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Girls Gone Wild Event - Taengea Closing: 1st August 2021
“For it was Melampus who taught the Greeks the name of Dionysus, and the way of sacrificing to him... But whence each of the gods came in to being, or whether they had all for ever existed, and they who taught the Greeks of worship... of the ways to honour Dionysus and his ever unsated desire for gluttonous vivacity...”
The Dionysa is a single moment in the year when women are permitted the opportunity of liberation. From their households, from their duties and from the typical roles and responsibilities of their gender. Women of this era would not consider themselves restrained or caged by their sex; for they are as defined by their biology as their male counterparts are. Where women must tend the homes, the men must fight in war. Where women may not participate in Senatorial meets, men may not have a say in the education of their children. Each is a side of a coin that facilitates an effective and fruitful society. And yet, there is curiosity. There is forever interest in that which is not deemed for ourselves. In the Dionysa, a woman is given a single day and night to behave in a manner befitting men. For a short period, they can operate only as male members of their society would normally be allowed. Weaponry, drunkenness, leud behaviour... It is all accepted in the sun and moon cycle of the Dionysa.
During the day, it is expected that the women may dance wild, drink wine, shout like banshees and even eat the raw meat of animals hunted by their own hand. They may engage in the frenzy of the hunt, wear weapons and no longer care for their feminine appearance. By night, the habits of the body are semi-accepted. Sexual pleasure or simply the ability to be outside of the household after dark without question, reigns supreme, hidden beneath the dusky skies. At night, bonfires are set along the shoreline of the capital, where women uninterested in the company of naked bodies may dance and sing. Clothing is always optional during the Dionysa.
Men do not always approve of the Dionysa but even they participate to an extent. As this is an opportunity to view women outside of their common restrictions. Those who disapprove cannot condemn the festival, as it is in the honour of the Gods that such acts are performed. And honouring the Gods draws forth a bountiful future.
-- This event is held in Taengea which means a boat ride will be necessary to attend if your character is not native. It takes two weeks to sail from Athenia, or Colchis, to the southern boundary of Taengea where the event is being held in the capital.
-- Upper Classes - Women: There is no requirement for royals to attend this event. Those whose reputations are reliant on chastity and demure behaviour may wish to avoid participation in this event or attend and play the awkward bumpkin. Those who are famed for being social and active in Court or in social gatherings will be severely missing out to not attend this event.
-- Middle Classes - Women: For nobles and the middle classes the same can be said as the above.
-- Lower Classes - Women: As it is more common for the lower classes to mistreat their wives or female partners (no maternal family to answer to) this would be an exciting event in which women can let loose and have fun. It would also be a prime opportunity for the lower classes to rub shoulders with the upper. Remember that royals and nobles are the historical equivalent of celebrities - they will want to participate and have the chance to say hi!
-- Men: The men of the kingdom are as equally welcome here. Upper/Middle class women who have travelled across kingdoms to be here would not travel alone - they would come with a chaperone. Men may also take advantage of this event to pick up women or just enjoy the flowing wine and exciting sights. Men are not, in any way, banned from this event. They are simply not permitted to tell women how they must behave during it (though they may try).
How to Not Join
If your Event calendar is looking a little full and you have too many threads to add another please be aware that you do not have to join an Event. They are purely voluntary. Here are a few ideas for how to navigate not attending so large an event:
-- Upper Classes - Women: As mentioned above, if your character is due to be married or simply very careful of her chaste-like reputation, she may not attend this event. There also may be issues with permission if the woman is young and unmarried. Consider this event like Spring Break - not every parent is content to see their daughter run off to have fun overseas.
-- Middle Classes - Women: As above.
-- Lower Classes - Women: Just because women can let loose, doesn't mean they necessarily want to. If your character has a shier, quieter personality, they may not be interested in attending and will, instead, keep their front doors shut and their hands over their ears.
-- Men: There is no specific reason why men would want/have to attend this Event. The only circumstance in which you may need to explain a man's absence is if they should be chaperoning younger, female members of their family.
Event Timeline
This event IC-wise is being held for twenty four hours. Vasiliadon has become a hub of music and wonder as story-tellers and performers are camped out on every corner. As traditional dictates, even those not partaking personally in the event have set outside their doors barrels of wine that festival goers dip their own cups into when passing. Drunkenness is the expectation. Bonfires have already been set on the beach and will be lit when the sun goes down. This thread begins in the mid-afternoon, a few hours before sun down so that players have the opportunity to engage with day-time activities and those that happen after dark.
Please note that, whilst the usual rules of social etiquette do not apply during this event it is expected that women will have some degree of care for their future. Married women might engage in flirtations or kissing with other men but they would not be expected to sleep with them for fear of pregnancies with unclear paternities. Young ladies are permitted to be naked and drunk but they would not be allowed to disgrace their families to too far an extent. It is down to you as members to decide just how far your ladies wish to push things (and how far their male counterparts will allow them to) in ratio to how much trouble they may be in come the morning. Women are allowed to do what they wish for twenty-four hours. The consequences of those twenty-four hours should never extend beyond the Dionysa.
How Does It Work?
Event threads/boards work thusly: Your character can be a part of an event and create their own thread within that event if they wish to. However, in order to be allowed to make that thread, they must first post in this one. The Event continues through this primary event thread, allowing for side stories (if they are in a different location to other participants) to be carried out in side threads. All curveballs to hit this Event will be posted to all threads in the board, whether relevant or not, so that your characters have the choice to return to the main location/thread to explore this new development.
When Moving to a Sub-Thread: Please add to your last message in this Event thread 'Continued in...' with a link to your new location.
When Returning to the Event Thread: Please ensure that your Sub-Thread is nicely wrapped up and clearly implies where your character is going. Add to your first message back in the Event thread 'Reentering from...' with a link to your sub-thread.
Please note that sub-threads are not required. You can participate in the Event thread for as long as you wish and remain here for the duration of the event. This event will close on the date above. At that time, this Event thread will be locked and closed. The other threads in this board will be allowed to continue at their writers' own pace. All threads within this board will be moved into the Illytia board at the closure of this event.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Girls Gone Wild Event - Taengea Closing: 1st August 2021
“For it was Melampus who taught the Greeks the name of Dionysus, and the way of sacrificing to him... But whence each of the gods came in to being, or whether they had all for ever existed, and they who taught the Greeks of worship... of the ways to honour Dionysus and his ever unsated desire for gluttonous vivacity...”
The Dionysa is a single moment in the year when women are permitted the opportunity of liberation. From their households, from their duties and from the typical roles and responsibilities of their gender. Women of this era would not consider themselves restrained or caged by their sex; for they are as defined by their biology as their male counterparts are. Where women must tend the homes, the men must fight in war. Where women may not participate in Senatorial meets, men may not have a say in the education of their children. Each is a side of a coin that facilitates an effective and fruitful society. And yet, there is curiosity. There is forever interest in that which is not deemed for ourselves. In the Dionysa, a woman is given a single day and night to behave in a manner befitting men. For a short period, they can operate only as male members of their society would normally be allowed. Weaponry, drunkenness, leud behaviour... It is all accepted in the sun and moon cycle of the Dionysa.
During the day, it is expected that the women may dance wild, drink wine, shout like banshees and even eat the raw meat of animals hunted by their own hand. They may engage in the frenzy of the hunt, wear weapons and no longer care for their feminine appearance. By night, the habits of the body are semi-accepted. Sexual pleasure or simply the ability to be outside of the household after dark without question, reigns supreme, hidden beneath the dusky skies. At night, bonfires are set along the shoreline of the capital, where women uninterested in the company of naked bodies may dance and sing. Clothing is always optional during the Dionysa.
Men do not always approve of the Dionysa but even they participate to an extent. As this is an opportunity to view women outside of their common restrictions. Those who disapprove cannot condemn the festival, as it is in the honour of the Gods that such acts are performed. And honouring the Gods draws forth a bountiful future.
-- This event is held in Taengea which means a boat ride will be necessary to attend if your character is not native. It takes two weeks to sail from Athenia, or Colchis, to the southern boundary of Taengea where the event is being held in the capital.
-- Upper Classes - Women: There is no requirement for royals to attend this event. Those whose reputations are reliant on chastity and demure behaviour may wish to avoid participation in this event or attend and play the awkward bumpkin. Those who are famed for being social and active in Court or in social gatherings will be severely missing out to not attend this event.
-- Middle Classes - Women: For nobles and the middle classes the same can be said as the above.
-- Lower Classes - Women: As it is more common for the lower classes to mistreat their wives or female partners (no maternal family to answer to) this would be an exciting event in which women can let loose and have fun. It would also be a prime opportunity for the lower classes to rub shoulders with the upper. Remember that royals and nobles are the historical equivalent of celebrities - they will want to participate and have the chance to say hi!
-- Men: The men of the kingdom are as equally welcome here. Upper/Middle class women who have travelled across kingdoms to be here would not travel alone - they would come with a chaperone. Men may also take advantage of this event to pick up women or just enjoy the flowing wine and exciting sights. Men are not, in any way, banned from this event. They are simply not permitted to tell women how they must behave during it (though they may try).
How to Not Join
If your Event calendar is looking a little full and you have too many threads to add another please be aware that you do not have to join an Event. They are purely voluntary. Here are a few ideas for how to navigate not attending so large an event:
-- Upper Classes - Women: As mentioned above, if your character is due to be married or simply very careful of her chaste-like reputation, she may not attend this event. There also may be issues with permission if the woman is young and unmarried. Consider this event like Spring Break - not every parent is content to see their daughter run off to have fun overseas.
-- Middle Classes - Women: As above.
-- Lower Classes - Women: Just because women can let loose, doesn't mean they necessarily want to. If your character has a shier, quieter personality, they may not be interested in attending and will, instead, keep their front doors shut and their hands over their ears.
-- Men: There is no specific reason why men would want/have to attend this Event. The only circumstance in which you may need to explain a man's absence is if they should be chaperoning younger, female members of their family.
Event Timeline
This event IC-wise is being held for twenty four hours. Vasiliadon has become a hub of music and wonder as story-tellers and performers are camped out on every corner. As traditional dictates, even those not partaking personally in the event have set outside their doors barrels of wine that festival goers dip their own cups into when passing. Drunkenness is the expectation. Bonfires have already been set on the beach and will be lit when the sun goes down. This thread begins in the mid-afternoon, a few hours before sun down so that players have the opportunity to engage with day-time activities and those that happen after dark.
Please note that, whilst the usual rules of social etiquette do not apply during this event it is expected that women will have some degree of care for their future. Married women might engage in flirtations or kissing with other men but they would not be expected to sleep with them for fear of pregnancies with unclear paternities. Young ladies are permitted to be naked and drunk but they would not be allowed to disgrace their families to too far an extent. It is down to you as members to decide just how far your ladies wish to push things (and how far their male counterparts will allow them to) in ratio to how much trouble they may be in come the morning. Women are allowed to do what they wish for twenty-four hours. The consequences of those twenty-four hours should never extend beyond the Dionysa.
How Does It Work?
Event threads/boards work thusly: Your character can be a part of an event and create their own thread within that event if they wish to. However, in order to be allowed to make that thread, they must first post in this one. The Event continues through this primary event thread, allowing for side stories (if they are in a different location to other participants) to be carried out in side threads. All curveballs to hit this Event will be posted to all threads in the board, whether relevant or not, so that your characters have the choice to return to the main location/thread to explore this new development.
When Moving to a Sub-Thread: Please add to your last message in this Event thread 'Continued in...' with a link to your new location.
When Returning to the Event Thread: Please ensure that your Sub-Thread is nicely wrapped up and clearly implies where your character is going. Add to your first message back in the Event thread 'Reentering from...' with a link to your sub-thread.
Please note that sub-threads are not required. You can participate in the Event thread for as long as you wish and remain here for the duration of the event. This event will close on the date above. At that time, this Event thread will be locked and closed. The other threads in this board will be allowed to continue at their writers' own pace. All threads within this board will be moved into the Illytia board at the closure of this event.
Girls Gone Wild Event - Taengea Closing: 1st August 2021
“For it was Melampus who taught the Greeks the name of Dionysus, and the way of sacrificing to him... But whence each of the gods came in to being, or whether they had all for ever existed, and they who taught the Greeks of worship... of the ways to honour Dionysus and his ever unsated desire for gluttonous vivacity...”
The Dionysa is a single moment in the year when women are permitted the opportunity of liberation. From their households, from their duties and from the typical roles and responsibilities of their gender. Women of this era would not consider themselves restrained or caged by their sex; for they are as defined by their biology as their male counterparts are. Where women must tend the homes, the men must fight in war. Where women may not participate in Senatorial meets, men may not have a say in the education of their children. Each is a side of a coin that facilitates an effective and fruitful society. And yet, there is curiosity. There is forever interest in that which is not deemed for ourselves. In the Dionysa, a woman is given a single day and night to behave in a manner befitting men. For a short period, they can operate only as male members of their society would normally be allowed. Weaponry, drunkenness, leud behaviour... It is all accepted in the sun and moon cycle of the Dionysa.
During the day, it is expected that the women may dance wild, drink wine, shout like banshees and even eat the raw meat of animals hunted by their own hand. They may engage in the frenzy of the hunt, wear weapons and no longer care for their feminine appearance. By night, the habits of the body are semi-accepted. Sexual pleasure or simply the ability to be outside of the household after dark without question, reigns supreme, hidden beneath the dusky skies. At night, bonfires are set along the shoreline of the capital, where women uninterested in the company of naked bodies may dance and sing. Clothing is always optional during the Dionysa.
Men do not always approve of the Dionysa but even they participate to an extent. As this is an opportunity to view women outside of their common restrictions. Those who disapprove cannot condemn the festival, as it is in the honour of the Gods that such acts are performed. And honouring the Gods draws forth a bountiful future.
-- This event is held in Taengea which means a boat ride will be necessary to attend if your character is not native. It takes two weeks to sail from Athenia, or Colchis, to the southern boundary of Taengea where the event is being held in the capital.
-- Upper Classes - Women: There is no requirement for royals to attend this event. Those whose reputations are reliant on chastity and demure behaviour may wish to avoid participation in this event or attend and play the awkward bumpkin. Those who are famed for being social and active in Court or in social gatherings will be severely missing out to not attend this event.
-- Middle Classes - Women: For nobles and the middle classes the same can be said as the above.
-- Lower Classes - Women: As it is more common for the lower classes to mistreat their wives or female partners (no maternal family to answer to) this would be an exciting event in which women can let loose and have fun. It would also be a prime opportunity for the lower classes to rub shoulders with the upper. Remember that royals and nobles are the historical equivalent of celebrities - they will want to participate and have the chance to say hi!
-- Men: The men of the kingdom are as equally welcome here. Upper/Middle class women who have travelled across kingdoms to be here would not travel alone - they would come with a chaperone. Men may also take advantage of this event to pick up women or just enjoy the flowing wine and exciting sights. Men are not, in any way, banned from this event. They are simply not permitted to tell women how they must behave during it (though they may try).
How to Not Join
If your Event calendar is looking a little full and you have too many threads to add another please be aware that you do not have to join an Event. They are purely voluntary. Here are a few ideas for how to navigate not attending so large an event:
-- Upper Classes - Women: As mentioned above, if your character is due to be married or simply very careful of her chaste-like reputation, she may not attend this event. There also may be issues with permission if the woman is young and unmarried. Consider this event like Spring Break - not every parent is content to see their daughter run off to have fun overseas.
-- Middle Classes - Women: As above.
-- Lower Classes - Women: Just because women can let loose, doesn't mean they necessarily want to. If your character has a shier, quieter personality, they may not be interested in attending and will, instead, keep their front doors shut and their hands over their ears.
-- Men: There is no specific reason why men would want/have to attend this Event. The only circumstance in which you may need to explain a man's absence is if they should be chaperoning younger, female members of their family.
Event Timeline
This event IC-wise is being held for twenty four hours. Vasiliadon has become a hub of music and wonder as story-tellers and performers are camped out on every corner. As traditional dictates, even those not partaking personally in the event have set outside their doors barrels of wine that festival goers dip their own cups into when passing. Drunkenness is the expectation. Bonfires have already been set on the beach and will be lit when the sun goes down. This thread begins in the mid-afternoon, a few hours before sun down so that players have the opportunity to engage with day-time activities and those that happen after dark.
Please note that, whilst the usual rules of social etiquette do not apply during this event it is expected that women will have some degree of care for their future. Married women might engage in flirtations or kissing with other men but they would not be expected to sleep with them for fear of pregnancies with unclear paternities. Young ladies are permitted to be naked and drunk but they would not be allowed to disgrace their families to too far an extent. It is down to you as members to decide just how far your ladies wish to push things (and how far their male counterparts will allow them to) in ratio to how much trouble they may be in come the morning. Women are allowed to do what they wish for twenty-four hours. The consequences of those twenty-four hours should never extend beyond the Dionysa.
How Does It Work?
Event threads/boards work thusly: Your character can be a part of an event and create their own thread within that event if they wish to. However, in order to be allowed to make that thread, they must first post in this one. The Event continues through this primary event thread, allowing for side stories (if they are in a different location to other participants) to be carried out in side threads. All curveballs to hit this Event will be posted to all threads in the board, whether relevant or not, so that your characters have the choice to return to the main location/thread to explore this new development.
When Moving to a Sub-Thread: Please add to your last message in this Event thread 'Continued in...' with a link to your new location.
When Returning to the Event Thread: Please ensure that your Sub-Thread is nicely wrapped up and clearly implies where your character is going. Add to your first message back in the Event thread 'Reentering from...' with a link to your sub-thread.
Please note that sub-threads are not required. You can participate in the Event thread for as long as you wish and remain here for the duration of the event. This event will close on the date above. At that time, this Event thread will be locked and closed. The other threads in this board will be allowed to continue at their writers' own pace. All threads within this board will be moved into the Illytia board at the closure of this event.
Tangea, the hospitable and jubilant kingdom, would be the most apropos setting for the Dionysa. A beautiful place where the social scene flourished and shone, it was hard to visit Tangea and fail to encounter at least one celebration. And this was the greatest, dedicated to the god of the grape-harvest, wine-making and wine, of fertility, orchards and fruit, vegetation, insanity, ritual madness, religious ecstasy, festivity and theater. There could not have been a more fitting environment for such a gala. Vasiliadon was the decisive hub of the commemoration to Dionysus, with painted flags and garlands of olive branches crowning the edifices of every building, cages of white doves on every street corner for sacrifice, and throngs of women having taken to their new found freedom like wild horses on the countryside. It was a party in its purest form, a celebration for the fairer sex to envelop themselves in the liberties gifted to their male counterparts. And NEARLY every woman around was taking full advantage.
Through the streets of Vasiliadon, a company of royal guards came marching, their molded bronze breastplates gleaning in the sunlight, magnificent plumed helmets towering above their heads. The perfectly synchronized march of their sandaled feet announced their arrival long before they came into view, and any and all in the street were moved to the side, either voluntarily, or by force. Well protected by the pillar of soldiers came an ostentatious palanquin, fully enclosed with elaborate draperies and ornamental gold features, carried on the shoulders of six slaves. Soldiers marched in all sides of it, and as the palanquin moved down the street, the uproar of the crowds ricocheted across the store fronts and buildings as if it were a scene in the coliseum.
Semi-reclining leisurely in the palanquin was its most precious cargo, an indubitable and breathtaking royal daughter of Tangea. Wearing a lavish smile, she peaked between the curtains of her human-powered vehicle, perfect lips arching into a decadent smile. Her eyes took in the sea of faces, men and women alike, and while the women cheered, the male voices drowned them out easily. Gianna was nothing if not a bombshell, the envy of every woman, and the lustful desire of every man. Her slender body and generous curves were the height of fantasy, instilling an uncomfortable squirm in even the most stalwart of men. And today, on the feast of Dionysa, Gianna milked her assets for all they were worth. Truthfully, she enjoyed a liberation unrivaled by any other, as a princess of Tangea. She was wanton for nothing, obtaining the entirety of her heart’s desires with the snap of her fingers.
As Gianna peeked out between the curtains that shielded her from the howling faces of the masses, she could see the men pushing forward, their eyes lecherous and arms lifted in desperate grabs. Never one to disappoint, she raised the tactile pad of a finger to her lips, venturing the most subtle and yet overwhelmingly suggestive nibble one could imagine. How many of them would have given an arm to be her finger. How many would sacrifice an eye, or a leg, to stroke the length of her body but once. She adored them for it. It was charming to her, and yet, she felt little need to berate them openly with rejection. Despite their pleas, nary one would ever come within three feet of her, their desires left to their imaginations and longing only.
The journey through Vasiliadion was winding and slow moving, perhaps intentionally. Like a wedge, Gianna’s small army divided the masses fluttering about in the street, allowing her to pass unhindered. The grand parade did not stop until it reached the steps of naós of Dionysus. The slaves all took a knee to lower the palanquin, the myriad of royal guards fanning out to protect their regal treasure. A thousand pairs of eyes watched as the draperies of the opulent carriage parted. A voice boomed from the steps of the great temple.
“HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, PRINCESS GIANNA OF MIKAELIDAS!” The introduction was made, and the enticing form of the palanquin’s occupant emerged, one slender leg and dainty foot appearing first, her delicate jeweled sandal touching down on the cobblestone below. One couldn’t help but let one’s eyes trail up that creamy leg, attached to the gorgeous body of a young woman. No sooner had she emerged fully into the sunlight did the crowds scream, and a plethora of roses were thrown forward, showering the princess upon the steps of Dionysus’ temple, that he would find their support of her approach favorable. For a moment, the young woman turned, facing out towards the crowd, and raising a single arm to wave gently, and gracefully.
A devout believer in setting trends in fashion, Gianna was dressed in practically nothing for the occasion. Her body was draped in the most sheer of material, single ply that it was, curling up around her shoulders into two panels, one covering each breast, joining at her navel and held in place loosely by a golden brooch, and descending in a single thicker panel down her front, leaving most of her sides bare, tormenting the mind with thoughts of how smooth her bronzed flesh was, holding her tightly at the hips for any number of activities. The gauzy material cascading down her chest from either side of her neck however was the complete opposite of opaque. So sheer was the material, the darkened coloring of her nipples was clearly evident. A wide golden collar, influenced by the Egyptian kingdom afar draped around her beautiful neck, arm bands, bangle bracelets, anklets, and ornate dangling earrings poured gold from her goddess-like appearance as she waved and smiled oh so magnificently. Atop her symmetrical and flawless face sat an elaborate crown, bedazzled with a small fortune of jewels, golden rays fanning about her like a halo. Effortlessly, Gianna could stir the loins of those who looked upon her, her gods-given features ample fuel for the palate of delights and carnal desire. And she knew it. Despite the perception of a condescending woman with limited scruples and unlimited resources, Gianna was anything but. She simply had no shame in the beauty of the body, nor in enjoying the bodies of any she deemed worthy to share her bed with. She had won the genetic lottery and she was more aware of that than any. It could be a weapon, when she needed it to be, but more often than not, it was a reward, a delight, a gratitude and vulnerability she offered to only the chosen laudable of her nights.
When the crowd had sufficiently quieted, the glamorous and provocative form of Gianna addressed her beloved countrymen. “My cherished kin, and those visiting our great nation, on this day, we pay homage to the resplendent Dionysus, that he may accept our initial sacrifice of a dozen white doves to begin the festivities in his holy name. May he, and all of Olympus, pour forth their great blessings on their humble servants. My beloveds, on this day, let our revered women breathe an unknown air of freedom in Dionysus’ sacred name. Let these hours of cajoling and merriment be our offering to his honor,” she addressed them, her voice like satin, spilling from succulent full lips, a natural in front of the crowds, cool, confident, unwavering in transcendence, and utterly fearless. “Let the Dionysa begin!”
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Check out their information page here.
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Tangea, the hospitable and jubilant kingdom, would be the most apropos setting for the Dionysa. A beautiful place where the social scene flourished and shone, it was hard to visit Tangea and fail to encounter at least one celebration. And this was the greatest, dedicated to the god of the grape-harvest, wine-making and wine, of fertility, orchards and fruit, vegetation, insanity, ritual madness, religious ecstasy, festivity and theater. There could not have been a more fitting environment for such a gala. Vasiliadon was the decisive hub of the commemoration to Dionysus, with painted flags and garlands of olive branches crowning the edifices of every building, cages of white doves on every street corner for sacrifice, and throngs of women having taken to their new found freedom like wild horses on the countryside. It was a party in its purest form, a celebration for the fairer sex to envelop themselves in the liberties gifted to their male counterparts. And NEARLY every woman around was taking full advantage.
Through the streets of Vasiliadon, a company of royal guards came marching, their molded bronze breastplates gleaning in the sunlight, magnificent plumed helmets towering above their heads. The perfectly synchronized march of their sandaled feet announced their arrival long before they came into view, and any and all in the street were moved to the side, either voluntarily, or by force. Well protected by the pillar of soldiers came an ostentatious palanquin, fully enclosed with elaborate draperies and ornamental gold features, carried on the shoulders of six slaves. Soldiers marched in all sides of it, and as the palanquin moved down the street, the uproar of the crowds ricocheted across the store fronts and buildings as if it were a scene in the coliseum.
Semi-reclining leisurely in the palanquin was its most precious cargo, an indubitable and breathtaking royal daughter of Tangea. Wearing a lavish smile, she peaked between the curtains of her human-powered vehicle, perfect lips arching into a decadent smile. Her eyes took in the sea of faces, men and women alike, and while the women cheered, the male voices drowned them out easily. Gianna was nothing if not a bombshell, the envy of every woman, and the lustful desire of every man. Her slender body and generous curves were the height of fantasy, instilling an uncomfortable squirm in even the most stalwart of men. And today, on the feast of Dionysa, Gianna milked her assets for all they were worth. Truthfully, she enjoyed a liberation unrivaled by any other, as a princess of Tangea. She was wanton for nothing, obtaining the entirety of her heart’s desires with the snap of her fingers.
As Gianna peeked out between the curtains that shielded her from the howling faces of the masses, she could see the men pushing forward, their eyes lecherous and arms lifted in desperate grabs. Never one to disappoint, she raised the tactile pad of a finger to her lips, venturing the most subtle and yet overwhelmingly suggestive nibble one could imagine. How many of them would have given an arm to be her finger. How many would sacrifice an eye, or a leg, to stroke the length of her body but once. She adored them for it. It was charming to her, and yet, she felt little need to berate them openly with rejection. Despite their pleas, nary one would ever come within three feet of her, their desires left to their imaginations and longing only.
The journey through Vasiliadion was winding and slow moving, perhaps intentionally. Like a wedge, Gianna’s small army divided the masses fluttering about in the street, allowing her to pass unhindered. The grand parade did not stop until it reached the steps of naós of Dionysus. The slaves all took a knee to lower the palanquin, the myriad of royal guards fanning out to protect their regal treasure. A thousand pairs of eyes watched as the draperies of the opulent carriage parted. A voice boomed from the steps of the great temple.
“HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, PRINCESS GIANNA OF MIKAELIDAS!” The introduction was made, and the enticing form of the palanquin’s occupant emerged, one slender leg and dainty foot appearing first, her delicate jeweled sandal touching down on the cobblestone below. One couldn’t help but let one’s eyes trail up that creamy leg, attached to the gorgeous body of a young woman. No sooner had she emerged fully into the sunlight did the crowds scream, and a plethora of roses were thrown forward, showering the princess upon the steps of Dionysus’ temple, that he would find their support of her approach favorable. For a moment, the young woman turned, facing out towards the crowd, and raising a single arm to wave gently, and gracefully.
A devout believer in setting trends in fashion, Gianna was dressed in practically nothing for the occasion. Her body was draped in the most sheer of material, single ply that it was, curling up around her shoulders into two panels, one covering each breast, joining at her navel and held in place loosely by a golden brooch, and descending in a single thicker panel down her front, leaving most of her sides bare, tormenting the mind with thoughts of how smooth her bronzed flesh was, holding her tightly at the hips for any number of activities. The gauzy material cascading down her chest from either side of her neck however was the complete opposite of opaque. So sheer was the material, the darkened coloring of her nipples was clearly evident. A wide golden collar, influenced by the Egyptian kingdom afar draped around her beautiful neck, arm bands, bangle bracelets, anklets, and ornate dangling earrings poured gold from her goddess-like appearance as she waved and smiled oh so magnificently. Atop her symmetrical and flawless face sat an elaborate crown, bedazzled with a small fortune of jewels, golden rays fanning about her like a halo. Effortlessly, Gianna could stir the loins of those who looked upon her, her gods-given features ample fuel for the palate of delights and carnal desire. And she knew it. Despite the perception of a condescending woman with limited scruples and unlimited resources, Gianna was anything but. She simply had no shame in the beauty of the body, nor in enjoying the bodies of any she deemed worthy to share her bed with. She had won the genetic lottery and she was more aware of that than any. It could be a weapon, when she needed it to be, but more often than not, it was a reward, a delight, a gratitude and vulnerability she offered to only the chosen laudable of her nights.
When the crowd had sufficiently quieted, the glamorous and provocative form of Gianna addressed her beloved countrymen. “My cherished kin, and those visiting our great nation, on this day, we pay homage to the resplendent Dionysus, that he may accept our initial sacrifice of a dozen white doves to begin the festivities in his holy name. May he, and all of Olympus, pour forth their great blessings on their humble servants. My beloveds, on this day, let our revered women breathe an unknown air of freedom in Dionysus’ sacred name. Let these hours of cajoling and merriment be our offering to his honor,” she addressed them, her voice like satin, spilling from succulent full lips, a natural in front of the crowds, cool, confident, unwavering in transcendence, and utterly fearless. “Let the Dionysa begin!”
