoke.. Because he knew that about her.
A flash of annoyance crossed her features and she stepped back from her betrothed; folding her hands in front of her. Whatever this day was, it was clear it was not for them. Not surrounded by the company being kept. She looked around for her sisters; something familiar to cling to. But her mother spoke up. “Yes, well… now that we’re all caught up.. We should be going. We have a strict schedule to keep, after all..”
Theo thought about grasping for Selene for half a second to have her go with her, but Achilleas took her hand and wrapped it into the crook of his arm instead before he escorted her to the waiting litter that was sitting on the ground in anticipation for her. She glanced back at Emilios as Achilleas told her how ridiculous everything seemed. She offered him a short smirk before he handed her off to her mother as the whole thing was ridiculous.
After sitting, her mother sorted out her skirts to be the most presentable and had her lean back in the cushioned pillows that rested atop the plush seat. It was hot and the silk was cloying. For the life of her she couldn’t understand why they didn’t just ride horses. The Leventi’s were known far and wide for their horse stock. In her estimation, it would only further their notoriety to have both she and Achilleas on some of their finest. If she had any say in any of this, none of it would have been done like this.
With a frustrated sigh, she slouched back in the litter and her mother tsked; raising Theo’s chin and pushing her shoulders back. “Don’t slouch dear.. You’re a Leventi. Sit up.. Show your pride.” ...Except that Theo didn’t feel very prideful at the moment. The last thing she wanted to be doing was riding down a hill on a slave drawn litter to ask the Gods to marry a man she didn’t want to marry while the man she loved stood beside them. The whole thing was some cosmic joke; some cruel ploy played by the Gods.
Finally draped in flowers and looking like some kind of ornamental shrine with a golden jeweled headpiece placed over her veil, her mother was appeased with her daughter's appearance and stepped away from the litter; motioning with her hand for the slaves to lift it to their shoulders. Despite what some might think, the act was anything but smooth and Theo gripped the sides of the ornate cart to keep from toppling out. Her mother leaned passed the slaves and made a few final adjustments; pushing her dress off her leg to show the long, lean shape of her thigh. Theo immediately widened her eyes and stared down at her; pushing the dress back. “Mother!”
The woman doubled down and pushed it off again; leveling a glare at her. “Hush, girl. You are a Leventi.. Admired by the people for your beauty and allure. You have a role to play. The people want to see you for what you are and you will show them. You will make them love you because in doing so you further our name.” Her steely green eyes glared at her; daring her to defy her. Theo set her jaw; her face blushing a deep crimson… but she didn’t touch her dress again. Instead, she turned away. A lump formed in her throat that made it hard to breathe but she wouldn’t cry. Even with as angry and frustrated as she was, she wouldn’t let anyone see her cry.. The only one who’d ever seen such a thing was standing behind his brother; at a loss for words, apparently, as he watched the spectacle while doing nothing to stop it.
What had he been doing?? She’d PROMISED him she would do everything in her power to stop things and short of appealing to the king himself, she had; risking her relationship with her father and left mortified in front of her uncle, she’d fought for him. What had he done for her? Here she was; a pretty piece atop a golden bed; offered up to the Gods and Achilleas and the people of Vasiliadon like a fattened calf and he walked behind it all with upturned hands.
And for the first time in their relationship.. Since she accepted him for who he was, she began to doubt.
Emilios didn’t like to play the shadow. His whole life, that had been the role designed for him, to stand by and let his brother shine while he hid in the background. It was never a role he did well with. He made a point to push himself to be better than him, to find ways to be the best at something he brother floundered at. And Achilleas had embraced his need to be better, had supported him in his efforts.
Damn him for being the better man.
Now, being the shadow in his brother’s parade didn’t seem like a bad idea. Deals had been made, and he had made his bed-- now he was lying in it. So he stood behind his brother, keeping abnormally silent. The man was known for his quick rebuttals, his witty and highly inappropriate comments. Today, dressed in blue so black it matched his mood, Emilios was fully accepting his fate and knew that eventually, Theo would have to as well.
He refused to hang his head in shame in front of her family. Even though her mother seemed to be watching him with a cautious eye as if she was waiting for him to make a move that would jeopardize the marriage. He wondered how long it would be before Georgios called on him to explain himself unless Fotios already had appeased his brother and sister in law on his intentions. The best he could hope for was a comfortable acceptance of the situation.
This was going to make life fucking awkward if nothing else.
He tried his best not to stare at Theo as she made her way out. It was even harder not to feel the jealousy rising up in him. He struggled to push it down, to think about any other than how beautiful she looked. And how she should have been his. How he had betrayed her by accepting Fotios terms with ones of his own. How he was playing with fire that would burn them all.
At his father’s insistence, he stepped forward and plastered a smile on his face. Emilios waited for direction from Achilleas, knowing that he would want to be the one to assist. He knew that she felt betrayed by him, and that would only get worse as information came out. But, in his heart of hearts, he knew he’d done it for the right reasons. Protect her, protect her family, and live with the consequences of his actions later. He wanted to do more, wanted to be more for her.
She wouldn’t know what he’d done for her family. He'd bear the brunt of her anger, would work to heal her hurt once she knew. Right now, they both had a duty to fulfill. Even if they both were going to break in the process.
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Emilios didn’t like to play the shadow. His whole life, that had been the role designed for him, to stand by and let his brother shine while he hid in the background. It was never a role he did well with. He made a point to push himself to be better than him, to find ways to be the best at something he brother floundered at. And Achilleas had embraced his need to be better, had supported him in his efforts.
Damn him for being the better man.
Now, being the shadow in his brother’s parade didn’t seem like a bad idea. Deals had been made, and he had made his bed-- now he was lying in it. So he stood behind his brother, keeping abnormally silent. The man was known for his quick rebuttals, his witty and highly inappropriate comments. Today, dressed in blue so black it matched his mood, Emilios was fully accepting his fate and knew that eventually, Theo would have to as well.
He refused to hang his head in shame in front of her family. Even though her mother seemed to be watching him with a cautious eye as if she was waiting for him to make a move that would jeopardize the marriage. He wondered how long it would be before Georgios called on him to explain himself unless Fotios already had appeased his brother and sister in law on his intentions. The best he could hope for was a comfortable acceptance of the situation.
This was going to make life fucking awkward if nothing else.
He tried his best not to stare at Theo as she made her way out. It was even harder not to feel the jealousy rising up in him. He struggled to push it down, to think about any other than how beautiful she looked. And how she should have been his. How he had betrayed her by accepting Fotios terms with ones of his own. How he was playing with fire that would burn them all.
At his father’s insistence, he stepped forward and plastered a smile on his face. Emilios waited for direction from Achilleas, knowing that he would want to be the one to assist. He knew that she felt betrayed by him, and that would only get worse as information came out. But, in his heart of hearts, he knew he’d done it for the right reasons. Protect her, protect her family, and live with the consequences of his actions later. He wanted to do more, wanted to be more for her.
She wouldn’t know what he’d done for her family. He'd bear the brunt of her anger, would work to heal her hurt once she knew. Right now, they both had a duty to fulfill. Even if they both were going to break in the process.
Emilios didn’t like to play the shadow. His whole life, that had been the role designed for him, to stand by and let his brother shine while he hid in the background. It was never a role he did well with. He made a point to push himself to be better than him, to find ways to be the best at something he brother floundered at. And Achilleas had embraced his need to be better, had supported him in his efforts.
Damn him for being the better man.
Now, being the shadow in his brother’s parade didn’t seem like a bad idea. Deals had been made, and he had made his bed-- now he was lying in it. So he stood behind his brother, keeping abnormally silent. The man was known for his quick rebuttals, his witty and highly inappropriate comments. Today, dressed in blue so black it matched his mood, Emilios was fully accepting his fate and knew that eventually, Theo would have to as well.
He refused to hang his head in shame in front of her family. Even though her mother seemed to be watching him with a cautious eye as if she was waiting for him to make a move that would jeopardize the marriage. He wondered how long it would be before Georgios called on him to explain himself unless Fotios already had appeased his brother and sister in law on his intentions. The best he could hope for was a comfortable acceptance of the situation.
This was going to make life fucking awkward if nothing else.
He tried his best not to stare at Theo as she made her way out. It was even harder not to feel the jealousy rising up in him. He struggled to push it down, to think about any other than how beautiful she looked. And how she should have been his. How he had betrayed her by accepting Fotios terms with ones of his own. How he was playing with fire that would burn them all.
At his father’s insistence, he stepped forward and plastered a smile on his face. Emilios waited for direction from Achilleas, knowing that he would want to be the one to assist. He knew that she felt betrayed by him, and that would only get worse as information came out. But, in his heart of hearts, he knew he’d done it for the right reasons. Protect her, protect her family, and live with the consequences of his actions later. He wanted to do more, wanted to be more for her.
She wouldn’t know what he’d done for her family. He'd bear the brunt of her anger, would work to heal her hurt once she knew. Right now, they both had a duty to fulfill. Even if they both were going to break in the process.
Evangelina was relishing the moment of simply existing in the background. Over the last weeks, her life had completely shaken up, changed, rearranged, and relocated. Maybe it was progress, but Evie wasn’t sure she wanted this sort of progress. The pint-size Leventi was hardly a creature of change. She liked the security that routines brought her. She liked knowing what to expect. It gave her a sense of control that she didn’t have when every step she took was deeper into the unknown.
Between the upcoming temple tour with Theodora and Achilleas and her uncle Georgios sudden illness, Evie had tried to put off the inevitable but Fotios had been quite insistent. There would be no returning to her father’s estate, at least not right now. Sometimes, you just knew that you’d started down a path that was going to lead you further and further away from the things you wanted in your life. Taking a deep breath, she pushed those thoughts out of her mind. They weren’t helping her and as the case with this, often the things that weren’t helping you were hurting you. Maybe during this temple tour, she’d make peace with the changes.
