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It was so quiet in the small grove today. Persephone was the only one there, not counting her guards, of course. She stood underneath the crown of the tallest tree in the grove, looking up at the sky through its web of branches. Up there, far above the tree's tallest leaf, the birds were chirping happily, and light breezes came in occasionally to cool her skin that was kept warm by the midday sun.
These walks were a chance for her to clear her head—a chance to be herself for all but a moment. Persephone enjoyed the pleasantly warm grass under her feet, and she let one hand trail over the thick trunk of a tree as she walked past it. The only sound that broke the otherwise tranquil moment was the occasional shuffling made by her guards, which sent a clattering of metallic noise her way as their amour didn't exactly seem to be made for delicate movement or silent walking.
As this was the closest thing Persephone had to a day off, she had allowed herself to forego the braiding of her hair his morning; instead, her waist-long dark hair swayed freely in the summer breeze. She wore a white sleeveless chiton today, and the only piece of jewellery she wore was her mother's swan-shaped armband that wrapped its wings around her bicep protectively.
Persephone had lost track of time at this point. She was just walking along, letting her mind free to think of anything but her duties at the palace. She considered going to the lake for a swim, but before she could even finish that thought, she saw Elias ahead. She stopped and looked at him, and it was clear that he had seen her as well.
For a moment, the two were looking at each other from a distance, but when he turned to leave, Persephone called out: "Elias". They had not maintained their childhood friendship, and for years, they had hardly ever spoken save for formal conversations. Seeing him turn her back on her without a word made her wonder if he was aware that her father had started talking to the senators about changing the inheritance laws. If he had, he would undoubtedly see her as a potential rival to the throne and not as an old friend.
Persephone had only just called out when she reached up to grab onto her braid; her usual way to physically deal with anxiety. But her free-flowing hair gave her nothing to cling onto as she had now opened a conversation she did not know how to even begin.
Makki
Persephone
Makki
Persephone
Awards
First Impressions:Slender; Her deep brown, almond-shaped eyes and her thick long and braided hair.
Address: Your Her Royal Highness
It was so quiet in the small grove today. Persephone was the only one there, not counting her guards, of course. She stood underneath the crown of the tallest tree in the grove, looking up at the sky through its web of branches. Up there, far above the tree's tallest leaf, the birds were chirping happily, and light breezes came in occasionally to cool her skin that was kept warm by the midday sun.
These walks were a chance for her to clear her head—a chance to be herself for all but a moment. Persephone enjoyed the pleasantly warm grass under her feet, and she let one hand trail over the thick trunk of a tree as she walked past it. The only sound that broke the otherwise tranquil moment was the occasional shuffling made by her guards, which sent a clattering of metallic noise her way as their amour didn't exactly seem to be made for delicate movement or silent walking.
As this was the closest thing Persephone had to a day off, she had allowed herself to forego the braiding of her hair his morning; instead, her waist-long dark hair swayed freely in the summer breeze. She wore a white sleeveless chiton today, and the only piece of jewellery she wore was her mother's swan-shaped armband that wrapped its wings around her bicep protectively.
Persephone had lost track of time at this point. She was just walking along, letting her mind free to think of anything but her duties at the palace. She considered going to the lake for a swim, but before she could even finish that thought, she saw Elias ahead. She stopped and looked at him, and it was clear that he had seen her as well.
For a moment, the two were looking at each other from a distance, but when he turned to leave, Persephone called out: "Elias". They had not maintained their childhood friendship, and for years, they had hardly ever spoken save for formal conversations. Seeing him turn her back on her without a word made her wonder if he was aware that her father had started talking to the senators about changing the inheritance laws. If he had, he would undoubtedly see her as a potential rival to the throne and not as an old friend.
Persephone had only just called out when she reached up to grab onto her braid; her usual way to physically deal with anxiety. But her free-flowing hair gave her nothing to cling onto as she had now opened a conversation she did not know how to even begin.
It was so quiet in the small grove today. Persephone was the only one there, not counting her guards, of course. She stood underneath the crown of the tallest tree in the grove, looking up at the sky through its web of branches. Up there, far above the tree's tallest leaf, the birds were chirping happily, and light breezes came in occasionally to cool her skin that was kept warm by the midday sun.
These walks were a chance for her to clear her head—a chance to be herself for all but a moment. Persephone enjoyed the pleasantly warm grass under her feet, and she let one hand trail over the thick trunk of a tree as she walked past it. The only sound that broke the otherwise tranquil moment was the occasional shuffling made by her guards, which sent a clattering of metallic noise her way as their amour didn't exactly seem to be made for delicate movement or silent walking.
As this was the closest thing Persephone had to a day off, she had allowed herself to forego the braiding of her hair his morning; instead, her waist-long dark hair swayed freely in the summer breeze. She wore a white sleeveless chiton today, and the only piece of jewellery she wore was her mother's swan-shaped armband that wrapped its wings around her bicep protectively.
Persephone had lost track of time at this point. She was just walking along, letting her mind free to think of anything but her duties at the palace. She considered going to the lake for a swim, but before she could even finish that thought, she saw Elias ahead. She stopped and looked at him, and it was clear that he had seen her as well.