Tangea, the hospitable and jubilant kingdom, would be the most apropos setting for the Dionysa. A beautiful place where the social scene flourished and shone, it was hard to visit Tangea and fail to encounter at least one celebration. And this was the greatest, dedicated to the god of the grape-harvest, wine-making and wine, of fertility, orchards and fruit, vegetation, insanity, ritual madness, religious ecstasy, festivity and theater. There could not have been a more fitting environment for such a gala. Vasiliadon was the decisive hub of the commemoration to Dionysus, with painted flags and garlands of olive branches crowning the edifices of every building, cages of white doves on every street corner for sacrifice, and throngs of women having taken to their new found freedom like wild horses on the countryside. It was a party in its purest form, a celebration for the fairer sex to envelop themselves in the liberties gifted to their male counterparts. And NEARLY every woman around was taking full advantage.
Through the streets of Vasiliadon, a company of royal guards came marching, their molded bronze breastplates gleaning in the sunlight, magnificent plumed helmets towering above their heads. The perfectly synchronized march of their sandaled feet announced their arrival long before they came into view, and any and all in the street were moved to the side, either voluntarily, or by force. Well protected by the pillar of soldiers came an ostentatious palanquin, fully enclosed with elaborate draperies and ornamental gold features, carried on the shoulders of six slaves. Soldiers marched in all sides of it, and as the palanquin moved down the street, the uproar of the crowds ricocheted across the store fronts and buildings as if it were a scene in the coliseum.
Semi-reclining leisurely in the palanquin was its most precious cargo, an indubitable and breathtaking royal daughter of Tangea. Wearing a lavish smile, she peaked between the curtains of her human-powered vehicle, perfect lips arching into a decadent smile. Her eyes took in the sea of faces, men and women alike, and while the women cheered, the male voices drowned them out easily. Gianna was nothing if not a bombshell, the envy of every woman, and the lustful desire of every man. Her slender body and generous curves were the height of fantasy, instilling an uncomfortable squirm in even the most stalwart of men. And today, on the feast of Dionysa, Gianna milked her assets for all they were worth. Truthfully, she enjoyed a liberation unrivaled by any other, as a princess of Tangea. She was wanton for nothing, obtaining the entirety of her heart’s desires with the snap of her fingers.
As Gianna peeked out between the curtains that shielded her from the howling faces of the masses, she could see the men pushing forward, their eyes lecherous and arms lifted in desperate grabs. Never one to disappoint, she raised the tactile pad of a finger to her lips, venturing the most subtle and yet overwhelmingly suggestive nibble one could imagine. How many of them would have given an arm to be her finger. How many would sacrifice an eye, or a leg, to stroke the length of her body but once. She adored them for it. It was charming to her, and yet, she felt little need to berate them openly with rejection. Despite their pleas, nary one would ever come within three feet of her, their desires left to their imaginations and longing only.
The journey through Vasiliadion was winding and slow moving, perhaps intentionally. Like a wedge, Gianna’s small army divided the masses fluttering about in the street, allowing her to pass unhindered. The grand parade did not stop until it reached the steps of naós of Dionysus. The slaves all took a knee to lower the palanquin, the myriad of royal guards fanning out to protect their regal treasure. A thousand pairs of eyes watched as the draperies of the opulent carriage parted. A voice boomed from the steps of the great temple.
“HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, PRINCESS GIANNA OF MIKAELIDAS!” The introduction was made, and the enticing form of the palanquin’s occupant emerged, one slender leg and dainty foot appearing first, her delicate jeweled sandal touching down on the cobblestone below. One couldn’t help but let one’s eyes trail up that creamy leg, attached to the gorgeous body of a young woman. No sooner had she emerged fully into the sunlight did the crowds scream, and a plethora of roses were thrown forward, showering the princess upon the steps of Dionysus’ temple, that he would find their support of her approach favorable. For a moment, the young woman turned, facing out towards the crowd, and raising a single arm to wave gently, and gracefully.
A devout believer in setting trends in fashion, Gianna was dressed in practically nothing for the occasion. Her body was draped in the most sheer of material, single ply that it was, curling up around her shoulders into two panels, one covering each breast, joining at her navel and held in place loosely by a golden brooch, and descending in a single thicker panel down her front, leaving most of her sides bare, tormenting the mind with thoughts of how smooth her bronzed flesh was, holding her tightly at the hips for any number of activities. The gauzy material cascading down her chest from either side of her neck however was the complete opposite of opaque. So sheer was the material, the darkened coloring of her nipples was clearly evident. A wide golden collar, influenced by the Egyptian kingdom afar draped around her beautiful neck, arm bands, bangle bracelets, anklets, and ornate dangling earrings poured gold from her goddess-like appearance as she waved and smiled oh so magnificently. Atop her symmetrical and flawless face sat an elaborate crown, bedazzled with a small fortune of jewels, golden rays fanning about her like a halo. Effortlessly, Gianna could stir the loins of those who looked upon her, her gods-given features ample fuel for the palate of delights and carnal desire. And she knew it. Despite the perception of a condescending woman with limited scruples and unlimited resources, Gianna was anything but. She simply had no shame in the beauty of the body, nor in enjoying the bodies of any she deemed worthy to share her bed with. She had won the genetic lottery and she was more aware of that than any. It could be a weapon, when she needed it to be, but more often than not, it was a reward, a delight, a gratitude and vulnerability she offered to only the chosen laudable of her nights.
When the crowd had sufficiently quieted, the glamorous and provocative form of Gianna addressed her beloved countrymen. “My cherished kin, and those visiting our great nation, on this day, we pay homage to the resplendent Dionysus, that he may accept our initial sacrifice of a dozen white doves to begin the festivities in his holy name. May he, and all of Olympus, pour forth their great blessings on their humble servants. My beloveds, on this day, let our revered women breathe an unknown air of freedom in Dionysus’ sacred name. Let these hours of cajoling and merriment be our offering to his honor,” she addressed them, her voice like satin, spilling from succulent full lips, a natural in front of the crowds, cool, confident, unwavering in transcendence, and utterly fearless. “Let the Dionysa begin!”
Ophelia stood at her mirror, peering critically into the silvered glass for what must have been the eighth time that hour. She knew that she would find no fault, for she had found none before, but she was almost hoping to. A fault in her appearance might give her a reason to avoid the festival, but she found herself dismayed once more to discover that all was more than in order. She was a shining beacon of beauty, though she hardly looked the part of the proper lady. Her gown had been especially commissioned for the event, a garment of deep, dusky purple accented with gold. The high neckline was of gold, woven with the symbols of the trape vine. Where her breasts were usually covered, this dress was artfully slit to reveal a sliver of each. A belt of thin golden fabric nipped in her waist, separating the bodice from the skirt. The fabric of the skirt became sheerer the lower down it got. Her womanly area was thankfully covered by opaque fabric, but from there downwards, the cloth became more translucent. Beautiful as the garment was, she felt it wrong for her, though she had dared not object when it had been presented to her. Dionysus had, after all, patronized their house for many years. It was upon his good grace that their dynasty had been built, and thus it was her duty to pay homage to him. So she stood at the looking glass, as she has every year for the past twelve, taking in her reflection.
Her long hair, dark hair was pulled into a pretty but unencumbered braid so that she might hunt if she pleased. Woven with gold as an accent, it was nevertheless a practical choice of hairstyle. To beautify it, a golden coronel encrusted with amethyst was placed upon her brow. She would take that off to hunt, as she would all her jewels. There were some parts of the Dionysa she favoured, and the opportunity to freely hunt was one of them. Typically it was considered a man's pursuit, though women were permitted to take up archery if they chose in honour of the Great Goddess Artemis. She, however, had never flinched from the death of an animal, and used the festival as a means of furthering her charitable work. Those animals she hunted, she also cooked, and sent as gifts to the poorest in the city. She would have to remove the gold-set amethysts that dangled like chandeliers in her ears also, the matching pair of dove armbands that stretched across her upper arms, heads perched delicately upon their wings, and the myriad of jewel-encrusted bracelets she wore on both wrists, but no matter. She would give them to a trusted friend until she had need of them again.
She even wore a mask for the occasion, a delicate creation of amethyst-studded gold that neatly covered her eyes. So absorbed was she in staring at the girl in the mirror -- the girl that she barely recognized -- that she did not notice Evanthe approaching from behind her. "You will find something that amuses you, you always do," the handmaiden murmured quietly, so that she might not be overheard by the others in the room. "Princess Gianna will be there, and many of your other friends and acquaintances." "I wish you were coming," Ophelia confessed. But it was not to be. Evanthe's red flower was upon her and she was feeling fatigued. "But you are right, I suppose." "You need not engage in any...unsavory activities. You may do as men do, so do. Try to find an intellectual conversation. Hunt. Dance, if you wish, you do like dancing. Your family only wish you to attend to pay homage to Dionysus, but I am sure they would not wish you to do anything you were uncomfortable with." Ophelia gave a nod. This was not necessarily true, but she did know that her family would not wish her to do anything that might risk bringing shame upon them. Turning to her lesser maids, she called out in a clear voice of command. "Aoide, I will have the carriage brought around now. The ladies who wish to attend the celebration alone may do so, I gladly give you this night of freedom. However, would anyone be willing to attend me?" "I shall attend you, My Lady," Aoide offered, earning a sweet smile of thanks from her mistress. "And I," chirped Aglaia, one of Ophelia's youngest maids. She knew that it would be Aglaia's first time at the Dionysa, but the girl was wise for her age and had proven herself a loyal and devoted servant. She nodded without a second thought. "Very well. Aoide, Aglaia, I would be honoured to have you attend me." "I shall have the carriage summoned immediately, My Lady," Aoide assured her, sweeping into a curtsy. "Shall I summon Theron?" questioned Aglaia.
Ophelia considered this for a moment, tapping her chin with a gold-tipped purple nail. Theron was her usual guard, accompanying her to most events. He had escorted her to the Dionysa for the past twelve years, it was tradition. Why then did she hesitate to call upon him?
"No, I believe we shall go alone this year," she decided. Moving to the window, she peered down at the city below. The air was impregnated with the smell of wine, which drifted up even to her balcony. Shrieks of laughter rang like bells through the city, proclaiming the joy of its women. Ophelia has never felt quite at ease in this environment, but perhaps that was because she had never allowed herself the true experience of liberation, always holding back in fear of besmirching her family's honour. What would it truly be like to experience the Dionysa to its fullest extent? To surrender fully to pleasure and forget, for one day, that she was a Condos, a woman, the people's rose? What might it be like if she were to actually permit someone to free her of the invisible shackles that bound her daily and soar through the air like the doves at her wrist? Perhaps she would find out tonight.
"The carriage is waiting, My Lady."
Aoide's words jarred her from her thoughts. She turned, blinking twice as she regarded the maiden, who herself was dressed rather prettily but provocatively in a peplos of dove grey.
"Ophelia." The word slipped unbidden from her lips, but she found that once it had, she was not sorry for it. She looked from Aoide to Aglaia, the corners of her red-painted lips turning upward at the corners. "On this day, I am simply Ophelia. You may omit my title for these hours."
The maids exchanged a glance, then grinned back at their Lady. "Very well, Ophelia," Aglaia blushed as she tasted the name on her tongue. "Shall we go?" The Taengean nodded, looking first to her other ladies. "Should we see you there, you are free to approach us, or not, depending on your preferences. I do hope you have fun at the festivities. And Evanthe, dear, try to rest."
These words spoken, she swept from the room.
A moment later, she was seated in a circular carriage of gold that had been hired for this event. She hired the same vehicle each year, so everyone knew who sat within. For the foreigners' sake, she left the exquisite silken curtains open and leaned out of the window, inhaling the heady scent of alcohol and bonfines. Aglaia stared out of the window also, taking everything in, while Aoide diligently polished her mistress's bow. never glancing up from her task.
"There is Gianna's palanquin!" the Condos beamed as she caught the first sight of her friend, only slightly ahead of them and parting the crowds. She kept her eyes on Gianna's vehicle for the rest of the journey, marvelling at the reaction the Princess received. She was so preoccupied with this that she barely noticed the attention she herself was gathering. Many of the poorer women of Vasilidon and beyond, and even some of the men, called out greetings to her. They hailed her 'Weaver of Dreams,' and 'Taengea's Rose,' some even taking a knee as she passed.
Arriving at last at the naós of Dionysus, the carriage drew to a smooth and graceful halt. Her elderly driver was quick to open the door and place a set of highly decorative steps before the vehicle. Aglaia emerged first, then Aoide. Finally, it was Ophelia's turn. Her cool, pale hand was swallowed by that of the driver as he gently helped her into a standing position. With all the elegance of the bird enclosing her upper arm, she descended three steps and placed her gilded feet on solid ground.
There were more men here this year, it seemed, but no less women than she remembered. She had arrived at almost the exact same time as Gianna, who was emerging with all state and ceremony from her palanquin. Inhaling sharply, she took in Gianna's attire; it was even more provocative than her own. Still, it became her well and the collar was gorgeous. She only hoped that Gianna was have the good sense to discourage any ill-suited men who might take her flimsy garment as an opportunity to come courting, if 'courting' was even the word.
"The Princess..." Aoide whispered, her eyes alight with glee. "She looks very beautiful today!" Aglaia gushed. Ophelia could hear the girl's silent thought as if it had been spoken aloud -- 'even more beautiful than you, Ophelia! And I had not thought that possible!' -- but it did not sting. Gianna was indeed a creature of great beauty. One would have to be blind, or cold as ice and hard as stone, not to admire such a creature. Not only was she a manifestation of physical perfection, but a soul as lovely as her looks shone through in the warmth of her smile and the gleam of her eyes.
Ophelia moved closer as a guard she vaguely recognized announced the Princess's arrival. Many stepped aside in respect for the beloved philanthropist, and those who did not were shoved out of the way by those who thought they ought to have owed her such. Ophelia cast the crowd a gentle smile. Eventually, she ended up at the front, with a perfect view of Gianna.
Her friend spoke eloquently, delivering a short, simple yet impactful speech about the importance of the event, and why it should be celebrated. As the crowds tossed roses at her feet, Ophelia frowned slightly, for she had no offering to make. But Gianna was her friend, so rather than toss a rose, she raised a ringed hand in a delicate wave.
'Let the Dionysa begin!'
A raucous cheer rose up at Gianna's proclamation. Ophelia and her handmaidens applauded politely, gentle smiles on their faces. As a lively tune was struck up by a bardlet, Ophelia made her way towards the Princess, knowing that her guards would be no hindrance, for they had surely already recognized her.
"Gianna! Gia, my darling, hello," the Condos Rose beamed at the royal trendsetter, foregoing a curtsy and instead spreading her arms wide in invitation of a hug. "My dear, your speech was fabulous."
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Ophelia stood at her mirror, peering critically into the silvered glass for what must have been the eighth time that hour. She knew that she would find no fault, for she had found none before, but she was almost hoping to. A fault in her appearance might give her a reason to avoid the festival, but she found herself dismayed once more to discover that all was more than in order. She was a shining beacon of beauty, though she hardly looked the part of the proper lady. Her gown had been especially commissioned for the event, a garment of deep, dusky purple accented with gold. The high neckline was of gold, woven with the symbols of the trape vine. Where her breasts were usually covered, this dress was artfully slit to reveal a sliver of each. A belt of thin golden fabric nipped in her waist, separating the bodice from the skirt. The fabric of the skirt became sheerer the lower down it got. Her womanly area was thankfully covered by opaque fabric, but from there downwards, the cloth became more translucent. Beautiful as the garment was, she felt it wrong for her, though she had dared not object when it had been presented to her. Dionysus had, after all, patronized their house for many years. It was upon his good grace that their dynasty had been built, and thus it was her duty to pay homage to him. So she stood at the looking glass, as she has every year for the past twelve, taking in her reflection.
Her long hair, dark hair was pulled into a pretty but unencumbered braid so that she might hunt if she pleased. Woven with gold as an accent, it was nevertheless a practical choice of hairstyle. To beautify it, a golden coronel encrusted with amethyst was placed upon her brow. She would take that off to hunt, as she would all her jewels. There were some parts of the Dionysa she favoured, and the opportunity to freely hunt was one of them. Typically it was considered a man's pursuit, though women were permitted to take up archery if they chose in honour of the Great Goddess Artemis. She, however, had never flinched from the death of an animal, and used the festival as a means of furthering her charitable work. Those animals she hunted, she also cooked, and sent as gifts to the poorest in the city. She would have to remove the gold-set amethysts that dangled like chandeliers in her ears also, the matching pair of dove armbands that stretched across her upper arms, heads perched delicately upon their wings, and the myriad of jewel-encrusted bracelets she wore on both wrists, but no matter. She would give them to a trusted friend until she had need of them again.
She even wore a mask for the occasion, a delicate creation of amethyst-studded gold that neatly covered her eyes. So absorbed was she in staring at the girl in the mirror -- the girl that she barely recognized -- that she did not notice Evanthe approaching from behind her. "You will find something that amuses you, you always do," the handmaiden murmured quietly, so that she might not be overheard by the others in the room. "Princess Gianna will be there, and many of your other friends and acquaintances." "I wish you were coming," Ophelia confessed. But it was not to be. Evanthe's red flower was upon her and she was feeling fatigued. "But you are right, I suppose." "You need not engage in any...unsavory activities. You may do as men do, so do. Try to find an intellectual conversation. Hunt. Dance, if you wish, you do like dancing. Your family only wish you to attend to pay homage to Dionysus, but I am sure they would not wish you to do anything you were uncomfortable with." Ophelia gave a nod. This was not necessarily true, but she did know that her family would not wish her to do anything that might risk bringing shame upon them. Turning to her lesser maids, she called out in a clear voice of command. "Aoide, I will have the carriage brought around now. The ladies who wish to attend the celebration alone may do so, I gladly give you this night of freedom. However, would anyone be willing to attend me?" "I shall attend you, My Lady," Aoide offered, earning a sweet smile of thanks from her mistress. "And I," chirped Aglaia, one of Ophelia's youngest maids. She knew that it would be Aglaia's first time at the Dionysa, but the girl was wise for her age and had proven herself a loyal and devoted servant. She nodded without a second thought. "Very well. Aoide, Aglaia, I would be honoured to have you attend me." "I shall have the carriage summoned immediately, My Lady," Aoide assured her, sweeping into a curtsy. "Shall I summon Theron?" questioned Aglaia.
Ophelia considered this for a moment, tapping her chin with a gold-tipped purple nail. Theron was her usual guard, accompanying her to most events. He had escorted her to the Dionysa for the past twelve years, it was tradition. Why then did she hesitate to call upon him?
"No, I believe we shall go alone this year," she decided. Moving to the window, she peered down at the city below. The air was impregnated with the smell of wine, which drifted up even to her balcony. Shrieks of laughter rang like bells through the city, proclaiming the joy of its women. Ophelia has never felt quite at ease in this environment, but perhaps that was because she had never allowed herself the true experience of liberation, always holding back in fear of besmirching her family's honour. What would it truly be like to experience the Dionysa to its fullest extent? To surrender fully to pleasure and forget, for one day, that she was a Condos, a woman, the people's rose? What might it be like if she were to actually permit someone to free her of the invisible shackles that bound her daily and soar through the air like the doves at her wrist? Perhaps she would find out tonight.
"The carriage is waiting, My Lady."
Aoide's words jarred her from her thoughts. She turned, blinking twice as she regarded the maiden, who herself was dressed rather prettily but provocatively in a peplos of dove grey.
"Ophelia." The word slipped unbidden from her lips, but she found that once it had, she was not sorry for it. She looked from Aoide to Aglaia, the corners of her red-painted lips turning upward at the corners. "On this day, I am simply Ophelia. You may omit my title for these hours."
The maids exchanged a glance, then grinned back at their Lady. "Very well, Ophelia," Aglaia blushed as she tasted the name on her tongue. "Shall we go?" The Taengean nodded, looking first to her other ladies. "Should we see you there, you are free to approach us, or not, depending on your preferences. I do hope you have fun at the festivities. And Evanthe, dear, try to rest."
These words spoken, she swept from the room.
A moment later, she was seated in a circular carriage of gold that had been hired for this event. She hired the same vehicle each year, so everyone knew who sat within. For the foreigners' sake, she left the exquisite silken curtains open and leaned out of the window, inhaling the heady scent of alcohol and bonfines. Aglaia stared out of the window also, taking everything in, while Aoide diligently polished her mistress's bow. never glancing up from her task.
"There is Gianna's palanquin!" the Condos beamed as she caught the first sight of her friend, only slightly ahead of them and parting the crowds. She kept her eyes on Gianna's vehicle for the rest of the journey, marvelling at the reaction the Princess received. She was so preoccupied with this that she barely noticed the attention she herself was gathering. Many of the poorer women of Vasilidon and beyond, and even some of the men, called out greetings to her. They hailed her 'Weaver of Dreams,' and 'Taengea's Rose,' some even taking a knee as she passed.
Arriving at last at the naós of Dionysus, the carriage drew to a smooth and graceful halt. Her elderly driver was quick to open the door and place a set of highly decorative steps before the vehicle. Aglaia emerged first, then Aoide. Finally, it was Ophelia's turn. Her cool, pale hand was swallowed by that of the driver as he gently helped her into a standing position. With all the elegance of the bird enclosing her upper arm, she descended three steps and placed her gilded feet on solid ground.
There were more men here this year, it seemed, but no less women than she remembered. She had arrived at almost the exact same time as Gianna, who was emerging with all state and ceremony from her palanquin. Inhaling sharply, she took in Gianna's attire; it was even more provocative than her own. Still, it became her well and the collar was gorgeous. She only hoped that Gianna was have the good sense to discourage any ill-suited men who might take her flimsy garment as an opportunity to come courting, if 'courting' was even the word.
"The Princess..." Aoide whispered, her eyes alight with glee. "She looks very beautiful today!" Aglaia gushed. Ophelia could hear the girl's silent thought as if it had been spoken aloud -- 'even more beautiful than you, Ophelia! And I had not thought that possible!' -- but it did not sting. Gianna was indeed a creature of great beauty. One would have to be blind, or cold as ice and hard as stone, not to admire such a creature. Not only was she a manifestation of physical perfection, but a soul as lovely as her looks shone through in the warmth of her smile and the gleam of her eyes.
Ophelia moved closer as a guard she vaguely recognized announced the Princess's arrival. Many stepped aside in respect for the beloved philanthropist, and those who did not were shoved out of the way by those who thought they ought to have owed her such. Ophelia cast the crowd a gentle smile. Eventually, she ended up at the front, with a perfect view of Gianna.
Her friend spoke eloquently, delivering a short, simple yet impactful speech about the importance of the event, and why it should be celebrated. As the crowds tossed roses at her feet, Ophelia frowned slightly, for she had no offering to make. But Gianna was her friend, so rather than toss a rose, she raised a ringed hand in a delicate wave.
'Let the Dionysa begin!'
A raucous cheer rose up at Gianna's proclamation. Ophelia and her handmaidens applauded politely, gentle smiles on their faces. As a lively tune was struck up by a bardlet, Ophelia made her way towards the Princess, knowing that her guards would be no hindrance, for they had surely already recognized her.
"Gianna! Gia, my darling, hello," the Condos Rose beamed at the royal trendsetter, foregoing a curtsy and instead spreading her arms wide in invitation of a hug. "My dear, your speech was fabulous."
Ophelia stood at her mirror, peering critically into the silvered glass for what must have been the eighth time that hour. She knew that she would find no fault, for she had found none before, but she was almost hoping to. A fault in her appearance might give her a reason to avoid the festival, but she found herself dismayed once more to discover that all was more than in order. She was a shining beacon of beauty, though she hardly looked the part of the proper lady. Her gown had been especially commissioned for the event, a garment of deep, dusky purple accented with gold. The high neckline was of gold, woven with the symbols of the trape vine. Where her breasts were usually covered, this dress was artfully slit to reveal a sliver of each. A belt of thin golden fabric nipped in her waist, separating the bodice from the skirt. The fabric of the skirt became sheerer the lower down it got. Her womanly area was thankfully covered by opaque fabric, but from there downwards, the cloth became more translucent. Beautiful as the garment was, she felt it wrong for her, though she had dared not object when it had been presented to her. Dionysus had, after all, patronized their house for many years. It was upon his good grace that their dynasty had been built, and thus it was her duty to pay homage to him. So she stood at the looking glass, as she has every year for the past twelve, taking in her reflection.
Her long hair, dark hair was pulled into a pretty but unencumbered braid so that she might hunt if she pleased. Woven with gold as an accent, it was nevertheless a practical choice of hairstyle. To beautify it, a golden coronel encrusted with amethyst was placed upon her brow. She would take that off to hunt, as she would all her jewels. There were some parts of the Dionysa she favoured, and the opportunity to freely hunt was one of them. Typically it was considered a man's pursuit, though women were permitted to take up archery if they chose in honour of the Great Goddess Artemis. She, however, had never flinched from the death of an animal, and used the festival as a means of furthering her charitable work. Those animals she hunted, she also cooked, and sent as gifts to the poorest in the city. She would have to remove the gold-set amethysts that dangled like chandeliers in her ears also, the matching pair of dove armbands that stretched across her upper arms, heads perched delicately upon their wings, and the myriad of jewel-encrusted bracelets she wore on both wrists, but no matter. She would give them to a trusted friend until she had need of them again.
She even wore a mask for the occasion, a delicate creation of amethyst-studded gold that neatly covered her eyes. So absorbed was she in staring at the girl in the mirror -- the girl that she barely recognized -- that she did not notice Evanthe approaching from behind her. "You will find something that amuses you, you always do," the handmaiden murmured quietly, so that she might not be overheard by the others in the room. "Princess Gianna will be there, and many of your other friends and acquaintances." "I wish you were coming," Ophelia confessed. But it was not to be. Evanthe's red flower was upon her and she was feeling fatigued. "But you are right, I suppose." "You need not engage in any...unsavory activities. You may do as men do, so do. Try to find an intellectual conversation. Hunt. Dance, if you wish, you do like dancing. Your family only wish you to attend to pay homage to Dionysus, but I am sure they would not wish you to do anything you were uncomfortable with." Ophelia gave a nod. This was not necessarily true, but she did know that her family would not wish her to do anything that might risk bringing shame upon them. Turning to her lesser maids, she called out in a clear voice of command. "Aoide, I will have the carriage brought around now. The ladies who wish to attend the celebration alone may do so, I gladly give you this night of freedom. However, would anyone be willing to attend me?" "I shall attend you, My Lady," Aoide offered, earning a sweet smile of thanks from her mistress. "And I," chirped Aglaia, one of Ophelia's youngest maids. She knew that it would be Aglaia's first time at the Dionysa, but the girl was wise for her age and had proven herself a loyal and devoted servant. She nodded without a second thought. "Very well. Aoide, Aglaia, I would be honoured to have you attend me." "I shall have the carriage summoned immediately, My Lady," Aoide assured her, sweeping into a curtsy. "Shall I summon Theron?" questioned Aglaia.
Ophelia considered this for a moment, tapping her chin with a gold-tipped purple nail. Theron was her usual guard, accompanying her to most events. He had escorted her to the Dionysa for the past twelve years, it was tradition. Why then did she hesitate to call upon him?
"No, I believe we shall go alone this year," she decided. Moving to the window, she peered down at the city below. The air was impregnated with the smell of wine, which drifted up even to her balcony. Shrieks of laughter rang like bells through the city, proclaiming the joy of its women. Ophelia has never felt quite at ease in this environment, but perhaps that was because she had never allowed herself the true experience of liberation, always holding back in fear of besmirching her family's honour. What would it truly be like to experience the Dionysa to its fullest extent? To surrender fully to pleasure and forget, for one day, that she was a Condos, a woman, the people's rose? What might it be like if she were to actually permit someone to free her of the invisible shackles that bound her daily and soar through the air like the doves at her wrist? Perhaps she would find out tonight.
"The carriage is waiting, My Lady."
Aoide's words jarred her from her thoughts. She turned, blinking twice as she regarded the maiden, who herself was dressed rather prettily but provocatively in a peplos of dove grey.
"Ophelia." The word slipped unbidden from her lips, but she found that once it had, she was not sorry for it. She looked from Aoide to Aglaia, the corners of her red-painted lips turning upward at the corners. "On this day, I am simply Ophelia. You may omit my title for these hours."
The maids exchanged a glance, then grinned back at their Lady. "Very well, Ophelia," Aglaia blushed as she tasted the name on her tongue. "Shall we go?" The Taengean nodded, looking first to her other ladies. "Should we see you there, you are free to approach us, or not, depending on your preferences. I do hope you have fun at the festivities. And Evanthe, dear, try to rest."
These words spoken, she swept from the room.
A moment later, she was seated in a circular carriage of gold that had been hired for this event. She hired the same vehicle each year, so everyone knew who sat within. For the foreigners' sake, she left the exquisite silken curtains open and leaned out of the window, inhaling the heady scent of alcohol and bonfines. Aglaia stared out of the window also, taking everything in, while Aoide diligently polished her mistress's bow. never glancing up from her task.