The entire entourage on the tour would be under the watchful eyes of all of society. It was imperative to project a certain image. That meant Evangelina’s morning had started earlier than usual. Scrubbed clean that morning within an inch of her life, Evangelina had followed Nana’s beauty regiment. Everything had gone smoothly until Byrony had started the plucking of hair. Taming and shaping her eyebrows. It had resulted in almost an hour of yelping, whimpering, and various combinations of the two. Face oils, pinkened lip waxes, and the Lily-of-the-Valley scented oil that she and Agape had picked out several days ago had been applied. The crushed charcoal used lightly around her large, dark doe eyes.
Her chestnut brown hair had been trimmed several days ago and curled that morning before tying it loosely and leaving it in a low ponytail over her shoulder. The vivid, peacock blue voile linen chiton was light and airy but wouldn’t be ruined if any of her mishaps were to happen. The combination of the fabric draping over her and the silver silk taenia girdle further accented the lithe softness of her frame. Aside from the silver hair ring that held her ponytail together over her shoulder the only other jewelry she wore were a pair of peacock feathers that had been crafted into earrings. It seemed fitting, they were celebrating the future marriage of Theodora… it was only fair to pay a bit of homage to Hera in this tour.
Staying back, she passed a small look to Theo as her cousin climbed into the litter. Change wasn’t easy for any of them. Theo had an ally should she need one. Ducking her chin and lowering her eyes, she refused to spare a glance at her uncle. Her jaw clenched at that moment she wouldn’t have minded if he’d take a long walk off of a short ledge. Sideways, she took a moment to glance at Prince Irakles and his sons. They look like him. Pursing her lips, she wondered if it was just her or if there wasn’t a bit of tension in all of this. This was going to be a long tour if it wasn’t just her that was feeling a bit of the tension. Gods, this was setting up to be a beautiful disaster.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Evangelina was relishing the moment of simply existing in the background. Over the last weeks, her life had completely shaken up, changed, rearranged, and relocated. Maybe it was progress, but Evie wasn’t sure she wanted this sort of progress. The pint-size Leventi was hardly a creature of change. She liked the security that routines brought her. She liked knowing what to expect. It gave her a sense of control that she didn’t have when every step she took was deeper into the unknown.
Between the upcoming temple tour with Theodora and Achilleas and her uncle Georgios sudden illness, Evie had tried to put off the inevitable but Fotios had been quite insistent. There would be no returning to her father’s estate, at least not right now. Sometimes, you just knew that you’d started down a path that was going to lead you further and further away from the things you wanted in your life. Taking a deep breath, she pushed those thoughts out of her mind. They weren’t helping her and as the case with this, often the things that weren’t helping you were hurting you. Maybe during this temple tour, she’d make peace with the changes.
The entire entourage on the tour would be under the watchful eyes of all of society. It was imperative to project a certain image. That meant Evangelina’s morning had started earlier than usual. Scrubbed clean that morning within an inch of her life, Evangelina had followed Nana’s beauty regiment. Everything had gone smoothly until Byrony had started the plucking of hair. Taming and shaping her eyebrows. It had resulted in almost an hour of yelping, whimpering, and various combinations of the two. Face oils, pinkened lip waxes, and the Lily-of-the-Valley scented oil that she and Agape had picked out several days ago had been applied. The crushed charcoal used lightly around her large, dark doe eyes.
Her chestnut brown hair had been trimmed several days ago and curled that morning before tying it loosely and leaving it in a low ponytail over her shoulder. The vivid, peacock blue voile linen chiton was light and airy but wouldn’t be ruined if any of her mishaps were to happen. The combination of the fabric draping over her and the silver silk taenia girdle further accented the lithe softness of her frame. Aside from the silver hair ring that held her ponytail together over her shoulder the only other jewelry she wore were a pair of peacock feathers that had been crafted into earrings. It seemed fitting, they were celebrating the future marriage of Theodora… it was only fair to pay a bit of homage to Hera in this tour.
Staying back, she passed a small look to Theo as her cousin climbed into the litter. Change wasn’t easy for any of them. Theo had an ally should she need one. Ducking her chin and lowering her eyes, she refused to spare a glance at her uncle. Her jaw clenched at that moment she wouldn’t have minded if he’d take a long walk off of a short ledge. Sideways, she took a moment to glance at Prince Irakles and his sons. They look like him. Pursing her lips, she wondered if it was just her or if there wasn’t a bit of tension in all of this. This was going to be a long tour if it wasn’t just her that was feeling a bit of the tension. Gods, this was setting up to be a beautiful disaster.
Evangelina was relishing the moment of simply existing in the background. Over the last weeks, her life had completely shaken up, changed, rearranged, and relocated. Maybe it was progress, but Evie wasn’t sure she wanted this sort of progress. The pint-size Leventi was hardly a creature of change. She liked the security that routines brought her. She liked knowing what to expect. It gave her a sense of control that she didn’t have when every step she took was deeper into the unknown.
Between the upcoming temple tour with Theodora and Achilleas and her uncle Georgios sudden illness, Evie had tried to put off the inevitable but Fotios had been quite insistent. There would be no returning to her father’s estate, at least not right now. Sometimes, you just knew that you’d started down a path that was going to lead you further and further away from the things you wanted in your life. Taking a deep breath, she pushed those thoughts out of her mind. They weren’t helping her and as the case with this, often the things that weren’t helping you were hurting you. Maybe during this temple tour, she’d make peace with the changes.
The entire entourage on the tour would be under the watchful eyes of all of society. It was imperative to project a certain image. That meant Evangelina’s morning had started earlier than usual. Scrubbed clean that morning within an inch of her life, Evangelina had followed Nana’s beauty regiment. Everything had gone smoothly until Byrony had started the plucking of hair. Taming and shaping her eyebrows. It had resulted in almost an hour of yelping, whimpering, and various combinations of the two. Face oils, pinkened lip waxes, and the Lily-of-the-Valley scented oil that she and Agape had picked out several days ago had been applied. The crushed charcoal used lightly around her large, dark doe eyes.
Her chestnut brown hair had been trimmed several days ago and curled that morning before tying it loosely and leaving it in a low ponytail over her shoulder. The vivid, peacock blue voile linen chiton was light and airy but wouldn’t be ruined if any of her mishaps were to happen. The combination of the fabric draping over her and the silver silk taenia girdle further accented the lithe softness of her frame. Aside from the silver hair ring that held her ponytail together over her shoulder the only other jewelry she wore were a pair of peacock feathers that had been crafted into earrings. It seemed fitting, they were celebrating the future marriage of Theodora… it was only fair to pay a bit of homage to Hera in this tour.
Staying back, she passed a small look to Theo as her cousin climbed into the litter. Change wasn’t easy for any of them. Theo had an ally should she need one. Ducking her chin and lowering her eyes, she refused to spare a glance at her uncle. Her jaw clenched at that moment she wouldn’t have minded if he’d take a long walk off of a short ledge. Sideways, she took a moment to glance at Prince Irakles and his sons. They look like him. Pursing her lips, she wondered if it was just her or if there wasn’t a bit of tension in all of this. This was going to be a long tour if it wasn’t just her that was feeling a bit of the tension. Gods, this was setting up to be a beautiful disaster.
When the answer to the question he asked of Theo came from her uncle rather than the lips of the lady herself, Achilleas grimaced for an instant, but didn't otherwise acknowledge the older man right away, still waiting for Theo to speak. At the sound of her uncle’s voice so clear and so close behind him when Fotios greeted his father, the smile that Achilleas had for Theo grew strained about the edges.
Too many men treated their servants and slaves as commodities rather than human beings, and that was not the kind of man Achilleas wanted to be. Partly because of the way his father had treated him growing up, Achilleas was a firm believer in treating those who served under him with both kindness and compassion. He didn’t do it to make them like him, but because he believed it was the right thing to do. That his people for the most part happy to serve him was simply a bonus for the young nobleman.
Inclining his head in response when the older man bowed, Achilleas bit back his quick instinctive impulse to tell Fotios that bowing wasn’t necessary. As someone who saw himself as a warrior first and a noble second, Achilleas had never been one to stand much on ceremony. But when it came to Theo, and Theo alone, Achilleas was willing, nay eager to make an exception.
Stepping forward as his betrothed’s mother urged her towards the waiting litter. “May I?” He asked, then without waiting for an answer took Theo’s hand, tucked it into the crook of his elbow, walking her towards the litter. Tilting his head towards her so his whispered words wouldn’t be over heard he breathed, “Rather overdone isn’t it? I’d much rather ride one of the horses I bought from your family that in one of those… things.” He gave a mock shudder, releasing her reluctantly to her mother’s care.
“Theodora always takes my breath away.” He said sending her a quick smile, missing the way her uncle’s gaze shifted to Emilios, since once Achilleas turned his attention to his intended bride he kept it on her, not bothering to look at Fotios. Not even when he answered the question about Theo’s attractiveness.
Achilleas helped the other women into their transportation, since no one else stepped forward to do so. Once each and every lady was safely seated, did he turn away towards his own ‘ride.” Passing Emilios, Achilleas smiled, clapping his brother’s shoulder and thanking him for all his brother had done to help him prepare for this day. He turned towards his own litter, thinking rather desperately of his soon to be wife in an attempt to keep the utter loathing he felt for riding in one off his face. He paused ever so briefly before he climbed into it and settled himself against the cushions, feeling like a fool.
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This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
When the answer to the question he asked of Theo came from her uncle rather than the lips of the lady herself, Achilleas grimaced for an instant, but didn't otherwise acknowledge the older man right away, still waiting for Theo to speak. At the sound of her uncle’s voice so clear and so close behind him when Fotios greeted his father, the smile that Achilleas had for Theo grew strained about the edges.
Too many men treated their servants and slaves as commodities rather than human beings, and that was not the kind of man Achilleas wanted to be. Partly because of the way his father had treated him growing up, Achilleas was a firm believer in treating those who served under him with both kindness and compassion. He didn’t do it to make them like him, but because he believed it was the right thing to do. That his people for the most part happy to serve him was simply a bonus for the young nobleman.
