Athenia. The place of big houses and flying flaming poop, it would seem. Athanasia was still astounded that the previous day had ended so horrifyingly and yet so amusingly weird. She still did not know how to even process what had happened with all the fire and stench mixing with the exotic spice cloud that had filled the air. It was amazing that she had gotten out in one piece. It was an event that was enough to make the princess a little nervous on leaving the grand Marikas' estate. She was having fun seeing Lady Daniil, that was a bonus.

She was surprised that she had not seen Lord Elias as of yet since she had been in Athenia for a couple days, and as if he were a god and listening to her thoughts, by way of a letter that his beautiful servant brought directly to Asia asking if she would spend the day with him. It reminded her of their day in Colchis, and she had agreed, it was only fair after putting him through a two hour hike. His response letter, however, confused her. He was asking her on.. a date? Athanasia knew of dates and heard others talk about it, but she had never been on one herself. What would they do? Why did he ask her to bring another change of clothes just for hunting and to dress up as per her class? He knew she preferred to dress simply.

Athanasia set about to get ready, having already agreed to the day and like he did for her, she would follow his request. She would not let him hold it over her that she was too nervous to even dress up. For a moment, her mind drifted to the kiss in the woods, wondering just what would happen this time.

Athanasia was dressed in a deep blue peplos that seemed to shift in the wind like waves on the ocean, held in place with silver clasps at her shoulders that had little bears pressed into the metal. Her wavy hair was pinned back in a neat braided bun while her sapphire and silver diadem nestled within the waves. She was dressed as if she were about to go to court or head to a royal party, dressing up as he had requested. Seeing him standing there in the reds and golds of his house, Athanasia could not hide her smile even if she wanted to. Fire and water, they did not match and yet somehow balanced.

Bronzed eyes lined with charcoal met ocean blue ones even as he moved a strand of hair that managed to escape its binding, wild as the girl it sprang from. She did bring a chaperone this time, a rule made by her brother for allowing her to go to Athenia on her own, she was to always have a guard with her. He wasn't too bad though, kept his distance well enough that Asia almost forgot he was there. As Elias called her name, she still could not answer on why she liked it so much when he said it. Like the tingly feeling someone gets when their scalp gets scratched soothingly. "I am ready when you are, my Lord." Taking the bag that the guard held out to her, she showed that she had packed a second outfit. "Now where are we going? You did not say much in your letter other than to bring clothes and that this was a.." Looking up at him, Athanasia's heart felt like it skipped a little as she tripped over the word, her cheeks turning red now. "Date."

Following his lead, Asia stepped into the carriage that he indicated and watched the world pass by quickly. They spoke on trivial things and asked how the other was, anything small filling the silence till he finally pointed out that they were in Aetaea. This was one of the places that he had spoken to her about. It seemed like Elias was indeed a man who kept his promises. It was not long before he was calling for the carriage to stop and looked to Asia asking if she could ride or if she would like to ride with him. Should she dare? Though if there was anymore flying poo, it would be easier and not become lost if she was with him. "I do know how to ride.. this is a strange land though and I do not know my way around if anyone starts throwing flaming poo again. So.." Looking over at her guard, he was already on his own horse but again, he did not seem to really care what she was doing in particular. "I think it would be safer to stick together." Looking anywhere but Elias at the moment, she tried to forget this was a date and that she admitted that she wanted to ride with him. Elias' hand moved into her peripheral, waiting patiently for her to take it so he could pull her up. Asia would swear it felt like there were a million butterflies in her stomach as she reached out and slid her hand into his offered one. Heart racing, Elias was quick to pull her up behind him and as if on pure instinct, Asia wrapped her arms around his waist and held on. She was sure he would be able to feel her pounding heart against his back as they began to move, this would be easier if he weren't so damn handsome.