"There is Gianna's palanquin!" the Condos beamed as she caught the first sight of her friend, only slightly ahead of them and parting the crowds. She kept her eyes on Gianna's vehicle for the rest of the journey, marvelling at the reaction the Princess received. She was so preoccupied with this that she barely noticed the attention she herself was gathering. Many of the poorer women of Vasilidon and beyond, and even some of the men, called out greetings to her. They hailed her 'Weaver of Dreams,' and 'Taengea's Rose,' some even taking a knee as she passed.
Arriving at last at the naós of Dionysus, the carriage drew to a smooth and graceful halt. Her elderly driver was quick to open the door and place a set of highly decorative steps before the vehicle. Aglaia emerged first, then Aoide. Finally, it was Ophelia's turn. Her cool, pale hand was swallowed by that of the driver as he gently helped her into a standing position. With all the elegance of the bird enclosing her upper arm, she descended three steps and placed her gilded feet on solid ground.
There were more men here this year, it seemed, but no less women than she remembered. She had arrived at almost the exact same time as Gianna, who was emerging with all state and ceremony from her palanquin. Inhaling sharply, she took in Gianna's attire; it was even more provocative than her own. Still, it became her well and the collar was gorgeous. She only hoped that Gianna was have the good sense to discourage any ill-suited men who might take her flimsy garment as an opportunity to come courting, if 'courting' was even the word.
"The Princess..." Aoide whispered, her eyes alight with glee. "She looks very beautiful today!" Aglaia gushed. Ophelia could hear the girl's silent thought as if it had been spoken aloud -- 'even more beautiful than you, Ophelia! And I had not thought that possible!' -- but it did not sting. Gianna was indeed a creature of great beauty. One would have to be blind, or cold as ice and hard as stone, not to admire such a creature. Not only was she a manifestation of physical perfection, but a soul as lovely as her looks shone through in the warmth of her smile and the gleam of her eyes.
Ophelia moved closer as a guard she vaguely recognized announced the Princess's arrival. Many stepped aside in respect for the beloved philanthropist, and those who did not were shoved out of the way by those who thought they ought to have owed her such. Ophelia cast the crowd a gentle smile. Eventually, she ended up at the front, with a perfect view of Gianna.
Her friend spoke eloquently, delivering a short, simple yet impactful speech about the importance of the event, and why it should be celebrated. As the crowds tossed roses at her feet, Ophelia frowned slightly, for she had no offering to make. But Gianna was her friend, so rather than toss a rose, she raised a ringed hand in a delicate wave.
'Let the Dionysa begin!'
A raucous cheer rose up at Gianna's proclamation. Ophelia and her handmaidens applauded politely, gentle smiles on their faces. As a lively tune was struck up by a bardlet, Ophelia made her way towards the Princess, knowing that her guards would be no hindrance, for they had surely already recognized her.
"Gianna! Gia, my darling, hello," the Condos Rose beamed at the royal trendsetter, foregoing a curtsy and instead spreading her arms wide in invitation of a hug. "My dear, your speech was fabulous."
With work completed for this particular trip, all that was left for the young Captain of Chaossis was to enjoy the festival honoring the God Dionysus. He had heard rumors of the grandeur and the pro active nature of the celebration, but it did not capture half of the reality. The Princess of Taengea opened the festival with a short speech clad in nothing but sheer clothing that hid nothing from the onlookers, and others were wearing even less than she was. This was the sort of place that he wished he could spend the rest of his life. It was like a paradise for the promiscuous young officer, and he planned to explore it to the fullest. For his part, Alexandros had decided to allow his striking figure to speak for itself even more so than usual. His cloak was wrapped around his neck with a clasp that displayed his rank, the long white expanse of fabric then ran down his back and was clasped once more across his hips. His chest and legs were bare for all to see and what lay under the cloth would not require much imaginative power to comprehend. His years as a soldier served to leave his form chiseled as if the sculptures had carved him from marble. He was, in fact, fully flesh, and today he intended to indulge in every carnal desire that came from the human condition. His cerulean gaze was cast through the crowd, searching for any that would catch his eye. He was a man of large appetites, and he was certain to find his fill on this most auspicious of occasions. He strolled to the nearest of the wine barrels and dipped his cup within it. He gave an appreciative nod to those who had provided it, winked towards an older woman nearby and then drank deeply from the cup. It would have been a shame to spend the festival of the god of wine sober, and he had no intention to do so.
He wandered the streets, mingling with the crowd that was mixed of locals and foreigners, high and low class people. A group of 4 young, attractive women caught his eye as he walked through the streets of the city, and he soon closed the distance between them. The man seemed to ooze confidence as he introduced himself to the group. “My, my, what a group, you ladies must be incarnations of Aphrodite, no? Please forgive the intrusion of this mere mortal, but I was struck by your beauty from across the way, and dragged here as if the Fates themselves willed this meeting. My name is Alexandros Iraklidis, a Captain from Colchis, and who might all of you be?”
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With work completed for this particular trip, all that was left for the young Captain of Chaossis was to enjoy the festival honoring the God Dionysus. He had heard rumors of the grandeur and the pro active nature of the celebration, but it did not capture half of the reality. The Princess of Taengea opened the festival with a short speech clad in nothing but sheer clothing that hid nothing from the onlookers, and others were wearing even less than she was. This was the sort of place that he wished he could spend the rest of his life. It was like a paradise for the promiscuous young officer, and he planned to explore it to the fullest. For his part, Alexandros had decided to allow his striking figure to speak for itself even more so than usual. His cloak was wrapped around his neck with a clasp that displayed his rank, the long white expanse of fabric then ran down his back and was clasped once more across his hips. His chest and legs were bare for all to see and what lay under the cloth would not require much imaginative power to comprehend. His years as a soldier served to leave his form chiseled as if the sculptures had carved him from marble. He was, in fact, fully flesh, and today he intended to indulge in every carnal desire that came from the human condition. His cerulean gaze was cast through the crowd, searching for any that would catch his eye. He was a man of large appetites, and he was certain to find his fill on this most auspicious of occasions. He strolled to the nearest of the wine barrels and dipped his cup within it. He gave an appreciative nod to those who had provided it, winked towards an older woman nearby and then drank deeply from the cup. It would have been a shame to spend the festival of the god of wine sober, and he had no intention to do so.
He wandered the streets, mingling with the crowd that was mixed of locals and foreigners, high and low class people. A group of 4 young, attractive women caught his eye as he walked through the streets of the city, and he soon closed the distance between them. The man seemed to ooze confidence as he introduced himself to the group. “My, my, what a group, you ladies must be incarnations of Aphrodite, no? Please forgive the intrusion of this mere mortal, but I was struck by your beauty from across the way, and dragged here as if the Fates themselves willed this meeting. My name is Alexandros Iraklidis, a Captain from Colchis, and who might all of you be?”
With work completed for this particular trip, all that was left for the young Captain of Chaossis was to enjoy the festival honoring the God Dionysus. He had heard rumors of the grandeur and the pro active nature of the celebration, but it did not capture half of the reality. The Princess of Taengea opened the festival with a short speech clad in nothing but sheer clothing that hid nothing from the onlookers, and others were wearing even less than she was. This was the sort of place that he wished he could spend the rest of his life. It was like a paradise for the promiscuous young officer, and he planned to explore it to the fullest. For his part, Alexandros had decided to allow his striking figure to speak for itself even more so than usual. His cloak was wrapped around his neck with a clasp that displayed his rank, the long white expanse of fabric then ran down his back and was clasped once more across his hips. His chest and legs were bare for all to see and what lay under the cloth would not require much imaginative power to comprehend. His years as a soldier served to leave his form chiseled as if the sculptures had carved him from marble. He was, in fact, fully flesh, and today he intended to indulge in every carnal desire that came from the human condition. His cerulean gaze was cast through the crowd, searching for any that would catch his eye. He was a man of large appetites, and he was certain to find his fill on this most auspicious of occasions. He strolled to the nearest of the wine barrels and dipped his cup within it. He gave an appreciative nod to those who had provided it, winked towards an older woman nearby and then drank deeply from the cup. It would have been a shame to spend the festival of the god of wine sober, and he had no intention to do so.
He wandered the streets, mingling with the crowd that was mixed of locals and foreigners, high and low class people. A group of 4 young, attractive women caught his eye as he walked through the streets of the city, and he soon closed the distance between them. The man seemed to ooze confidence as he introduced himself to the group. “My, my, what a group, you ladies must be incarnations of Aphrodite, no? Please forgive the intrusion of this mere mortal, but I was struck by your beauty from across the way, and dragged here as if the Fates themselves willed this meeting. My name is Alexandros Iraklidis, a Captain from Colchis, and who might all of you be?”
Kaia and Aea, as a general rule, were not allowed to be alone at camp unless one of the men was at least somewhat close by. There were reasons for this. Stupid ones, but ones she supposed made sense to her father, not that he would disclose what those were.
When the five men in their family took leave at dawn to groom themselves, it was strange. Usually, they did it when their beards were too long or their stench too strong, and never all at once. When they put on their cleanest tunics and ate breakfast in tense silence, it was bizarre. And then, when they all got up to leave and Gatheron had winked and told them to watch the goat, Aea and Kaia had been downright suspicious.
They had waited for a while at camp, sequestered in a valley as they usually were when in Taengea. Then, when a sufficient amount of time had passed, they followed their kin’s path, pulling their goat along because they certainly weren’t going to leave her.
It was a long walk if one took milage into account, but it felt like just another walk to the girls. Agogos was riding upon Aea's shoulder, an unusually clingy behavior that she did not dissuade. When an animal acted out, it was for a reason, and she would wait and see what his instincts revealed. She hoped he wasn’t sick, for she did not know how to treat a sick bird. Perhaps no different than any other sick thing.
They tracked their family all the way to the city proper. What city, Aea could not guess, but it was a loud one. There were people everywhere, to such a degree that it was clear from outside of the city. Undeterred and slightly miffed at being left behind without so much as a word, the two girls strode into the clutch of stone and marble. They didn’t intend to approach their family if they found them, but they didn’t intend to listen to them and stay put, either. If something was exciting enough for the five men to bathe, shave, and leave the girls alone at camp, it must be something quite extraordinary.
Aea blinked up at the polished, beautiful buildings that blocked the skies as the city enveloped them. There were carved statues of all sorts of Gods and creatures topping the tall buildings. She’d never seen anything like that before. How did they get those up there?
The bodies on the street got thicker, but they did not block the avenue for they were too busy moving about. That’s when Aea noticed something...very irregular. “Where are the men?” She looked at Kaia pointedly before glancing to the seemingly endless sea of faces around them. Something was very wrong here.
Then she noticed, quite belatedly, that there were a great many pair of breasts. She looked at Kaia, looked back at the sea of bare breasts, then pulled Kelosi closer by the rope wrapped round her horns. The goat sighed, but ambled closer until her withers pressed to Aea’s calf. Agogos was still clutching Aea's shoulder. Cautiously, she pulled the slit of her buckskin chlamys closed as if the collective nakedness might melt her own clothing away.
This was perhaps the most uncomfortable thing she’d ever encountered. She felt overdressed and out of place, but she was surely not the odd one here—everybody else was, after all, naked.
“My cherished kin,” A feminine voice carried on the wind and Aea whipped her head toward it. She stood on her tip-toes but could still not see who spoke over the immeasurable amount of heads between herself and the speaker. “And those visiting our great nation, on this day, we pay homage to the resplendent Dionysus, that he may accept our initial sacrifice of a dozen white doves to begin the festivities in his holy name. May he, and all of Olympus, pour forth their great blessings on their humble servants. My beloveds, on this day, let our revered women breathe an unknown air of freedom in Dionysus’ sacred name. Let these hours of cajoling and merriment be our offering to his honor.”
Aea brought a hand to her shoulder and rested it on her raven’s digits as if it might reassure him that he was not a dove, and so he needn't worry. On instinct, she pulled Kelosi tighter to her again and the goat was practically molded to her leg at this point. Information clicked into place, context was conjured, and she was certain that she and Kaia were both ten years too young to be here.
Her eyes turned slowly to her cousin. “Kaia, I think we should go—”
Kaia was not standing in the place she was standing in moments before.
“Let the Dionysa begin!”the feminine voice cried.
“Home.” Aea blinked and looked around. “Kaia?”
A great cheer thundered through the crowd and Agogos flapped his wings violently, cawing shrilly, but he did not leave his perch. Why had Kaia suddenly gone? And to where? Aea subtly sniffed her chlamys, but as she thought, she smelled clean from her mid-morning bath. Did she just...well. Aea supposed she did just leave. This was strange. Aea had never been left alone before.
She stood silently for a moment, taking in the sensation. It felt...good. Sure, she was a little lost, but the prospect of not knowing where she was or what was going on was, in a strange way, liberating. Relaxing, even, for there were no eyes to watch her every move and nobody else she had to consider when making decisions. This was rather nice, actually. She should still find Kaia, but there was no reason not to enjoy the search.
Well. What to do now? She supposed she wouldn’t find her cousin by standing there. The smell of cooking food wafted upon the wind and Aea’s stomach grumbled. She’d eaten breakfast, but she was constantly hungry. It was rather inconvenient considering her lack of money.
She straightened the bow slung across her shoulders so that it straddled her torso in as vertical of a line as possible. It would be the height of drama if she got stuck profusely apologizing to somebody for snagging the horn tip upon their clothing, or poking them in the eye. Then again, people weren’t wearing enough clothes for the wood to snag.
Aea had never seen a naked woman before. There was a curiosity to look, for nakedness was a forbidden thing, but there was a wrongness in looking as well. It was all very confusing, but wonderfully strange as well. She finally spotted one or two men among the throngs of women, but they were clothed.
“Kaia!” Aea called. The throng of bodies was too thick to see past. She was not afraid for her cousin—Kaia could take care of herself, but they should go home soon. They did not mean to stumble into whatever this was, but they definitely were not supposed to be here. Somebody was shouting rhetoric about education and Aea’s ears pricked, her eyes turning to an older woman perched upon the shoulders of another.
“—expect a boy to become a learned man when the womb that birthed him can’t even read! Criminality, thievery, murder, rape, these godless men are but symptoms of the women who ejected them, having no way to mould their minds into anything more than base carnality!”
Aea looked away quickly and kept walking. Was that true? Would she be less of a murder if she could read, or was that specific to men? Surely not. Minds were, assumedly, the same in mass if differing in value. Like Uncle Gatheron said, in all things there was the standard and the variant positive and negative values that dictated the content. Some content was less in value than others, but the algorithm was always the same. A rock was a rock, just as the rock next to it, but one was more substantial of a stone than the other. If it was the same in all things, surely the mind was no different, for that was included in ‘all’ and not outside of it. But what if it wasn’t? What if the mind was not synonymous with the brain? But that did not make sense...or perhaps it did.
Aea did not realize she was looking at the ground in thought until she ran straight into a body and it startled her out of the question. She opened her mouth the apologize, but nothing came out. She blinked. The person she ran into didn’t even seem to notice the impact, so busy was he. A woman was joined to him at the mouth and it didn’t take a genius to understand that they were kissing.
She tilted her head and furrowed her eyebrows. A tongue slid between them. Right. Aea shook her head and moved past them. She was under the impression that kissing was not a done thing in public, but apparently not. Her stomach growled again and she pressed her hand to it, her eyes peeled for a snack. Instead of food, her eyes alighted on a sudden parting of the crowd.
A group of men, a gaggle of them, really, stumbled through bodies like one mass and careened right for Aea, their attention blasted somewhere to oblivion. Her heart thumped against her chest, hard and packed like a punch to the face. Kelosi bleated, her hooves kicking wildly in the air when Aea grabbed her withers and hoisted her high with both hands, darting out of the way just as three men crashed into the spot she’d just been standing in. A head plonked on the ground, touching her sandals.
Her heartbeat did not slow, and her eyes swung across the crowd. Kelosi bleated again and slowly, Aea lowered her back to the ground, patting the side of her neck in apology. Assholes. She frowned down at the man directly below her, and he grinned back up at her. Fucking lunatics.
“You almost flattened my goat,” she said.
“Dreadfully sorry.” He was still smiling and laying on the ground, even as his friends got up. “Should I kiss her and beg forgiveness?”
Aea did not know if he was making fun of her, her goat, or sincerely wondering if Kelosi would forgive him in exchange for a kiss. She also did not know if she felt more offended or amused. She would not let him touch Kelosi in any case. Kelosi was a good girl, and since Kaia had disappeared, she was Aea’s to protect.
Instead of answering the man, for she was not supposed to speak to him anyway, Aea tugged on the goat’s rope and continued walking and calling out her cousin’s name. The sound of music almost distracted her from her task, and then it did actually distract her, so Aea moved toward the sound and milled through bodies until she found the source. She watched the dancers twist and move against the beat of the drum, snaking their arms to the melody of the double reed. She listened and watched for a moment before moving on once more, when a new sound drew her eye. Metal against metal. Were people fighting? With such a crowd? She thought that was illegal. Again, apparently not. It seemed her father had lied to her twice about laws and customs, but that was to be expected. She caught him in so many lies at this point that it was difficult to keep track.
She followed the sound of singing blades and came across two women circling each other like predators. And...they were naked. Not just wearing a bottom or a loosened top, but really and truly naked. And covered in dirt and grass. They both had swords, but Aea could plainly see that they were not trained from the way they moved. As they circled one another, they crossed their feet upon their turns. Their knees were straight, not bent in the slightest, and one of the women was gripping with both hands, the blade sky-ward and her waist twisted to strike from the hip. She was holding her rather light sword like a giant hammer.
People were shouting at them, but the fighters paid no mind. Somebody shouted for final bets. The women barreled forward, and Aea bared her teeth in a grimace because she was fairly certain that one of them would lose an arm. The blades bounced harmlessly off one another. Aea moved closer.
She was petite in stature, her clothes muted and off-white, and half her face covered by an epiblema. She slipped past people as if she didn’t even exist and made it to the front of the crowd with her raven still attached to her shoulder and her goat still glued to her leg.
One of the women, the taller one, let out a battle cry and flew at the other, her sword coming down like Hephasteus’ hammer. The other woman froze, but she flinched out of the way just in time. Aea glanced at the woman who’d called for bets. She held a large cup in one hand while the other gripped her knee as she screamed ‘finish her!’
“Excuse me,” Aea tapped the woman next to her, “is there payment for winning?”
The woman looked down at her, looked at her raven, looked at her goat, then looked at her once more with a question clear on her face. It was a long story, too long to regale to a stranger. After inspecting her for what seemed like entirely too long, the woman finally nodded. “Aye. Half the pot. Other half goes to the house.” Oh. So not all the bets. Still, money was money.
“Do they have to be naked?”
“Nah. See that pile there?” The woman pointed to the side and Aea followed her finger. “You lose a round, you take off a piece and throw it in the pile. You can yield when you want. Supposed to go to the orphanage tomorrow, but who knows, they might sell the shit second-hand.”
Aea kept her eyes on the pile for a moment, searching for a clean tunic despite knowing she would not be able to simply pick it out. If she fought, and won, she could earn some money and put it aside where her kin wouldn’t find it.
She said if, but she meant when, for she would not lose. Aea may not be confident in her own nature, but she was confident in her ability to disarm an opponent, trained or otherwise. There was no worry about getting naked, because the odds of her losing a round, especially to an untrained person who was mad enough to walk around bare, was astronomically improbable. And if she did lose a round, she had plenty of clothes on, and so plenty of chances to continue to remain unnaked.
“How does one call next?”
The woman shrugged. “Just jump in is how they been doing it. Can’t kill nobody though. Gotta wrap the blade tip.”
Interesting and reasonable. It also sounded like a chance for more than two fighters. She could use that. In her opinion, daggers were far more effective than a sword. She could rush a guard, knock a blade aside, and sink her own into an opponent while they were still trying to bring their sword around to stab her. Weight, height, and age did not matter. Creativity, speed, and muscle memory were the great equalizers. There was also no worry about accidental murder. Her father taught her the art of killing, and she had nothing to do all day but practice. She knew how to control her intent and sustain a life. Accidental killing was the work of somebody who should not be playing with weapons to begin with.
“Thank you,” Aea said, turning back to the match. Kaia would hopefully appear soon. The sound of a fight usually drew her as surely as it drew Aea, so this was the best place to stay for the moment.
Arra
Aea
Arra
Aea
Awards
First Impressions:Hourglass; Glossy black hair that falls to her hips, piercing blue eyes, a voluptuous figure, and a serious, concentrated expression.
Address: Your
First Impressions:Hourglass; Glossy black hair that falls to her hips, piercing blue eyes, a voluptuous figure, and a serious, concentrated expression.
Address: Your
Kaia and Aea, as a general rule, were not allowed to be alone at camp unless one of the men was at least somewhat close by. There were reasons for this. Stupid ones, but ones she supposed made sense to her father, not that he would disclose what those were.
When the five men in their family took leave at dawn to groom themselves, it was strange. Usually, they did it when their beards were too long or their stench too strong, and never all at once. When they put on their cleanest tunics and ate breakfast in tense silence, it was bizarre. And then, when they all got up to leave and Gatheron had winked and told them to watch the goat, Aea and Kaia had been downright suspicious.
They had waited for a while at camp, sequestered in a valley as they usually were when in Taengea. Then, when a sufficient amount of time had passed, they followed their kin’s path, pulling their goat along because they certainly weren’t going to leave her.
It was a long walk if one took milage into account, but it felt like just another walk to the girls. Agogos was riding upon Aea's shoulder, an unusually clingy behavior that she did not dissuade. When an animal acted out, it was for a reason, and she would wait and see what his instincts revealed. She hoped he wasn’t sick, for she did not know how to treat a sick bird. Perhaps no different than any other sick thing.
They tracked their family all the way to the city proper. What city, Aea could not guess, but it was a loud one. There were people everywhere, to such a degree that it was clear from outside of the city. Undeterred and slightly miffed at being left behind without so much as a word, the two girls strode into the clutch of stone and marble. They didn’t intend to approach their family if they found them, but they didn’t intend to listen to them and stay put, either. If something was exciting enough for the five men to bathe, shave, and leave the girls alone at camp, it must be something quite extraordinary.
Aea blinked up at the polished, beautiful buildings that blocked the skies as the city enveloped them. There were carved statues of all sorts of Gods and creatures topping the tall buildings. She’d never seen anything like that before. How did they get those up there?
The bodies on the street got thicker, but they did not block the avenue for they were too busy moving about. That’s when Aea noticed something...very irregular. “Where are the men?” She looked at Kaia pointedly before glancing to the seemingly endless sea of faces around them. Something was very wrong here.
Then she noticed, quite belatedly, that there were a great many pair of breasts. She looked at Kaia, looked back at the sea of bare breasts, then pulled Kelosi closer by the rope wrapped round her horns. The goat sighed, but ambled closer until her withers pressed to Aea’s calf. Agogos was still clutching Aea's shoulder. Cautiously, she pulled the slit of her buckskin chlamys closed as if the collective nakedness might melt her own clothing away.
This was perhaps the most uncomfortable thing she’d ever encountered. She felt overdressed and out of place, but she was surely not the odd one here—everybody else was, after all, naked.
“My cherished kin,” A feminine voice carried on the wind and Aea whipped her head toward it. She stood on her tip-toes but could still not see who spoke over the immeasurable amount of heads between herself and the speaker. “And those visiting our great nation, on this day, we pay homage to the resplendent Dionysus, that he may accept our initial sacrifice of a dozen white doves to begin the festivities in his holy name. May he, and all of Olympus, pour forth their great blessings on their humble servants. My beloveds, on this day, let our revered women breathe an unknown air of freedom in Dionysus’ sacred name. Let these hours of cajoling and merriment be our offering to his honor.”
Aea brought a hand to her shoulder and rested it on her raven’s digits as if it might reassure him that he was not a dove, and so he needn't worry. On instinct, she pulled Kelosi tighter to her again and the goat was practically molded to her leg at this point. Information clicked into place, context was conjured, and she was certain that she and Kaia were both ten years too young to be here.
Her eyes turned slowly to her cousin. “Kaia, I think we should go—”
Kaia was not standing in the place she was standing in moments before.
“Let the Dionysa begin!”the feminine voice cried.
“Home.” Aea blinked and looked around. “Kaia?”
A great cheer thundered through the crowd and Agogos flapped his wings violently, cawing shrilly, but he did not leave his perch. Why had Kaia suddenly gone? And to where? Aea subtly sniffed her chlamys, but as she thought, she smelled clean from her mid-morning bath. Did she just...well. Aea supposed she did just leave. This was strange. Aea had never been left alone before.
She stood silently for a moment, taking in the sensation. It felt...good. Sure, she was a little lost, but the prospect of not knowing where she was or what was going on was, in a strange way, liberating. Relaxing, even, for there were no eyes to watch her every move and nobody else she had to consider when making decisions. This was rather nice, actually. She should still find Kaia, but there was no reason not to enjoy the search.
Well. What to do now? She supposed she wouldn’t find her cousin by standing there. The smell of cooking food wafted upon the wind and Aea’s stomach grumbled. She’d eaten breakfast, but she was constantly hungry. It was rather inconvenient considering her lack of money.
She straightened the bow slung across her shoulders so that it straddled her torso in as vertical of a line as possible. It would be the height of drama if she got stuck profusely apologizing to somebody for snagging the horn tip upon their clothing, or poking them in the eye. Then again, people weren’t wearing enough clothes for the wood to snag.
Aea had never seen a naked woman before. There was a curiosity to look, for nakedness was a forbidden thing, but there was a wrongness in looking as well. It was all very confusing, but wonderfully strange as well. She finally spotted one or two men among the throngs of women, but they were clothed.
“Kaia!” Aea called. The throng of bodies was too thick to see past. She was not afraid for her cousin—Kaia could take care of herself, but they should go home soon. They did not mean to stumble into whatever this was, but they definitely were not supposed to be here. Somebody was shouting rhetoric about education and Aea’s ears pricked, her eyes turning to an older woman perched upon the shoulders of another.
“—expect a boy to become a learned man when the womb that birthed him can’t even read! Criminality, thievery, murder, rape, these godless men are but symptoms of the women who ejected them, having no way to mould their minds into anything more than base carnality!”
Aea looked away quickly and kept walking. Was that true? Would she be less of a murder if she could read, or was that specific to men? Surely not. Minds were, assumedly, the same in mass if differing in value. Like Uncle Gatheron said, in all things there was the standard and the variant positive and negative values that dictated the content. Some content was less in value than others, but the algorithm was always the same. A rock was a rock, just as the rock next to it, but one was more substantial of a stone than the other. If it was the same in all things, surely the mind was no different, for that was included in ‘all’ and not outside of it. But what if it wasn’t? What if the mind was not synonymous with the brain? But that did not make sense...or perhaps it did.
Aea did not realize she was looking at the ground in thought until she ran straight into a body and it startled her out of the question. She opened her mouth the apologize, but nothing came out. She blinked. The person she ran into didn’t even seem to notice the impact, so busy was he. A woman was joined to him at the mouth and it didn’t take a genius to understand that they were kissing.
She tilted her head and furrowed her eyebrows. A tongue slid between them. Right. Aea shook her head and moved past them. She was under the impression that kissing was not a done thing in public, but apparently not. Her stomach growled again and she pressed her hand to it, her eyes peeled for a snack. Instead of food, her eyes alighted on a sudden parting of the crowd.
A group of men, a gaggle of them, really, stumbled through bodies like one mass and careened right for Aea, their attention blasted somewhere to oblivion. Her heart thumped against her chest, hard and packed like a punch to the face. Kelosi bleated, her hooves kicking wildly in the air when Aea grabbed her withers and hoisted her high with both hands, darting out of the way just as three men crashed into the spot she’d just been standing in. A head plonked on the ground, touching her sandals.
Her heartbeat did not slow, and her eyes swung across the crowd. Kelosi bleated again and slowly, Aea lowered her back to the ground, patting the side of her neck in apology. Assholes. She frowned down at the man directly below her, and he grinned back up at her. Fucking lunatics.
“You almost flattened my goat,” she said.
“Dreadfully sorry.” He was still smiling and laying on the ground, even as his friends got up. “Should I kiss her and beg forgiveness?”
Aea did not know if he was making fun of her, her goat, or sincerely wondering if Kelosi would forgive him in exchange for a kiss. She also did not know if she felt more offended or amused. She would not let him touch Kelosi in any case. Kelosi was a good girl, and since Kaia had disappeared, she was Aea’s to protect.
Instead of answering the man, for she was not supposed to speak to him anyway, Aea tugged on the goat’s rope and continued walking and calling out her cousin’s name. The sound of music almost distracted her from her task, and then it did actually distract her, so Aea moved toward the sound and milled through bodies until she found the source. She watched the dancers twist and move against the beat of the drum, snaking their arms to the melody of the double reed. She listened and watched for a moment before moving on once more, when a new sound drew her eye. Metal against metal. Were people fighting? With such a crowd? She thought that was illegal. Again, apparently not. It seemed her father had lied to her twice about laws and customs, but that was to be expected. She caught him in so many lies at this point that it was difficult to keep track.
She followed the sound of singing blades and came across two women circling each other like predators. And...they were naked. Not just wearing a bottom or a loosened top, but really and truly naked. And covered in dirt and grass. They both had swords, but Aea could plainly see that they were not trained from the way they moved. As they circled one another, they crossed their feet upon their turns. Their knees were straight, not bent in the slightest, and one of the women was gripping with both hands, the blade sky-ward and her waist twisted to strike from the hip. She was holding her rather light sword like a giant hammer.