For a moment, the two were looking at each other from a distance, but when he turned to leave, Persephone called out: "Elias". They had not maintained their childhood friendship, and for years, they had hardly ever spoken save for formal conversations. Seeing him turn her back on her without a word made her wonder if he was aware that her father had started talking to the senators about changing the inheritance laws. If he had, he would undoubtedly see her as a potential rival to the throne and not as an old friend.
Persephone had only just called out when she reached up to grab onto her braid; her usual way to physically deal with anxiety. But her free-flowing hair gave her nothing to cling onto as she had now opened a conversation she did not know how to even begin.
The gardens of the royal palati held very many memories for Elias. Honestly, the palati held a lot of fond memories, reminders of a time when things were fairer, peaches were still good, and the world wasn’t quite so bad. He had been a young boy, chasing Persephone in these gardens, climbing trees and learning what made things tick.
If he closed his eyes long enough, he could almost see himself, climbing to the top of a tree, reaching for the sky. He had once wanted to touch the sky, had once believed such childish fantasies could become true. Now, those beliefs were dashed, dreams crushed, only reality existed.
And his reality was… he needed the throne. He needed the throne to make his father proud, he needed the throne to be loved. He’d been groomed, prepared, he was meant to have it. It was his inheritance, promised to him.
Today was warm, and Elias dressed in a sleeveless chiton, piercing gaze taking in his surroundings. This place held memories both good and dear, and a bit of longing—for things passed, things lost, things missed. This placed reminded him of a childhood he remembered and wished he could forget.
He heard his name and he paused in his stead, staring straight ahead as he prepared himself to deal with Persephone. A childhood friend, a cousin, a favorite. It was all true, once upon a time, though not so true now.
“Persephone,” he responded, finally, steeling himself to see her up close. He avoided her, the memories that came with her. The guilt that came with his absence in her life, since his father had pulled him away from the Xanthos to focus on the Stravos family’s business—and his eventual inheritance.
“You seem anxious,” piercing hues caught the familiar tic, the way she toyed with her braid. She had done that as a child, too, though not nearly as badly as she must do it now. “Why?” He stepped toward her, a slight smile on his lips. “You can talk to me, Persie.”
The childhood nickname slipped past his lips, like a summer breeze across his skin. It was familiar and in familiarity he could feel himself drifting. After all... Persephone was not a threat to anything he wanted, to anything that was his.
Or, so he thought.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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The gardens of the royal palati held very many memories for Elias. Honestly, the palati held a lot of fond memories, reminders of a time when things were fairer, peaches were still good, and the world wasn’t quite so bad. He had been a young boy, chasing Persephone in these gardens, climbing trees and learning what made things tick.
If he closed his eyes long enough, he could almost see himself, climbing to the top of a tree, reaching for the sky. He had once wanted to touch the sky, had once believed such childish fantasies could become true. Now, those beliefs were dashed, dreams crushed, only reality existed.
And his reality was… he needed the throne. He needed the throne to make his father proud, he needed the throne to be loved. He’d been groomed, prepared, he was meant to have it. It was his inheritance, promised to him.
Today was warm, and Elias dressed in a sleeveless chiton, piercing gaze taking in his surroundings. This place held memories both good and dear, and a bit of longing—for things passed, things lost, things missed. This placed reminded him of a childhood he remembered and wished he could forget.
He heard his name and he paused in his stead, staring straight ahead as he prepared himself to deal with Persephone. A childhood friend, a cousin, a favorite. It was all true, once upon a time, though not so true now.
“Persephone,” he responded, finally, steeling himself to see her up close. He avoided her, the memories that came with her. The guilt that came with his absence in her life, since his father had pulled him away from the Xanthos to focus on the Stravos family’s business—and his eventual inheritance.
“You seem anxious,” piercing hues caught the familiar tic, the way she toyed with her braid. She had done that as a child, too, though not nearly as badly as she must do it now. “Why?” He stepped toward her, a slight smile on his lips. “You can talk to me, Persie.”
The childhood nickname slipped past his lips, like a summer breeze across his skin. It was familiar and in familiarity he could feel himself drifting. After all... Persephone was not a threat to anything he wanted, to anything that was his.
Or, so he thought.
The gardens of the royal palati held very many memories for Elias. Honestly, the palati held a lot of fond memories, reminders of a time when things were fairer, peaches were still good, and the world wasn’t quite so bad. He had been a young boy, chasing Persephone in these gardens, climbing trees and learning what made things tick.
If he closed his eyes long enough, he could almost see himself, climbing to the top of a tree, reaching for the sky. He had once wanted to touch the sky, had once believed such childish fantasies could become true. Now, those beliefs were dashed, dreams crushed, only reality existed.
And his reality was… he needed the throne. He needed the throne to make his father proud, he needed the throne to be loved. He’d been groomed, prepared, he was meant to have it. It was his inheritance, promised to him.
Today was warm, and Elias dressed in a sleeveless chiton, piercing gaze taking in his surroundings. This place held memories both good and dear, and a bit of longing—for things passed, things lost, things missed. This placed reminded him of a childhood he remembered and wished he could forget.
He heard his name and he paused in his stead, staring straight ahead as he prepared himself to deal with Persephone. A childhood friend, a cousin, a favorite. It was all true, once upon a time, though not so true now.
“Persephone,” he responded, finally, steeling himself to see her up close. He avoided her, the memories that came with her. The guilt that came with his absence in her life, since his father had pulled him away from the Xanthos to focus on the Stravos family’s business—and his eventual inheritance.
