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In her gleaming white gown with feathers of gold lamé, Rene was statuesque as she attempted to deduce what was transpiring. The young woman she’d followed, with sandy-colored hair, she’d recognized immediately, and followed after noting the young woman teetering on emotional instability as she watched her former companion set his sights on another target. Kaia’s interest in Alexandros was obvious, else she would never have approached him when he was conversing with she and Ophelia at the Decade of Peace event. And some part of her perhaps knew that what loyalties he possessed lay only exclusively in dedication to hedonism, and perhaps his service in the military. Yet, the heart and the brain are seldom on the same page, and one could wax indifference and spout hyperbole all the day long, yet find enacting such practices far harder. At least, in those fleeing moments, such thoughts poured through Rene’s lovely head. It was completely possible that Kaia had no misgivings about being a passing fling. It was their business after all, whatever arrangements consenting adults made in their free time was entirely up to them. But Rene could not ignore that moment of downtrodden wariness, that brief second of anguish that worked its way across the entertainer’s features, before disappearing just as quickly. But other questions begged to be asked first, the myriad that there were.
She wished not to interrupt the discussion Kaia was having with a woman largely cast into shadow by the thick stone walls and angled torches affixed every so often casting imperfect cones of light here and there. As the brunette swept past, Rene’s brow knit just so, a spark of recognition emblazoned in her mind, though the woman moved so quickly, perhaps intentionally, to avoid fanning that ember. Such things would need to be addressed later, if at all. For now, her striking blue eyes returned to Kaia, widening as they did so, on account of her bewilderment.
“Kaia?” Informal yes, but Rene was never one to put on airs, never one to introduce herself using her title, never one to flaunt superiority or station. The incredulity of this interaction had nearly rendered the tiny young woman speechless. “Was that……” she briefly turned to look at the retreating form of the brunette who had been here moments earlier. Why Aea should be dressed for the occasion and Kaia reduced to indentured servitude, Rene’s creative and fanciful brain could not compute. “What is...happening? Was that your sister? Aea? Who sang to me so magnificently?”
Over at the table, there seemed a bit of a kerfuffle going, as multiple individuals converged around one end of it. It was a curious development, but amid the pillar of people standing sat none other than the bold and dashing Alex, who seemed completely unbothered by the sea of consternation around him. For a moment or two, Rene watched before planting her gaze solidly on Kaia. Wordy diatribe seemed artificial in those moments. Rene’s cherubic expression softened. “I am so sorry,” she all but whispered, an acknowledgement of love lost. There was no attempt to ‘fix’ things, no effort to justify it or offer meaningless consolation. It was merely a recognition, a solidarity among the more tender of the fairer sex, losing out to their contemporaries for one reason or another. That Aea and Alex should be dancing around enjoying the merriment and partaking in the delights of mortal men, while Kaia slipped around refilling goblets and offering trays of cooked meats and steamed vegetables nearly urged Rene to drag the girl off some place and dress her up as well. “Why are you not participating?” Her face was sweet and expression sincere, her voice soft and melodious as it sang her concerns for the young bard. It was true they did not know each other so well, but Rene was ever a voice of the underdogs, finding their dimensions and complexities just as riveting, if not more so, than the more frivolous and vain of society. And Kaia's lovely face was one that seemed well accustomed to being a mask, withholding so much for fear of issuing those vulnerabilities to any around that might harbor nefarious intent. With none to come to her aid, Rene did not hesitate. Maybe she was out of line. Maybe this was unwelcome and inappropriate. Earning Kaia's ire may very well be an outcome, with accusations of infringement and admonitions to mind her own business. And Rene would have deserved such. She accepted that as a possibility. But the benefits of knowing that someone seemed to care vast outweighed the risk of being scolded and scorned to Rene. So in the dancing candlelight of the corridor, tucked just beyond the view of most of the room, she waited patiently for the girl to respond.
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In her gleaming white gown with feathers of gold lamé, Rene was statuesque as she attempted to deduce what was transpiring. The young woman she’d followed, with sandy-colored hair, she’d recognized immediately, and followed after noting the young woman teetering on emotional instability as she watched her former companion set his sights on another target. Kaia’s interest in Alexandros was obvious, else she would never have approached him when he was conversing with she and Ophelia at the Decade of Peace event. And some part of her perhaps knew that what loyalties he possessed lay only exclusively in dedication to hedonism, and perhaps his service in the military. Yet, the heart and the brain are seldom on the same page, and one could wax indifference and spout hyperbole all the day long, yet find enacting such practices far harder. At least, in those fleeing moments, such thoughts poured through Rene’s lovely head. It was completely possible that Kaia had no misgivings about being a passing fling. It was their business after all, whatever arrangements consenting adults made in their free time was entirely up to them. But Rene could not ignore that moment of downtrodden wariness, that brief second of anguish that worked its way across the entertainer’s features, before disappearing just as quickly. But other questions begged to be asked first, the myriad that there were.
She wished not to interrupt the discussion Kaia was having with a woman largely cast into shadow by the thick stone walls and angled torches affixed every so often casting imperfect cones of light here and there. As the brunette swept past, Rene’s brow knit just so, a spark of recognition emblazoned in her mind, though the woman moved so quickly, perhaps intentionally, to avoid fanning that ember. Such things would need to be addressed later, if at all. For now, her striking blue eyes returned to Kaia, widening as they did so, on account of her bewilderment.
“Kaia?” Informal yes, but Rene was never one to put on airs, never one to introduce herself using her title, never one to flaunt superiority or station. The incredulity of this interaction had nearly rendered the tiny young woman speechless. “Was that……” she briefly turned to look at the retreating form of the brunette who had been here moments earlier. Why Aea should be dressed for the occasion and Kaia reduced to indentured servitude, Rene’s creative and fanciful brain could not compute. “What is...happening? Was that your sister? Aea? Who sang to me so magnificently?”
Over at the table, there seemed a bit of a kerfuffle going, as multiple individuals converged around one end of it. It was a curious development, but amid the pillar of people standing sat none other than the bold and dashing Alex, who seemed completely unbothered by the sea of consternation around him. For a moment or two, Rene watched before planting her gaze solidly on Kaia. Wordy diatribe seemed artificial in those moments. Rene’s cherubic expression softened. “I am so sorry,” she all but whispered, an acknowledgement of love lost. There was no attempt to ‘fix’ things, no effort to justify it or offer meaningless consolation. It was merely a recognition, a solidarity among the more tender of the fairer sex, losing out to their contemporaries for one reason or another. That Aea and Alex should be dancing around enjoying the merriment and partaking in the delights of mortal men, while Kaia slipped around refilling goblets and offering trays of cooked meats and steamed vegetables nearly urged Rene to drag the girl off some place and dress her up as well. “Why are you not participating?” Her face was sweet and expression sincere, her voice soft and melodious as it sang her concerns for the young bard. It was true they did not know each other so well, but Rene was ever a voice of the underdogs, finding their dimensions and complexities just as riveting, if not more so, than the more frivolous and vain of society. And Kaia's lovely face was one that seemed well accustomed to being a mask, withholding so much for fear of issuing those vulnerabilities to any around that might harbor nefarious intent. With none to come to her aid, Rene did not hesitate. Maybe she was out of line. Maybe this was unwelcome and inappropriate. Earning Kaia's ire may very well be an outcome, with accusations of infringement and admonitions to mind her own business. And Rene would have deserved such. She accepted that as a possibility. But the benefits of knowing that someone seemed to care vast outweighed the risk of being scolded and scorned to Rene. So in the dancing candlelight of the corridor, tucked just beyond the view of most of the room, she waited patiently for the girl to respond.
In her gleaming white gown with feathers of gold lamé, Rene was statuesque as she attempted to deduce what was transpiring. The young woman she’d followed, with sandy-colored hair, she’d recognized immediately, and followed after noting the young woman teetering on emotional instability as she watched her former companion set his sights on another target. Kaia’s interest in Alexandros was obvious, else she would never have approached him when he was conversing with she and Ophelia at the Decade of Peace event. And some part of her perhaps knew that what loyalties he possessed lay only exclusively in dedication to hedonism, and perhaps his service in the military. Yet, the heart and the brain are seldom on the same page, and one could wax indifference and spout hyperbole all the day long, yet find enacting such practices far harder. At least, in those fleeing moments, such thoughts poured through Rene’s lovely head. It was completely possible that Kaia had no misgivings about being a passing fling. It was their business after all, whatever arrangements consenting adults made in their free time was entirely up to them. But Rene could not ignore that moment of downtrodden wariness, that brief second of anguish that worked its way across the entertainer’s features, before disappearing just as quickly. But other questions begged to be asked first, the myriad that there were.
She wished not to interrupt the discussion Kaia was having with a woman largely cast into shadow by the thick stone walls and angled torches affixed every so often casting imperfect cones of light here and there. As the brunette swept past, Rene’s brow knit just so, a spark of recognition emblazoned in her mind, though the woman moved so quickly, perhaps intentionally, to avoid fanning that ember. Such things would need to be addressed later, if at all. For now, her striking blue eyes returned to Kaia, widening as they did so, on account of her bewilderment.
“Kaia?” Informal yes, but Rene was never one to put on airs, never one to introduce herself using her title, never one to flaunt superiority or station. The incredulity of this interaction had nearly rendered the tiny young woman speechless. “Was that……” she briefly turned to look at the retreating form of the brunette who had been here moments earlier. Why Aea should be dressed for the occasion and Kaia reduced to indentured servitude, Rene’s creative and fanciful brain could not compute. “What is...happening? Was that your sister? Aea? Who sang to me so magnificently?”
Over at the table, there seemed a bit of a kerfuffle going, as multiple individuals converged around one end of it. It was a curious development, but amid the pillar of people standing sat none other than the bold and dashing Alex, who seemed completely unbothered by the sea of consternation around him. For a moment or two, Rene watched before planting her gaze solidly on Kaia. Wordy diatribe seemed artificial in those moments. Rene’s cherubic expression softened. “I am so sorry,” she all but whispered, an acknowledgement of love lost. There was no attempt to ‘fix’ things, no effort to justify it or offer meaningless consolation. It was merely a recognition, a solidarity among the more tender of the fairer sex, losing out to their contemporaries for one reason or another. That Aea and Alex should be dancing around enjoying the merriment and partaking in the delights of mortal men, while Kaia slipped around refilling goblets and offering trays of cooked meats and steamed vegetables nearly urged Rene to drag the girl off some place and dress her up as well. “Why are you not participating?” Her face was sweet and expression sincere, her voice soft and melodious as it sang her concerns for the young bard. It was true they did not know each other so well, but Rene was ever a voice of the underdogs, finding their dimensions and complexities just as riveting, if not more so, than the more frivolous and vain of society. And Kaia's lovely face was one that seemed well accustomed to being a mask, withholding so much for fear of issuing those vulnerabilities to any around that might harbor nefarious intent. With none to come to her aid, Rene did not hesitate. Maybe she was out of line. Maybe this was unwelcome and inappropriate. Earning Kaia's ire may very well be an outcome, with accusations of infringement and admonitions to mind her own business. And Rene would have deserved such. She accepted that as a possibility. But the benefits of knowing that someone seemed to care vast outweighed the risk of being scolded and scorned to Rene. So in the dancing candlelight of the corridor, tucked just beyond the view of most of the room, she waited patiently for the girl to respond.
“Then allow me to correct the ignorance, Captain Alexandros. Might I introduce Lord Panos of Marikas. Master in Law of Athenia's Senate and grandfather-” he added with significance “-to the young woman you've been keeping gentlemanly company with.”
For the first time since he had known the Crown Prince of Colchis, Alexandros was disappointed in him. The man now identified as Panos had been rude and did not deserve to be rescued from it with platitudes. The officer cared not what titles or false importance the balding man felt he possessed. This was Colchis, not Athenia, no one needed to bend to the whim of some haughty man who had not earned his place, but the Stone Prince laid his honor aside and gave the man what he sought, and that show of weakness irked the young captain to no end. “If Lord Panos had properly introduced himself and offered a question instead of the rude imposition into the conversation, then I am certain none of this would have happened. He would have received the answer he sought had he only asked.” Alexandros said to Vangelis. His tone was neutral as well, but his words were certainly not neutral. His eyes would not break from the glare of the older man, he was committed to not looking away first, he would not show weakness before this aged fop.
“The better part of wisdom invites me to impart some upon you, boy…”He begun, with his voice losing none of the ruthless harshness that if often carried. “Though you may not realize it, not all men are born equal, and whatever you have so earned is attained solely by the Grace of your superiors. I invite you to resist if you must, but do know that your struggles are already in vain. For everything has been preordained by the Gods who reign above, and just as some have been chose to rule and lead, like me and mine, so too others must bend and kneel, like yourself. Now, I bid you farewell. Pray, we meet again in more appropriate tones, boy…”
An unbridled rage shook through the young man at being referred to as nothing more than boy. This balding man who had achieved nothing but was granted station by his birth was speaking down to him as if he was a child, and that was unacceptable. “I have a name, one that you know, and I would never dream to be so rude as to not call someone by their name once I knew it, nor would I turn my back and walk away afterwards. Don’t lecture me or call me boy as if you are my father, for you most certainly aren’t and the gods deserve thanks for that. I have proven that I am suited to lead, and earned my position through my own abilities. The gods know well that I kneel only before them in prayer, just as you do, and we all know that the gods love to humble those who would consider themselves their equal.” The man may have turned to scurry like a coward, but Alexandros would have his say nonetheless.
“If I ever see you make another female uncomfortable as I just saw here today, I will end you. I may not take your life with a sword Alexandros, but I will make you wish I did. Your job, your status, the clothes on your very back, the gold drachmae that you enjoy, come from being in my brother's service, yes?” Placing a hand on Alexandros' shoulder, Athanasia slowly sunk her nails in, not enough to bleed though. “If I even hear your name on a breath of some woman and she says that you hurt her, I will make you pay for it. I know what you might be thinking, you answer to my brother. Vangelis would never do that to you. Who do you think he will believe? Me? Or you? Family above everything. That is the Kotas family motto.”
The former mercenary’s hand flashed up to that of the princess. To those looking on, it seemed a friendly conversation, her hand on his shoulder, his hand on hers, smiles all around, but the truth was rarely clear to the on looker. He gripped her wrist tight enough to hold her in place, but not so firm as to cause her any pain. “I think you’ve read this situation quite poorly, my dear Asia. It is I who was insulted, if she is uncomfortable that I did not take her words lying down, that is not my problem. If you wish to rescue her from her own folly, then be my guest and take her away, but don’t threaten me over responding in kind.” He took a moment and gave small smile towards the rest of the room. “If you do want me gone, perhaps he would take your word over mine, but my clothes are mine, my swords are mine, my skills are mine, and someone always has need of a sharp blade and a man who can lead troops. So think for a moment, do you want me on your side or against you, then tell me what you come up with afterwards.” His voice was soft, so quiet that only she could hear him, and his lips were hidden from view. His smile never faded and once he finished, he released her wrist.
“The serving girl, blue eyes, blond hair, barely blossoming into her flower of youth?“
One of the other Kotas siblings said something that caught his attention. Was Kaia here? Surely she and Aea were not so foolish as to come to this auspicious event. They would be spotted as soon as they tried to steal from the first person and he certainly could not have that. His eyes now searched the room for the girl, hoping to find her before anything went terribly wrong.
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“Then allow me to correct the ignorance, Captain Alexandros. Might I introduce Lord Panos of Marikas. Master in Law of Athenia's Senate and grandfather-” he added with significance “-to the young woman you've been keeping gentlemanly company with.”
For the first time since he had known the Crown Prince of Colchis, Alexandros was disappointed in him. The man now identified as Panos had been rude and did not deserve to be rescued from it with platitudes. The officer cared not what titles or false importance the balding man felt he possessed. This was Colchis, not Athenia, no one needed to bend to the whim of some haughty man who had not earned his place, but the Stone Prince laid his honor aside and gave the man what he sought, and that show of weakness irked the young captain to no end. “If Lord Panos had properly introduced himself and offered a question instead of the rude imposition into the conversation, then I am certain none of this would have happened. He would have received the answer he sought had he only asked.” Alexandros said to Vangelis. His tone was neutral as well, but his words were certainly not neutral. His eyes would not break from the glare of the older man, he was committed to not looking away first, he would not show weakness before this aged fop.
“The better part of wisdom invites me to impart some upon you, boy…”He begun, with his voice losing none of the ruthless harshness that if often carried. “Though you may not realize it, not all men are born equal, and whatever you have so earned is attained solely by the Grace of your superiors. I invite you to resist if you must, but do know that your struggles are already in vain. For everything has been preordained by the Gods who reign above, and just as some have been chose to rule and lead, like me and mine, so too others must bend and kneel, like yourself. Now, I bid you farewell. Pray, we meet again in more appropriate tones, boy…”
An unbridled rage shook through the young man at being referred to as nothing more than boy. This balding man who had achieved nothing but was granted station by his birth was speaking down to him as if he was a child, and that was unacceptable. “I have a name, one that you know, and I would never dream to be so rude as to not call someone by their name once I knew it, nor would I turn my back and walk away afterwards. Don’t lecture me or call me boy as if you are my father, for you most certainly aren’t and the gods deserve thanks for that. I have proven that I am suited to lead, and earned my position through my own abilities. The gods know well that I kneel only before them in prayer, just as you do, and we all know that the gods love to humble those who would consider themselves their equal.” The man may have turned to scurry like a coward, but Alexandros would have his say nonetheless.
“If I ever see you make another female uncomfortable as I just saw here today, I will end you. I may not take your life with a sword Alexandros, but I will make you wish I did. Your job, your status, the clothes on your very back, the gold drachmae that you enjoy, come from being in my brother's service, yes?” Placing a hand on Alexandros' shoulder, Athanasia slowly sunk her nails in, not enough to bleed though. “If I even hear your name on a breath of some woman and she says that you hurt her, I will make you pay for it. I know what you might be thinking, you answer to my brother. Vangelis would never do that to you. Who do you think he will believe? Me? Or you? Family above everything. That is the Kotas family motto.”
The former mercenary’s hand flashed up to that of the princess. To those looking on, it seemed a friendly conversation, her hand on his shoulder, his hand on hers, smiles all around, but the truth was rarely clear to the on looker. He gripped her wrist tight enough to hold her in place, but not so firm as to cause her any pain. “I think you’ve read this situation quite poorly, my dear Asia. It is I who was insulted, if she is uncomfortable that I did not take her words lying down, that is not my problem. If you wish to rescue her from her own folly, then be my guest and take her away, but don’t threaten me over responding in kind.” He took a moment and gave small smile towards the rest of the room. “If you do want me gone, perhaps he would take your word over mine, but my clothes are mine, my swords are mine, my skills are mine, and someone always has need of a sharp blade and a man who can lead troops. So think for a moment, do you want me on your side or against you, then tell me what you come up with afterwards.” His voice was soft, so quiet that only she could hear him, and his lips were hidden from view. His smile never faded and once he finished, he released her wrist.
“The serving girl, blue eyes, blond hair, barely blossoming into her flower of youth?“
One of the other Kotas siblings said something that caught his attention. Was Kaia here? Surely she and Aea were not so foolish as to come to this auspicious event. They would be spotted as soon as they tried to steal from the first person and he certainly could not have that. His eyes now searched the room for the girl, hoping to find her before anything went terribly wrong.
“Then allow me to correct the ignorance, Captain Alexandros. Might I introduce Lord Panos of Marikas. Master in Law of Athenia's Senate and grandfather-” he added with significance “-to the young woman you've been keeping gentlemanly company with.”
For the first time since he had known the Crown Prince of Colchis, Alexandros was disappointed in him. The man now identified as Panos had been rude and did not deserve to be rescued from it with platitudes. The officer cared not what titles or false importance the balding man felt he possessed. This was Colchis, not Athenia, no one needed to bend to the whim of some haughty man who had not earned his place, but the Stone Prince laid his honor aside and gave the man what he sought, and that show of weakness irked the young captain to no end. “If Lord Panos had properly introduced himself and offered a question instead of the rude imposition into the conversation, then I am certain none of this would have happened. He would have received the answer he sought had he only asked.” Alexandros said to Vangelis. His tone was neutral as well, but his words were certainly not neutral. His eyes would not break from the glare of the older man, he was committed to not looking away first, he would not show weakness before this aged fop.
“The better part of wisdom invites me to impart some upon you, boy…”He begun, with his voice losing none of the ruthless harshness that if often carried. “Though you may not realize it, not all men are born equal, and whatever you have so earned is attained solely by the Grace of your superiors. I invite you to resist if you must, but do know that your struggles are already in vain. For everything has been preordained by the Gods who reign above, and just as some have been chose to rule and lead, like me and mine, so too others must bend and kneel, like yourself. Now, I bid you farewell. Pray, we meet again in more appropriate tones, boy…”
An unbridled rage shook through the young man at being referred to as nothing more than boy. This balding man who had achieved nothing but was granted station by his birth was speaking down to him as if he was a child, and that was unacceptable. “I have a name, one that you know, and I would never dream to be so rude as to not call someone by their name once I knew it, nor would I turn my back and walk away afterwards. Don’t lecture me or call me boy as if you are my father, for you most certainly aren’t and the gods deserve thanks for that. I have proven that I am suited to lead, and earned my position through my own abilities. The gods know well that I kneel only before them in prayer, just as you do, and we all know that the gods love to humble those who would consider themselves their equal.” The man may have turned to scurry like a coward, but Alexandros would have his say nonetheless.
“If I ever see you make another female uncomfortable as I just saw here today, I will end you. I may not take your life with a sword Alexandros, but I will make you wish I did. Your job, your status, the clothes on your very back, the gold drachmae that you enjoy, come from being in my brother's service, yes?” Placing a hand on Alexandros' shoulder, Athanasia slowly sunk her nails in, not enough to bleed though. “If I even hear your name on a breath of some woman and she says that you hurt her, I will make you pay for it. I know what you might be thinking, you answer to my brother. Vangelis would never do that to you. Who do you think he will believe? Me? Or you? Family above everything. That is the Kotas family motto.”
The former mercenary’s hand flashed up to that of the princess. To those looking on, it seemed a friendly conversation, her hand on his shoulder, his hand on hers, smiles all around, but the truth was rarely clear to the on looker. He gripped her wrist tight enough to hold her in place, but not so firm as to cause her any pain. “I think you’ve read this situation quite poorly, my dear Asia. It is I who was insulted, if she is uncomfortable that I did not take her words lying down, that is not my problem. If you wish to rescue her from her own folly, then be my guest and take her away, but don’t threaten me over responding in kind.” He took a moment and gave small smile towards the rest of the room. “If you do want me gone, perhaps he would take your word over mine, but my clothes are mine, my swords are mine, my skills are mine, and someone always has need of a sharp blade and a man who can lead troops. So think for a moment, do you want me on your side or against you, then tell me what you come up with afterwards.” His voice was soft, so quiet that only she could hear him, and his lips were hidden from view. His smile never faded and once he finished, he released her wrist.
“The serving girl, blue eyes, blond hair, barely blossoming into her flower of youth?“
One of the other Kotas siblings said something that caught his attention. Was Kaia here? Surely she and Aea were not so foolish as to come to this auspicious event. They would be spotted as soon as they tried to steal from the first person and he certainly could not have that. His eyes now searched the room for the girl, hoping to find her before anything went terribly wrong.
’Kaia?’
Kaia willed herself to give a smile, though it seemed sheepish at best. She needed to snap out of her weird numbness and quickly, of that she was incredibly aware. Still, another friendly face was a welcome sight, even if Kaia was struggling to think of how best to explain the situation. Was it likely Rene would believe that Kaia was a bard, a hunter and a servant? Kaia doubted it.
“Hello, Lady Rene,” Kaia greeted, willing herself to appear as normal as possible. “It is nice to see you again.”
’Was that……’ Kaia followed Rene’s gaze to Aea’s retreating form and swallowed nervously. If anyone was going to recognise Aea, it would be Lady Rene. ’What is...happening? Was that your sister? Aea? Who sang to me so magnificently?’
“Uh,” Kaia tried to think of what best to say, but was struggling to come up with a reasonable explanation. She normally had no problem lying to others, especially where her family was involved, but Kaia had also never had friends before, and Lady Ophelia had said that Kaia was hers and Lady Rene’s friend now. Still, Kaia knew how important it was for Aea that her identity remained hidden. For the first time, Kaia wanted to curse Aea for removing her epiblema when she sang the previous day for Lady Rene.
“That was my cousin, Lady Aidoni,” Kaia blurted, trying to avoid the urge to wince. It at least wasn’t a complete lie. Aea was her cousin and she was posing as Lady Aidoni for the night.
Kaia let her gaze follow Rene’s back to the table where Alexandros was seated. The crown prince, Aea’s friend Asia and a balding man were all surrounding him with different varieties of expressions. Kaia’s mouth tightened as she set her gaze properly on Alexandros. It was silly of her to feel so wounded. She knew what he was like. After their conversation the previous day though, she’d let his words snake around her heart despite her best efforts. If she’d just not seen him there, and in turn, then if her father had not entertained the idea of marriage, she would have been fine. The gods were cruel sometimes, but Kaia dared not linger on that thought for long in fear of retribution.
Rene’s gaze returning snapped Kaia back to the present, her own blue orbs focusing on the elegant noble before her.
’I am so sorry.’
Kaia’s expression dropped in surprise slightly, her lips parting ever so slightly. Her immediate response was to dismiss anything she may be feeling, but the words never came. The truth of the matter was that she did feel hurt, or at least numb. She’d been given a cruel awakening for a lesson that she needed to learn. So instead of dismissal, Kaia forced a small smile that didn’t reach her eyes and gave a genuine nod of thanks. If nothing else, she appreciated Rene’s warmth and friendliness. She was a noble, she didn’t owe Kaia anything, certainly not her comfort or support. It just went to show how kind she truly was.
’Why are you not participating?’
“I’m not like everyone else here I suppose,” Kaia answered, not unkindly. It was okay, truly. She was not noble or royal. She had no connections to the crown prince like Alexandros, or to the princess like Aea. If it were not for Kaia wanting to support her cousin after Hektos’ death, she would have gladly stayed back at camp with the rest of the men. She would have been spared the heartache.
Then you would have been burned later. Probably worse. Perhaps the gods weren’t cruel, but benevolent after all. She’d been stung now, but perhaps spared a worse pain later. What if she’d become his betrothed first? The insult would have been so much worse and she would not allow anyone the chance to disrespect her like that, not anymore.
“It’s okay, at least working for my cousin for the night gives me a chance to see what it’s like. Though I don’t think I make a particularly good servant,” Kaia said with a smile. She was relieved to find some sort of explanation with minimal lies as possible.
“Thank you for your kindness,” Kaia added, wanting to be sure to make her appreciation known this time. Kaia was not always very good at voicing her thoughts and feelings, especially towards others. She often didn’t realise she’d missed the opportunity until the moment had passed. She didn’t want that to happen this time though. Lady Rene did not need to bother herself with Kaia’s hurt feelings, but she had anyway. The least Kaia could do was show her thanks.
Lani
Kaia
Lani
Kaia
Awards
First Impressions:Lean, athletic; Straw-blonde hair, stormy blue eyes, and a nearly permanent scowl.
Address: Your
Kaia willed herself to give a smile, though it seemed sheepish at best. She needed to snap out of her weird numbness and quickly, of that she was incredibly aware. Still, another friendly face was a welcome sight, even if Kaia was struggling to think of how best to explain the situation. Was it likely Rene would believe that Kaia was a bard, a hunter and a servant? Kaia doubted it.
“Hello, Lady Rene,” Kaia greeted, willing herself to appear as normal as possible. “It is nice to see you again.”
’Was that……’ Kaia followed Rene’s gaze to Aea’s retreating form and swallowed nervously. If anyone was going to recognise Aea, it would be Lady Rene. ’What is...happening? Was that your sister? Aea? Who sang to me so magnificently?’
“Uh,” Kaia tried to think of what best to say, but was struggling to come up with a reasonable explanation. She normally had no problem lying to others, especially where her family was involved, but Kaia had also never had friends before, and Lady Ophelia had said that Kaia was hers and Lady Rene’s friend now. Still, Kaia knew how important it was for Aea that her identity remained hidden. For the first time, Kaia wanted to curse Aea for removing her epiblema when she sang the previous day for Lady Rene.
“That was my cousin, Lady Aidoni,” Kaia blurted, trying to avoid the urge to wince. It at least wasn’t a complete lie. Aea was her cousin and she was posing as Lady Aidoni for the night.
Kaia let her gaze follow Rene’s back to the table where Alexandros was seated. The crown prince, Aea’s friend Asia and a balding man were all surrounding him with different varieties of expressions. Kaia’s mouth tightened as she set her gaze properly on Alexandros. It was silly of her to feel so wounded. She knew what he was like. After their conversation the previous day though, she’d let his words snake around her heart despite her best efforts. If she’d just not seen him there, and in turn, then if her father had not entertained the idea of marriage, she would have been fine. The gods were cruel sometimes, but Kaia dared not linger on that thought for long in fear of retribution.
Rene’s gaze returning snapped Kaia back to the present, her own blue orbs focusing on the elegant noble before her.
’I am so sorry.’
Kaia’s expression dropped in surprise slightly, her lips parting ever so slightly. Her immediate response was to dismiss anything she may be feeling, but the words never came. The truth of the matter was that she did feel hurt, or at least numb. She’d been given a cruel awakening for a lesson that she needed to learn. So instead of dismissal, Kaia forced a small smile that didn’t reach her eyes and gave a genuine nod of thanks. If nothing else, she appreciated Rene’s warmth and friendliness. She was a noble, she didn’t owe Kaia anything, certainly not her comfort or support. It just went to show how kind she truly was.
’Why are you not participating?’
“I’m not like everyone else here I suppose,” Kaia answered, not unkindly. It was okay, truly. She was not noble or royal. She had no connections to the crown prince like Alexandros, or to the princess like Aea. If it were not for Kaia wanting to support her cousin after Hektos’ death, she would have gladly stayed back at camp with the rest of the men. She would have been spared the heartache.
Then you would have been burned later. Probably worse. Perhaps the gods weren’t cruel, but benevolent after all. She’d been stung now, but perhaps spared a worse pain later. What if she’d become his betrothed first? The insult would have been so much worse and she would not allow anyone the chance to disrespect her like that, not anymore.
“It’s okay, at least working for my cousin for the night gives me a chance to see what it’s like. Though I don’t think I make a particularly good servant,” Kaia said with a smile. She was relieved to find some sort of explanation with minimal lies as possible.
“Thank you for your kindness,” Kaia added, wanting to be sure to make her appreciation known this time. Kaia was not always very good at voicing her thoughts and feelings, especially towards others. She often didn’t realise she’d missed the opportunity until the moment had passed. She didn’t want that to happen this time though. Lady Rene did not need to bother herself with Kaia’s hurt feelings, but she had anyway. The least Kaia could do was show her thanks.
’Kaia?’
Kaia willed herself to give a smile, though it seemed sheepish at best. She needed to snap out of her weird numbness and quickly, of that she was incredibly aware. Still, another friendly face was a welcome sight, even if Kaia was struggling to think of how best to explain the situation. Was it likely Rene would believe that Kaia was a bard, a hunter and a servant? Kaia doubted it.
“Hello, Lady Rene,” Kaia greeted, willing herself to appear as normal as possible. “It is nice to see you again.”
’Was that……’ Kaia followed Rene’s gaze to Aea’s retreating form and swallowed nervously. If anyone was going to recognise Aea, it would be Lady Rene. ’What is...happening? Was that your sister? Aea? Who sang to me so magnificently?’
“Uh,” Kaia tried to think of what best to say, but was struggling to come up with a reasonable explanation. She normally had no problem lying to others, especially where her family was involved, but Kaia had also never had friends before, and Lady Ophelia had said that Kaia was hers and Lady Rene’s friend now. Still, Kaia knew how important it was for Aea that her identity remained hidden. For the first time, Kaia wanted to curse Aea for removing her epiblema when she sang the previous day for Lady Rene.
“That was my cousin, Lady Aidoni,” Kaia blurted, trying to avoid the urge to wince. It at least wasn’t a complete lie. Aea was her cousin and she was posing as Lady Aidoni for the night.
Kaia let her gaze follow Rene’s back to the table where Alexandros was seated. The crown prince, Aea’s friend Asia and a balding man were all surrounding him with different varieties of expressions. Kaia’s mouth tightened as she set her gaze properly on Alexandros. It was silly of her to feel so wounded. She knew what he was like. After their conversation the previous day though, she’d let his words snake around her heart despite her best efforts. If she’d just not seen him there, and in turn, then if her father had not entertained the idea of marriage, she would have been fine. The gods were cruel sometimes, but Kaia dared not linger on that thought for long in fear of retribution.
Rene’s gaze returning snapped Kaia back to the present, her own blue orbs focusing on the elegant noble before her.
’I am so sorry.’
Kaia’s expression dropped in surprise slightly, her lips parting ever so slightly. Her immediate response was to dismiss anything she may be feeling, but the words never came. The truth of the matter was that she did feel hurt, or at least numb. She’d been given a cruel awakening for a lesson that she needed to learn. So instead of dismissal, Kaia forced a small smile that didn’t reach her eyes and gave a genuine nod of thanks. If nothing else, she appreciated Rene’s warmth and friendliness. She was a noble, she didn’t owe Kaia anything, certainly not her comfort or support. It just went to show how kind she truly was.
’Why are you not participating?’
“I’m not like everyone else here I suppose,” Kaia answered, not unkindly. It was okay, truly. She was not noble or royal. She had no connections to the crown prince like Alexandros, or to the princess like Aea. If it were not for Kaia wanting to support her cousin after Hektos’ death, she would have gladly stayed back at camp with the rest of the men. She would have been spared the heartache.
Then you would have been burned later. Probably worse. Perhaps the gods weren’t cruel, but benevolent after all. She’d been stung now, but perhaps spared a worse pain later. What if she’d become his betrothed first? The insult would have been so much worse and she would not allow anyone the chance to disrespect her like that, not anymore.
“It’s okay, at least working for my cousin for the night gives me a chance to see what it’s like. Though I don’t think I make a particularly good servant,” Kaia said with a smile. She was relieved to find some sort of explanation with minimal lies as possible.
“Thank you for your kindness,” Kaia added, wanting to be sure to make her appreciation known this time. Kaia was not always very good at voicing her thoughts and feelings, especially towards others. She often didn’t realise she’d missed the opportunity until the moment had passed. She didn’t want that to happen this time though. Lady Rene did not need to bother herself with Kaia’s hurt feelings, but she had anyway. The least Kaia could do was show her thanks.
One moment, it had just been the two of them speaking. One moment, she was almost unaware of the world around them. Unaware that her conversation had become the focus of attention for several figures quite a bit more powerful than she had intended to attract to her. The prime among these was her grandfather. Panos of Marikas had a legendarily intense presence to him even when he was in a rather pleasant mood, and that was most certainly not now. The man was furious, and currently it was difficult to tell whether it was with her or this man. This man who had so cruelly and likely unintentionally peeled back the armor she wore and exposed the frightened woman within. She could hear the anger in Panos' words, but the actual speech did not reach her ears. Instead, she was still staring into the middle distance, her world shrinking in on itself once more as she was vaguely aware of more arguing, then another man joining them.
How had she ended up here? Trembling, frightened, surrounded by men on all sides. She was stronger than this. She knew she was stronger than this! All her life she had stood up to the men that believed they could control her, and yet here at this table she had been turned into a scared little girl, huddling to herself to save what little face she had left. What was she supposed to do? Argue? Yell? Scream? Blister and blunder with rage and fury as she was always wont to do? What had that gotten her? What had gotten her in this very conversation, let alone in life? She felt crowded. Surrounded. Trapped. Her breathing was coming to her in waves, more and more difficult. She had escape. She had to run. To leave this place and her shame behind, she had to turn tail and flee-
And then there was a break. A breech in the ever-collapsing wall closing in around that exposed some manner of light she could use to see herself and the situation clearly. A woman occupying her vision. A woman she recognized as Athanasia of Kotas, the princess of the nation which she currently found herself in. She blinked rapidly, drawn out of her trance, Athanasia's words finally reaching her. She did not understand a moment, but it did finally dawn on her what the princess was offering: an escape that would at least somewhat save her dignity and pride from the trap that she had dug and set for herself. A lifeline to a drowning woman, and Daniil was intelligent enough to grasp onto it.
"Yes. Yes, my lady Athanasia, that sounds lovely. I would be delighted to spend time with you." She cast one last look at Alexandros as she stood up, shuddering and glancing away again. Pick a serving girl. When her Grandfather spoke up instead as she was being escorted away, unaware of the threat that Athanasia had delivered to Alexandros, she glanced back at him, then to her rescuer, and back to her grandfather, though he had already turned away once more after delivering yet another spite-filled speech.