Athanasia still could not quite wrap her mind around the fact that this was going to be a date, so she tried to play it off as a normal conversation as friends hanging out as he spoke of visiting Aetaea, and how he wanted to take her somewhere to have a meal together. Thinking back, they never ate together yet, almost at that disastrous dinner but not even then. It would be interesting to see what foods he liked. Asia almost missed what he said next about the day going well, and at that point she was glad they were not eating or drinking anything at that moment lest she would have possibly choked. "Court me? I mean... I am not like some of the ladies I have seen here in Athenia." Which was true. The proper ladies that her mother wished Athanasia was more like than the wild child that she was. She didn't turn down the thought of Elias courting her though, shockingly enough. In fact, she was actually rather pleased by the idea of it.

Was it because of Elias himself or was it just that she liked the idea of him? One thing was certain, she did not care that he was rich or beyond beautiful, there was something about his personality that she liked in his unguarded moments. Those moments that he was completely honest with her and not just trying to suck up for her favor just because of a title or who her family was. He was fun. 

The carriage ride was quick and pleasant as they talked while the world passed by. Would it always be this easy? The playful moods and laughter? Would Elias always make her heart race? Thoughts ran through her head as they reached their first destination.

Getting out of the carriage, Athanasia was telling Elias about the festival and his response had her grin. "From what I hear, usually you are always in a business meeting, but somehow you make time to spend with me." In a bold move as she climbed up behind him on the horse, Asia dared to push herself to show that she admitted that she liked him too, and to show that she liked that he made time for her, she quickly placed a kiss on his cheek before hiding against his back. He would not be able to see that she about matched the red of his clothing just then. "Thank you for the thought though. It was scary and smelled really bad, people were panicking and running. It wasn't what I was expecting from the stories I heard about Athenia before."

They moved together with the horse and Asia listened while Elias spoke of Aetaea. His descriptions made her think of her own forest and yet it made what was so familiar seem so small. "And yet, you were telling me to let you die after two hours of walking, but it sounds like you have been all over Aetaea, my Lord." She was teasing him now as she grinned, hiding from his view. Athanasia's feelings of nervousness showed clearly, even though she was also starting to relax and have fun as well. They already spent so much time together that this didn't even feel different really other than he called it a date and that she needed to dress up. Athanasia found that she was actually comfortable around Elias. His descriptions of where he planned to take her, Asia smiled when he turned and grinned. "I do want to see your world and what you like. What do you like most about the town, if you don't mind me asking?"

While her stress and nerves slowly relaxed, Athanasia still fought a different kind of nervous feelings from being so close to Elias, her small hands gripped into the fabric at his hips as she tried to lean back some. The last time they were so close, he had kissed her, and even then they weren't pressed so close together like they were now. The heat of him seemed to reach to her very core, almost making the rest of the world seem chilly even though it was warm. Athanasia tried to put some distance between them, leaning back and scooting back some, it was a task that would end up failing because of the horse's movements till finally she gave up and leaned against his back with her arms around his waist.

'You know, I believe I've made a grave error in placing you behind me on the horse, I can't see you, back there.' The comment earned him a laugh from Asia as she shook her head while hiding against Elias' back. His question about sitting in front of him though, had her looking back at her guard as he watched the area around them all. He didn't even seem to be paying them any mind at all. "I am not sure that would be proper though. Even now, we are so close.." She did admit that she hated talking to the back of his head, so it was tempting to take him up on the offer, but at the same time.. "Also, how would I even move without having to stop everything just to move in front of you?" Athanasia asked before she even thought about how that might come across, showing that she did not hate his idea as much as she probably should.

Athanasia was still surprised as she asked why he would want to court her. She knew she was too much like her brothers, though she did know how to act proper when the occasion called for it. Though Elias has only ever seen her as proper at the dinner, and even that didn't last long when she ended up placing the former captain of her brother's guard in a headlock. Looking up at him, the confusion clear, she did not expect Elias' response. She smiled when he commented that she should never assume things, and when he called her dear.

It did not surprise her though when he spoke of how most of the women only wanted wealth and status, it was two of the things that Athanasia cared the least about. It wasn't until he commented on the slaves and peasants, that Asia felt something deep within her. A stirring of sorts, that seemed to move from her belly and into her heart. She did not know he cared about the lower classes like she did. "They are indeed important too and they matter. No matter what anyone else says." His words had struck a chord within her, something that no other royal or noble has done before.

