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Wine and Crumpets Event - Athenia Closing: 28th August 2022
With the recent celebration of spices and incense devolving into soot and ash, the Athenian Court are long overdue for entertainment. Not only is there much to discuss by way of gossip and rumour over the recent attack at the market place but many have been sheltering in their manors for fear of secondary attacks. Now, six weeks later, with the fear fading and the confidence of social hierarchy returning, the powerful and wealthy of Athenia collect in Arcasis for a special outing hosted by the Lady Ivra herself.
Whilst the matriarch of the Marikas household has issued the invitations, it is her great-niece-in-law Lady Sera that had attended in person to greet the guests, for Lady Ivra cannot travel much beyond the capitol. In the elder woman's place, Sera is grace itself and bestows the warm blessings of her relative to all that arrive. Lady Ivra's influence is everywherel; from the fine foods to the soft music, to the setting itself. In the lands of Arcasis, the fields of gold stretch out for all to see. Just before harvest time is it's most bountiful and vibrant season. The wheat rises to the waists of those that venture into the fields, or above the head of the ones that sit and talk.
Around a central point, beside the rising wheat, blankets have been laid upon the grass, musicians ordered to lend a soft melody to the air and silver trays of drink and refreshment offered about by passing servants. At such an event, women are often the focus, taking control of the conversation and its subjects with the ease of practice. Men are often an afterthought in the Court, aside from those who specialise in the gossip of the feminine, of course. But this time, several of the male folk are in attendance, from this kingdom and others, as they seek to know what precisely occurred in the capital six weeks hence and just exactly what the Xanthos family intend to do about it...?
Important! - This event is set six weeks after Spice Road.
Suggested Players
Below are the characters that our staff team believe would be able to be an awesome part of this Event!
-- This event is held in Athenia which means a boat ride may be necessary to attend if your character is not native. It takes 10-14 days (depending on weather) to sail from Taengea, to Athenia or from Colchis to Athenia. However, Colchians may also travel by land with a few days boat ride to the Northern coasts of the mainland and a three week journey by horse to the Athenian border. This event takes place in the Marikas land of Arcasis just before harvest time.
-- Upper Classes Royals wanting to join this event will be more than welcome! This is the kind of event that all Royal families (especially the women) will have been invited to. Whether your character decides to attend or not is entirely up to you. The event is being arranged by Lady Ivra of Marikas on Marikas lands and, as such, anyone who has an issue with the Marikas or some on-going grudge may or may not attend on principle.
-- Middle Classes: If of a noble family within the Marikas lands, you will likely have received an open invitation. If a noble from someone else's lands, you may be required to find a royal with whom you can attend - a friend or confidante, willing to take you as their plus one so to speak. That being said, a member of the nobility being present here will not raise any eyebrows.
-- Lower Classes: On the flip side, however, the lower classes are definitely not a normal sight at an event such as this. They are unlikely to attend unless they are there for a purpose or funtion: a servant to distribute wine and fruits, a guard to protect his mistress/master or a ladies maid/companion etc.
How to Not Join
If your Event calendar is looking a little full and you have too many threads to add another please be aware that you do not have to join an Event. They are purely voluntary. Here are a few ideas for how to navigate not attending so large an event:
-- Upper Classes: A royal character rejecting the invitation to this event is unlikely to raise any issues. Given the recent carnage in Spice Road, it is likely that a simple excuse of duty will explain any absence. The lower royals (aka the non-ruling family) will have slightly less excuse than the Xanthos but a well written letter of contrition is all that will be needed to give yourself leeway to refuse. Of course, refusals by royals of equal peerage to the Marikas and who already have grudges against the family may spark more of a scandal than others.
-- Middle Classes: Noble families can easily avoid attending if you're busy with threads - simply explain that an invite was not received. Not everyone can be invited to everything so this would cause no issue.
-- Lower Classes: Lower classes, unless they have an actual reason to attend, will not be invited and therefore their absence not noted. If your character is normally an active ladies maid of one of the attending women and you wish to avoid this particular event, simply liaise with the other writer and explain that your character could have been given leave of absence that day for a personal reason of some kind and won't be there. Easy peasy!
Event Timeline
This event is being held for a single day (in the world of the characters). It is a purely social event, organised by Lady Ivra in order to bring together the Courtiers of the kingdom after the disaster of the Spice Road. It occurs six weeks after the Spice Road event. Even if your character did not attend the Spice Road event, it is a good idea to look into what happened. News of the anarchial actions at the time would have spread like wild fire, either in truthful anecdotes or gossip-driven exaggerations. So your character will likely know of what happened (more or less).