People were shouting at them, but the fighters paid no mind. Somebody shouted for final bets. The women barreled forward, and Aea bared her teeth in a grimace because she was fairly certain that one of them would lose an arm. The blades bounced harmlessly off one another. Aea moved closer.
She was petite in stature, her clothes muted and off-white, and half her face covered by an epiblema. She slipped past people as if she didn’t even exist and made it to the front of the crowd with her raven still attached to her shoulder and her goat still glued to her leg.
One of the women, the taller one, let out a battle cry and flew at the other, her sword coming down like Hephasteus’ hammer. The other woman froze, but she flinched out of the way just in time. Aea glanced at the woman who’d called for bets. She held a large cup in one hand while the other gripped her knee as she screamed ‘finish her!’
“Excuse me,” Aea tapped the woman next to her, “is there payment for winning?”
The woman looked down at her, looked at her raven, looked at her goat, then looked at her once more with a question clear on her face. It was a long story, too long to regale to a stranger. After inspecting her for what seemed like entirely too long, the woman finally nodded. “Aye. Half the pot. Other half goes to the house.” Oh. So not all the bets. Still, money was money.
“Do they have to be naked?”
“Nah. See that pile there?” The woman pointed to the side and Aea followed her finger. “You lose a round, you take off a piece and throw it in the pile. You can yield when you want. Supposed to go to the orphanage tomorrow, but who knows, they might sell the shit second-hand.”
Aea kept her eyes on the pile for a moment, searching for a clean tunic despite knowing she would not be able to simply pick it out. If she fought, and won, she could earn some money and put it aside where her kin wouldn’t find it.
She said if, but she meant when, for she would not lose. Aea may not be confident in her own nature, but she was confident in her ability to disarm an opponent, trained or otherwise. There was no worry about getting naked, because the odds of her losing a round, especially to an untrained person who was mad enough to walk around bare, was astronomically improbable. And if she did lose a round, she had plenty of clothes on, and so plenty of chances to continue to remain unnaked.
“How does one call next?”
The woman shrugged. “Just jump in is how they been doing it. Can’t kill nobody though. Gotta wrap the blade tip.”
Interesting and reasonable. It also sounded like a chance for more than two fighters. She could use that. In her opinion, daggers were far more effective than a sword. She could rush a guard, knock a blade aside, and sink her own into an opponent while they were still trying to bring their sword around to stab her. Weight, height, and age did not matter. Creativity, speed, and muscle memory were the great equalizers. There was also no worry about accidental murder. Her father taught her the art of killing, and she had nothing to do all day but practice. She knew how to control her intent and sustain a life. Accidental killing was the work of somebody who should not be playing with weapons to begin with.
“Thank you,” Aea said, turning back to the match. Kaia would hopefully appear soon. The sound of a fight usually drew her as surely as it drew Aea, so this was the best place to stay for the moment.
Kaia and Aea, as a general rule, were not allowed to be alone at camp unless one of the men was at least somewhat close by. There were reasons for this. Stupid ones, but ones she supposed made sense to her father, not that he would disclose what those were.
When the five men in their family took leave at dawn to groom themselves, it was strange. Usually, they did it when their beards were too long or their stench too strong, and never all at once. When they put on their cleanest tunics and ate breakfast in tense silence, it was bizarre. And then, when they all got up to leave and Gatheron had winked and told them to watch the goat, Aea and Kaia had been downright suspicious.
They had waited for a while at camp, sequestered in a valley as they usually were when in Taengea. Then, when a sufficient amount of time had passed, they followed their kin’s path, pulling their goat along because they certainly weren’t going to leave her.
It was a long walk if one took milage into account, but it felt like just another walk to the girls. Agogos was riding upon Aea's shoulder, an unusually clingy behavior that she did not dissuade. When an animal acted out, it was for a reason, and she would wait and see what his instincts revealed. She hoped he wasn’t sick, for she did not know how to treat a sick bird. Perhaps no different than any other sick thing.
They tracked their family all the way to the city proper. What city, Aea could not guess, but it was a loud one. There were people everywhere, to such a degree that it was clear from outside of the city. Undeterred and slightly miffed at being left behind without so much as a word, the two girls strode into the clutch of stone and marble. They didn’t intend to approach their family if they found them, but they didn’t intend to listen to them and stay put, either. If something was exciting enough for the five men to bathe, shave, and leave the girls alone at camp, it must be something quite extraordinary.
Aea blinked up at the polished, beautiful buildings that blocked the skies as the city enveloped them. There were carved statues of all sorts of Gods and creatures topping the tall buildings. She’d never seen anything like that before. How did they get those up there?
The bodies on the street got thicker, but they did not block the avenue for they were too busy moving about. That’s when Aea noticed something...very irregular. “Where are the men?” She looked at Kaia pointedly before glancing to the seemingly endless sea of faces around them. Something was very wrong here.
Then she noticed, quite belatedly, that there were a great many pair of breasts. She looked at Kaia, looked back at the sea of bare breasts, then pulled Kelosi closer by the rope wrapped round her horns. The goat sighed, but ambled closer until her withers pressed to Aea’s calf. Agogos was still clutching Aea's shoulder. Cautiously, she pulled the slit of her buckskin chlamys closed as if the collective nakedness might melt her own clothing away.
This was perhaps the most uncomfortable thing she’d ever encountered. She felt overdressed and out of place, but she was surely not the odd one here—everybody else was, after all, naked.
“My cherished kin,” A feminine voice carried on the wind and Aea whipped her head toward it. She stood on her tip-toes but could still not see who spoke over the immeasurable amount of heads between herself and the speaker. “And those visiting our great nation, on this day, we pay homage to the resplendent Dionysus, that he may accept our initial sacrifice of a dozen white doves to begin the festivities in his holy name. May he, and all of Olympus, pour forth their great blessings on their humble servants. My beloveds, on this day, let our revered women breathe an unknown air of freedom in Dionysus’ sacred name. Let these hours of cajoling and merriment be our offering to his honor.”
Aea brought a hand to her shoulder and rested it on her raven’s digits as if it might reassure him that he was not a dove, and so he needn't worry. On instinct, she pulled Kelosi tighter to her again and the goat was practically molded to her leg at this point. Information clicked into place, context was conjured, and she was certain that she and Kaia were both ten years too young to be here.
Her eyes turned slowly to her cousin. “Kaia, I think we should go—”
Kaia was not standing in the place she was standing in moments before.
“Let the Dionysa begin!”the feminine voice cried.
“Home.” Aea blinked and looked around. “Kaia?”
A great cheer thundered through the crowd and Agogos flapped his wings violently, cawing shrilly, but he did not leave his perch. Why had Kaia suddenly gone? And to where? Aea subtly sniffed her chlamys, but as she thought, she smelled clean from her mid-morning bath. Did she just...well. Aea supposed she did just leave. This was strange. Aea had never been left alone before.
She stood silently for a moment, taking in the sensation. It felt...good. Sure, she was a little lost, but the prospect of not knowing where she was or what was going on was, in a strange way, liberating. Relaxing, even, for there were no eyes to watch her every move and nobody else she had to consider when making decisions. This was rather nice, actually. She should still find Kaia, but there was no reason not to enjoy the search.
Well. What to do now? She supposed she wouldn’t find her cousin by standing there. The smell of cooking food wafted upon the wind and Aea’s stomach grumbled. She’d eaten breakfast, but she was constantly hungry. It was rather inconvenient considering her lack of money.
She straightened the bow slung across her shoulders so that it straddled her torso in as vertical of a line as possible. It would be the height of drama if she got stuck profusely apologizing to somebody for snagging the horn tip upon their clothing, or poking them in the eye. Then again, people weren’t wearing enough clothes for the wood to snag.
Aea had never seen a naked woman before. There was a curiosity to look, for nakedness was a forbidden thing, but there was a wrongness in looking as well. It was all very confusing, but wonderfully strange as well. She finally spotted one or two men among the throngs of women, but they were clothed.
“Kaia!” Aea called. The throng of bodies was too thick to see past. She was not afraid for her cousin—Kaia could take care of herself, but they should go home soon. They did not mean to stumble into whatever this was, but they definitely were not supposed to be here. Somebody was shouting rhetoric about education and Aea’s ears pricked, her eyes turning to an older woman perched upon the shoulders of another.
“—expect a boy to become a learned man when the womb that birthed him can’t even read! Criminality, thievery, murder, rape, these godless men are but symptoms of the women who ejected them, having no way to mould their minds into anything more than base carnality!”
Aea looked away quickly and kept walking. Was that true? Would she be less of a murder if she could read, or was that specific to men? Surely not. Minds were, assumedly, the same in mass if differing in value. Like Uncle Gatheron said, in all things there was the standard and the variant positive and negative values that dictated the content. Some content was less in value than others, but the algorithm was always the same. A rock was a rock, just as the rock next to it, but one was more substantial of a stone than the other. If it was the same in all things, surely the mind was no different, for that was included in ‘all’ and not outside of it. But what if it wasn’t? What if the mind was not synonymous with the brain? But that did not make sense...or perhaps it did.
Aea did not realize she was looking at the ground in thought until she ran straight into a body and it startled her out of the question. She opened her mouth the apologize, but nothing came out. She blinked. The person she ran into didn’t even seem to notice the impact, so busy was he. A woman was joined to him at the mouth and it didn’t take a genius to understand that they were kissing.
She tilted her head and furrowed her eyebrows. A tongue slid between them. Right. Aea shook her head and moved past them. She was under the impression that kissing was not a done thing in public, but apparently not. Her stomach growled again and she pressed her hand to it, her eyes peeled for a snack. Instead of food, her eyes alighted on a sudden parting of the crowd.
A group of men, a gaggle of them, really, stumbled through bodies like one mass and careened right for Aea, their attention blasted somewhere to oblivion. Her heart thumped against her chest, hard and packed like a punch to the face. Kelosi bleated, her hooves kicking wildly in the air when Aea grabbed her withers and hoisted her high with both hands, darting out of the way just as three men crashed into the spot she’d just been standing in. A head plonked on the ground, touching her sandals.
Her heartbeat did not slow, and her eyes swung across the crowd. Kelosi bleated again and slowly, Aea lowered her back to the ground, patting the side of her neck in apology. Assholes. She frowned down at the man directly below her, and he grinned back up at her. Fucking lunatics.
“You almost flattened my goat,” she said.
“Dreadfully sorry.” He was still smiling and laying on the ground, even as his friends got up. “Should I kiss her and beg forgiveness?”
Aea did not know if he was making fun of her, her goat, or sincerely wondering if Kelosi would forgive him in exchange for a kiss. She also did not know if she felt more offended or amused. She would not let him touch Kelosi in any case. Kelosi was a good girl, and since Kaia had disappeared, she was Aea’s to protect.
Instead of answering the man, for she was not supposed to speak to him anyway, Aea tugged on the goat’s rope and continued walking and calling out her cousin’s name. The sound of music almost distracted her from her task, and then it did actually distract her, so Aea moved toward the sound and milled through bodies until she found the source. She watched the dancers twist and move against the beat of the drum, snaking their arms to the melody of the double reed. She listened and watched for a moment before moving on once more, when a new sound drew her eye. Metal against metal. Were people fighting? With such a crowd? She thought that was illegal. Again, apparently not. It seemed her father had lied to her twice about laws and customs, but that was to be expected. She caught him in so many lies at this point that it was difficult to keep track.
She followed the sound of singing blades and came across two women circling each other like predators. And...they were naked. Not just wearing a bottom or a loosened top, but really and truly naked. And covered in dirt and grass. They both had swords, but Aea could plainly see that they were not trained from the way they moved. As they circled one another, they crossed their feet upon their turns. Their knees were straight, not bent in the slightest, and one of the women was gripping with both hands, the blade sky-ward and her waist twisted to strike from the hip. She was holding her rather light sword like a giant hammer.
People were shouting at them, but the fighters paid no mind. Somebody shouted for final bets. The women barreled forward, and Aea bared her teeth in a grimace because she was fairly certain that one of them would lose an arm. The blades bounced harmlessly off one another. Aea moved closer.
She was petite in stature, her clothes muted and off-white, and half her face covered by an epiblema. She slipped past people as if she didn’t even exist and made it to the front of the crowd with her raven still attached to her shoulder and her goat still glued to her leg.
One of the women, the taller one, let out a battle cry and flew at the other, her sword coming down like Hephasteus’ hammer. The other woman froze, but she flinched out of the way just in time. Aea glanced at the woman who’d called for bets. She held a large cup in one hand while the other gripped her knee as she screamed ‘finish her!’
“Excuse me,” Aea tapped the woman next to her, “is there payment for winning?”
The woman looked down at her, looked at her raven, looked at her goat, then looked at her once more with a question clear on her face. It was a long story, too long to regale to a stranger. After inspecting her for what seemed like entirely too long, the woman finally nodded. “Aye. Half the pot. Other half goes to the house.” Oh. So not all the bets. Still, money was money.
“Do they have to be naked?”
“Nah. See that pile there?” The woman pointed to the side and Aea followed her finger. “You lose a round, you take off a piece and throw it in the pile. You can yield when you want. Supposed to go to the orphanage tomorrow, but who knows, they might sell the shit second-hand.”
Aea kept her eyes on the pile for a moment, searching for a clean tunic despite knowing she would not be able to simply pick it out. If she fought, and won, she could earn some money and put it aside where her kin wouldn’t find it.
She said if, but she meant when, for she would not lose. Aea may not be confident in her own nature, but she was confident in her ability to disarm an opponent, trained or otherwise. There was no worry about getting naked, because the odds of her losing a round, especially to an untrained person who was mad enough to walk around bare, was astronomically improbable. And if she did lose a round, she had plenty of clothes on, and so plenty of chances to continue to remain unnaked.
“How does one call next?”
The woman shrugged. “Just jump in is how they been doing it. Can’t kill nobody though. Gotta wrap the blade tip.”
Interesting and reasonable. It also sounded like a chance for more than two fighters. She could use that. In her opinion, daggers were far more effective than a sword. She could rush a guard, knock a blade aside, and sink her own into an opponent while they were still trying to bring their sword around to stab her. Weight, height, and age did not matter. Creativity, speed, and muscle memory were the great equalizers. There was also no worry about accidental murder. Her father taught her the art of killing, and she had nothing to do all day but practice. She knew how to control her intent and sustain a life. Accidental killing was the work of somebody who should not be playing with weapons to begin with.
“Thank you,” Aea said, turning back to the match. Kaia would hopefully appear soon. The sound of a fight usually drew her as surely as it drew Aea, so this was the best place to stay for the moment.
It wouldn’t have mattered what decision they made, Kaia would have had the same reaction. Being left alone at camp was so irregular, that Kaia was torn between the thrill of wanting to take advantage of the moment, and the curiosity of needing to know why all five men had groomed and left—even Hektos had taken particular care in his appearance that morning. Curiosity had won, so leading Kelosi along with them, Kaia and Aea followed after their kin. Kaia was intrigued to know what had swayed all five men to bathe and groom, but she also felt a tung of longing to be able to slip through the trees and hunt. Depending on what she killed, her and Aea might have even been able to feast on freshly cooked meat without having to share with five other hungry mouths.
Kaia had to appreciate her cousin’s efforts of persuasion. The two of them had already set off down the trail before Kaia had thought to dress in her hunting gear, so instead of wearing her pants and tunic, Kaia was dressed in her old and worn chiton. She did however still take her dagger, but Kaia longed for her bow. It wasn’t to be helped. Kaia reassured herself that perhaps they would be back in time to still hunt before the men returned home. It was also a comfort to know that if all else failed, Aea had her bow.
The closer the two cousins came towards the city, the more curious Kaia felt. Despite not really having any real and valid experience with being in cities, Kaia couldn’t help but notice how alive the Taengean city was. The excitement in the air was nearly palpable, and became even more so the further in Kaia and Aea went.
What was even more intriguing than the beautiful buildings and statues that surrounded them, was the sheer amount of people wearing—or not wearing—rather provocative clothing. Of those people, Kaia found that barely any were men.
“Where are the men?” Aea asked, as if partial to Kaia’s own thoughts. Kaia gave a small and admittedly distracted shrug. Women seemed to be flowing into the city like some great wave of bodies, and most of them were naked, or close to it. Kaia gaped at the women who walked so freely in their own skin. Kaia had only really seen one naked body that wasn’t her own and that had been the man who’d taken her maidenhead. As for the women, Kaia found she couldn’t help but notice their breasts, which horrified her. She did not mean to stare, and knew that she wouldn’t appreciate it if some woman stared at her the same way, but it was just so bizarre to see women free of their clothing. What was most curious was just how different some pairs of breasts were to her own. Some were pointy, some were so large, they hung down in a way that looked incredibly tiring. Some nipples pointed down, some out; some were large and others quite small. Then some women, especially the rather thin ones, had next to no breasts at all. Kaia had not really thought much about breasts—her own included— and had just assumed they were like hands, where all women had them, but they varied very little.
If anything was going to draw Kaia’s attention from the curious nature of the naked women, it was the realisation that there were barrels of free wine scattered throughout the streets. Kaia watched as a woman dipped her cup into the barrel only to drink deeply from it before moving away.
Kaia licked her lips and glanced around for anything that could serve as a cup. Kaia considered waiting until she found something, but she feared there would be more competition for the barrels’ contents the further into the city they went. Kaia didn’t want to miss out, so ambled towards the closest barrel, watching as another woman scooped a generous serve of the contents within.
As if favoured by the gods, Kaia noticed a small cracked cup abandoned on the ground behind the barrel. Kaia picked it up and brushed the dirt off of it, before inspecting the damage. The hairline crack would leak overtime, but was not so deep that the cup would be useless. So long as Kaia drank quickly, she shouldn’t have any problems.
Unable to hide her enthusiasm, Kaia dipped her new found cup into the fruity liquid and gave it a sniff. The wine smelled so strong and sweet, she had to wonder why anyone would just continue past. Without hesitation, Kaia gulped down her cup of wine, before filling it to the brim once more. She would share it with Aea until they found another cup for Aea to have.
When Kaia turned around though, she realised she couldn’t see Aea or Kelosi through the throng of people. Kaia frowned and scanned the area. A goat and crow were not hard to miss, let alone Aea who would easily be the person with the least amount of skin showing in the whole city.
And yet, Kaia did not see them. Kaia went to call out, but a feminine voice rang through the air, snagging Kaia’s attention. The young blonde sipped from her broken cup as she looked towards the source of the voice, a beautiful and scantily dressed woman who gave her speech in favour of Dionysus.
As a cheer grew and rippled through the city, Kaia couldn’t help but look around in awe. Despite not seeing many men nearby, she could certainly hear them. It suddenly seemed to make sense that the men seemed to be near where the beautiful woman was. Kaia was pretty sure she was beginning to understand what had caused her father and uncles to all head into the city without Aea or herself.
Shaking the thought of her father and uncles trying to bed naked women, Kaia drained her cup and filled it again, before moving away. She needed to find Aea, but Kaia couldn’t help but become distracted by the bizarre way the women were acting. Many were dancing freely, others were drinking or tangled in the arms of other women or men. Laughter and singing filled Kaia’s ears as she weaved through the bodies of people. In some strange way, it seemed rather liberating to know that no one was really paying her or anyone else any particular attention, no matter what they were doing.
Spotting another barrel, Kaia drank quickly from her cup as she made her way towards it, curious to see if the wine in other barrels were any different. Already, Kaia could feel her cheeks were flushed with warmth, and the tenseness in her shoulders seemed to have ebbed away. Kaia welcomed the sensation as she helped herself to another cup of wine. As more people bustled over to take their fill, Kaia moved away, scanning the crowd for her cousin.
Distracted, Kaia didn’t notice the group of people pushing through until they were already upon her. Kaia scowled at the group, though noticed that they were rather preoccupied, if the way they were all tangled together was any indication. Letting the insult go, Kaia moved away and took comfort in a small pocket of space as she collected her thoughts. No doubt both she and Aea were wandering about and therefore unlikely to come across each other easily. She needed to think of where her cousin might go. The most logical answer was that they should return to camp if they couldn’t find each other, especially since Aea had Kelosi with her. However, Kaia was reluctant to leave just yet. Deciding that she should at least keep looking for a little longer, Kaia continued on down the avenue, sipping away at her cup of wine.
Kaia was barely paying anyone in her general vicinity any thought until someone reached out to touch her hair. Kaia jolted and whirled around, her stormy blue eyes locking on the young woman who was twirling a lock of Kaia’s blond hair around her finger.
“Ohh, look how pretty your hair is,” she breathed, her voice heavy with the weight of the wine she’d clearly consumed. The two other women with her agreed as they examined Kaia’s hair, as if she were a known friend of theirs.
“This will always be my favourite festival, wouldn’t you agree?” One of the other women asked, smiling at Kaia. The blonde gave a small smile and nodded, though in truth she’d never known of the dionysa before that day.
“What is your name?” The woman who’d touched her hair asked before taking a sip of her own wine. Kaia noted the deep dark brown of her eyes.
“Kaia,” she answered instinctively. She was not used to speaking so freely with strangers, but the usual apprehension she’d normally feel seemed dulled. As a result, Kaia felt more inclined to stay, at least for a moment. Who knew, perhaps they’d seen Aea. Kaia was about to ask them if they’d noticed her cousin and goat when a striking young man approached her and the other three women.
The man had an air of confidence that seemed to radiate from him, and as far as Kaia could see, it was well deserved. Never had she seen such a well built and defined man in person before. So much of him was available for her to look upon, from his broad shoulders, to the body well built with muscle. The robe he wore left little to the imagination, not that Kaia was complaining in the slightest. Suddenly, Kaia had to agree with the woman before, this was quite the excellent festival indeed.
“My, my, what a group, you ladies must be incarnations of Aphrodite, no? Please forgive the intrusion of this mere mortal, but I was struck by your beauty from across the way, and dragged here as if the Fates themselves willed this meeting. My name is Alexandros Iraklidis, a Captain from Colchis, and who might all of you be?”
Kaia felt her muscles tense initially at the words, but it soon melted away. Kaia had suffered lecherous beasts of men showing her favour before, and had never really felt much more than annoyance or repulsion. How different her reaction was with someone rather attractive speaking the words. Kaia wasn’t sure what that said about her, and decided that at that particular moment, she didn’t care.
A couple of the other women spoke, eager to introduce themselves to the handsome captain, though Kaia paid no attention to their words, too busy was she in admiring the sight. She could see the clasp that held his robe in place, signifying his rank. It was then that Kaia noticed also just how clean his white robe was. Kaia felt incredibly underdressed in that moment, though put herself at ease when she reminded herself that most people were naked. For the first time, she was actually grateful that she wasn’t wearing her hunting pants.
“This here is our new friend. Er, what did you say your name was?” the most outgoing of the girls stated, turning to Kaia expectantly.
“Kaia,” the blonde answered numbly, flicking her gaze back to the handsome man’s features. His eyes were so blue and striking in contrast to his dark hair.
Kaia quickly reflected on Alexander's initial introduction. He'd made no effort to hide his appreciation for their group, which told Kaia that he was confident in his ability to win their favour. In all honesty, she was confident in his ability too. Why a captain would bother himself with them when there were so many beautiful people around, Kaia was not as sure, though she was a little flattered.
"What was it that caught your attention? Of all the people here, how was it we appealed to you so much?" Kaia challenged playfully, feeling a little bold thanks to her broken cup of liquid courage.
Lani
Kaia
Lani
Kaia
Awards
First Impressions:Lean, athletic; Straw-blonde hair, stormy blue eyes, and a nearly permanent scowl.
Address: Your
It wouldn’t have mattered what decision they made, Kaia would have had the same reaction. Being left alone at camp was so irregular, that Kaia was torn between the thrill of wanting to take advantage of the moment, and the curiosity of needing to know why all five men had groomed and left—even Hektos had taken particular care in his appearance that morning. Curiosity had won, so leading Kelosi along with them, Kaia and Aea followed after their kin. Kaia was intrigued to know what had swayed all five men to bathe and groom, but she also felt a tung of longing to be able to slip through the trees and hunt. Depending on what she killed, her and Aea might have even been able to feast on freshly cooked meat without having to share with five other hungry mouths.
Kaia had to appreciate her cousin’s efforts of persuasion. The two of them had already set off down the trail before Kaia had thought to dress in her hunting gear, so instead of wearing her pants and tunic, Kaia was dressed in her old and worn chiton. She did however still take her dagger, but Kaia longed for her bow. It wasn’t to be helped. Kaia reassured herself that perhaps they would be back in time to still hunt before the men returned home. It was also a comfort to know that if all else failed, Aea had her bow.
The closer the two cousins came towards the city, the more curious Kaia felt. Despite not really having any real and valid experience with being in cities, Kaia couldn’t help but notice how alive the Taengean city was. The excitement in the air was nearly palpable, and became even more so the further in Kaia and Aea went.
What was even more intriguing than the beautiful buildings and statues that surrounded them, was the sheer amount of people wearing—or not wearing—rather provocative clothing. Of those people, Kaia found that barely any were men.
“Where are the men?” Aea asked, as if partial to Kaia’s own thoughts. Kaia gave a small and admittedly distracted shrug. Women seemed to be flowing into the city like some great wave of bodies, and most of them were naked, or close to it. Kaia gaped at the women who walked so freely in their own skin. Kaia had only really seen one naked body that wasn’t her own and that had been the man who’d taken her maidenhead. As for the women, Kaia found she couldn’t help but notice their breasts, which horrified her. She did not mean to stare, and knew that she wouldn’t appreciate it if some woman stared at her the same way, but it was just so bizarre to see women free of their clothing. What was most curious was just how different some pairs of breasts were to her own. Some were pointy, some were so large, they hung down in a way that looked incredibly tiring. Some nipples pointed down, some out; some were large and others quite small. Then some women, especially the rather thin ones, had next to no breasts at all. Kaia had not really thought much about breasts—her own included— and had just assumed they were like hands, where all women had them, but they varied very little.
If anything was going to draw Kaia’s attention from the curious nature of the naked women, it was the realisation that there were barrels of free wine scattered throughout the streets. Kaia watched as a woman dipped her cup into the barrel only to drink deeply from it before moving away.
Kaia licked her lips and glanced around for anything that could serve as a cup. Kaia considered waiting until she found something, but she feared there would be more competition for the barrels’ contents the further into the city they went. Kaia didn’t want to miss out, so ambled towards the closest barrel, watching as another woman scooped a generous serve of the contents within.
As if favoured by the gods, Kaia noticed a small cracked cup abandoned on the ground behind the barrel. Kaia picked it up and brushed the dirt off of it, before inspecting the damage. The hairline crack would leak overtime, but was not so deep that the cup would be useless. So long as Kaia drank quickly, she shouldn’t have any problems.
Unable to hide her enthusiasm, Kaia dipped her new found cup into the fruity liquid and gave it a sniff. The wine smelled so strong and sweet, she had to wonder why anyone would just continue past. Without hesitation, Kaia gulped down her cup of wine, before filling it to the brim once more. She would share it with Aea until they found another cup for Aea to have.
When Kaia turned around though, she realised she couldn’t see Aea or Kelosi through the throng of people. Kaia frowned and scanned the area. A goat and crow were not hard to miss, let alone Aea who would easily be the person with the least amount of skin showing in the whole city.
And yet, Kaia did not see them. Kaia went to call out, but a feminine voice rang through the air, snagging Kaia’s attention. The young blonde sipped from her broken cup as she looked towards the source of the voice, a beautiful and scantily dressed woman who gave her speech in favour of Dionysus.
As a cheer grew and rippled through the city, Kaia couldn’t help but look around in awe. Despite not seeing many men nearby, she could certainly hear them. It suddenly seemed to make sense that the men seemed to be near where the beautiful woman was. Kaia was pretty sure she was beginning to understand what had caused her father and uncles to all head into the city without Aea or herself.
Shaking the thought of her father and uncles trying to bed naked women, Kaia drained her cup and filled it again, before moving away. She needed to find Aea, but Kaia couldn’t help but become distracted by the bizarre way the women were acting. Many were dancing freely, others were drinking or tangled in the arms of other women or men. Laughter and singing filled Kaia’s ears as she weaved through the bodies of people. In some strange way, it seemed rather liberating to know that no one was really paying her or anyone else any particular attention, no matter what they were doing.
Spotting another barrel, Kaia drank quickly from her cup as she made her way towards it, curious to see if the wine in other barrels were any different. Already, Kaia could feel her cheeks were flushed with warmth, and the tenseness in her shoulders seemed to have ebbed away. Kaia welcomed the sensation as she helped herself to another cup of wine. As more people bustled over to take their fill, Kaia moved away, scanning the crowd for her cousin.
Distracted, Kaia didn’t notice the group of people pushing through until they were already upon her. Kaia scowled at the group, though noticed that they were rather preoccupied, if the way they were all tangled together was any indication. Letting the insult go, Kaia moved away and took comfort in a small pocket of space as she collected her thoughts. No doubt both she and Aea were wandering about and therefore unlikely to come across each other easily. She needed to think of where her cousin might go. The most logical answer was that they should return to camp if they couldn’t find each other, especially since Aea had Kelosi with her. However, Kaia was reluctant to leave just yet. Deciding that she should at least keep looking for a little longer, Kaia continued on down the avenue, sipping away at her cup of wine.
Kaia was barely paying anyone in her general vicinity any thought until someone reached out to touch her hair. Kaia jolted and whirled around, her stormy blue eyes locking on the young woman who was twirling a lock of Kaia’s blond hair around her finger.