As they spoke on his work and Elias chuckled, Athanasia stole a kiss on his cheek as she climbed up behind him. "I hope they find out who did this to. The people were really scared, I hid in a doorway, but they were like a herd of boar. It was pure chaos."

As they made their trek, Athanasia teased Elias about how he wanted her to leave him to die from their hike. She could hear the amusement in his voice as he responded. "I can see how that could make it easier without the hills. We still didn't get a chance to hunt that day so I can see how good you are with a bow." It was so easy to tease him.

Elias was tempting her now as he spoke of trusting him. A suggestion of riding in front of him, with his arms around her, it was tempting indeed. Looking around for her guard, she could see one of Elias' men seemed to have guided him off to head towards the carriage. It seemed like they were sharing a drink with the others and giving the pair loads of space alone. Should she?

"You comment on trusting you, knowing that I do, since we have been alone on more than one occasion and you have not done anything untowards.." Asia paused as she remembered the kiss, biting her lip to stop the tingling memory, "..mostly." When Elias turned to fully face her, she knew she could not hide the blush that colored her cheeks, or her really red lip now from her bite.

It wasn't the first time she stood up on a horse, though this was quite different from hunting or using their assistance to climb into a tree. Should she do it? They were alone, the nearest soul was several carriage lengths away and apparently having a drink. Looking around again, the nerves in her stomach bunching into a tight ball, she stood up while using Elias as a crutch.

"I swear, if I fall.. I will hit you." The horse was moving slowly, each hip movement making Asia grip Elias' shoulders a little tighter before she moved. She did not go over his shoulder like he suggested, instead moving around him to place her foot just between the horse's shoulders at the base of its neck. Elias had his arm now wrapped around her to brace her, the heat of his hand against her hip was enough to make her head spin.

Athanasia had just placed her other foot next to her first when the horse shifted its weight to step around a small dip in the road making her foot slip. With a yelp of surprise, she fell straight down, and from years of slipping before had her moving instinctively. She knew how painful it was to fall on a horse and it did not matter how much padding you placed there, it still hurt. So instinctively her knees moved closer together in a way that would brace her and the impact would not be so bad. It was quick, a blink she was standing and now she was on Elias' lap, her knees braced against his thighs and her nose was a breath away from touching his. She doubted that this was what he had in mind. "I'm sorry.. Did I hurt you?"

Athanasia did move though after a few moments, both her legs now on one side of the horse so she could face Elias easier. Her heart was thumping hard in her chest, and she doubted that it was because of her almost falling, at least not now. Looking over at Elias and then behind him, she could see the guard was nowhere near them or even paying attention for that matter, before looking back at Elias. "Thank you for not letting me fall."

Elias was teasing her now since she commented on mostly not being untowards with her when they were alone, she recalled the kiss, and apparently so did he; judging by his comment. "I shall neither confirm or deny that comment. I shall let you stew in the unknown." Crossing her arms a moment and looking out at the greenery around them, attempting to look miffed at being read so easily. He was temptation, and Athanasia found that she wanted to see how far she could possibly go with him without giving into him.

So when he suggested that she sit in front of him and she noticed that they were alone, Asia finally relented as she stood up and moved around him. She could see his grin, making her laugh as she rolled her eyes. It was just way too easy to give into him sometimes, even as she threatened to hit him if she fell. His comment made her smile even as his fingers pressed against her hips made her shiver. "Good, because falling hurts. Especially from this high up."

She was careful as she stepped around Elias and placed her foot where it needed to go. Usually she was barefoot as she did stuff like this to have a better footing, but this time she wore her shoes. She was almost not surprised when her foot slipped as the horse moved, bracing for the fall that never came. Her eyes closed tightly at the impending impact but found herself wrapped in the tight grip as Elias caught her from falling. Pulling her close, Athanasia found herself pressed against him in a way that left little doubt that the man had some muscles on his slimmer frame. Strength in his thighs that pressed against her knees. The man had a quiet strength that had Athanasia blushing bright as she met his look, their faces so close she could feel his warm breath brush over her lips.