"Uhm. . . I. . ." She bit her lower lip, the unfamiliar and unwelcome emotion of uncertainty taking over her. "I would submit to whatever seating arrangement you would see fit to place us in, Athanasia, if I may call you such."
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One moment, it had just been the two of them speaking. One moment, she was almost unaware of the world around them. Unaware that her conversation had become the focus of attention for several figures quite a bit more powerful than she had intended to attract to her. The prime among these was her grandfather. Panos of Marikas had a legendarily intense presence to him even when he was in a rather pleasant mood, and that was most certainly not now. The man was furious, and currently it was difficult to tell whether it was with her or this man. This man who had so cruelly and likely unintentionally peeled back the armor she wore and exposed the frightened woman within. She could hear the anger in Panos' words, but the actual speech did not reach her ears. Instead, she was still staring into the middle distance, her world shrinking in on itself once more as she was vaguely aware of more arguing, then another man joining them.
How had she ended up here? Trembling, frightened, surrounded by men on all sides. She was stronger than this. She knew she was stronger than this! All her life she had stood up to the men that believed they could control her, and yet here at this table she had been turned into a scared little girl, huddling to herself to save what little face she had left. What was she supposed to do? Argue? Yell? Scream? Blister and blunder with rage and fury as she was always wont to do? What had that gotten her? What had gotten her in this very conversation, let alone in life? She felt crowded. Surrounded. Trapped. Her breathing was coming to her in waves, more and more difficult. She had escape. She had to run. To leave this place and her shame behind, she had to turn tail and flee-
And then there was a break. A breech in the ever-collapsing wall closing in around that exposed some manner of light she could use to see herself and the situation clearly. A woman occupying her vision. A woman she recognized as Athanasia of Kotas, the princess of the nation which she currently found herself in. She blinked rapidly, drawn out of her trance, Athanasia's words finally reaching her. She did not understand a moment, but it did finally dawn on her what the princess was offering: an escape that would at least somewhat save her dignity and pride from the trap that she had dug and set for herself. A lifeline to a drowning woman, and Daniil was intelligent enough to grasp onto it.
"Yes. Yes, my lady Athanasia, that sounds lovely. I would be delighted to spend time with you." She cast one last look at Alexandros as she stood up, shuddering and glancing away again. Pick a serving girl. When her Grandfather spoke up instead as she was being escorted away, unaware of the threat that Athanasia had delivered to Alexandros, she glanced back at him, then to her rescuer, and back to her grandfather, though he had already turned away once more after delivering yet another spite-filled speech.
"Uhm. . . I. . ." She bit her lower lip, the unfamiliar and unwelcome emotion of uncertainty taking over her. "I would submit to whatever seating arrangement you would see fit to place us in, Athanasia, if I may call you such."
One moment, it had just been the two of them speaking. One moment, she was almost unaware of the world around them. Unaware that her conversation had become the focus of attention for several figures quite a bit more powerful than she had intended to attract to her. The prime among these was her grandfather. Panos of Marikas had a legendarily intense presence to him even when he was in a rather pleasant mood, and that was most certainly not now. The man was furious, and currently it was difficult to tell whether it was with her or this man. This man who had so cruelly and likely unintentionally peeled back the armor she wore and exposed the frightened woman within. She could hear the anger in Panos' words, but the actual speech did not reach her ears. Instead, she was still staring into the middle distance, her world shrinking in on itself once more as she was vaguely aware of more arguing, then another man joining them.
How had she ended up here? Trembling, frightened, surrounded by men on all sides. She was stronger than this. She knew she was stronger than this! All her life she had stood up to the men that believed they could control her, and yet here at this table she had been turned into a scared little girl, huddling to herself to save what little face she had left. What was she supposed to do? Argue? Yell? Scream? Blister and blunder with rage and fury as she was always wont to do? What had that gotten her? What had gotten her in this very conversation, let alone in life? She felt crowded. Surrounded. Trapped. Her breathing was coming to her in waves, more and more difficult. She had escape. She had to run. To leave this place and her shame behind, she had to turn tail and flee-
And then there was a break. A breech in the ever-collapsing wall closing in around that exposed some manner of light she could use to see herself and the situation clearly. A woman occupying her vision. A woman she recognized as Athanasia of Kotas, the princess of the nation which she currently found herself in. She blinked rapidly, drawn out of her trance, Athanasia's words finally reaching her. She did not understand a moment, but it did finally dawn on her what the princess was offering: an escape that would at least somewhat save her dignity and pride from the trap that she had dug and set for herself. A lifeline to a drowning woman, and Daniil was intelligent enough to grasp onto it.
"Yes. Yes, my lady Athanasia, that sounds lovely. I would be delighted to spend time with you." She cast one last look at Alexandros as she stood up, shuddering and glancing away again. Pick a serving girl. When her Grandfather spoke up instead as she was being escorted away, unaware of the threat that Athanasia had delivered to Alexandros, she glanced back at him, then to her rescuer, and back to her grandfather, though he had already turned away once more after delivering yet another spite-filled speech.
"Uhm. . . I. . ." She bit her lower lip, the unfamiliar and unwelcome emotion of uncertainty taking over her. "I would submit to whatever seating arrangement you would see fit to place us in, Athanasia, if I may call you such."
Athanasia was moving in a fast walk to get ahead of Aea, having every expectation that she was going to have something to say about the coins that she just got, and she was right. When her new friend caught up with her, one look at her expression had sent Asia into a giggle as she listened to her friend complain while saying she would not complain. "You did. You think I don't know what you did back there, but I know." How could she explain how much it made her happy just to have someone she could trust like she did with Aea? It was a feeling, something that told her that she could, and seeing the kindness in Aea match what Asia instinctively felt; it was an elation. "Also, you will work for it. If you accept the retainer position I offered, you will get paid weekly. I am also playing with another thought, but I need to see something before I offer it to you."
It was true, watching her defend them both against Yiannis had inspired her with a new idea to build upon the position of retainer if Aea accepted it. It would be more involved, possibly dangerous, and pay exceptionally more as well. Athanasia didn't think she would need one, but a princess never knew what might happen from one day to the next, and Athanasia wasn't a normal princess. As they walked with their arms laced, Asia's mind played with thoughts of what she could possibly do just to get Aea to accept the retainer position. Sure she would still hang out with her even if she didn't, but it would just be easier to make sure her friend was safe. If there was one thing her family taught her was that life was precious and it was like a flame on a candle, easily snuffed out. From war to sickness to a drunk angry man, life could go out far too easily and Asia didn't like that thought. She almost missed what Aea said when she talked of arguing next time, earning her a snort as she tried not to laugh. "Good luck to you as well." And with those words, she gave Aea a big smile that showed her teeth, a smile that wouldn't fool anyone to thinking it was sweet but completely mischievous.
As they walked into the building and Aea admired the architectural design, Athanasia explained what they usually used the site for, smiling when she asked if she ever went. Shaking her head, "No, usually this is the men's field to hold the councils and debates. My aunt goes, but she is also the head of her house. Debates and Councils usually are handled by the king, heads of houses, and barons." She left out that she possibly could ask to go if she pestered her eldest brother enough, he was the head of their house so she could technically ask him, it was just a matter of if she wanted to even try. Which usually she never did since there was always something else far more entertaining to do elsewhere. It was then that they came upon her parents, and she knew that they could see the way her eyes glittered in amusement while she introduced Aea to them as Lady Aidoni. They would probably know that she was lying about who she was but now was not the time to ask in front of all the dignitaries. She was always doing something, so as Aea went into full character, she could see the amusement in her father's eyes. She knew that she got her mischievousness from him, not that he would ever admit that, and he could see right through her games even when no one else seemed to.
Once the greetings were finished, Asia quickly guided Aea to their seats as she leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Breathe. Father finds you amusing. I do not think mother suspects yet, I did not get the disapproving glare." With that, she lost it as she covered her mouth to hide her laugh. She knew that Aea would probably smack her or freak out if she knew that the king could see that she was not who she said she was. Though it was through no fault of her own, but of Asia's, because he knew her so damn well. They finally found their places at the table when Athanasia said hello to her brother Vangelis and the pretty lady at his side. Aea was just about to speak when Vangelis just interupts her all together, to which Asia was quick to admonish him. He might be her older brother and the crown prince, but that did not mean he had to be a rude ass. Mother would be furious if she saw him just now. It was then that Yiannis joined them as well.
The conversation was stiff with Athanasia's anger as she debated on throwing her drink or kicking her brother for his rudeness when Aea found her voice and spoke up, speaking on him becoming senseless because he was surrounded by beautiful women. Now that it was pointed out, she wondered about that as she eyed her eldest brother. Did he like women? She has never seen him look at any woman outside of the normal way when he was speaking with them or they do something that absolutely draws his attention, but otherwise.. Did he like women like that? He acted nothing like Zanon or Yiannis was acting with Aea, or even Silas when he was home and flirting with the ladies at court. Was Vangelis.. different? As the conversation progressed and she snuck a glass of water for Aea as she traded for wine, Asia could feel the wine warm her cheeks as her ire rose. She voiced her irritation in the form of a veiled threat to tell their mother just how annoying Vangelis was being when he suddenly excused himself. She watched him go as he went to remove some lady from the room.
The conversation flowed around her as she made sure to keep her glass full of wine while also making sure Aea had enough water as well. For a moment her mind went back to the night they met and had bonded over wine, talking and just being normal without all the pretenses that came with parties and gatherings like the one they were at now. As Yiannis and Aea talked, Athanasia listened quietly as they seemed to be continuing their flirtations from before. Looking over at the blonde lady that Vangelis was so rude too, she was quiet in her comment to just her "I am sorry about my brother, Vangelis. He usually isn't such an ass. Normally he is quite nice.." At least what she knows of him and seen of him, right? Or was she wrong all along? Did she only see what she wanted too because he was her brother? He was always there for her when she needed him the most, he always tolerated her jokes and pranks acting almost like father would even though father would laugh more.
Aea pulled Asia from her thoughts when she drew her attention to the conversation at hand, asking about philosophy and sciences. Her answer making Aea's eyebrows rise had Asia smiling when she commented on her insisting. "Oh I do, I think it would be fun to see your customs. As for the talks on philosophy, I must admit I have always hated the subject." Leaning towards Aea, she whispered in her ear, "I also don't debate because men are big babies when it comes to losing to a woman in anything. So I don't debate." Looking over at her brother, she motioned to him as she smiled sweetly that he was much more apt to answer her questions in the scholarly arts, which was true too. All the royal children grew up with the best of tutors to learn. So she knew that he could well answer her questions that she had. Athanasia was watching the conversation across the table, it seemed like Alexandros had found a new face to flirt with, even though her body language seemed to scream that she did not want and of his attentions at all. He would learn, even if that came from him getting smacked right across that smug face of his. This was a dinner for the royals to say goodbye, so there was a very good chance that the girl was royal, unless someone invited her in like Asia did with Aea. Athanasia did not recognize her, so she doubted she was a Colchian royal. She was only half paying attention since she was also paying attention to what Aea and her brother were talking about, but the sharp sound of a cup slamming on the table was loud enough that it drew her attention completely, the girl looked like she was shrinking in on herself as she appeared to want to be anywhere but where she was in that moment, listening closer she could just make out Alexandos' hushed rumblings 'You...someone...to...engravings...come on...pick...serving girl...ravish her together.' Was he seriously trying to persuade a royal to something she clearly does not want to do? A visiting royal could outright kill him for the offense and he is just putting his neck out there for the sword to swing. Not including being a complete embarrassment to the Kotas family that he serves. Both Aea and Asia were up and moving to that side of the table, Aea grabbing a servant girl before disappearing, and Athanasia was just behind her brother as she listened in. It was much worse than she imagined. She was the granddaughter of Lord Panos, Athanasia remembered hearing from talks with her mother about the important people that would attend. They were on friendly terms with the family and while Colchis has trade agreements also within Taengea, it never hurts to keep both in good graces. Also, that proved that Athanasia's assumption was correct, she was indeed a foreign dignitary and she could have every right to kill Alexandros right at the table and no one would charge her with anything as the treaty still stands. To say that would put a damper on her mother and aunt's dinner party and it would be entirely Alexandros' fault, was an understatement. Athanasia could clearly see how uncomfortable the woman was growing as more men seemed to start to surround her.
Tensions were high and Athanasia wanted to keep things as calm as possible as she worked almost in tandem with her brother Vangelis as he tried to keep the peace between Lord Panos and Alexandros. Stepping around the men, she found the shrinking woman and held out her hand as she introduced herself. She offered a way to remove Lady Daniil from the middle of the chaos as she asked if it was ok if she could come sit with Athanasia. It was true that she wanted to meet her, her rumored short swordsmanship was something that Athanasia wanted to ask her about and see if she could possibly learn from the woman. When Lady Daniil seemed to like the idea and accepted the offer to move seats, Asia smiled before she turned to pose the question to the men that she had to ask. Normally she would just do what she wanted, but this was a delicate situation now and Athanasia did not want her parents to be looked upon poorly with her behavior. Now it was up to Lord Panos and Vangelis to agree to the move. Athanasia did not miss the look that Daniil had given Alexandros and the shutter that followed. It would take everything in her not to punch this man in the mouth for his stupidity. A man's pride was the worst thing that the gods ever created. After this, she was so asking Vangelis to give her a barony like Immeya has, after this mess, she deserves something. A new sword at bare minimum. Hearing Daniil beside her, Athanasia looked over at her and saw her bite her lip, it was clear she didn't know what she should do even as she stated she would sit wherever and asked if it was ok if she called her Athanasia. The unspoken question made her smile as she nodded, "You may, or you may call me Asia like my friends do, whichever you feel more comfortable with. May I call you Daniil?" Looking back over at the men, Athanasia still placed herself in front of Daniil, standing there like a shield until the woman was ready to step out. So when she met Lord Panos' gaze as he stared her down, possibly pondering if he should even allow Lady Daniil to be anywhere near someone who has the reputation that Athanasia does of being too wild and difficult to deal with and didn't act like princesses are usually perceived to need to act. She did not look away though, used to being judged as she was, it did not bother her. It wasn't but a moment, but felt longer, till Lord Panos nodded his agreement and addressed her. "Thank you, my lord. I shall look forward to possibly becoming great friends with Lady Daniil." When he made a counter-offer, Athanasia wasn't sure what she should do. Would Aea be ok on her own at the table? She made a note to talk to Yiannis before she went to sit with them as she smiled and nodded. "I could not be happier than to come sit with you both and be able to talk. I have always wanted to hear more about the friendship between our families and about Athenia and it's beauty. I was very young when I last was there, I sadly do not remember as much as I would have liked too. I will be just one moment as I let my brother Yiannis know I will not be returning to my seat next to him." It was a true statement, having been many years since she had been outside of Colchis and the last time she was, it was a trip to Taengea. Vangelis told her that she had been to Athenia before but she could not recall it though she wished she did from the stories she heard how others have spoken of it.
Smiling over at Vangelis as he took care of things with the men, Athanasia did pause by Alexandros as she offered a veiled threat, a warning about making a woman uncomfortable as he just did. She was indeed angry with him for placing not only Lady Daniil in an uncomfortable position but as well as making Vangelis look very poorly to Lord Panos since Vangelis was Alexandros' commander and he still acted that way even when Vangelis pointed out who Lord Panos and Lady Daniil were. So when Alexandros placed his hand over hers, holding her in place, the friendly smile she did have had disappeared. His grip was tight around her wrist, a prevention to keep her in place, as his next words had her shaking her head. "My friend, I wish you would put your pride away for a moment before it gets you killed. You might have been insulted, but that is when you should have looked to Prince Vangelis for what should've be done since he is your commanding officer. I threatened and insulted you because you need to learn to read body language. When a woman is shirking away from you, it does not mean that she wants you to make any sexual suggestions to her. Either involving just you or a servent girl. Not every female is after your cock. So not only did you make a woman uncomfortable enough that she needed to insult you to try and get you to leave her alone, you also managed to make your comander look bad because you do not know how to listen." She was annoyed with him for how he did push the girl, even though he claimed he was insulted, she never understood how that warrented that she was somehow wanting sexual solicitations from him. The body language alone screamed that that woman wanted to be anywhere else except near Alexandros. That was the topping to her annoyance at his blatant disregard for her brother as he tried to save his stupid captian. Athanasia watched as he turned and smiled towards the rest of the room before turning back to her, his next words sending Asia into a blind rage that she does not often find herself in as his words implied that he would go on opposing forces, against her and her family. In her rage, Asia's free hand pulled his cloak up over his head, effectively blinding the man as she placed him in a tight headlock with her free arm. She was quick to follow with the hand that was still in his grip now under the cloak as she gripped his chiton and pulled him even closer as she practically growled in his ear, her voice now made loud enough by her anger that only those in the immediate surrounding seats could possibly over hear and the rage was clearly heard even through the fabric of his cloak, "Do you not see that I am trying to save your fucking life, you idiot?! Do not think that Lord Panos would not possibly ask my brother for your life and that is if he does not just take it? Because of the treaty he could indeed just take it and we would not be able to touch him because he is a visiting royal. Visiting royals have complete immunity, just like Colchian royals would have in Athenia or in Taengea. He and his granddaughter have immunity that you do not have since you are not a royal AND you are in Colchis, so think! If we were not in Colchis, if this were Athenia, he would not be able to touch you without jumping through all sorts of legal hoops of his nation. If he killed you, he could get punished in Athenia, but that is only if we are there. Here, he is immune. Why do you think we are placating? It is not just to keep the treaty intacted, it is to keep you alive from your own pride. Which would you rather have?! Some threats from me, a friend that you know will not actually hurt you but others could hear the threat and leave you be, thinking you are being punished like they think you should be, or someone else who could just take your life and never get in trouble for it because of a peace treaty that was made 10 years ago between nations?! I said what I said to get you to shut up before that is exactly what happens!" The wine had fueled her rage at this man's stupid pride, she knew he would be mad that she blinded him and now held him in a headlock, but with his stupid comments it was better an embarrassing moment over a blade in his stomach. Glaring at his covered head, Asia shook her head as she sighed, wondering if she would have to really hurt this man just for him to see some sense. "If there was no treaty, for one, yes there would be no immunity but there would still be war between the nations. The food that we eat here in Colchis comes mainly from trade with Athenia and Taengea, no treaty, that becomes a little bit more difficult. More people in our home will starve. No treaty, we would have to worry about attacks from both sides, and never be able to call on Athenia or Taengea for aid if the northerners attack us. Is that what you want? Do you want to ruin ten years of my father's work with the other nations for your pride? Because you were insulted by some harsh words? As for this headlock, I know I have kicked you harder when we have trained, this is nothing but to get you to stop and think. I know that this was nothing but a blow to your pride." Her free hand, even wrapped around his neck, now made a small fist as she tapped it against the side of his collarbone closest to her that she could reach with her around his neck as she still tried talking some sense into him one last time. "If it makes it easier for you to stomach and look like you have some upper hand on everyone, you can leave. No one will stop you. I will tell you one thing though, that pride that you have borders on arrogance. Arrogant men get killed because they are to blind to see past their own pride to see the bigger picture. I happen to like having you around and seeing how far you will go. A dead Alexandros is of no use to me or anyone, so stay alive." Shoving at him, Athanasia jerked her hand free of his grip as she released him from the headlock, to everyone it looked like she still was truly in a rage with whatever he said, her cheeks red from embarrassment and anger. He would know though, hopefully, if his pride did not keep him being a fucking moron. Meeting his gaze once more with her own stormy one, she gave him a look that almost screamed for him to just swallow his colchian pride just this once and keep his retorts to himself. He says one more stupid thing, she will hit him, there would be no doubt about it. The only question would remain would be if it was an open hand or closed fist. Either way, it was Alexandros' call on what happened to him next. A new sword wouldn't cut it after this though. This would have to be repaid with something truly worthy of a royal, if she were a man, she would definitely get a barony and that will be what she demands for this insanity from her brother once dinner was over. She was going to get something worthy for the fighting she is doing now to keep this dinner from going to shit.
She had moved back to where she was sitting to stop next to Yiannis, still flustered and angry as she put her hand on his shoulder a moment to catch his attention. A servant had come and moved the plates around and brought clean dishes for the glasses that were used. "Lord Panos has asked that I come sit with him and Lady Daniil at his table. I just wanted to let you know before I just disappeared." Looking around she noted that she did not see Aea anywhere and wondered just where her friend disappeared too. "Where is Lady Aidoni? Also, please.. Please keep an eye on her, Yiannis. Keep her safe for me." They weren't usually a bunch to show displays of affection in public though Asia did sneak them in from time to time, like now, as she smiled while giving her brother's shoulder a light squeeze in thanks before she turned to head to the other table. It was when he mentioned that she disappeared with her friend, Athanasia stopped, the confusion showed clearly on her face as she met her brother’s gaze that clearly said ‘what friend?’ without so many words. She didn't know anyone that she knew would know Aea or that fit the description Yiannis just gave her. Shaking her head, she didn’t voice her concern before she moved to find her new seat. Aea was her own woman and if she did have someone she knew and went to say hi, then that was her right, Asia just wanted to make sure she was safe. As she moved past her old seat, she never anticipated the man that sat in the chair right next to it and would have been sitting next to her if Lord Panos had not asked for her to move over by him with Daniil. Her surprise was evident as he made his comment on her ire, her cheeks no longer red from anger but from something else entirely. He was there that long to see? "It was hopefully a misunderstanding that was remedied and all is now well." She could feel the heat warming her cheeks, it had to be the wine, that must be it. "Why are you late? I thought you had left?" Why did she care? Oh gods above save her or strike her dead, something.. For a moment, Asia was flustered as she tried to think of some kind of witty retort that she could use, before she just failed as she fumbled to find the right words. Seeing Lady Daniil and Lord Panos find their seats saved her from further embarrassing herself, "Ahh, excuse me. I was requested to sit with Lord Panos and Lady Daniil. So... enjoy your dinner, Lord Elias." It was a quick exit, not graceful at all with her words as she just now wished that Hades would open the ground and have the earth swallow her whole to be hidden away in the underworld. Would Ares possibly come to give her an escape plan from her embarrassment?
Finding her new seat, Athanasia didn't look to see who she sat by until she had her glass of wine in hand. It was Lady Daniil on her left and to her right was a face she did not see often but one she had great respect for and a healthy dose of intimidation of; Lady Thea of Thanasi. Athanasia always found the Thanasi intriguing while most were afraid of them. She thought that Lady Nethis was very regal and refined in her opinion. She liked how it seemed like she did not care what anyone thought of her, and Asia admired that. She knew she liked Lady Evras, they got along well whenever she saw her sister-in-law. Lord Mihail was on another level, someone she was drawn to since she was 15 and he saved her from ripping her own hair out. She kept that to herself though. She never met Lord Dysus, but rumors circulate, Athanasia never had put any worth in rumors. Now with the woman seated to her right, there was an air about her that honestly intimidated Asia far more than any other lady in the court. It wasn't what she did or how she dressed or looked or anything to that nature, but it was something in her gaze that was truly capturing in Asia's opinion. She had seen her a few times in the past when she would watch how the ladies of the court moved, wanting to emulate their grace and presence in a way that her mother had wanted her to become as well. It was those moments, a couple times, that she had met Lady Thea's gaze and didn't even realize it. It was entrancing to say the least and the moment that Athanasia realized that she possibly got caught staring in wonder, had her practically avoiding the woman up until now. Now, she was right next to her.
Should she say something? A greeting? A lifting silent salute of her cup as a greeting? Ignoring her would be rude. Maybe only say something if she speaks first? Taking her glass of wine she lifted it and raised it slightly in greeting towards the woman next to her, "Hello."
Athene
Athanasia
Athene
Athanasia
Awards
First Impressions:Leggy; Warm, bronze-colored eyes; thick wavy hair & an easy smile.
Address: Your Royal Highness
Athanasia was moving in a fast walk to get ahead of Aea, having every expectation that she was going to have something to say about the coins that she just got, and she was right. When her new friend caught up with her, one look at her expression had sent Asia into a giggle as she listened to her friend complain while saying she would not complain. "You did. You think I don't know what you did back there, but I know." How could she explain how much it made her happy just to have someone she could trust like she did with Aea? It was a feeling, something that told her that she could, and seeing the kindness in Aea match what Asia instinctively felt; it was an elation. "Also, you will work for it. If you accept the retainer position I offered, you will get paid weekly. I am also playing with another thought, but I need to see something before I offer it to you."
It was true, watching her defend them both against Yiannis had inspired her with a new idea to build upon the position of retainer if Aea accepted it. It would be more involved, possibly dangerous, and pay exceptionally more as well. Athanasia didn't think she would need one, but a princess never knew what might happen from one day to the next, and Athanasia wasn't a normal princess. As they walked with their arms laced, Asia's mind played with thoughts of what she could possibly do just to get Aea to accept the retainer position. Sure she would still hang out with her even if she didn't, but it would just be easier to make sure her friend was safe. If there was one thing her family taught her was that life was precious and it was like a flame on a candle, easily snuffed out. From war to sickness to a drunk angry man, life could go out far too easily and Asia didn't like that thought. She almost missed what Aea said when she talked of arguing next time, earning her a snort as she tried not to laugh. "Good luck to you as well." And with those words, she gave Aea a big smile that showed her teeth, a smile that wouldn't fool anyone to thinking it was sweet but completely mischievous.
As they walked into the building and Aea admired the architectural design, Athanasia explained what they usually used the site for, smiling when she asked if she ever went. Shaking her head, "No, usually this is the men's field to hold the councils and debates. My aunt goes, but she is also the head of her house. Debates and Councils usually are handled by the king, heads of houses, and barons." She left out that she possibly could ask to go if she pestered her eldest brother enough, he was the head of their house so she could technically ask him, it was just a matter of if she wanted to even try. Which usually she never did since there was always something else far more entertaining to do elsewhere. It was then that they came upon her parents, and she knew that they could see the way her eyes glittered in amusement while she introduced Aea to them as Lady Aidoni. They would probably know that she was lying about who she was but now was not the time to ask in front of all the dignitaries. She was always doing something, so as Aea went into full character, she could see the amusement in her father's eyes. She knew that she got her mischievousness from him, not that he would ever admit that, and he could see right through her games even when no one else seemed to.
Once the greetings were finished, Asia quickly guided Aea to their seats as she leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Breathe. Father finds you amusing. I do not think mother suspects yet, I did not get the disapproving glare." With that, she lost it as she covered her mouth to hide her laugh. She knew that Aea would probably smack her or freak out if she knew that the king could see that she was not who she said she was. Though it was through no fault of her own, but of Asia's, because he knew her so damn well. They finally found their places at the table when Athanasia said hello to her brother Vangelis and the pretty lady at his side. Aea was just about to speak when Vangelis just interupts her all together, to which Asia was quick to admonish him. He might be her older brother and the crown prince, but that did not mean he had to be a rude ass. Mother would be furious if she saw him just now. It was then that Yiannis joined them as well.
The conversation was stiff with Athanasia's anger as she debated on throwing her drink or kicking her brother for his rudeness when Aea found her voice and spoke up, speaking on him becoming senseless because he was surrounded by beautiful women. Now that it was pointed out, she wondered about that as she eyed her eldest brother. Did he like women? She has never seen him look at any woman outside of the normal way when he was speaking with them or they do something that absolutely draws his attention, but otherwise.. Did he like women like that? He acted nothing like Zanon or Yiannis was acting with Aea, or even Silas when he was home and flirting with the ladies at court. Was Vangelis.. different? As the conversation progressed and she snuck a glass of water for Aea as she traded for wine, Asia could feel the wine warm her cheeks as her ire rose. She voiced her irritation in the form of a veiled threat to tell their mother just how annoying Vangelis was being when he suddenly excused himself. She watched him go as he went to remove some lady from the room.
The conversation flowed around her as she made sure to keep her glass full of wine while also making sure Aea had enough water as well. For a moment her mind went back to the night they met and had bonded over wine, talking and just being normal without all the pretenses that came with parties and gatherings like the one they were at now. As Yiannis and Aea talked, Athanasia listened quietly as they seemed to be continuing their flirtations from before. Looking over at the blonde lady that Vangelis was so rude too, she was quiet in her comment to just her "I am sorry about my brother, Vangelis. He usually isn't such an ass. Normally he is quite nice.." At least what she knows of him and seen of him, right? Or was she wrong all along? Did she only see what she wanted too because he was her brother? He was always there for her when she needed him the most, he always tolerated her jokes and pranks acting almost like father would even though father would laugh more.
Aea pulled Asia from her thoughts when she drew her attention to the conversation at hand, asking about philosophy and sciences. Her answer making Aea's eyebrows rise had Asia smiling when she commented on her insisting. "Oh I do, I think it would be fun to see your customs. As for the talks on philosophy, I must admit I have always hated the subject." Leaning towards Aea, she whispered in her ear, "I also don't debate because men are big babies when it comes to losing to a woman in anything. So I don't debate." Looking over at her brother, she motioned to him as she smiled sweetly that he was much more apt to answer her questions in the scholarly arts, which was true too. All the royal children grew up with the best of tutors to learn. So she knew that he could well answer her questions that she had. Athanasia was watching the conversation across the table, it seemed like Alexandros had found a new face to flirt with, even though her body language seemed to scream that she did not want and of his attentions at all. He would learn, even if that came from him getting smacked right across that smug face of his. This was a dinner for the royals to say goodbye, so there was a very good chance that the girl was royal, unless someone invited her in like Asia did with Aea. Athanasia did not recognize her, so she doubted she was a Colchian royal. She was only half paying attention since she was also paying attention to what Aea and her brother were talking about, but the sharp sound of a cup slamming on the table was loud enough that it drew her attention completely, the girl looked like she was shrinking in on herself as she appeared to want to be anywhere but where she was in that moment, listening closer she could just make out Alexandos' hushed rumblings 'You...someone...to...engravings...come on...pick...serving girl...ravish her together.' Was he seriously trying to persuade a royal to something she clearly does not want to do? A visiting royal could outright kill him for the offense and he is just putting his neck out there for the sword to swing. Not including being a complete embarrassment to the Kotas family that he serves. Both Aea and Asia were up and moving to that side of the table, Aea grabbing a servant girl before disappearing, and Athanasia was just behind her brother as she listened in. It was much worse than she imagined. She was the granddaughter of Lord Panos, Athanasia remembered hearing from talks with her mother about the important people that would attend. They were on friendly terms with the family and while Colchis has trade agreements also within Taengea, it never hurts to keep both in good graces. Also, that proved that Athanasia's assumption was correct, she was indeed a foreign dignitary and she could have every right to kill Alexandros right at the table and no one would charge her with anything as the treaty still stands. To say that would put a damper on her mother and aunt's dinner party and it would be entirely Alexandros' fault, was an understatement. Athanasia could clearly see how uncomfortable the woman was growing as more men seemed to start to surround her.
Tensions were high and Athanasia wanted to keep things as calm as possible as she worked almost in tandem with her brother Vangelis as he tried to keep the peace between Lord Panos and Alexandros. Stepping around the men, she found the shrinking woman and held out her hand as she introduced herself. She offered a way to remove Lady Daniil from the middle of the chaos as she asked if it was ok if she could come sit with Athanasia. It was true that she wanted to meet her, her rumored short swordsmanship was something that Athanasia wanted to ask her about and see if she could possibly learn from the woman. When Lady Daniil seemed to like the idea and accepted the offer to move seats, Asia smiled before she turned to pose the question to the men that she had to ask. Normally she would just do what she wanted, but this was a delicate situation now and Athanasia did not want her parents to be looked upon poorly with her behavior. Now it was up to Lord Panos and Vangelis to agree to the move. Athanasia did not miss the look that Daniil had given Alexandros and the shutter that followed. It would take everything in her not to punch this man in the mouth for his stupidity. A man's pride was the worst thing that the gods ever created. After this, she was so asking Vangelis to give her a barony like Immeya has, after this mess, she deserves something. A new sword at bare minimum. Hearing Daniil beside her, Athanasia looked over at her and saw her bite her lip, it was clear she didn't know what she should do even as she stated she would sit wherever and asked if it was ok if she called her Athanasia. The unspoken question made her smile as she nodded, "You may, or you may call me Asia like my friends do, whichever you feel more comfortable with. May I call you Daniil?" Looking back over at the men, Athanasia still placed herself in front of Daniil, standing there like a shield until the woman was ready to step out. So when she met Lord Panos' gaze as he stared her down, possibly pondering if he should even allow Lady Daniil to be anywhere near someone who has the reputation that Athanasia does of being too wild and difficult to deal with and didn't act like princesses are usually perceived to need to act. She did not look away though, used to being judged as she was, it did not bother her. It wasn't but a moment, but felt longer, till Lord Panos nodded his agreement and addressed her. "Thank you, my lord. I shall look forward to possibly becoming great friends with Lady Daniil." When he made a counter-offer, Athanasia wasn't sure what she should do. Would Aea be ok on her own at the table? She made a note to talk to Yiannis before she went to sit with them as she smiled and nodded. "I could not be happier than to come sit with you both and be able to talk. I have always wanted to hear more about the friendship between our families and about Athenia and it's beauty. I was very young when I last was there, I sadly do not remember as much as I would have liked too. I will be just one moment as I let my brother Yiannis know I will not be returning to my seat next to him." It was a true statement, having been many years since she had been outside of Colchis and the last time she was, it was a trip to Taengea. Vangelis told her that she had been to Athenia before but she could not recall it though she wished she did from the stories she heard how others have spoken of it.
Smiling over at Vangelis as he took care of things with the men, Athanasia did pause by Alexandros as she offered a veiled threat, a warning about making a woman uncomfortable as he just did. She was indeed angry with him for placing not only Lady Daniil in an uncomfortable position but as well as making Vangelis look very poorly to Lord Panos since Vangelis was Alexandros' commander and he still acted that way even when Vangelis pointed out who Lord Panos and Lady Daniil were. So when Alexandros placed his hand over hers, holding her in place, the friendly smile she did have had disappeared. His grip was tight around her wrist, a prevention to keep her in place, as his next words had her shaking her head. "My friend, I wish you would put your pride away for a moment before it gets you killed. You might have been insulted, but that is when you should have looked to Prince Vangelis for what should've be done since he is your commanding officer. I threatened and insulted you because you need to learn to read body language. When a woman is shirking away from you, it does not mean that she wants you to make any sexual suggestions to her. Either involving just you or a servent girl. Not every female is after your cock. So not only did you make a woman uncomfortable enough that she needed to insult you to try and get you to leave her alone, you also managed to make your comander look bad because you do not know how to listen." She was annoyed with him for how he did push the girl, even though he claimed he was insulted, she never understood how that warrented that she was somehow wanting sexual solicitations from him. The body language alone screamed that that woman wanted to be anywhere else except near Alexandros. That was the topping to her annoyance at his blatant disregard for her brother as he tried to save his stupid captian. Athanasia watched as he turned and smiled towards the rest of the room before turning back to her, his next words sending Asia into a blind rage that she does not often find herself in as his words implied that he would go on opposing forces, against her and her family. In her rage, Asia's free hand pulled his cloak up over his head, effectively blinding the man as she placed him in a tight headlock with her free arm. She was quick to follow with the hand that was still in his grip now under the cloak as she gripped his chiton and pulled him even closer as she practically growled in his ear, her voice now made loud enough by her anger that only those in the immediate surrounding seats could possibly over hear and the rage was clearly heard even through the fabric of his cloak, "Do you not see that I am trying to save your fucking life, you idiot?! Do not think that Lord Panos would not possibly ask my brother for your life and that is if he does not just take it? Because of the treaty he could indeed just take it and we would not be able to touch him because he is a visiting royal. Visiting royals have complete immunity, just like Colchian royals would have in Athenia or in Taengea. He and his granddaughter have immunity that you do not have since you are not a royal AND you are in Colchis, so think! If we were not in Colchis, if this were Athenia, he would not be able to touch you without jumping through all sorts of legal hoops of his nation. If he killed you, he could get punished in Athenia, but that is only if we are there. Here, he is immune. Why do you think we are placating? It is not just to keep the treaty intacted, it is to keep you alive from your own pride. Which would you rather have?! Some threats from me, a friend that you know will not actually hurt you but others could hear the threat and leave you be, thinking you are being punished like they think you should be, or someone else who could just take your life and never get in trouble for it because of a peace treaty that was made 10 years ago between nations?! I said what I said to get you to shut up before that is exactly what happens!" The wine had fueled her rage at this man's stupid pride, she knew he would be mad that she blinded him and now held him in a headlock, but with his stupid comments it was better an embarrassing moment over a blade in his stomach. Glaring at his covered head, Asia shook her head as she sighed, wondering if she would have to really hurt this man just for him to see some sense. "If there was no treaty, for one, yes there would be no immunity but there would still be war between the nations. The food that we eat here in Colchis comes mainly from trade with Athenia and Taengea, no treaty, that becomes a little bit more difficult. More people in our home will starve. No treaty, we would have to worry about attacks from both sides, and never be able to call on Athenia or Taengea for aid if the northerners attack us. Is that what you want? Do you want to ruin ten years of my father's work with the other nations for your pride? Because you were insulted by some harsh words? As for this headlock, I know I have kicked you harder when we have trained, this is nothing but to get you to stop and think. I know that this was nothing but a blow to your pride." Her free hand, even wrapped around his neck, now made a small fist as she tapped it against the side of his collarbone closest to her that she could reach with her around his neck as she still tried talking some sense into him one last time. "If it makes it easier for you to stomach and look like you have some upper hand on everyone, you can leave. No one will stop you. I will tell you one thing though, that pride that you have borders on arrogance. Arrogant men get killed because they are to blind to see past their own pride to see the bigger picture. I happen to like having you around and seeing how far you will go. A dead Alexandros is of no use to me or anyone, so stay alive." Shoving at him, Athanasia jerked her hand free of his grip as she released him from the headlock, to everyone it looked like she still was truly in a rage with whatever he said, her cheeks red from embarrassment and anger. He would know though, hopefully, if his pride did not keep him being a fucking moron. Meeting his gaze once more with her own stormy one, she gave him a look that almost screamed for him to just swallow his colchian pride just this once and keep his retorts to himself. He says one more stupid thing, she will hit him, there would be no doubt about it. The only question would remain would be if it was an open hand or closed fist. Either way, it was Alexandros' call on what happened to him next. A new sword wouldn't cut it after this though. This would have to be repaid with something truly worthy of a royal, if she were a man, she would definitely get a barony and that will be what she demands for this insanity from her brother once dinner was over. She was going to get something worthy for the fighting she is doing now to keep this dinner from going to shit.