“Ohh, look how pretty your hair is,” she breathed, her voice heavy with the weight of the wine she’d clearly consumed. The two other women with her agreed as they examined Kaia’s hair, as if she were a known friend of theirs.
“This will always be my favourite festival, wouldn’t you agree?” One of the other women asked, smiling at Kaia. The blonde gave a small smile and nodded, though in truth she’d never known of the dionysa before that day.
“What is your name?” The woman who’d touched her hair asked before taking a sip of her own wine. Kaia noted the deep dark brown of her eyes.
“Kaia,” she answered instinctively. She was not used to speaking so freely with strangers, but the usual apprehension she’d normally feel seemed dulled. As a result, Kaia felt more inclined to stay, at least for a moment. Who knew, perhaps they’d seen Aea. Kaia was about to ask them if they’d noticed her cousin and goat when a striking young man approached her and the other three women.
The man had an air of confidence that seemed to radiate from him, and as far as Kaia could see, it was well deserved. Never had she seen such a well built and defined man in person before. So much of him was available for her to look upon, from his broad shoulders, to the body well built with muscle. The robe he wore left little to the imagination, not that Kaia was complaining in the slightest. Suddenly, Kaia had to agree with the woman before, this was quite the excellent festival indeed.
“My, my, what a group, you ladies must be incarnations of Aphrodite, no? Please forgive the intrusion of this mere mortal, but I was struck by your beauty from across the way, and dragged here as if the Fates themselves willed this meeting. My name is Alexandros Iraklidis, a Captain from Colchis, and who might all of you be?”
Kaia felt her muscles tense initially at the words, but it soon melted away. Kaia had suffered lecherous beasts of men showing her favour before, and had never really felt much more than annoyance or repulsion. How different her reaction was with someone rather attractive speaking the words. Kaia wasn’t sure what that said about her, and decided that at that particular moment, she didn’t care.
A couple of the other women spoke, eager to introduce themselves to the handsome captain, though Kaia paid no attention to their words, too busy was she in admiring the sight. She could see the clasp that held his robe in place, signifying his rank. It was then that Kaia noticed also just how clean his white robe was. Kaia felt incredibly underdressed in that moment, though put herself at ease when she reminded herself that most people were naked. For the first time, she was actually grateful that she wasn’t wearing her hunting pants.
“This here is our new friend. Er, what did you say your name was?” the most outgoing of the girls stated, turning to Kaia expectantly.
“Kaia,” the blonde answered numbly, flicking her gaze back to the handsome man’s features. His eyes were so blue and striking in contrast to his dark hair.
Kaia quickly reflected on Alexander's initial introduction. He'd made no effort to hide his appreciation for their group, which told Kaia that he was confident in his ability to win their favour. In all honesty, she was confident in his ability too. Why a captain would bother himself with them when there were so many beautiful people around, Kaia was not as sure, though she was a little flattered.
"What was it that caught your attention? Of all the people here, how was it we appealed to you so much?" Kaia challenged playfully, feeling a little bold thanks to her broken cup of liquid courage.
It wouldn’t have mattered what decision they made, Kaia would have had the same reaction. Being left alone at camp was so irregular, that Kaia was torn between the thrill of wanting to take advantage of the moment, and the curiosity of needing to know why all five men had groomed and left—even Hektos had taken particular care in his appearance that morning. Curiosity had won, so leading Kelosi along with them, Kaia and Aea followed after their kin. Kaia was intrigued to know what had swayed all five men to bathe and groom, but she also felt a tung of longing to be able to slip through the trees and hunt. Depending on what she killed, her and Aea might have even been able to feast on freshly cooked meat without having to share with five other hungry mouths.
Kaia had to appreciate her cousin’s efforts of persuasion. The two of them had already set off down the trail before Kaia had thought to dress in her hunting gear, so instead of wearing her pants and tunic, Kaia was dressed in her old and worn chiton. She did however still take her dagger, but Kaia longed for her bow. It wasn’t to be helped. Kaia reassured herself that perhaps they would be back in time to still hunt before the men returned home. It was also a comfort to know that if all else failed, Aea had her bow.
The closer the two cousins came towards the city, the more curious Kaia felt. Despite not really having any real and valid experience with being in cities, Kaia couldn’t help but notice how alive the Taengean city was. The excitement in the air was nearly palpable, and became even more so the further in Kaia and Aea went.
What was even more intriguing than the beautiful buildings and statues that surrounded them, was the sheer amount of people wearing—or not wearing—rather provocative clothing. Of those people, Kaia found that barely any were men.
“Where are the men?” Aea asked, as if partial to Kaia’s own thoughts. Kaia gave a small and admittedly distracted shrug. Women seemed to be flowing into the city like some great wave of bodies, and most of them were naked, or close to it. Kaia gaped at the women who walked so freely in their own skin. Kaia had only really seen one naked body that wasn’t her own and that had been the man who’d taken her maidenhead. As for the women, Kaia found she couldn’t help but notice their breasts, which horrified her. She did not mean to stare, and knew that she wouldn’t appreciate it if some woman stared at her the same way, but it was just so bizarre to see women free of their clothing. What was most curious was just how different some pairs of breasts were to her own. Some were pointy, some were so large, they hung down in a way that looked incredibly tiring. Some nipples pointed down, some out; some were large and others quite small. Then some women, especially the rather thin ones, had next to no breasts at all. Kaia had not really thought much about breasts—her own included— and had just assumed they were like hands, where all women had them, but they varied very little.
If anything was going to draw Kaia’s attention from the curious nature of the naked women, it was the realisation that there were barrels of free wine scattered throughout the streets. Kaia watched as a woman dipped her cup into the barrel only to drink deeply from it before moving away.
Kaia licked her lips and glanced around for anything that could serve as a cup. Kaia considered waiting until she found something, but she feared there would be more competition for the barrels’ contents the further into the city they went. Kaia didn’t want to miss out, so ambled towards the closest barrel, watching as another woman scooped a generous serve of the contents within.
As if favoured by the gods, Kaia noticed a small cracked cup abandoned on the ground behind the barrel. Kaia picked it up and brushed the dirt off of it, before inspecting the damage. The hairline crack would leak overtime, but was not so deep that the cup would be useless. So long as Kaia drank quickly, she shouldn’t have any problems.
Unable to hide her enthusiasm, Kaia dipped her new found cup into the fruity liquid and gave it a sniff. The wine smelled so strong and sweet, she had to wonder why anyone would just continue past. Without hesitation, Kaia gulped down her cup of wine, before filling it to the brim once more. She would share it with Aea until they found another cup for Aea to have.
When Kaia turned around though, she realised she couldn’t see Aea or Kelosi through the throng of people. Kaia frowned and scanned the area. A goat and crow were not hard to miss, let alone Aea who would easily be the person with the least amount of skin showing in the whole city.
And yet, Kaia did not see them. Kaia went to call out, but a feminine voice rang through the air, snagging Kaia’s attention. The young blonde sipped from her broken cup as she looked towards the source of the voice, a beautiful and scantily dressed woman who gave her speech in favour of Dionysus.
As a cheer grew and rippled through the city, Kaia couldn’t help but look around in awe. Despite not seeing many men nearby, she could certainly hear them. It suddenly seemed to make sense that the men seemed to be near where the beautiful woman was. Kaia was pretty sure she was beginning to understand what had caused her father and uncles to all head into the city without Aea or herself.
Shaking the thought of her father and uncles trying to bed naked women, Kaia drained her cup and filled it again, before moving away. She needed to find Aea, but Kaia couldn’t help but become distracted by the bizarre way the women were acting. Many were dancing freely, others were drinking or tangled in the arms of other women or men. Laughter and singing filled Kaia’s ears as she weaved through the bodies of people. In some strange way, it seemed rather liberating to know that no one was really paying her or anyone else any particular attention, no matter what they were doing.
Spotting another barrel, Kaia drank quickly from her cup as she made her way towards it, curious to see if the wine in other barrels were any different. Already, Kaia could feel her cheeks were flushed with warmth, and the tenseness in her shoulders seemed to have ebbed away. Kaia welcomed the sensation as she helped herself to another cup of wine. As more people bustled over to take their fill, Kaia moved away, scanning the crowd for her cousin.
Distracted, Kaia didn’t notice the group of people pushing through until they were already upon her. Kaia scowled at the group, though noticed that they were rather preoccupied, if the way they were all tangled together was any indication. Letting the insult go, Kaia moved away and took comfort in a small pocket of space as she collected her thoughts. No doubt both she and Aea were wandering about and therefore unlikely to come across each other easily. She needed to think of where her cousin might go. The most logical answer was that they should return to camp if they couldn’t find each other, especially since Aea had Kelosi with her. However, Kaia was reluctant to leave just yet. Deciding that she should at least keep looking for a little longer, Kaia continued on down the avenue, sipping away at her cup of wine.
Kaia was barely paying anyone in her general vicinity any thought until someone reached out to touch her hair. Kaia jolted and whirled around, her stormy blue eyes locking on the young woman who was twirling a lock of Kaia’s blond hair around her finger.
“Ohh, look how pretty your hair is,” she breathed, her voice heavy with the weight of the wine she’d clearly consumed. The two other women with her agreed as they examined Kaia’s hair, as if she were a known friend of theirs.
“This will always be my favourite festival, wouldn’t you agree?” One of the other women asked, smiling at Kaia. The blonde gave a small smile and nodded, though in truth she’d never known of the dionysa before that day.
“What is your name?” The woman who’d touched her hair asked before taking a sip of her own wine. Kaia noted the deep dark brown of her eyes.
“Kaia,” she answered instinctively. She was not used to speaking so freely with strangers, but the usual apprehension she’d normally feel seemed dulled. As a result, Kaia felt more inclined to stay, at least for a moment. Who knew, perhaps they’d seen Aea. Kaia was about to ask them if they’d noticed her cousin and goat when a striking young man approached her and the other three women.
The man had an air of confidence that seemed to radiate from him, and as far as Kaia could see, it was well deserved. Never had she seen such a well built and defined man in person before. So much of him was available for her to look upon, from his broad shoulders, to the body well built with muscle. The robe he wore left little to the imagination, not that Kaia was complaining in the slightest. Suddenly, Kaia had to agree with the woman before, this was quite the excellent festival indeed.
“My, my, what a group, you ladies must be incarnations of Aphrodite, no? Please forgive the intrusion of this mere mortal, but I was struck by your beauty from across the way, and dragged here as if the Fates themselves willed this meeting. My name is Alexandros Iraklidis, a Captain from Colchis, and who might all of you be?”
Kaia felt her muscles tense initially at the words, but it soon melted away. Kaia had suffered lecherous beasts of men showing her favour before, and had never really felt much more than annoyance or repulsion. How different her reaction was with someone rather attractive speaking the words. Kaia wasn’t sure what that said about her, and decided that at that particular moment, she didn’t care.
A couple of the other women spoke, eager to introduce themselves to the handsome captain, though Kaia paid no attention to their words, too busy was she in admiring the sight. She could see the clasp that held his robe in place, signifying his rank. It was then that Kaia noticed also just how clean his white robe was. Kaia felt incredibly underdressed in that moment, though put herself at ease when she reminded herself that most people were naked. For the first time, she was actually grateful that she wasn’t wearing her hunting pants.
“This here is our new friend. Er, what did you say your name was?” the most outgoing of the girls stated, turning to Kaia expectantly.
“Kaia,” the blonde answered numbly, flicking her gaze back to the handsome man’s features. His eyes were so blue and striking in contrast to his dark hair.
Kaia quickly reflected on Alexander's initial introduction. He'd made no effort to hide his appreciation for their group, which told Kaia that he was confident in his ability to win their favour. In all honesty, she was confident in his ability too. Why a captain would bother himself with them when there were so many beautiful people around, Kaia was not as sure, though she was a little flattered.
"What was it that caught your attention? Of all the people here, how was it we appealed to you so much?" Kaia challenged playfully, feeling a little bold thanks to her broken cup of liquid courage.
Alexandros was used to the fawning of the women around him, but it never ceased to make him feel good. He was a prideful, arrogant man, and this stroked his ego like nothing else could. The girls seemed to almost fall over themselves to speak their names and one stumbled over her words several times before she managed to speak her name, but the last to give a name was by far the most interesting of the assembly. The look in her eyes as she scoured his frame was one he had worn quite often, one that devoured the form before them. He smiled at her as she finally gave her name, and offered her his hand as he had all of the others in their turn. He fixed her with a look not unlike the one she was giving him as his calloused and scarred hand was outstretched. “Kaia, it is a pleasure to meet you.” His voice was husky and his tone was pleasant as he spoke. “I would like to get to know all of you better, what say you to that?” He asked with a smile, though his attention lingered on the blonde.
The young woman had already captured his attention more than the others in the group, but then she had playfully challenged him on why he approached their group and not some other. Well, let the games begin. He had hoped to find someone interesting at this gathering, and it seemed he didn’t have to work hard. He smiled warmly at her before he spoke. “Well, I heard the commencement of the festivities, found some wine,” he paused to hold up his cup. “And then I saw all of you grouped together, and I thought to myself ‘why go through the trouble of talking to the women here one at the time? Maybe if you find a group you can take them all back with you?’” He smirked teasingly after the remark. “In all seriousness though, I thought that perhaps one of you here might prove to be interesting company, someone who could spark an interesting conversation.” As he spoke, he locked eyes with Kaia, his sky blue eyes matching her storming orbs. “Think any of you can fill that role?”
He finished his cup of wine and maneuvered to the nearest barrel to refill it, when he returned the group, he placed himself nearer to the blonde girl than he had been before. Perhaps the other girls had not noticed the game being played in their inebriated states, or perhaps they hoped to catch his attention away from her, but the dynamics had changed since he first approached. His scarred chest may have faced the center of the group still, but his eyes lingered more and more on the most interesting of the bunch. “Do any of you have special talents? Something that you take pride in? Something that defines you? What do you do to make a living?” Once again, he asked something of the entire group, but there was only one response that mattered to him.
This character is currently a work in progress.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Alexandros was used to the fawning of the women around him, but it never ceased to make him feel good. He was a prideful, arrogant man, and this stroked his ego like nothing else could. The girls seemed to almost fall over themselves to speak their names and one stumbled over her words several times before she managed to speak her name, but the last to give a name was by far the most interesting of the assembly. The look in her eyes as she scoured his frame was one he had worn quite often, one that devoured the form before them. He smiled at her as she finally gave her name, and offered her his hand as he had all of the others in their turn. He fixed her with a look not unlike the one she was giving him as his calloused and scarred hand was outstretched. “Kaia, it is a pleasure to meet you.” His voice was husky and his tone was pleasant as he spoke. “I would like to get to know all of you better, what say you to that?” He asked with a smile, though his attention lingered on the blonde.
The young woman had already captured his attention more than the others in the group, but then she had playfully challenged him on why he approached their group and not some other. Well, let the games begin. He had hoped to find someone interesting at this gathering, and it seemed he didn’t have to work hard. He smiled warmly at her before he spoke. “Well, I heard the commencement of the festivities, found some wine,” he paused to hold up his cup. “And then I saw all of you grouped together, and I thought to myself ‘why go through the trouble of talking to the women here one at the time? Maybe if you find a group you can take them all back with you?’” He smirked teasingly after the remark. “In all seriousness though, I thought that perhaps one of you here might prove to be interesting company, someone who could spark an interesting conversation.” As he spoke, he locked eyes with Kaia, his sky blue eyes matching her storming orbs. “Think any of you can fill that role?”
He finished his cup of wine and maneuvered to the nearest barrel to refill it, when he returned the group, he placed himself nearer to the blonde girl than he had been before. Perhaps the other girls had not noticed the game being played in their inebriated states, or perhaps they hoped to catch his attention away from her, but the dynamics had changed since he first approached. His scarred chest may have faced the center of the group still, but his eyes lingered more and more on the most interesting of the bunch. “Do any of you have special talents? Something that you take pride in? Something that defines you? What do you do to make a living?” Once again, he asked something of the entire group, but there was only one response that mattered to him.
Alexandros was used to the fawning of the women around him, but it never ceased to make him feel good. He was a prideful, arrogant man, and this stroked his ego like nothing else could. The girls seemed to almost fall over themselves to speak their names and one stumbled over her words several times before she managed to speak her name, but the last to give a name was by far the most interesting of the assembly. The look in her eyes as she scoured his frame was one he had worn quite often, one that devoured the form before them. He smiled at her as she finally gave her name, and offered her his hand as he had all of the others in their turn. He fixed her with a look not unlike the one she was giving him as his calloused and scarred hand was outstretched. “Kaia, it is a pleasure to meet you.” His voice was husky and his tone was pleasant as he spoke. “I would like to get to know all of you better, what say you to that?” He asked with a smile, though his attention lingered on the blonde.
The young woman had already captured his attention more than the others in the group, but then she had playfully challenged him on why he approached their group and not some other. Well, let the games begin. He had hoped to find someone interesting at this gathering, and it seemed he didn’t have to work hard. He smiled warmly at her before he spoke. “Well, I heard the commencement of the festivities, found some wine,” he paused to hold up his cup. “And then I saw all of you grouped together, and I thought to myself ‘why go through the trouble of talking to the women here one at the time? Maybe if you find a group you can take them all back with you?’” He smirked teasingly after the remark. “In all seriousness though, I thought that perhaps one of you here might prove to be interesting company, someone who could spark an interesting conversation.” As he spoke, he locked eyes with Kaia, his sky blue eyes matching her storming orbs. “Think any of you can fill that role?”
He finished his cup of wine and maneuvered to the nearest barrel to refill it, when he returned the group, he placed himself nearer to the blonde girl than he had been before. Perhaps the other girls had not noticed the game being played in their inebriated states, or perhaps they hoped to catch his attention away from her, but the dynamics had changed since he first approached. His scarred chest may have faced the center of the group still, but his eyes lingered more and more on the most interesting of the bunch. “Do any of you have special talents? Something that you take pride in? Something that defines you? What do you do to make a living?” Once again, he asked something of the entire group, but there was only one response that mattered to him.
Kaia had not expected Alexandros to extend his hand out to her, though she found herself taking it all the same. It didn’t surprise her to find that his hands were calloused, given his rank. Kaia found comfort in that. She didn’t trust the idea of a man with soft hands; how had he clung to life for so long without using his hands to provide for himself? Surely not in any honorable way.
“Kaia, it is a pleasure to meet you. I would like to get to know all of you better, what say you to that?”
Well he certainly was confident, she’d give him that. Kaia wondered how it must be to be an attractive man. No doubt Alexandros was well respected as a captain for his skill in combat, as well as leadership. His scars and battle built body suggested proficiency and experience. No doubt he was respected for all that, before his undeniably attractive appearance. How Kaia would long for that level of respect. Instead, comments were only ever made about how she looked. Even the most well-meaning compliments tended to rub Kaia the wrong way. Her appearance was what anyone ever saw first, not her skills. It was understandable of course, that most wouldn’t assume her own proficiency at fighting, though she couldn’t ever hope to argue she was an honorable fighter. Still, what she wouldn’t give to be appreciated for her skills first, before her appearance. Perhaps she’d be more inclined to enjoy her physical advantages if she already collected the respect she craved elsewhere.
As to answering his question, Kaia simply waited as the other girls gushed to give their approval. Kaia wasn’t opposed to the idea of the strapping captain hanging around for a bit longer, Alexandros really was rather easy to look at. Perhaps the wine was making her a little more shameless, but that was of no concern to her at that moment. Instead, Kaia challenged his interest in their little group. Kaia didn’t actually know the three women she was with, but that was no matter. Kaia wanted to see how a man that clearly knew he was attractive would respond.
“Well, I heard the commencement of the festivities, found some wine,” he answered, raising his cup. Kaia raised her own slightly too, before bringing it to her lips.
“And then I saw all of you grouped together, and I thought to myself ‘why go through the trouble of talking to the women here one at the time? Maybe if you find a group you can take them all back with you?’”
Oh. There was that confidence again. Kaia honestly did not have much experience with maintaining conversations with people outside her family, so she knew her social understanding to be a little rusty. However, there was no denying the clear intent in Alexandros’ words. He was not shy at all about what he was seeking. Kaia wasn’t yet sure if that was refreshing or abrasive. Perhaps she should have been concerned of how tolerant she was at all, considering she normally did not like that kind of attention.
The girls around Kaia giggled, clearly not at all offended or wary of the remark. Kaia wasn’t sure if that was because of the bizarre festival, or whether they were reacting as girls her age should. Kaia did catch the playful smirk, so concluded that he was simply teasing them. Kaia gave a sly smirk of her own. Perhaps the rather talkative women in her company were a blessing in disguise, for their keen desire to fight for Alexandros’ attention gave Kaia a chance to assess the conversation before having to speak herself.
“In all seriousness though, I thought that perhaps one of you here might prove to be interesting company, someone who could spark an interesting conversation. Think any of you can fill that role?”
His eyes met with hers and Kaia knew he was asking her specifically, despite posing the question to the whole group. Was he still teasing? He said he was being serious, but then the other girls were giggling—actually giggling. The one who’d touched her hair earlier was even batting her eyelashes, like she had some sort of bug stuck in them.
“I think you’ll have luck with us, captain,” she answered boldly. It took Kaia all her self control not to smirk, so she busied her face with the task of sipping more wine so as not to seem rude.
“What sort of conversation are you seeking?” Kaia asked as he finished his own drink. Kaia asked playfully, but she was also honestly interested in his answer. It would help her understand how best to respond, especially with her three conversation buffers.
As Alexandros refilled his cup, Kaia took a long drink from her own. She’d need a refill soon, but she was finding comfort in the courage the wine was providing her. Upon Alexandros’ return though, Kaia was a little surprised to see him standing closer to her. Kaia had thought for sure that the other girls—throwing themselves at him as they were—would seem more appealing. While Kaia found she didn’t mind his attention, she also wouldn’t have blamed him from honing in on the more vocally eager options. The fact that he was showing her more favour than the others was helping Kaia feel like she must be getting better at socialising with people outside her family.
“Do any of you have special talents? Something that you take pride in? Something that defines you? What do you do to make a living?”
Kaia gave a small smirk at that question. She was not so intoxicated that she would share the entire truth of her lifestyle, but she could share small truths. She did in fact have some special talents and the fact that she had even been asked was exciting for her. All she’d ever wanted was to be seen for her talents, so even though she could assume Alexandros was making light and interesting conversation for the sake of keeping the conversations and attention going, Kaia wanted to take advantage of being seen for more than how she looked.
The other girls rushed to give their answer, not that it came as any surprise by that point. Kaia finished her wine and took that moment to refill her cup. When she returned, Kaia waited for a lull, before speaking.
“I’m no captain, but I can fight. I hunt regularly and am not such a bad shot with a bow,” Kaia mused, her tone nonchalant, even though she was internally keen to know how Alexandros would respond. Usually men didn’t seem to care what she was good at, so she was interested to see whether he would be the same, or whether Kaia had just only ever seemed to meet shitty men. It could go either way she supposed, but she knew which outcome she preferred.
The other girls gave Kaia a strange look. One even seemed to be nearly hostile in her expression. The other two just seemed unsure if Kaia was joking perhaps.
“Do you mean just for today?” One asked curiously.
“No?” Kaia answered, not sure of the significance of the day beyond everyone being practically naked. “Everyday. I was nearly going to bring my bow, but I didn’t care to carry the arrows around,” Kaia joked. That wasn’t quite true, she would have brought her bow if she’d thought her and Aea would be hunting, but they’d left camp before she could prepare. It was just as well. Although Kaia missed the security of her favoured weapon, she was glad to have her hands free.
“What other skills do you possess, captain?” Kaia asked curiously. “Besides being a captain,” she teased, allowing a small smirk to cross her features.
Lani
Kaia
Lani
Kaia
Awards
First Impressions:Lean, athletic; Straw-blonde hair, stormy blue eyes, and a nearly permanent scowl.
Address: Your
Kaia had not expected Alexandros to extend his hand out to her, though she found herself taking it all the same. It didn’t surprise her to find that his hands were calloused, given his rank. Kaia found comfort in that. She didn’t trust the idea of a man with soft hands; how had he clung to life for so long without using his hands to provide for himself? Surely not in any honorable way.
“Kaia, it is a pleasure to meet you. I would like to get to know all of you better, what say you to that?”
Well he certainly was confident, she’d give him that. Kaia wondered how it must be to be an attractive man. No doubt Alexandros was well respected as a captain for his skill in combat, as well as leadership. His scars and battle built body suggested proficiency and experience. No doubt he was respected for all that, before his undeniably attractive appearance. How Kaia would long for that level of respect. Instead, comments were only ever made about how she looked. Even the most well-meaning compliments tended to rub Kaia the wrong way. Her appearance was what anyone ever saw first, not her skills. It was understandable of course, that most wouldn’t assume her own proficiency at fighting, though she couldn’t ever hope to argue she was an honorable fighter. Still, what she wouldn’t give to be appreciated for her skills first, before her appearance. Perhaps she’d be more inclined to enjoy her physical advantages if she already collected the respect she craved elsewhere.
As to answering his question, Kaia simply waited as the other girls gushed to give their approval. Kaia wasn’t opposed to the idea of the strapping captain hanging around for a bit longer, Alexandros really was rather easy to look at. Perhaps the wine was making her a little more shameless, but that was of no concern to her at that moment. Instead, Kaia challenged his interest in their little group. Kaia didn’t actually know the three women she was with, but that was no matter. Kaia wanted to see how a man that clearly knew he was attractive would respond.
“Well, I heard the commencement of the festivities, found some wine,” he answered, raising his cup. Kaia raised her own slightly too, before bringing it to her lips.
“And then I saw all of you grouped together, and I thought to myself ‘why go through the trouble of talking to the women here one at the time? Maybe if you find a group you can take them all back with you?’”
Oh. There was that confidence again. Kaia honestly did not have much experience with maintaining conversations with people outside her family, so she knew her social understanding to be a little rusty. However, there was no denying the clear intent in Alexandros’ words. He was not shy at all about what he was seeking. Kaia wasn’t yet sure if that was refreshing or abrasive. Perhaps she should have been concerned of how tolerant she was at all, considering she normally did not like that kind of attention.
The girls around Kaia giggled, clearly not at all offended or wary of the remark. Kaia wasn’t sure if that was because of the bizarre festival, or whether they were reacting as girls her age should. Kaia did catch the playful smirk, so concluded that he was simply teasing them. Kaia gave a sly smirk of her own. Perhaps the rather talkative women in her company were a blessing in disguise, for their keen desire to fight for Alexandros’ attention gave Kaia a chance to assess the conversation before having to speak herself.
“In all seriousness though, I thought that perhaps one of you here might prove to be interesting company, someone who could spark an interesting conversation. Think any of you can fill that role?”
His eyes met with hers and Kaia knew he was asking her specifically, despite posing the question to the whole group. Was he still teasing? He said he was being serious, but then the other girls were giggling—actually giggling. The one who’d touched her hair earlier was even batting her eyelashes, like she had some sort of bug stuck in them.
“I think you’ll have luck with us, captain,” she answered boldly. It took Kaia all her self control not to smirk, so she busied her face with the task of sipping more wine so as not to seem rude.
“What sort of conversation are you seeking?” Kaia asked as he finished his own drink. Kaia asked playfully, but she was also honestly interested in his answer. It would help her understand how best to respond, especially with her three conversation buffers.
As Alexandros refilled his cup, Kaia took a long drink from her own. She’d need a refill soon, but she was finding comfort in the courage the wine was providing her. Upon Alexandros’ return though, Kaia was a little surprised to see him standing closer to her. Kaia had thought for sure that the other girls—throwing themselves at him as they were—would seem more appealing. While Kaia found she didn’t mind his attention, she also wouldn’t have blamed him from honing in on the more vocally eager options. The fact that he was showing her more favour than the others was helping Kaia feel like she must be getting better at socialising with people outside her family.
“Do any of you have special talents? Something that you take pride in? Something that defines you? What do you do to make a living?”
Kaia gave a small smirk at that question. She was not so intoxicated that she would share the entire truth of her lifestyle, but she could share small truths. She did in fact have some special talents and the fact that she had even been asked was exciting for her. All she’d ever wanted was to be seen for her talents, so even though she could assume Alexandros was making light and interesting conversation for the sake of keeping the conversations and attention going, Kaia wanted to take advantage of being seen for more than how she looked.
The other girls rushed to give their answer, not that it came as any surprise by that point. Kaia finished her wine and took that moment to refill her cup. When she returned, Kaia waited for a lull, before speaking.
“I’m no captain, but I can fight. I hunt regularly and am not such a bad shot with a bow,” Kaia mused, her tone nonchalant, even though she was internally keen to know how Alexandros would respond. Usually men didn’t seem to care what she was good at, so she was interested to see whether he would be the same, or whether Kaia had just only ever seemed to meet shitty men. It could go either way she supposed, but she knew which outcome she preferred.
The other girls gave Kaia a strange look. One even seemed to be nearly hostile in her expression. The other two just seemed unsure if Kaia was joking perhaps.
“Do you mean just for today?” One asked curiously.
“No?” Kaia answered, not sure of the significance of the day beyond everyone being practically naked. “Everyday. I was nearly going to bring my bow, but I didn’t care to carry the arrows around,” Kaia joked. That wasn’t quite true, she would have brought her bow if she’d thought her and Aea would be hunting, but they’d left camp before she could prepare. It was just as well. Although Kaia missed the security of her favoured weapon, she was glad to have her hands free.