Inclining his head in response when the older man bowed, Achilleas bit back his quick instinctive impulse to tell Fotios that bowing wasn’t necessary. As someone who saw himself as a warrior first and a noble second, Achilleas had never been one to stand much on ceremony. But when it came to Theo, and Theo alone, Achilleas was willing, nay eager to make an exception.
Stepping forward as his betrothed’s mother urged her towards the waiting litter. “May I?” He asked, then without waiting for an answer took Theo’s hand, tucked it into the crook of his elbow, walking her towards the litter. Tilting his head towards her so his whispered words wouldn’t be over heard he breathed, “Rather overdone isn’t it? I’d much rather ride one of the horses I bought from your family that in one of those… things.” He gave a mock shudder, releasing her reluctantly to her mother’s care.
“Theodora always takes my breath away.” He said sending her a quick smile, missing the way her uncle’s gaze shifted to Emilios, since once Achilleas turned his attention to his intended bride he kept it on her, not bothering to look at Fotios. Not even when he answered the question about Theo’s attractiveness.
Achilleas helped the other women into their transportation, since no one else stepped forward to do so. Once each and every lady was safely seated, did he turn away towards his own ‘ride.” Passing Emilios, Achilleas smiled, clapping his brother’s shoulder and thanking him for all his brother had done to help him prepare for this day. He turned towards his own litter, thinking rather desperately of his soon to be wife in an attempt to keep the utter loathing he felt for riding in one off his face. He paused ever so briefly before he climbed into it and settled himself against the cushions, feeling like a fool.
When the answer to the question he asked of Theo came from her uncle rather than the lips of the lady herself, Achilleas grimaced for an instant, but didn't otherwise acknowledge the older man right away, still waiting for Theo to speak. At the sound of her uncle’s voice so clear and so close behind him when Fotios greeted his father, the smile that Achilleas had for Theo grew strained about the edges.
Too many men treated their servants and slaves as commodities rather than human beings, and that was not the kind of man Achilleas wanted to be. Partly because of the way his father had treated him growing up, Achilleas was a firm believer in treating those who served under him with both kindness and compassion. He didn’t do it to make them like him, but because he believed it was the right thing to do. That his people for the most part happy to serve him was simply a bonus for the young nobleman.
Inclining his head in response when the older man bowed, Achilleas bit back his quick instinctive impulse to tell Fotios that bowing wasn’t necessary. As someone who saw himself as a warrior first and a noble second, Achilleas had never been one to stand much on ceremony. But when it came to Theo, and Theo alone, Achilleas was willing, nay eager to make an exception.
Stepping forward as his betrothed’s mother urged her towards the waiting litter. “May I?” He asked, then without waiting for an answer took Theo’s hand, tucked it into the crook of his elbow, walking her towards the litter. Tilting his head towards her so his whispered words wouldn’t be over heard he breathed, “Rather overdone isn’t it? I’d much rather ride one of the horses I bought from your family that in one of those… things.” He gave a mock shudder, releasing her reluctantly to her mother’s care.
“Theodora always takes my breath away.” He said sending her a quick smile, missing the way her uncle’s gaze shifted to Emilios, since once Achilleas turned his attention to his intended bride he kept it on her, not bothering to look at Fotios. Not even when he answered the question about Theo’s attractiveness.
Achilleas helped the other women into their transportation, since no one else stepped forward to do so. Once each and every lady was safely seated, did he turn away towards his own ‘ride.” Passing Emilios, Achilleas smiled, clapping his brother’s shoulder and thanking him for all his brother had done to help him prepare for this day. He turned towards his own litter, thinking rather desperately of his soon to be wife in an attempt to keep the utter loathing he felt for riding in one off his face. He paused ever so briefly before he climbed into it and settled himself against the cushions, feeling like a fool.
Nana carefully chewed on her bottom lip, so the balm coating her lips wouldn't stain the lower edge of her teeth. The lip balm presented an attractive pale pink color that added a shimmering gloss to her lips, and a bitter taste as well. In spite of the putrid taste, the lady took each step in sheer confidence with one arm linked around her younger sister Imma's and the other swaying at her side. She attempted to take a moment to look upon each of crowd faces, avoiding the style of their clothing for her face would fall if she did so, thus losing the admiration of the public that adored her- no, adored Theodora and her betrothed. Chuffed about being unable to recognize any face in the crowd, she turned over to her younger sister. By their mother's demand, both Nana and Imma wore white garbs in contrast to Theo's pink gown, to display their 'purity', she recalled. Unfortunately one of Imma's paintbrushes left an orange blot on the left side of her dress, despite receiving a himation to cover the oppressive smear, the paint attached to the linen in an unlucky manner. With no time nor patience to deal with the matter, Lady Evelli made the second youngest link her arms with the careless painter and demanded that they stay that way for the duration of the tour until there was time for a wardrobe change. They both hated the idea but were able to make the most of it for the Taengean people. Both girls were all smiles externally, whilst internally they suffered: for Imma was incapable of moving her arm, and Nana couldn't wear anything besides the color white.
Theodora's stunning appearance and Evangelina's compliance were pluses to the entire tour. The shallow Leventi lived vicariously through her elder sister in regards to the golden jewelry she wore and the glamorous litter both her and their mother climbed into, oh how utterly lucky her sister was to marry someone in power that could provide her with such a method of transportation! Marriage seldom entered Nana's mind, but looking at Theo made her wish- only for a split second, that she had a betrothed or a husband to place her in ravishing litters and possibly worship the ground she walked on. She couldn't help but pity both of her and Pia for being in love, for apparently bethrothal is equivalent to love according to Nana. Love was selfish, it acquired doing everything for a significant other including rejection of one's hygiene. Her and her cousin Evie fell for Nikos of Condos in their youth, a dreadful time that consisted of gazinging longingly at him and trying to impress him with their horseback riding. She 'loved' Lord Nikos no longer and she was all the more thankful of it, couldn't say the same for dear Evie though. Evie was a stubborn one, too stubborn for her own liking. It took hours to sit the lively woman down and pretty her up, alas it wasn't in vain. Save for the horse that muddled all of Nana's hard work, the woman still looked more than decent.
The men looked dashing as well, not that the lady of twenty one year's spared a glance or two in their directions. With the exception of Prince Irakles, the men wore blue that looked a stark black chitons that complimented them rather well. Lord Achilleas on the other hand needed a stern talking too! Who would wear something so plain on an important tour...?
A glance down at her simple chiton with little to no added accessory screamed hypocrisy and her thoughts on the matter abruptly ended before it even begun.
Before any criticism of her outfit took hold, a small startled gasp interfered. Annoyed, she eyed it's owner.
"What?"
The startled one's eyes widened, directed towards a bare leg hanging from Theo's littler. Nana wanted to dismiss it for their mother who quickly let herself go after their father's illness, but the pale pink dress slip gave it away. Imma adored Theo, always tailing behind her wherever she went and even going as far as to copy her mannerisms when she was younger. It came as a surprise to both for the action, whilst Imma was in shock, Nana was the mere opposite.
So bold! The naive Leventi gasped in admiration, the corners of her mouth lifting with the utmost of pride. Her hand flew to her chest as her walking quickened so She could get a closer look. "She is so-- bold! Gods, I may need to breath-" Her brief celebration halted with a hard yank and a disappointed yet loud whisper from the youngest female at her side.
"No, she's nothing like this. This is so embarrassing! This is absurd, I need to talk to her-"
Nana countered Imma's disdain with a quicker yank of their linked arms, squeezing hers so She stayed put. "Imma, Imma dearest," A soothing tone lingered in her hushed voice, Her mouth inching towards her ear, the smile extending to the side in hopes of anyone watching assumed that they were gossiping. It looked as if the older sister took pleasure in upcoming words, but she was aware of how the aspiring painter looked up to their headstrong sister. Also, she'd be caught dead if Imma rushed past the princes and other important figures with a large orange paint smear at the side of her white chiton! "Theo is a girl no longer, if I were her I wouldn't even speak to you anymore because you're not accustomed to the gifts Aphrodite gave to us. Now stay here and let her live her best life."
It was harsh, too harsh. But it did the trick; with a few glances over to the litter, the girl of sixteen took a deep breath and pursed her lips together in an effort to remain silent.
Leaning away from her, Nana chuckled as if she told a mildly humorous joke. Reaching over to pat her sister's shoulder in comfort, she almost wanted to eat her words whole. Her mission was accomplished though, so she strode along with the others with an inflated sense of pride for Theo.
Lord Emilios looked rather sorrowful all by his lonesome, and it was a sad sight to see. Assuming anyone he knew were further or near the litter, she extended her free arm and slid it under Evie's. "Evie~!" Nana sung, delighted to see her cousin, like she hasn't seen her since hours before. "Don't you think the Lord Emilios is looking quite... under the weather~? Why don't you go talk to him? You both look bizarre and hopeless by yourselves, so why not be so together? For now anyway.~"
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Nana carefully chewed on her bottom lip, so the balm coating her lips wouldn't stain the lower edge of her teeth. The lip balm presented an attractive pale pink color that added a shimmering gloss to her lips, and a bitter taste as well. In spite of the putrid taste, the lady took each step in sheer confidence with one arm linked around her younger sister Imma's and the other swaying at her side. She attempted to take a moment to look upon each of crowd faces, avoiding the style of their clothing for her face would fall if she did so, thus losing the admiration of the public that adored her- no, adored Theodora and her betrothed. Chuffed about being unable to recognize any face in the crowd, she turned over to her younger sister. By their mother's demand, both Nana and Imma wore white garbs in contrast to Theo's pink gown, to display their 'purity', she recalled. Unfortunately one of Imma's paintbrushes left an orange blot on the left side of her dress, despite receiving a himation to cover the oppressive smear, the paint attached to the linen in an unlucky manner. With no time nor patience to deal with the matter, Lady Evelli made the second youngest link her arms with the careless painter and demanded that they stay that way for the duration of the tour until there was time for a wardrobe change. They both hated the idea but were able to make the most of it for the Taengean people. Both girls were all smiles externally, whilst internally they suffered: for Imma was incapable of moving her arm, and Nana couldn't wear anything besides the color white.