She had moved back to where she was sitting to stop next to Yiannis, still flustered and angry as she put her hand on his shoulder a moment to catch his attention. A servant had come and moved the plates around and brought clean dishes for the glasses that were used. "Lord Panos has asked that I come sit with him and Lady Daniil at his table. I just wanted to let you know before I just disappeared." Looking around she noted that she did not see Aea anywhere and wondered just where her friend disappeared too. "Where is Lady Aidoni? Also, please.. Please keep an eye on her, Yiannis. Keep her safe for me." They weren't usually a bunch to show displays of affection in public though Asia did sneak them in from time to time, like now, as she smiled while giving her brother's shoulder a light squeeze in thanks before she turned to head to the other table. It was when he mentioned that she disappeared with her friend, Athanasia stopped, the confusion showed clearly on her face as she met her brother’s gaze that clearly said ‘what friend?’ without so many words. She didn't know anyone that she knew would know Aea or that fit the description Yiannis just gave her. Shaking her head, she didn’t voice her concern before she moved to find her new seat. Aea was her own woman and if she did have someone she knew and went to say hi, then that was her right, Asia just wanted to make sure she was safe. As she moved past her old seat, she never anticipated the man that sat in the chair right next to it and would have been sitting next to her if Lord Panos had not asked for her to move over by him with Daniil. Her surprise was evident as he made his comment on her ire, her cheeks no longer red from anger but from something else entirely. He was there that long to see? "It was hopefully a misunderstanding that was remedied and all is now well." She could feel the heat warming her cheeks, it had to be the wine, that must be it. "Why are you late? I thought you had left?" Why did she care? Oh gods above save her or strike her dead, something.. For a moment, Asia was flustered as she tried to think of some kind of witty retort that she could use, before she just failed as she fumbled to find the right words. Seeing Lady Daniil and Lord Panos find their seats saved her from further embarrassing herself, "Ahh, excuse me. I was requested to sit with Lord Panos and Lady Daniil. So... enjoy your dinner, Lord Elias." It was a quick exit, not graceful at all with her words as she just now wished that Hades would open the ground and have the earth swallow her whole to be hidden away in the underworld. Would Ares possibly come to give her an escape plan from her embarrassment?
Finding her new seat, Athanasia didn't look to see who she sat by until she had her glass of wine in hand. It was Lady Daniil on her left and to her right was a face she did not see often but one she had great respect for and a healthy dose of intimidation of; Lady Thea of Thanasi. Athanasia always found the Thanasi intriguing while most were afraid of them. She thought that Lady Nethis was very regal and refined in her opinion. She liked how it seemed like she did not care what anyone thought of her, and Asia admired that. She knew she liked Lady Evras, they got along well whenever she saw her sister-in-law. Lord Mihail was on another level, someone she was drawn to since she was 15 and he saved her from ripping her own hair out. She kept that to herself though. She never met Lord Dysus, but rumors circulate, Athanasia never had put any worth in rumors. Now with the woman seated to her right, there was an air about her that honestly intimidated Asia far more than any other lady in the court. It wasn't what she did or how she dressed or looked or anything to that nature, but it was something in her gaze that was truly capturing in Asia's opinion. She had seen her a few times in the past when she would watch how the ladies of the court moved, wanting to emulate their grace and presence in a way that her mother had wanted her to become as well. It was those moments, a couple times, that she had met Lady Thea's gaze and didn't even realize it. It was entrancing to say the least and the moment that Athanasia realized that she possibly got caught staring in wonder, had her practically avoiding the woman up until now. Now, she was right next to her.
Should she say something? A greeting? A lifting silent salute of her cup as a greeting? Ignoring her would be rude. Maybe only say something if she speaks first? Taking her glass of wine she lifted it and raised it slightly in greeting towards the woman next to her, "Hello."
Athanasia was moving in a fast walk to get ahead of Aea, having every expectation that she was going to have something to say about the coins that she just got, and she was right. When her new friend caught up with her, one look at her expression had sent Asia into a giggle as she listened to her friend complain while saying she would not complain. "You did. You think I don't know what you did back there, but I know." How could she explain how much it made her happy just to have someone she could trust like she did with Aea? It was a feeling, something that told her that she could, and seeing the kindness in Aea match what Asia instinctively felt; it was an elation. "Also, you will work for it. If you accept the retainer position I offered, you will get paid weekly. I am also playing with another thought, but I need to see something before I offer it to you."
It was true, watching her defend them both against Yiannis had inspired her with a new idea to build upon the position of retainer if Aea accepted it. It would be more involved, possibly dangerous, and pay exceptionally more as well. Athanasia didn't think she would need one, but a princess never knew what might happen from one day to the next, and Athanasia wasn't a normal princess. As they walked with their arms laced, Asia's mind played with thoughts of what she could possibly do just to get Aea to accept the retainer position. Sure she would still hang out with her even if she didn't, but it would just be easier to make sure her friend was safe. If there was one thing her family taught her was that life was precious and it was like a flame on a candle, easily snuffed out. From war to sickness to a drunk angry man, life could go out far too easily and Asia didn't like that thought. She almost missed what Aea said when she talked of arguing next time, earning her a snort as she tried not to laugh. "Good luck to you as well." And with those words, she gave Aea a big smile that showed her teeth, a smile that wouldn't fool anyone to thinking it was sweet but completely mischievous.
As they walked into the building and Aea admired the architectural design, Athanasia explained what they usually used the site for, smiling when she asked if she ever went. Shaking her head, "No, usually this is the men's field to hold the councils and debates. My aunt goes, but she is also the head of her house. Debates and Councils usually are handled by the king, heads of houses, and barons." She left out that she possibly could ask to go if she pestered her eldest brother enough, he was the head of their house so she could technically ask him, it was just a matter of if she wanted to even try. Which usually she never did since there was always something else far more entertaining to do elsewhere. It was then that they came upon her parents, and she knew that they could see the way her eyes glittered in amusement while she introduced Aea to them as Lady Aidoni. They would probably know that she was lying about who she was but now was not the time to ask in front of all the dignitaries. She was always doing something, so as Aea went into full character, she could see the amusement in her father's eyes. She knew that she got her mischievousness from him, not that he would ever admit that, and he could see right through her games even when no one else seemed to.
Once the greetings were finished, Asia quickly guided Aea to their seats as she leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Breathe. Father finds you amusing. I do not think mother suspects yet, I did not get the disapproving glare." With that, she lost it as she covered her mouth to hide her laugh. She knew that Aea would probably smack her or freak out if she knew that the king could see that she was not who she said she was. Though it was through no fault of her own, but of Asia's, because he knew her so damn well. They finally found their places at the table when Athanasia said hello to her brother Vangelis and the pretty lady at his side. Aea was just about to speak when Vangelis just interupts her all together, to which Asia was quick to admonish him. He might be her older brother and the crown prince, but that did not mean he had to be a rude ass. Mother would be furious if she saw him just now. It was then that Yiannis joined them as well.
The conversation was stiff with Athanasia's anger as she debated on throwing her drink or kicking her brother for his rudeness when Aea found her voice and spoke up, speaking on him becoming senseless because he was surrounded by beautiful women. Now that it was pointed out, she wondered about that as she eyed her eldest brother. Did he like women? She has never seen him look at any woman outside of the normal way when he was speaking with them or they do something that absolutely draws his attention, but otherwise.. Did he like women like that? He acted nothing like Zanon or Yiannis was acting with Aea, or even Silas when he was home and flirting with the ladies at court. Was Vangelis.. different? As the conversation progressed and she snuck a glass of water for Aea as she traded for wine, Asia could feel the wine warm her cheeks as her ire rose. She voiced her irritation in the form of a veiled threat to tell their mother just how annoying Vangelis was being when he suddenly excused himself. She watched him go as he went to remove some lady from the room.
The conversation flowed around her as she made sure to keep her glass full of wine while also making sure Aea had enough water as well. For a moment her mind went back to the night they met and had bonded over wine, talking and just being normal without all the pretenses that came with parties and gatherings like the one they were at now. As Yiannis and Aea talked, Athanasia listened quietly as they seemed to be continuing their flirtations from before. Looking over at the blonde lady that Vangelis was so rude too, she was quiet in her comment to just her "I am sorry about my brother, Vangelis. He usually isn't such an ass. Normally he is quite nice.." At least what she knows of him and seen of him, right? Or was she wrong all along? Did she only see what she wanted too because he was her brother? He was always there for her when she needed him the most, he always tolerated her jokes and pranks acting almost like father would even though father would laugh more.
Aea pulled Asia from her thoughts when she drew her attention to the conversation at hand, asking about philosophy and sciences. Her answer making Aea's eyebrows rise had Asia smiling when she commented on her insisting. "Oh I do, I think it would be fun to see your customs. As for the talks on philosophy, I must admit I have always hated the subject." Leaning towards Aea, she whispered in her ear, "I also don't debate because men are big babies when it comes to losing to a woman in anything. So I don't debate." Looking over at her brother, she motioned to him as she smiled sweetly that he was much more apt to answer her questions in the scholarly arts, which was true too. All the royal children grew up with the best of tutors to learn. So she knew that he could well answer her questions that she had. Athanasia was watching the conversation across the table, it seemed like Alexandros had found a new face to flirt with, even though her body language seemed to scream that she did not want and of his attentions at all. He would learn, even if that came from him getting smacked right across that smug face of his. This was a dinner for the royals to say goodbye, so there was a very good chance that the girl was royal, unless someone invited her in like Asia did with Aea. Athanasia did not recognize her, so she doubted she was a Colchian royal. She was only half paying attention since she was also paying attention to what Aea and her brother were talking about, but the sharp sound of a cup slamming on the table was loud enough that it drew her attention completely, the girl looked like she was shrinking in on herself as she appeared to want to be anywhere but where she was in that moment, listening closer she could just make out Alexandos' hushed rumblings 'You...someone...to...engravings...come on...pick...serving girl...ravish her together.' Was he seriously trying to persuade a royal to something she clearly does not want to do? A visiting royal could outright kill him for the offense and he is just putting his neck out there for the sword to swing. Not including being a complete embarrassment to the Kotas family that he serves. Both Aea and Asia were up and moving to that side of the table, Aea grabbing a servant girl before disappearing, and Athanasia was just behind her brother as she listened in. It was much worse than she imagined. She was the granddaughter of Lord Panos, Athanasia remembered hearing from talks with her mother about the important people that would attend. They were on friendly terms with the family and while Colchis has trade agreements also within Taengea, it never hurts to keep both in good graces. Also, that proved that Athanasia's assumption was correct, she was indeed a foreign dignitary and she could have every right to kill Alexandros right at the table and no one would charge her with anything as the treaty still stands. To say that would put a damper on her mother and aunt's dinner party and it would be entirely Alexandros' fault, was an understatement. Athanasia could clearly see how uncomfortable the woman was growing as more men seemed to start to surround her.
Tensions were high and Athanasia wanted to keep things as calm as possible as she worked almost in tandem with her brother Vangelis as he tried to keep the peace between Lord Panos and Alexandros. Stepping around the men, she found the shrinking woman and held out her hand as she introduced herself. She offered a way to remove Lady Daniil from the middle of the chaos as she asked if it was ok if she could come sit with Athanasia. It was true that she wanted to meet her, her rumored short swordsmanship was something that Athanasia wanted to ask her about and see if she could possibly learn from the woman. When Lady Daniil seemed to like the idea and accepted the offer to move seats, Asia smiled before she turned to pose the question to the men that she had to ask. Normally she would just do what she wanted, but this was a delicate situation now and Athanasia did not want her parents to be looked upon poorly with her behavior. Now it was up to Lord Panos and Vangelis to agree to the move. Athanasia did not miss the look that Daniil had given Alexandros and the shutter that followed. It would take everything in her not to punch this man in the mouth for his stupidity. A man's pride was the worst thing that the gods ever created. After this, she was so asking Vangelis to give her a barony like Immeya has, after this mess, she deserves something. A new sword at bare minimum. Hearing Daniil beside her, Athanasia looked over at her and saw her bite her lip, it was clear she didn't know what she should do even as she stated she would sit wherever and asked if it was ok if she called her Athanasia. The unspoken question made her smile as she nodded, "You may, or you may call me Asia like my friends do, whichever you feel more comfortable with. May I call you Daniil?" Looking back over at the men, Athanasia still placed herself in front of Daniil, standing there like a shield until the woman was ready to step out. So when she met Lord Panos' gaze as he stared her down, possibly pondering if he should even allow Lady Daniil to be anywhere near someone who has the reputation that Athanasia does of being too wild and difficult to deal with and didn't act like princesses are usually perceived to need to act. She did not look away though, used to being judged as she was, it did not bother her. It wasn't but a moment, but felt longer, till Lord Panos nodded his agreement and addressed her. "Thank you, my lord. I shall look forward to possibly becoming great friends with Lady Daniil." When he made a counter-offer, Athanasia wasn't sure what she should do. Would Aea be ok on her own at the table? She made a note to talk to Yiannis before she went to sit with them as she smiled and nodded. "I could not be happier than to come sit with you both and be able to talk. I have always wanted to hear more about the friendship between our families and about Athenia and it's beauty. I was very young when I last was there, I sadly do not remember as much as I would have liked too. I will be just one moment as I let my brother Yiannis know I will not be returning to my seat next to him." It was a true statement, having been many years since she had been outside of Colchis and the last time she was, it was a trip to Taengea. Vangelis told her that she had been to Athenia before but she could not recall it though she wished she did from the stories she heard how others have spoken of it.
Smiling over at Vangelis as he took care of things with the men, Athanasia did pause by Alexandros as she offered a veiled threat, a warning about making a woman uncomfortable as he just did. She was indeed angry with him for placing not only Lady Daniil in an uncomfortable position but as well as making Vangelis look very poorly to Lord Panos since Vangelis was Alexandros' commander and he still acted that way even when Vangelis pointed out who Lord Panos and Lady Daniil were. So when Alexandros placed his hand over hers, holding her in place, the friendly smile she did have had disappeared. His grip was tight around her wrist, a prevention to keep her in place, as his next words had her shaking her head. "My friend, I wish you would put your pride away for a moment before it gets you killed. You might have been insulted, but that is when you should have looked to Prince Vangelis for what should've be done since he is your commanding officer. I threatened and insulted you because you need to learn to read body language. When a woman is shirking away from you, it does not mean that she wants you to make any sexual suggestions to her. Either involving just you or a servent girl. Not every female is after your cock. So not only did you make a woman uncomfortable enough that she needed to insult you to try and get you to leave her alone, you also managed to make your comander look bad because you do not know how to listen." She was annoyed with him for how he did push the girl, even though he claimed he was insulted, she never understood how that warrented that she was somehow wanting sexual solicitations from him. The body language alone screamed that that woman wanted to be anywhere else except near Alexandros. That was the topping to her annoyance at his blatant disregard for her brother as he tried to save his stupid captian. Athanasia watched as he turned and smiled towards the rest of the room before turning back to her, his next words sending Asia into a blind rage that she does not often find herself in as his words implied that he would go on opposing forces, against her and her family. In her rage, Asia's free hand pulled his cloak up over his head, effectively blinding the man as she placed him in a tight headlock with her free arm. She was quick to follow with the hand that was still in his grip now under the cloak as she gripped his chiton and pulled him even closer as she practically growled in his ear, her voice now made loud enough by her anger that only those in the immediate surrounding seats could possibly over hear and the rage was clearly heard even through the fabric of his cloak, "Do you not see that I am trying to save your fucking life, you idiot?! Do not think that Lord Panos would not possibly ask my brother for your life and that is if he does not just take it? Because of the treaty he could indeed just take it and we would not be able to touch him because he is a visiting royal. Visiting royals have complete immunity, just like Colchian royals would have in Athenia or in Taengea. He and his granddaughter have immunity that you do not have since you are not a royal AND you are in Colchis, so think! If we were not in Colchis, if this were Athenia, he would not be able to touch you without jumping through all sorts of legal hoops of his nation. If he killed you, he could get punished in Athenia, but that is only if we are there. Here, he is immune. Why do you think we are placating? It is not just to keep the treaty intacted, it is to keep you alive from your own pride. Which would you rather have?! Some threats from me, a friend that you know will not actually hurt you but others could hear the threat and leave you be, thinking you are being punished like they think you should be, or someone else who could just take your life and never get in trouble for it because of a peace treaty that was made 10 years ago between nations?! I said what I said to get you to shut up before that is exactly what happens!" The wine had fueled her rage at this man's stupid pride, she knew he would be mad that she blinded him and now held him in a headlock, but with his stupid comments it was better an embarrassing moment over a blade in his stomach. Glaring at his covered head, Asia shook her head as she sighed, wondering if she would have to really hurt this man just for him to see some sense. "If there was no treaty, for one, yes there would be no immunity but there would still be war between the nations. The food that we eat here in Colchis comes mainly from trade with Athenia and Taengea, no treaty, that becomes a little bit more difficult. More people in our home will starve. No treaty, we would have to worry about attacks from both sides, and never be able to call on Athenia or Taengea for aid if the northerners attack us. Is that what you want? Do you want to ruin ten years of my father's work with the other nations for your pride? Because you were insulted by some harsh words? As for this headlock, I know I have kicked you harder when we have trained, this is nothing but to get you to stop and think. I know that this was nothing but a blow to your pride." Her free hand, even wrapped around his neck, now made a small fist as she tapped it against the side of his collarbone closest to her that she could reach with her around his neck as she still tried talking some sense into him one last time. "If it makes it easier for you to stomach and look like you have some upper hand on everyone, you can leave. No one will stop you. I will tell you one thing though, that pride that you have borders on arrogance. Arrogant men get killed because they are to blind to see past their own pride to see the bigger picture. I happen to like having you around and seeing how far you will go. A dead Alexandros is of no use to me or anyone, so stay alive." Shoving at him, Athanasia jerked her hand free of his grip as she released him from the headlock, to everyone it looked like she still was truly in a rage with whatever he said, her cheeks red from embarrassment and anger. He would know though, hopefully, if his pride did not keep him being a fucking moron. Meeting his gaze once more with her own stormy one, she gave him a look that almost screamed for him to just swallow his colchian pride just this once and keep his retorts to himself. He says one more stupid thing, she will hit him, there would be no doubt about it. The only question would remain would be if it was an open hand or closed fist. Either way, it was Alexandros' call on what happened to him next. A new sword wouldn't cut it after this though. This would have to be repaid with something truly worthy of a royal, if she were a man, she would definitely get a barony and that will be what she demands for this insanity from her brother once dinner was over. She was going to get something worthy for the fighting she is doing now to keep this dinner from going to shit.
She had moved back to where she was sitting to stop next to Yiannis, still flustered and angry as she put her hand on his shoulder a moment to catch his attention. A servant had come and moved the plates around and brought clean dishes for the glasses that were used. "Lord Panos has asked that I come sit with him and Lady Daniil at his table. I just wanted to let you know before I just disappeared." Looking around she noted that she did not see Aea anywhere and wondered just where her friend disappeared too. "Where is Lady Aidoni? Also, please.. Please keep an eye on her, Yiannis. Keep her safe for me." They weren't usually a bunch to show displays of affection in public though Asia did sneak them in from time to time, like now, as she smiled while giving her brother's shoulder a light squeeze in thanks before she turned to head to the other table. It was when he mentioned that she disappeared with her friend, Athanasia stopped, the confusion showed clearly on her face as she met her brother’s gaze that clearly said ‘what friend?’ without so many words. She didn't know anyone that she knew would know Aea or that fit the description Yiannis just gave her. Shaking her head, she didn’t voice her concern before she moved to find her new seat. Aea was her own woman and if she did have someone she knew and went to say hi, then that was her right, Asia just wanted to make sure she was safe. As she moved past her old seat, she never anticipated the man that sat in the chair right next to it and would have been sitting next to her if Lord Panos had not asked for her to move over by him with Daniil. Her surprise was evident as he made his comment on her ire, her cheeks no longer red from anger but from something else entirely. He was there that long to see? "It was hopefully a misunderstanding that was remedied and all is now well." She could feel the heat warming her cheeks, it had to be the wine, that must be it. "Why are you late? I thought you had left?" Why did she care? Oh gods above save her or strike her dead, something.. For a moment, Asia was flustered as she tried to think of some kind of witty retort that she could use, before she just failed as she fumbled to find the right words. Seeing Lady Daniil and Lord Panos find their seats saved her from further embarrassing herself, "Ahh, excuse me. I was requested to sit with Lord Panos and Lady Daniil. So... enjoy your dinner, Lord Elias." It was a quick exit, not graceful at all with her words as she just now wished that Hades would open the ground and have the earth swallow her whole to be hidden away in the underworld. Would Ares possibly come to give her an escape plan from her embarrassment?
Finding her new seat, Athanasia didn't look to see who she sat by until she had her glass of wine in hand. It was Lady Daniil on her left and to her right was a face she did not see often but one she had great respect for and a healthy dose of intimidation of; Lady Thea of Thanasi. Athanasia always found the Thanasi intriguing while most were afraid of them. She thought that Lady Nethis was very regal and refined in her opinion. She liked how it seemed like she did not care what anyone thought of her, and Asia admired that. She knew she liked Lady Evras, they got along well whenever she saw her sister-in-law. Lord Mihail was on another level, someone she was drawn to since she was 15 and he saved her from ripping her own hair out. She kept that to herself though. She never met Lord Dysus, but rumors circulate, Athanasia never had put any worth in rumors. Now with the woman seated to her right, there was an air about her that honestly intimidated Asia far more than any other lady in the court. It wasn't what she did or how she dressed or looked or anything to that nature, but it was something in her gaze that was truly capturing in Asia's opinion. She had seen her a few times in the past when she would watch how the ladies of the court moved, wanting to emulate their grace and presence in a way that her mother had wanted her to become as well. It was those moments, a couple times, that she had met Lady Thea's gaze and didn't even realize it. It was entrancing to say the least and the moment that Athanasia realized that she possibly got caught staring in wonder, had her practically avoiding the woman up until now. Now, she was right next to her.
Should she say something? A greeting? A lifting silent salute of her cup as a greeting? Ignoring her would be rude. Maybe only say something if she speaks first? Taking her glass of wine she lifted it and raised it slightly in greeting towards the woman next to her, "Hello."
Yiannis was rather enjoying himself playing host to Aidoni, so much that he could care less if it were a game. He would charm her, share knowledge with her, and disregard her true nature. His smile returned as she replied “I see. Thank you for the enlightenment. A wise decision, indeed, though candid benevolence does not make for the epic saga full of mighty heroes and sweeping adventures you are so known for. Perhaps you can regale me with something less pristine some other time."
"Oh, it would be my pleasure," he told her. There were a number of tales he could spin that highlighted his own soldiers, and he reveled in the opportunity when it presented itself. He was truly proud of his men, and if it let him draw closer to this beauty? All the better. He was a touch surprised by her next request. “Actually, I did hear your Pantheon has remarkable legends, and I would not be averse to being enlightened in the ways of your Gods after dinner. You can tell me more of this...Aphrodite of yours. I’ve no doubt a pious man such as yourself is well-versed in her divine virtues—clearly you are familiar with her blessings." The way she drank from her cup and so nonchalantly turned away left his head spinning. Was she... inviting him to something? Or truly clueless? He would have to respond carefully. "Oh, our Goddess of Love has many things to offer in her teachings. I would be honored to show you to her temple, should the opportunity arise," he said and toasted to her before taking a sip of his own wine.
His little sister interrupted the moment, but Aidoni just as quickly turned his attention back to her. “Brother, you know more of the scholarly arts than I, she wants to know more about science and philosophy,” was quickly followed by a surprised “Is that so?” afterward. Now he was in his element. "Oh yes, my Father declared each of his sons will be as fine with his wits as he is with his sword," he told her, recalling the stern words that drove him through his lessons in order to enjoy the more fun activities. “You’ll have to tell me what interests you, then. I’d like to know what great minds you have met, and what they have written, and what you think about it.” He couldn't help but smile as he began. "There are many wonderful things to explore, like the names and stories of the constellations, as well as the somewhat controversial idea that we all derive from a single unlimited substance named apeiron. My teacher, on the other hand, would present a small amount of information, then ask us challenging questions to make us think critically about the assumptions we've made all our lives. It was rather brilliant," he smiled. He truly did enjoy the lessons, and continued to apply them. "As for what I've read, I rather like the teachings of Pythagoras as a particular highlight. In my opinion, his approach to arithmetic revolutionized our architecture. I'd give anything, to sit and discuss his theories with him," he said with an almost dreamlike look in his eyes. "That begs the question, Lady Aidoni, how is education handled where you come from?"
That was when the commotion had begun. Yiannis quickly gathered that the man was under his Brother's command. It was honestly an embarrassment, but the fool would have no opportunity to carry it out further as he had been addressed by both his Brother and Sister. This was certainly not a moment to join the limelight. Certainly not with the Master of Law involved as well. Instead, he kept an eye on the movements of the various players involved. Soon, his Sister returned, but only momentarily. A much more gentle hand greeted his shoulder than the Captain's, and he was most grateful. “Lord Panos has asked that I come sit with him and Lady Daniil at his table. I just wanted to let you know before I just disappeared.” Nodding, he replied "Give Danil my best, as well as my apologies. No one should have to suffer such an oaf," before whispering to her "You handled that masterfully. I don't think anyone suspects a thing." It was in the moment after that things began to unravel. The confused look told him she had no such friend, and that it was Aidoni's own friend she had skirted off with. But Athanasia couldn't delay any longer, and had to leave him in the middle of figuring out the next move. He couldn't very well get up and go looking for her. Two Kotas children had already moved from their place, which only left him to greet Dionysios, whenever he saw fit to make his entrance. He would have to settle for watching the corridor like a hawk, waiting for Lady Aidoni to emerge and rejoin him.
Her words excusing herself set him up perfectly, however, to meet the Stravos heir. "If Athanasia has the joy of dining with the Master of Law, then I might say it was arranged by the Fates so that I would be blessed with your company, Lord Elias. Prince Yiannis, of house Kotas," he introduced himself, unfamiliar with either the man's rumors or his reputation. "A fine thing, to celebrate peace within our own lands."
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Yiannis was rather enjoying himself playing host to Aidoni, so much that he could care less if it were a game. He would charm her, share knowledge with her, and disregard her true nature. His smile returned as she replied “I see. Thank you for the enlightenment. A wise decision, indeed, though candid benevolence does not make for the epic saga full of mighty heroes and sweeping adventures you are so known for. Perhaps you can regale me with something less pristine some other time."
"Oh, it would be my pleasure," he told her. There were a number of tales he could spin that highlighted his own soldiers, and he reveled in the opportunity when it presented itself. He was truly proud of his men, and if it let him draw closer to this beauty? All the better. He was a touch surprised by her next request. “Actually, I did hear your Pantheon has remarkable legends, and I would not be averse to being enlightened in the ways of your Gods after dinner. You can tell me more of this...Aphrodite of yours. I’ve no doubt a pious man such as yourself is well-versed in her divine virtues—clearly you are familiar with her blessings." The way she drank from her cup and so nonchalantly turned away left his head spinning. Was she... inviting him to something? Or truly clueless? He would have to respond carefully. "Oh, our Goddess of Love has many things to offer in her teachings. I would be honored to show you to her temple, should the opportunity arise," he said and toasted to her before taking a sip of his own wine.
His little sister interrupted the moment, but Aidoni just as quickly turned his attention back to her. “Brother, you know more of the scholarly arts than I, she wants to know more about science and philosophy,” was quickly followed by a surprised “Is that so?” afterward. Now he was in his element. "Oh yes, my Father declared each of his sons will be as fine with his wits as he is with his sword," he told her, recalling the stern words that drove him through his lessons in order to enjoy the more fun activities. “You’ll have to tell me what interests you, then. I’d like to know what great minds you have met, and what they have written, and what you think about it.” He couldn't help but smile as he began. "There are many wonderful things to explore, like the names and stories of the constellations, as well as the somewhat controversial idea that we all derive from a single unlimited substance named apeiron. My teacher, on the other hand, would present a small amount of information, then ask us challenging questions to make us think critically about the assumptions we've made all our lives. It was rather brilliant," he smiled. He truly did enjoy the lessons, and continued to apply them. "As for what I've read, I rather like the teachings of Pythagoras as a particular highlight. In my opinion, his approach to arithmetic revolutionized our architecture. I'd give anything, to sit and discuss his theories with him," he said with an almost dreamlike look in his eyes. "That begs the question, Lady Aidoni, how is education handled where you come from?"
That was when the commotion had begun. Yiannis quickly gathered that the man was under his Brother's command. It was honestly an embarrassment, but the fool would have no opportunity to carry it out further as he had been addressed by both his Brother and Sister. This was certainly not a moment to join the limelight. Certainly not with the Master of Law involved as well. Instead, he kept an eye on the movements of the various players involved. Soon, his Sister returned, but only momentarily. A much more gentle hand greeted his shoulder than the Captain's, and he was most grateful. “Lord Panos has asked that I come sit with him and Lady Daniil at his table. I just wanted to let you know before I just disappeared.” Nodding, he replied "Give Danil my best, as well as my apologies. No one should have to suffer such an oaf," before whispering to her "You handled that masterfully. I don't think anyone suspects a thing." It was in the moment after that things began to unravel. The confused look told him she had no such friend, and that it was Aidoni's own friend she had skirted off with. But Athanasia couldn't delay any longer, and had to leave him in the middle of figuring out the next move. He couldn't very well get up and go looking for her. Two Kotas children had already moved from their place, which only left him to greet Dionysios, whenever he saw fit to make his entrance. He would have to settle for watching the corridor like a hawk, waiting for Lady Aidoni to emerge and rejoin him.
Her words excusing herself set him up perfectly, however, to meet the Stravos heir. "If Athanasia has the joy of dining with the Master of Law, then I might say it was arranged by the Fates so that I would be blessed with your company, Lord Elias. Prince Yiannis, of house Kotas," he introduced himself, unfamiliar with either the man's rumors or his reputation. "A fine thing, to celebrate peace within our own lands."
Yiannis was rather enjoying himself playing host to Aidoni, so much that he could care less if it were a game. He would charm her, share knowledge with her, and disregard her true nature. His smile returned as she replied “I see. Thank you for the enlightenment. A wise decision, indeed, though candid benevolence does not make for the epic saga full of mighty heroes and sweeping adventures you are so known for. Perhaps you can regale me with something less pristine some other time."
"Oh, it would be my pleasure," he told her. There were a number of tales he could spin that highlighted his own soldiers, and he reveled in the opportunity when it presented itself. He was truly proud of his men, and if it let him draw closer to this beauty? All the better. He was a touch surprised by her next request. “Actually, I did hear your Pantheon has remarkable legends, and I would not be averse to being enlightened in the ways of your Gods after dinner. You can tell me more of this...Aphrodite of yours. I’ve no doubt a pious man such as yourself is well-versed in her divine virtues—clearly you are familiar with her blessings." The way she drank from her cup and so nonchalantly turned away left his head spinning. Was she... inviting him to something? Or truly clueless? He would have to respond carefully. "Oh, our Goddess of Love has many things to offer in her teachings. I would be honored to show you to her temple, should the opportunity arise," he said and toasted to her before taking a sip of his own wine.
His little sister interrupted the moment, but Aidoni just as quickly turned his attention back to her. “Brother, you know more of the scholarly arts than I, she wants to know more about science and philosophy,” was quickly followed by a surprised “Is that so?” afterward. Now he was in his element. "Oh yes, my Father declared each of his sons will be as fine with his wits as he is with his sword," he told her, recalling the stern words that drove him through his lessons in order to enjoy the more fun activities. “You’ll have to tell me what interests you, then. I’d like to know what great minds you have met, and what they have written, and what you think about it.” He couldn't help but smile as he began. "There are many wonderful things to explore, like the names and stories of the constellations, as well as the somewhat controversial idea that we all derive from a single unlimited substance named apeiron. My teacher, on the other hand, would present a small amount of information, then ask us challenging questions to make us think critically about the assumptions we've made all our lives. It was rather brilliant," he smiled. He truly did enjoy the lessons, and continued to apply them. "As for what I've read, I rather like the teachings of Pythagoras as a particular highlight. In my opinion, his approach to arithmetic revolutionized our architecture. I'd give anything, to sit and discuss his theories with him," he said with an almost dreamlike look in his eyes. "That begs the question, Lady Aidoni, how is education handled where you come from?"
That was when the commotion had begun. Yiannis quickly gathered that the man was under his Brother's command. It was honestly an embarrassment, but the fool would have no opportunity to carry it out further as he had been addressed by both his Brother and Sister. This was certainly not a moment to join the limelight. Certainly not with the Master of Law involved as well. Instead, he kept an eye on the movements of the various players involved. Soon, his Sister returned, but only momentarily. A much more gentle hand greeted his shoulder than the Captain's, and he was most grateful. “Lord Panos has asked that I come sit with him and Lady Daniil at his table. I just wanted to let you know before I just disappeared.” Nodding, he replied "Give Danil my best, as well as my apologies. No one should have to suffer such an oaf," before whispering to her "You handled that masterfully. I don't think anyone suspects a thing." It was in the moment after that things began to unravel. The confused look told him she had no such friend, and that it was Aidoni's own friend she had skirted off with. But Athanasia couldn't delay any longer, and had to leave him in the middle of figuring out the next move. He couldn't very well get up and go looking for her. Two Kotas children had already moved from their place, which only left him to greet Dionysios, whenever he saw fit to make his entrance. He would have to settle for watching the corridor like a hawk, waiting for Lady Aidoni to emerge and rejoin him.
Her words excusing herself set him up perfectly, however, to meet the Stravos heir. "If Athanasia has the joy of dining with the Master of Law, then I might say it was arranged by the Fates so that I would be blessed with your company, Lord Elias. Prince Yiannis, of house Kotas," he introduced himself, unfamiliar with either the man's rumors or his reputation. "A fine thing, to celebrate peace within our own lands."
Well it seemed like all the action was at the other table.
It was a shame to not be able to hear each piece of dialogue that passed between the small gathering of people, but it was not a complete loss. Body language had a way of speaking more honestly than the verbal word in most cases, so Thea allowed herself the leisure to sit back and simply watch. Whoever the young soldier type was, he had seemingly managed to ruffle quite a few feathers, Lord Panos of Marikas being one. Even as the older man moved away, the younger of the two continued to make his voice heard, ‘I have a name, one that you know, and I would never dream to be so rude as to not call someone by their name once I knew it, nor would I turn my back and walk away afterwards. Don’t lecture me or call me boy as if you are my father, for you most certainly aren’t and the gods deserve thanks for that. I have proven that I am suited to lead, and earned my position through my own abilities. The gods know well that I kneel only before them in prayer, just as you do, and we all know that the gods love to humble those who would consider themselves their equal.’