“What other skills do you possess, captain?” Kaia asked curiously. “Besides being a captain,” she teased, allowing a small smirk to cross her features.
Kaia had not expected Alexandros to extend his hand out to her, though she found herself taking it all the same. It didn’t surprise her to find that his hands were calloused, given his rank. Kaia found comfort in that. She didn’t trust the idea of a man with soft hands; how had he clung to life for so long without using his hands to provide for himself? Surely not in any honorable way.
“Kaia, it is a pleasure to meet you. I would like to get to know all of you better, what say you to that?”
Well he certainly was confident, she’d give him that. Kaia wondered how it must be to be an attractive man. No doubt Alexandros was well respected as a captain for his skill in combat, as well as leadership. His scars and battle built body suggested proficiency and experience. No doubt he was respected for all that, before his undeniably attractive appearance. How Kaia would long for that level of respect. Instead, comments were only ever made about how she looked. Even the most well-meaning compliments tended to rub Kaia the wrong way. Her appearance was what anyone ever saw first, not her skills. It was understandable of course, that most wouldn’t assume her own proficiency at fighting, though she couldn’t ever hope to argue she was an honorable fighter. Still, what she wouldn’t give to be appreciated for her skills first, before her appearance. Perhaps she’d be more inclined to enjoy her physical advantages if she already collected the respect she craved elsewhere.
As to answering his question, Kaia simply waited as the other girls gushed to give their approval. Kaia wasn’t opposed to the idea of the strapping captain hanging around for a bit longer, Alexandros really was rather easy to look at. Perhaps the wine was making her a little more shameless, but that was of no concern to her at that moment. Instead, Kaia challenged his interest in their little group. Kaia didn’t actually know the three women she was with, but that was no matter. Kaia wanted to see how a man that clearly knew he was attractive would respond.
“Well, I heard the commencement of the festivities, found some wine,” he answered, raising his cup. Kaia raised her own slightly too, before bringing it to her lips.
“And then I saw all of you grouped together, and I thought to myself ‘why go through the trouble of talking to the women here one at the time? Maybe if you find a group you can take them all back with you?’”
Oh. There was that confidence again. Kaia honestly did not have much experience with maintaining conversations with people outside her family, so she knew her social understanding to be a little rusty. However, there was no denying the clear intent in Alexandros’ words. He was not shy at all about what he was seeking. Kaia wasn’t yet sure if that was refreshing or abrasive. Perhaps she should have been concerned of how tolerant she was at all, considering she normally did not like that kind of attention.
The girls around Kaia giggled, clearly not at all offended or wary of the remark. Kaia wasn’t sure if that was because of the bizarre festival, or whether they were reacting as girls her age should. Kaia did catch the playful smirk, so concluded that he was simply teasing them. Kaia gave a sly smirk of her own. Perhaps the rather talkative women in her company were a blessing in disguise, for their keen desire to fight for Alexandros’ attention gave Kaia a chance to assess the conversation before having to speak herself.
“In all seriousness though, I thought that perhaps one of you here might prove to be interesting company, someone who could spark an interesting conversation. Think any of you can fill that role?”
His eyes met with hers and Kaia knew he was asking her specifically, despite posing the question to the whole group. Was he still teasing? He said he was being serious, but then the other girls were giggling—actually giggling. The one who’d touched her hair earlier was even batting her eyelashes, like she had some sort of bug stuck in them.
“I think you’ll have luck with us, captain,” she answered boldly. It took Kaia all her self control not to smirk, so she busied her face with the task of sipping more wine so as not to seem rude.
“What sort of conversation are you seeking?” Kaia asked as he finished his own drink. Kaia asked playfully, but she was also honestly interested in his answer. It would help her understand how best to respond, especially with her three conversation buffers.
As Alexandros refilled his cup, Kaia took a long drink from her own. She’d need a refill soon, but she was finding comfort in the courage the wine was providing her. Upon Alexandros’ return though, Kaia was a little surprised to see him standing closer to her. Kaia had thought for sure that the other girls—throwing themselves at him as they were—would seem more appealing. While Kaia found she didn’t mind his attention, she also wouldn’t have blamed him from honing in on the more vocally eager options. The fact that he was showing her more favour than the others was helping Kaia feel like she must be getting better at socialising with people outside her family.
“Do any of you have special talents? Something that you take pride in? Something that defines you? What do you do to make a living?”
Kaia gave a small smirk at that question. She was not so intoxicated that she would share the entire truth of her lifestyle, but she could share small truths. She did in fact have some special talents and the fact that she had even been asked was exciting for her. All she’d ever wanted was to be seen for her talents, so even though she could assume Alexandros was making light and interesting conversation for the sake of keeping the conversations and attention going, Kaia wanted to take advantage of being seen for more than how she looked.
The other girls rushed to give their answer, not that it came as any surprise by that point. Kaia finished her wine and took that moment to refill her cup. When she returned, Kaia waited for a lull, before speaking.
“I’m no captain, but I can fight. I hunt regularly and am not such a bad shot with a bow,” Kaia mused, her tone nonchalant, even though she was internally keen to know how Alexandros would respond. Usually men didn’t seem to care what she was good at, so she was interested to see whether he would be the same, or whether Kaia had just only ever seemed to meet shitty men. It could go either way she supposed, but she knew which outcome she preferred.
The other girls gave Kaia a strange look. One even seemed to be nearly hostile in her expression. The other two just seemed unsure if Kaia was joking perhaps.
“Do you mean just for today?” One asked curiously.
“No?” Kaia answered, not sure of the significance of the day beyond everyone being practically naked. “Everyday. I was nearly going to bring my bow, but I didn’t care to carry the arrows around,” Kaia joked. That wasn’t quite true, she would have brought her bow if she’d thought her and Aea would be hunting, but they’d left camp before she could prepare. It was just as well. Although Kaia missed the security of her favoured weapon, she was glad to have her hands free.
“What other skills do you possess, captain?” Kaia asked curiously. “Besides being a captain,” she teased, allowing a small smirk to cross her features.
Mihail adored Taengea. Or, at least, he adored the festivals it held each year, where he was offered a rare opportunity to be himself to the fullest extent. Of course, he had never quite been shy about such things, glad to shift between the male and female perspective no matter where he found himself and generally unafraid of the consequences that usually came in the form of a talking-to from his sisters or harsh glance from his father, but there was a difference in these festivals where it was so blindingly clear that nobody cared how he spent his days. It was, to him, near perfection.
This was one of his favourites, for by virtue of being geared towards women (as so few activities in his homeland were), it somehow felt even more accepting than the rest. A true opportunity to let loose and enjoy oneself among the crowds, almost disguised as one of them if not for the fact that he loathed the idea of being thought of as anybody but himself. He had come to the country early, as he often did, finding no purpose in spending so long on a ghastly boat if he was only intending on staying a few short days, settled comfortably into the temporary home his family possessed for those few jaunts across the sea, and planned to enjoy himself thoroughly without the concern of whether any other Thanasi were to show up in the coming days. For the time being, this was the domain of one Princess Mimi, and she wanted to live.
Not one to break with tradition, Mihail had awoken as early as usual the morning of the Dionysia to practice his archery before he took any time for the festival. One did not let their skills wane solely because they were thrilled by the prospects of wine and drugs and a good time, after all. He had enjoyed some delicious honeyed quince, finished his first jug of wine for the day and then joined one of the many available hunts that morning. There, he had felled some passing beast and uncharacteristically donated it to the festivities as a whole (there was no point taking it home when it was just him), then returned to the house to work through those cosmetic procedures that he favoured, face smothered in careful creams and nails redyed a gorgeous deep crimson before he applied careful kohl around his eyes, then dabbing on the same-coloured powders he usually used on his cheekbones and miniscule particles of golden dust to create patterns reminiscent of smoke and embers rising around dark irises. Once he was pleased with the design, he matched the shade once more on his lips, leaving the rest of his face clear to show off the alabaster skin of which he was often so proud. Combined with his thick black curls that settled beautifully around his shoulders (so lightly dusted with similar particles that it almost shimmered with each turn of his head), he thought he looked rather a fine and noble lady, and he adored it, staring at the gorgeous reflection that smiled back at him in the mirror for a long moment. It was astoundingly rare he had the chance to see himself looking as perfect as he imagined.
The chiton he had chosen for the event was more of a gown, built from multiple layers of flowing gauze pinned carefully into place. Those that crossed over his chest in a strong X bore the same crimson shade as his make-up, the two strands trailing off into many more below the waist, where black gauze cleverly folded underneath the upper layer had taken precedence, and flowed freely outwards. Amber beads dripped from where they had been embroidered into fabric almost sporadically, and a belt decorated with golden droplets hung loosely around his waist, jangling with each step. He had foregone his favoured silver fibulae for a matching pair on either shoulder that resembled aurulent serpents instead, ever prepared to announce family name without words, and selected a charming diadem that almost appeared twisted into pretty flames if not for the bird that noticeably took shape across its centre, surveying its audience through ruby eyes.
It was one of those metaphors that was unmissable: he felt a phoenix rising from its ashes whenever his other self was permitted a rare opportunity to shine as she did now, reflected in glass before him, and he relished it.
Spectacle was not required when one knew how to bring it naturally and without acting a fool, and Mihail did not require any theatrics when he appeared in the main crowd of the festival that afternoon, already having indulged in the first few goblets of wine that had been passed around on his journey from home. He let them notice him in their own time, an elaborate affair in his own right that drew eyes without trouble because so few expected to see a man dressed as such (and those who did were generally fully convinced that he was a woman without a further word) and he looked so stunningly dramatic that those who had thought themselves somewhat above poverty and were certain they had made an effort were forced to rethink their tragedies. When someone asked, he would smile and hold out a ring-laden hand for a kiss, introducing himself with that practised moniker of Princess Mimi, acting the part so neatly that those who did not know their royalty would have believed it without trouble, and those who did were left with the query of whether she was one of those foreign royals of which they heard so little bar strange stories. When he grew bored of it for a moment or felt too flustered, he could wave his guard in their direction and they would stop and admire instead from a suitable distance. Oh, he could have raked in the attention for hours, and it was only a shame that neither of his trusted companions were present to watch him.
But mingling with the less fortunate (though perhaps mingling was a strong word for flouncing and displaying inherent superiority) grew dull after a short while, and there were far more charming individuals with which to spend his time. Mihail let them watch him leave, making a show of sashaying away so that each decoration hanging from his chiton added a pretty sound to the movement, searching for a moment of calm. He found it in a shaded area, depositing his guard on the edge of it for careful supervision, shooing some facially-underprivileged girl — really, as though she could not have made a single effort for the festivities — away from a spare kline and falling among the cushions to partake in a long smoke and send some individual who was most certainly not there to serve — though one would never have thought it from the plainness of their clothing — on a quest to fetch him a jug of wine. He had a long night ahead, and he didn’t want to waste it being fully of sound mind.
Az
Mihail
Az
Mihail
Awards
First Impressions:Slim; Broken nose, piercing gaze, red-painted nails.
Address: Your His Lordship
Mihail adored Taengea. Or, at least, he adored the festivals it held each year, where he was offered a rare opportunity to be himself to the fullest extent. Of course, he had never quite been shy about such things, glad to shift between the male and female perspective no matter where he found himself and generally unafraid of the consequences that usually came in the form of a talking-to from his sisters or harsh glance from his father, but there was a difference in these festivals where it was so blindingly clear that nobody cared how he spent his days. It was, to him, near perfection.
This was one of his favourites, for by virtue of being geared towards women (as so few activities in his homeland were), it somehow felt even more accepting than the rest. A true opportunity to let loose and enjoy oneself among the crowds, almost disguised as one of them if not for the fact that he loathed the idea of being thought of as anybody but himself. He had come to the country early, as he often did, finding no purpose in spending so long on a ghastly boat if he was only intending on staying a few short days, settled comfortably into the temporary home his family possessed for those few jaunts across the sea, and planned to enjoy himself thoroughly without the concern of whether any other Thanasi were to show up in the coming days. For the time being, this was the domain of one Princess Mimi, and she wanted to live.
Not one to break with tradition, Mihail had awoken as early as usual the morning of the Dionysia to practice his archery before he took any time for the festival. One did not let their skills wane solely because they were thrilled by the prospects of wine and drugs and a good time, after all. He had enjoyed some delicious honeyed quince, finished his first jug of wine for the day and then joined one of the many available hunts that morning. There, he had felled some passing beast and uncharacteristically donated it to the festivities as a whole (there was no point taking it home when it was just him), then returned to the house to work through those cosmetic procedures that he favoured, face smothered in careful creams and nails redyed a gorgeous deep crimson before he applied careful kohl around his eyes, then dabbing on the same-coloured powders he usually used on his cheekbones and miniscule particles of golden dust to create patterns reminiscent of smoke and embers rising around dark irises. Once he was pleased with the design, he matched the shade once more on his lips, leaving the rest of his face clear to show off the alabaster skin of which he was often so proud. Combined with his thick black curls that settled beautifully around his shoulders (so lightly dusted with similar particles that it almost shimmered with each turn of his head), he thought he looked rather a fine and noble lady, and he adored it, staring at the gorgeous reflection that smiled back at him in the mirror for a long moment. It was astoundingly rare he had the chance to see himself looking as perfect as he imagined.
The chiton he had chosen for the event was more of a gown, built from multiple layers of flowing gauze pinned carefully into place. Those that crossed over his chest in a strong X bore the same crimson shade as his make-up, the two strands trailing off into many more below the waist, where black gauze cleverly folded underneath the upper layer had taken precedence, and flowed freely outwards. Amber beads dripped from where they had been embroidered into fabric almost sporadically, and a belt decorated with golden droplets hung loosely around his waist, jangling with each step. He had foregone his favoured silver fibulae for a matching pair on either shoulder that resembled aurulent serpents instead, ever prepared to announce family name without words, and selected a charming diadem that almost appeared twisted into pretty flames if not for the bird that noticeably took shape across its centre, surveying its audience through ruby eyes.
It was one of those metaphors that was unmissable: he felt a phoenix rising from its ashes whenever his other self was permitted a rare opportunity to shine as she did now, reflected in glass before him, and he relished it.
Spectacle was not required when one knew how to bring it naturally and without acting a fool, and Mihail did not require any theatrics when he appeared in the main crowd of the festival that afternoon, already having indulged in the first few goblets of wine that had been passed around on his journey from home. He let them notice him in their own time, an elaborate affair in his own right that drew eyes without trouble because so few expected to see a man dressed as such (and those who did were generally fully convinced that he was a woman without a further word) and he looked so stunningly dramatic that those who had thought themselves somewhat above poverty and were certain they had made an effort were forced to rethink their tragedies. When someone asked, he would smile and hold out a ring-laden hand for a kiss, introducing himself with that practised moniker of Princess Mimi, acting the part so neatly that those who did not know their royalty would have believed it without trouble, and those who did were left with the query of whether she was one of those foreign royals of which they heard so little bar strange stories. When he grew bored of it for a moment or felt too flustered, he could wave his guard in their direction and they would stop and admire instead from a suitable distance. Oh, he could have raked in the attention for hours, and it was only a shame that neither of his trusted companions were present to watch him.
But mingling with the less fortunate (though perhaps mingling was a strong word for flouncing and displaying inherent superiority) grew dull after a short while, and there were far more charming individuals with which to spend his time. Mihail let them watch him leave, making a show of sashaying away so that each decoration hanging from his chiton added a pretty sound to the movement, searching for a moment of calm. He found it in a shaded area, depositing his guard on the edge of it for careful supervision, shooing some facially-underprivileged girl — really, as though she could not have made a single effort for the festivities — away from a spare kline and falling among the cushions to partake in a long smoke and send some individual who was most certainly not there to serve — though one would never have thought it from the plainness of their clothing — on a quest to fetch him a jug of wine. He had a long night ahead, and he didn’t want to waste it being fully of sound mind.
Mihail adored Taengea. Or, at least, he adored the festivals it held each year, where he was offered a rare opportunity to be himself to the fullest extent. Of course, he had never quite been shy about such things, glad to shift between the male and female perspective no matter where he found himself and generally unafraid of the consequences that usually came in the form of a talking-to from his sisters or harsh glance from his father, but there was a difference in these festivals where it was so blindingly clear that nobody cared how he spent his days. It was, to him, near perfection.
This was one of his favourites, for by virtue of being geared towards women (as so few activities in his homeland were), it somehow felt even more accepting than the rest. A true opportunity to let loose and enjoy oneself among the crowds, almost disguised as one of them if not for the fact that he loathed the idea of being thought of as anybody but himself. He had come to the country early, as he often did, finding no purpose in spending so long on a ghastly boat if he was only intending on staying a few short days, settled comfortably into the temporary home his family possessed for those few jaunts across the sea, and planned to enjoy himself thoroughly without the concern of whether any other Thanasi were to show up in the coming days. For the time being, this was the domain of one Princess Mimi, and she wanted to live.
Not one to break with tradition, Mihail had awoken as early as usual the morning of the Dionysia to practice his archery before he took any time for the festival. One did not let their skills wane solely because they were thrilled by the prospects of wine and drugs and a good time, after all. He had enjoyed some delicious honeyed quince, finished his first jug of wine for the day and then joined one of the many available hunts that morning. There, he had felled some passing beast and uncharacteristically donated it to the festivities as a whole (there was no point taking it home when it was just him), then returned to the house to work through those cosmetic procedures that he favoured, face smothered in careful creams and nails redyed a gorgeous deep crimson before he applied careful kohl around his eyes, then dabbing on the same-coloured powders he usually used on his cheekbones and miniscule particles of golden dust to create patterns reminiscent of smoke and embers rising around dark irises. Once he was pleased with the design, he matched the shade once more on his lips, leaving the rest of his face clear to show off the alabaster skin of which he was often so proud. Combined with his thick black curls that settled beautifully around his shoulders (so lightly dusted with similar particles that it almost shimmered with each turn of his head), he thought he looked rather a fine and noble lady, and he adored it, staring at the gorgeous reflection that smiled back at him in the mirror for a long moment. It was astoundingly rare he had the chance to see himself looking as perfect as he imagined.
The chiton he had chosen for the event was more of a gown, built from multiple layers of flowing gauze pinned carefully into place. Those that crossed over his chest in a strong X bore the same crimson shade as his make-up, the two strands trailing off into many more below the waist, where black gauze cleverly folded underneath the upper layer had taken precedence, and flowed freely outwards. Amber beads dripped from where they had been embroidered into fabric almost sporadically, and a belt decorated with golden droplets hung loosely around his waist, jangling with each step. He had foregone his favoured silver fibulae for a matching pair on either shoulder that resembled aurulent serpents instead, ever prepared to announce family name without words, and selected a charming diadem that almost appeared twisted into pretty flames if not for the bird that noticeably took shape across its centre, surveying its audience through ruby eyes.
It was one of those metaphors that was unmissable: he felt a phoenix rising from its ashes whenever his other self was permitted a rare opportunity to shine as she did now, reflected in glass before him, and he relished it.
Spectacle was not required when one knew how to bring it naturally and without acting a fool, and Mihail did not require any theatrics when he appeared in the main crowd of the festival that afternoon, already having indulged in the first few goblets of wine that had been passed around on his journey from home. He let them notice him in their own time, an elaborate affair in his own right that drew eyes without trouble because so few expected to see a man dressed as such (and those who did were generally fully convinced that he was a woman without a further word) and he looked so stunningly dramatic that those who had thought themselves somewhat above poverty and were certain they had made an effort were forced to rethink their tragedies. When someone asked, he would smile and hold out a ring-laden hand for a kiss, introducing himself with that practised moniker of Princess Mimi, acting the part so neatly that those who did not know their royalty would have believed it without trouble, and those who did were left with the query of whether she was one of those foreign royals of which they heard so little bar strange stories. When he grew bored of it for a moment or felt too flustered, he could wave his guard in their direction and they would stop and admire instead from a suitable distance. Oh, he could have raked in the attention for hours, and it was only a shame that neither of his trusted companions were present to watch him.
But mingling with the less fortunate (though perhaps mingling was a strong word for flouncing and displaying inherent superiority) grew dull after a short while, and there were far more charming individuals with which to spend his time. Mihail let them watch him leave, making a show of sashaying away so that each decoration hanging from his chiton added a pretty sound to the movement, searching for a moment of calm. He found it in a shaded area, depositing his guard on the edge of it for careful supervision, shooing some facially-underprivileged girl — really, as though she could not have made a single effort for the festivities — away from a spare kline and falling among the cushions to partake in a long smoke and send some individual who was most certainly not there to serve — though one would never have thought it from the plainness of their clothing — on a quest to fetch him a jug of wine. He had a long night ahead, and he didn’t want to waste it being fully of sound mind.
“Gianna! Gia, my darling, hello. My dear, your speech was fabulous.”
Gianna recognized the voice instantly. From where she stood with her regal shoulders back, and chin high, the ceremonial opener of the Dionysa, the princess’ crowned head turned to the follow the nectarous voice, a wide smile appearing as the subject came into view. “My cherished Condos Rose,” the youngest Mikaelidas welcomed her dear friend, indulging her in the warm embrace she invited as she approached the steps of the naos with arms open. On the portico of Dionysius’ temple, a dozen white doves were being sacrificed to the god, with chants being uttered by the ceremonial priests and priestesses conducting the ritual. Musicians had gathered and were serenading the display, while scantily clad dancers drifted and pirouetted, swayed and twirled at the foot of the naos steps. “The gods have favored us this day with fair weather,” Gianna noted blissfully. “Are you ready, my friend? This day is ours to honor the great patron as we best can in the spirit of his domain. Let us get to it!” the princess squeaked, plucking her large ornamental crown from her head. Without having to ask for it, an attendant had approached, and accepted her royal headpiece in exchange for a wreath of grapevine and leaves. And it was if someone had left the stable door open, with horses fleeing madly at their new found freedom, So Gianna took a hold of Ophelia’s hand and raced down the steps of the naos towards the thick crowds. All around them, bodies in various states of dress were cajoling, in contests of sorts, or debauchery, hurdling the Dionysa into full throttle.
Gianna was not one to resist such a magnificent occasion, and as such, the first station she dragged Ophelia to was to procure wine, the great nectar of the gods today. Offering her friend a full chalice as well, Gianna threw hers back in a relentless chug, with such vigor and enthusiasm that a small rivulet of it rolled down her sun-kissed chin. When she’d drained the chalice of its contents, she wiped at the errant drop and held the vessel out, that the vendor should fill it once more. Content to enjoy this one more slowly, she giggled and sidled close to Ophelia, setting off further into the feast of indulgence.
Smiling brightly, and gliding about in sartorial splendor of her gauzy and translucent garment that did very little to conceal her womanly virtues, she paused to watch a few naked women fighting with swords, their clothing piled off to the side. How marvelous it was, to know such unbridled want and inclination for a single day. And on that single day, Gianna would enjoy herself to the fullest extent in every way, an unending pool of companions to enjoy.
It was then that Gianna’s sultry chocolate eyes caught an unapologetic flash of red, a pair of shoes as it were. As her gaze followed the lines of the legs they were attached to, a provocative and utterly remarkable creature reclined beneath the cool shady boughs of a mature tree. One of Gianna’s brows arched as she nudged Ophelia beside her. “Look there, ‘Lia. Do you know her?” she asked of the splendorous entity as they navigated the densely packed public.
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“Gianna! Gia, my darling, hello. My dear, your speech was fabulous.”
Gianna recognized the voice instantly. From where she stood with her regal shoulders back, and chin high, the ceremonial opener of the Dionysa, the princess’ crowned head turned to the follow the nectarous voice, a wide smile appearing as the subject came into view. “My cherished Condos Rose,” the youngest Mikaelidas welcomed her dear friend, indulging her in the warm embrace she invited as she approached the steps of the naos with arms open. On the portico of Dionysius’ temple, a dozen white doves were being sacrificed to the god, with chants being uttered by the ceremonial priests and priestesses conducting the ritual. Musicians had gathered and were serenading the display, while scantily clad dancers drifted and pirouetted, swayed and twirled at the foot of the naos steps. “The gods have favored us this day with fair weather,” Gianna noted blissfully. “Are you ready, my friend? This day is ours to honor the great patron as we best can in the spirit of his domain. Let us get to it!” the princess squeaked, plucking her large ornamental crown from her head. Without having to ask for it, an attendant had approached, and accepted her royal headpiece in exchange for a wreath of grapevine and leaves. And it was if someone had left the stable door open, with horses fleeing madly at their new found freedom, So Gianna took a hold of Ophelia’s hand and raced down the steps of the naos towards the thick crowds. All around them, bodies in various states of dress were cajoling, in contests of sorts, or debauchery, hurdling the Dionysa into full throttle.
Gianna was not one to resist such a magnificent occasion, and as such, the first station she dragged Ophelia to was to procure wine, the great nectar of the gods today. Offering her friend a full chalice as well, Gianna threw hers back in a relentless chug, with such vigor and enthusiasm that a small rivulet of it rolled down her sun-kissed chin. When she’d drained the chalice of its contents, she wiped at the errant drop and held the vessel out, that the vendor should fill it once more. Content to enjoy this one more slowly, she giggled and sidled close to Ophelia, setting off further into the feast of indulgence.
Smiling brightly, and gliding about in sartorial splendor of her gauzy and translucent garment that did very little to conceal her womanly virtues, she paused to watch a few naked women fighting with swords, their clothing piled off to the side. How marvelous it was, to know such unbridled want and inclination for a single day. And on that single day, Gianna would enjoy herself to the fullest extent in every way, an unending pool of companions to enjoy.
It was then that Gianna’s sultry chocolate eyes caught an unapologetic flash of red, a pair of shoes as it were. As her gaze followed the lines of the legs they were attached to, a provocative and utterly remarkable creature reclined beneath the cool shady boughs of a mature tree. One of Gianna’s brows arched as she nudged Ophelia beside her. “Look there, ‘Lia. Do you know her?” she asked of the splendorous entity as they navigated the densely packed public.
“Gianna! Gia, my darling, hello. My dear, your speech was fabulous.”
Gianna recognized the voice instantly. From where she stood with her regal shoulders back, and chin high, the ceremonial opener of the Dionysa, the princess’ crowned head turned to the follow the nectarous voice, a wide smile appearing as the subject came into view. “My cherished Condos Rose,” the youngest Mikaelidas welcomed her dear friend, indulging her in the warm embrace she invited as she approached the steps of the naos with arms open. On the portico of Dionysius’ temple, a dozen white doves were being sacrificed to the god, with chants being uttered by the ceremonial priests and priestesses conducting the ritual. Musicians had gathered and were serenading the display, while scantily clad dancers drifted and pirouetted, swayed and twirled at the foot of the naos steps. “The gods have favored us this day with fair weather,” Gianna noted blissfully. “Are you ready, my friend? This day is ours to honor the great patron as we best can in the spirit of his domain. Let us get to it!” the princess squeaked, plucking her large ornamental crown from her head. Without having to ask for it, an attendant had approached, and accepted her royal headpiece in exchange for a wreath of grapevine and leaves. And it was if someone had left the stable door open, with horses fleeing madly at their new found freedom, So Gianna took a hold of Ophelia’s hand and raced down the steps of the naos towards the thick crowds. All around them, bodies in various states of dress were cajoling, in contests of sorts, or debauchery, hurdling the Dionysa into full throttle.
Gianna was not one to resist such a magnificent occasion, and as such, the first station she dragged Ophelia to was to procure wine, the great nectar of the gods today. Offering her friend a full chalice as well, Gianna threw hers back in a relentless chug, with such vigor and enthusiasm that a small rivulet of it rolled down her sun-kissed chin. When she’d drained the chalice of its contents, she wiped at the errant drop and held the vessel out, that the vendor should fill it once more. Content to enjoy this one more slowly, she giggled and sidled close to Ophelia, setting off further into the feast of indulgence.
Smiling brightly, and gliding about in sartorial splendor of her gauzy and translucent garment that did very little to conceal her womanly virtues, she paused to watch a few naked women fighting with swords, their clothing piled off to the side. How marvelous it was, to know such unbridled want and inclination for a single day. And on that single day, Gianna would enjoy herself to the fullest extent in every way, an unending pool of companions to enjoy.
It was then that Gianna’s sultry chocolate eyes caught an unapologetic flash of red, a pair of shoes as it were. As her gaze followed the lines of the legs they were attached to, a provocative and utterly remarkable creature reclined beneath the cool shady boughs of a mature tree. One of Gianna’s brows arched as she nudged Ophelia beside her. “Look there, ‘Lia. Do you know her?” she asked of the splendorous entity as they navigated the densely packed public.
It seemed as if he was giving attention to the right one amongst the group. The other three fawned and jumbled themselves up fighting for any scrap of attention, but the last of them, the newest to join them, either understood the game he was playing or grasped it well enough to pick up what was going on. The others were nothing interesting. While he did not mind the attention and might perhaps revisit them if he failed in wooing someone more interesting, they did not excite him the way the standoffish Kaia did. Alexandros’s curiosity had been piqued by the young woman, and it seemed she would at the least be interesting conversation for part of the evening. Her teasing was evidence enough for that. She had asked him what he was looking for in a conversation, and he had asked some leading questions to glean what he could from her. The answer she gave was more fascinating than any other in the group, possibly than any other at the festival. The girl was a fighter and huntress, no wonder she knew this little dance well. The other women were incredulous that she would hunt regularly, so he came to her defense. “Not everyone has the luxury of staying in the city or on a farm, some have to hunt to survive, the meet and skins can be quite valuable for trade, can’t they Kaia?” He asked her to confirm his story, hoping that the other women would accept her better following this revelation.