“You seem anxious,” piercing hues caught the familiar tic, the way she toyed with her braid. She had done that as a child, too, though not nearly as badly as she must do it now. “Why?” He stepped toward her, a slight smile on his lips. “You can talk to me, Persie.”
The childhood nickname slipped past his lips, like a summer breeze across his skin. It was familiar and in familiarity he could feel himself drifting. After all... Persephone was not a threat to anything he wanted, to anything that was his.
Or, so he thought.
Seeing Elias pause in his step and turn to face her made Persephone's heart skip a beat. A part of her had immediately regretted calling out his name as she had no idea how to start this conversation and certainly not how to do so in a way that might enable the two to stop avoiding each other. She fondly remembered the old days where Elias had been a good friend of hers. They had been incredibly close. Yet now, there was barely anything between them. Almost like their childhood had never happened.
After his greeting, he immediately called her out on her anxiousness, and Persephone momentarily avoided his gaze. "It's just..." she began and twisted her hair between her fingers. She must have hesitated long enough for him to reassure her that she could talk to him, and he even added a name she had not heard for years. It made her look up at him with a troubled expression.
"Elias... You know my father is not well these days and that I have been acting in his place for a while," she began and took a deep breath as her gaze wandered over the area behind Elias to avoid meeting his eyes. "He is..." she started again but stopped and looked down. She needed another deep breath because she felt sure that Elias would not be happy to hear what she had to say. "I want you to hear this from me so that you're not thinking I am going behind your back," she said and finally looked up at him.
Cautiously, Persephone reached out for Elias' hand and did her utmost to avoid looking away. "My father is speaking to some of the senators," she said and briefly looked over his face for his reaction. "He wants to change the inheritance law".
Makki
Persephone
Makki
Persephone
Awards
First Impressions:Slender; Her deep brown, almond-shaped eyes and her thick long and braided hair.
Address: Your Her Royal Highness
Seeing Elias pause in his step and turn to face her made Persephone's heart skip a beat. A part of her had immediately regretted calling out his name as she had no idea how to start this conversation and certainly not how to do so in a way that might enable the two to stop avoiding each other. She fondly remembered the old days where Elias had been a good friend of hers. They had been incredibly close. Yet now, there was barely anything between them. Almost like their childhood had never happened.
After his greeting, he immediately called her out on her anxiousness, and Persephone momentarily avoided his gaze. "It's just..." she began and twisted her hair between her fingers. She must have hesitated long enough for him to reassure her that she could talk to him, and he even added a name she had not heard for years. It made her look up at him with a troubled expression.
"Elias... You know my father is not well these days and that I have been acting in his place for a while," she began and took a deep breath as her gaze wandered over the area behind Elias to avoid meeting his eyes. "He is..." she started again but stopped and looked down. She needed another deep breath because she felt sure that Elias would not be happy to hear what she had to say. "I want you to hear this from me so that you're not thinking I am going behind your back," she said and finally looked up at him.
Cautiously, Persephone reached out for Elias' hand and did her utmost to avoid looking away. "My father is speaking to some of the senators," she said and briefly looked over his face for his reaction. "He wants to change the inheritance law".
Seeing Elias pause in his step and turn to face her made Persephone's heart skip a beat. A part of her had immediately regretted calling out his name as she had no idea how to start this conversation and certainly not how to do so in a way that might enable the two to stop avoiding each other. She fondly remembered the old days where Elias had been a good friend of hers. They had been incredibly close. Yet now, there was barely anything between them. Almost like their childhood had never happened.
After his greeting, he immediately called her out on her anxiousness, and Persephone momentarily avoided his gaze. "It's just..." she began and twisted her hair between her fingers. She must have hesitated long enough for him to reassure her that she could talk to him, and he even added a name she had not heard for years. It made her look up at him with a troubled expression.
"Elias... You know my father is not well these days and that I have been acting in his place for a while," she began and took a deep breath as her gaze wandered over the area behind Elias to avoid meeting his eyes. "He is..." she started again but stopped and looked down. She needed another deep breath because she felt sure that Elias would not be happy to hear what she had to say. "I want you to hear this from me so that you're not thinking I am going behind your back," she said and finally looked up at him.
Cautiously, Persephone reached out for Elias' hand and did her utmost to avoid looking away. "My father is speaking to some of the senators," she said and briefly looked over his face for his reaction. "He wants to change the inheritance law".
Elias had called her out on her anxiousness because he knew her. And sometimes it was worse to have people who knew every tell that you had, because they might use this against you. As for Elias, he kept his emotions safely under wraps save for the temper he sometimes displayed. She began to twist her hair between her fingers, hesitating long enough for him to reassure her that she was okay to talk to him, because why would you not want to keep an old friend close. The more involved Persephone got in politics, the more interested Elias found himself getting in her life. After all it was not often that women were allowed to be so involved in politics and he found that intriguing.
When she finally began to speak, her troubled expression giveaway that she wanted to talk about a hefty topic. The subject at hand was her father and the fact he was not well. She had indeed been acting in his place for quite a while much to Elias's chagrin, after all as the next heir, he should be the one playing ruler.