If Thea was not so aware of her own expressions, she may have even smiled in mirth at that. Oh how fragile a man’s ego could be. Some hot blooded young man who likely thought with his cock instead of his head had more looks than sense. He had guts, that she could agree on, but his execution was not well played in a room full of the upper classes of Greece. It was a shame Lord Panos did not demand the man’s life. A death before the first course truly would make for an eventful night. However, the young brute of a man would likely provide more entertainment if he still had a beating heart.
In no time at all, people began to move away. The foreigner had slipped away and Vangelis had returned to his station. Thea swept the room of tense and ruffled faces and was lucky enough to witness the Kotas princess throwing the man’s cloak over his own head before putting him into a headlock. Thea couldn’t hear what was being said, but the princess was not making much effort to hide her expression. Amused, Thea took a long sip from her goblet, then without looking, ushered a servant over to fill her goblet.
When she was done giving her message to the soldier, the Kotas princess moved towards Thea. Clearly the customary seating arrangement of alternating sexes had been forgotten, as the princess seated herself beside Thea, with the Marikas girl on her left. Perhaps Thea would have the opportunity to learn what had transpired after all. She wondered if the soldier who caused so much chaos before anyone had even had a bite to eat would be worth the effort to play with. While it was fun to shatter a man’s ego, it was not a particularly difficult task.
With her goblet full again, Thea took another sip, not turning her head yet as she saw the Kotas princess turn to face her out of the corner of her eye, 'hello.'
Thea flicked her gaze towards the younger girl, who had dipped her glass towards Thea in polite greeting. If Thea responded amicably enough, then there was a better chance the girl would relax and soon forget all about her sitting right beside her. Then perhaps Thea would learn some more about what had happened without having to ask or even seem interested.
Wordlessly, Thea gave a small raise of her goblet in response, before bringing it back to her lips. Let the girls talk. Thea was there to listen.
Lani
Thea
Lani
Thea
Awards
First Impressions:Lithe; Thick dark hair, sharp, pale features and striking blue eyes.
Address: Your Her Ladyship
Well it seemed like all the action was at the other table.
It was a shame to not be able to hear each piece of dialogue that passed between the small gathering of people, but it was not a complete loss. Body language had a way of speaking more honestly than the verbal word in most cases, so Thea allowed herself the leisure to sit back and simply watch. Whoever the young soldier type was, he had seemingly managed to ruffle quite a few feathers, Lord Panos of Marikas being one. Even as the older man moved away, the younger of the two continued to make his voice heard, ‘I have a name, one that you know, and I would never dream to be so rude as to not call someone by their name once I knew it, nor would I turn my back and walk away afterwards. Don’t lecture me or call me boy as if you are my father, for you most certainly aren’t and the gods deserve thanks for that. I have proven that I am suited to lead, and earned my position through my own abilities. The gods know well that I kneel only before them in prayer, just as you do, and we all know that the gods love to humble those who would consider themselves their equal.’
If Thea was not so aware of her own expressions, she may have even smiled in mirth at that. Oh how fragile a man’s ego could be. Some hot blooded young man who likely thought with his cock instead of his head had more looks than sense. He had guts, that she could agree on, but his execution was not well played in a room full of the upper classes of Greece. It was a shame Lord Panos did not demand the man’s life. A death before the first course truly would make for an eventful night. However, the young brute of a man would likely provide more entertainment if he still had a beating heart.
In no time at all, people began to move away. The foreigner had slipped away and Vangelis had returned to his station. Thea swept the room of tense and ruffled faces and was lucky enough to witness the Kotas princess throwing the man’s cloak over his own head before putting him into a headlock. Thea couldn’t hear what was being said, but the princess was not making much effort to hide her expression. Amused, Thea took a long sip from her goblet, then without looking, ushered a servant over to fill her goblet.
When she was done giving her message to the soldier, the Kotas princess moved towards Thea. Clearly the customary seating arrangement of alternating sexes had been forgotten, as the princess seated herself beside Thea, with the Marikas girl on her left. Perhaps Thea would have the opportunity to learn what had transpired after all. She wondered if the soldier who caused so much chaos before anyone had even had a bite to eat would be worth the effort to play with. While it was fun to shatter a man’s ego, it was not a particularly difficult task.
With her goblet full again, Thea took another sip, not turning her head yet as she saw the Kotas princess turn to face her out of the corner of her eye, 'hello.'
Thea flicked her gaze towards the younger girl, who had dipped her glass towards Thea in polite greeting. If Thea responded amicably enough, then there was a better chance the girl would relax and soon forget all about her sitting right beside her. Then perhaps Thea would learn some more about what had happened without having to ask or even seem interested.
Wordlessly, Thea gave a small raise of her goblet in response, before bringing it back to her lips. Let the girls talk. Thea was there to listen.
Well it seemed like all the action was at the other table.
It was a shame to not be able to hear each piece of dialogue that passed between the small gathering of people, but it was not a complete loss. Body language had a way of speaking more honestly than the verbal word in most cases, so Thea allowed herself the leisure to sit back and simply watch. Whoever the young soldier type was, he had seemingly managed to ruffle quite a few feathers, Lord Panos of Marikas being one. Even as the older man moved away, the younger of the two continued to make his voice heard, ‘I have a name, one that you know, and I would never dream to be so rude as to not call someone by their name once I knew it, nor would I turn my back and walk away afterwards. Don’t lecture me or call me boy as if you are my father, for you most certainly aren’t and the gods deserve thanks for that. I have proven that I am suited to lead, and earned my position through my own abilities. The gods know well that I kneel only before them in prayer, just as you do, and we all know that the gods love to humble those who would consider themselves their equal.’
If Thea was not so aware of her own expressions, she may have even smiled in mirth at that. Oh how fragile a man’s ego could be. Some hot blooded young man who likely thought with his cock instead of his head had more looks than sense. He had guts, that she could agree on, but his execution was not well played in a room full of the upper classes of Greece. It was a shame Lord Panos did not demand the man’s life. A death before the first course truly would make for an eventful night. However, the young brute of a man would likely provide more entertainment if he still had a beating heart.
In no time at all, people began to move away. The foreigner had slipped away and Vangelis had returned to his station. Thea swept the room of tense and ruffled faces and was lucky enough to witness the Kotas princess throwing the man’s cloak over his own head before putting him into a headlock. Thea couldn’t hear what was being said, but the princess was not making much effort to hide her expression. Amused, Thea took a long sip from her goblet, then without looking, ushered a servant over to fill her goblet.
When she was done giving her message to the soldier, the Kotas princess moved towards Thea. Clearly the customary seating arrangement of alternating sexes had been forgotten, as the princess seated herself beside Thea, with the Marikas girl on her left. Perhaps Thea would have the opportunity to learn what had transpired after all. She wondered if the soldier who caused so much chaos before anyone had even had a bite to eat would be worth the effort to play with. While it was fun to shatter a man’s ego, it was not a particularly difficult task.
With her goblet full again, Thea took another sip, not turning her head yet as she saw the Kotas princess turn to face her out of the corner of her eye, 'hello.'
Thea flicked her gaze towards the younger girl, who had dipped her glass towards Thea in polite greeting. If Thea responded amicably enough, then there was a better chance the girl would relax and soon forget all about her sitting right beside her. Then perhaps Thea would learn some more about what had happened without having to ask or even seem interested.
Wordlessly, Thea gave a small raise of her goblet in response, before bringing it back to her lips. Let the girls talk. Thea was there to listen.
Courtly politics had never been an interest that Daniil had pursued with great vigor. The long and complex masquerade enjoyed by the nobility the young woman reluctantly found herself to be apart of was not a dance she saw as worthy of being engaged in by those that would claim leadership of nations. Accordingly, she devoted little of her time investing in knowledge of those that would play it outside of her own home of Athenia. Even on the journey here, Colchis had seemed like such a far away place, and almost irrelevant to her own life. Yet even one such as she paid attention to the rumors and reputation of figures that interested her. The Princess Athanasia had long since been one of those figures. After all, did they not both buck the expectations and traditions of their families in one way or another? Did they not both earn the ire of the men in their courts simply because they refused to allow themselves to fall into the simple categorizations and tight gender restrictions expected- nay, demanded of them?
As she took her seat at the other table, it only truly dawned on her that she had been approached by the princess, and saved by her. A slight flush came upon her face. It was rare that Daniil felt remorse for perceived slights against another, but she was feeling such remorse now. She had been direct, dismissive, and unappreciative towards the woman that had gone through such effort to save her from a situation in which Daniil had no method of escape. Clarity was returning to her, now, and with it her anger. Not directed at Athanasia, nor Panos, nor even Alexandros. Her fury was aimed directly at herself. How could she have been so foolish? So childish? So utterly weak and pathetic? How could she have allowed herself to fall into such despair over a single sentence? Was she truly so fragile, to be unwound with a phrase?
She was a Marikas, and a free woman. She was supposed to be strong and confident, never allowing another to control her destiny. She was the mistress of her own fate. But not then. Not at that table, surrounded by men. As they argued amongst each other over slights and honor, not one had seemed concerned for her, only their own egos. None had requested Daniil's input. None but Athanasia. Only another woman seemed able to feel sympathy for a sister in distress. For that, Daniil could feel her heart shifting from its fast beat of panic and despair to that of righteous fury and self-justified hate. There was no justice to be found in the hearts of men. Only pride. Men would always put their pride before everything else, it seemed. Blinded to any contradictions by her own desperation to find a scape-goat, Daniil's convictions were not weakened but strengthened by what had just transpired. She would find no equality nor recognition so long as the pride of men ruled Greece.
Brought from her hiding spot inside her own heart by the siren's call of vindication, her eyes re-examined her new situation, suddenly finding herself able to breathe once more. Her grandfather had of course placed her near him, as had likely wished to do from the beginning. There was no place on this earth she could hide from Panos of Marikas. The day she made the journey across the River Styx and into the Land of the Dead, she fully expected to find her grandfather waiting for her and chiding her on the manner of dress she had been interred in and her tardiness. Still filled with fury, she pointedly ignored him for the moment, determined to not acknowledge him until he spoke to her. One act that some could interpret as kind in his own way, though she believed it more likely he had acted out of a desire to protect the image of their family than out of any desire for her own protection, did not wash out a lifetime of cold torment.
In her immediate vicinity, the two of note were of course the princess and the illustrious and regal Thea. Since arriving at the Thanasi manor to live out their stay in Colchis, Daniil had oft found herself admiring the older woman. Thea lived apart from the world, and even the family around her. Quiet and sharp, she never spoke unless she had something to say. Even now, with the princess greeting her, her only acknowledgement being a silent raise of her goblet. Effortlessly regal, every movement controlled and sublime. Thea commanded respect and fear simply with her presence. Daniil felt her heart beat faster as she examined Thea, eyes drinking in the older woman's aura. Daniil could only hope to be as flawless as the other woman, and felt naught but admiration. No, that wasn't quite right. There was something else there as she examined Thea's long hair, the contours of her face, the flesh of her neck, the softness of her lips-
No, no, bad Daniil, bad! A flush crept up her neck as she hurriedly drank from the nearest wine goblet, desperate to get such thoughts out of her mind. She could not think that way. Not about anyone, and especially not another woman, even one as beautiful and domineering as Thea- Gods damn it all, shut up!
Seeking to move forward from such thoughts and desires, Daniil cleared her throat, casting her gaze towards Athanasia instead. Her voice no longer trembled, but was back to its normal fullness. "I must extend my thanks towards you, Athanasia. The company I find myself in now is far more desirable than but a moment ago. I confess, I had rather been hoping to make your acquaintance while here in Colchis, as I have admired you from afar for some time now."
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Courtly politics had never been an interest that Daniil had pursued with great vigor. The long and complex masquerade enjoyed by the nobility the young woman reluctantly found herself to be apart of was not a dance she saw as worthy of being engaged in by those that would claim leadership of nations. Accordingly, she devoted little of her time investing in knowledge of those that would play it outside of her own home of Athenia. Even on the journey here, Colchis had seemed like such a far away place, and almost irrelevant to her own life. Yet even one such as she paid attention to the rumors and reputation of figures that interested her. The Princess Athanasia had long since been one of those figures. After all, did they not both buck the expectations and traditions of their families in one way or another? Did they not both earn the ire of the men in their courts simply because they refused to allow themselves to fall into the simple categorizations and tight gender restrictions expected- nay, demanded of them?
As she took her seat at the other table, it only truly dawned on her that she had been approached by the princess, and saved by her. A slight flush came upon her face. It was rare that Daniil felt remorse for perceived slights against another, but she was feeling such remorse now. She had been direct, dismissive, and unappreciative towards the woman that had gone through such effort to save her from a situation in which Daniil had no method of escape. Clarity was returning to her, now, and with it her anger. Not directed at Athanasia, nor Panos, nor even Alexandros. Her fury was aimed directly at herself. How could she have been so foolish? So childish? So utterly weak and pathetic? How could she have allowed herself to fall into such despair over a single sentence? Was she truly so fragile, to be unwound with a phrase?
She was a Marikas, and a free woman. She was supposed to be strong and confident, never allowing another to control her destiny. She was the mistress of her own fate. But not then. Not at that table, surrounded by men. As they argued amongst each other over slights and honor, not one had seemed concerned for her, only their own egos. None had requested Daniil's input. None but Athanasia. Only another woman seemed able to feel sympathy for a sister in distress. For that, Daniil could feel her heart shifting from its fast beat of panic and despair to that of righteous fury and self-justified hate. There was no justice to be found in the hearts of men. Only pride. Men would always put their pride before everything else, it seemed. Blinded to any contradictions by her own desperation to find a scape-goat, Daniil's convictions were not weakened but strengthened by what had just transpired. She would find no equality nor recognition so long as the pride of men ruled Greece.
Brought from her hiding spot inside her own heart by the siren's call of vindication, her eyes re-examined her new situation, suddenly finding herself able to breathe once more. Her grandfather had of course placed her near him, as had likely wished to do from the beginning. There was no place on this earth she could hide from Panos of Marikas. The day she made the journey across the River Styx and into the Land of the Dead, she fully expected to find her grandfather waiting for her and chiding her on the manner of dress she had been interred in and her tardiness. Still filled with fury, she pointedly ignored him for the moment, determined to not acknowledge him until he spoke to her. One act that some could interpret as kind in his own way, though she believed it more likely he had acted out of a desire to protect the image of their family than out of any desire for her own protection, did not wash out a lifetime of cold torment.
In her immediate vicinity, the two of note were of course the princess and the illustrious and regal Thea. Since arriving at the Thanasi manor to live out their stay in Colchis, Daniil had oft found herself admiring the older woman. Thea lived apart from the world, and even the family around her. Quiet and sharp, she never spoke unless she had something to say. Even now, with the princess greeting her, her only acknowledgement being a silent raise of her goblet. Effortlessly regal, every movement controlled and sublime. Thea commanded respect and fear simply with her presence. Daniil felt her heart beat faster as she examined Thea, eyes drinking in the older woman's aura. Daniil could only hope to be as flawless as the other woman, and felt naught but admiration. No, that wasn't quite right. There was something else there as she examined Thea's long hair, the contours of her face, the flesh of her neck, the softness of her lips-
No, no, bad Daniil, bad! A flush crept up her neck as she hurriedly drank from the nearest wine goblet, desperate to get such thoughts out of her mind. She could not think that way. Not about anyone, and especially not another woman, even one as beautiful and domineering as Thea- Gods damn it all, shut up!
Seeking to move forward from such thoughts and desires, Daniil cleared her throat, casting her gaze towards Athanasia instead. Her voice no longer trembled, but was back to its normal fullness. "I must extend my thanks towards you, Athanasia. The company I find myself in now is far more desirable than but a moment ago. I confess, I had rather been hoping to make your acquaintance while here in Colchis, as I have admired you from afar for some time now."
Courtly politics had never been an interest that Daniil had pursued with great vigor. The long and complex masquerade enjoyed by the nobility the young woman reluctantly found herself to be apart of was not a dance she saw as worthy of being engaged in by those that would claim leadership of nations. Accordingly, she devoted little of her time investing in knowledge of those that would play it outside of her own home of Athenia. Even on the journey here, Colchis had seemed like such a far away place, and almost irrelevant to her own life. Yet even one such as she paid attention to the rumors and reputation of figures that interested her. The Princess Athanasia had long since been one of those figures. After all, did they not both buck the expectations and traditions of their families in one way or another? Did they not both earn the ire of the men in their courts simply because they refused to allow themselves to fall into the simple categorizations and tight gender restrictions expected- nay, demanded of them?
As she took her seat at the other table, it only truly dawned on her that she had been approached by the princess, and saved by her. A slight flush came upon her face. It was rare that Daniil felt remorse for perceived slights against another, but she was feeling such remorse now. She had been direct, dismissive, and unappreciative towards the woman that had gone through such effort to save her from a situation in which Daniil had no method of escape. Clarity was returning to her, now, and with it her anger. Not directed at Athanasia, nor Panos, nor even Alexandros. Her fury was aimed directly at herself. How could she have been so foolish? So childish? So utterly weak and pathetic? How could she have allowed herself to fall into such despair over a single sentence? Was she truly so fragile, to be unwound with a phrase?
She was a Marikas, and a free woman. She was supposed to be strong and confident, never allowing another to control her destiny. She was the mistress of her own fate. But not then. Not at that table, surrounded by men. As they argued amongst each other over slights and honor, not one had seemed concerned for her, only their own egos. None had requested Daniil's input. None but Athanasia. Only another woman seemed able to feel sympathy for a sister in distress. For that, Daniil could feel her heart shifting from its fast beat of panic and despair to that of righteous fury and self-justified hate. There was no justice to be found in the hearts of men. Only pride. Men would always put their pride before everything else, it seemed. Blinded to any contradictions by her own desperation to find a scape-goat, Daniil's convictions were not weakened but strengthened by what had just transpired. She would find no equality nor recognition so long as the pride of men ruled Greece.
Brought from her hiding spot inside her own heart by the siren's call of vindication, her eyes re-examined her new situation, suddenly finding herself able to breathe once more. Her grandfather had of course placed her near him, as had likely wished to do from the beginning. There was no place on this earth she could hide from Panos of Marikas. The day she made the journey across the River Styx and into the Land of the Dead, she fully expected to find her grandfather waiting for her and chiding her on the manner of dress she had been interred in and her tardiness. Still filled with fury, she pointedly ignored him for the moment, determined to not acknowledge him until he spoke to her. One act that some could interpret as kind in his own way, though she believed it more likely he had acted out of a desire to protect the image of their family than out of any desire for her own protection, did not wash out a lifetime of cold torment.
In her immediate vicinity, the two of note were of course the princess and the illustrious and regal Thea. Since arriving at the Thanasi manor to live out their stay in Colchis, Daniil had oft found herself admiring the older woman. Thea lived apart from the world, and even the family around her. Quiet and sharp, she never spoke unless she had something to say. Even now, with the princess greeting her, her only acknowledgement being a silent raise of her goblet. Effortlessly regal, every movement controlled and sublime. Thea commanded respect and fear simply with her presence. Daniil felt her heart beat faster as she examined Thea, eyes drinking in the older woman's aura. Daniil could only hope to be as flawless as the other woman, and felt naught but admiration. No, that wasn't quite right. There was something else there as she examined Thea's long hair, the contours of her face, the flesh of her neck, the softness of her lips-
No, no, bad Daniil, bad! A flush crept up her neck as she hurriedly drank from the nearest wine goblet, desperate to get such thoughts out of her mind. She could not think that way. Not about anyone, and especially not another woman, even one as beautiful and domineering as Thea- Gods damn it all, shut up!
Seeking to move forward from such thoughts and desires, Daniil cleared her throat, casting her gaze towards Athanasia instead. Her voice no longer trembled, but was back to its normal fullness. "I must extend my thanks towards you, Athanasia. The company I find myself in now is far more desirable than but a moment ago. I confess, I had rather been hoping to make your acquaintance while here in Colchis, as I have admired you from afar for some time now."
“You did. You think I don't know what you did back there, but I know. Also, you will work for it. If you accept the retainer position I offered, you will get paid weekly. I am also playing with another thought, but I need to see something before I offer it to you.”
Aea’s smile dimmed to something less teasing, more gentle. She supposed she was not as sneaky as she thought. She wished, more than anything, that she could just accept Asia’s offer, but she couldn’t. If her family found out, they would expect her to take advantage of the situation, and she could not simply tell Asia such a thing.
“I must still talk to my family. I haven’t had the time since yesterday,” she said quietly. Aea didn’t know why she didn’t just refuse now instead. Perhaps because there was a chance that with her refusal would come an end to this brief yet captivating friendship. Even with Hektos gone, even knowing that Aea could just leave, she was still holding on tight to the only people she’d ever known. Where would she be without her uncles? Could she take Kaia, or would Kaia insist on staying too? “And I suppose I’ll have to see what this other thought is when it arises.”
“Good luck to you as well,” Asia said of Aea’s warning.
“I do not need luck, but I thank you for the sympathy all the same,” Aea shot back with a small smirk.
They entered the chamber as Aea was immediately enraptured by their surroundings as Asia filled in her gaps of knowledge with new information. Curiosity pricked at her and she asked the princess whether she attended these...councils and debates. “No, usually this is the men's field to hold the councils and debates. My aunt goes, but she is also the head of her house. Debates and Councils usually are handled by the king, heads of houses, and barons.”
Aea’s eyebrows furrowed. She’d not heard of a men’s field before. Surely they didn’t bar women from entering, that would be beyond unreasonable, and why would they? Women could listen and speak and argue; they did, after all, have mouths and minds.
“I see,” Aea said. She didn’t, but here was not the place to reveal how little she knew of the workings that went into Colchian politics. It just didn’t make sense to her, was all. Nobody had ever told her that something was ‘for men’ or ‘for women’ except intercourse. But that was because women could get pregnant, and men could not.
Aea was so lost in thought that she did not realize she was being taken to the king and queen until she was feet away. Panic fueled her to think quickly and act decisively, so she latched onto the best idea she could think of in the span of a few seconds and executed it with all the confidence and boldness of someone who was not lying.
Asia took her away after introductions were made and Aea’s mouth spread into a smile, prideful of her performance for how quickly she had to execute such a half-cocked scheme. In front of a king and queen, no less. Her smile was short lived, however, when Asia giggled and informed her that her act had been transparent to the king. Breathe, she said. Ha.
Aea swallowed and reminded herself that the king hadn’t ordered her arrest, though she was fairly certain he was within his right for impersonating a noble. Or maybe he wasn’t. Maybe he was within his right to do whatever he wanted; she did not know how much deciding power the king had. Maybe just some, maybe a fourth, maybe all.
At least the queen didn’t know. That they knew of, at least.
They eventually made their way to the table and Aea had to quickly orient herself within the space she now inhabited. Conversations bubbled, introductions were had, wine was poured. It was all very strange. Aea fell into an ease with Asia next to her, reminding herself that it was only tonight, and so it was alright. She fell into character easily, and though it wasn’t the one she usually used, it seemed to work well enough for her Uncle Cassero.
Yiannis shot her a compliment that at first befuddled her because he’d been talking to Asia, and Asia had brought no other guests. Then, Aea began to understand his charm. He was being friendly in a strange way. He didn’t know who or what she was, but he was bantering with her anyway. It felt like a game. And so, finding her strategy, Aea listened raptly as he spoke of the easy peace between the kingdoms.
“I see. Thank you for the enlightenment. A wise decision, indeed, though candid benevolence does not make for the epic saga full of mighty heroes and sweeping adventures you are so known for. Perhaps you can regale me with something less pristine some other time."
“Oh, it would be my pleasure.”
She was not surprised he had a story to tell. He was, after all, a prince, and one that had traveled far from what she could assume from their earlier talk. If she did not have to leave after this, she might have later prodded him to tell her in truth. She wanted to see everything, and if she could not, then she wanted to fuel her imagination and be taken far away to the place that only stories could sweep a mortal.
Alas, there was no later to be had. Instead, she would enjoy this fun while it lasted and perhaps learn how things were done among civilized people. At her turn for a reply, it was formulated long before she opened her mouth. Like a well-timed arrow, she shot her reply and studied him as she spoke, looking for clues as to what such a response might elicit.
“Actually, I did hear your Pantheon has remarkable legends, and I would not be averse to being enlightened in the ways of your Gods after dinner. You can tell me more of this...Aphrodite of yours. I’ve no doubt a pious man such as yourself is well-versed in her divine virtues—clearly you are familiar with her blessings."
She turned away before he could offer a reply, but she was still aware of him in her peripherals. For a moment he did not react. Thinking, probably, but certainly not blushing. Perhaps she’d done that wrong, then.
“Oh, our Goddess of Love has many things to offer in her teachings. I would be honored to show you to her temple, should the opportunity arise.”
Now here was a puzzle. Did she win, or did she offend him? Or perhaps he had not caught onto her meaning after all and was, in fact, clueless to her implication. She supposed men did not oft find themselves at the receiving end of being called beautiful. Or perhaps they did, she did not know. She would need to further test this. Not now, for even she knew it would appear vulgar, but perhaps later. If they were not in such a crowded room, it would be easier. She would ask Kaia later as well—she was well practiced in talking to men that weren’t half a century old, so she would know.
“Should the opportunity arise,” Aea agreed, flicking her eyes at him briefly before returning them to Asia.
Aea would never set foot in a temple of Aphrodite unless she was dragged there kicking and screaming. Or paid very, very handsomely. Her uncle said that the priests and priestesses walked in the nude and did the most ridiculous things to people that paid for it. She could only assume others thought it a normal and necessary thing, but Aea was not quite sure she would ever understand why. Then again, humans were base and vulgar creatures.
Her mind bounced from one area to the next without issue. This was her strength, perhaps—being able to hold so many conflicting focuses at once. Or maybe everyone was proficient at it, she didn’t know, but as she asked Asia to tell her about philosophy and science, she was also aware of the people in front of her. With one ear on the buzzing din of conversation and the other upon Asia, the princesses next comment surprised Aea enough that her full attention was diverted to the other woman.
“Oh I do, I think it would be fun to see your customs. As for the talks on philosophy, I must admit I have always hated the subject,” Asia said.
To Aea’s credit, she didn’t look as surprised as she felt. She supposed she shouldn’t be. Not every noble enjoyed the unanswerable questions of the universe...or anybody except for Uncle Gatheron, for that matter. It was alright. As long as Aea had her uncle, she supposed she would never run out of a conversational partner.
Asia leaned in and Aea tilted her head slightly to hear her better, “I also don't debate because men are big babies when it comes to losing to a woman in anything. So I don't debate.”
Aea’s eyebrows furrowed. Why would they be? Was this like the council issue? Were men afraid of debating women, and so refused to do so? She did not understand. It was surely a good thing to speak to everyone possible about a given subject so that one could form an educated hypothesis from all variables. Why would men be babies? Surely they did not weep when outwitted. Civilized people were bizarre, and Aea was trying not to take the statement as a personal challenge.
“Brother, you know more of the scholarly arts than I, she wants to know more about science and philosophy,” Asia said.
Aea calmly set her drink down and clamped down on the sudden bubble of questions swelling in her mind. “Is that so?”
Asia might have been deflecting still. Given how many people were not, in fact, interested in such a thing, Aea would not be surprised if Yiannis was not either. Or, she hoped not at least. She was doing very well reigning herself in.
“Oh yes, my Father declared each of his sons will be as fine with his wits as he is with his sword,” Yiannis said.
Aea’s attention hitched on ‘sons’ and she flicked her eyes at Asia with a raised eyebrow. Not his daughter, just his sons? Why? Asia was entirely capable and sharp as a blade, surely her father had been the cause of that. If he wasn’t, though, then how did she come to be herself?
“A strong sword and a mind to match? I can’t say I’ve met such a man before. We’ll have to see if your father’s ambitions can outmatch your sister’s willpower, then. I’ve seen her lose four arrows perfectly through the eyes of four rabbits, and though I’ve not observed her with a sword, I like to think I’ve seen enough to know the stride of a warrior. And her wit is certainly sharp enough to cut. I suppose I’ll have to test you after all...should the opportunity arise. I do hope you can keep up.” Aea said, leveling Yiannis with a sharp grin that was partially playful, partially challenging, and not at all jesting. From what she could observe, these civilized men apparently did not like to include females in their games for whatever reason. She wanted to figure out why, and then proceed to ignore the reason. That, and she would not mind picking Yiannis’ mind right before testing his blade. There was nothing more enjoyable, in her opinion. He would surely be a better partner than Vangelis in that regard; this one could smile and laugh. “You’ll have to tell me what interests you, then. I’d like to know what great minds you have met, and what they have written, and what you think about it.”
She’d said it casually enough, but underneath her calm tone was a gnashing urge to release all the words crowding her tongue. She’d never met someone who liked to think, or that knew anything outside of the necessary knowledge it took to live while also being a combatant. Now he had to be her friend, and if he was to be her friend, then he would simply have to indulge her curiosity.
Aea hadn’t been looking fully at him before, but she was now, no longer concerned with whatever was going on around her. Yiannis smiled as he spoke and she bit the inside of her cheek, her knee bouncing slowly under the table.
“There are many wonderful things to explore, like the names and stories of the constellations, as well as the somewhat controversial idea that we all derive from a single unlimited substance named apeiron. My teacher, on the other hand, would present a small amount of information, then ask us challenging questions to make us think critically about the assumptions we've made all our lives. It was rather brilliant. As for what I've read, I rather like the teachings of Pythagoras as a particular highlight. In my opinion, his approach to arithmetic revolutionized our architecture. I'd give anything to sit and discuss his theories with him.”
Aea studied him as he spoke, committing his far-away gaze and his astonishing words to memory. Constellations. Aepiron. Critical. Assumptions. Pythagoras. Arithmetic. Architecture. Theories. Her knee bounced faster and she wanted very badly to open her mouth and speak, but she was also very aware of how quickly her control was slipping. Melting like wax under flame, really. She forcefully stopped the movement of her leg and bit her lip. Calm. Patience. Control.
Although Aea was determined to be friendly and figure out how these social exchanged worked, Yiannis was making it difficult to remember that he was just another human. She'd been doing so well, too, and now she was seconds away from getting nervous once more. Did a man speaking on the topic of critical thinking make her swoon? What the fuck wrong with her?! Just a human. Bones and skin and fuck's sake quit smiling. This was no longer fair.
“That begs the question, Lady Aidoni, how is education handled where you come from?”
She locked upon her impulses, bucking like a wild thing in its fury for freedom. Think. Don't even look at him. Her lack of formal education was like a sudden wall between she and he, like he was standing atop a great barricade and looking down expectantly at her. She had things to say, questions to ask, and that barricade was only another obstacle to be destroyed or bypassed. She could use that, something to focus on and anchor herself to.
“Not very well, admittedly,” she said, “my people know what they must do to live and build and wage war. Nothing so great as your civilization. But, I do have an uncle that was much like your teacher, and though he taught me well enough, I must admit that I was always far too curious to be satisfied by such constraints. Pythagoras, and arithmetic in general, were always as fascinating to me as ontological issues. I cannot say that I have been able to study their correlation to decide on whether I agree with his assertion, but I do know that his theory has truth in music. And if music, as an intangible form, can be measured by patterns and numbers in all cases, then it stands to reason that other intangible items can be measured in the same way, for they certainly have no mass to be weighed, and so they must have…”
Aea trailed off when she realized that her knee was bouncing again, and that was before she realized that somewhere along the way, she’d lost her grip on her control completely. And now, she had to go catch her tongue and stuff it back in its cage. She tugged on the end of her braid and laughed quietly at herself. She supposed she was bound to do that at some point. Better that then blurting out something that would get her in actual trouble. But she wanted to talk about it and she wanted to hear him talk about it. Preferably with a sack over his head.
“In any case, I’ve been told that debate is not polite at a Greecian dinner. You must be reading my mind, your highness. I blame any misbehavior entirely upon you and your sister. Even so, I can’t help but ask what you think of his metempsychosis and vir—”
Asia tensed next to Aea and her ease dissipated like mist to the afternoon, her shy smile traded for a flat frown as her eyes darted to the couple sitting before her. The handsome man’s pretty voice snagged her ear and anchored her gaze to his lips as he spoke in whispers to the lady next to him. She watched the shapes his mouth made, watched the press of his tongue to his teeth, vaguely understood his meaning, and moved as a response. She could not get to her cousin fast enough. _____________________________
“Then allow me to correct the ignorance, Captain Alexandros. Might I introduce Lord Panos of Marikas. Master in Law of Athenia's Senate and grandfather to the young woman you've been keeping gentlemanly company with.”
A pause. Aea stepped back further into the shadows, where the candlelight from the room beyond could not touch her. From such an angle, she could see the prince standing behind Alexandros and holding out his hand to someone, though she could not see who.
“My apologies for any insult or lack of introduction you suffered, my Lord. The Captain is under my command and any punishment desired of him duly mine to take. I can assure you I am at watch of your granddaughter and encourage you to take a seat and share in the meal.”
She glanced aside and spotted Lady Rene just down the corridor, but her back was turned as she moved. Aea turned her attention back to the bubbling tension just beyond the archway.
“Your Royal Highness….I appreciate your words, but rest assured, Crown Prince Vangelis, that neither apology or punishment are warranted. Instead, let us honor the long and noble bond between our distinguished bloodlines and allow this oversight to be of no consequence. After all, Your Royal Highness, we would not want this blunder to jeopardize any arrangements between the Kotas and Marikas, yes?”
The man Vangelis spoke to, this Lord Panos of Marikas, had a startling voice. It was not loud or flamboyant, but the measured rhythm was impeccable, the tonal shift built as a rising crescendo. Like the quiet roll of thunder prior to the furious wind and slashing rain.
“Your Royal Highness…It would be an honor for you to choose the company of my granddaughter this evening, right, Daniil? Yet, if I may be so bold, could I request the company of both of you, I find these times to be indicative of friendship, and what older amity than the one between the Kotas and Marikas?”
“If Lord Panos had properly introduced himself and offered a question instead of the rude imposition into the conversation, then I am certain none of this would have happened. He would have received the answer he sought had he only asked.”
Aea saw Alexandros turned in his chair, speaking to the man she could not see. She committed the captain’s cadence to memory.
“The better part of wisdom invites me to impart some upon you, boy…Though you may not realize it, not all men are born equal, and whatever you have so earned is attained solely by the Grace of your superiors. I invite you to resist if you must, but do know that your struggles are already in vain. For everything has been preordained by the Gods who reign above, and just as some have been chose to rule and lead, like me and mine, so too others must bend and kneel, like yourself. Now, I bid you farewell. Pray, we meet again in more appropriate tones, boy…”
“I have a name, one that you know, and I would never dream to be so rude as to not call someone by their name once I knew it, nor would I turn my back and walk away afterwards. Don’t lecture me or call me boy as if you are my father, for you most certainly aren’t and the gods deserve thanks for that. I have proven that I am suited to lead, and earned my position through my own abilities. The gods know well that I kneel only before them in prayer, just as you do, and we all know that the gods love to humble those who would consider themselves their equal.”
Asia glided behind Alexandros and Aea moved forward, closing her eyes and straining to hear, catching onto the hiss of whispers only because Alexandros was positioned so close to the archway.
“Yes. Yes, my lady Athanasia, that sounds lovely. I would be delighted to spend time with you. Uhm. . . I. . .I would submit to whatever seating arrangement you would see fit to place us in, Athanasia, if I may call you such.”
“You may, or you may call me Asia like my friends do, whichever you feel more comfortable with. May I call you Daniil? Thank you, my lord. I shall look forward to possibly becoming great friends with Lady Daniil. I could not be happier than to come sit with you both and be able to talk. I have always wanted to hear more about the friendship between our families and about Athenia and it's beauty. I was very young when I last was there, I sadly do not remember as much as I would have liked too. I will be just one moment as I let my brother Yiannis know I will not be returning to my seat next to him.”
“If I ever see you make another female uncomfortable as I just saw here today, I will end you. I may not take your life with a sword Alexandros, but I will make you wish I did. Your job, your status, the clothes on your very back, the gold drachmae that you enjoy, come from being in my brother's service, yes? If I even hear your name on a breath of some woman and she says that you hurt her, I will make you pay for it. I know what you might be thinking, you answer to my brother. Vangelis would never do that to you. Who do you think he will believe? Me? Or you? Family above everything. That is the Kotas family motto.”
“I think you’ve read this situation quite poorly, my dear Asia. It is I who was insulted, if she is uncomfortable that I did not take her words lying down, that is not my problem. If you wish to rescue her from her own folly, then be my guest and take her away, but don’t threaten me over responding in kind. If you do want me gone, perhaps he would take your word over mine, but my clothes are mine, my swords are mine, my skills are mine, and someone always has need of a sharp blade and a man who can lead troops. So think for a moment, do you want me on your side or against you, then tell me what you come up with afterwards.”