Like all of our events this one is member directed which means you can carry out whatever plot you wish to impact upon others in your proximity. Perhaps your character goes for a little wander in the wheat fields, or seeks a little shade beneath the trees in the distance. Maybe you are moving about the group in order to talk to multiple people, or staying in one place and allowing the gossip and sunshine to pour over you... If you journey beyond the sight of the main group, feel free to create a sub-thread in this board. Posts in this thread will be centred around the main picnicking party.
And if all fails and people get really stuck, fear not... there are curveballs waiting to heat things up if and when they are needed. For now though the floor is yours...
How Does It Work?
Event threads/boards work thusly: Your character can be a part of an event and create their own thread within that event if they wish to. However, in order to be allowed to make that thread, they must first post in this one. The Event continues through this primary event thread, allowing for side stories (if they are in a different location to other participants) to be carried out in side threads. All curveballs to hit this Event will be posted to all threads in the board, whether relevant or not, so that your characters have the choice to return to the main location/thread to explore this new development.
When Moving to a Sub-Thread: Please add to your last message in this Event thread 'Continued in...' with a link to your new location.
When Returning to the Event Thread: Please ensure that your Sub-Thread is nicely wrapped up and clearly implies where your character is going. Add to your first message back in the Event thread 'Reentering from...' with a link to your sub-thread.
Please note that sub-threads are not required. You can participate in the Event thread for as long as you wish and remain here for the duration of the event. This event will close on the date above. At that time, this Event thread will be locked and closed. The other threads in this board will be allowed to continue at their writers' own pace. All threads within this board will be moved into the Arcasis board at the closure of this event.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Wine and Crumpets Event - Athenia Closing: 28th August 2022
With the recent celebration of spices and incense devolving into soot and ash, the Athenian Court are long overdue for entertainment. Not only is there much to discuss by way of gossip and rumour over the recent attack at the market place but many have been sheltering in their manors for fear of secondary attacks. Now, six weeks later, with the fear fading and the confidence of social hierarchy returning, the powerful and wealthy of Athenia collect in Arcasis for a special outing hosted by the Lady Ivra herself.
Whilst the matriarch of the Marikas household has issued the invitations, it is her great-niece-in-law Lady Sera that had attended in person to greet the guests, for Lady Ivra cannot travel much beyond the capitol. In the elder woman's place, Sera is grace itself and bestows the warm blessings of her relative to all that arrive. Lady Ivra's influence is everywherel; from the fine foods to the soft music, to the setting itself. In the lands of Arcasis, the fields of gold stretch out for all to see. Just before harvest time is it's most bountiful and vibrant season. The wheat rises to the waists of those that venture into the fields, or above the head of the ones that sit and talk.
Around a central point, beside the rising wheat, blankets have been laid upon the grass, musicians ordered to lend a soft melody to the air and silver trays of drink and refreshment offered about by passing servants. At such an event, women are often the focus, taking control of the conversation and its subjects with the ease of practice. Men are often an afterthought in the Court, aside from those who specialise in the gossip of the feminine, of course. But this time, several of the male folk are in attendance, from this kingdom and others, as they seek to know what precisely occurred in the capital six weeks hence and just exactly what the Xanthos family intend to do about it...?
Important! - This event is set six weeks after Spice Road.
Suggested Players
Below are the characters that our staff team believe would be able to be an awesome part of this Event!
-- This event is held in Athenia which means a boat ride may be necessary to attend if your character is not native. It takes 10-14 days (depending on weather) to sail from Taengea, to Athenia or from Colchis to Athenia. However, Colchians may also travel by land with a few days boat ride to the Northern coasts of the mainland and a three week journey by horse to the Athenian border. This event takes place in the Marikas land of Arcasis just before harvest time.
-- Upper Classes Royals wanting to join this event will be more than welcome! This is the kind of event that all Royal families (especially the women) will have been invited to. Whether your character decides to attend or not is entirely up to you. The event is being arranged by Lady Ivra of Marikas on Marikas lands and, as such, anyone who has an issue with the Marikas or some on-going grudge may or may not attend on principle.
-- Middle Classes: If of a noble family within the Marikas lands, you will likely have received an open invitation. If a noble from someone else's lands, you may be required to find a royal with whom you can attend - a friend or confidante, willing to take you as their plus one so to speak. That being said, a member of the nobility being present here will not raise any eyebrows.