She then turned the question back upon him, which was unsurprising given this current situation. He smiled and thought for a few moments. “Hmm, what am I good at?” He mused teasingly. “I have spent a lot of time hunting, but the bow was never my best weapon. The javelin and the spear always served me better in search of game. My preferred weapons are a pair of long swords which are nearly identical saving a few minute details on the hilt. Perhaps I’ll show them to you sometime in the future.” With the serious skills out of the way, now he turned to jest. “I’ve always been good at speaking in front of people, as you can see, and I’ve never had a dissatisfied partner, which might be the most important skill?” He said with a smirk and a wink. “I am curious to know, though, how do you fight Kaia? Is there a particular style that you gravitate to? What sort of game do you hunt most regularly for that matter?”
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It seemed as if he was giving attention to the right one amongst the group. The other three fawned and jumbled themselves up fighting for any scrap of attention, but the last of them, the newest to join them, either understood the game he was playing or grasped it well enough to pick up what was going on. The others were nothing interesting. While he did not mind the attention and might perhaps revisit them if he failed in wooing someone more interesting, they did not excite him the way the standoffish Kaia did. Alexandros’s curiosity had been piqued by the young woman, and it seemed she would at the least be interesting conversation for part of the evening. Her teasing was evidence enough for that. She had asked him what he was looking for in a conversation, and he had asked some leading questions to glean what he could from her. The answer she gave was more fascinating than any other in the group, possibly than any other at the festival. The girl was a fighter and huntress, no wonder she knew this little dance well. The other women were incredulous that she would hunt regularly, so he came to her defense. “Not everyone has the luxury of staying in the city or on a farm, some have to hunt to survive, the meet and skins can be quite valuable for trade, can’t they Kaia?” He asked her to confirm his story, hoping that the other women would accept her better following this revelation.
She then turned the question back upon him, which was unsurprising given this current situation. He smiled and thought for a few moments. “Hmm, what am I good at?” He mused teasingly. “I have spent a lot of time hunting, but the bow was never my best weapon. The javelin and the spear always served me better in search of game. My preferred weapons are a pair of long swords which are nearly identical saving a few minute details on the hilt. Perhaps I’ll show them to you sometime in the future.” With the serious skills out of the way, now he turned to jest. “I’ve always been good at speaking in front of people, as you can see, and I’ve never had a dissatisfied partner, which might be the most important skill?” He said with a smirk and a wink. “I am curious to know, though, how do you fight Kaia? Is there a particular style that you gravitate to? What sort of game do you hunt most regularly for that matter?”
It seemed as if he was giving attention to the right one amongst the group. The other three fawned and jumbled themselves up fighting for any scrap of attention, but the last of them, the newest to join them, either understood the game he was playing or grasped it well enough to pick up what was going on. The others were nothing interesting. While he did not mind the attention and might perhaps revisit them if he failed in wooing someone more interesting, they did not excite him the way the standoffish Kaia did. Alexandros’s curiosity had been piqued by the young woman, and it seemed she would at the least be interesting conversation for part of the evening. Her teasing was evidence enough for that. She had asked him what he was looking for in a conversation, and he had asked some leading questions to glean what he could from her. The answer she gave was more fascinating than any other in the group, possibly than any other at the festival. The girl was a fighter and huntress, no wonder she knew this little dance well. The other women were incredulous that she would hunt regularly, so he came to her defense. “Not everyone has the luxury of staying in the city or on a farm, some have to hunt to survive, the meet and skins can be quite valuable for trade, can’t they Kaia?” He asked her to confirm his story, hoping that the other women would accept her better following this revelation.
She then turned the question back upon him, which was unsurprising given this current situation. He smiled and thought for a few moments. “Hmm, what am I good at?” He mused teasingly. “I have spent a lot of time hunting, but the bow was never my best weapon. The javelin and the spear always served me better in search of game. My preferred weapons are a pair of long swords which are nearly identical saving a few minute details on the hilt. Perhaps I’ll show them to you sometime in the future.” With the serious skills out of the way, now he turned to jest. “I’ve always been good at speaking in front of people, as you can see, and I’ve never had a dissatisfied partner, which might be the most important skill?” He said with a smirk and a wink. “I am curious to know, though, how do you fight Kaia? Is there a particular style that you gravitate to? What sort of game do you hunt most regularly for that matter?”
“Not everyone has the luxury of staying in the city or on a farm, some have to hunt to survive, the meat and skins can be quite valuable for trade, can’t they Kaia?”
To her surprise, Kaia wasn’t sure how to react initially to Alexandros speaking to her defence. She was brought up to be self-sufficient; however Agolois still stood between her and his brothers if ever it looked like she would require physical punishment. Kaia liked to think she avoided those instances more or less though, especially now that she was a woman.
Part of her was resistant to Alexandros’ aid, purely because he’d offered it. Having aid provided suggested that she could not take care of herself, which certainly was not the case. However, Kaia saw the glances the other three women exchanged and could glean that there was some sort of envy shared between them. Perhaps Kaia was a little quick to react. She had to remember that she was not brought up like most women, and as such, needed to expect that the average reaction was something she needed to learn.
Plus, if she really allowed herself to admit it, there was something nice about having Alexandros not only relate to her, but appreciate it. It was perhaps the closest thing someone outside Aea had given her in terms of praise for something other than her appearance. Her father and uncles expected her abilities to hunt and kill, but they still only ever gave her tasks to lure or con unsuspecting targets. She was never tasked with the exciting or important jobs. Even her uncle Cassero, who was handsome and had a voice of dripping honey, would have important tasks to carry out that had nothing to do with his looks or voice. Kaia desperately wanted that, and so Alexandros defending her skills was one of the closest examples of what she desired.
“There is certainly money to be made from hunting,” Kaia agreed. More often than not, Kaia’s kills went towards feeding the family, but on the rare occasions where there was too much meat to finish before spoiling, Kaia’s uncles would sell it at the closest town or market. More often than not though, they either finished it, or made every attempt to preserve it.
Kaia turned the conversation back to Alexandros, enjoying her sense of bold courage. If she was reading the exchange correctly, she was navigating the conversation rather well. She certainly seemed to capture Alexandros’ attention more than the other three women.
“Hmm, what am I good at? I have spent a lot of time hunting, but the bow was never my best weapon. The javelin and the spear always served me better in search of game. My preferred weapons are a pair of long swords which are nearly identical saving a few minute details on the hilt. Perhaps I’ll show them to you sometime in the future.”
Kaia was legitimately interested to hear how the Colchis captain fought and tried to imagine it in her mind. She herself felt too slow and cumbersome using spears. If she could not shoot with her bow from afar, then she preferred the quick precision of a dagger. However, she had to wonder what it would feel like to wield a real sword. No doubt it was a powerful feeling. The respect Kaia had for her own blades was quite strong; she could only imagine the awe she’d feel towards a militant sword.
The suggestive promise of showing Kaia was not lost on her. Before she could help it, a sly smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. Given they were in Taengea currently and it was unlikely that Kaia would ever see Alexandros again in the future, she doubted the offer would come to fruition, but she enjoyed the thought all the same. In fact, the flirtatious nature of the conversation mixed with the ample supply of wine was making Kaia rather confident. Aea always insisted she be the lure to woo potential targets. She’d tried her hand at flirting and sometimes it worked, though she’d come to understand she very much needed the practise. It probably didn’t help that she usually felt repulsed while pretending to woo her targets, but that was beside the point. In this instance, Kaia genuinely felt inclined to play the game, whether it came to realisation or not.
“I should like to see how you handle your sword,” Kaia answered innocently, though her sly smirk was anything but. As her mouth threatened to break into a wider grin, Kaia hid it behind her cup as she took another generous sip of her liquid courage.
“I’ve always been good at speaking in front of people, as you can see, and I’ve never had a dissatisfied partner, which might be the most important skill?”
Kaia could believe that. It was clear Alexandros knew he was attractive, and he made no efforts to hide his intentions. No doubt he was very used to female companionship. Kaia had only ever been intimate the one time, but she could already see the appeal. If Alexandros was well experienced with women, then no doubt he knew exactly how to make one feel good.
Ignoring the giggles of the girls around her, Kaia simply smirked once more. “Careful you do not set expectations too high,” Kaia teased, though she got the impression that was not really a true concern for Alexandros.
“I am curious to know, though, how do you fight Kaia? Is there a particular style that you gravitate to? What sort of game do you hunt most regularly for that matter?”
Kaia thought for a moment, mulling over how best to answer. She was not so drunk on wine yet to let her tongue wag loosely. She was aware shew as still speaking to a captain, so she was not about to spill the details of her family’s behaviours. Kaia very much liked her head atop her shoulders.
“Mostly, small game,” Kaia began thoughtfully, the suggestive tone of voice making way for consideration for the time being. “Sometimes deer on occasion. Whatever it may be, I prefer to wait until I have a clean shot. Running after a wounded animal is surely a waste of effort and time. Better to take it down in one clean strike.”
Kaia usually aimed for the eye with small game in order to save as much of the meat as possible. For bigger animals, Kaia would aim for the upper neck in hopes to sever the spinal cord, or if not, then a vital organ like the heart or lung.
“As for defending myself, I prefer daggers,” Kaia added as an afterthought. It was true, though Kaia decided not to elaborate further. She did not wish to draw attention to just how often she’d used a dagger against her fellow man.
Lani
Kaia
Lani
Kaia
Awards
First Impressions:Lean, athletic; Straw-blonde hair, stormy blue eyes, and a nearly permanent scowl.
Address: Your
“Not everyone has the luxury of staying in the city or on a farm, some have to hunt to survive, the meat and skins can be quite valuable for trade, can’t they Kaia?”
To her surprise, Kaia wasn’t sure how to react initially to Alexandros speaking to her defence. She was brought up to be self-sufficient; however Agolois still stood between her and his brothers if ever it looked like she would require physical punishment. Kaia liked to think she avoided those instances more or less though, especially now that she was a woman.
Part of her was resistant to Alexandros’ aid, purely because he’d offered it. Having aid provided suggested that she could not take care of herself, which certainly was not the case. However, Kaia saw the glances the other three women exchanged and could glean that there was some sort of envy shared between them. Perhaps Kaia was a little quick to react. She had to remember that she was not brought up like most women, and as such, needed to expect that the average reaction was something she needed to learn.
Plus, if she really allowed herself to admit it, there was something nice about having Alexandros not only relate to her, but appreciate it. It was perhaps the closest thing someone outside Aea had given her in terms of praise for something other than her appearance. Her father and uncles expected her abilities to hunt and kill, but they still only ever gave her tasks to lure or con unsuspecting targets. She was never tasked with the exciting or important jobs. Even her uncle Cassero, who was handsome and had a voice of dripping honey, would have important tasks to carry out that had nothing to do with his looks or voice. Kaia desperately wanted that, and so Alexandros defending her skills was one of the closest examples of what she desired.
“There is certainly money to be made from hunting,” Kaia agreed. More often than not, Kaia’s kills went towards feeding the family, but on the rare occasions where there was too much meat to finish before spoiling, Kaia’s uncles would sell it at the closest town or market. More often than not though, they either finished it, or made every attempt to preserve it.
Kaia turned the conversation back to Alexandros, enjoying her sense of bold courage. If she was reading the exchange correctly, she was navigating the conversation rather well. She certainly seemed to capture Alexandros’ attention more than the other three women.
“Hmm, what am I good at? I have spent a lot of time hunting, but the bow was never my best weapon. The javelin and the spear always served me better in search of game. My preferred weapons are a pair of long swords which are nearly identical saving a few minute details on the hilt. Perhaps I’ll show them to you sometime in the future.”
Kaia was legitimately interested to hear how the Colchis captain fought and tried to imagine it in her mind. She herself felt too slow and cumbersome using spears. If she could not shoot with her bow from afar, then she preferred the quick precision of a dagger. However, she had to wonder what it would feel like to wield a real sword. No doubt it was a powerful feeling. The respect Kaia had for her own blades was quite strong; she could only imagine the awe she’d feel towards a militant sword.
The suggestive promise of showing Kaia was not lost on her. Before she could help it, a sly smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. Given they were in Taengea currently and it was unlikely that Kaia would ever see Alexandros again in the future, she doubted the offer would come to fruition, but she enjoyed the thought all the same. In fact, the flirtatious nature of the conversation mixed with the ample supply of wine was making Kaia rather confident. Aea always insisted she be the lure to woo potential targets. She’d tried her hand at flirting and sometimes it worked, though she’d come to understand she very much needed the practise. It probably didn’t help that she usually felt repulsed while pretending to woo her targets, but that was beside the point. In this instance, Kaia genuinely felt inclined to play the game, whether it came to realisation or not.
“I should like to see how you handle your sword,” Kaia answered innocently, though her sly smirk was anything but. As her mouth threatened to break into a wider grin, Kaia hid it behind her cup as she took another generous sip of her liquid courage.
“I’ve always been good at speaking in front of people, as you can see, and I’ve never had a dissatisfied partner, which might be the most important skill?”
Kaia could believe that. It was clear Alexandros knew he was attractive, and he made no efforts to hide his intentions. No doubt he was very used to female companionship. Kaia had only ever been intimate the one time, but she could already see the appeal. If Alexandros was well experienced with women, then no doubt he knew exactly how to make one feel good.
Ignoring the giggles of the girls around her, Kaia simply smirked once more. “Careful you do not set expectations too high,” Kaia teased, though she got the impression that was not really a true concern for Alexandros.
“I am curious to know, though, how do you fight Kaia? Is there a particular style that you gravitate to? What sort of game do you hunt most regularly for that matter?”
Kaia thought for a moment, mulling over how best to answer. She was not so drunk on wine yet to let her tongue wag loosely. She was aware shew as still speaking to a captain, so she was not about to spill the details of her family’s behaviours. Kaia very much liked her head atop her shoulders.
“Mostly, small game,” Kaia began thoughtfully, the suggestive tone of voice making way for consideration for the time being. “Sometimes deer on occasion. Whatever it may be, I prefer to wait until I have a clean shot. Running after a wounded animal is surely a waste of effort and time. Better to take it down in one clean strike.”
Kaia usually aimed for the eye with small game in order to save as much of the meat as possible. For bigger animals, Kaia would aim for the upper neck in hopes to sever the spinal cord, or if not, then a vital organ like the heart or lung.
“As for defending myself, I prefer daggers,” Kaia added as an afterthought. It was true, though Kaia decided not to elaborate further. She did not wish to draw attention to just how often she’d used a dagger against her fellow man.
“Not everyone has the luxury of staying in the city or on a farm, some have to hunt to survive, the meat and skins can be quite valuable for trade, can’t they Kaia?”
To her surprise, Kaia wasn’t sure how to react initially to Alexandros speaking to her defence. She was brought up to be self-sufficient; however Agolois still stood between her and his brothers if ever it looked like she would require physical punishment. Kaia liked to think she avoided those instances more or less though, especially now that she was a woman.
Part of her was resistant to Alexandros’ aid, purely because he’d offered it. Having aid provided suggested that she could not take care of herself, which certainly was not the case. However, Kaia saw the glances the other three women exchanged and could glean that there was some sort of envy shared between them. Perhaps Kaia was a little quick to react. She had to remember that she was not brought up like most women, and as such, needed to expect that the average reaction was something she needed to learn.
Plus, if she really allowed herself to admit it, there was something nice about having Alexandros not only relate to her, but appreciate it. It was perhaps the closest thing someone outside Aea had given her in terms of praise for something other than her appearance. Her father and uncles expected her abilities to hunt and kill, but they still only ever gave her tasks to lure or con unsuspecting targets. She was never tasked with the exciting or important jobs. Even her uncle Cassero, who was handsome and had a voice of dripping honey, would have important tasks to carry out that had nothing to do with his looks or voice. Kaia desperately wanted that, and so Alexandros defending her skills was one of the closest examples of what she desired.
“There is certainly money to be made from hunting,” Kaia agreed. More often than not, Kaia’s kills went towards feeding the family, but on the rare occasions where there was too much meat to finish before spoiling, Kaia’s uncles would sell it at the closest town or market. More often than not though, they either finished it, or made every attempt to preserve it.
Kaia turned the conversation back to Alexandros, enjoying her sense of bold courage. If she was reading the exchange correctly, she was navigating the conversation rather well. She certainly seemed to capture Alexandros’ attention more than the other three women.
“Hmm, what am I good at? I have spent a lot of time hunting, but the bow was never my best weapon. The javelin and the spear always served me better in search of game. My preferred weapons are a pair of long swords which are nearly identical saving a few minute details on the hilt. Perhaps I’ll show them to you sometime in the future.”
Kaia was legitimately interested to hear how the Colchis captain fought and tried to imagine it in her mind. She herself felt too slow and cumbersome using spears. If she could not shoot with her bow from afar, then she preferred the quick precision of a dagger. However, she had to wonder what it would feel like to wield a real sword. No doubt it was a powerful feeling. The respect Kaia had for her own blades was quite strong; she could only imagine the awe she’d feel towards a militant sword.
The suggestive promise of showing Kaia was not lost on her. Before she could help it, a sly smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. Given they were in Taengea currently and it was unlikely that Kaia would ever see Alexandros again in the future, she doubted the offer would come to fruition, but she enjoyed the thought all the same. In fact, the flirtatious nature of the conversation mixed with the ample supply of wine was making Kaia rather confident. Aea always insisted she be the lure to woo potential targets. She’d tried her hand at flirting and sometimes it worked, though she’d come to understand she very much needed the practise. It probably didn’t help that she usually felt repulsed while pretending to woo her targets, but that was beside the point. In this instance, Kaia genuinely felt inclined to play the game, whether it came to realisation or not.
“I should like to see how you handle your sword,” Kaia answered innocently, though her sly smirk was anything but. As her mouth threatened to break into a wider grin, Kaia hid it behind her cup as she took another generous sip of her liquid courage.
“I’ve always been good at speaking in front of people, as you can see, and I’ve never had a dissatisfied partner, which might be the most important skill?”
Kaia could believe that. It was clear Alexandros knew he was attractive, and he made no efforts to hide his intentions. No doubt he was very used to female companionship. Kaia had only ever been intimate the one time, but she could already see the appeal. If Alexandros was well experienced with women, then no doubt he knew exactly how to make one feel good.
Ignoring the giggles of the girls around her, Kaia simply smirked once more. “Careful you do not set expectations too high,” Kaia teased, though she got the impression that was not really a true concern for Alexandros.
“I am curious to know, though, how do you fight Kaia? Is there a particular style that you gravitate to? What sort of game do you hunt most regularly for that matter?”
Kaia thought for a moment, mulling over how best to answer. She was not so drunk on wine yet to let her tongue wag loosely. She was aware shew as still speaking to a captain, so she was not about to spill the details of her family’s behaviours. Kaia very much liked her head atop her shoulders.
“Mostly, small game,” Kaia began thoughtfully, the suggestive tone of voice making way for consideration for the time being. “Sometimes deer on occasion. Whatever it may be, I prefer to wait until I have a clean shot. Running after a wounded animal is surely a waste of effort and time. Better to take it down in one clean strike.”
Kaia usually aimed for the eye with small game in order to save as much of the meat as possible. For bigger animals, Kaia would aim for the upper neck in hopes to sever the spinal cord, or if not, then a vital organ like the heart or lung.
“As for defending myself, I prefer daggers,” Kaia added as an afterthought. It was true, though Kaia decided not to elaborate further. She did not wish to draw attention to just how often she’d used a dagger against her fellow man.
As the rules of propriety no longer applied, Ophelia flew towards her dearest friend and wrapped her in a tight embrace, a light laugh escaping her rosebud lips. 'My cherished Condos Rose,' Gianna greeted warmly. Ophelia beamed in response, ending the embrace to take in the ceremony. Nearby, women who wore only swaths of fabric over their breasts and private areas moved their lithe bodies to the sensuous rhythm of slow-beating drums. Twelve white doves were, one by one, being ritualistically sacrificed to the Great God for which the festival was named. For each sacrifice, there was a round of applause from the audience below.
Ophelia grinned, turning her full attention back to Gianna, who commented on the fair weather with which they had been blessed. "Indeed, it seems they intend nothing to go wrong today," she commented as she gazed up at the sun-streaked sky. The golden orb sat centered in a pool of cerulean tufted with fluffy clouds, a picturesque sight if ever there was one.
'Are you ready, my friend? This day is ours to honor the great patron as we best can in the spirit of his domain. Let us get to it!' Ophelia hesitated momentarily. Grateful as she was to Dionysus for all he had done for her family, she was not as high-spirited as her dear Gianna and often found nerves overwhelmed her on this day. Still, there would be plenty to entertain her without things going too far, there usually was. And Gianna would understand her not wanting to get into too much trouble. Ophelia watched as the Princess removed her ornamental crown, laying it in the hands of an attendant that seemed to materialize out of nowhere. In exchange, he offered the regal beauty a wreath of leaves and grapevines, which she laid upon her golden head. Ophelia made no move to remove her gold and sapphire diadem, planning to do so only when it was required of her. As she had yet to find a hunt, she determined it was best to keep her outfit in tact.
She had but a moment more to admire her friend's attire before the girl grabbed her hand and pulled her down the steps of the naos into the throng of women. Many were shouting, some were dancing, others were fighting with sword and spear and lance. The girls were in various states of undress and inebriation, some clothed and sober, others naked and drunk. Ophelia took in the scene with a mixture of concern and curiosity, her eyes darting from a bare-breasted woman juggling daggers to a belly dancer who appeared to be of Egyptian descent. Clutching Gianna's hand as tightly as she could so that the two were not separated in the bustling crowd, she allowed the Princess to lead her where she may. They ended up at a wineseller's stall, where Gianna procured for them both two full chalices. Ophelia accepted hers with a word of kind thanks to the wineseller, noticing that the golden vessel was engraved with pictures of doves. They must have been made especially for today, she thought, watching her energetic companion tip back her golden head and swallow the gods' nectar in one long gulp. Ophelia let out a mirthful laugh as the vendor filled the Princess's cup anew. Contented, Gianna led her away.
Ophelia, always more careful with her liquor, sipped slowly at her goblet, taking in the sights and sounds around her as she walked. As Gianna came to a stop, Ophelia cast her gaze to the side to see what it was that had captured her attention. A circle of women were fighting in the nude, swords clashing together. Some were more skilled than others. Their clothes, she noted, were piled nearby. Ophelia found herself wondering what sort of game it was that they were playing. Did they have to remove an item of clothing each time they acquired an injury? Each time they stumbled, perhaps? And what was the purpose of this game? Most likely monetary gain, for none of the clothes in the pile looked fine enough to belong to anyone of great means or position.
Turning her attention back to Gianna, she studied the Princess's outfit once more. "Was that outfit made for today?" she questioned, self-consciously smoothing a hand over the gauzy material of her own skirt. "My dressmaker insisted I wear this..." she bit her lower lip, resisting the urge to anxiously tug at her braid. "It is very beautiful, but...at least last year's outfit covered my breasts."
Gianna suddenly nudged her, motioning to a nearby tree. Ophelia's eyes snapped in its direction, eager to see who had caught her friend's attention. Her eyes immediately lit upon a phoenix. She let out a delighted gasp, clutching eagerly at her friend's arm. "I do!" she exclaimed. "They have attended several Taengean festivals before! It is a wonder you have never had the pleasure, but then perhaps you have and you simply do not recognize them. I have seen them in both their, uh, forms..." the Condos Rose bit her lower lip, considering how best to explain this. It was a delicate matter, after all. "The person you see there is Lord Mihail of Thanassi. However, Lord Mihail has another identity. There are times when he prefers to identify as female, and in doing so goes by the name Mimi. It may be that you have spotted Mihail before, not Mimi. Mihail is an excellent archer. I assume the phoenix metaphor Mimi has selected today is a nod to this festival's acceptance of her identity -- a very clever decision, and very artfully executed."
Ophelia could not help but admire the glittering beads that clung to Mimi's waist and the shimmering powder that dusted her alabaster cheeks and obsidian mane. Her gauzy gown was a perfect fit, the red and black an ideal combination, putting Ophelia in mind of smoke, ash and flame. "Shall we approach? I am unsure if they will remember me, but they are certain to welcome your company, my dear Gianna."
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As the rules of propriety no longer applied, Ophelia flew towards her dearest friend and wrapped her in a tight embrace, a light laugh escaping her rosebud lips. 'My cherished Condos Rose,' Gianna greeted warmly. Ophelia beamed in response, ending the embrace to take in the ceremony. Nearby, women who wore only swaths of fabric over their breasts and private areas moved their lithe bodies to the sensuous rhythm of slow-beating drums. Twelve white doves were, one by one, being ritualistically sacrificed to the Great God for which the festival was named. For each sacrifice, there was a round of applause from the audience below.
Ophelia grinned, turning her full attention back to Gianna, who commented on the fair weather with which they had been blessed. "Indeed, it seems they intend nothing to go wrong today," she commented as she gazed up at the sun-streaked sky. The golden orb sat centered in a pool of cerulean tufted with fluffy clouds, a picturesque sight if ever there was one.
'Are you ready, my friend? This day is ours to honor the great patron as we best can in the spirit of his domain. Let us get to it!' Ophelia hesitated momentarily. Grateful as she was to Dionysus for all he had done for her family, she was not as high-spirited as her dear Gianna and often found nerves overwhelmed her on this day. Still, there would be plenty to entertain her without things going too far, there usually was. And Gianna would understand her not wanting to get into too much trouble. Ophelia watched as the Princess removed her ornamental crown, laying it in the hands of an attendant that seemed to materialize out of nowhere. In exchange, he offered the regal beauty a wreath of leaves and grapevines, which she laid upon her golden head. Ophelia made no move to remove her gold and sapphire diadem, planning to do so only when it was required of her. As she had yet to find a hunt, she determined it was best to keep her outfit in tact.
She had but a moment more to admire her friend's attire before the girl grabbed her hand and pulled her down the steps of the naos into the throng of women. Many were shouting, some were dancing, others were fighting with sword and spear and lance. The girls were in various states of undress and inebriation, some clothed and sober, others naked and drunk. Ophelia took in the scene with a mixture of concern and curiosity, her eyes darting from a bare-breasted woman juggling daggers to a belly dancer who appeared to be of Egyptian descent. Clutching Gianna's hand as tightly as she could so that the two were not separated in the bustling crowd, she allowed the Princess to lead her where she may. They ended up at a wineseller's stall, where Gianna procured for them both two full chalices. Ophelia accepted hers with a word of kind thanks to the wineseller, noticing that the golden vessel was engraved with pictures of doves. They must have been made especially for today, she thought, watching her energetic companion tip back her golden head and swallow the gods' nectar in one long gulp. Ophelia let out a mirthful laugh as the vendor filled the Princess's cup anew. Contented, Gianna led her away.
Ophelia, always more careful with her liquor, sipped slowly at her goblet, taking in the sights and sounds around her as she walked. As Gianna came to a stop, Ophelia cast her gaze to the side to see what it was that had captured her attention. A circle of women were fighting in the nude, swords clashing together. Some were more skilled than others. Their clothes, she noted, were piled nearby. Ophelia found herself wondering what sort of game it was that they were playing. Did they have to remove an item of clothing each time they acquired an injury? Each time they stumbled, perhaps? And what was the purpose of this game? Most likely monetary gain, for none of the clothes in the pile looked fine enough to belong to anyone of great means or position.
Turning her attention back to Gianna, she studied the Princess's outfit once more. "Was that outfit made for today?" she questioned, self-consciously smoothing a hand over the gauzy material of her own skirt. "My dressmaker insisted I wear this..." she bit her lower lip, resisting the urge to anxiously tug at her braid. "It is very beautiful, but...at least last year's outfit covered my breasts."
Gianna suddenly nudged her, motioning to a nearby tree. Ophelia's eyes snapped in its direction, eager to see who had caught her friend's attention. Her eyes immediately lit upon a phoenix. She let out a delighted gasp, clutching eagerly at her friend's arm. "I do!" she exclaimed. "They have attended several Taengean festivals before! It is a wonder you have never had the pleasure, but then perhaps you have and you simply do not recognize them. I have seen them in both their, uh, forms..." the Condos Rose bit her lower lip, considering how best to explain this. It was a delicate matter, after all. "The person you see there is Lord Mihail of Thanassi. However, Lord Mihail has another identity. There are times when he prefers to identify as female, and in doing so goes by the name Mimi. It may be that you have spotted Mihail before, not Mimi. Mihail is an excellent archer. I assume the phoenix metaphor Mimi has selected today is a nod to this festival's acceptance of her identity -- a very clever decision, and very artfully executed."
Ophelia could not help but admire the glittering beads that clung to Mimi's waist and the shimmering powder that dusted her alabaster cheeks and obsidian mane. Her gauzy gown was a perfect fit, the red and black an ideal combination, putting Ophelia in mind of smoke, ash and flame. "Shall we approach? I am unsure if they will remember me, but they are certain to welcome your company, my dear Gianna."
As the rules of propriety no longer applied, Ophelia flew towards her dearest friend and wrapped her in a tight embrace, a light laugh escaping her rosebud lips. 'My cherished Condos Rose,' Gianna greeted warmly. Ophelia beamed in response, ending the embrace to take in the ceremony. Nearby, women who wore only swaths of fabric over their breasts and private areas moved their lithe bodies to the sensuous rhythm of slow-beating drums. Twelve white doves were, one by one, being ritualistically sacrificed to the Great God for which the festival was named. For each sacrifice, there was a round of applause from the audience below.