“My friend, I wish you would put your pride away for a moment before it gets you killed. You might have been insulted, but that is when you should have looked to Prince Vangelis for what should've be done since he is your commanding officer. I threatened and insulted you because you need to learn to read body language. When a woman is shirking away from you, it does not mean that she wants you to make any sexual suggestions to her. Either involving just you or a servent girl. Not every female is after your cock. So not only did you make a woman uncomfortable enough that she needed to insult you to try and get you to leave her alone, you also managed to make your commander look bad because you do not know how to listen.”
There was a shuffling noise and the silence in the room beyond was palpable. Backing up once more, Aea’s eyes widened when they alighted upon Asia, who had Alexandros in a headlock with his cloak entrapping his head.
“Do you not see that I am trying to save your fucking life, you idiot?! Do not think that Lord Panos would not possibly ask my brother for your life and that is if he does not just take it? Because of the treaty he could indeed just take it and we would not be able to touch him because he is a visiting royal. Visiting royals have complete immunity, just like Colchian royals would have in Athenia or in Taengea. He and his granddaughter have immunity that you do not have since you are not a royal AND you are in Colchis, so think! If we were not in Colchis, if this were Athenia, he would not be able to touch you without jumping through all sorts of legal hoops of his nation. If he killed you, he could get punished in Athenia, but that is only if we are there. Here, he is immune. Why do you think we are placating? It is not just to keep the treaty intacted, it is to keep you alive from your own pride. Which would you rather have?! Some threats from me, a friend that you know will not actually hurt you but others could hear the threat and leave you be, thinking you are being punished like they think you should be, or someone else who could just take your life and never get in trouble for it because of a peace treaty that was made 10 years ago between nations?! I said what I said to get you to shut up before that is exactly what happens!”
“If there was no treaty, for one, yes there would be no immunity but there would still be war between the nations. The food that we eat here in Colchis comes mainly from trade with Athenia and Taengea, no treaty, that becomes a little bit more difficult. More people in our home will starve. No treaty, we would have to worry about attacks from both sides, and never be able to call on Athenia or Taengea for aid if the northerners attack us. Is that what you want? Do you want to ruin ten years of my father's work with the other nations for your pride? Because you were insulted by some harsh words? As for this headlock, I know I have kicked you harder when we have trained, this is nothing but to get you to stop and think. I know that this was nothing but a blow to your pride.”
“If it makes it easier for you to stomach and look like you have some upper hand on everyone, you can leave. No one will stop you. I will tell you one thing though, that pride that you have borders on arrogance. Arrogant men get killed because they are to blind to see past their own pride to see the bigger picture. I happen to like having you around and seeing how far you will go. A dead Alexandros is of no use to me or anyone, so stay alive.”
Asia shoved at him and Aea folded her arms. Pride. Pride. Men cried like babies, Asia had said. Men did not like women in the council chamber, she said. Suddenly, it clicked. All this talk of pride, everything she’d just heard said, everything she’d just seen between Alexandros and Lord Panos. And despite everybody’s best intentions, Aea knew better than most that an irritated man was dangerous.
Her father had taught her that in all things, should one injure a man, it was best to make sure he was not capable of recovering else he would take his revenge. No exceptions. And Alexandros, though knocked about a bit, had not been injured to the point of no return. He would either get angrier, his control less stable, or he would go silent, leave, and then strike much harder than his opponents had sought to strike him. Based upon his behavior thus far, Aea understood that he would explode before he let himself be cowed, reasoned with, or subdued in any manner. She had to thank her father for this knowledge at least.
Asia had been one of his opponents. This inevitability would not do, and so Aea would ensure it would not happen.
Aea tracked Asia’s movements as she rounded the table and spoke at Yiannis’ shoulder before stopping by an incredibly pretty man to offer him a few words. There was a tension in the room that Aea knew well—the spark upon the grass right before the roar of true flame. She stepped around the archway then, her eyes flicking to Asia, her eyebrows arching. If the princess caught her look, it was one that asked for trust and patience. Then, her eyes locked onto the back of Alexandros’ head.
Whenever she could take one action and complete two goals, she knew it was the correct path. Her first priority, however, was to get the true weight of this man’s soul—he who had so sufficiently cast his spell upon her cousin.
Aea came to stand behind the now vacant chair next to Alexandros, her voice measured and subdued. Non-threatening, sweet, even. She was only a tree among the forest, inconsequential, nondescript, and but a temporary item among the passing scenery.
“Captain?” She gave him a small smile, “a serving girl was asking for you. A girl by the name of Kaia? It seemed like a very urgent matter. Come, I’ll take you to her.”
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
“You did. You think I don't know what you did back there, but I know. Also, you will work for it. If you accept the retainer position I offered, you will get paid weekly. I am also playing with another thought, but I need to see something before I offer it to you.”
Aea’s smile dimmed to something less teasing, more gentle. She supposed she was not as sneaky as she thought. She wished, more than anything, that she could just accept Asia’s offer, but she couldn’t. If her family found out, they would expect her to take advantage of the situation, and she could not simply tell Asia such a thing.
“I must still talk to my family. I haven’t had the time since yesterday,” she said quietly. Aea didn’t know why she didn’t just refuse now instead. Perhaps because there was a chance that with her refusal would come an end to this brief yet captivating friendship. Even with Hektos gone, even knowing that Aea could just leave, she was still holding on tight to the only people she’d ever known. Where would she be without her uncles? Could she take Kaia, or would Kaia insist on staying too? “And I suppose I’ll have to see what this other thought is when it arises.”
“Good luck to you as well,” Asia said of Aea’s warning.
“I do not need luck, but I thank you for the sympathy all the same,” Aea shot back with a small smirk.
They entered the chamber as Aea was immediately enraptured by their surroundings as Asia filled in her gaps of knowledge with new information. Curiosity pricked at her and she asked the princess whether she attended these...councils and debates. “No, usually this is the men's field to hold the councils and debates. My aunt goes, but she is also the head of her house. Debates and Councils usually are handled by the king, heads of houses, and barons.”
Aea’s eyebrows furrowed. She’d not heard of a men’s field before. Surely they didn’t bar women from entering, that would be beyond unreasonable, and why would they? Women could listen and speak and argue; they did, after all, have mouths and minds.
“I see,” Aea said. She didn’t, but here was not the place to reveal how little she knew of the workings that went into Colchian politics. It just didn’t make sense to her, was all. Nobody had ever told her that something was ‘for men’ or ‘for women’ except intercourse. But that was because women could get pregnant, and men could not.
Aea was so lost in thought that she did not realize she was being taken to the king and queen until she was feet away. Panic fueled her to think quickly and act decisively, so she latched onto the best idea she could think of in the span of a few seconds and executed it with all the confidence and boldness of someone who was not lying.
Asia took her away after introductions were made and Aea’s mouth spread into a smile, prideful of her performance for how quickly she had to execute such a half-cocked scheme. In front of a king and queen, no less. Her smile was short lived, however, when Asia giggled and informed her that her act had been transparent to the king. Breathe, she said. Ha.
Aea swallowed and reminded herself that the king hadn’t ordered her arrest, though she was fairly certain he was within his right for impersonating a noble. Or maybe he wasn’t. Maybe he was within his right to do whatever he wanted; she did not know how much deciding power the king had. Maybe just some, maybe a fourth, maybe all.
At least the queen didn’t know. That they knew of, at least.
They eventually made their way to the table and Aea had to quickly orient herself within the space she now inhabited. Conversations bubbled, introductions were had, wine was poured. It was all very strange. Aea fell into an ease with Asia next to her, reminding herself that it was only tonight, and so it was alright. She fell into character easily, and though it wasn’t the one she usually used, it seemed to work well enough for her Uncle Cassero.
Yiannis shot her a compliment that at first befuddled her because he’d been talking to Asia, and Asia had brought no other guests. Then, Aea began to understand his charm. He was being friendly in a strange way. He didn’t know who or what she was, but he was bantering with her anyway. It felt like a game. And so, finding her strategy, Aea listened raptly as he spoke of the easy peace between the kingdoms.
“I see. Thank you for the enlightenment. A wise decision, indeed, though candid benevolence does not make for the epic saga full of mighty heroes and sweeping adventures you are so known for. Perhaps you can regale me with something less pristine some other time."
“Oh, it would be my pleasure.”
She was not surprised he had a story to tell. He was, after all, a prince, and one that had traveled far from what she could assume from their earlier talk. If she did not have to leave after this, she might have later prodded him to tell her in truth. She wanted to see everything, and if she could not, then she wanted to fuel her imagination and be taken far away to the place that only stories could sweep a mortal.
Alas, there was no later to be had. Instead, she would enjoy this fun while it lasted and perhaps learn how things were done among civilized people. At her turn for a reply, it was formulated long before she opened her mouth. Like a well-timed arrow, she shot her reply and studied him as she spoke, looking for clues as to what such a response might elicit.
“Actually, I did hear your Pantheon has remarkable legends, and I would not be averse to being enlightened in the ways of your Gods after dinner. You can tell me more of this...Aphrodite of yours. I’ve no doubt a pious man such as yourself is well-versed in her divine virtues—clearly you are familiar with her blessings."
She turned away before he could offer a reply, but she was still aware of him in her peripherals. For a moment he did not react. Thinking, probably, but certainly not blushing. Perhaps she’d done that wrong, then.
“Oh, our Goddess of Love has many things to offer in her teachings. I would be honored to show you to her temple, should the opportunity arise.”
Now here was a puzzle. Did she win, or did she offend him? Or perhaps he had not caught onto her meaning after all and was, in fact, clueless to her implication. She supposed men did not oft find themselves at the receiving end of being called beautiful. Or perhaps they did, she did not know. She would need to further test this. Not now, for even she knew it would appear vulgar, but perhaps later. If they were not in such a crowded room, it would be easier. She would ask Kaia later as well—she was well practiced in talking to men that weren’t half a century old, so she would know.
“Should the opportunity arise,” Aea agreed, flicking her eyes at him briefly before returning them to Asia.
Aea would never set foot in a temple of Aphrodite unless she was dragged there kicking and screaming. Or paid very, very handsomely. Her uncle said that the priests and priestesses walked in the nude and did the most ridiculous things to people that paid for it. She could only assume others thought it a normal and necessary thing, but Aea was not quite sure she would ever understand why. Then again, humans were base and vulgar creatures.
Her mind bounced from one area to the next without issue. This was her strength, perhaps—being able to hold so many conflicting focuses at once. Or maybe everyone was proficient at it, she didn’t know, but as she asked Asia to tell her about philosophy and science, she was also aware of the people in front of her. With one ear on the buzzing din of conversation and the other upon Asia, the princesses next comment surprised Aea enough that her full attention was diverted to the other woman.
“Oh I do, I think it would be fun to see your customs. As for the talks on philosophy, I must admit I have always hated the subject,” Asia said.
To Aea’s credit, she didn’t look as surprised as she felt. She supposed she shouldn’t be. Not every noble enjoyed the unanswerable questions of the universe...or anybody except for Uncle Gatheron, for that matter. It was alright. As long as Aea had her uncle, she supposed she would never run out of a conversational partner.
Asia leaned in and Aea tilted her head slightly to hear her better, “I also don't debate because men are big babies when it comes to losing to a woman in anything. So I don't debate.”
Aea’s eyebrows furrowed. Why would they be? Was this like the council issue? Were men afraid of debating women, and so refused to do so? She did not understand. It was surely a good thing to speak to everyone possible about a given subject so that one could form an educated hypothesis from all variables. Why would men be babies? Surely they did not weep when outwitted. Civilized people were bizarre, and Aea was trying not to take the statement as a personal challenge.
“Brother, you know more of the scholarly arts than I, she wants to know more about science and philosophy,” Asia said.
Aea calmly set her drink down and clamped down on the sudden bubble of questions swelling in her mind. “Is that so?”
Asia might have been deflecting still. Given how many people were not, in fact, interested in such a thing, Aea would not be surprised if Yiannis was not either. Or, she hoped not at least. She was doing very well reigning herself in.
“Oh yes, my Father declared each of his sons will be as fine with his wits as he is with his sword,” Yiannis said.
Aea’s attention hitched on ‘sons’ and she flicked her eyes at Asia with a raised eyebrow. Not his daughter, just his sons? Why? Asia was entirely capable and sharp as a blade, surely her father had been the cause of that. If he wasn’t, though, then how did she come to be herself?
“A strong sword and a mind to match? I can’t say I’ve met such a man before. We’ll have to see if your father’s ambitions can outmatch your sister’s willpower, then. I’ve seen her lose four arrows perfectly through the eyes of four rabbits, and though I’ve not observed her with a sword, I like to think I’ve seen enough to know the stride of a warrior. And her wit is certainly sharp enough to cut. I suppose I’ll have to test you after all...should the opportunity arise. I do hope you can keep up.” Aea said, leveling Yiannis with a sharp grin that was partially playful, partially challenging, and not at all jesting. From what she could observe, these civilized men apparently did not like to include females in their games for whatever reason. She wanted to figure out why, and then proceed to ignore the reason. That, and she would not mind picking Yiannis’ mind right before testing his blade. There was nothing more enjoyable, in her opinion. He would surely be a better partner than Vangelis in that regard; this one could smile and laugh. “You’ll have to tell me what interests you, then. I’d like to know what great minds you have met, and what they have written, and what you think about it.”
She’d said it casually enough, but underneath her calm tone was a gnashing urge to release all the words crowding her tongue. She’d never met someone who liked to think, or that knew anything outside of the necessary knowledge it took to live while also being a combatant. Now he had to be her friend, and if he was to be her friend, then he would simply have to indulge her curiosity.
Aea hadn’t been looking fully at him before, but she was now, no longer concerned with whatever was going on around her. Yiannis smiled as he spoke and she bit the inside of her cheek, her knee bouncing slowly under the table.
“There are many wonderful things to explore, like the names and stories of the constellations, as well as the somewhat controversial idea that we all derive from a single unlimited substance named apeiron. My teacher, on the other hand, would present a small amount of information, then ask us challenging questions to make us think critically about the assumptions we've made all our lives. It was rather brilliant. As for what I've read, I rather like the teachings of Pythagoras as a particular highlight. In my opinion, his approach to arithmetic revolutionized our architecture. I'd give anything to sit and discuss his theories with him.”
Aea studied him as he spoke, committing his far-away gaze and his astonishing words to memory. Constellations. Aepiron. Critical. Assumptions. Pythagoras. Arithmetic. Architecture. Theories. Her knee bounced faster and she wanted very badly to open her mouth and speak, but she was also very aware of how quickly her control was slipping. Melting like wax under flame, really. She forcefully stopped the movement of her leg and bit her lip. Calm. Patience. Control.
Although Aea was determined to be friendly and figure out how these social exchanged worked, Yiannis was making it difficult to remember that he was just another human. She'd been doing so well, too, and now she was seconds away from getting nervous once more. Did a man speaking on the topic of critical thinking make her swoon? What the fuck wrong with her?! Just a human. Bones and skin and fuck's sake quit smiling. This was no longer fair.
“That begs the question, Lady Aidoni, how is education handled where you come from?”
She locked upon her impulses, bucking like a wild thing in its fury for freedom. Think. Don't even look at him. Her lack of formal education was like a sudden wall between she and he, like he was standing atop a great barricade and looking down expectantly at her. She had things to say, questions to ask, and that barricade was only another obstacle to be destroyed or bypassed. She could use that, something to focus on and anchor herself to.
“Not very well, admittedly,” she said, “my people know what they must do to live and build and wage war. Nothing so great as your civilization. But, I do have an uncle that was much like your teacher, and though he taught me well enough, I must admit that I was always far too curious to be satisfied by such constraints. Pythagoras, and arithmetic in general, were always as fascinating to me as ontological issues. I cannot say that I have been able to study their correlation to decide on whether I agree with his assertion, but I do know that his theory has truth in music. And if music, as an intangible form, can be measured by patterns and numbers in all cases, then it stands to reason that other intangible items can be measured in the same way, for they certainly have no mass to be weighed, and so they must have…”
Aea trailed off when she realized that her knee was bouncing again, and that was before she realized that somewhere along the way, she’d lost her grip on her control completely. And now, she had to go catch her tongue and stuff it back in its cage. She tugged on the end of her braid and laughed quietly at herself. She supposed she was bound to do that at some point. Better that then blurting out something that would get her in actual trouble. But she wanted to talk about it and she wanted to hear him talk about it. Preferably with a sack over his head.
“In any case, I’ve been told that debate is not polite at a Greecian dinner. You must be reading my mind, your highness. I blame any misbehavior entirely upon you and your sister. Even so, I can’t help but ask what you think of his metempsychosis and vir—”
Asia tensed next to Aea and her ease dissipated like mist to the afternoon, her shy smile traded for a flat frown as her eyes darted to the couple sitting before her. The handsome man’s pretty voice snagged her ear and anchored her gaze to his lips as he spoke in whispers to the lady next to him. She watched the shapes his mouth made, watched the press of his tongue to his teeth, vaguely understood his meaning, and moved as a response. She could not get to her cousin fast enough. _____________________________
“Then allow me to correct the ignorance, Captain Alexandros. Might I introduce Lord Panos of Marikas. Master in Law of Athenia's Senate and grandfather to the young woman you've been keeping gentlemanly company with.”
A pause. Aea stepped back further into the shadows, where the candlelight from the room beyond could not touch her. From such an angle, she could see the prince standing behind Alexandros and holding out his hand to someone, though she could not see who.
“My apologies for any insult or lack of introduction you suffered, my Lord. The Captain is under my command and any punishment desired of him duly mine to take. I can assure you I am at watch of your granddaughter and encourage you to take a seat and share in the meal.”
She glanced aside and spotted Lady Rene just down the corridor, but her back was turned as she moved. Aea turned her attention back to the bubbling tension just beyond the archway.
“Your Royal Highness….I appreciate your words, but rest assured, Crown Prince Vangelis, that neither apology or punishment are warranted. Instead, let us honor the long and noble bond between our distinguished bloodlines and allow this oversight to be of no consequence. After all, Your Royal Highness, we would not want this blunder to jeopardize any arrangements between the Kotas and Marikas, yes?”
The man Vangelis spoke to, this Lord Panos of Marikas, had a startling voice. It was not loud or flamboyant, but the measured rhythm was impeccable, the tonal shift built as a rising crescendo. Like the quiet roll of thunder prior to the furious wind and slashing rain.
“Your Royal Highness…It would be an honor for you to choose the company of my granddaughter this evening, right, Daniil? Yet, if I may be so bold, could I request the company of both of you, I find these times to be indicative of friendship, and what older amity than the one between the Kotas and Marikas?”
“If Lord Panos had properly introduced himself and offered a question instead of the rude imposition into the conversation, then I am certain none of this would have happened. He would have received the answer he sought had he only asked.”
Aea saw Alexandros turned in his chair, speaking to the man she could not see. She committed the captain’s cadence to memory.
“The better part of wisdom invites me to impart some upon you, boy…Though you may not realize it, not all men are born equal, and whatever you have so earned is attained solely by the Grace of your superiors. I invite you to resist if you must, but do know that your struggles are already in vain. For everything has been preordained by the Gods who reign above, and just as some have been chose to rule and lead, like me and mine, so too others must bend and kneel, like yourself. Now, I bid you farewell. Pray, we meet again in more appropriate tones, boy…”
“I have a name, one that you know, and I would never dream to be so rude as to not call someone by their name once I knew it, nor would I turn my back and walk away afterwards. Don’t lecture me or call me boy as if you are my father, for you most certainly aren’t and the gods deserve thanks for that. I have proven that I am suited to lead, and earned my position through my own abilities. The gods know well that I kneel only before them in prayer, just as you do, and we all know that the gods love to humble those who would consider themselves their equal.”
Asia glided behind Alexandros and Aea moved forward, closing her eyes and straining to hear, catching onto the hiss of whispers only because Alexandros was positioned so close to the archway.
“Yes. Yes, my lady Athanasia, that sounds lovely. I would be delighted to spend time with you. Uhm. . . I. . .I would submit to whatever seating arrangement you would see fit to place us in, Athanasia, if I may call you such.”
“You may, or you may call me Asia like my friends do, whichever you feel more comfortable with. May I call you Daniil? Thank you, my lord. I shall look forward to possibly becoming great friends with Lady Daniil. I could not be happier than to come sit with you both and be able to talk. I have always wanted to hear more about the friendship between our families and about Athenia and it's beauty. I was very young when I last was there, I sadly do not remember as much as I would have liked too. I will be just one moment as I let my brother Yiannis know I will not be returning to my seat next to him.”
“If I ever see you make another female uncomfortable as I just saw here today, I will end you. I may not take your life with a sword Alexandros, but I will make you wish I did. Your job, your status, the clothes on your very back, the gold drachmae that you enjoy, come from being in my brother's service, yes? If I even hear your name on a breath of some woman and she says that you hurt her, I will make you pay for it. I know what you might be thinking, you answer to my brother. Vangelis would never do that to you. Who do you think he will believe? Me? Or you? Family above everything. That is the Kotas family motto.”
“I think you’ve read this situation quite poorly, my dear Asia. It is I who was insulted, if she is uncomfortable that I did not take her words lying down, that is not my problem. If you wish to rescue her from her own folly, then be my guest and take her away, but don’t threaten me over responding in kind. If you do want me gone, perhaps he would take your word over mine, but my clothes are mine, my swords are mine, my skills are mine, and someone always has need of a sharp blade and a man who can lead troops. So think for a moment, do you want me on your side or against you, then tell me what you come up with afterwards.”
“My friend, I wish you would put your pride away for a moment before it gets you killed. You might have been insulted, but that is when you should have looked to Prince Vangelis for what should've be done since he is your commanding officer. I threatened and insulted you because you need to learn to read body language. When a woman is shirking away from you, it does not mean that she wants you to make any sexual suggestions to her. Either involving just you or a servent girl. Not every female is after your cock. So not only did you make a woman uncomfortable enough that she needed to insult you to try and get you to leave her alone, you also managed to make your commander look bad because you do not know how to listen.”
There was a shuffling noise and the silence in the room beyond was palpable. Backing up once more, Aea’s eyes widened when they alighted upon Asia, who had Alexandros in a headlock with his cloak entrapping his head.
“Do you not see that I am trying to save your fucking life, you idiot?! Do not think that Lord Panos would not possibly ask my brother for your life and that is if he does not just take it? Because of the treaty he could indeed just take it and we would not be able to touch him because he is a visiting royal. Visiting royals have complete immunity, just like Colchian royals would have in Athenia or in Taengea. He and his granddaughter have immunity that you do not have since you are not a royal AND you are in Colchis, so think! If we were not in Colchis, if this were Athenia, he would not be able to touch you without jumping through all sorts of legal hoops of his nation. If he killed you, he could get punished in Athenia, but that is only if we are there. Here, he is immune. Why do you think we are placating? It is not just to keep the treaty intacted, it is to keep you alive from your own pride. Which would you rather have?! Some threats from me, a friend that you know will not actually hurt you but others could hear the threat and leave you be, thinking you are being punished like they think you should be, or someone else who could just take your life and never get in trouble for it because of a peace treaty that was made 10 years ago between nations?! I said what I said to get you to shut up before that is exactly what happens!”
“If there was no treaty, for one, yes there would be no immunity but there would still be war between the nations. The food that we eat here in Colchis comes mainly from trade with Athenia and Taengea, no treaty, that becomes a little bit more difficult. More people in our home will starve. No treaty, we would have to worry about attacks from both sides, and never be able to call on Athenia or Taengea for aid if the northerners attack us. Is that what you want? Do you want to ruin ten years of my father's work with the other nations for your pride? Because you were insulted by some harsh words? As for this headlock, I know I have kicked you harder when we have trained, this is nothing but to get you to stop and think. I know that this was nothing but a blow to your pride.”
“If it makes it easier for you to stomach and look like you have some upper hand on everyone, you can leave. No one will stop you. I will tell you one thing though, that pride that you have borders on arrogance. Arrogant men get killed because they are to blind to see past their own pride to see the bigger picture. I happen to like having you around and seeing how far you will go. A dead Alexandros is of no use to me or anyone, so stay alive.”
Asia shoved at him and Aea folded her arms. Pride. Pride. Men cried like babies, Asia had said. Men did not like women in the council chamber, she said. Suddenly, it clicked. All this talk of pride, everything she’d just heard said, everything she’d just seen between Alexandros and Lord Panos. And despite everybody’s best intentions, Aea knew better than most that an irritated man was dangerous.
Her father had taught her that in all things, should one injure a man, it was best to make sure he was not capable of recovering else he would take his revenge. No exceptions. And Alexandros, though knocked about a bit, had not been injured to the point of no return. He would either get angrier, his control less stable, or he would go silent, leave, and then strike much harder than his opponents had sought to strike him. Based upon his behavior thus far, Aea understood that he would explode before he let himself be cowed, reasoned with, or subdued in any manner. She had to thank her father for this knowledge at least.
Asia had been one of his opponents. This inevitability would not do, and so Aea would ensure it would not happen.
Aea tracked Asia’s movements as she rounded the table and spoke at Yiannis’ shoulder before stopping by an incredibly pretty man to offer him a few words. There was a tension in the room that Aea knew well—the spark upon the grass right before the roar of true flame. She stepped around the archway then, her eyes flicking to Asia, her eyebrows arching. If the princess caught her look, it was one that asked for trust and patience. Then, her eyes locked onto the back of Alexandros’ head.
Whenever she could take one action and complete two goals, she knew it was the correct path. Her first priority, however, was to get the true weight of this man’s soul—he who had so sufficiently cast his spell upon her cousin.
Aea came to stand behind the now vacant chair next to Alexandros, her voice measured and subdued. Non-threatening, sweet, even. She was only a tree among the forest, inconsequential, nondescript, and but a temporary item among the passing scenery.
“Captain?” She gave him a small smile, “a serving girl was asking for you. A girl by the name of Kaia? It seemed like a very urgent matter. Come, I’ll take you to her.”
“You did. You think I don't know what you did back there, but I know. Also, you will work for it. If you accept the retainer position I offered, you will get paid weekly. I am also playing with another thought, but I need to see something before I offer it to you.”
Aea’s smile dimmed to something less teasing, more gentle. She supposed she was not as sneaky as she thought. She wished, more than anything, that she could just accept Asia’s offer, but she couldn’t. If her family found out, they would expect her to take advantage of the situation, and she could not simply tell Asia such a thing.
“I must still talk to my family. I haven’t had the time since yesterday,” she said quietly. Aea didn’t know why she didn’t just refuse now instead. Perhaps because there was a chance that with her refusal would come an end to this brief yet captivating friendship. Even with Hektos gone, even knowing that Aea could just leave, she was still holding on tight to the only people she’d ever known. Where would she be without her uncles? Could she take Kaia, or would Kaia insist on staying too? “And I suppose I’ll have to see what this other thought is when it arises.”
“Good luck to you as well,” Asia said of Aea’s warning.
“I do not need luck, but I thank you for the sympathy all the same,” Aea shot back with a small smirk.
They entered the chamber as Aea was immediately enraptured by their surroundings as Asia filled in her gaps of knowledge with new information. Curiosity pricked at her and she asked the princess whether she attended these...councils and debates. “No, usually this is the men's field to hold the councils and debates. My aunt goes, but she is also the head of her house. Debates and Councils usually are handled by the king, heads of houses, and barons.”
Aea’s eyebrows furrowed. She’d not heard of a men’s field before. Surely they didn’t bar women from entering, that would be beyond unreasonable, and why would they? Women could listen and speak and argue; they did, after all, have mouths and minds.
“I see,” Aea said. She didn’t, but here was not the place to reveal how little she knew of the workings that went into Colchian politics. It just didn’t make sense to her, was all. Nobody had ever told her that something was ‘for men’ or ‘for women’ except intercourse. But that was because women could get pregnant, and men could not.
Aea was so lost in thought that she did not realize she was being taken to the king and queen until she was feet away. Panic fueled her to think quickly and act decisively, so she latched onto the best idea she could think of in the span of a few seconds and executed it with all the confidence and boldness of someone who was not lying.
Asia took her away after introductions were made and Aea’s mouth spread into a smile, prideful of her performance for how quickly she had to execute such a half-cocked scheme. In front of a king and queen, no less. Her smile was short lived, however, when Asia giggled and informed her that her act had been transparent to the king. Breathe, she said. Ha.
Aea swallowed and reminded herself that the king hadn’t ordered her arrest, though she was fairly certain he was within his right for impersonating a noble. Or maybe he wasn’t. Maybe he was within his right to do whatever he wanted; she did not know how much deciding power the king had. Maybe just some, maybe a fourth, maybe all.
At least the queen didn’t know. That they knew of, at least.
They eventually made their way to the table and Aea had to quickly orient herself within the space she now inhabited. Conversations bubbled, introductions were had, wine was poured. It was all very strange. Aea fell into an ease with Asia next to her, reminding herself that it was only tonight, and so it was alright. She fell into character easily, and though it wasn’t the one she usually used, it seemed to work well enough for her Uncle Cassero.
Yiannis shot her a compliment that at first befuddled her because he’d been talking to Asia, and Asia had brought no other guests. Then, Aea began to understand his charm. He was being friendly in a strange way. He didn’t know who or what she was, but he was bantering with her anyway. It felt like a game. And so, finding her strategy, Aea listened raptly as he spoke of the easy peace between the kingdoms.
“I see. Thank you for the enlightenment. A wise decision, indeed, though candid benevolence does not make for the epic saga full of mighty heroes and sweeping adventures you are so known for. Perhaps you can regale me with something less pristine some other time."
“Oh, it would be my pleasure.”
She was not surprised he had a story to tell. He was, after all, a prince, and one that had traveled far from what she could assume from their earlier talk. If she did not have to leave after this, she might have later prodded him to tell her in truth. She wanted to see everything, and if she could not, then she wanted to fuel her imagination and be taken far away to the place that only stories could sweep a mortal.
Alas, there was no later to be had. Instead, she would enjoy this fun while it lasted and perhaps learn how things were done among civilized people. At her turn for a reply, it was formulated long before she opened her mouth. Like a well-timed arrow, she shot her reply and studied him as she spoke, looking for clues as to what such a response might elicit.
“Actually, I did hear your Pantheon has remarkable legends, and I would not be averse to being enlightened in the ways of your Gods after dinner. You can tell me more of this...Aphrodite of yours. I’ve no doubt a pious man such as yourself is well-versed in her divine virtues—clearly you are familiar with her blessings."
She turned away before he could offer a reply, but she was still aware of him in her peripherals. For a moment he did not react. Thinking, probably, but certainly not blushing. Perhaps she’d done that wrong, then.
“Oh, our Goddess of Love has many things to offer in her teachings. I would be honored to show you to her temple, should the opportunity arise.”
Now here was a puzzle. Did she win, or did she offend him? Or perhaps he had not caught onto her meaning after all and was, in fact, clueless to her implication. She supposed men did not oft find themselves at the receiving end of being called beautiful. Or perhaps they did, she did not know. She would need to further test this. Not now, for even she knew it would appear vulgar, but perhaps later. If they were not in such a crowded room, it would be easier. She would ask Kaia later as well—she was well practiced in talking to men that weren’t half a century old, so she would know.
“Should the opportunity arise,” Aea agreed, flicking her eyes at him briefly before returning them to Asia.
Aea would never set foot in a temple of Aphrodite unless she was dragged there kicking and screaming. Or paid very, very handsomely. Her uncle said that the priests and priestesses walked in the nude and did the most ridiculous things to people that paid for it. She could only assume others thought it a normal and necessary thing, but Aea was not quite sure she would ever understand why. Then again, humans were base and vulgar creatures.
Her mind bounced from one area to the next without issue. This was her strength, perhaps—being able to hold so many conflicting focuses at once. Or maybe everyone was proficient at it, she didn’t know, but as she asked Asia to tell her about philosophy and science, she was also aware of the people in front of her. With one ear on the buzzing din of conversation and the other upon Asia, the princesses next comment surprised Aea enough that her full attention was diverted to the other woman.
“Oh I do, I think it would be fun to see your customs. As for the talks on philosophy, I must admit I have always hated the subject,” Asia said.
To Aea’s credit, she didn’t look as surprised as she felt. She supposed she shouldn’t be. Not every noble enjoyed the unanswerable questions of the universe...or anybody except for Uncle Gatheron, for that matter. It was alright. As long as Aea had her uncle, she supposed she would never run out of a conversational partner.
Asia leaned in and Aea tilted her head slightly to hear her better, “I also don't debate because men are big babies when it comes to losing to a woman in anything. So I don't debate.”
Aea’s eyebrows furrowed. Why would they be? Was this like the council issue? Were men afraid of debating women, and so refused to do so? She did not understand. It was surely a good thing to speak to everyone possible about a given subject so that one could form an educated hypothesis from all variables. Why would men be babies? Surely they did not weep when outwitted. Civilized people were bizarre, and Aea was trying not to take the statement as a personal challenge.
“Brother, you know more of the scholarly arts than I, she wants to know more about science and philosophy,” Asia said.
Aea calmly set her drink down and clamped down on the sudden bubble of questions swelling in her mind. “Is that so?”
Asia might have been deflecting still. Given how many people were not, in fact, interested in such a thing, Aea would not be surprised if Yiannis was not either. Or, she hoped not at least. She was doing very well reigning herself in.
“Oh yes, my Father declared each of his sons will be as fine with his wits as he is with his sword,” Yiannis said.
Aea’s attention hitched on ‘sons’ and she flicked her eyes at Asia with a raised eyebrow. Not his daughter, just his sons? Why? Asia was entirely capable and sharp as a blade, surely her father had been the cause of that. If he wasn’t, though, then how did she come to be herself?
“A strong sword and a mind to match? I can’t say I’ve met such a man before. We’ll have to see if your father’s ambitions can outmatch your sister’s willpower, then. I’ve seen her lose four arrows perfectly through the eyes of four rabbits, and though I’ve not observed her with a sword, I like to think I’ve seen enough to know the stride of a warrior. And her wit is certainly sharp enough to cut. I suppose I’ll have to test you after all...should the opportunity arise. I do hope you can keep up.” Aea said, leveling Yiannis with a sharp grin that was partially playful, partially challenging, and not at all jesting. From what she could observe, these civilized men apparently did not like to include females in their games for whatever reason. She wanted to figure out why, and then proceed to ignore the reason. That, and she would not mind picking Yiannis’ mind right before testing his blade. There was nothing more enjoyable, in her opinion. He would surely be a better partner than Vangelis in that regard; this one could smile and laugh. “You’ll have to tell me what interests you, then. I’d like to know what great minds you have met, and what they have written, and what you think about it.”
She’d said it casually enough, but underneath her calm tone was a gnashing urge to release all the words crowding her tongue. She’d never met someone who liked to think, or that knew anything outside of the necessary knowledge it took to live while also being a combatant. Now he had to be her friend, and if he was to be her friend, then he would simply have to indulge her curiosity.
Aea hadn’t been looking fully at him before, but she was now, no longer concerned with whatever was going on around her. Yiannis smiled as he spoke and she bit the inside of her cheek, her knee bouncing slowly under the table.
“There are many wonderful things to explore, like the names and stories of the constellations, as well as the somewhat controversial idea that we all derive from a single unlimited substance named apeiron. My teacher, on the other hand, would present a small amount of information, then ask us challenging questions to make us think critically about the assumptions we've made all our lives. It was rather brilliant. As for what I've read, I rather like the teachings of Pythagoras as a particular highlight. In my opinion, his approach to arithmetic revolutionized our architecture. I'd give anything to sit and discuss his theories with him.”
Aea studied him as he spoke, committing his far-away gaze and his astonishing words to memory. Constellations. Aepiron. Critical. Assumptions. Pythagoras. Arithmetic. Architecture. Theories. Her knee bounced faster and she wanted very badly to open her mouth and speak, but she was also very aware of how quickly her control was slipping. Melting like wax under flame, really. She forcefully stopped the movement of her leg and bit her lip. Calm. Patience. Control.
Although Aea was determined to be friendly and figure out how these social exchanged worked, Yiannis was making it difficult to remember that he was just another human. She'd been doing so well, too, and now she was seconds away from getting nervous once more. Did a man speaking on the topic of critical thinking make her swoon? What the fuck wrong with her?! Just a human. Bones and skin and fuck's sake quit smiling. This was no longer fair.
“That begs the question, Lady Aidoni, how is education handled where you come from?”
She locked upon her impulses, bucking like a wild thing in its fury for freedom. Think. Don't even look at him. Her lack of formal education was like a sudden wall between she and he, like he was standing atop a great barricade and looking down expectantly at her. She had things to say, questions to ask, and that barricade was only another obstacle to be destroyed or bypassed. She could use that, something to focus on and anchor herself to.