Theodora's stunning appearance and Evangelina's compliance were pluses to the entire tour. The shallow Leventi lived vicariously through her elder sister in regards to the golden jewelry she wore and the glamorous litter both her and their mother climbed into, oh how utterly lucky her sister was to marry someone in power that could provide her with such a method of transportation! Marriage seldom entered Nana's mind, but looking at Theo made her wish- only for a split second, that she had a betrothed or a husband to place her in ravishing litters and possibly worship the ground she walked on. She couldn't help but pity both of her and Pia for being in love, for apparently bethrothal is equivalent to love according to Nana. Love was selfish, it acquired doing everything for a significant other including rejection of one's hygiene. Her and her cousin Evie fell for Nikos of Condos in their youth, a dreadful time that consisted of gazinging longingly at him and trying to impress him with their horseback riding. She 'loved' Lord Nikos no longer and she was all the more thankful of it, couldn't say the same for dear Evie though. Evie was a stubborn one, too stubborn for her own liking. It took hours to sit the lively woman down and pretty her up, alas it wasn't in vain. Save for the horse that muddled all of Nana's hard work, the woman still looked more than decent.
The men looked dashing as well, not that the lady of twenty one year's spared a glance or two in their directions. With the exception of Prince Irakles, the men wore blue that looked a stark black chitons that complimented them rather well. Lord Achilleas on the other hand needed a stern talking too! Who would wear something so plain on an important tour...?
A glance down at her simple chiton with little to no added accessory screamed hypocrisy and her thoughts on the matter abruptly ended before it even begun.
Before any criticism of her outfit took hold, a small startled gasp interfered. Annoyed, she eyed it's owner.
"What?"
The startled one's eyes widened, directed towards a bare leg hanging from Theo's littler. Nana wanted to dismiss it for their mother who quickly let herself go after their father's illness, but the pale pink dress slip gave it away. Imma adored Theo, always tailing behind her wherever she went and even going as far as to copy her mannerisms when she was younger. It came as a surprise to both for the action, whilst Imma was in shock, Nana was the mere opposite.
So bold! The naive Leventi gasped in admiration, the corners of her mouth lifting with the utmost of pride. Her hand flew to her chest as her walking quickened so She could get a closer look. "She is so-- bold! Gods, I may need to breath-" Her brief celebration halted with a hard yank and a disappointed yet loud whisper from the youngest female at her side.
"No, she's nothing like this. This is so embarrassing! This is absurd, I need to talk to her-"
Nana countered Imma's disdain with a quicker yank of their linked arms, squeezing hers so She stayed put. "Imma, Imma dearest," A soothing tone lingered in her hushed voice, Her mouth inching towards her ear, the smile extending to the side in hopes of anyone watching assumed that they were gossiping. It looked as if the older sister took pleasure in upcoming words, but she was aware of how the aspiring painter looked up to their headstrong sister. Also, she'd be caught dead if Imma rushed past the princes and other important figures with a large orange paint smear at the side of her white chiton! "Theo is a girl no longer, if I were her I wouldn't even speak to you anymore because you're not accustomed to the gifts Aphrodite gave to us. Now stay here and let her live her best life."
It was harsh, too harsh. But it did the trick; with a few glances over to the litter, the girl of sixteen took a deep breath and pursed her lips together in an effort to remain silent.
Leaning away from her, Nana chuckled as if she told a mildly humorous joke. Reaching over to pat her sister's shoulder in comfort, she almost wanted to eat her words whole. Her mission was accomplished though, so she strode along with the others with an inflated sense of pride for Theo.
Lord Emilios looked rather sorrowful all by his lonesome, and it was a sad sight to see. Assuming anyone he knew were further or near the litter, she extended her free arm and slid it under Evie's. "Evie~!" Nana sung, delighted to see her cousin, like she hasn't seen her since hours before. "Don't you think the Lord Emilios is looking quite... under the weather~? Why don't you go talk to him? You both look bizarre and hopeless by yourselves, so why not be so together? For now anyway.~"
Nana carefully chewed on her bottom lip, so the balm coating her lips wouldn't stain the lower edge of her teeth. The lip balm presented an attractive pale pink color that added a shimmering gloss to her lips, and a bitter taste as well. In spite of the putrid taste, the lady took each step in sheer confidence with one arm linked around her younger sister Imma's and the other swaying at her side. She attempted to take a moment to look upon each of crowd faces, avoiding the style of their clothing for her face would fall if she did so, thus losing the admiration of the public that adored her- no, adored Theodora and her betrothed. Chuffed about being unable to recognize any face in the crowd, she turned over to her younger sister. By their mother's demand, both Nana and Imma wore white garbs in contrast to Theo's pink gown, to display their 'purity', she recalled. Unfortunately one of Imma's paintbrushes left an orange blot on the left side of her dress, despite receiving a himation to cover the oppressive smear, the paint attached to the linen in an unlucky manner. With no time nor patience to deal with the matter, Lady Evelli made the second youngest link her arms with the careless painter and demanded that they stay that way for the duration of the tour until there was time for a wardrobe change. They both hated the idea but were able to make the most of it for the Taengean people. Both girls were all smiles externally, whilst internally they suffered: for Imma was incapable of moving her arm, and Nana couldn't wear anything besides the color white.
Theodora's stunning appearance and Evangelina's compliance were pluses to the entire tour. The shallow Leventi lived vicariously through her elder sister in regards to the golden jewelry she wore and the glamorous litter both her and their mother climbed into, oh how utterly lucky her sister was to marry someone in power that could provide her with such a method of transportation! Marriage seldom entered Nana's mind, but looking at Theo made her wish- only for a split second, that she had a betrothed or a husband to place her in ravishing litters and possibly worship the ground she walked on. She couldn't help but pity both of her and Pia for being in love, for apparently bethrothal is equivalent to love according to Nana. Love was selfish, it acquired doing everything for a significant other including rejection of one's hygiene. Her and her cousin Evie fell for Nikos of Condos in their youth, a dreadful time that consisted of gazinging longingly at him and trying to impress him with their horseback riding. She 'loved' Lord Nikos no longer and she was all the more thankful of it, couldn't say the same for dear Evie though. Evie was a stubborn one, too stubborn for her own liking. It took hours to sit the lively woman down and pretty her up, alas it wasn't in vain. Save for the horse that muddled all of Nana's hard work, the woman still looked more than decent.
The men looked dashing as well, not that the lady of twenty one year's spared a glance or two in their directions. With the exception of Prince Irakles, the men wore blue that looked a stark black chitons that complimented them rather well. Lord Achilleas on the other hand needed a stern talking too! Who would wear something so plain on an important tour...?
A glance down at her simple chiton with little to no added accessory screamed hypocrisy and her thoughts on the matter abruptly ended before it even begun.
Before any criticism of her outfit took hold, a small startled gasp interfered. Annoyed, she eyed it's owner.
"What?"
The startled one's eyes widened, directed towards a bare leg hanging from Theo's littler. Nana wanted to dismiss it for their mother who quickly let herself go after their father's illness, but the pale pink dress slip gave it away. Imma adored Theo, always tailing behind her wherever she went and even going as far as to copy her mannerisms when she was younger. It came as a surprise to both for the action, whilst Imma was in shock, Nana was the mere opposite.
So bold! The naive Leventi gasped in admiration, the corners of her mouth lifting with the utmost of pride. Her hand flew to her chest as her walking quickened so She could get a closer look. "She is so-- bold! Gods, I may need to breath-" Her brief celebration halted with a hard yank and a disappointed yet loud whisper from the youngest female at her side.
"No, she's nothing like this. This is so embarrassing! This is absurd, I need to talk to her-"
Nana countered Imma's disdain with a quicker yank of their linked arms, squeezing hers so She stayed put. "Imma, Imma dearest," A soothing tone lingered in her hushed voice, Her mouth inching towards her ear, the smile extending to the side in hopes of anyone watching assumed that they were gossiping. It looked as if the older sister took pleasure in upcoming words, but she was aware of how the aspiring painter looked up to their headstrong sister. Also, she'd be caught dead if Imma rushed past the princes and other important figures with a large orange paint smear at the side of her white chiton! "Theo is a girl no longer, if I were her I wouldn't even speak to you anymore because you're not accustomed to the gifts Aphrodite gave to us. Now stay here and let her live her best life."
It was harsh, too harsh. But it did the trick; with a few glances over to the litter, the girl of sixteen took a deep breath and pursed her lips together in an effort to remain silent.
Leaning away from her, Nana chuckled as if she told a mildly humorous joke. Reaching over to pat her sister's shoulder in comfort, she almost wanted to eat her words whole. Her mission was accomplished though, so she strode along with the others with an inflated sense of pride for Theo.
Lord Emilios looked rather sorrowful all by his lonesome, and it was a sad sight to see. Assuming anyone he knew were further or near the litter, she extended her free arm and slid it under Evie's. "Evie~!" Nana sung, delighted to see her cousin, like she hasn't seen her since hours before. "Don't you think the Lord Emilios is looking quite... under the weather~? Why don't you go talk to him? You both look bizarre and hopeless by yourselves, so why not be so together? For now anyway.~"
It took everything in her power not to cross her arms over her chest and lean petulantly against the back of the litter. Thankfully, she wasn’t expected to wave to those who watched as a bride could come to the alter however she saw fit; either timid or welcoming of the outcome. In the few parades that were as extravagant, most of the brides looked positively put upon. Many times she and her sister's hand mentioned it; mocking the bride and ensuring themselves that on their wedding day they would be far more enthusiastic. They would at the very least smile as any arrangement they entered into would surely be mutually beneficial and cause for celebration.