-- Lower Classes: On the flip side, however, the lower classes are definitely not a normal sight at an event such as this. They are unlikely to attend unless they are there for a purpose or funtion: a servant to distribute wine and fruits, a guard to protect his mistress/master or a ladies maid/companion etc.
How to Not Join
If your Event calendar is looking a little full and you have too many threads to add another please be aware that you do not have to join an Event. They are purely voluntary. Here are a few ideas for how to navigate not attending so large an event:
-- Upper Classes: A royal character rejecting the invitation to this event is unlikely to raise any issues. Given the recent carnage in Spice Road, it is likely that a simple excuse of duty will explain any absence. The lower royals (aka the non-ruling family) will have slightly less excuse than the Xanthos but a well written letter of contrition is all that will be needed to give yourself leeway to refuse. Of course, refusals by royals of equal peerage to the Marikas and who already have grudges against the family may spark more of a scandal than others.
-- Middle Classes: Noble families can easily avoid attending if you're busy with threads - simply explain that an invite was not received. Not everyone can be invited to everything so this would cause no issue.
-- Lower Classes: Lower classes, unless they have an actual reason to attend, will not be invited and therefore their absence not noted. If your character is normally an active ladies maid of one of the attending women and you wish to avoid this particular event, simply liaise with the other writer and explain that your character could have been given leave of absence that day for a personal reason of some kind and won't be there. Easy peasy!
Event Timeline
This event is being held for a single day (in the world of the characters). It is a purely social event, organised by Lady Ivra in order to bring together the Courtiers of the kingdom after the disaster of the Spice Road. It occurs six weeks after the Spice Road event. Even if your character did not attend the Spice Road event, it is a good idea to look into what happened. News of the anarchial actions at the time would have spread like wild fire, either in truthful anecdotes or gossip-driven exaggerations. So your character will likely know of what happened (more or less).
Like all of our events this one is member directed which means you can carry out whatever plot you wish to impact upon others in your proximity. Perhaps your character goes for a little wander in the wheat fields, or seeks a little shade beneath the trees in the distance. Maybe you are moving about the group in order to talk to multiple people, or staying in one place and allowing the gossip and sunshine to pour over you... If you journey beyond the sight of the main group, feel free to create a sub-thread in this board. Posts in this thread will be centred around the main picnicking party.
And if all fails and people get really stuck, fear not... there are curveballs waiting to heat things up if and when they are needed. For now though the floor is yours...
How Does It Work?
Event threads/boards work thusly: Your character can be a part of an event and create their own thread within that event if they wish to. However, in order to be allowed to make that thread, they must first post in this one. The Event continues through this primary event thread, allowing for side stories (if they are in a different location to other participants) to be carried out in side threads. All curveballs to hit this Event will be posted to all threads in the board, whether relevant or not, so that your characters have the choice to return to the main location/thread to explore this new development.
When Moving to a Sub-Thread: Please add to your last message in this Event thread 'Continued in...' with a link to your new location.
When Returning to the Event Thread: Please ensure that your Sub-Thread is nicely wrapped up and clearly implies where your character is going. Add to your first message back in the Event thread 'Reentering from...' with a link to your sub-thread.
Please note that sub-threads are not required. You can participate in the Event thread for as long as you wish and remain here for the duration of the event. This event will close on the date above. At that time, this Event thread will be locked and closed. The other threads in this board will be allowed to continue at their writers' own pace. All threads within this board will be moved into the Arcasis board at the closure of this event.
Wine and Crumpets Event - Athenia Closing: 28th August 2022
With the recent celebration of spices and incense devolving into soot and ash, the Athenian Court are long overdue for entertainment. Not only is there much to discuss by way of gossip and rumour over the recent attack at the market place but many have been sheltering in their manors for fear of secondary attacks. Now, six weeks later, with the fear fading and the confidence of social hierarchy returning, the powerful and wealthy of Athenia collect in Arcasis for a special outing hosted by the Lady Ivra herself.
Whilst the matriarch of the Marikas household has issued the invitations, it is her great-niece-in-law Lady Sera that had attended in person to greet the guests, for Lady Ivra cannot travel much beyond the capitol. In the elder woman's place, Sera is grace itself and bestows the warm blessings of her relative to all that arrive. Lady Ivra's influence is everywherel; from the fine foods to the soft music, to the setting itself. In the lands of Arcasis, the fields of gold stretch out for all to see. Just before harvest time is it's most bountiful and vibrant season. The wheat rises to the waists of those that venture into the fields, or above the head of the ones that sit and talk.