As she apologized, Elias' questions had Asia shaking her head. "It wasn't on purpose, but I could have hurt you. If I just stayed where I was..." she paused and let the comment trail off. She wanted to add, 'you never would have gotten possibly hurt' but left it unsaid. Asia could see that his cheeks turned pink as well, making her realize that he was not expecting this either. It was little moments like that, unguarded, that she liked. lifting up to swing her leg over, Athanasia sat side saddle and said her thanks for not letting her fall.

Something about sitting there stirred up a feeling of familiarity that left Athanasia unsure. Elias' arms surrounded her, warm and comforting in a way that she would swear that she felt before. Looking over at him, so close now but this time pressed against her side, his quiet felt peaceful. "Yes, you did tell me you wouldn't. And I agree, this is more comfortable now that I can see your face and those smiles that you try to hide with your grins. I like seeing your real smiles."

Looking out in front of them, Athanasia watched as the world passed them slowly, feeling almost like they were in their own little bubble of peace. "I like it out here. Like this." Not looking at him, she leaned back against his chest, her head fitting almost perfectly within the crook of his shoulder and neck. When Elias brought up his question again, Asia tensed a little as she wondered just how to answer, before finding herself relaxing again. Her mind was reeling but before she realized what she was doing, she nodded her head. "If you promise to always be honest with me, no matter what... yes." She hoped he could not see her face right now, she could feel the heat radiating from her skin like she stood too close to a bonfire for too long. She actually agreed to let Elias of Stravos court her! Daring to peek up at him, Athanasia still hadn't moved from against his chest, soaking in his warmth and familiarity that being surrounded by his arms made her feel.

Athanasia found that she had fun with the verbal banters that she often found herself in with Elias. It was very give and take as they bounced off of one another. So his comment on thinking about the unknown broke through Asia's act on playing miffed and annoyed with him, earning him a huff of a laugh as she nudged her shoulder into his before smiling. She tried to ignore the little shivers that trailed down her spine from his voice right in her ear. It made her feel warm and a little weak all over as she clung to his shoulders.

After she moved, letting Elias guide her around him, Athanasia never anticipated falling and landing just inches from Elias. Seeing him so close, her mind drifted to when he was last this close to her as he hovered over her before claiming her first kiss as his. It looked like he wanted to kiss her again and Asia was not sure she would stop him if he did. It was a distraction as she apologized about possibly hurting him, pulling her mind away from the memory of how soft his lips were. She was not expecting the scowl from Elias though as he grumbled at her. "Well excuse me, my Lord. How dare I worry about possibly hurting you with a mislanded knee to your groin!" Athanasia's sarcasm was heavy as moved into a better position. "There is nothing wrong with letting someone who possibly hurt you, actually worry if they did or not, Elias."

Looking forward, she didn't want him to see how irritated she was with him at that moment. Irritated and, she would never admit it, a little hurt at feeling like he reprimanded her. Like she did something wrong because she actually cared if she hurt him. It was moments but the mood stilled and became relaxed almost as quickly as Elias reached around Athanasia to take the reins.

It was a small move that had her thanking him for not letting her fall, a teasing comment from both, and just like that Athanasia was leaning back against him. Her mood calmed from the irritation and hurt and his question about his smiles made her smile in response. "Yes, your grins are real too. It is just, when you grin sometimes it seems like you are hiding behind it. Like it is a mask, almost. Your smiles, they feel unhidden. Like I am seeing the real you and your thoughts." Shifting around in her spot, Athanasia looked forward as she tried to hide the blush that felt as if it covered her whole body. Why would she admit that she paid that close attention to him?