How very wrong she’d been.
Theo untangled her fingertips and stared down at her hands; toying with one of the fletchings Emilios had given her. ...No, she wouldn’t be so naive as to brush it along her nose for comfort as she was fond of doing… but having at least that in the litter was something. The smell of orchids and crocus’s was cloying. Combined with the heat of the day, the jostling of the litter and the lack of food she’d eaten, they made her nauseous. Down winding hills, they traveled with people coming out from their houses to wave and enjoy the music and drums playing. She felt like a spectacle; understanding what Pia must have felt like two weeks ago at the coronation.
….But to be queen.
Finally, they made it to the first Naos of the Gods and the caravan slowed to a stop. Theo scarcely waited long enough for the litter to drop down before twisting and sliding off the side; pushing through two of the slaves who carried her to gain some semblance of fresh air lest she throw up on their grand tour. She padded several paces away from the litter and placed her hands on her hips to breath through her nose. It was most unflattering, but she couldn’t be bothered. Less flattering would be to be sick. She glanced up at the towering temple that rose above them dedicated to Ares, the God of war. It made sense that it was their first stop… after all, Achilleas prowess in battle was legendary. Tributes and sacrifices needed to be made. However, women were not often allowed to enter the temple. This being a special circumstance, she found herself curious. She’d never done well with forbidden things; always wanting to find out what was so special about them and the temple was no different.
Well….now she’d be able to find out.
Her family fell in around her; her mother pinching her cheeks to bring color back to them as they waited for Achilleas litter to be lowered to the ground so he could join them. Their one reprieve at the temples was that only the two of them would be going inside for their sacrifices and blessings. And while she’d rather be doing this a thousand times over with Emilios, she’d take Achilleas over the entire wedding party any day.
When he joined her, she placed her hand on his arm formally and stepped out of the reach of her mother so they could enter. Stairs climbed high to the front portico and she lifted her skirts so she wouldn’t trip climbing them. Upon entering the foreign temple, Theo’s eyes traveled high and wide; taking in all the rich plasterwork and reliefs carved into the marble. Priests greeted them at the door and lead them through the outer chamber. There was a statue dedicated to Ares that towered above them; gilded in gold and set upon a large marble altar that had been scrubbed clean of blood for the occasion. For the most part, the interior looked much like the other temples...but somehow the smell of blood never truly left a sacrificial area. Even as clean as the floor and alter were, the scent still permeated the interior. Theo fell slightly behind Achilleas so she could look over his shoulder at the priests as they spoke to him. They were to make a blood sacrifice; him, offering a lamb and then they would both draw their own blood to appease the God of war and gain his blessing. She wrinkled her nose behind him but said nothing. It wouldn’t due to dissent on their first temple. It would be a long day and they had many more to visit.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
It took everything in her power not to cross her arms over her chest and lean petulantly against the back of the litter. Thankfully, she wasn’t expected to wave to those who watched as a bride could come to the alter however she saw fit; either timid or welcoming of the outcome. In the few parades that were as extravagant, most of the brides looked positively put upon. Many times she and her sister's hand mentioned it; mocking the bride and ensuring themselves that on their wedding day they would be far more enthusiastic. They would at the very least smile as any arrangement they entered into would surely be mutually beneficial and cause for celebration.
How very wrong she’d been.
Theo untangled her fingertips and stared down at her hands; toying with one of the fletchings Emilios had given her. ...No, she wouldn’t be so naive as to brush it along her nose for comfort as she was fond of doing… but having at least that in the litter was something. The smell of orchids and crocus’s was cloying. Combined with the heat of the day, the jostling of the litter and the lack of food she’d eaten, they made her nauseous. Down winding hills, they traveled with people coming out from their houses to wave and enjoy the music and drums playing. She felt like a spectacle; understanding what Pia must have felt like two weeks ago at the coronation.
….But to be queen.
Finally, they made it to the first Naos of the Gods and the caravan slowed to a stop. Theo scarcely waited long enough for the litter to drop down before twisting and sliding off the side; pushing through two of the slaves who carried her to gain some semblance of fresh air lest she throw up on their grand tour. She padded several paces away from the litter and placed her hands on her hips to breath through her nose. It was most unflattering, but she couldn’t be bothered. Less flattering would be to be sick. She glanced up at the towering temple that rose above them dedicated to Ares, the God of war. It made sense that it was their first stop… after all, Achilleas prowess in battle was legendary. Tributes and sacrifices needed to be made. However, women were not often allowed to enter the temple. This being a special circumstance, she found herself curious. She’d never done well with forbidden things; always wanting to find out what was so special about them and the temple was no different.
Well….now she’d be able to find out.
Her family fell in around her; her mother pinching her cheeks to bring color back to them as they waited for Achilleas litter to be lowered to the ground so he could join them. Their one reprieve at the temples was that only the two of them would be going inside for their sacrifices and blessings. And while she’d rather be doing this a thousand times over with Emilios, she’d take Achilleas over the entire wedding party any day.
When he joined her, she placed her hand on his arm formally and stepped out of the reach of her mother so they could enter. Stairs climbed high to the front portico and she lifted her skirts so she wouldn’t trip climbing them. Upon entering the foreign temple, Theo’s eyes traveled high and wide; taking in all the rich plasterwork and reliefs carved into the marble. Priests greeted them at the door and lead them through the outer chamber. There was a statue dedicated to Ares that towered above them; gilded in gold and set upon a large marble altar that had been scrubbed clean of blood for the occasion. For the most part, the interior looked much like the other temples...but somehow the smell of blood never truly left a sacrificial area. Even as clean as the floor and alter were, the scent still permeated the interior. Theo fell slightly behind Achilleas so she could look over his shoulder at the priests as they spoke to him. They were to make a blood sacrifice; him, offering a lamb and then they would both draw their own blood to appease the God of war and gain his blessing. She wrinkled her nose behind him but said nothing. It wouldn’t due to dissent on their first temple. It would be a long day and they had many more to visit.
It took everything in her power not to cross her arms over her chest and lean petulantly against the back of the litter. Thankfully, she wasn’t expected to wave to those who watched as a bride could come to the alter however she saw fit; either timid or welcoming of the outcome. In the few parades that were as extravagant, most of the brides looked positively put upon. Many times she and her sister's hand mentioned it; mocking the bride and ensuring themselves that on their wedding day they would be far more enthusiastic. They would at the very least smile as any arrangement they entered into would surely be mutually beneficial and cause for celebration.
How very wrong she’d been.
Theo untangled her fingertips and stared down at her hands; toying with one of the fletchings Emilios had given her. ...No, she wouldn’t be so naive as to brush it along her nose for comfort as she was fond of doing… but having at least that in the litter was something. The smell of orchids and crocus’s was cloying. Combined with the heat of the day, the jostling of the litter and the lack of food she’d eaten, they made her nauseous. Down winding hills, they traveled with people coming out from their houses to wave and enjoy the music and drums playing. She felt like a spectacle; understanding what Pia must have felt like two weeks ago at the coronation.
….But to be queen.
Finally, they made it to the first Naos of the Gods and the caravan slowed to a stop. Theo scarcely waited long enough for the litter to drop down before twisting and sliding off the side; pushing through two of the slaves who carried her to gain some semblance of fresh air lest she throw up on their grand tour. She padded several paces away from the litter and placed her hands on her hips to breath through her nose. It was most unflattering, but she couldn’t be bothered. Less flattering would be to be sick. She glanced up at the towering temple that rose above them dedicated to Ares, the God of war. It made sense that it was their first stop… after all, Achilleas prowess in battle was legendary. Tributes and sacrifices needed to be made. However, women were not often allowed to enter the temple. This being a special circumstance, she found herself curious. She’d never done well with forbidden things; always wanting to find out what was so special about them and the temple was no different.
Well….now she’d be able to find out.
Her family fell in around her; her mother pinching her cheeks to bring color back to them as they waited for Achilleas litter to be lowered to the ground so he could join them. Their one reprieve at the temples was that only the two of them would be going inside for their sacrifices and blessings. And while she’d rather be doing this a thousand times over with Emilios, she’d take Achilleas over the entire wedding party any day.
When he joined her, she placed her hand on his arm formally and stepped out of the reach of her mother so they could enter. Stairs climbed high to the front portico and she lifted her skirts so she wouldn’t trip climbing them. Upon entering the foreign temple, Theo’s eyes traveled high and wide; taking in all the rich plasterwork and reliefs carved into the marble. Priests greeted them at the door and lead them through the outer chamber. There was a statue dedicated to Ares that towered above them; gilded in gold and set upon a large marble altar that had been scrubbed clean of blood for the occasion. For the most part, the interior looked much like the other temples...but somehow the smell of blood never truly left a sacrificial area. Even as clean as the floor and alter were, the scent still permeated the interior. Theo fell slightly behind Achilleas so she could look over his shoulder at the priests as they spoke to him. They were to make a blood sacrifice; him, offering a lamb and then they would both draw their own blood to appease the God of war and gain his blessing. She wrinkled her nose behind him but said nothing. It wouldn’t due to dissent on their first temple. It would be a long day and they had many more to visit.
The sing-songy shout of her name broke her train of thought. Wearily, she glanced over at exuberant Nana, and the er… less enthused Imma. For a moment, she pitied the youngest of Georgios’ girls… for a moment anyway, and that was all it took before she remembered that Nana’s attention had been turned to her.
A quick glance around told Evangelina that there was nowhere to disappear too and it was too late to pretend she’d not heard Nana call her name. She muttered some quiet little curse under her breath that she’d picked up in the stables.
‘Don't you think the Lord Emilios is looking quite... under the weather? Why don't you go talk to him? You both look bizarre and hopeless by yourselves, so why not be so together? For now anyway.’