She refused to meet his eyes and he frowned, due her guys scanning her features. She was troubled, her emotions easy to read on her features, not a good trait for a politician to have. It made her easy to manipulate, it made her easy to anticipate. She stated that she did not want him to hear it and think she was going behind his back, but the pure fact she stated the statement meant that she was about to tell him something he would not like to hear. And he was correct.
She was cautious, as she reached for his hand and continued to look away from him. As the words involving inheritance law left to her mouth Elias carefully tightened his hand around hers and pulled her closer to him. She was his cousin but now she was a threat. Whether she wanted the inheritance law changed or not, if the king managed to change it would cut Elias out of what he believed to be rightfully his.
As he draws her close, he leans in to whisper in her ear, "And cousin, do you plan on going along with your father's whims? Do you want the inheritance law to change Persephone?" His voice was a low whisper in her ear, laced with venom. The mere idea of changing the inheritance laws before he had become king threatened everything he had grown up planning for. It threatened his place in society, it threatened any chances of getting his father to praise him.
His grip on her wrist tightens, not long enough to leave a bruise but enough to make his point clear. As he releases her and stepped back his features once more contorting to something akin to apathy, he states clearly: "It'll never happen. And I'll make sure of it." There is no need to go more in detail with the threat because Elias enjoys leaving statements such as these to the imagination—let the person that has received the ambiguous threat put themselves in a dark place, trying to figure out what might happen as a result.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
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Elias had called her out on her anxiousness because he knew her. And sometimes it was worse to have people who knew every tell that you had, because they might use this against you. As for Elias, he kept his emotions safely under wraps save for the temper he sometimes displayed. She began to twist her hair between her fingers, hesitating long enough for him to reassure her that she was okay to talk to him, because why would you not want to keep an old friend close. The more involved Persephone got in politics, the more interested Elias found himself getting in her life. After all it was not often that women were allowed to be so involved in politics and he found that intriguing.
When she finally began to speak, her troubled expression giveaway that she wanted to talk about a hefty topic. The subject at hand was her father and the fact he was not well. She had indeed been acting in his place for quite a while much to Elias's chagrin, after all as the next heir, he should be the one playing ruler.
She refused to meet his eyes and he frowned, due her guys scanning her features. She was troubled, her emotions easy to read on her features, not a good trait for a politician to have. It made her easy to manipulate, it made her easy to anticipate. She stated that she did not want him to hear it and think she was going behind his back, but the pure fact she stated the statement meant that she was about to tell him something he would not like to hear. And he was correct.
She was cautious, as she reached for his hand and continued to look away from him. As the words involving inheritance law left to her mouth Elias carefully tightened his hand around hers and pulled her closer to him. She was his cousin but now she was a threat. Whether she wanted the inheritance law changed or not, if the king managed to change it would cut Elias out of what he believed to be rightfully his.
As he draws her close, he leans in to whisper in her ear, "And cousin, do you plan on going along with your father's whims? Do you want the inheritance law to change Persephone?" His voice was a low whisper in her ear, laced with venom. The mere idea of changing the inheritance laws before he had become king threatened everything he had grown up planning for. It threatened his place in society, it threatened any chances of getting his father to praise him.
His grip on her wrist tightens, not long enough to leave a bruise but enough to make his point clear. As he releases her and stepped back his features once more contorting to something akin to apathy, he states clearly: "It'll never happen. And I'll make sure of it." There is no need to go more in detail with the threat because Elias enjoys leaving statements such as these to the imagination—let the person that has received the ambiguous threat put themselves in a dark place, trying to figure out what might happen as a result.
Elias had called her out on her anxiousness because he knew her. And sometimes it was worse to have people who knew every tell that you had, because they might use this against you. As for Elias, he kept his emotions safely under wraps save for the temper he sometimes displayed. She began to twist her hair between her fingers, hesitating long enough for him to reassure her that she was okay to talk to him, because why would you not want to keep an old friend close. The more involved Persephone got in politics, the more interested Elias found himself getting in her life. After all it was not often that women were allowed to be so involved in politics and he found that intriguing.
When she finally began to speak, her troubled expression giveaway that she wanted to talk about a hefty topic. The subject at hand was her father and the fact he was not well. She had indeed been acting in his place for quite a while much to Elias's chagrin, after all as the next heir, he should be the one playing ruler.
She refused to meet his eyes and he frowned, due her guys scanning her features. She was troubled, her emotions easy to read on her features, not a good trait for a politician to have. It made her easy to manipulate, it made her easy to anticipate. She stated that she did not want him to hear it and think she was going behind his back, but the pure fact she stated the statement meant that she was about to tell him something he would not like to hear. And he was correct.
She was cautious, as she reached for his hand and continued to look away from him. As the words involving inheritance law left to her mouth Elias carefully tightened his hand around hers and pulled her closer to him. She was his cousin but now she was a threat. Whether she wanted the inheritance law changed or not, if the king managed to change it would cut Elias out of what he believed to be rightfully his.
As he draws her close, he leans in to whisper in her ear, "And cousin, do you plan on going along with your father's whims? Do you want the inheritance law to change Persephone?" His voice was a low whisper in her ear, laced with venom. The mere idea of changing the inheritance laws before he had become king threatened everything he had grown up planning for. It threatened his place in society, it threatened any chances of getting his father to praise him.