Ophelia grinned, turning her full attention back to Gianna, who commented on the fair weather with which they had been blessed. "Indeed, it seems they intend nothing to go wrong today," she commented as she gazed up at the sun-streaked sky. The golden orb sat centered in a pool of cerulean tufted with fluffy clouds, a picturesque sight if ever there was one.
'Are you ready, my friend? This day is ours to honor the great patron as we best can in the spirit of his domain. Let us get to it!' Ophelia hesitated momentarily. Grateful as she was to Dionysus for all he had done for her family, she was not as high-spirited as her dear Gianna and often found nerves overwhelmed her on this day. Still, there would be plenty to entertain her without things going too far, there usually was. And Gianna would understand her not wanting to get into too much trouble. Ophelia watched as the Princess removed her ornamental crown, laying it in the hands of an attendant that seemed to materialize out of nowhere. In exchange, he offered the regal beauty a wreath of leaves and grapevines, which she laid upon her golden head. Ophelia made no move to remove her gold and sapphire diadem, planning to do so only when it was required of her. As she had yet to find a hunt, she determined it was best to keep her outfit in tact.
She had but a moment more to admire her friend's attire before the girl grabbed her hand and pulled her down the steps of the naos into the throng of women. Many were shouting, some were dancing, others were fighting with sword and spear and lance. The girls were in various states of undress and inebriation, some clothed and sober, others naked and drunk. Ophelia took in the scene with a mixture of concern and curiosity, her eyes darting from a bare-breasted woman juggling daggers to a belly dancer who appeared to be of Egyptian descent. Clutching Gianna's hand as tightly as she could so that the two were not separated in the bustling crowd, she allowed the Princess to lead her where she may. They ended up at a wineseller's stall, where Gianna procured for them both two full chalices. Ophelia accepted hers with a word of kind thanks to the wineseller, noticing that the golden vessel was engraved with pictures of doves. They must have been made especially for today, she thought, watching her energetic companion tip back her golden head and swallow the gods' nectar in one long gulp. Ophelia let out a mirthful laugh as the vendor filled the Princess's cup anew. Contented, Gianna led her away.
Ophelia, always more careful with her liquor, sipped slowly at her goblet, taking in the sights and sounds around her as she walked. As Gianna came to a stop, Ophelia cast her gaze to the side to see what it was that had captured her attention. A circle of women were fighting in the nude, swords clashing together. Some were more skilled than others. Their clothes, she noted, were piled nearby. Ophelia found herself wondering what sort of game it was that they were playing. Did they have to remove an item of clothing each time they acquired an injury? Each time they stumbled, perhaps? And what was the purpose of this game? Most likely monetary gain, for none of the clothes in the pile looked fine enough to belong to anyone of great means or position.
Turning her attention back to Gianna, she studied the Princess's outfit once more. "Was that outfit made for today?" she questioned, self-consciously smoothing a hand over the gauzy material of her own skirt. "My dressmaker insisted I wear this..." she bit her lower lip, resisting the urge to anxiously tug at her braid. "It is very beautiful, but...at least last year's outfit covered my breasts."
Gianna suddenly nudged her, motioning to a nearby tree. Ophelia's eyes snapped in its direction, eager to see who had caught her friend's attention. Her eyes immediately lit upon a phoenix. She let out a delighted gasp, clutching eagerly at her friend's arm. "I do!" she exclaimed. "They have attended several Taengean festivals before! It is a wonder you have never had the pleasure, but then perhaps you have and you simply do not recognize them. I have seen them in both their, uh, forms..." the Condos Rose bit her lower lip, considering how best to explain this. It was a delicate matter, after all. "The person you see there is Lord Mihail of Thanassi. However, Lord Mihail has another identity. There are times when he prefers to identify as female, and in doing so goes by the name Mimi. It may be that you have spotted Mihail before, not Mimi. Mihail is an excellent archer. I assume the phoenix metaphor Mimi has selected today is a nod to this festival's acceptance of her identity -- a very clever decision, and very artfully executed."
Ophelia could not help but admire the glittering beads that clung to Mimi's waist and the shimmering powder that dusted her alabaster cheeks and obsidian mane. Her gauzy gown was a perfect fit, the red and black an ideal combination, putting Ophelia in mind of smoke, ash and flame. "Shall we approach? I am unsure if they will remember me, but they are certain to welcome your company, my dear Gianna."
“I should like to see how you handle your sword,”
Alexandros smirked at her coy response. It was nice to play the game with one who understood how to play rather than the gaggle of fawning women. Kaia was continuing to win more of his favor with every exchange, the festival was young yet, but he had found his mark for the night. “If you truly wish to see how well I handle my sword, then all you need to do is ask me to show you. They are stowed away where I am staying, but I wouldn’t mind leaving the festival grounds for a nice, hands on demonstration of swordplay. If you are so inclined, I might even teach you a few things about how to properly handle a sword. I’m quite the good teacher, or so I’ve been told.” His smirk persisted as he maintained the double entendre. He hoped the evening would continue to be this exciting.
“Careful you do not set expectations too high,”
He laughed softly at her tease and spread his gaze around the group for a moment before her responded. “I assure you if I was concerned about setting the expectations too high, then I would not say such things, but if any of you doubt my words, then you,” he locked eyes with Kaia and smirked, “are welcome to explore everything I have to offer. Unless of course you are afraid it might ruin any future lovers you take, like say a husband who can never please you. I’d hate to be the reason you spend the rest of your life disappointed with the failings of men in bed. Are you afraid you have some experience too great for me to overcome? Or are you just too scared to go after what you want?” His words were teasingly spoken, but the question was real enough. If she was willing to take what he thought she wanted, then he was very willing and able to give it to her. The ball was firmly in her court.
“Mostly, small game,” Kaia began thoughtfully, the suggestive tone of voice making way for consideration for the time being. “Sometimes deer on occasion. Whatever it may be, I prefer to wait until I have a clean shot. Running after a wounded animal is surely a waste of effort and time. Better to take it down in one clean strike.”
Alexandros nodded along as she spoke of how she hunted her game, gleaning what information he could from her words. “I see, so you find just enough food to keep you and your group fed then? There must not be many of you. Forgive the assumptions, but I struggle to see you living out in the wilderness alone. If I have missed a guess or offered an insult, please forgive me. I spent most of my live traveling with a mercenary company, and I know the great amount of effort we had to go through to gather enough food when we could not afford to purchase provisions. So I under having to find prey or not having anything to eat better than most would.” He said sympathetic to her and her way of life as he understood it.
“As for defending myself, I prefer daggers,”
He nodded in agreeable with her once more. “Easy to acquire, easy to learn, easy to wield, and effective against anyone so long as you have the appropriate level of skill. The dagger is a most sensible choice. Perhaps some day you will show me what skills you possess with the dagger, I’d love to see how you fight in person, even offer some advice, if it is within my abilities to do so.” He spoke genuinely here; martial skills were among the most important things in his life, and he was always willing to spar and teach someone else more about their own style.
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“I should like to see how you handle your sword,”
Alexandros smirked at her coy response. It was nice to play the game with one who understood how to play rather than the gaggle of fawning women. Kaia was continuing to win more of his favor with every exchange, the festival was young yet, but he had found his mark for the night. “If you truly wish to see how well I handle my sword, then all you need to do is ask me to show you. They are stowed away where I am staying, but I wouldn’t mind leaving the festival grounds for a nice, hands on demonstration of swordplay. If you are so inclined, I might even teach you a few things about how to properly handle a sword. I’m quite the good teacher, or so I’ve been told.” His smirk persisted as he maintained the double entendre. He hoped the evening would continue to be this exciting.
“Careful you do not set expectations too high,”
He laughed softly at her tease and spread his gaze around the group for a moment before her responded. “I assure you if I was concerned about setting the expectations too high, then I would not say such things, but if any of you doubt my words, then you,” he locked eyes with Kaia and smirked, “are welcome to explore everything I have to offer. Unless of course you are afraid it might ruin any future lovers you take, like say a husband who can never please you. I’d hate to be the reason you spend the rest of your life disappointed with the failings of men in bed. Are you afraid you have some experience too great for me to overcome? Or are you just too scared to go after what you want?” His words were teasingly spoken, but the question was real enough. If she was willing to take what he thought she wanted, then he was very willing and able to give it to her. The ball was firmly in her court.
“Mostly, small game,” Kaia began thoughtfully, the suggestive tone of voice making way for consideration for the time being. “Sometimes deer on occasion. Whatever it may be, I prefer to wait until I have a clean shot. Running after a wounded animal is surely a waste of effort and time. Better to take it down in one clean strike.”
Alexandros nodded along as she spoke of how she hunted her game, gleaning what information he could from her words. “I see, so you find just enough food to keep you and your group fed then? There must not be many of you. Forgive the assumptions, but I struggle to see you living out in the wilderness alone. If I have missed a guess or offered an insult, please forgive me. I spent most of my live traveling with a mercenary company, and I know the great amount of effort we had to go through to gather enough food when we could not afford to purchase provisions. So I under having to find prey or not having anything to eat better than most would.” He said sympathetic to her and her way of life as he understood it.
“As for defending myself, I prefer daggers,”
He nodded in agreeable with her once more. “Easy to acquire, easy to learn, easy to wield, and effective against anyone so long as you have the appropriate level of skill. The dagger is a most sensible choice. Perhaps some day you will show me what skills you possess with the dagger, I’d love to see how you fight in person, even offer some advice, if it is within my abilities to do so.” He spoke genuinely here; martial skills were among the most important things in his life, and he was always willing to spar and teach someone else more about their own style.
“I should like to see how you handle your sword,”
Alexandros smirked at her coy response. It was nice to play the game with one who understood how to play rather than the gaggle of fawning women. Kaia was continuing to win more of his favor with every exchange, the festival was young yet, but he had found his mark for the night. “If you truly wish to see how well I handle my sword, then all you need to do is ask me to show you. They are stowed away where I am staying, but I wouldn’t mind leaving the festival grounds for a nice, hands on demonstration of swordplay. If you are so inclined, I might even teach you a few things about how to properly handle a sword. I’m quite the good teacher, or so I’ve been told.” His smirk persisted as he maintained the double entendre. He hoped the evening would continue to be this exciting.
“Careful you do not set expectations too high,”
He laughed softly at her tease and spread his gaze around the group for a moment before her responded. “I assure you if I was concerned about setting the expectations too high, then I would not say such things, but if any of you doubt my words, then you,” he locked eyes with Kaia and smirked, “are welcome to explore everything I have to offer. Unless of course you are afraid it might ruin any future lovers you take, like say a husband who can never please you. I’d hate to be the reason you spend the rest of your life disappointed with the failings of men in bed. Are you afraid you have some experience too great for me to overcome? Or are you just too scared to go after what you want?” His words were teasingly spoken, but the question was real enough. If she was willing to take what he thought she wanted, then he was very willing and able to give it to her. The ball was firmly in her court.
“Mostly, small game,” Kaia began thoughtfully, the suggestive tone of voice making way for consideration for the time being. “Sometimes deer on occasion. Whatever it may be, I prefer to wait until I have a clean shot. Running after a wounded animal is surely a waste of effort and time. Better to take it down in one clean strike.”
Alexandros nodded along as she spoke of how she hunted her game, gleaning what information he could from her words. “I see, so you find just enough food to keep you and your group fed then? There must not be many of you. Forgive the assumptions, but I struggle to see you living out in the wilderness alone. If I have missed a guess or offered an insult, please forgive me. I spent most of my live traveling with a mercenary company, and I know the great amount of effort we had to go through to gather enough food when we could not afford to purchase provisions. So I under having to find prey or not having anything to eat better than most would.” He said sympathetic to her and her way of life as he understood it.
“As for defending myself, I prefer daggers,”
He nodded in agreeable with her once more. “Easy to acquire, easy to learn, easy to wield, and effective against anyone so long as you have the appropriate level of skill. The dagger is a most sensible choice. Perhaps some day you will show me what skills you possess with the dagger, I’d love to see how you fight in person, even offer some advice, if it is within my abilities to do so.” He spoke genuinely here; martial skills were among the most important things in his life, and he was always willing to spar and teach someone else more about their own style.
“If you truly wish to see how well I handle my sword, then all you need to do is ask me to show you. They are stowed away where I am staying, but I wouldn’t mind leaving the festival grounds for a nice, hands on demonstration of swordplay. If you are so inclined, I might even teach you a few things about how to properly handle a sword. I’m quite the good teacher, or so I’ve been told.”
Kaia couldn’t help but smirk at Alexandros’ response. Perhaps it was the copious amount of wine, or his marvellous abs that made the invitation so tempting, though he didn’t need to know as much just yet. At any rate, Kaia had barely had a chance to explore the event, but there was no reason she couldn’t do so with Alexandros if he was so inclined, especially since she was yet to find Aea.
“Do you invite all the women you meet to observe your swordplay?” Kaia teased with a coy smirk before sipping at her cup of wine. “Perhaps I might consider your invitation,” Kaia added innocently, though her expression was anything but. In all honesty, Kaia was legitimately intrigued to learn how to fight with a sword from a trained professional. Kaia wondered how different their fighting styles would be.
At that point, Kaia was barely paying the other women much attention, especially with the unimpressed glances she got from the more vocal of the group.
“I assure you if I was concerned about setting the expectations too high, then I would not say such things, but if any of you doubt my words, then you—”
Kaia had to really focus on keeping a straight expression as Alexandros looked pointedly at her as he continued to speak.
“—are welcome to explore everything I have to offer. Unless of course you are afraid it might ruin any future lovers you take, like say a husband who can never please you. I’d hate to be the reason you spend the rest of your life disappointed with the failings of men in bed. Are you afraid you have some experience too great for me to overcome? Or are you just too scared to go after what you want?”
Well he certainly was confident. Kaia gave an amused smirk before taking a sip of her wine, ignoring the giggles of the girls around her. When Kaia woke up that morning, she had not expected that she would be potentially stowing away with a captain.
“Somehow I don’t believe my pleasure will be at the top of my father’s priorities when he does decide to marry me off,” Kaia mused playfully, although it was probably true. “Until then, I feel it best I enjoy what the gods provide while I can, but I can assure you, I am not afraid,” Kaia added knowingly. All her life, hers and her family’s survival relied on them going after what they wanted with every fiber of their being.
As the conversation shifted towards hunting, Kaia allowed the break from coy teasing to give her a moment for her mind to catch up. She was beginning the feel the warm and comfortable fogginess from the wine, but was not so inebriated as to not be aware of her decisions or actions.
“I see, so you find just enough food to keep you and your group fed then? There must not be many of you. Forgive the assumptions, but I struggle to see you living out in the wilderness alone. If I have missed a guess or offered an insult, please forgive me. I spent most of my life traveling with a mercenary company, and I know the great amount of effort we had to go through to gather enough food when we could not afford to purchase provisions. So I understand having to find prey or not having anything to eat better than most would.”
Kaia was interested to hear about his past with mercenaries. Kaia wouldn’t call her family mercenaries, but she supposed they were closer to that than the average everyday folk. Perhaps Kaia would have known what it was like to live within four walls if she was raised by a farmer or merchant, but she preferred her hand in life. Kaia could rely on her own abilities to stay alive and that was what was most important. Though of course, she would rather not have to do it alone, which was why she truly was blessed to have her family, as odd an ensemble as they were.
“No, there aren’t many of us,” Kaia agreed, though she was careful of what to reveal. She would do her family no good if she let slip too many details about their activities. “I came here with my cousin in fact. We heard the excitement all the way from camp and were curious.”
Kaia finished her cup of wine and held the empty receptacle in her hands thoughtfully. “More often than not, we manage to stay reasonably well fed, though we are no strangers to going to sleep with an empty belly,” Kaia added with a shrug. She was not looking for sympathy. There was no other feeling quite like hunger; true, crippling hunger. If ever there was a motivation to put morals aside, it was to avoid death, or escape hunger—sometimes both.
As the conversation moved towards weapon preferences, Kaia was pleased to speak about daggers. She had no military trained skill, but she could hold her own, that much she’d proven to herself so far. It was funny how different hers and Aea’s fighting styles were, despite growing up together. They had their similarities, but their strengths complimented each other and protected their weaknesses. Kaia would prefer no one else at her back in a fight.
“Easy to acquire, easy to learn, easy to wield, and effective against anyone so long as you have the appropriate level of skill. The dagger is a most sensible choice. Perhaps some day you will show me what skills you possess with the dagger, I’d love to see how you fight in person, even offer some advice, if it is within my abilities to do so.”
It wasn’t the first time Alexandros alluded to an exchange at a later date. Kaia was still inclined to believe that she would likely never see him again after that day—she had no idea when she’d next be in Colchis after all. Regardless, the offer was still pleasing to her. It was quite enjoyable to be appreciated for her skills and abilities.
“Just so long as you don’t go easy on me, I wouldn’t go easy on you,” Kaia teased with a smirk, though she meant every word. If ever they did meet again in the future and chose to spar, Kaia would want it to be a fair and honest fight. Obviously not to the death, but she would want to know truthfully how she would fair against him. If she were to fail, she’d need to know how and why, so that she could work to prevent it if ever she truly had to fight a militant. If she were to succeed, she’d want it to be because of sheer skill alone, not because he was playing nice.
Glancing down at her empty cup, Kaia considered her options. She really ought to find Aea, though she kind of hoped Aea had found her own piece of excitement. If ever there was going to be an opportune time for Aea to become a woman, this festival was it. With that in mind, Kaia figured she could allow herself some time to enjoy the festivities in current company.
“I believe I’m in need of a refill,” Kaia mused, holding up her empty cup. “Shall we continue on?” Kaia asked, suddenly realising that the other three women had seemingly cut their losses and wandered off. Kaia honestly had not noticed their departure, but it was no matter. The offer to move on still stood.
Lani
Kaia
Lani
Kaia
Awards
First Impressions:Lean, athletic; Straw-blonde hair, stormy blue eyes, and a nearly permanent scowl.
Address: Your
“If you truly wish to see how well I handle my sword, then all you need to do is ask me to show you. They are stowed away where I am staying, but I wouldn’t mind leaving the festival grounds for a nice, hands on demonstration of swordplay. If you are so inclined, I might even teach you a few things about how to properly handle a sword. I’m quite the good teacher, or so I’ve been told.”
Kaia couldn’t help but smirk at Alexandros’ response. Perhaps it was the copious amount of wine, or his marvellous abs that made the invitation so tempting, though he didn’t need to know as much just yet. At any rate, Kaia had barely had a chance to explore the event, but there was no reason she couldn’t do so with Alexandros if he was so inclined, especially since she was yet to find Aea.
“Do you invite all the women you meet to observe your swordplay?” Kaia teased with a coy smirk before sipping at her cup of wine. “Perhaps I might consider your invitation,” Kaia added innocently, though her expression was anything but. In all honesty, Kaia was legitimately intrigued to learn how to fight with a sword from a trained professional. Kaia wondered how different their fighting styles would be.
At that point, Kaia was barely paying the other women much attention, especially with the unimpressed glances she got from the more vocal of the group.
“I assure you if I was concerned about setting the expectations too high, then I would not say such things, but if any of you doubt my words, then you—”
Kaia had to really focus on keeping a straight expression as Alexandros looked pointedly at her as he continued to speak.
“—are welcome to explore everything I have to offer. Unless of course you are afraid it might ruin any future lovers you take, like say a husband who can never please you. I’d hate to be the reason you spend the rest of your life disappointed with the failings of men in bed. Are you afraid you have some experience too great for me to overcome? Or are you just too scared to go after what you want?”
Well he certainly was confident. Kaia gave an amused smirk before taking a sip of her wine, ignoring the giggles of the girls around her. When Kaia woke up that morning, she had not expected that she would be potentially stowing away with a captain.
“Somehow I don’t believe my pleasure will be at the top of my father’s priorities when he does decide to marry me off,” Kaia mused playfully, although it was probably true. “Until then, I feel it best I enjoy what the gods provide while I can, but I can assure you, I am not afraid,” Kaia added knowingly. All her life, hers and her family’s survival relied on them going after what they wanted with every fiber of their being.
As the conversation shifted towards hunting, Kaia allowed the break from coy teasing to give her a moment for her mind to catch up. She was beginning the feel the warm and comfortable fogginess from the wine, but was not so inebriated as to not be aware of her decisions or actions.
“I see, so you find just enough food to keep you and your group fed then? There must not be many of you. Forgive the assumptions, but I struggle to see you living out in the wilderness alone. If I have missed a guess or offered an insult, please forgive me. I spent most of my life traveling with a mercenary company, and I know the great amount of effort we had to go through to gather enough food when we could not afford to purchase provisions. So I understand having to find prey or not having anything to eat better than most would.”
Kaia was interested to hear about his past with mercenaries. Kaia wouldn’t call her family mercenaries, but she supposed they were closer to that than the average everyday folk. Perhaps Kaia would have known what it was like to live within four walls if she was raised by a farmer or merchant, but she preferred her hand in life. Kaia could rely on her own abilities to stay alive and that was what was most important. Though of course, she would rather not have to do it alone, which was why she truly was blessed to have her family, as odd an ensemble as they were.
“No, there aren’t many of us,” Kaia agreed, though she was careful of what to reveal. She would do her family no good if she let slip too many details about their activities. “I came here with my cousin in fact. We heard the excitement all the way from camp and were curious.”
Kaia finished her cup of wine and held the empty receptacle in her hands thoughtfully. “More often than not, we manage to stay reasonably well fed, though we are no strangers to going to sleep with an empty belly,” Kaia added with a shrug. She was not looking for sympathy. There was no other feeling quite like hunger; true, crippling hunger. If ever there was a motivation to put morals aside, it was to avoid death, or escape hunger—sometimes both.
As the conversation moved towards weapon preferences, Kaia was pleased to speak about daggers. She had no military trained skill, but she could hold her own, that much she’d proven to herself so far. It was funny how different hers and Aea’s fighting styles were, despite growing up together. They had their similarities, but their strengths complimented each other and protected their weaknesses. Kaia would prefer no one else at her back in a fight.
“Easy to acquire, easy to learn, easy to wield, and effective against anyone so long as you have the appropriate level of skill. The dagger is a most sensible choice. Perhaps some day you will show me what skills you possess with the dagger, I’d love to see how you fight in person, even offer some advice, if it is within my abilities to do so.”
It wasn’t the first time Alexandros alluded to an exchange at a later date. Kaia was still inclined to believe that she would likely never see him again after that day—she had no idea when she’d next be in Colchis after all. Regardless, the offer was still pleasing to her. It was quite enjoyable to be appreciated for her skills and abilities.
“Just so long as you don’t go easy on me, I wouldn’t go easy on you,” Kaia teased with a smirk, though she meant every word. If ever they did meet again in the future and chose to spar, Kaia would want it to be a fair and honest fight. Obviously not to the death, but she would want to know truthfully how she would fair against him. If she were to fail, she’d need to know how and why, so that she could work to prevent it if ever she truly had to fight a militant. If she were to succeed, she’d want it to be because of sheer skill alone, not because he was playing nice.
Glancing down at her empty cup, Kaia considered her options. She really ought to find Aea, though she kind of hoped Aea had found her own piece of excitement. If ever there was going to be an opportune time for Aea to become a woman, this festival was it. With that in mind, Kaia figured she could allow herself some time to enjoy the festivities in current company.
“I believe I’m in need of a refill,” Kaia mused, holding up her empty cup. “Shall we continue on?” Kaia asked, suddenly realising that the other three women had seemingly cut their losses and wandered off. Kaia honestly had not noticed their departure, but it was no matter. The offer to move on still stood.
“If you truly wish to see how well I handle my sword, then all you need to do is ask me to show you. They are stowed away where I am staying, but I wouldn’t mind leaving the festival grounds for a nice, hands on demonstration of swordplay. If you are so inclined, I might even teach you a few things about how to properly handle a sword. I’m quite the good teacher, or so I’ve been told.”
Kaia couldn’t help but smirk at Alexandros’ response. Perhaps it was the copious amount of wine, or his marvellous abs that made the invitation so tempting, though he didn’t need to know as much just yet. At any rate, Kaia had barely had a chance to explore the event, but there was no reason she couldn’t do so with Alexandros if he was so inclined, especially since she was yet to find Aea.
“Do you invite all the women you meet to observe your swordplay?” Kaia teased with a coy smirk before sipping at her cup of wine. “Perhaps I might consider your invitation,” Kaia added innocently, though her expression was anything but. In all honesty, Kaia was legitimately intrigued to learn how to fight with a sword from a trained professional. Kaia wondered how different their fighting styles would be.
At that point, Kaia was barely paying the other women much attention, especially with the unimpressed glances she got from the more vocal of the group.
“I assure you if I was concerned about setting the expectations too high, then I would not say such things, but if any of you doubt my words, then you—”
Kaia had to really focus on keeping a straight expression as Alexandros looked pointedly at her as he continued to speak.
“—are welcome to explore everything I have to offer. Unless of course you are afraid it might ruin any future lovers you take, like say a husband who can never please you. I’d hate to be the reason you spend the rest of your life disappointed with the failings of men in bed. Are you afraid you have some experience too great for me to overcome? Or are you just too scared to go after what you want?”
Well he certainly was confident. Kaia gave an amused smirk before taking a sip of her wine, ignoring the giggles of the girls around her. When Kaia woke up that morning, she had not expected that she would be potentially stowing away with a captain.
“Somehow I don’t believe my pleasure will be at the top of my father’s priorities when he does decide to marry me off,” Kaia mused playfully, although it was probably true. “Until then, I feel it best I enjoy what the gods provide while I can, but I can assure you, I am not afraid,” Kaia added knowingly. All her life, hers and her family’s survival relied on them going after what they wanted with every fiber of their being.
As the conversation shifted towards hunting, Kaia allowed the break from coy teasing to give her a moment for her mind to catch up. She was beginning the feel the warm and comfortable fogginess from the wine, but was not so inebriated as to not be aware of her decisions or actions.
“I see, so you find just enough food to keep you and your group fed then? There must not be many of you. Forgive the assumptions, but I struggle to see you living out in the wilderness alone. If I have missed a guess or offered an insult, please forgive me. I spent most of my life traveling with a mercenary company, and I know the great amount of effort we had to go through to gather enough food when we could not afford to purchase provisions. So I understand having to find prey or not having anything to eat better than most would.”
Kaia was interested to hear about his past with mercenaries. Kaia wouldn’t call her family mercenaries, but she supposed they were closer to that than the average everyday folk. Perhaps Kaia would have known what it was like to live within four walls if she was raised by a farmer or merchant, but she preferred her hand in life. Kaia could rely on her own abilities to stay alive and that was what was most important. Though of course, she would rather not have to do it alone, which was why she truly was blessed to have her family, as odd an ensemble as they were.
“No, there aren’t many of us,” Kaia agreed, though she was careful of what to reveal. She would do her family no good if she let slip too many details about their activities. “I came here with my cousin in fact. We heard the excitement all the way from camp and were curious.”
Kaia finished her cup of wine and held the empty receptacle in her hands thoughtfully. “More often than not, we manage to stay reasonably well fed, though we are no strangers to going to sleep with an empty belly,” Kaia added with a shrug. She was not looking for sympathy. There was no other feeling quite like hunger; true, crippling hunger. If ever there was a motivation to put morals aside, it was to avoid death, or escape hunger—sometimes both.
As the conversation moved towards weapon preferences, Kaia was pleased to speak about daggers. She had no military trained skill, but she could hold her own, that much she’d proven to herself so far. It was funny how different hers and Aea’s fighting styles were, despite growing up together. They had their similarities, but their strengths complimented each other and protected their weaknesses. Kaia would prefer no one else at her back in a fight.
“Easy to acquire, easy to learn, easy to wield, and effective against anyone so long as you have the appropriate level of skill. The dagger is a most sensible choice. Perhaps some day you will show me what skills you possess with the dagger, I’d love to see how you fight in person, even offer some advice, if it is within my abilities to do so.”
It wasn’t the first time Alexandros alluded to an exchange at a later date. Kaia was still inclined to believe that she would likely never see him again after that day—she had no idea when she’d next be in Colchis after all. Regardless, the offer was still pleasing to her. It was quite enjoyable to be appreciated for her skills and abilities.
“Just so long as you don’t go easy on me, I wouldn’t go easy on you,” Kaia teased with a smirk, though she meant every word. If ever they did meet again in the future and chose to spar, Kaia would want it to be a fair and honest fight. Obviously not to the death, but she would want to know truthfully how she would fair against him. If she were to fail, she’d need to know how and why, so that she could work to prevent it if ever she truly had to fight a militant. If she were to succeed, she’d want it to be because of sheer skill alone, not because he was playing nice.
Glancing down at her empty cup, Kaia considered her options. She really ought to find Aea, though she kind of hoped Aea had found her own piece of excitement. If ever there was going to be an opportune time for Aea to become a woman, this festival was it. With that in mind, Kaia figured she could allow herself some time to enjoy the festivities in current company.
“I believe I’m in need of a refill,” Kaia mused, holding up her empty cup. “Shall we continue on?” Kaia asked, suddenly realising that the other three women had seemingly cut their losses and wandered off. Kaia honestly had not noticed their departure, but it was no matter. The offer to move on still stood.