Evie’s dark, doe eyes bulged slightly wondering if anyone else had heard her outrageous cousin. She glanced to Lord Emilios, offering a slightly apologetic look to him just in case he’d heard. Wait, had Nana said she looked bizarre and hopeless? Blinking, she glanced down. Why did she look hopeless? Because she was alone? What was wrong with that? Besides, she wasn’t alone… there were all these people here for the tour.
She opened her mouth to say as much, only to snap her mouth shut as she remembered it was Nana and shook it off. Feigning a bit of surprise, she looked away from Nana. “Nana!” She pretended to subtly tap her teeth, “You might want to take care of that…” She knew Nana didn’t have anything in her teeth but she took every moment she could to pray on the woman’s vanity. “Strawberry seeds maybe? Gods, what did you eat this morning?” She continued with her teasing. Imma was going to give it away though if she didn’t stop snickering.
Tsking at Nana, she gave a small disapproving shake of her head and kept on walking but making sure she put a little distance between herself and Nana. It had to be bad if Evie was even refusing to walk with the great and beautiful Nana…. Evangelina was banking on that train of thought as she glided away from Nana anyway.
Shooting a sideways glance at Lord Emilios, she did notice he looked a bit more morose than most. She sent him a sympathetic look. She might have initiated a conversation with him had Nana not so bluntly pointed out that they were both alone. Fighting an indignant sniff, she refused to be upset about that fact. There was nothing wrong with walking alone.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
The sing-songy shout of her name broke her train of thought. Wearily, she glanced over at exuberant Nana, and the er… less enthused Imma. For a moment, she pitied the youngest of Georgios’ girls… for a moment anyway, and that was all it took before she remembered that Nana’s attention had been turned to her.
A quick glance around told Evangelina that there was nowhere to disappear too and it was too late to pretend she’d not heard Nana call her name. She muttered some quiet little curse under her breath that she’d picked up in the stables.
‘Don't you think the Lord Emilios is looking quite... under the weather? Why don't you go talk to him? You both look bizarre and hopeless by yourselves, so why not be so together? For now anyway.’
Evie’s dark, doe eyes bulged slightly wondering if anyone else had heard her outrageous cousin. She glanced to Lord Emilios, offering a slightly apologetic look to him just in case he’d heard. Wait, had Nana said she looked bizarre and hopeless? Blinking, she glanced down. Why did she look hopeless? Because she was alone? What was wrong with that? Besides, she wasn’t alone… there were all these people here for the tour.
She opened her mouth to say as much, only to snap her mouth shut as she remembered it was Nana and shook it off. Feigning a bit of surprise, she looked away from Nana. “Nana!” She pretended to subtly tap her teeth, “You might want to take care of that…” She knew Nana didn’t have anything in her teeth but she took every moment she could to pray on the woman’s vanity. “Strawberry seeds maybe? Gods, what did you eat this morning?” She continued with her teasing. Imma was going to give it away though if she didn’t stop snickering.
Tsking at Nana, she gave a small disapproving shake of her head and kept on walking but making sure she put a little distance between herself and Nana. It had to be bad if Evie was even refusing to walk with the great and beautiful Nana…. Evangelina was banking on that train of thought as she glided away from Nana anyway.
Shooting a sideways glance at Lord Emilios, she did notice he looked a bit more morose than most. She sent him a sympathetic look. She might have initiated a conversation with him had Nana not so bluntly pointed out that they were both alone. Fighting an indignant sniff, she refused to be upset about that fact. There was nothing wrong with walking alone.
The sing-songy shout of her name broke her train of thought. Wearily, she glanced over at exuberant Nana, and the er… less enthused Imma. For a moment, she pitied the youngest of Georgios’ girls… for a moment anyway, and that was all it took before she remembered that Nana’s attention had been turned to her.
A quick glance around told Evangelina that there was nowhere to disappear too and it was too late to pretend she’d not heard Nana call her name. She muttered some quiet little curse under her breath that she’d picked up in the stables.
‘Don't you think the Lord Emilios is looking quite... under the weather? Why don't you go talk to him? You both look bizarre and hopeless by yourselves, so why not be so together? For now anyway.’
Evie’s dark, doe eyes bulged slightly wondering if anyone else had heard her outrageous cousin. She glanced to Lord Emilios, offering a slightly apologetic look to him just in case he’d heard. Wait, had Nana said she looked bizarre and hopeless? Blinking, she glanced down. Why did she look hopeless? Because she was alone? What was wrong with that? Besides, she wasn’t alone… there were all these people here for the tour.
She opened her mouth to say as much, only to snap her mouth shut as she remembered it was Nana and shook it off. Feigning a bit of surprise, she looked away from Nana. “Nana!” She pretended to subtly tap her teeth, “You might want to take care of that…” She knew Nana didn’t have anything in her teeth but she took every moment she could to pray on the woman’s vanity. “Strawberry seeds maybe? Gods, what did you eat this morning?” She continued with her teasing. Imma was going to give it away though if she didn’t stop snickering.
Tsking at Nana, she gave a small disapproving shake of her head and kept on walking but making sure she put a little distance between herself and Nana. It had to be bad if Evie was even refusing to walk with the great and beautiful Nana…. Evangelina was banking on that train of thought as she glided away from Nana anyway.
Shooting a sideways glance at Lord Emilios, she did notice he looked a bit more morose than most. She sent him a sympathetic look. She might have initiated a conversation with him had Nana not so bluntly pointed out that they were both alone. Fighting an indignant sniff, she refused to be upset about that fact. There was nothing wrong with walking alone.
Selene had very little time to breathe since returning home from Colchis. Between her confessions to Pia to the wedding arrangements with Theo and her mother, she had little time to think about the letters she’d almost sent to Prince Vangelis. She could only see it as a beneficial thing, for even thinking about him made her heartache in a way she couldn’t explain to anyone. She had tried with Pia, but even that felt a little silly. No matter what her feelings may have been, the Prince of Colchis hadn’t shown any obvious signs that he may have considered her a decent match.
He had even suggested that he would make sure that her father’s suggested matches were vetted by himself, as to make sure that she found a suitable match. And while she wasn’t an expert, she was fairly sure that it wasn’t something that would be casually mentioned in a letter if said person was interested in marriage.
So Selene threw herself into everything that she could, attempting to take over some of her father’s responsibilities (and failing, since she wasn’t Theo) and focused on everything else. The coronation and the wedding and the baby: those were the most important things. Her own marriage would be settled, she was sure of it.
Her mother, just that morning, had spoken to her briefly about a potential Prince from somewhere overseas. Her beauty along the journey had made its way around the ports, she had boasts as she pulled out one of Selene’s favorite blue chitons. The offers had begun to pour in while she was in Athenia, and had not stopped since she’d come home. Once she returned to Serenn, she was certain that her eldest daughter would soon be spoken for and shipped off to another kingdom. Another country.
The thought was like ice in her stomach, but Selene kept her mouth shut as she allowed Jo to set her hair. They were up far earlier than the rest, but someone had to make sure everything was ready, and the eldest Leventi took it upon herself to check and double check. She knew that Emilios was checking most everything and that Prince Irakles and her uncle had made sure all the gifts were prepared and adequate. But one last check on things never hurt anyone. She had been one of the last to officially step into the courtyard, allowing the others to fawn over Theo while Selene made sure everyone else was ready. Her mother’s whispered suggestion that she keep silent was taken to heart because this was Theo’s day. And Selene didn’t want to ruin it.
Selene joined her sister’s just in time to hear Nana’s mean words to Imma, followed by Evie’s own assistance in the matter. The youngest, who was also closest to Theo, looked on the verge of tears. “Now, now. You know that Theo would never ignore you because she was married. Regardless of her title, she was our sister first. And that bond is important. You would do well to remember that, Nana.” She scolded, gently yet loving. Out of all of her sisters, Nana was the blunt one who never seemed to think before she spoke. She was bold, and it tended to get her in trouble. “Here, for your teeth.” She pulled out a small kerchief, one she kept tucked into her chiton. Handing it to the girl, she turned her focus to Evie.
“Come, you and I can stand back and imagine our own tours.” Taking Evie’s hand, she looped it through her own as they followed behind. “Do not think too much of what she says. The poor dear lacks tact when it comes to her matchmaking.” After all, hopeless was not exactly something you told someone when you thought they should step up and make a move. “I believe poor Emilios has stretched himself too thin with all this assistance in the rebuilding. Although Nana is right about one thing-- you both do look fetching together. But I’m sure your father has a Baron in mind for you.” She said, nudging her gently. “Unless there is a suitor I have missed since being away?” Her eyebrow raised playfully to her cousin, wondering just what she had missed.
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Selene had very little time to breathe since returning home from Colchis. Between her confessions to Pia to the wedding arrangements with Theo and her mother, she had little time to think about the letters she’d almost sent to Prince Vangelis. She could only see it as a beneficial thing, for even thinking about him made her heartache in a way she couldn’t explain to anyone. She had tried with Pia, but even that felt a little silly. No matter what her feelings may have been, the Prince of Colchis hadn’t shown any obvious signs that he may have considered her a decent match.
He had even suggested that he would make sure that her father’s suggested matches were vetted by himself, as to make sure that she found a suitable match. And while she wasn’t an expert, she was fairly sure that it wasn’t something that would be casually mentioned in a letter if said person was interested in marriage.
So Selene threw herself into everything that she could, attempting to take over some of her father’s responsibilities (and failing, since she wasn’t Theo) and focused on everything else. The coronation and the wedding and the baby: those were the most important things. Her own marriage would be settled, she was sure of it.
Her mother, just that morning, had spoken to her briefly about a potential Prince from somewhere overseas. Her beauty along the journey had made its way around the ports, she had boasts as she pulled out one of Selene’s favorite blue chitons. The offers had begun to pour in while she was in Athenia, and had not stopped since she’d come home. Once she returned to Serenn, she was certain that her eldest daughter would soon be spoken for and shipped off to another kingdom. Another country.