His grip on her wrist tightens, not long enough to leave a bruise but enough to make his point clear. As he releases her and stepped back his features once more contorting to something akin to apathy, he states clearly: "It'll never happen. And I'll make sure of it." There is no need to go more in detail with the threat because Elias enjoys leaving statements such as these to the imagination—let the person that has received the ambiguous threat put themselves in a dark place, trying to figure out what might happen as a result.
Persephone took no joy in breaking the news to her cousin that her father was looking into changing the law. While she felt that she could do a lot of good in her father's place, she knew quite well that unless the law actually changed, Elias would be the next one in line given Alejandros' publicly known plan to abdicate. But the last thing she wanted was to go behind Elias' back.
She had never seen Elias be active on the political scene, and he had certainly not given her any sign that he was a great monarch in the making, but as it was, the crown would still rightfully be his upon her father's death. Persephone shuddered at the thought. She hoped her father would live for many years to come, but she knew he wasn't well. It was why it was so important to explain to Elias what was going on behind the palace walls. To make sure he didn't feel sidelined and left out of the potentially massive changes that were underway.
But Persephone had only just uttered her father's intentions when Elias drew her in close. Not in a familial embrace between cousins, but a far more menacing proximity that truly highlighted how much taller Elias was than the short princess. He was towering over her as he whispered sneeringly into her ear a question about her role in all of it. Persephone looked up at him, and it was not hard to see the intimidating look in her eyes. She had never experienced Elias like this. She tried to withdraw her hand. "I don't know, Elias," she said honestly as she felt very divided on the matter.
She didn't succeed in retrieving her hand. Instead, she felt Elias' firm grip around her wrist, and she looked up at him with tears glazing over her eyes. "You're hurting me, Elias," she said quietly and tried once more to remove herself from his grip and at this point, he released his hold of her arm and stepped back as well. His words stung in her heart. They had been childhood friends, and Persephone had always imagined that no matter what, she could talk to him about anything. "Why are you like this? I thought I could talk to you about anything!"
Makki
Persephone
Makki
Persephone
Awards
First Impressions:Slender; Her deep brown, almond-shaped eyes and her thick long and braided hair.
Address: Your Her Royal Highness
Persephone took no joy in breaking the news to her cousin that her father was looking into changing the law. While she felt that she could do a lot of good in her father's place, she knew quite well that unless the law actually changed, Elias would be the next one in line given Alejandros' publicly known plan to abdicate. But the last thing she wanted was to go behind Elias' back.
She had never seen Elias be active on the political scene, and he had certainly not given her any sign that he was a great monarch in the making, but as it was, the crown would still rightfully be his upon her father's death. Persephone shuddered at the thought. She hoped her father would live for many years to come, but she knew he wasn't well. It was why it was so important to explain to Elias what was going on behind the palace walls. To make sure he didn't feel sidelined and left out of the potentially massive changes that were underway.
But Persephone had only just uttered her father's intentions when Elias drew her in close. Not in a familial embrace between cousins, but a far more menacing proximity that truly highlighted how much taller Elias was than the short princess. He was towering over her as he whispered sneeringly into her ear a question about her role in all of it. Persephone looked up at him, and it was not hard to see the intimidating look in her eyes. She had never experienced Elias like this. She tried to withdraw her hand. "I don't know, Elias," she said honestly as she felt very divided on the matter.
She didn't succeed in retrieving her hand. Instead, she felt Elias' firm grip around her wrist, and she looked up at him with tears glazing over her eyes. "You're hurting me, Elias," she said quietly and tried once more to remove herself from his grip and at this point, he released his hold of her arm and stepped back as well. His words stung in her heart. They had been childhood friends, and Persephone had always imagined that no matter what, she could talk to him about anything. "Why are you like this? I thought I could talk to you about anything!"
Persephone took no joy in breaking the news to her cousin that her father was looking into changing the law. While she felt that she could do a lot of good in her father's place, she knew quite well that unless the law actually changed, Elias would be the next one in line given Alejandros' publicly known plan to abdicate. But the last thing she wanted was to go behind Elias' back.
She had never seen Elias be active on the political scene, and he had certainly not given her any sign that he was a great monarch in the making, but as it was, the crown would still rightfully be his upon her father's death. Persephone shuddered at the thought. She hoped her father would live for many years to come, but she knew he wasn't well. It was why it was so important to explain to Elias what was going on behind the palace walls. To make sure he didn't feel sidelined and left out of the potentially massive changes that were underway.
But Persephone had only just uttered her father's intentions when Elias drew her in close. Not in a familial embrace between cousins, but a far more menacing proximity that truly highlighted how much taller Elias was than the short princess. He was towering over her as he whispered sneeringly into her ear a question about her role in all of it. Persephone looked up at him, and it was not hard to see the intimidating look in her eyes. She had never experienced Elias like this. She tried to withdraw her hand. "I don't know, Elias," she said honestly as she felt very divided on the matter.
She didn't succeed in retrieving her hand. Instead, she felt Elias' firm grip around her wrist, and she looked up at him with tears glazing over her eyes. "You're hurting me, Elias," she said quietly and tried once more to remove herself from his grip and at this point, he released his hold of her arm and stepped back as well. His words stung in her heart. They had been childhood friends, and Persephone had always imagined that no matter what, she could talk to him about anything. "Why are you like this? I thought I could talk to you about anything!"