“Not very well, admittedly,” she said, “my people know what they must do to live and build and wage war. Nothing so great as your civilization. But, I do have an uncle that was much like your teacher, and though he taught me well enough, I must admit that I was always far too curious to be satisfied by such constraints. Pythagoras, and arithmetic in general, were always as fascinating to me as ontological issues. I cannot say that I have been able to study their correlation to decide on whether I agree with his assertion, but I do know that his theory has truth in music. And if music, as an intangible form, can be measured by patterns and numbers in all cases, then it stands to reason that other intangible items can be measured in the same way, for they certainly have no mass to be weighed, and so they must have…”
Aea trailed off when she realized that her knee was bouncing again, and that was before she realized that somewhere along the way, she’d lost her grip on her control completely. And now, she had to go catch her tongue and stuff it back in its cage. She tugged on the end of her braid and laughed quietly at herself. She supposed she was bound to do that at some point. Better that then blurting out something that would get her in actual trouble. But she wanted to talk about it and she wanted to hear him talk about it. Preferably with a sack over his head.
“In any case, I’ve been told that debate is not polite at a Greecian dinner. You must be reading my mind, your highness. I blame any misbehavior entirely upon you and your sister. Even so, I can’t help but ask what you think of his metempsychosis and vir—”
Asia tensed next to Aea and her ease dissipated like mist to the afternoon, her shy smile traded for a flat frown as her eyes darted to the couple sitting before her. The handsome man’s pretty voice snagged her ear and anchored her gaze to his lips as he spoke in whispers to the lady next to him. She watched the shapes his mouth made, watched the press of his tongue to his teeth, vaguely understood his meaning, and moved as a response. She could not get to her cousin fast enough. _____________________________
“Then allow me to correct the ignorance, Captain Alexandros. Might I introduce Lord Panos of Marikas. Master in Law of Athenia's Senate and grandfather to the young woman you've been keeping gentlemanly company with.”
A pause. Aea stepped back further into the shadows, where the candlelight from the room beyond could not touch her. From such an angle, she could see the prince standing behind Alexandros and holding out his hand to someone, though she could not see who.
“My apologies for any insult or lack of introduction you suffered, my Lord. The Captain is under my command and any punishment desired of him duly mine to take. I can assure you I am at watch of your granddaughter and encourage you to take a seat and share in the meal.”
She glanced aside and spotted Lady Rene just down the corridor, but her back was turned as she moved. Aea turned her attention back to the bubbling tension just beyond the archway.
“Your Royal Highness….I appreciate your words, but rest assured, Crown Prince Vangelis, that neither apology or punishment are warranted. Instead, let us honor the long and noble bond between our distinguished bloodlines and allow this oversight to be of no consequence. After all, Your Royal Highness, we would not want this blunder to jeopardize any arrangements between the Kotas and Marikas, yes?”
The man Vangelis spoke to, this Lord Panos of Marikas, had a startling voice. It was not loud or flamboyant, but the measured rhythm was impeccable, the tonal shift built as a rising crescendo. Like the quiet roll of thunder prior to the furious wind and slashing rain.
“Your Royal Highness…It would be an honor for you to choose the company of my granddaughter this evening, right, Daniil? Yet, if I may be so bold, could I request the company of both of you, I find these times to be indicative of friendship, and what older amity than the one between the Kotas and Marikas?”
“If Lord Panos had properly introduced himself and offered a question instead of the rude imposition into the conversation, then I am certain none of this would have happened. He would have received the answer he sought had he only asked.”
Aea saw Alexandros turned in his chair, speaking to the man she could not see. She committed the captain’s cadence to memory.
“The better part of wisdom invites me to impart some upon you, boy…Though you may not realize it, not all men are born equal, and whatever you have so earned is attained solely by the Grace of your superiors. I invite you to resist if you must, but do know that your struggles are already in vain. For everything has been preordained by the Gods who reign above, and just as some have been chose to rule and lead, like me and mine, so too others must bend and kneel, like yourself. Now, I bid you farewell. Pray, we meet again in more appropriate tones, boy…”
“I have a name, one that you know, and I would never dream to be so rude as to not call someone by their name once I knew it, nor would I turn my back and walk away afterwards. Don’t lecture me or call me boy as if you are my father, for you most certainly aren’t and the gods deserve thanks for that. I have proven that I am suited to lead, and earned my position through my own abilities. The gods know well that I kneel only before them in prayer, just as you do, and we all know that the gods love to humble those who would consider themselves their equal.”
Asia glided behind Alexandros and Aea moved forward, closing her eyes and straining to hear, catching onto the hiss of whispers only because Alexandros was positioned so close to the archway.
“Yes. Yes, my lady Athanasia, that sounds lovely. I would be delighted to spend time with you. Uhm. . . I. . .I would submit to whatever seating arrangement you would see fit to place us in, Athanasia, if I may call you such.”
“You may, or you may call me Asia like my friends do, whichever you feel more comfortable with. May I call you Daniil? Thank you, my lord. I shall look forward to possibly becoming great friends with Lady Daniil. I could not be happier than to come sit with you both and be able to talk. I have always wanted to hear more about the friendship between our families and about Athenia and it's beauty. I was very young when I last was there, I sadly do not remember as much as I would have liked too. I will be just one moment as I let my brother Yiannis know I will not be returning to my seat next to him.”
“If I ever see you make another female uncomfortable as I just saw here today, I will end you. I may not take your life with a sword Alexandros, but I will make you wish I did. Your job, your status, the clothes on your very back, the gold drachmae that you enjoy, come from being in my brother's service, yes? If I even hear your name on a breath of some woman and she says that you hurt her, I will make you pay for it. I know what you might be thinking, you answer to my brother. Vangelis would never do that to you. Who do you think he will believe? Me? Or you? Family above everything. That is the Kotas family motto.”
“I think you’ve read this situation quite poorly, my dear Asia. It is I who was insulted, if she is uncomfortable that I did not take her words lying down, that is not my problem. If you wish to rescue her from her own folly, then be my guest and take her away, but don’t threaten me over responding in kind. If you do want me gone, perhaps he would take your word over mine, but my clothes are mine, my swords are mine, my skills are mine, and someone always has need of a sharp blade and a man who can lead troops. So think for a moment, do you want me on your side or against you, then tell me what you come up with afterwards.”
“My friend, I wish you would put your pride away for a moment before it gets you killed. You might have been insulted, but that is when you should have looked to Prince Vangelis for what should've be done since he is your commanding officer. I threatened and insulted you because you need to learn to read body language. When a woman is shirking away from you, it does not mean that she wants you to make any sexual suggestions to her. Either involving just you or a servent girl. Not every female is after your cock. So not only did you make a woman uncomfortable enough that she needed to insult you to try and get you to leave her alone, you also managed to make your commander look bad because you do not know how to listen.”
There was a shuffling noise and the silence in the room beyond was palpable. Backing up once more, Aea’s eyes widened when they alighted upon Asia, who had Alexandros in a headlock with his cloak entrapping his head.
“Do you not see that I am trying to save your fucking life, you idiot?! Do not think that Lord Panos would not possibly ask my brother for your life and that is if he does not just take it? Because of the treaty he could indeed just take it and we would not be able to touch him because he is a visiting royal. Visiting royals have complete immunity, just like Colchian royals would have in Athenia or in Taengea. He and his granddaughter have immunity that you do not have since you are not a royal AND you are in Colchis, so think! If we were not in Colchis, if this were Athenia, he would not be able to touch you without jumping through all sorts of legal hoops of his nation. If he killed you, he could get punished in Athenia, but that is only if we are there. Here, he is immune. Why do you think we are placating? It is not just to keep the treaty intacted, it is to keep you alive from your own pride. Which would you rather have?! Some threats from me, a friend that you know will not actually hurt you but others could hear the threat and leave you be, thinking you are being punished like they think you should be, or someone else who could just take your life and never get in trouble for it because of a peace treaty that was made 10 years ago between nations?! I said what I said to get you to shut up before that is exactly what happens!”
“If there was no treaty, for one, yes there would be no immunity but there would still be war between the nations. The food that we eat here in Colchis comes mainly from trade with Athenia and Taengea, no treaty, that becomes a little bit more difficult. More people in our home will starve. No treaty, we would have to worry about attacks from both sides, and never be able to call on Athenia or Taengea for aid if the northerners attack us. Is that what you want? Do you want to ruin ten years of my father's work with the other nations for your pride? Because you were insulted by some harsh words? As for this headlock, I know I have kicked you harder when we have trained, this is nothing but to get you to stop and think. I know that this was nothing but a blow to your pride.”
“If it makes it easier for you to stomach and look like you have some upper hand on everyone, you can leave. No one will stop you. I will tell you one thing though, that pride that you have borders on arrogance. Arrogant men get killed because they are to blind to see past their own pride to see the bigger picture. I happen to like having you around and seeing how far you will go. A dead Alexandros is of no use to me or anyone, so stay alive.”
Asia shoved at him and Aea folded her arms. Pride. Pride. Men cried like babies, Asia had said. Men did not like women in the council chamber, she said. Suddenly, it clicked. All this talk of pride, everything she’d just heard said, everything she’d just seen between Alexandros and Lord Panos. And despite everybody’s best intentions, Aea knew better than most that an irritated man was dangerous.
Her father had taught her that in all things, should one injure a man, it was best to make sure he was not capable of recovering else he would take his revenge. No exceptions. And Alexandros, though knocked about a bit, had not been injured to the point of no return. He would either get angrier, his control less stable, or he would go silent, leave, and then strike much harder than his opponents had sought to strike him. Based upon his behavior thus far, Aea understood that he would explode before he let himself be cowed, reasoned with, or subdued in any manner. She had to thank her father for this knowledge at least.
Asia had been one of his opponents. This inevitability would not do, and so Aea would ensure it would not happen.
Aea tracked Asia’s movements as she rounded the table and spoke at Yiannis’ shoulder before stopping by an incredibly pretty man to offer him a few words. There was a tension in the room that Aea knew well—the spark upon the grass right before the roar of true flame. She stepped around the archway then, her eyes flicking to Asia, her eyebrows arching. If the princess caught her look, it was one that asked for trust and patience. Then, her eyes locked onto the back of Alexandros’ head.
Whenever she could take one action and complete two goals, she knew it was the correct path. Her first priority, however, was to get the true weight of this man’s soul—he who had so sufficiently cast his spell upon her cousin.
Aea came to stand behind the now vacant chair next to Alexandros, her voice measured and subdued. Non-threatening, sweet, even. She was only a tree among the forest, inconsequential, nondescript, and but a temporary item among the passing scenery.
“Captain?” She gave him a small smile, “a serving girl was asking for you. A girl by the name of Kaia? It seemed like a very urgent matter. Come, I’ll take you to her.”
Rene had not ever considered the difference in social status until now, as her electric blue eyes moved up and down Kaia a few times, working to decipher how in the world a bard had been reduced to a servant. In Colchis the lines of the cast system had blurred for Rene, seeing not the sharp boundaries of the haves and the have-nots, only the collection of a vast nation’s kingdoms in equal celebration. When Kaia had approached she and Ophelia and Alexandros as they strolled about in idle chatter, Rene had still not branded in her mind the young woman to be anything other than among her peers. But now, the stark contrast of the lines were clearly drawn, and the artisan didn’t quite know what to make of it. Despite Kaia’s obvious lack of expectation that such an encounter might exist on the even of the grand Decade of Peace Event, she was doing a marvelous job working to play the entirety of the moment as coolly as possible.
‘Hello, Lady Rene. It is nice to see you again.’
“Likewise….” Rene answered slowly, as the rather tiny Athenian turned to peer out from the shadow of the great arched hallway in which they’d retreated. Her vibrant sapphire orbs sought out the dark haired minstrel who seemed to travel with Kaia regularly, her sister as she understood it. Kaia’s half-baked assurances saw Rene’s focus return to the other blonde.
‘That was my cousin, Lady Aidoni.’
Normally, Rene was very good at keeping her little face fixed, but in that moment, incredulity came pouring across her angelic facade before she could voluntarily stop it. “...Lady Aidoni?...” she repeated rather dryly, a single brow arching. The woman had quite literally showed her face to Rene, in quite close proximity, moments before exalting her with her songbird talents. It was not a face the artist was soon to forget. “You do know the penalty for dressing above one’s station?” she asked quietly, not that she had any intention of blowing the cover off of whatever absurd charade was playing out here, but in case neither of the girls were aware of what a gamble this was. Kaia seemed to remain largely silent, answering here and there in the most succinct of fashions. When queried why she, too, was not cloaked in finery bearing the name of an alter ego, the girl’s response was crushing to Rene.
‘I’m not like everyone else here I suppose.’
“You’re not any different, either,” Rene pointed out matter-of-factly. “Take a look around, especially the events as they play out now. All manner of behavior and interaction is present here, some less flattering than others. Does anyone here really seem better than anyone else?” There was a truth to it. “Humanity is dispensed independent of the sheer luck of being born into one family and not another. You discredit yourself.” As she spoke the words, the irony of it was not lost on Rene, that she, painfully timid and insecure in most social settings should try her hardest to elevate the confidence of one similar. It may not have been lost on Kaia also, given her willingness to acquiesce to a place beneath that of even her family members.
‘It’s okay, at least working for my cousin for the night gives me a chance to see what it’s like. Though I don’t think I make a particularly good servant.’
Rene’s rather grave expression cracked into a bit of a giggle. “Well I would say you are a fantastic servant but that would imply I think you are a good hireling, when my intention was to compliment the dedication and success you have to whatever it is you are doing,” she admitted, given there really was no correct way to make such an endorsement. She considered a few things, almost huffing in frustration. “We cannot have…. I cannot have you hurrying about as a servant while Aea,” she used her name intentionally, “glides about enjoying festivities that you are likewise not privy to. Perhaps there is some way that we can clean you up as well and present you as a guest.” ‘Thank you for your kindness.’
The petite artisan cast a glance at the dashing captain, Alexandros, the breaker of hearts, fully understanding now why he called himself the Breathtaker. Looking back at Kaia, whose inner grief presented itself far more acutely than perhaps she was aware, at least to Rene, she offered a very warm and encouraging smile and took a hold of the girl’s hands. “My father says that a ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are for. We should never fear the scars we will obtain from venturing out into life, but we should intently fear never venturing out into life to avoid obtaining those scars. He says they are badges of honor that we should wear, that they are proof that we are stronger than whatever tried to overtake us.”
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Rene had not ever considered the difference in social status until now, as her electric blue eyes moved up and down Kaia a few times, working to decipher how in the world a bard had been reduced to a servant. In Colchis the lines of the cast system had blurred for Rene, seeing not the sharp boundaries of the haves and the have-nots, only the collection of a vast nation’s kingdoms in equal celebration. When Kaia had approached she and Ophelia and Alexandros as they strolled about in idle chatter, Rene had still not branded in her mind the young woman to be anything other than among her peers. But now, the stark contrast of the lines were clearly drawn, and the artisan didn’t quite know what to make of it. Despite Kaia’s obvious lack of expectation that such an encounter might exist on the even of the grand Decade of Peace Event, she was doing a marvelous job working to play the entirety of the moment as coolly as possible.
‘Hello, Lady Rene. It is nice to see you again.’
“Likewise….” Rene answered slowly, as the rather tiny Athenian turned to peer out from the shadow of the great arched hallway in which they’d retreated. Her vibrant sapphire orbs sought out the dark haired minstrel who seemed to travel with Kaia regularly, her sister as she understood it. Kaia’s half-baked assurances saw Rene’s focus return to the other blonde.
‘That was my cousin, Lady Aidoni.’
Normally, Rene was very good at keeping her little face fixed, but in that moment, incredulity came pouring across her angelic facade before she could voluntarily stop it. “...Lady Aidoni?...” she repeated rather dryly, a single brow arching. The woman had quite literally showed her face to Rene, in quite close proximity, moments before exalting her with her songbird talents. It was not a face the artist was soon to forget. “You do know the penalty for dressing above one’s station?” she asked quietly, not that she had any intention of blowing the cover off of whatever absurd charade was playing out here, but in case neither of the girls were aware of what a gamble this was. Kaia seemed to remain largely silent, answering here and there in the most succinct of fashions. When queried why she, too, was not cloaked in finery bearing the name of an alter ego, the girl’s response was crushing to Rene.
‘I’m not like everyone else here I suppose.’
“You’re not any different, either,” Rene pointed out matter-of-factly. “Take a look around, especially the events as they play out now. All manner of behavior and interaction is present here, some less flattering than others. Does anyone here really seem better than anyone else?” There was a truth to it. “Humanity is dispensed independent of the sheer luck of being born into one family and not another. You discredit yourself.” As she spoke the words, the irony of it was not lost on Rene, that she, painfully timid and insecure in most social settings should try her hardest to elevate the confidence of one similar. It may not have been lost on Kaia also, given her willingness to acquiesce to a place beneath that of even her family members.
‘It’s okay, at least working for my cousin for the night gives me a chance to see what it’s like. Though I don’t think I make a particularly good servant.’
Rene’s rather grave expression cracked into a bit of a giggle. “Well I would say you are a fantastic servant but that would imply I think you are a good hireling, when my intention was to compliment the dedication and success you have to whatever it is you are doing,” she admitted, given there really was no correct way to make such an endorsement. She considered a few things, almost huffing in frustration. “We cannot have…. I cannot have you hurrying about as a servant while Aea,” she used her name intentionally, “glides about enjoying festivities that you are likewise not privy to. Perhaps there is some way that we can clean you up as well and present you as a guest.” ‘Thank you for your kindness.’
The petite artisan cast a glance at the dashing captain, Alexandros, the breaker of hearts, fully understanding now why he called himself the Breathtaker. Looking back at Kaia, whose inner grief presented itself far more acutely than perhaps she was aware, at least to Rene, she offered a very warm and encouraging smile and took a hold of the girl’s hands. “My father says that a ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are for. We should never fear the scars we will obtain from venturing out into life, but we should intently fear never venturing out into life to avoid obtaining those scars. He says they are badges of honor that we should wear, that they are proof that we are stronger than whatever tried to overtake us.”
Rene had not ever considered the difference in social status until now, as her electric blue eyes moved up and down Kaia a few times, working to decipher how in the world a bard had been reduced to a servant. In Colchis the lines of the cast system had blurred for Rene, seeing not the sharp boundaries of the haves and the have-nots, only the collection of a vast nation’s kingdoms in equal celebration. When Kaia had approached she and Ophelia and Alexandros as they strolled about in idle chatter, Rene had still not branded in her mind the young woman to be anything other than among her peers. But now, the stark contrast of the lines were clearly drawn, and the artisan didn’t quite know what to make of it. Despite Kaia’s obvious lack of expectation that such an encounter might exist on the even of the grand Decade of Peace Event, she was doing a marvelous job working to play the entirety of the moment as coolly as possible.
‘Hello, Lady Rene. It is nice to see you again.’
“Likewise….” Rene answered slowly, as the rather tiny Athenian turned to peer out from the shadow of the great arched hallway in which they’d retreated. Her vibrant sapphire orbs sought out the dark haired minstrel who seemed to travel with Kaia regularly, her sister as she understood it. Kaia’s half-baked assurances saw Rene’s focus return to the other blonde.
‘That was my cousin, Lady Aidoni.’
Normally, Rene was very good at keeping her little face fixed, but in that moment, incredulity came pouring across her angelic facade before she could voluntarily stop it. “...Lady Aidoni?...” she repeated rather dryly, a single brow arching. The woman had quite literally showed her face to Rene, in quite close proximity, moments before exalting her with her songbird talents. It was not a face the artist was soon to forget. “You do know the penalty for dressing above one’s station?” she asked quietly, not that she had any intention of blowing the cover off of whatever absurd charade was playing out here, but in case neither of the girls were aware of what a gamble this was. Kaia seemed to remain largely silent, answering here and there in the most succinct of fashions. When queried why she, too, was not cloaked in finery bearing the name of an alter ego, the girl’s response was crushing to Rene.
‘I’m not like everyone else here I suppose.’
“You’re not any different, either,” Rene pointed out matter-of-factly. “Take a look around, especially the events as they play out now. All manner of behavior and interaction is present here, some less flattering than others. Does anyone here really seem better than anyone else?” There was a truth to it. “Humanity is dispensed independent of the sheer luck of being born into one family and not another. You discredit yourself.” As she spoke the words, the irony of it was not lost on Rene, that she, painfully timid and insecure in most social settings should try her hardest to elevate the confidence of one similar. It may not have been lost on Kaia also, given her willingness to acquiesce to a place beneath that of even her family members.
‘It’s okay, at least working for my cousin for the night gives me a chance to see what it’s like. Though I don’t think I make a particularly good servant.’
Rene’s rather grave expression cracked into a bit of a giggle. “Well I would say you are a fantastic servant but that would imply I think you are a good hireling, when my intention was to compliment the dedication and success you have to whatever it is you are doing,” she admitted, given there really was no correct way to make such an endorsement. She considered a few things, almost huffing in frustration. “We cannot have…. I cannot have you hurrying about as a servant while Aea,” she used her name intentionally, “glides about enjoying festivities that you are likewise not privy to. Perhaps there is some way that we can clean you up as well and present you as a guest.” ‘Thank you for your kindness.’
The petite artisan cast a glance at the dashing captain, Alexandros, the breaker of hearts, fully understanding now why he called himself the Breathtaker. Looking back at Kaia, whose inner grief presented itself far more acutely than perhaps she was aware, at least to Rene, she offered a very warm and encouraging smile and took a hold of the girl’s hands. “My father says that a ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are for. We should never fear the scars we will obtain from venturing out into life, but we should intently fear never venturing out into life to avoid obtaining those scars. He says they are badges of honor that we should wear, that they are proof that we are stronger than whatever tried to overtake us.”
“My friend, I wish you would put your pride away for a moment before it gets you killed. You might have been insulted, but that is when you should have looked to Prince Vangelis for what should've be done since he is your commanding officer. I threatened and insulted you because you need to learn to read body language. When a woman is shirking away from you, it does not mean that she wants you to make any sexual suggestions to her. Either involving just you or a servent girl. Not every female is after your cock. So not only did you make a woman uncomfortable enough that she needed to insult you to try and get you to leave her alone, you also managed to make your comander look bad because you do not know how to listen.”
When did Colchis become so weak that all had to bend before some foreigner? Was this not the land of pride and war his father had told him of? Was there no one left that would stand up for themselves? The young man’s thoughts raced as his rage built. He did not need this lecture, that was for certain. “You are wrong, Asia. She called me a tool for merely greeting her, and the statement you seem hung up on was intended to cause a reaction. She wished to have the freedom of choices like men, so I offered her a choice. Nothing more, nothing less, the only intention was to see how she reacted.” He replied, continuing their whispered conversation. “I can listen well enough to know when someone is being rude and insulting, where I come from people who roll over and allow themselves to be belittled and insulted end up dead, and I have no intention of dying.”
“Do you not see that I am trying to save your fucking life, you idiot?! Do not think that Lord Panos would not possibly ask my brother for your life and that is if he does not just take it? Because of the treaty he could indeed just take it and we would not be able to touch him because he is a visiting royal. Visiting royals have complete immunity, just like Colchian royals would have in Athenia or in Taengea. He and his granddaughter have immunity that you do not have since you are not a royal AND you are in Colchis, so think! If we were not in Colchis, if this were Athenia, he would not be able to touch you without jumping through all sorts of legal hoops of his nation. If he killed you, he could get punished in Athenia, but that is only if we are there. Here, he is immune. Why do you think we are placating? It is not just to keep the treaty intacted, it is to keep you alive from your own pride. Which would you rather have?! Some threats from me, a friend that you know will not actually hurt you but others could hear the threat and leave you be, thinking you are being punished like they think you should be, or someone else who could just take your life and never get in trouble for it because of a peace treaty that was made 10 years ago between nations?! I said what I said to get you to shut up before that is exactly what happens! If there was no treaty, for one, yes there would be no immunity but there would still be war between the nations. The food that we eat here in Colchis comes mainly from trade with Athenia and Taengea, no treaty, that becomes a little bit more difficult. More people in our home will starve. No treaty, we would have to worry about attacks from both sides, and never be able to call on Athenia or Taengea for aid if the northerners attack us. Is that what you want? Do you want to ruin ten years of my father's work with the other nations for your pride? Because you were insulted by some harsh words? As for this headlock, I know I have kicked you harder when we have trained, this is nothing but to get you to stop and think. I know that this was nothing but a blow to your pride. If it makes it easier for you to stomach and look like you have some upper hand on everyone, you can leave. No one will stop you. I will tell you one thing though, that pride that you have borders on arrogance. Arrogant men get killed because they are to blind to see past their own pride to see the bigger picture. I happen to like having you around and seeing how far you will go. A dead Alexandros is of no use to me or anyone, so stay alive.”
The first thought through Alexandros’s mind following his entrapment within his cloak was: the audacity of this bitch. The second was: she is going to pay dearly when next we train. Unfortunately for the captain, the table was covered in glasses of wine and he could not risk staining his white cloak with the dark red liquid. He listened and his anger only boiled more and more as she spoke. There had to be a better way. Why should everyone have to placate the rude fuck from Athenia? Because there was a treaty for peace? That made no sense. If the treaty had truly been to establish a peace then there should have been no need for such wild immunity laws. “If that old man wants my life, tell him I’ll meet him outside and he can try to take it. He won’t succeed and my honor will be satisfied. I told you before I don’t plan on dying, regardless of what he wishes for me. I may not know the intricacies of these treaties, but I do know what my father taught me. He taught me that Colchis was a land filled with warriors who had pride and honor, and I’ve seen none of that tonight. Your brother should have intervened on my behalf not that of this Panos fellow. My pride and honor are deeply wounded, and no one has taken up the fight to help me, which hurts all the more. The man who should have been ready to do so, begged forgiveness, rather than recompense. I had thought more of this place, but it seems what I learned was all a lie.” His voice was soft and filled with sorrow and pain as he responded to Asia. His beliefs were beginning to break. Weakness was showing in the Kingdom he loved, and it cut him deeper than the blade that scared his chest. He flipped his cloak back into place as she left, still simmering in rage and disbelief at the weakness of his people.
“Captain?” She gave him a small smile, “a serving girl was asking for you. A girl by the name of Kaia? It seemed like a very urgent matter. Come, I’ll take you to her.”
He was shaken from his brewing anger by the voice behind him. So it was true, Kaia was in attendance. She was playing a dangerous game, and his mind immediately jumped to the worst possible outcome. “Kaia? You are certain of this? Take me to her, without delay.” His voice turned serious and he stood, quickly following the woman who carried this news of Kaia.
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“My friend, I wish you would put your pride away for a moment before it gets you killed. You might have been insulted, but that is when you should have looked to Prince Vangelis for what should've be done since he is your commanding officer. I threatened and insulted you because you need to learn to read body language. When a woman is shirking away from you, it does not mean that she wants you to make any sexual suggestions to her. Either involving just you or a servent girl. Not every female is after your cock. So not only did you make a woman uncomfortable enough that she needed to insult you to try and get you to leave her alone, you also managed to make your comander look bad because you do not know how to listen.”
When did Colchis become so weak that all had to bend before some foreigner? Was this not the land of pride and war his father had told him of? Was there no one left that would stand up for themselves? The young man’s thoughts raced as his rage built. He did not need this lecture, that was for certain. “You are wrong, Asia. She called me a tool for merely greeting her, and the statement you seem hung up on was intended to cause a reaction. She wished to have the freedom of choices like men, so I offered her a choice. Nothing more, nothing less, the only intention was to see how she reacted.” He replied, continuing their whispered conversation. “I can listen well enough to know when someone is being rude and insulting, where I come from people who roll over and allow themselves to be belittled and insulted end up dead, and I have no intention of dying.”
“Do you not see that I am trying to save your fucking life, you idiot?! Do not think that Lord Panos would not possibly ask my brother for your life and that is if he does not just take it? Because of the treaty he could indeed just take it and we would not be able to touch him because he is a visiting royal. Visiting royals have complete immunity, just like Colchian royals would have in Athenia or in Taengea. He and his granddaughter have immunity that you do not have since you are not a royal AND you are in Colchis, so think! If we were not in Colchis, if this were Athenia, he would not be able to touch you without jumping through all sorts of legal hoops of his nation. If he killed you, he could get punished in Athenia, but that is only if we are there. Here, he is immune. Why do you think we are placating? It is not just to keep the treaty intacted, it is to keep you alive from your own pride. Which would you rather have?! Some threats from me, a friend that you know will not actually hurt you but others could hear the threat and leave you be, thinking you are being punished like they think you should be, or someone else who could just take your life and never get in trouble for it because of a peace treaty that was made 10 years ago between nations?! I said what I said to get you to shut up before that is exactly what happens! If there was no treaty, for one, yes there would be no immunity but there would still be war between the nations. The food that we eat here in Colchis comes mainly from trade with Athenia and Taengea, no treaty, that becomes a little bit more difficult. More people in our home will starve. No treaty, we would have to worry about attacks from both sides, and never be able to call on Athenia or Taengea for aid if the northerners attack us. Is that what you want? Do you want to ruin ten years of my father's work with the other nations for your pride? Because you were insulted by some harsh words? As for this headlock, I know I have kicked you harder when we have trained, this is nothing but to get you to stop and think. I know that this was nothing but a blow to your pride. If it makes it easier for you to stomach and look like you have some upper hand on everyone, you can leave. No one will stop you. I will tell you one thing though, that pride that you have borders on arrogance. Arrogant men get killed because they are to blind to see past their own pride to see the bigger picture. I happen to like having you around and seeing how far you will go. A dead Alexandros is of no use to me or anyone, so stay alive.”
The first thought through Alexandros’s mind following his entrapment within his cloak was: the audacity of this bitch. The second was: she is going to pay dearly when next we train. Unfortunately for the captain, the table was covered in glasses of wine and he could not risk staining his white cloak with the dark red liquid. He listened and his anger only boiled more and more as she spoke. There had to be a better way. Why should everyone have to placate the rude fuck from Athenia? Because there was a treaty for peace? That made no sense. If the treaty had truly been to establish a peace then there should have been no need for such wild immunity laws. “If that old man wants my life, tell him I’ll meet him outside and he can try to take it. He won’t succeed and my honor will be satisfied. I told you before I don’t plan on dying, regardless of what he wishes for me. I may not know the intricacies of these treaties, but I do know what my father taught me. He taught me that Colchis was a land filled with warriors who had pride and honor, and I’ve seen none of that tonight. Your brother should have intervened on my behalf not that of this Panos fellow. My pride and honor are deeply wounded, and no one has taken up the fight to help me, which hurts all the more. The man who should have been ready to do so, begged forgiveness, rather than recompense. I had thought more of this place, but it seems what I learned was all a lie.” His voice was soft and filled with sorrow and pain as he responded to Asia. His beliefs were beginning to break. Weakness was showing in the Kingdom he loved, and it cut him deeper than the blade that scared his chest. He flipped his cloak back into place as she left, still simmering in rage and disbelief at the weakness of his people.
“Captain?” She gave him a small smile, “a serving girl was asking for you. A girl by the name of Kaia? It seemed like a very urgent matter. Come, I’ll take you to her.”
He was shaken from his brewing anger by the voice behind him. So it was true, Kaia was in attendance. She was playing a dangerous game, and his mind immediately jumped to the worst possible outcome. “Kaia? You are certain of this? Take me to her, without delay.” His voice turned serious and he stood, quickly following the woman who carried this news of Kaia.
“My friend, I wish you would put your pride away for a moment before it gets you killed. You might have been insulted, but that is when you should have looked to Prince Vangelis for what should've be done since he is your commanding officer. I threatened and insulted you because you need to learn to read body language. When a woman is shirking away from you, it does not mean that she wants you to make any sexual suggestions to her. Either involving just you or a servent girl. Not every female is after your cock. So not only did you make a woman uncomfortable enough that she needed to insult you to try and get you to leave her alone, you also managed to make your comander look bad because you do not know how to listen.”
When did Colchis become so weak that all had to bend before some foreigner? Was this not the land of pride and war his father had told him of? Was there no one left that would stand up for themselves? The young man’s thoughts raced as his rage built. He did not need this lecture, that was for certain. “You are wrong, Asia. She called me a tool for merely greeting her, and the statement you seem hung up on was intended to cause a reaction. She wished to have the freedom of choices like men, so I offered her a choice. Nothing more, nothing less, the only intention was to see how she reacted.” He replied, continuing their whispered conversation. “I can listen well enough to know when someone is being rude and insulting, where I come from people who roll over and allow themselves to be belittled and insulted end up dead, and I have no intention of dying.”
“Do you not see that I am trying to save your fucking life, you idiot?! Do not think that Lord Panos would not possibly ask my brother for your life and that is if he does not just take it? Because of the treaty he could indeed just take it and we would not be able to touch him because he is a visiting royal. Visiting royals have complete immunity, just like Colchian royals would have in Athenia or in Taengea. He and his granddaughter have immunity that you do not have since you are not a royal AND you are in Colchis, so think! If we were not in Colchis, if this were Athenia, he would not be able to touch you without jumping through all sorts of legal hoops of his nation. If he killed you, he could get punished in Athenia, but that is only if we are there. Here, he is immune. Why do you think we are placating? It is not just to keep the treaty intacted, it is to keep you alive from your own pride. Which would you rather have?! Some threats from me, a friend that you know will not actually hurt you but others could hear the threat and leave you be, thinking you are being punished like they think you should be, or someone else who could just take your life and never get in trouble for it because of a peace treaty that was made 10 years ago between nations?! I said what I said to get you to shut up before that is exactly what happens! If there was no treaty, for one, yes there would be no immunity but there would still be war between the nations. The food that we eat here in Colchis comes mainly from trade with Athenia and Taengea, no treaty, that becomes a little bit more difficult. More people in our home will starve. No treaty, we would have to worry about attacks from both sides, and never be able to call on Athenia or Taengea for aid if the northerners attack us. Is that what you want? Do you want to ruin ten years of my father's work with the other nations for your pride? Because you were insulted by some harsh words? As for this headlock, I know I have kicked you harder when we have trained, this is nothing but to get you to stop and think. I know that this was nothing but a blow to your pride. If it makes it easier for you to stomach and look like you have some upper hand on everyone, you can leave. No one will stop you. I will tell you one thing though, that pride that you have borders on arrogance. Arrogant men get killed because they are to blind to see past their own pride to see the bigger picture. I happen to like having you around and seeing how far you will go. A dead Alexandros is of no use to me or anyone, so stay alive.”
The first thought through Alexandros’s mind following his entrapment within his cloak was: the audacity of this bitch. The second was: she is going to pay dearly when next we train. Unfortunately for the captain, the table was covered in glasses of wine and he could not risk staining his white cloak with the dark red liquid. He listened and his anger only boiled more and more as she spoke. There had to be a better way. Why should everyone have to placate the rude fuck from Athenia? Because there was a treaty for peace? That made no sense. If the treaty had truly been to establish a peace then there should have been no need for such wild immunity laws. “If that old man wants my life, tell him I’ll meet him outside and he can try to take it. He won’t succeed and my honor will be satisfied. I told you before I don’t plan on dying, regardless of what he wishes for me. I may not know the intricacies of these treaties, but I do know what my father taught me. He taught me that Colchis was a land filled with warriors who had pride and honor, and I’ve seen none of that tonight. Your brother should have intervened on my behalf not that of this Panos fellow. My pride and honor are deeply wounded, and no one has taken up the fight to help me, which hurts all the more. The man who should have been ready to do so, begged forgiveness, rather than recompense. I had thought more of this place, but it seems what I learned was all a lie.” His voice was soft and filled with sorrow and pain as he responded to Asia. His beliefs were beginning to break. Weakness was showing in the Kingdom he loved, and it cut him deeper than the blade that scared his chest. He flipped his cloak back into place as she left, still simmering in rage and disbelief at the weakness of his people.
“Captain?” She gave him a small smile, “a serving girl was asking for you. A girl by the name of Kaia? It seemed like a very urgent matter. Come, I’ll take you to her.”
He was shaken from his brewing anger by the voice behind him. So it was true, Kaia was in attendance. She was playing a dangerous game, and his mind immediately jumped to the worst possible outcome. “Kaia? You are certain of this? Take me to her, without delay.” His voice turned serious and he stood, quickly following the woman who carried this news of Kaia.
’...Lady Aidoni?...’
Kaia could hear in Rene’s tone that she didn’t believe it, not that Kaia could blame her. With a sheepish smile, Kaia didn’t answer. She had no better lie to provide and in truth it would be easier if Rene knew, then Kaia wouldn’t have to try to keep up a lie with a friend.
’You do know the penalty for dressing above one’s station?’