The thought was like ice in her stomach, but Selene kept her mouth shut as she allowed Jo to set her hair. They were up far earlier than the rest, but someone had to make sure everything was ready, and the eldest Leventi took it upon herself to check and double check. She knew that Emilios was checking most everything and that Prince Irakles and her uncle had made sure all the gifts were prepared and adequate. But one last check on things never hurt anyone. She had been one of the last to officially step into the courtyard, allowing the others to fawn over Theo while Selene made sure everyone else was ready. Her mother’s whispered suggestion that she keep silent was taken to heart because this was Theo’s day. And Selene didn’t want to ruin it.
Selene joined her sister’s just in time to hear Nana’s mean words to Imma, followed by Evie’s own assistance in the matter. The youngest, who was also closest to Theo, looked on the verge of tears. “Now, now. You know that Theo would never ignore you because she was married. Regardless of her title, she was our sister first. And that bond is important. You would do well to remember that, Nana.” She scolded, gently yet loving. Out of all of her sisters, Nana was the blunt one who never seemed to think before she spoke. She was bold, and it tended to get her in trouble. “Here, for your teeth.” She pulled out a small kerchief, one she kept tucked into her chiton. Handing it to the girl, she turned her focus to Evie.
“Come, you and I can stand back and imagine our own tours.” Taking Evie’s hand, she looped it through her own as they followed behind. “Do not think too much of what she says. The poor dear lacks tact when it comes to her matchmaking.” After all, hopeless was not exactly something you told someone when you thought they should step up and make a move. “I believe poor Emilios has stretched himself too thin with all this assistance in the rebuilding. Although Nana is right about one thing-- you both do look fetching together. But I’m sure your father has a Baron in mind for you.” She said, nudging her gently. “Unless there is a suitor I have missed since being away?” Her eyebrow raised playfully to her cousin, wondering just what she had missed.
Selene had very little time to breathe since returning home from Colchis. Between her confessions to Pia to the wedding arrangements with Theo and her mother, she had little time to think about the letters she’d almost sent to Prince Vangelis. She could only see it as a beneficial thing, for even thinking about him made her heartache in a way she couldn’t explain to anyone. She had tried with Pia, but even that felt a little silly. No matter what her feelings may have been, the Prince of Colchis hadn’t shown any obvious signs that he may have considered her a decent match.
He had even suggested that he would make sure that her father’s suggested matches were vetted by himself, as to make sure that she found a suitable match. And while she wasn’t an expert, she was fairly sure that it wasn’t something that would be casually mentioned in a letter if said person was interested in marriage.
So Selene threw herself into everything that she could, attempting to take over some of her father’s responsibilities (and failing, since she wasn’t Theo) and focused on everything else. The coronation and the wedding and the baby: those were the most important things. Her own marriage would be settled, she was sure of it.
Her mother, just that morning, had spoken to her briefly about a potential Prince from somewhere overseas. Her beauty along the journey had made its way around the ports, she had boasts as she pulled out one of Selene’s favorite blue chitons. The offers had begun to pour in while she was in Athenia, and had not stopped since she’d come home. Once she returned to Serenn, she was certain that her eldest daughter would soon be spoken for and shipped off to another kingdom. Another country.
The thought was like ice in her stomach, but Selene kept her mouth shut as she allowed Jo to set her hair. They were up far earlier than the rest, but someone had to make sure everything was ready, and the eldest Leventi took it upon herself to check and double check. She knew that Emilios was checking most everything and that Prince Irakles and her uncle had made sure all the gifts were prepared and adequate. But one last check on things never hurt anyone. She had been one of the last to officially step into the courtyard, allowing the others to fawn over Theo while Selene made sure everyone else was ready. Her mother’s whispered suggestion that she keep silent was taken to heart because this was Theo’s day. And Selene didn’t want to ruin it.
Selene joined her sister’s just in time to hear Nana’s mean words to Imma, followed by Evie’s own assistance in the matter. The youngest, who was also closest to Theo, looked on the verge of tears. “Now, now. You know that Theo would never ignore you because she was married. Regardless of her title, she was our sister first. And that bond is important. You would do well to remember that, Nana.” She scolded, gently yet loving. Out of all of her sisters, Nana was the blunt one who never seemed to think before she spoke. She was bold, and it tended to get her in trouble. “Here, for your teeth.” She pulled out a small kerchief, one she kept tucked into her chiton. Handing it to the girl, she turned her focus to Evie.
“Come, you and I can stand back and imagine our own tours.” Taking Evie’s hand, she looped it through her own as they followed behind. “Do not think too much of what she says. The poor dear lacks tact when it comes to her matchmaking.” After all, hopeless was not exactly something you told someone when you thought they should step up and make a move. “I believe poor Emilios has stretched himself too thin with all this assistance in the rebuilding. Although Nana is right about one thing-- you both do look fetching together. But I’m sure your father has a Baron in mind for you.” She said, nudging her gently. “Unless there is a suitor I have missed since being away?” Her eyebrow raised playfully to her cousin, wondering just what she had missed.
Achilleas smiled down at Theo when she laid her hand on his arm, then put his hand over hers and lead her up the stairs of the temple. When she lifted her skirts, Achilleas slowed his steps, his arm firm beneath her hand for support to keep his bride to be from tripping or stumbling on their way inside.
When they entered the temple, Achilleas forced his attention from her to the priests who came forward to talk to him. Being as he was a follower of Artemis, rather than Ares, despite the fact that he had been blessed by the God of War with his skill in combat.
Achilleas wasn’t a fool, and he honored all of the gods with reverence, even if he didn't care for the blood sacrifices that Ares demanded. He accepted the bleating lamb from the priest, his face expressionless, his grip gentle on the small animal’s soft fur.
Stepping forward, he held the lamb so it’s neck was over the basin that was to catch it’s blood. Drawing a deep breath, he drew his dagger and slit the throat in a single quick motion, ensuring it didn't suffer. He was used to death, but it didn't mean that he enjoyed killing, far from it. He was just willing to do what he had to to ensure his own survival. In this instance he did what was needed to ensure he could claim Theodora as his bride.
For him there was no one else who could compare, since he'd lost his heart when he'd been little more than a boy. In her family, Selene was the one considered most beautiful, and indeed she was lovely. But he wasn't drawn to her the way he'd always been to Theodora.
When the time came for them to complete the ritual by shedding their blood, Achilleas looked down at his hands, free from the blood of the lamb he'd just killed. He still held the blade he'd used, then drew a scrap of cloth from his belt pouch and wiped the blade clean, offering his hand to Theo, "Can you?" He asked gently.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Achilleas smiled down at Theo when she laid her hand on his arm, then put his hand over hers and lead her up the stairs of the temple. When she lifted her skirts, Achilleas slowed his steps, his arm firm beneath her hand for support to keep his bride to be from tripping or stumbling on their way inside.
When they entered the temple, Achilleas forced his attention from her to the priests who came forward to talk to him. Being as he was a follower of Artemis, rather than Ares, despite the fact that he had been blessed by the God of War with his skill in combat.
Achilleas wasn’t a fool, and he honored all of the gods with reverence, even if he didn't care for the blood sacrifices that Ares demanded. He accepted the bleating lamb from the priest, his face expressionless, his grip gentle on the small animal’s soft fur.
Stepping forward, he held the lamb so it’s neck was over the basin that was to catch it’s blood. Drawing a deep breath, he drew his dagger and slit the throat in a single quick motion, ensuring it didn't suffer. He was used to death, but it didn't mean that he enjoyed killing, far from it. He was just willing to do what he had to to ensure his own survival. In this instance he did what was needed to ensure he could claim Theodora as his bride.
For him there was no one else who could compare, since he'd lost his heart when he'd been little more than a boy. In her family, Selene was the one considered most beautiful, and indeed she was lovely. But he wasn't drawn to her the way he'd always been to Theodora.
When the time came for them to complete the ritual by shedding their blood, Achilleas looked down at his hands, free from the blood of the lamb he'd just killed. He still held the blade he'd used, then drew a scrap of cloth from his belt pouch and wiped the blade clean, offering his hand to Theo, "Can you?" He asked gently.
Achilleas smiled down at Theo when she laid her hand on his arm, then put his hand over hers and lead her up the stairs of the temple. When she lifted her skirts, Achilleas slowed his steps, his arm firm beneath her hand for support to keep his bride to be from tripping or stumbling on their way inside.
When they entered the temple, Achilleas forced his attention from her to the priests who came forward to talk to him. Being as he was a follower of Artemis, rather than Ares, despite the fact that he had been blessed by the God of War with his skill in combat.
Achilleas wasn’t a fool, and he honored all of the gods with reverence, even if he didn't care for the blood sacrifices that Ares demanded. He accepted the bleating lamb from the priest, his face expressionless, his grip gentle on the small animal’s soft fur.
Stepping forward, he held the lamb so it’s neck was over the basin that was to catch it’s blood. Drawing a deep breath, he drew his dagger and slit the throat in a single quick motion, ensuring it didn't suffer. He was used to death, but it didn't mean that he enjoyed killing, far from it. He was just willing to do what he had to to ensure his own survival. In this instance he did what was needed to ensure he could claim Theodora as his bride.
For him there was no one else who could compare, since he'd lost his heart when he'd been little more than a boy. In her family, Selene was the one considered most beautiful, and indeed she was lovely. But he wasn't drawn to her the way he'd always been to Theodora.
When the time came for them to complete the ritual by shedding their blood, Achilleas looked down at his hands, free from the blood of the lamb he'd just killed. He still held the blade he'd used, then drew a scrap of cloth from his belt pouch and wiped the blade clean, offering his hand to Theo, "Can you?" He asked gently.
The priests blessed them and lead them to the altar where the lamb was given to Achilleas to slay. It was a meager offering for the God of war, but it wasn’t for this God to bless their union. That honor would be given to Aphrodite later in the day. But all prayers and offerings were welcome and having the blessing of every God would surely result in a lasting marriage as none would have strife with their wedding.