"What I mean is, it just feels like when you grin.. you are being naughty or you are trying to be that super charming lady's man who can make most women give you whatever you want. Your smile, it feels like you are actually happy about what made you smile. Same for your unhidden irritation or that fiery anger from when we first met." Athanasia laughed softly at the memory of Elias storming after her even as she ran. It amused her now, even if it didn't as much then. Who would have thought that she would be here in the arms of the man she hit in the face with a peach? Leaning back against him, his warmth sank deep within her to relax her further. "I will admit that I do not like your anger or irritation if it was aimed at me, but I still prefer it over not expressing it at all. It was the moments that felt real..." that made me attracted to you. Athanasia did not finish her statement, but she did lean her head back as she looked up at him. Here in Athenia, in Elias' arms.. she silently admitted that she actually liked the man.

As he spoke on courting her, Athanasia could not help but find it charming that he actually asked her if he could. So with only one stipulation, Asia agreed that he could. His comment on agreeing to be honest with her had Asia feeling warm as butterflies seemed to fill her stomach. Elias' arms tightening around her, comforting, Athanasia looked back up at him. The heat flared when his lips met her forehead as they rounded a bend.

If she was honest, she did not pay any attention to where they were going, somehow placing her full trust in this man that held her. Possibly not the smartest thing she could be doing, but Elias made Athanasia feel safe. The pace of the horse seemed to slow and Asia could not see any guards anywhere when she looked behind Elias. "It seems like the guards lost us. I swear, you would think that a trained guard wouldn't be so easy to lose." Looking up at Elias, she gave him a mischievous smile while shaking her head. It seemed like Elais was just like her in being able to give guards the slip. "This is payback for stealing my first.." That was the only warning Athanasia gave him, now that they were alone together for the first time since they were at the lake and she wanted to take back what he stole. Granted, she stole his rock, but this was different. This, she could claim and take back as she wrapped her hand around the back of his neck and pulled Elias quickly down to meet her. Athanasia's kiss was clumsy, only her second one and this time started by herself. She could feel the blush burn as she closed her eyes and held him there for a moment. It was quick, a peck of a kiss that had Asia craving more and remembering just how soft his lips were, but a feeling of pride at possibly shocking him right back like he did her filled her.

'I see. Well, may my anger never be turned upon you again, though your temper is just as bad.' Athanasia could not stop the blush that covered her, nor the laugh as she covered her face with her hands. She knew she had a temper, and was told that she had one since as long as she could remember. "Well, at least it will never be boring." Athanasia never thought that she would ever meet a man that would give just as much as he took. Tempers matching, fire with fire, Asia could feel the embers of her heart stirring in a way that she never imagined.

She liked Elias.

It was then that Elias asked if he could court Athanasia, much to her surprise, she agreed. He constantly confounded her in the best of ways, never giving in to her whims or forcing her to give into his. It was give and take, which was something Asia was not used to from anyone that was not family. Looking up at him, she could honestly say that he was certainly nothing like some of the Colchian men that tried to earn her favors.


The breeze felt cool to her heated skin, Elias' lips felt so warm against her forehead. It was a sweet gesture, simple and innocent, but what filled her was anything but innocent. With a look towards where the guards were, Athanasia took a chance as she took back what he had stolen. Though the kiss was brief, she would swear that Zeus just hit her with one of his lightning bolts as the tingle burned through her down to her very toes. Pulling away just as quickly, she could see the red in his cheeks even as he tried to look like he was unaffected, all while clearing his throat.

The sight of him being even slightly flustered pulled a grin from Athanasia. She felt mighty pleased with herself now as he spoke, 'Athanasia, this is where we leave the horse and go on foot.' Elias' voice was quiet as he spoke, intimate as it brushed by her ear before he climbed down.

Taking his offered arm, Asia slipped easily down from the horse, though now after everything and the ride her legs felt jiggly like a jellyfish. 'It isn't a long walk, no hikes or anything.' The memory flashed before her eyes, remembering how he cried out to just let him die when she teased him about the walk being even longer than it was. The memory brought forth a quiet laugh as she shook her head. "As if I would have let you die in the middle of the woods. Hades can't have you yet." Having not let go of his arm yet, she instead laced her arm through his. "Lead the way, I am at your mercy here on your lands." Athanasia could not help it as her head cocked slightly to the side to look up at him, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Like you were in mine." With that, Athanasia followed Elias' lead to the places he wanted to show her of his world.