Elias stared down at her, fingers tight around her wrist. “Persie… there is always a place for you, at my side. As an advisor, perhaps as a wife…” His words were quiet, as dark hues wandered over her features. “I will never force you out of running the kingdom—but the crown is mine.” His words were firm, his tone quiet. Elias was not the sort of man to get upset and yell, but rather, to get upset and quiet.
When Persephone mentioned he was hurting her, he finally realized she’d been struggling in his grasp, and loosened his hold on her slightly. “I’m sorry.” He sighed, tilting his head back to study the sky. He released her, finally, and shook his head at her accusatory tone.
“You can. I apologize, I was… If I lose the crown, then I am worth very little to my father. You know how he is.” She may not have interacted with Keiklius very much or very often, but his father was a man with strict beliefs, who wanted things his way—or no way at all. And all Elias had ever wanted was his father’s pride.
And pride was in sparse existence in the Stravos household. "Do you want the crown, Persie? Or are you just... letting your gilded cage get in the way of what you really want?" He inquired, hands at his sides.
"Because for me, losing the crown is my cage. Taking the throne is freedom from my father's harsh expectations. Help me escape my own cage." It should have been a pleading tone that he stated this with, but instead it was a stoic, neutral tone. Evenly stated, not rushed or too slow. Elias was not the boy she had grown up knowing; his father had warped him, changed him, his mother had ensured he was a liar, a good one at that.
He made his entire living in manipulating those around him and not getting caught, and if Persephone let him, he'd do the same to her. Though she might catch the slight tells that he worked hard to hide, as she had known him the longest and closest, but that had been many years ago.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Elias stared down at her, fingers tight around her wrist. “Persie… there is always a place for you, at my side. As an advisor, perhaps as a wife…” His words were quiet, as dark hues wandered over her features. “I will never force you out of running the kingdom—but the crown is mine.” His words were firm, his tone quiet. Elias was not the sort of man to get upset and yell, but rather, to get upset and quiet.
When Persephone mentioned he was hurting her, he finally realized she’d been struggling in his grasp, and loosened his hold on her slightly. “I’m sorry.” He sighed, tilting his head back to study the sky. He released her, finally, and shook his head at her accusatory tone.
“You can. I apologize, I was… If I lose the crown, then I am worth very little to my father. You know how he is.” She may not have interacted with Keiklius very much or very often, but his father was a man with strict beliefs, who wanted things his way—or no way at all. And all Elias had ever wanted was his father’s pride.
And pride was in sparse existence in the Stravos household. "Do you want the crown, Persie? Or are you just... letting your gilded cage get in the way of what you really want?" He inquired, hands at his sides.
"Because for me, losing the crown is my cage. Taking the throne is freedom from my father's harsh expectations. Help me escape my own cage." It should have been a pleading tone that he stated this with, but instead it was a stoic, neutral tone. Evenly stated, not rushed or too slow. Elias was not the boy she had grown up knowing; his father had warped him, changed him, his mother had ensured he was a liar, a good one at that.
He made his entire living in manipulating those around him and not getting caught, and if Persephone let him, he'd do the same to her. Though she might catch the slight tells that he worked hard to hide, as she had known him the longest and closest, but that had been many years ago.
Elias stared down at her, fingers tight around her wrist. “Persie… there is always a place for you, at my side. As an advisor, perhaps as a wife…” His words were quiet, as dark hues wandered over her features. “I will never force you out of running the kingdom—but the crown is mine.” His words were firm, his tone quiet. Elias was not the sort of man to get upset and yell, but rather, to get upset and quiet.
When Persephone mentioned he was hurting her, he finally realized she’d been struggling in his grasp, and loosened his hold on her slightly. “I’m sorry.” He sighed, tilting his head back to study the sky. He released her, finally, and shook his head at her accusatory tone.
“You can. I apologize, I was… If I lose the crown, then I am worth very little to my father. You know how he is.” She may not have interacted with Keiklius very much or very often, but his father was a man with strict beliefs, who wanted things his way—or no way at all. And all Elias had ever wanted was his father’s pride.
And pride was in sparse existence in the Stravos household. "Do you want the crown, Persie? Or are you just... letting your gilded cage get in the way of what you really want?" He inquired, hands at his sides.
"Because for me, losing the crown is my cage. Taking the throne is freedom from my father's harsh expectations. Help me escape my own cage." It should have been a pleading tone that he stated this with, but instead it was a stoic, neutral tone. Evenly stated, not rushed or too slow. Elias was not the boy she had grown up knowing; his father had warped him, changed him, his mother had ensured he was a liar, a good one at that.
He made his entire living in manipulating those around him and not getting caught, and if Persephone let him, he'd do the same to her. Though she might catch the slight tells that he worked hard to hide, as she had known him the longest and closest, but that had been many years ago.
There was something about Elias' demeanour that really frightened Persephone. How quickly he could shift from the boy she grew up with, kind and one she could confide in, to a snarling man so determined to be crowned that he seemed willing to whisper concealed threats to his own cousin.
She stood for a moment with the shock of it all painted on her face before his determined phrase about the crown being his snapped her out of it. "If Lord Alejandros abdicates, that is," she said in a tone that mixed unembellished knowledge of the line of succession and a hint of defiance to his harsh response to her attempt to be honest and open with him.