“Yes,” Kaia admitted, the smile fading a little as she flicked her gaze towards the way Aea had gone. It was risky, but Kaia had to hope that whatever it was that Aea and the princess had planned, that the princess would protect Aea if anything were to go wrong. “It is my understanding that the princess invited… Lady Aidoni here,” Kaia explained, hoping to explain without so many words that she was putting trust in Athanasia to keep Aea from paying any sort of price for the charade.
When the question was turned on Kaia, well the truth of the matter was that while Aea was friends with the princess, Kaia was not. They had never even met. Kaia only knew who she was because not only had they arrived together, but Asia was the only girl besides the queen that was standing with the Kotas family at the peace event. How Aea and Athanasia had managed to forge such a strong relationship, Kaia was not sure. Perhaps she would be somewhat jealous if she were not concerned for Aea’s psyche after witnessing her father’s death the night before. The very few times Kaia had slipped away from camp on her own, Aea had been upset, but Kaia had never ventured far enough to do anything like befriend a princess.
’You’re not any different, either. Take a look around, especially the events as they play out now. All manner of behavior and interaction is present here, some less flattering than others. Does anyone here really seem better than anyone else? Humanity is dispensed independent of the sheer luck of being born into one family and not another. You discredit yourself.’
It was nice of Rene to say so. How different the world would be if those powerful enough to make the decisions for the rest of the Grecian people had heart and compassion like Rene. Instead, it was men with their pride, their ambitions and their egos who decided the rules of the people. And the gods, but while the gods determined who was born to which family, it was the men who decided how they would allow those families to be treated.
Kaia glanced back out to the main chamber in thought as Rene spoke, before returning her stormy gaze back to Rene. “It certainly is not as dignified as I had expected,” Kaia admitted with a slight giggle.
’Well I would say you are a fantastic servant but that would imply I think you are a good hireling, when my intention was to compliment the dedication and success you have to whatever it is you are doing. We cannot have…. I cannot have you hurrying about as a servant while Aea glides about enjoying festivities that you are likewise not privy to. Perhaps there is some way that we can clean you up as well and present you as a guest.’
Her expression softening to one of humbled surprise, Kaia quickly rethought over Rene’s words to make sure she had heard properly. “You think so?” Kaia murmured before she could stop herself. She would much rather seem like one of the guests than a servant who didn’t know how to serve correctly. If even just to experience for one night what it would be like to be someone with a name. How did it feel to be respected simply for being presented the right way? How did it feel to be treated as a more worthwhile person?
A couple of servants bustled through the hall past them, casting Kaia a disapproving look, but not saying anything while she was clearly in Lady Rene’s company. When Rene took her hands, Kaia’s full attention returned to her.
’My father says that a ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are for. We should never fear the scars we will obtain from venturing out into life, but we should intently fear never venturing out into life to avoid obtaining those scars. He says they are badges of honor that we should wear, that they are proof that we are stronger than whatever tried to overtake us.’
“Your father sounds very wise,” Kaia murmured honestly. It was a nice sentiment, one that made a lot more sense when used in such a way. Kaia had no intentions of living her life in a safe little bubble. She wanted adventure and the spoils that came from being a fearless and talented fighter. She could have none of those things without tasting the bitter taste of loss or defeat once in a while. Sometimes she would get hurt, but so long as she prevailed, then any previously felt pain could only harden and strengthen her.
Kaia went to speak again, but the same few servants came back down the hall carrying trays of delicious looking meats. By the sound of approaching footsteps, Kaia glanced around, then gently pulled Rene’s hand. “I fear we might be in the way,” Kaia commented, before motioning towards an archway that led to a seemingly empty room. Kaia did not mean to keep Lady Rene long, but she also did not want to get bustled about by servants.
Before Kaia could say anything more, Aea of all people slipped into the room. In a whirlwind of whispers and actions, Aea had handed Kaia a drachma to use to bribe the carriage driver. She had then told her and Rene to go to Athanasia’s carriage and find something to wear there. Aea’s final messages were for Kaia to use an accent, and hide until she and Alex had passed. Then, Aea had gone again.
Kaia could only assume Aea had been close enough to hear her and Rene speaking. Whatever the case, Kaia could play along, as long as Lady Rene was willing. Kaia looked to her friend hopefully. Kaia didn’t know the first thing about dressing up. A thread of doubt began to needle its way through her mind. Is it worth it?
No, it probably wasn’t worth it, but she wanted to do it all the same. Kaia hoped Lady Rene would not mind. She would very much like to have a friend to sit with, especially if she would be having to face Alexandros at some point. She was not scared to do so, but she wanted to be able to make her displeasure explicitly known when she did.
Lani
Kaia
Lani
Kaia
Awards
First Impressions:Lean, athletic; Straw-blonde hair, stormy blue eyes, and a nearly permanent scowl.
Address: Your
Kaia could hear in Rene’s tone that she didn’t believe it, not that Kaia could blame her. With a sheepish smile, Kaia didn’t answer. She had no better lie to provide and in truth it would be easier if Rene knew, then Kaia wouldn’t have to try to keep up a lie with a friend.
’You do know the penalty for dressing above one’s station?’
“Yes,” Kaia admitted, the smile fading a little as she flicked her gaze towards the way Aea had gone. It was risky, but Kaia had to hope that whatever it was that Aea and the princess had planned, that the princess would protect Aea if anything were to go wrong. “It is my understanding that the princess invited… Lady Aidoni here,” Kaia explained, hoping to explain without so many words that she was putting trust in Athanasia to keep Aea from paying any sort of price for the charade.
When the question was turned on Kaia, well the truth of the matter was that while Aea was friends with the princess, Kaia was not. They had never even met. Kaia only knew who she was because not only had they arrived together, but Asia was the only girl besides the queen that was standing with the Kotas family at the peace event. How Aea and Athanasia had managed to forge such a strong relationship, Kaia was not sure. Perhaps she would be somewhat jealous if she were not concerned for Aea’s psyche after witnessing her father’s death the night before. The very few times Kaia had slipped away from camp on her own, Aea had been upset, but Kaia had never ventured far enough to do anything like befriend a princess.
’You’re not any different, either. Take a look around, especially the events as they play out now. All manner of behavior and interaction is present here, some less flattering than others. Does anyone here really seem better than anyone else? Humanity is dispensed independent of the sheer luck of being born into one family and not another. You discredit yourself.’
It was nice of Rene to say so. How different the world would be if those powerful enough to make the decisions for the rest of the Grecian people had heart and compassion like Rene. Instead, it was men with their pride, their ambitions and their egos who decided the rules of the people. And the gods, but while the gods determined who was born to which family, it was the men who decided how they would allow those families to be treated.
Kaia glanced back out to the main chamber in thought as Rene spoke, before returning her stormy gaze back to Rene. “It certainly is not as dignified as I had expected,” Kaia admitted with a slight giggle.
’Well I would say you are a fantastic servant but that would imply I think you are a good hireling, when my intention was to compliment the dedication and success you have to whatever it is you are doing. We cannot have…. I cannot have you hurrying about as a servant while Aea glides about enjoying festivities that you are likewise not privy to. Perhaps there is some way that we can clean you up as well and present you as a guest.’
Her expression softening to one of humbled surprise, Kaia quickly rethought over Rene’s words to make sure she had heard properly. “You think so?” Kaia murmured before she could stop herself. She would much rather seem like one of the guests than a servant who didn’t know how to serve correctly. If even just to experience for one night what it would be like to be someone with a name. How did it feel to be respected simply for being presented the right way? How did it feel to be treated as a more worthwhile person?
A couple of servants bustled through the hall past them, casting Kaia a disapproving look, but not saying anything while she was clearly in Lady Rene’s company. When Rene took her hands, Kaia’s full attention returned to her.
’My father says that a ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are for. We should never fear the scars we will obtain from venturing out into life, but we should intently fear never venturing out into life to avoid obtaining those scars. He says they are badges of honor that we should wear, that they are proof that we are stronger than whatever tried to overtake us.’
“Your father sounds very wise,” Kaia murmured honestly. It was a nice sentiment, one that made a lot more sense when used in such a way. Kaia had no intentions of living her life in a safe little bubble. She wanted adventure and the spoils that came from being a fearless and talented fighter. She could have none of those things without tasting the bitter taste of loss or defeat once in a while. Sometimes she would get hurt, but so long as she prevailed, then any previously felt pain could only harden and strengthen her.
Kaia went to speak again, but the same few servants came back down the hall carrying trays of delicious looking meats. By the sound of approaching footsteps, Kaia glanced around, then gently pulled Rene’s hand. “I fear we might be in the way,” Kaia commented, before motioning towards an archway that led to a seemingly empty room. Kaia did not mean to keep Lady Rene long, but she also did not want to get bustled about by servants.
Before Kaia could say anything more, Aea of all people slipped into the room. In a whirlwind of whispers and actions, Aea had handed Kaia a drachma to use to bribe the carriage driver. She had then told her and Rene to go to Athanasia’s carriage and find something to wear there. Aea’s final messages were for Kaia to use an accent, and hide until she and Alex had passed. Then, Aea had gone again.
Kaia could only assume Aea had been close enough to hear her and Rene speaking. Whatever the case, Kaia could play along, as long as Lady Rene was willing. Kaia looked to her friend hopefully. Kaia didn’t know the first thing about dressing up. A thread of doubt began to needle its way through her mind. Is it worth it?
No, it probably wasn’t worth it, but she wanted to do it all the same. Kaia hoped Lady Rene would not mind. She would very much like to have a friend to sit with, especially if she would be having to face Alexandros at some point. She was not scared to do so, but she wanted to be able to make her displeasure explicitly known when she did.
’...Lady Aidoni?...’
Kaia could hear in Rene’s tone that she didn’t believe it, not that Kaia could blame her. With a sheepish smile, Kaia didn’t answer. She had no better lie to provide and in truth it would be easier if Rene knew, then Kaia wouldn’t have to try to keep up a lie with a friend.
’You do know the penalty for dressing above one’s station?’
“Yes,” Kaia admitted, the smile fading a little as she flicked her gaze towards the way Aea had gone. It was risky, but Kaia had to hope that whatever it was that Aea and the princess had planned, that the princess would protect Aea if anything were to go wrong. “It is my understanding that the princess invited… Lady Aidoni here,” Kaia explained, hoping to explain without so many words that she was putting trust in Athanasia to keep Aea from paying any sort of price for the charade.
When the question was turned on Kaia, well the truth of the matter was that while Aea was friends with the princess, Kaia was not. They had never even met. Kaia only knew who she was because not only had they arrived together, but Asia was the only girl besides the queen that was standing with the Kotas family at the peace event. How Aea and Athanasia had managed to forge such a strong relationship, Kaia was not sure. Perhaps she would be somewhat jealous if she were not concerned for Aea’s psyche after witnessing her father’s death the night before. The very few times Kaia had slipped away from camp on her own, Aea had been upset, but Kaia had never ventured far enough to do anything like befriend a princess.
’You’re not any different, either. Take a look around, especially the events as they play out now. All manner of behavior and interaction is present here, some less flattering than others. Does anyone here really seem better than anyone else? Humanity is dispensed independent of the sheer luck of being born into one family and not another. You discredit yourself.’
It was nice of Rene to say so. How different the world would be if those powerful enough to make the decisions for the rest of the Grecian people had heart and compassion like Rene. Instead, it was men with their pride, their ambitions and their egos who decided the rules of the people. And the gods, but while the gods determined who was born to which family, it was the men who decided how they would allow those families to be treated.
Kaia glanced back out to the main chamber in thought as Rene spoke, before returning her stormy gaze back to Rene. “It certainly is not as dignified as I had expected,” Kaia admitted with a slight giggle.
’Well I would say you are a fantastic servant but that would imply I think you are a good hireling, when my intention was to compliment the dedication and success you have to whatever it is you are doing. We cannot have…. I cannot have you hurrying about as a servant while Aea glides about enjoying festivities that you are likewise not privy to. Perhaps there is some way that we can clean you up as well and present you as a guest.’
Her expression softening to one of humbled surprise, Kaia quickly rethought over Rene’s words to make sure she had heard properly. “You think so?” Kaia murmured before she could stop herself. She would much rather seem like one of the guests than a servant who didn’t know how to serve correctly. If even just to experience for one night what it would be like to be someone with a name. How did it feel to be respected simply for being presented the right way? How did it feel to be treated as a more worthwhile person?
A couple of servants bustled through the hall past them, casting Kaia a disapproving look, but not saying anything while she was clearly in Lady Rene’s company. When Rene took her hands, Kaia’s full attention returned to her.
’My father says that a ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are for. We should never fear the scars we will obtain from venturing out into life, but we should intently fear never venturing out into life to avoid obtaining those scars. He says they are badges of honor that we should wear, that they are proof that we are stronger than whatever tried to overtake us.’
“Your father sounds very wise,” Kaia murmured honestly. It was a nice sentiment, one that made a lot more sense when used in such a way. Kaia had no intentions of living her life in a safe little bubble. She wanted adventure and the spoils that came from being a fearless and talented fighter. She could have none of those things without tasting the bitter taste of loss or defeat once in a while. Sometimes she would get hurt, but so long as she prevailed, then any previously felt pain could only harden and strengthen her.
Kaia went to speak again, but the same few servants came back down the hall carrying trays of delicious looking meats. By the sound of approaching footsteps, Kaia glanced around, then gently pulled Rene’s hand. “I fear we might be in the way,” Kaia commented, before motioning towards an archway that led to a seemingly empty room. Kaia did not mean to keep Lady Rene long, but she also did not want to get bustled about by servants.
Before Kaia could say anything more, Aea of all people slipped into the room. In a whirlwind of whispers and actions, Aea had handed Kaia a drachma to use to bribe the carriage driver. She had then told her and Rene to go to Athanasia’s carriage and find something to wear there. Aea’s final messages were for Kaia to use an accent, and hide until she and Alex had passed. Then, Aea had gone again.
Kaia could only assume Aea had been close enough to hear her and Rene speaking. Whatever the case, Kaia could play along, as long as Lady Rene was willing. Kaia looked to her friend hopefully. Kaia didn’t know the first thing about dressing up. A thread of doubt began to needle its way through her mind. Is it worth it?
No, it probably wasn’t worth it, but she wanted to do it all the same. Kaia hoped Lady Rene would not mind. She would very much like to have a friend to sit with, especially if she would be having to face Alexandros at some point. She was not scared to do so, but she wanted to be able to make her displeasure explicitly known when she did.
She’d heard enough of what was unfolding behind the archway to know that an opportunity was presenting itself; one that she might not get otherwise, or ever again for that matter. Something inside of her, she didn’t know what to name it, wanted nothing more than to see it done. Not out of spite, nor indignant fury, but sheer instinct to keep the threat of this man at bay, to control the damage he’d inflicted and smother it like a flame.
It was risky, but only to herself, and so it was safe. If it meant completing an objective, then the threat of consequences meant little so long as they impacted only she. It was when they impacted the very few people she gave a shit about that caused her adrenaline to pump. She would protect Kaia in the only way she knew how, just like Kaia would protect her. That was the only way they could survive, for the lone wolf who did not succeed in her dispersion always fell to the cold winter.
Aea quickly formed her strategy—decryption, then her tactics—probing, then her execution—succor. The objective—banishment, and if that failed, shatter beyond repair. And if must be, annihilation. She knew what to do, she’d been doing it all her life under her father’s harsh tutelage regardless of Hektos’ unawareness. In her head, she saw a flat expanse of dirt and drew into it with a stick. A map of movement, of idea and value. She only needed to ensure Kaia did not accidentally offset the grid by appearing at exactly the worst time.
Aea kept the grid in her head as she always did on a hunt or a critical problem and turned to make her way back down the hallway in search of her cousin to ensure her presence would not collapse the plan. Aea made another grid beside the first, then a second. Plans alpha and beta, though she could not see the branches of possibility well enough to develop a gamma yet. Her only issue would be that she did not know the physical route in the back of the building, only vaguely by the way she’d entered. It was a round building with two rectangular wings, and given that there were hallways and servant paths where she walked now, there was likely a third rectangular wing sprawling toward the back. She predicted there was a back exit that opened upon a patio of some sort, though she did not know how private it would be considering they were in the middle of a city. Still, it would be more private than the council chamber.
She dodged passing servants and tried to stay against the wall so that she did not upset the platters and pitchers they carried. Her eyes lit upon two women standing aside the rushing servants in the shadows of the hallway and Aea pulled up short when she recognized the back of Lady Rene’s head. Quickly, she pressed against a convex extension of the wall, far enough away that she could see the person Lady Rene spoke to was Kaia, but far enough away that she would not become a noticed entity in her cousin’s peripherals.
Aea only meant to wait for their conversation to finish. Interrupting others was rude. Her uncles spoke over her when she was in the middle of a sentence and there was nothing more irritating. Kaia was intelligent and could think on her toes, so Aea was not worried about her identity being revealed. Even though she did not mean to eavesdrop, the servants passed through so silently that even the quietest hiss of a whisper carried the weight of volume.
“—born into one family and not another. You discredit yourself,” Lady Rene said.
“It certainly is not as dignified as I had expected,” Kaia giggled, then quieter, “It’s okay, at least working for my cousin for the night gives me a chance to see what it’s like. Though I don’t think I make a particularly good servant.”
A small, quiet giggle, and then Lady Rene said, “Well I would say you are a fantastic servant but that would imply I think you are a good hireling, when my intention was to compliment the dedication and success you have to whatever it is you are doing. We cannot have….I cannot have you hurrying about as a servant while Aea glides about enjoying festivities that you are likewise not privy to. Perhaps there is some way that we can clean you up as well and present you as a guest.”
“You think so?”
“My father says that a ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are for. We should never fear the scars we will obtain from venturing out into life, but we should intently fear never venturing out into life to avoid obtaining those scars. He says they are badges of honor that we should wear, that they are proof that we are stronger than whatever tried to overtake us.”
“Your father sounds very wise. I fear we might be in the way.” Kaia and Rene moved from the hallway into some room Aea could not see.
Aea turned and pressed her back to the wall, folding one arm across her chest while the other rested upon it, her knuckles pressed against her mouth.
Gives me a chance to see what it’s like. Enjoying festivities that you are likewise not privy to. Why hadn’t Aea thought of this, that Kaia might want to come too? Had she latched onto the opportunity with such single-mindedness that she forgot about all others save herself? Kaia's tone had been casual enough but...but her words. She wanted to be where Aea was, and yet here she was being presented as a shadow. As less than.
She stood absolutely still in the hallway, suddenly at a loss. Her thoughts jumbling as they moved from her goal to something else entirely new. Guilt bubbled in the back of her throat and she swallowed thickly. Aea had spent her whole life wanting everything Kaia had—the adoration, the praise, the warmth, her beauty, her father, her mother, her good heart, her charisma, everything. By the time Aea was old enough to realize that she should hate her cousin, it was already too late not to love her. Did she not know exactly what Kaia felt now? Left behind, disregarded, overlooked and unnecessary. Just part of the scenery, an aside that was inconsequential or worse, undeserving.
Had Aea not told herself weeks ago that she would desire nothing any longer? Why should Aea be the one in the dress when she would have just as easily been content in the kitchens? Kaia wished for finery, for more in life, and yet Aea had completely bypassed it as if it were simply an inconvenient rock in the road. Like her wishes and desires meant nothing next to Aea's.
The drive Aea had moments ago dissolved under the weight of icy truth splashed upon her like a bucket of water. Greedy. Aea was greedy, selfish, and apathetic to both. All things she did not like, she was being.
Kaia's wish to sit at the table wasn’t the same thing as Aea being envious of Kaia, for Kaia had never sought the things she had and did. They were just a symptom of her existence. Aea had the things she had now not because they were symptoms of herself, but because she took them. Her wanting the things Kaia had was illogical, emotional, and incorrect, for Kaia could not help that she possessed them. Kaia wanting what Aea had was logical, reasonable, and understandable, for Aea had to accept them to have them.
Aea’s envy was ridiculous. Kaia’s desire was not. And it had never crossed Aea’s mind that anybody should ever want something that Aea had, much less Kaia, but if she had simply taken a moment to pull her head out of her ass, she might have seen it immediately.
And the worst part about it? She did not know if she would have offered Kaia anything at all unless it was pointed out, unless she realized that she was being illogical. And now...she did not know if wanting to offer it to Kaia now was out of a place of shame, or true desire to share with her. She did not know, and that, in turn, made her acutely aware of how monstrously self-absorbed she was.
She’d hidden Asia from Kaia. She told herself that Kaia wouldn’t care about the girl she met in the forest, didn’t even think about telling her after the peace festival, before...before everything else happened. But that wasn’t the truth, was it? She’d just refused to examine it because, somewhere in her mind, she knew that if she looked upon the truth then she would not like what she found. Aea had wanted Asia to herself, wanted a friend, something that was just hers. And had she examined that, she would have come to the same conclusion she was coming to now. She took and took and took, and still she wanted more like a spoiled child. She was rotten, something to be endured, not something enjoyable to engage with. She'd always wondered what was so awful about herself that only one uncle could stand her for an extended amount of time. This was it, wasn't it?
For a moment Aea stayed utterly still and silent, tuning out the world around her as she examined her new discovery. Hypocrite. She was a hypocrite. An emotional one. Single-minded like an animal, acting on instinct rather than critical thought. She put such effort and emphasis on staying together and protecting each other, but she hurt her own cousin just so she could...could what? What was she even doing here? Nobody needed nor cared for her presence, her thoughts, or anything of the sort. She was superfluous here. Kaia had already been betrayed. Now the wound was deeper because she felt overlooked. She wasn’t, and perhaps that was why Aea made such decisions. A sort of revenge, despite Kaia never doing anything to warrant it.
Rene was right. Aea had overtaken Kaia and forced her in a harbor. She was no better than Alexandros. That was the truth. It didn’t feel good. Uncomfortable, stifling like Hektos’ heavy gaze. Judgement. But in the privacy of her own mind, she was the only judge, and she was the only one that could balance the scales of justice for her crimes against her own blood.
Even if Kaia did not ponder deeply or brood upon the situation—which she may not given her penchant for trusting Aea to have good intentions—it didn't matter. Whether Kaia was slightly miffed or drowning in sorrow, Aea had not had her cousin's interests at heart. Only her own, regardless of whether they hurt Kaia. Her cousin could have been perfectly happy in the kitchens and Aea's crimes would be the same.
Perhaps there is some way. We are stronger than whatever tried to overtake us.
She hated feeling such shame, but she should feel it. She’d done something wrong. Kaia deserved a chance to fulfil a wish she’d had since they were children, had always deserved it, but maybe especially needed it now. To remind herself that she was important—the most important. To heal from Aea and Alexandros’ cruelty. She was brilliant and astonishing like a star, blinding in her beauty and inspiring in her grace and goodness, and neither Aea nor Alexandros had any right to dare try and dim her.
Aea would cut the anchor that was herself from Kaia. She would cleave Alexandros’ as well. Then Kaia could sail far, farther than she’d be able to go with such a heavy weight. Aea’s envy was not her cousin’s responsibility. Kaia was responsible for her actions, and that was all. Everyone else’s reactions were their own. Aea was responsible for her own actions as well, and so she would use her autonomy to do something decent. Maybe for the first time in her life.
Thanks to Asia, Aea knew how she could do it. Asia, her friend. Kaia deserved a friend too, and Asia deserved more than just one. They should both have it.
Aea could not believe she’d done something so...no, she could believe it. She’d done wrong, and she wouldn’t make the same mistake again. Now was not the time to dwell. Just fix it.
She pulled one of the drachma from her strophion and moved to the room Kaia and Rene disappeared into. Asia would have to forgive Aea for taking advantage of her hospitality. She would make it up to the princess somehow. Kaia knew how to conduct herself better than Aea could anyway, so it wasn’t as if anything could go wrong. And if it did...well, then Aea would take responsibility for it.
Aea darted into the room and almost ran into her cousin. Quickly, she pressed the drachma into Kaia’s hand, her voice a rapid whisper. “For the driver if he gives you trouble. Find Asia’s carriage, lift the seat. Find something to wear. Leave your outfit inside the cab. Use an accent, make up a story. Hide until Alexandros and I pass. If you sit in the seat I was in, you will be in front of him when he is back inside. Your choice.”
She couldn’t look at Rene. Embarrassment threatened to swallow her movements and freeze her. She had the urge to sputter an apology to both of them but couldn’t grasp all the words she needed. Panic, familiar and sharp, clawed at her stomach and Aea shut it down quickly by forcing her body to move, to turn, to leave the room and walk down the hallway without saying another word. She breathed in and breathed out. Mind over all. She felt nothing. Nothing was wrong. She would make everything right.
She had an objective, and perhaps she should have been apprehensive about it, about playing with a man who was perhaps ten years her senior and most certainly better at killing than she was. But she wasn't apprehensive, and very rarely was. Aea did not know why she second-guessed herself in social situations and not dangerous ones, perhaps it was the wish to be liked and an apathy to injury. She would stop the ridiculous preference to be liked presently, for it was unnecessary outside of lying when she needed to. Her purpose was not to be liked. It was to kill, and her apathy would serve her. Right now though, more than death, her purpose was to do the right thing by somebody that wasn’t herself.
Stopping at the threshold, she rolled the idea around in her head. She’d never been told to do that, had always been told to do the opposite. Take what you can before others take what they can from you. She did not quite understand until now that she’d been acting just as she’d been taught, but she cut Kaia out of the equation and isolated herself as a single entity.
Kaia had always been hers, but now she understood—it was supposed to be more than that. Kaia was supposed to be part of her. Aea didn't know how she knew such a thing, only that her gut was telling her so. Not a companion, or a cousin, or someone to share secrets with and understand her, but a partner. Kaia was hers.
Aea's resolve solidified. Hurting Kaia should be like hurting Aea.
It wasn’t before. Before, it was a matter of principle and safety. She didn’t feel injured by Alexandros’ actions, just angry that he dared con her cousin. Now, though...now she felt it. A new anger. Hot and raw. It felt like her father telling her that she was no longer his daughter when she took a side against him in an argument. Like giving something that she had never given anybody, only to be manipulated with it later. That is what Alexandros had done to Kaia.
Aea was not in tune with her emotions. Perhaps because she avoided them so much, why she was often so calm and cool-headed. When she began to feel, she shut it down with logic and thought of anything else. It took a great deal to truly awaken her fury.
Perhaps because of this, she was not competent with controlling her emotions when she did allow them free rein. When she allowed her anger to flow through her without directing it, when something made her that angry, no amount of reasoning would calm her. She didn't want it to calm her. Anger was useful. Anger was fuel. Felt good, even. Alexandros could have insulted her in every way, hit her, threatened her, and she likely would have been able to keep herself level. Now, she took away the stones weighing her fury to the ground; not because some trigger had caused an outburst, but because she allowed it.
Fuck technicalities. She was just planning on banishing Alexandros before, and she still would—now she did not care what ethics she had to break or what pain he had to go through in order to see the objective complete. Her mind latched onto the goal, and everything fell away. All that mattered now was the conclusion, and like a sparked flint, her anger turned passionate. Fury, now, flowing into the mold of wrath. There, it cooled into a shape of intent. Sharp, precise, and cold. This was the difference between herself and Alexandros—herself and her father.
Anger was explosive and chaotic to them. It was dangerous, but only to the damage it brought to themselves. They thought it made them frightening, thought they could control others with it.
Aea had needed to control it and redirect it all her life. She learned to fear her father early, when throwing tempers earned her a slap that was meant for a grown man. She learned to stifle her anger and fold it into something that she could feel, yet pretend not to. She was no slave to it, but master over it. Now, her anger was only dangerous to the person who dared awaken it.
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
She’d heard enough of what was unfolding behind the archway to know that an opportunity was presenting itself; one that she might not get otherwise, or ever again for that matter. Something inside of her, she didn’t know what to name it, wanted nothing more than to see it done. Not out of spite, nor indignant fury, but sheer instinct to keep the threat of this man at bay, to control the damage he’d inflicted and smother it like a flame.
It was risky, but only to herself, and so it was safe. If it meant completing an objective, then the threat of consequences meant little so long as they impacted only she. It was when they impacted the very few people she gave a shit about that caused her adrenaline to pump. She would protect Kaia in the only way she knew how, just like Kaia would protect her. That was the only way they could survive, for the lone wolf who did not succeed in her dispersion always fell to the cold winter.
Aea quickly formed her strategy—decryption, then her tactics—probing, then her execution—succor. The objective—banishment, and if that failed, shatter beyond repair. And if must be, annihilation. She knew what to do, she’d been doing it all her life under her father’s harsh tutelage regardless of Hektos’ unawareness. In her head, she saw a flat expanse of dirt and drew into it with a stick. A map of movement, of idea and value. She only needed to ensure Kaia did not accidentally offset the grid by appearing at exactly the worst time.
Aea kept the grid in her head as she always did on a hunt or a critical problem and turned to make her way back down the hallway in search of her cousin to ensure her presence would not collapse the plan. Aea made another grid beside the first, then a second. Plans alpha and beta, though she could not see the branches of possibility well enough to develop a gamma yet. Her only issue would be that she did not know the physical route in the back of the building, only vaguely by the way she’d entered. It was a round building with two rectangular wings, and given that there were hallways and servant paths where she walked now, there was likely a third rectangular wing sprawling toward the back. She predicted there was a back exit that opened upon a patio of some sort, though she did not know how private it would be considering they were in the middle of a city. Still, it would be more private than the council chamber.
She dodged passing servants and tried to stay against the wall so that she did not upset the platters and pitchers they carried. Her eyes lit upon two women standing aside the rushing servants in the shadows of the hallway and Aea pulled up short when she recognized the back of Lady Rene’s head. Quickly, she pressed against a convex extension of the wall, far enough away that she could see the person Lady Rene spoke to was Kaia, but far enough away that she would not become a noticed entity in her cousin’s peripherals.
Aea only meant to wait for their conversation to finish. Interrupting others was rude. Her uncles spoke over her when she was in the middle of a sentence and there was nothing more irritating. Kaia was intelligent and could think on her toes, so Aea was not worried about her identity being revealed. Even though she did not mean to eavesdrop, the servants passed through so silently that even the quietest hiss of a whisper carried the weight of volume.
“—born into one family and not another. You discredit yourself,” Lady Rene said.
“It certainly is not as dignified as I had expected,” Kaia giggled, then quieter, “It’s okay, at least working for my cousin for the night gives me a chance to see what it’s like. Though I don’t think I make a particularly good servant.”
A small, quiet giggle, and then Lady Rene said, “Well I would say you are a fantastic servant but that would imply I think you are a good hireling, when my intention was to compliment the dedication and success you have to whatever it is you are doing. We cannot have….I cannot have you hurrying about as a servant while Aea glides about enjoying festivities that you are likewise not privy to. Perhaps there is some way that we can clean you up as well and present you as a guest.”
“You think so?”
“My father says that a ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are for. We should never fear the scars we will obtain from venturing out into life, but we should intently fear never venturing out into life to avoid obtaining those scars. He says they are badges of honor that we should wear, that they are proof that we are stronger than whatever tried to overtake us.”
“Your father sounds very wise. I fear we might be in the way.” Kaia and Rene moved from the hallway into some room Aea could not see.
Aea turned and pressed her back to the wall, folding one arm across her chest while the other rested upon it, her knuckles pressed against her mouth.
Gives me a chance to see what it’s like. Enjoying festivities that you are likewise not privy to. Why hadn’t Aea thought of this, that Kaia might want to come too? Had she latched onto the opportunity with such single-mindedness that she forgot about all others save herself? Kaia's tone had been casual enough but...but her words. She wanted to be where Aea was, and yet here she was being presented as a shadow. As less than.
She stood absolutely still in the hallway, suddenly at a loss. Her thoughts jumbling as they moved from her goal to something else entirely new. Guilt bubbled in the back of her throat and she swallowed thickly. Aea had spent her whole life wanting everything Kaia had—the adoration, the praise, the warmth, her beauty, her father, her mother, her good heart, her charisma, everything. By the time Aea was old enough to realize that she should hate her cousin, it was already too late not to love her. Did she not know exactly what Kaia felt now? Left behind, disregarded, overlooked and unnecessary. Just part of the scenery, an aside that was inconsequential or worse, undeserving.
Had Aea not told herself weeks ago that she would desire nothing any longer? Why should Aea be the one in the dress when she would have just as easily been content in the kitchens? Kaia wished for finery, for more in life, and yet Aea had completely bypassed it as if it were simply an inconvenient rock in the road. Like her wishes and desires meant nothing next to Aea's.
The drive Aea had moments ago dissolved under the weight of icy truth splashed upon her like a bucket of water. Greedy. Aea was greedy, selfish, and apathetic to both. All things she did not like, she was being.
Kaia's wish to sit at the table wasn’t the same thing as Aea being envious of Kaia, for Kaia had never sought the things she had and did. They were just a symptom of her existence. Aea had the things she had now not because they were symptoms of herself, but because she took them. Her wanting the things Kaia had was illogical, emotional, and incorrect, for Kaia could not help that she possessed them. Kaia wanting what Aea had was logical, reasonable, and understandable, for Aea had to accept them to have them.
Aea’s envy was ridiculous. Kaia’s desire was not. And it had never crossed Aea’s mind that anybody should ever want something that Aea had, much less Kaia, but if she had simply taken a moment to pull her head out of her ass, she might have seen it immediately.
And the worst part about it? She did not know if she would have offered Kaia anything at all unless it was pointed out, unless she realized that she was being illogical. And now...she did not know if wanting to offer it to Kaia now was out of a place of shame, or true desire to share with her. She did not know, and that, in turn, made her acutely aware of how monstrously self-absorbed she was.
She’d hidden Asia from Kaia. She told herself that Kaia wouldn’t care about the girl she met in the forest, didn’t even think about telling her after the peace festival, before...before everything else happened. But that wasn’t the truth, was it? She’d just refused to examine it because, somewhere in her mind, she knew that if she looked upon the truth then she would not like what she found. Aea had wanted Asia to herself, wanted a friend, something that was just hers. And had she examined that, she would have come to the same conclusion she was coming to now. She took and took and took, and still she wanted more like a spoiled child. She was rotten, something to be endured, not something enjoyable to engage with. She'd always wondered what was so awful about herself that only one uncle could stand her for an extended amount of time. This was it, wasn't it?
For a moment Aea stayed utterly still and silent, tuning out the world around her as she examined her new discovery. Hypocrite. She was a hypocrite. An emotional one. Single-minded like an animal, acting on instinct rather than critical thought. She put such effort and emphasis on staying together and protecting each other, but she hurt her own cousin just so she could...could what? What was she even doing here? Nobody needed nor cared for her presence, her thoughts, or anything of the sort. She was superfluous here. Kaia had already been betrayed. Now the wound was deeper because she felt overlooked. She wasn’t, and perhaps that was why Aea made such decisions. A sort of revenge, despite Kaia never doing anything to warrant it.
Rene was right. Aea had overtaken Kaia and forced her in a harbor. She was no better than Alexandros. That was the truth. It didn’t feel good. Uncomfortable, stifling like Hektos’ heavy gaze. Judgement. But in the privacy of her own mind, she was the only judge, and she was the only one that could balance the scales of justice for her crimes against her own blood.
Even if Kaia did not ponder deeply or brood upon the situation—which she may not given her penchant for trusting Aea to have good intentions—it didn't matter. Whether Kaia was slightly miffed or drowning in sorrow, Aea had not had her cousin's interests at heart. Only her own, regardless of whether they hurt Kaia. Her cousin could have been perfectly happy in the kitchens and Aea's crimes would be the same.
Perhaps there is some way. We are stronger than whatever tried to overtake us.
She hated feeling such shame, but she should feel it. She’d done something wrong. Kaia deserved a chance to fulfil a wish she’d had since they were children, had always deserved it, but maybe especially needed it now. To remind herself that she was important—the most important. To heal from Aea and Alexandros’ cruelty. She was brilliant and astonishing like a star, blinding in her beauty and inspiring in her grace and goodness, and neither Aea nor Alexandros had any right to dare try and dim her.
Aea would cut the anchor that was herself from Kaia. She would cleave Alexandros’ as well. Then Kaia could sail far, farther than she’d be able to go with such a heavy weight. Aea’s envy was not her cousin’s responsibility. Kaia was responsible for her actions, and that was all. Everyone else’s reactions were their own. Aea was responsible for her own actions as well, and so she would use her autonomy to do something decent. Maybe for the first time in her life.
Thanks to Asia, Aea knew how she could do it. Asia, her friend. Kaia deserved a friend too, and Asia deserved more than just one. They should both have it.
Aea could not believe she’d done something so...no, she could believe it. She’d done wrong, and she wouldn’t make the same mistake again. Now was not the time to dwell. Just fix it.