The sacrifice was swift and the blood of the lamb fell into a vessel to be gathered in honor of Ares. After the blade was cleaned it was offered to Achilleas to cut his hand and offer his own blood as sacrifice. Theo watched silently as he bled over the altar as well; the only sound coming from the priests who chanted over them. With Achilleas’s sacrifice made, he turned to her and offered her the blade hesitantly; asking if she was able to do it herself. She looked up at him and it took everything in her not to laugh indignantly. He really knew so very little about her. Emilios wouldn’t have asked. Emilios would have challenged her. He would have dared her to cut her hand and Theo would meet his challenge head-on.
But this wasn’t Emilios. And she needed to stop comparing him to his brother. As she’d done with Emilios from the beginning, it seemed. How the tables had turned. Then it was the younger who would never amount to the elder and now it was just the opposite.
Without a word she took the blade from his hand and turned back to the vessel; placing her hand over it, she sliced the thickest part of her palm and turned it over so that it could bleed down and join the rest. She watched her blood fall; each drop of life that poured out of her for this union. More of her soul went with it. She took a deep breath to stem the nausea. Her hand shook and when the required amount was given, she drew her hand back so that the priest could wrap it with a clean cloth. Her palm smarted from the cut and she winced; attempting to keep it still. With the prayers said and the lamb slaughtered they were free to move on to the next temple.
They made the treck in silence back down the stairs to the awaiting caravan and Theo climbed back into the litter; taking up her fletching again where she’d left it. She held on as they lifted her up and carried her down to the temple of Dionysus where they sacrificed a pig and drank wine in honor of the God. To Demeter where another pig was sacrificed and then to Athena where a cow was sacrificed. Finally they arrived at the Temple of Aphrodite and after cutting the necks and bleeding so many animals, she was quite happy to sacrifice flowers and burnt offerings to the Goddess of love.
The sun was high in the sky and it had grown rather warm in the afternoon. Theo could feel sweat trickle down her spine as she stepped from the litter to meet her groom again; their actions becoming repetative and tiresome. Still she stood as a woman befitting her station; even as her head pounded from a migraine. She was thirsty and the wine from earlier left her mouth sticky. She lifted her skirts to climb more stairs; her thighs aching with the exertion of so many and entered the cool interior of the Goddess; servants trailing behind them with arms laden with flowers and insence. Inside a towering form of the goddess stood with one arm across her breast and another outstretched. The alter was laden with the flowers of other visitors and Theo took a deep breath as the priests approached them. She stared at the statue for a long time feeling betrayed by the Goddess. Surely if she was of merit, she wouldn’t be marrying Achilleas. She would be standing there with Emilios.
She untangled her arm and turned to the servant to take up a bouquet of orchids and moved to the alter. With a sigh she closed her eyes and bowed her head before falling to her knees. Who else could she turn to? Who else could she beg for change if not the Goddess of love herself?? Her hand ached from being cut earlier and she was tired of pretending. She rested the flowers on the altar and pressed both hands on the marble epitaph as she prayed earnestly for her love in the back of her mind. She prayed for resolution and for a full heart and for happiness for Achilleas.. Because he deserved that even if it wasn’t with her.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
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The priests blessed them and lead them to the altar where the lamb was given to Achilleas to slay. It was a meager offering for the God of war, but it wasn’t for this God to bless their union. That honor would be given to Aphrodite later in the day. But all prayers and offerings were welcome and having the blessing of every God would surely result in a lasting marriage as none would have strife with their wedding.
The sacrifice was swift and the blood of the lamb fell into a vessel to be gathered in honor of Ares. After the blade was cleaned it was offered to Achilleas to cut his hand and offer his own blood as sacrifice. Theo watched silently as he bled over the altar as well; the only sound coming from the priests who chanted over them. With Achilleas’s sacrifice made, he turned to her and offered her the blade hesitantly; asking if she was able to do it herself. She looked up at him and it took everything in her not to laugh indignantly. He really knew so very little about her. Emilios wouldn’t have asked. Emilios would have challenged her. He would have dared her to cut her hand and Theo would meet his challenge head-on.
But this wasn’t Emilios. And she needed to stop comparing him to his brother. As she’d done with Emilios from the beginning, it seemed. How the tables had turned. Then it was the younger who would never amount to the elder and now it was just the opposite.
Without a word she took the blade from his hand and turned back to the vessel; placing her hand over it, she sliced the thickest part of her palm and turned it over so that it could bleed down and join the rest. She watched her blood fall; each drop of life that poured out of her for this union. More of her soul went with it. She took a deep breath to stem the nausea. Her hand shook and when the required amount was given, she drew her hand back so that the priest could wrap it with a clean cloth. Her palm smarted from the cut and she winced; attempting to keep it still. With the prayers said and the lamb slaughtered they were free to move on to the next temple.
They made the treck in silence back down the stairs to the awaiting caravan and Theo climbed back into the litter; taking up her fletching again where she’d left it. She held on as they lifted her up and carried her down to the temple of Dionysus where they sacrificed a pig and drank wine in honor of the God. To Demeter where another pig was sacrificed and then to Athena where a cow was sacrificed. Finally they arrived at the Temple of Aphrodite and after cutting the necks and bleeding so many animals, she was quite happy to sacrifice flowers and burnt offerings to the Goddess of love.
The sun was high in the sky and it had grown rather warm in the afternoon. Theo could feel sweat trickle down her spine as she stepped from the litter to meet her groom again; their actions becoming repetative and tiresome. Still she stood as a woman befitting her station; even as her head pounded from a migraine. She was thirsty and the wine from earlier left her mouth sticky. She lifted her skirts to climb more stairs; her thighs aching with the exertion of so many and entered the cool interior of the Goddess; servants trailing behind them with arms laden with flowers and insence. Inside a towering form of the goddess stood with one arm across her breast and another outstretched. The alter was laden with the flowers of other visitors and Theo took a deep breath as the priests approached them. She stared at the statue for a long time feeling betrayed by the Goddess. Surely if she was of merit, she wouldn’t be marrying Achilleas. She would be standing there with Emilios.
She untangled her arm and turned to the servant to take up a bouquet of orchids and moved to the alter. With a sigh she closed her eyes and bowed her head before falling to her knees. Who else could she turn to? Who else could she beg for change if not the Goddess of love herself?? Her hand ached from being cut earlier and she was tired of pretending. She rested the flowers on the altar and pressed both hands on the marble epitaph as she prayed earnestly for her love in the back of her mind. She prayed for resolution and for a full heart and for happiness for Achilleas.. Because he deserved that even if it wasn’t with her.
The priests blessed them and lead them to the altar where the lamb was given to Achilleas to slay. It was a meager offering for the God of war, but it wasn’t for this God to bless their union. That honor would be given to Aphrodite later in the day. But all prayers and offerings were welcome and having the blessing of every God would surely result in a lasting marriage as none would have strife with their wedding.
The sacrifice was swift and the blood of the lamb fell into a vessel to be gathered in honor of Ares. After the blade was cleaned it was offered to Achilleas to cut his hand and offer his own blood as sacrifice. Theo watched silently as he bled over the altar as well; the only sound coming from the priests who chanted over them. With Achilleas’s sacrifice made, he turned to her and offered her the blade hesitantly; asking if she was able to do it herself. She looked up at him and it took everything in her not to laugh indignantly. He really knew so very little about her. Emilios wouldn’t have asked. Emilios would have challenged her. He would have dared her to cut her hand and Theo would meet his challenge head-on.
But this wasn’t Emilios. And she needed to stop comparing him to his brother. As she’d done with Emilios from the beginning, it seemed. How the tables had turned. Then it was the younger who would never amount to the elder and now it was just the opposite.
Without a word she took the blade from his hand and turned back to the vessel; placing her hand over it, she sliced the thickest part of her palm and turned it over so that it could bleed down and join the rest. She watched her blood fall; each drop of life that poured out of her for this union. More of her soul went with it. She took a deep breath to stem the nausea. Her hand shook and when the required amount was given, she drew her hand back so that the priest could wrap it with a clean cloth. Her palm smarted from the cut and she winced; attempting to keep it still. With the prayers said and the lamb slaughtered they were free to move on to the next temple.
They made the treck in silence back down the stairs to the awaiting caravan and Theo climbed back into the litter; taking up her fletching again where she’d left it. She held on as they lifted her up and carried her down to the temple of Dionysus where they sacrificed a pig and drank wine in honor of the God. To Demeter where another pig was sacrificed and then to Athena where a cow was sacrificed. Finally they arrived at the Temple of Aphrodite and after cutting the necks and bleeding so many animals, she was quite happy to sacrifice flowers and burnt offerings to the Goddess of love.
The sun was high in the sky and it had grown rather warm in the afternoon. Theo could feel sweat trickle down her spine as she stepped from the litter to meet her groom again; their actions becoming repetative and tiresome. Still she stood as a woman befitting her station; even as her head pounded from a migraine. She was thirsty and the wine from earlier left her mouth sticky. She lifted her skirts to climb more stairs; her thighs aching with the exertion of so many and entered the cool interior of the Goddess; servants trailing behind them with arms laden with flowers and insence. Inside a towering form of the goddess stood with one arm across her breast and another outstretched. The alter was laden with the flowers of other visitors and Theo took a deep breath as the priests approached them. She stared at the statue for a long time feeling betrayed by the Goddess. Surely if she was of merit, she wouldn’t be marrying Achilleas. She would be standing there with Emilios.
She untangled her arm and turned to the servant to take up a bouquet of orchids and moved to the alter. With a sigh she closed her eyes and bowed her head before falling to her knees. Who else could she turn to? Who else could she beg for change if not the Goddess of love herself?? Her hand ached from being cut earlier and she was tired of pretending. She rested the flowers on the altar and pressed both hands on the marble epitaph as she prayed earnestly for her love in the back of her mind. She prayed for resolution and for a full heart and for happiness for Achilleas.. Because he deserved that even if it wasn’t with her.