At that moment, Persephone did not even entertain the thought of marrying Elias to keep her position. But then he seemed to calm a bit. Persephone looked up at him, finally seeing what bothered him so. Cautiously she reached up and put her hand on his arm. "You are more than what your father thinks of you, Elias," she said and looked into his eyes. She had always known about her cousin's relationship with his father. "You are your own accomplishments and your honourable deeds. You will always be viewed on your own merits in the eyes of the Gods and men," she continued and but gave a nod to suggest that she understood why this discussion had upset him so.
When he asked if she actually wanted the crown or if it was just to keep what she knew, Persephone looked out over the vast open lands that stretched out all around them. She hesitated a moment before meeting his eyes again. "I honestly don't know, Elias," she said calmly. "As a woman, I was never expected to inherit the throne, and while it is only being discussed now, I can't avoid thinking about the fact that I have done a good job of it so far while my father has been ill." Persephone paused and then nodded. "I don't think I would refuse it if the law changed, but I don't hold my breath that it does," she concluded.
When Elias asked her to help him get free of his cage, she frowned a bit. "Elias, you know I would go far for you. We are bound by blood, and I pray to wise Athena that a way will present itself that can truly bring you the freedom you deserve, but the responsibility of the kingdom cannot be your escape from your father's opinion of you. For the good of the realm, I hope you have goals to better Athenia and to bring prosperity to our lands if you do get the crown," she said and took a deep breath.
"When the time comes, and the crown befalls one of us, or Lord Alejandros, I pray that you will at least accept the will of the senate. I can promise you that I will be the first to accept it even if the law doesn't change," she said calmly even though she knew that it would be a hard thing to be told if the senate didn't see her as capable of ruling after having done so already.
Makki
Persephone
Makki
Persephone
Awards
First Impressions:Slender; Her deep brown, almond-shaped eyes and her thick long and braided hair.
Address: Your Her Royal Highness
There was something about Elias' demeanour that really frightened Persephone. How quickly he could shift from the boy she grew up with, kind and one she could confide in, to a snarling man so determined to be crowned that he seemed willing to whisper concealed threats to his own cousin.
She stood for a moment with the shock of it all painted on her face before his determined phrase about the crown being his snapped her out of it. "If Lord Alejandros abdicates, that is," she said in a tone that mixed unembellished knowledge of the line of succession and a hint of defiance to his harsh response to her attempt to be honest and open with him.
At that moment, Persephone did not even entertain the thought of marrying Elias to keep her position. But then he seemed to calm a bit. Persephone looked up at him, finally seeing what bothered him so. Cautiously she reached up and put her hand on his arm. "You are more than what your father thinks of you, Elias," she said and looked into his eyes. She had always known about her cousin's relationship with his father. "You are your own accomplishments and your honourable deeds. You will always be viewed on your own merits in the eyes of the Gods and men," she continued and but gave a nod to suggest that she understood why this discussion had upset him so.
When he asked if she actually wanted the crown or if it was just to keep what she knew, Persephone looked out over the vast open lands that stretched out all around them. She hesitated a moment before meeting his eyes again. "I honestly don't know, Elias," she said calmly. "As a woman, I was never expected to inherit the throne, and while it is only being discussed now, I can't avoid thinking about the fact that I have done a good job of it so far while my father has been ill." Persephone paused and then nodded. "I don't think I would refuse it if the law changed, but I don't hold my breath that it does," she concluded.
When Elias asked her to help him get free of his cage, she frowned a bit. "Elias, you know I would go far for you. We are bound by blood, and I pray to wise Athena that a way will present itself that can truly bring you the freedom you deserve, but the responsibility of the kingdom cannot be your escape from your father's opinion of you. For the good of the realm, I hope you have goals to better Athenia and to bring prosperity to our lands if you do get the crown," she said and took a deep breath.
"When the time comes, and the crown befalls one of us, or Lord Alejandros, I pray that you will at least accept the will of the senate. I can promise you that I will be the first to accept it even if the law doesn't change," she said calmly even though she knew that it would be a hard thing to be told if the senate didn't see her as capable of ruling after having done so already.
There was something about Elias' demeanour that really frightened Persephone. How quickly he could shift from the boy she grew up with, kind and one she could confide in, to a snarling man so determined to be crowned that he seemed willing to whisper concealed threats to his own cousin.
She stood for a moment with the shock of it all painted on her face before his determined phrase about the crown being his snapped her out of it. "If Lord Alejandros abdicates, that is," she said in a tone that mixed unembellished knowledge of the line of succession and a hint of defiance to his harsh response to her attempt to be honest and open with him.
At that moment, Persephone did not even entertain the thought of marrying Elias to keep her position. But then he seemed to calm a bit. Persephone looked up at him, finally seeing what bothered him so. Cautiously she reached up and put her hand on his arm. "You are more than what your father thinks of you, Elias," she said and looked into his eyes. She had always known about her cousin's relationship with his father. "You are your own accomplishments and your honourable deeds. You will always be viewed on your own merits in the eyes of the Gods and men," she continued and but gave a nod to suggest that she understood why this discussion had upset him so.