She pulled one of the drachma from her strophion and moved to the room Kaia and Rene disappeared into. Asia would have to forgive Aea for taking advantage of her hospitality. She would make it up to the princess somehow. Kaia knew how to conduct herself better than Aea could anyway, so it wasn’t as if anything could go wrong. And if it did...well, then Aea would take responsibility for it.
Aea darted into the room and almost ran into her cousin. Quickly, she pressed the drachma into Kaia’s hand, her voice a rapid whisper. “For the driver if he gives you trouble. Find Asia’s carriage, lift the seat. Find something to wear. Leave your outfit inside the cab. Use an accent, make up a story. Hide until Alexandros and I pass. If you sit in the seat I was in, you will be in front of him when he is back inside. Your choice.”
She couldn’t look at Rene. Embarrassment threatened to swallow her movements and freeze her. She had the urge to sputter an apology to both of them but couldn’t grasp all the words she needed. Panic, familiar and sharp, clawed at her stomach and Aea shut it down quickly by forcing her body to move, to turn, to leave the room and walk down the hallway without saying another word. She breathed in and breathed out. Mind over all. She felt nothing. Nothing was wrong. She would make everything right.
She had an objective, and perhaps she should have been apprehensive about it, about playing with a man who was perhaps ten years her senior and most certainly better at killing than she was. But she wasn't apprehensive, and very rarely was. Aea did not know why she second-guessed herself in social situations and not dangerous ones, perhaps it was the wish to be liked and an apathy to injury. She would stop the ridiculous preference to be liked presently, for it was unnecessary outside of lying when she needed to. Her purpose was not to be liked. It was to kill, and her apathy would serve her. Right now though, more than death, her purpose was to do the right thing by somebody that wasn’t herself.
Stopping at the threshold, she rolled the idea around in her head. She’d never been told to do that, had always been told to do the opposite. Take what you can before others take what they can from you. She did not quite understand until now that she’d been acting just as she’d been taught, but she cut Kaia out of the equation and isolated herself as a single entity.
Kaia had always been hers, but now she understood—it was supposed to be more than that. Kaia was supposed to be part of her. Aea didn't know how she knew such a thing, only that her gut was telling her so. Not a companion, or a cousin, or someone to share secrets with and understand her, but a partner. Kaia was hers.
Aea's resolve solidified. Hurting Kaia should be like hurting Aea.
It wasn’t before. Before, it was a matter of principle and safety. She didn’t feel injured by Alexandros’ actions, just angry that he dared con her cousin. Now, though...now she felt it. A new anger. Hot and raw. It felt like her father telling her that she was no longer his daughter when she took a side against him in an argument. Like giving something that she had never given anybody, only to be manipulated with it later. That is what Alexandros had done to Kaia.
Aea was not in tune with her emotions. Perhaps because she avoided them so much, why she was often so calm and cool-headed. When she began to feel, she shut it down with logic and thought of anything else. It took a great deal to truly awaken her fury.
Perhaps because of this, she was not competent with controlling her emotions when she did allow them free rein. When she allowed her anger to flow through her without directing it, when something made her that angry, no amount of reasoning would calm her. She didn't want it to calm her. Anger was useful. Anger was fuel. Felt good, even. Alexandros could have insulted her in every way, hit her, threatened her, and she likely would have been able to keep herself level. Now, she took away the stones weighing her fury to the ground; not because some trigger had caused an outburst, but because she allowed it.
Fuck technicalities. She was just planning on banishing Alexandros before, and she still would—now she did not care what ethics she had to break or what pain he had to go through in order to see the objective complete. Her mind latched onto the goal, and everything fell away. All that mattered now was the conclusion, and like a sparked flint, her anger turned passionate. Fury, now, flowing into the mold of wrath. There, it cooled into a shape of intent. Sharp, precise, and cold. This was the difference between herself and Alexandros—herself and her father.
Anger was explosive and chaotic to them. It was dangerous, but only to the damage it brought to themselves. They thought it made them frightening, thought they could control others with it.
Aea had needed to control it and redirect it all her life. She learned to fear her father early, when throwing tempers earned her a slap that was meant for a grown man. She learned to stifle her anger and fold it into something that she could feel, yet pretend not to. She was no slave to it, but master over it. Now, her anger was only dangerous to the person who dared awaken it.
She’d heard enough of what was unfolding behind the archway to know that an opportunity was presenting itself; one that she might not get otherwise, or ever again for that matter. Something inside of her, she didn’t know what to name it, wanted nothing more than to see it done. Not out of spite, nor indignant fury, but sheer instinct to keep the threat of this man at bay, to control the damage he’d inflicted and smother it like a flame.
It was risky, but only to herself, and so it was safe. If it meant completing an objective, then the threat of consequences meant little so long as they impacted only she. It was when they impacted the very few people she gave a shit about that caused her adrenaline to pump. She would protect Kaia in the only way she knew how, just like Kaia would protect her. That was the only way they could survive, for the lone wolf who did not succeed in her dispersion always fell to the cold winter.
Aea quickly formed her strategy—decryption, then her tactics—probing, then her execution—succor. The objective—banishment, and if that failed, shatter beyond repair. And if must be, annihilation. She knew what to do, she’d been doing it all her life under her father’s harsh tutelage regardless of Hektos’ unawareness. In her head, she saw a flat expanse of dirt and drew into it with a stick. A map of movement, of idea and value. She only needed to ensure Kaia did not accidentally offset the grid by appearing at exactly the worst time.
Aea kept the grid in her head as she always did on a hunt or a critical problem and turned to make her way back down the hallway in search of her cousin to ensure her presence would not collapse the plan. Aea made another grid beside the first, then a second. Plans alpha and beta, though she could not see the branches of possibility well enough to develop a gamma yet. Her only issue would be that she did not know the physical route in the back of the building, only vaguely by the way she’d entered. It was a round building with two rectangular wings, and given that there were hallways and servant paths where she walked now, there was likely a third rectangular wing sprawling toward the back. She predicted there was a back exit that opened upon a patio of some sort, though she did not know how private it would be considering they were in the middle of a city. Still, it would be more private than the council chamber.
She dodged passing servants and tried to stay against the wall so that she did not upset the platters and pitchers they carried. Her eyes lit upon two women standing aside the rushing servants in the shadows of the hallway and Aea pulled up short when she recognized the back of Lady Rene’s head. Quickly, she pressed against a convex extension of the wall, far enough away that she could see the person Lady Rene spoke to was Kaia, but far enough away that she would not become a noticed entity in her cousin’s peripherals.
Aea only meant to wait for their conversation to finish. Interrupting others was rude. Her uncles spoke over her when she was in the middle of a sentence and there was nothing more irritating. Kaia was intelligent and could think on her toes, so Aea was not worried about her identity being revealed. Even though she did not mean to eavesdrop, the servants passed through so silently that even the quietest hiss of a whisper carried the weight of volume.
“—born into one family and not another. You discredit yourself,” Lady Rene said.
“It certainly is not as dignified as I had expected,” Kaia giggled, then quieter, “It’s okay, at least working for my cousin for the night gives me a chance to see what it’s like. Though I don’t think I make a particularly good servant.”
A small, quiet giggle, and then Lady Rene said, “Well I would say you are a fantastic servant but that would imply I think you are a good hireling, when my intention was to compliment the dedication and success you have to whatever it is you are doing. We cannot have….I cannot have you hurrying about as a servant while Aea glides about enjoying festivities that you are likewise not privy to. Perhaps there is some way that we can clean you up as well and present you as a guest.”
“You think so?”
“My father says that a ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are for. We should never fear the scars we will obtain from venturing out into life, but we should intently fear never venturing out into life to avoid obtaining those scars. He says they are badges of honor that we should wear, that they are proof that we are stronger than whatever tried to overtake us.”
“Your father sounds very wise. I fear we might be in the way.” Kaia and Rene moved from the hallway into some room Aea could not see.
Aea turned and pressed her back to the wall, folding one arm across her chest while the other rested upon it, her knuckles pressed against her mouth.
Gives me a chance to see what it’s like. Enjoying festivities that you are likewise not privy to. Why hadn’t Aea thought of this, that Kaia might want to come too? Had she latched onto the opportunity with such single-mindedness that she forgot about all others save herself? Kaia's tone had been casual enough but...but her words. She wanted to be where Aea was, and yet here she was being presented as a shadow. As less than.
She stood absolutely still in the hallway, suddenly at a loss. Her thoughts jumbling as they moved from her goal to something else entirely new. Guilt bubbled in the back of her throat and she swallowed thickly. Aea had spent her whole life wanting everything Kaia had—the adoration, the praise, the warmth, her beauty, her father, her mother, her good heart, her charisma, everything. By the time Aea was old enough to realize that she should hate her cousin, it was already too late not to love her. Did she not know exactly what Kaia felt now? Left behind, disregarded, overlooked and unnecessary. Just part of the scenery, an aside that was inconsequential or worse, undeserving.
Had Aea not told herself weeks ago that she would desire nothing any longer? Why should Aea be the one in the dress when she would have just as easily been content in the kitchens? Kaia wished for finery, for more in life, and yet Aea had completely bypassed it as if it were simply an inconvenient rock in the road. Like her wishes and desires meant nothing next to Aea's.
The drive Aea had moments ago dissolved under the weight of icy truth splashed upon her like a bucket of water. Greedy. Aea was greedy, selfish, and apathetic to both. All things she did not like, she was being.
Kaia's wish to sit at the table wasn’t the same thing as Aea being envious of Kaia, for Kaia had never sought the things she had and did. They were just a symptom of her existence. Aea had the things she had now not because they were symptoms of herself, but because she took them. Her wanting the things Kaia had was illogical, emotional, and incorrect, for Kaia could not help that she possessed them. Kaia wanting what Aea had was logical, reasonable, and understandable, for Aea had to accept them to have them.
Aea’s envy was ridiculous. Kaia’s desire was not. And it had never crossed Aea’s mind that anybody should ever want something that Aea had, much less Kaia, but if she had simply taken a moment to pull her head out of her ass, she might have seen it immediately.
And the worst part about it? She did not know if she would have offered Kaia anything at all unless it was pointed out, unless she realized that she was being illogical. And now...she did not know if wanting to offer it to Kaia now was out of a place of shame, or true desire to share with her. She did not know, and that, in turn, made her acutely aware of how monstrously self-absorbed she was.
She’d hidden Asia from Kaia. She told herself that Kaia wouldn’t care about the girl she met in the forest, didn’t even think about telling her after the peace festival, before...before everything else happened. But that wasn’t the truth, was it? She’d just refused to examine it because, somewhere in her mind, she knew that if she looked upon the truth then she would not like what she found. Aea had wanted Asia to herself, wanted a friend, something that was just hers. And had she examined that, she would have come to the same conclusion she was coming to now. She took and took and took, and still she wanted more like a spoiled child. She was rotten, something to be endured, not something enjoyable to engage with. She'd always wondered what was so awful about herself that only one uncle could stand her for an extended amount of time. This was it, wasn't it?
For a moment Aea stayed utterly still and silent, tuning out the world around her as she examined her new discovery. Hypocrite. She was a hypocrite. An emotional one. Single-minded like an animal, acting on instinct rather than critical thought. She put such effort and emphasis on staying together and protecting each other, but she hurt her own cousin just so she could...could what? What was she even doing here? Nobody needed nor cared for her presence, her thoughts, or anything of the sort. She was superfluous here. Kaia had already been betrayed. Now the wound was deeper because she felt overlooked. She wasn’t, and perhaps that was why Aea made such decisions. A sort of revenge, despite Kaia never doing anything to warrant it.
Rene was right. Aea had overtaken Kaia and forced her in a harbor. She was no better than Alexandros. That was the truth. It didn’t feel good. Uncomfortable, stifling like Hektos’ heavy gaze. Judgement. But in the privacy of her own mind, she was the only judge, and she was the only one that could balance the scales of justice for her crimes against her own blood.
Even if Kaia did not ponder deeply or brood upon the situation—which she may not given her penchant for trusting Aea to have good intentions—it didn't matter. Whether Kaia was slightly miffed or drowning in sorrow, Aea had not had her cousin's interests at heart. Only her own, regardless of whether they hurt Kaia. Her cousin could have been perfectly happy in the kitchens and Aea's crimes would be the same.
Perhaps there is some way. We are stronger than whatever tried to overtake us.
She hated feeling such shame, but she should feel it. She’d done something wrong. Kaia deserved a chance to fulfil a wish she’d had since they were children, had always deserved it, but maybe especially needed it now. To remind herself that she was important—the most important. To heal from Aea and Alexandros’ cruelty. She was brilliant and astonishing like a star, blinding in her beauty and inspiring in her grace and goodness, and neither Aea nor Alexandros had any right to dare try and dim her.
Aea would cut the anchor that was herself from Kaia. She would cleave Alexandros’ as well. Then Kaia could sail far, farther than she’d be able to go with such a heavy weight. Aea’s envy was not her cousin’s responsibility. Kaia was responsible for her actions, and that was all. Everyone else’s reactions were their own. Aea was responsible for her own actions as well, and so she would use her autonomy to do something decent. Maybe for the first time in her life.
Thanks to Asia, Aea knew how she could do it. Asia, her friend. Kaia deserved a friend too, and Asia deserved more than just one. They should both have it.
Aea could not believe she’d done something so...no, she could believe it. She’d done wrong, and she wouldn’t make the same mistake again. Now was not the time to dwell. Just fix it.
She pulled one of the drachma from her strophion and moved to the room Kaia and Rene disappeared into. Asia would have to forgive Aea for taking advantage of her hospitality. She would make it up to the princess somehow. Kaia knew how to conduct herself better than Aea could anyway, so it wasn’t as if anything could go wrong. And if it did...well, then Aea would take responsibility for it.
Aea darted into the room and almost ran into her cousin. Quickly, she pressed the drachma into Kaia’s hand, her voice a rapid whisper. “For the driver if he gives you trouble. Find Asia’s carriage, lift the seat. Find something to wear. Leave your outfit inside the cab. Use an accent, make up a story. Hide until Alexandros and I pass. If you sit in the seat I was in, you will be in front of him when he is back inside. Your choice.”
She couldn’t look at Rene. Embarrassment threatened to swallow her movements and freeze her. She had the urge to sputter an apology to both of them but couldn’t grasp all the words she needed. Panic, familiar and sharp, clawed at her stomach and Aea shut it down quickly by forcing her body to move, to turn, to leave the room and walk down the hallway without saying another word. She breathed in and breathed out. Mind over all. She felt nothing. Nothing was wrong. She would make everything right.
She had an objective, and perhaps she should have been apprehensive about it, about playing with a man who was perhaps ten years her senior and most certainly better at killing than she was. But she wasn't apprehensive, and very rarely was. Aea did not know why she second-guessed herself in social situations and not dangerous ones, perhaps it was the wish to be liked and an apathy to injury. She would stop the ridiculous preference to be liked presently, for it was unnecessary outside of lying when she needed to. Her purpose was not to be liked. It was to kill, and her apathy would serve her. Right now though, more than death, her purpose was to do the right thing by somebody that wasn’t herself.
Stopping at the threshold, she rolled the idea around in her head. She’d never been told to do that, had always been told to do the opposite. Take what you can before others take what they can from you. She did not quite understand until now that she’d been acting just as she’d been taught, but she cut Kaia out of the equation and isolated herself as a single entity.
Kaia had always been hers, but now she understood—it was supposed to be more than that. Kaia was supposed to be part of her. Aea didn't know how she knew such a thing, only that her gut was telling her so. Not a companion, or a cousin, or someone to share secrets with and understand her, but a partner. Kaia was hers.
Aea's resolve solidified. Hurting Kaia should be like hurting Aea.
It wasn’t before. Before, it was a matter of principle and safety. She didn’t feel injured by Alexandros’ actions, just angry that he dared con her cousin. Now, though...now she felt it. A new anger. Hot and raw. It felt like her father telling her that she was no longer his daughter when she took a side against him in an argument. Like giving something that she had never given anybody, only to be manipulated with it later. That is what Alexandros had done to Kaia.
Aea was not in tune with her emotions. Perhaps because she avoided them so much, why she was often so calm and cool-headed. When she began to feel, she shut it down with logic and thought of anything else. It took a great deal to truly awaken her fury.
Perhaps because of this, she was not competent with controlling her emotions when she did allow them free rein. When she allowed her anger to flow through her without directing it, when something made her that angry, no amount of reasoning would calm her. She didn't want it to calm her. Anger was useful. Anger was fuel. Felt good, even. Alexandros could have insulted her in every way, hit her, threatened her, and she likely would have been able to keep herself level. Now, she took away the stones weighing her fury to the ground; not because some trigger had caused an outburst, but because she allowed it.
Fuck technicalities. She was just planning on banishing Alexandros before, and she still would—now she did not care what ethics she had to break or what pain he had to go through in order to see the objective complete. Her mind latched onto the goal, and everything fell away. All that mattered now was the conclusion, and like a sparked flint, her anger turned passionate. Fury, now, flowing into the mold of wrath. There, it cooled into a shape of intent. Sharp, precise, and cold. This was the difference between herself and Alexandros—herself and her father.
Anger was explosive and chaotic to them. It was dangerous, but only to the damage it brought to themselves. They thought it made them frightening, thought they could control others with it.
Aea had needed to control it and redirect it all her life. She learned to fear her father early, when throwing tempers earned her a slap that was meant for a grown man. She learned to stifle her anger and fold it into something that she could feel, yet pretend not to. She was no slave to it, but master over it. Now, her anger was only dangerous to the person who dared awaken it.
The conversation he found himself in was a wonderful return. He loved every moment of this, getting to tell a beautiful woman about his kingdom, himself, the teachings... time had no meaning in such a perfect night. She had wit, and curiosity, but was certainly not above being flattered. She was also bold, telling a Prince not to simply touch her as he willed. Once more, she engaged him, presenting herself as a woman cut from far different cloth. She seemed to enjoy it as he spoke of his education, gracing him with that dazzling smile once more. Apparently he had tripped her up a bit with his question about scholarly pursuit. “Not very well, admittedly. My people know what they must do to live and build and wage war. Nothing so great as your civilization. But, I do have an uncle that was much like your teacher, and though he taught me well enough, I must admit that I was always far too curious to be satisfied by such constraints. Pythagoras, and arithmetic in general, were always as fascinating to me as ontological issues. I cannot say that I have been able to study their correlation to decide on whether I agree with his assertion, but I do know that his theory has truth in music. And if music, as an intangible form, can be measured by patterns and numbers in all cases, then it stands to reason that other intangible items can be measured in the same way, for they certainly have no mass to be weighed, and so they must have…”
Yiannis almost clapped as she reached her conclusion. It was brilliant, and something he now longed to explore. However, she simply stopped to giggle and play with her hair. Was it a defense mechanism? He had seen it so often in flirtations, which bode well for him, but in the midst of speaking about such grand topics as this, it was curious. “In any case, I’ve been told that debate is not polite at a Greecian dinner," she concluded. It was a bit disappointing. He so rarely found someone of the opposite sex who could prove to hold him in both heart and mind. "You must be reading my mind, your highness. I blame any misbehavior entirely upon you and your sister. Even so, I can’t help but ask what you think of his metempsychosis and vir—” And just like that, she stopped. His dreams of discussing music and culture and Pythagorean influence up in smoke as the words carried. "Pick a serving girl, and we'll ravish her together." How utterly horrible and disgusting. He tried to recover her attention by asking "You were saying?" before she had stood from the table. Danil then gave the man the tongue-lashing of a lifetime, while Lady Aidoni slipped away, probably scandalized by such horrible manners. Damn that idiot, he thought to himself, but could do precious little about it. Soon, his sister would rise to the challenge of addressing his faux pas, but no power here could reach through time and steal the moment back for them. He was honestly forlorn, watching the opportunities to expand his horizons walk away. Soon, his Sister would return, albeit only for a moment. After that, Elias would take both of their places. He noted he would need to ask after Asia's friend when this night was done, but for now he would enjoy himself with the newcomer and salvage what he could with the evening.
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The conversation he found himself in was a wonderful return. He loved every moment of this, getting to tell a beautiful woman about his kingdom, himself, the teachings... time had no meaning in such a perfect night. She had wit, and curiosity, but was certainly not above being flattered. She was also bold, telling a Prince not to simply touch her as he willed. Once more, she engaged him, presenting herself as a woman cut from far different cloth. She seemed to enjoy it as he spoke of his education, gracing him with that dazzling smile once more. Apparently he had tripped her up a bit with his question about scholarly pursuit. “Not very well, admittedly. My people know what they must do to live and build and wage war. Nothing so great as your civilization. But, I do have an uncle that was much like your teacher, and though he taught me well enough, I must admit that I was always far too curious to be satisfied by such constraints. Pythagoras, and arithmetic in general, were always as fascinating to me as ontological issues. I cannot say that I have been able to study their correlation to decide on whether I agree with his assertion, but I do know that his theory has truth in music. And if music, as an intangible form, can be measured by patterns and numbers in all cases, then it stands to reason that other intangible items can be measured in the same way, for they certainly have no mass to be weighed, and so they must have…”
Yiannis almost clapped as she reached her conclusion. It was brilliant, and something he now longed to explore. However, she simply stopped to giggle and play with her hair. Was it a defense mechanism? He had seen it so often in flirtations, which bode well for him, but in the midst of speaking about such grand topics as this, it was curious. “In any case, I’ve been told that debate is not polite at a Greecian dinner," she concluded. It was a bit disappointing. He so rarely found someone of the opposite sex who could prove to hold him in both heart and mind. "You must be reading my mind, your highness. I blame any misbehavior entirely upon you and your sister. Even so, I can’t help but ask what you think of his metempsychosis and vir—” And just like that, she stopped. His dreams of discussing music and culture and Pythagorean influence up in smoke as the words carried. "Pick a serving girl, and we'll ravish her together." How utterly horrible and disgusting. He tried to recover her attention by asking "You were saying?" before she had stood from the table. Danil then gave the man the tongue-lashing of a lifetime, while Lady Aidoni slipped away, probably scandalized by such horrible manners. Damn that idiot, he thought to himself, but could do precious little about it. Soon, his sister would rise to the challenge of addressing his faux pas, but no power here could reach through time and steal the moment back for them. He was honestly forlorn, watching the opportunities to expand his horizons walk away. Soon, his Sister would return, albeit only for a moment. After that, Elias would take both of their places. He noted he would need to ask after Asia's friend when this night was done, but for now he would enjoy himself with the newcomer and salvage what he could with the evening.
The conversation he found himself in was a wonderful return. He loved every moment of this, getting to tell a beautiful woman about his kingdom, himself, the teachings... time had no meaning in such a perfect night. She had wit, and curiosity, but was certainly not above being flattered. She was also bold, telling a Prince not to simply touch her as he willed. Once more, she engaged him, presenting herself as a woman cut from far different cloth. She seemed to enjoy it as he spoke of his education, gracing him with that dazzling smile once more. Apparently he had tripped her up a bit with his question about scholarly pursuit. “Not very well, admittedly. My people know what they must do to live and build and wage war. Nothing so great as your civilization. But, I do have an uncle that was much like your teacher, and though he taught me well enough, I must admit that I was always far too curious to be satisfied by such constraints. Pythagoras, and arithmetic in general, were always as fascinating to me as ontological issues. I cannot say that I have been able to study their correlation to decide on whether I agree with his assertion, but I do know that his theory has truth in music. And if music, as an intangible form, can be measured by patterns and numbers in all cases, then it stands to reason that other intangible items can be measured in the same way, for they certainly have no mass to be weighed, and so they must have…”
Yiannis almost clapped as she reached her conclusion. It was brilliant, and something he now longed to explore. However, she simply stopped to giggle and play with her hair. Was it a defense mechanism? He had seen it so often in flirtations, which bode well for him, but in the midst of speaking about such grand topics as this, it was curious. “In any case, I’ve been told that debate is not polite at a Greecian dinner," she concluded. It was a bit disappointing. He so rarely found someone of the opposite sex who could prove to hold him in both heart and mind. "You must be reading my mind, your highness. I blame any misbehavior entirely upon you and your sister. Even so, I can’t help but ask what you think of his metempsychosis and vir—” And just like that, she stopped. His dreams of discussing music and culture and Pythagorean influence up in smoke as the words carried. "Pick a serving girl, and we'll ravish her together." How utterly horrible and disgusting. He tried to recover her attention by asking "You were saying?" before she had stood from the table. Danil then gave the man the tongue-lashing of a lifetime, while Lady Aidoni slipped away, probably scandalized by such horrible manners. Damn that idiot, he thought to himself, but could do precious little about it. Soon, his sister would rise to the challenge of addressing his faux pas, but no power here could reach through time and steal the moment back for them. He was honestly forlorn, watching the opportunities to expand his horizons walk away. Soon, his Sister would return, albeit only for a moment. After that, Elias would take both of their places. He noted he would need to ask after Asia's friend when this night was done, but for now he would enjoy himself with the newcomer and salvage what he could with the evening.
Rene was nothing if not keenly aware she was putting Kaia on the spot, directly, though as gently as possible. So far, she was holding up well, considering she’d seemed to be catching the raw end of several deals. She offered no defensive posturing, no retaliative retort or sharpened tone to her voice. She acknowledged the potential for punishment for knowledge and active participation on Aea’s dangerous venture breaking the law. Not that Rene had any intention of acting on such. She had many more questions, but none of it seemed prudent to summon further currently.
‘It is my understanding that the princess invited… Lady Aidoni here.’
Lady Aidoni. She was going all in, it seemed. Long gone was the timid rhapsodist who had meticulously presented herself as lacking in confidence while she took such bold steps to serenade the festival-goers. Or maybe it was there all along and Rene was simply too engulfed in her own nervousness to see it. Aea was clearly more intelligent than she let on, and far more inclined to captain her own way through the world than perhaps any knew, including her father. Either she was superbly talented at pulling linen over everyone’s eyes, or the princess, presumably of Kotas, was instrumental in the pretense. Rene stifled a small sigh, finding herself now likewise mired in perpetuating the delusion of masquerading minstrels as courtiers. This wasn’t exactly as she’d foreseen the events playing out when she noticed Kaia’s forlorn expression, and decided to approach and offer whatever emotional support she could, paired with a bit of investigation. And here she was, debating how best to bring Kaia into the fold of a ploy she had no real knowledge of, and no active part in prior.
Rene’s striking azure eyes took in the young woman, who was doing a splendid job of holding her decorum together, though it appeared to be veil thin and ready to crumble the moment its integrity was challenged. She looked as if she needed a few victories in her corner, that she needed a bit of a win. Perhaps that is why Rene felt endeared to her. She was no stranger to being on the short end of opportunity and praise and accomplishment, herself, perpetually finding herself in the shadow of her older siblings, being happy for their triumphs and celebrating with them their every accolade, while she stood on proverbial tip-toe to merely meet the height of their shoulders. If anyone understood, it was she.
As she planted the seed in Kaia’s head that she, too, should get a night to dress up, the other girl did not immediately meet such an idea with staunch rejection. In fact, she seemed not only open, but curious to the idea.
‘You think so?’
“Well why not? If Aea can, why can’t you?” It seemed simple enough, even in Rene’s own ears, though some part of her brain remained awash in a sea of disbelief that this was happening. She had never done something so brazen as to break the law. If any could see her heart, they’d see it beating wildly beneath her breast, an amalgamation of excitement and anxiousness at the prospect. As they continued to speak, various members of the staff moved up and down the corridor passed them, causing Rene to shift and avoid colliding into them. Their conversation was about to continue when entering the corridor from behind Rene, in a sweep of a whirlwind, came none other than Aea herself. Without comment or so much as a deviation in her gait, she approached Kaia, whispered something to her, which Rene could not make out, and just as quickly, slipped away. She did not make eye contact. She did not so much as acknowledge that Rene was present. The petite blonde’s wide beryl eyes trailed after Aea, watching her in her sartorial splendor, never once looking back. A small but sharp pang hit Rene in the gut, almost letting her hurt manifest over her features. Desperately she tried to think what she could have done during the festival that Aea would so easily snub her now. She sorted through the memory over and over again, aching to find an infraction she’d committed that would explain Aea’s vitriol. Perhaps her tone of voice had been edged without her realizing it. Perhaps she had insulted the family of bards with the amount of drachma she’d given for compensation for their vast auditory delights. Perhaps she had keyed a few notes incorrectly on the borrowed lyre she’d played for their impromptu trio performance, and both Aea and Ophelia had been too polite to Rene as much. Whatever it was, Rene felt the weight of her inadequacies once more, that she’d failed a seemingly light social event so catastrophically that she met with the disapproval of other artists.
When Aea’s back had retreated fully from sight, lost amid the press of bodies at the dinner gathering, Rene redirected her solemn gaze back towards Kaia, a little taken aback, but weathering the storm gracefully. “I did not mean to monopolize your time or land you in a position of antagonism with your sister,” she offered apologetically.
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Rene was nothing if not keenly aware she was putting Kaia on the spot, directly, though as gently as possible. So far, she was holding up well, considering she’d seemed to be catching the raw end of several deals. She offered no defensive posturing, no retaliative retort or sharpened tone to her voice. She acknowledged the potential for punishment for knowledge and active participation on Aea’s dangerous venture breaking the law. Not that Rene had any intention of acting on such. She had many more questions, but none of it seemed prudent to summon further currently.
‘It is my understanding that the princess invited… Lady Aidoni here.’
Lady Aidoni. She was going all in, it seemed. Long gone was the timid rhapsodist who had meticulously presented herself as lacking in confidence while she took such bold steps to serenade the festival-goers. Or maybe it was there all along and Rene was simply too engulfed in her own nervousness to see it. Aea was clearly more intelligent than she let on, and far more inclined to captain her own way through the world than perhaps any knew, including her father. Either she was superbly talented at pulling linen over everyone’s eyes, or the princess, presumably of Kotas, was instrumental in the pretense. Rene stifled a small sigh, finding herself now likewise mired in perpetuating the delusion of masquerading minstrels as courtiers. This wasn’t exactly as she’d foreseen the events playing out when she noticed Kaia’s forlorn expression, and decided to approach and offer whatever emotional support she could, paired with a bit of investigation. And here she was, debating how best to bring Kaia into the fold of a ploy she had no real knowledge of, and no active part in prior.
Rene’s striking azure eyes took in the young woman, who was doing a splendid job of holding her decorum together, though it appeared to be veil thin and ready to crumble the moment its integrity was challenged. She looked as if she needed a few victories in her corner, that she needed a bit of a win. Perhaps that is why Rene felt endeared to her. She was no stranger to being on the short end of opportunity and praise and accomplishment, herself, perpetually finding herself in the shadow of her older siblings, being happy for their triumphs and celebrating with them their every accolade, while she stood on proverbial tip-toe to merely meet the height of their shoulders. If anyone understood, it was she.
As she planted the seed in Kaia’s head that she, too, should get a night to dress up, the other girl did not immediately meet such an idea with staunch rejection. In fact, she seemed not only open, but curious to the idea.
‘You think so?’
“Well why not? If Aea can, why can’t you?” It seemed simple enough, even in Rene’s own ears, though some part of her brain remained awash in a sea of disbelief that this was happening. She had never done something so brazen as to break the law. If any could see her heart, they’d see it beating wildly beneath her breast, an amalgamation of excitement and anxiousness at the prospect. As they continued to speak, various members of the staff moved up and down the corridor passed them, causing Rene to shift and avoid colliding into them. Their conversation was about to continue when entering the corridor from behind Rene, in a sweep of a whirlwind, came none other than Aea herself. Without comment or so much as a deviation in her gait, she approached Kaia, whispered something to her, which Rene could not make out, and just as quickly, slipped away. She did not make eye contact. She did not so much as acknowledge that Rene was present. The petite blonde’s wide beryl eyes trailed after Aea, watching her in her sartorial splendor, never once looking back. A small but sharp pang hit Rene in the gut, almost letting her hurt manifest over her features. Desperately she tried to think what she could have done during the festival that Aea would so easily snub her now. She sorted through the memory over and over again, aching to find an infraction she’d committed that would explain Aea’s vitriol. Perhaps her tone of voice had been edged without her realizing it. Perhaps she had insulted the family of bards with the amount of drachma she’d given for compensation for their vast auditory delights. Perhaps she had keyed a few notes incorrectly on the borrowed lyre she’d played for their impromptu trio performance, and both Aea and Ophelia had been too polite to Rene as much. Whatever it was, Rene felt the weight of her inadequacies once more, that she’d failed a seemingly light social event so catastrophically that she met with the disapproval of other artists.
When Aea’s back had retreated fully from sight, lost amid the press of bodies at the dinner gathering, Rene redirected her solemn gaze back towards Kaia, a little taken aback, but weathering the storm gracefully. “I did not mean to monopolize your time or land you in a position of antagonism with your sister,” she offered apologetically.
Rene was nothing if not keenly aware she was putting Kaia on the spot, directly, though as gently as possible. So far, she was holding up well, considering she’d seemed to be catching the raw end of several deals. She offered no defensive posturing, no retaliative retort or sharpened tone to her voice. She acknowledged the potential for punishment for knowledge and active participation on Aea’s dangerous venture breaking the law. Not that Rene had any intention of acting on such. She had many more questions, but none of it seemed prudent to summon further currently.
‘It is my understanding that the princess invited… Lady Aidoni here.’
Lady Aidoni. She was going all in, it seemed. Long gone was the timid rhapsodist who had meticulously presented herself as lacking in confidence while she took such bold steps to serenade the festival-goers. Or maybe it was there all along and Rene was simply too engulfed in her own nervousness to see it. Aea was clearly more intelligent than she let on, and far more inclined to captain her own way through the world than perhaps any knew, including her father. Either she was superbly talented at pulling linen over everyone’s eyes, or the princess, presumably of Kotas, was instrumental in the pretense. Rene stifled a small sigh, finding herself now likewise mired in perpetuating the delusion of masquerading minstrels as courtiers. This wasn’t exactly as she’d foreseen the events playing out when she noticed Kaia’s forlorn expression, and decided to approach and offer whatever emotional support she could, paired with a bit of investigation. And here she was, debating how best to bring Kaia into the fold of a ploy she had no real knowledge of, and no active part in prior.
Rene’s striking azure eyes took in the young woman, who was doing a splendid job of holding her decorum together, though it appeared to be veil thin and ready to crumble the moment its integrity was challenged. She looked as if she needed a few victories in her corner, that she needed a bit of a win. Perhaps that is why Rene felt endeared to her. She was no stranger to being on the short end of opportunity and praise and accomplishment, herself, perpetually finding herself in the shadow of her older siblings, being happy for their triumphs and celebrating with them their every accolade, while she stood on proverbial tip-toe to merely meet the height of their shoulders. If anyone understood, it was she.
As she planted the seed in Kaia’s head that she, too, should get a night to dress up, the other girl did not immediately meet such an idea with staunch rejection. In fact, she seemed not only open, but curious to the idea.
‘You think so?’
“Well why not? If Aea can, why can’t you?” It seemed simple enough, even in Rene’s own ears, though some part of her brain remained awash in a sea of disbelief that this was happening. She had never done something so brazen as to break the law. If any could see her heart, they’d see it beating wildly beneath her breast, an amalgamation of excitement and anxiousness at the prospect. As they continued to speak, various members of the staff moved up and down the corridor passed them, causing Rene to shift and avoid colliding into them. Their conversation was about to continue when entering the corridor from behind Rene, in a sweep of a whirlwind, came none other than Aea herself. Without comment or so much as a deviation in her gait, she approached Kaia, whispered something to her, which Rene could not make out, and just as quickly, slipped away. She did not make eye contact. She did not so much as acknowledge that Rene was present. The petite blonde’s wide beryl eyes trailed after Aea, watching her in her sartorial splendor, never once looking back. A small but sharp pang hit Rene in the gut, almost letting her hurt manifest over her features. Desperately she tried to think what she could have done during the festival that Aea would so easily snub her now. She sorted through the memory over and over again, aching to find an infraction she’d committed that would explain Aea’s vitriol. Perhaps her tone of voice had been edged without her realizing it. Perhaps she had insulted the family of bards with the amount of drachma she’d given for compensation for their vast auditory delights. Perhaps she had keyed a few notes incorrectly on the borrowed lyre she’d played for their impromptu trio performance, and both Aea and Ophelia had been too polite to Rene as much. Whatever it was, Rene felt the weight of her inadequacies once more, that she’d failed a seemingly light social event so catastrophically that she met with the disapproval of other artists.
When Aea’s back had retreated fully from sight, lost amid the press of bodies at the dinner gathering, Rene redirected her solemn gaze back towards Kaia, a little taken aback, but weathering the storm gracefully. “I did not mean to monopolize your time or land you in a position of antagonism with your sister,” she offered apologetically.