When he asked if she actually wanted the crown or if it was just to keep what she knew, Persephone looked out over the vast open lands that stretched out all around them. She hesitated a moment before meeting his eyes again. "I honestly don't know, Elias," she said calmly. "As a woman, I was never expected to inherit the throne, and while it is only being discussed now, I can't avoid thinking about the fact that I have done a good job of it so far while my father has been ill." Persephone paused and then nodded. "I don't think I would refuse it if the law changed, but I don't hold my breath that it does," she concluded.
When Elias asked her to help him get free of his cage, she frowned a bit. "Elias, you know I would go far for you. We are bound by blood, and I pray to wise Athena that a way will present itself that can truly bring you the freedom you deserve, but the responsibility of the kingdom cannot be your escape from your father's opinion of you. For the good of the realm, I hope you have goals to better Athenia and to bring prosperity to our lands if you do get the crown," she said and took a deep breath.
"When the time comes, and the crown befalls one of us, or Lord Alejandros, I pray that you will at least accept the will of the senate. I can promise you that I will be the first to accept it even if the law doesn't change," she said calmly even though she knew that it would be a hard thing to be told if the senate didn't see her as capable of ruling after having done so already.
Elias rolled his eyes. She was trying to make him nervous. "You know he will. He doesn't want to take the time from his family." Respectable, and he would rather Alejandros abdicate than attempt to keep a role that would not suit him.
He rolled his eyes again, murmuring, "All that matters is what he thinks, Persephone. You know that." It was why he had stopped visiting, stopped coming to see her and their uncle. His father deemed his time with them a hinderance to his business, and Elias would not let himself think that he could be the boy he was before his father began to train him. That boy wouldn't survive Keiklius' lessons.
Then he was calmer, and topic changed. He exhaled quietly, following her gaze until she met his once more. "Smart woman. One day, there will be a woman at the head of our society... but I do not think that time is here." He offered a slight sigh, "Perhaps when I am crowned, I can make changes to the law to give any daughters' I have, a proper chance in this world. Should that happen, cousin, I would like you to be there."
Persephone spoke of his cage, and she was right. He offered a slight smile, "I have many plans, Persie. To better Athenia, to change the ways of the Senate... But fact of the matter is, these things take time. More time than one king's reign. I can only start the wheels turning, I cannot change everything at once, without upsetting a very fragile balance."
Wise, albeit he was likely spouting something he had heard from another Senator talking about the fact Persephone was playing at her father's role.
"I would gladly accept you in the Senate." Whether he would when it came down to who got the crown, and what happened after, would depend on many things. But at this moment in time, he would want to place her and Emilia beside of him, give them power of their own right.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Elias rolled his eyes. She was trying to make him nervous. "You know he will. He doesn't want to take the time from his family." Respectable, and he would rather Alejandros abdicate than attempt to keep a role that would not suit him.
He rolled his eyes again, murmuring, "All that matters is what he thinks, Persephone. You know that." It was why he had stopped visiting, stopped coming to see her and their uncle. His father deemed his time with them a hinderance to his business, and Elias would not let himself think that he could be the boy he was before his father began to train him. That boy wouldn't survive Keiklius' lessons.
Then he was calmer, and topic changed. He exhaled quietly, following her gaze until she met his once more. "Smart woman. One day, there will be a woman at the head of our society... but I do not think that time is here." He offered a slight sigh, "Perhaps when I am crowned, I can make changes to the law to give any daughters' I have, a proper chance in this world. Should that happen, cousin, I would like you to be there."
Persephone spoke of his cage, and she was right. He offered a slight smile, "I have many plans, Persie. To better Athenia, to change the ways of the Senate... But fact of the matter is, these things take time. More time than one king's reign. I can only start the wheels turning, I cannot change everything at once, without upsetting a very fragile balance."
Wise, albeit he was likely spouting something he had heard from another Senator talking about the fact Persephone was playing at her father's role.
"I would gladly accept you in the Senate." Whether he would when it came down to who got the crown, and what happened after, would depend on many things. But at this moment in time, he would want to place her and Emilia beside of him, give them power of their own right.
Elias rolled his eyes. She was trying to make him nervous. "You know he will. He doesn't want to take the time from his family." Respectable, and he would rather Alejandros abdicate than attempt to keep a role that would not suit him.
He rolled his eyes again, murmuring, "All that matters is what he thinks, Persephone. You know that." It was why he had stopped visiting, stopped coming to see her and their uncle. His father deemed his time with them a hinderance to his business, and Elias would not let himself think that he could be the boy he was before his father began to train him. That boy wouldn't survive Keiklius' lessons.
Then he was calmer, and topic changed. He exhaled quietly, following her gaze until she met his once more. "Smart woman. One day, there will be a woman at the head of our society... but I do not think that time is here." He offered a slight sigh, "Perhaps when I am crowned, I can make changes to the law to give any daughters' I have, a proper chance in this world. Should that happen, cousin, I would like you to be there."
Persephone spoke of his cage, and she was right. He offered a slight smile, "I have many plans, Persie. To better Athenia, to change the ways of the Senate... But fact of the matter is, these things take time. More time than one king's reign. I can only start the wheels turning, I cannot change everything at once, without upsetting a very fragile balance."
Wise, albeit he was likely spouting something he had heard from another Senator talking about the fact Persephone was playing at her father's role.
"I would gladly accept you in the Senate." Whether he would when it came down to who got the crown, and what happened after, would depend on many things. But at this moment in time, he would want to place her and Emilia beside of him, give them power of their own right.