Around a central point, beside the rising wheat, blankets have been laid upon the grass, musicians ordered to lend a soft melody to the air and silver trays of drink and refreshment offered about by passing servants. At such an event, women are often the focus, taking control of the conversation and its subjects with the ease of practice. Men are often an afterthought in the Court, aside from those who specialise in the gossip of the feminine, of course. But this time, several of the male folk are in attendance, from this kingdom and others, as they seek to know what precisely occurred in the capital six weeks hence and just exactly what the Xanthos family intend to do about it...?
Important! - This event is set six weeks after Spice Road.
Suggested Players
Below are the characters that our staff team believe would be able to be an awesome part of this Event!
-- This event is held in Athenia which means a boat ride may be necessary to attend if your character is not native. It takes 10-14 days (depending on weather) to sail from Taengea, to Athenia or from Colchis to Athenia. However, Colchians may also travel by land with a few days boat ride to the Northern coasts of the mainland and a three week journey by horse to the Athenian border. This event takes place in the Marikas land of Arcasis just before harvest time.
-- Upper Classes Royals wanting to join this event will be more than welcome! This is the kind of event that all Royal families (especially the women) will have been invited to. Whether your character decides to attend or not is entirely up to you. The event is being arranged by Lady Ivra of Marikas on Marikas lands and, as such, anyone who has an issue with the Marikas or some on-going grudge may or may not attend on principle.
-- Middle Classes: If of a noble family within the Marikas lands, you will likely have received an open invitation. If a noble from someone else's lands, you may be required to find a royal with whom you can attend - a friend or confidante, willing to take you as their plus one so to speak. That being said, a member of the nobility being present here will not raise any eyebrows.
-- Lower Classes: On the flip side, however, the lower classes are definitely not a normal sight at an event such as this. They are unlikely to attend unless they are there for a purpose or funtion: a servant to distribute wine and fruits, a guard to protect his mistress/master or a ladies maid/companion etc.
How to Not Join
If your Event calendar is looking a little full and you have too many threads to add another please be aware that you do not have to join an Event. They are purely voluntary. Here are a few ideas for how to navigate not attending so large an event:
-- Upper Classes: A royal character rejecting the invitation to this event is unlikely to raise any issues. Given the recent carnage in Spice Road, it is likely that a simple excuse of duty will explain any absence. The lower royals (aka the non-ruling family) will have slightly less excuse than the Xanthos but a well written letter of contrition is all that will be needed to give yourself leeway to refuse. Of course, refusals by royals of equal peerage to the Marikas and who already have grudges against the family may spark more of a scandal than others.
-- Middle Classes: Noble families can easily avoid attending if you're busy with threads - simply explain that an invite was not received. Not everyone can be invited to everything so this would cause no issue.
-- Lower Classes: Lower classes, unless they have an actual reason to attend, will not be invited and therefore their absence not noted. If your character is normally an active ladies maid of one of the attending women and you wish to avoid this particular event, simply liaise with the other writer and explain that your character could have been given leave of absence that day for a personal reason of some kind and won't be there. Easy peasy!
Event Timeline
This event is being held for a single day (in the world of the characters). It is a purely social event, organised by Lady Ivra in order to bring together the Courtiers of the kingdom after the disaster of the Spice Road. It occurs six weeks after the Spice Road event. Even if your character did not attend the Spice Road event, it is a good idea to look into what happened. News of the anarchial actions at the time would have spread like wild fire, either in truthful anecdotes or gossip-driven exaggerations. So your character will likely know of what happened (more or less).
Like all of our events this one is member directed which means you can carry out whatever plot you wish to impact upon others in your proximity. Perhaps your character goes for a little wander in the wheat fields, or seeks a little shade beneath the trees in the distance. Maybe you are moving about the group in order to talk to multiple people, or staying in one place and allowing the gossip and sunshine to pour over you... If you journey beyond the sight of the main group, feel free to create a sub-thread in this board. Posts in this thread will be centred around the main picnicking party.
And if all fails and people get really stuck, fear not... there are curveballs waiting to heat things up if and when they are needed. For now though the floor is yours...
How Does It Work?
Event threads/boards work thusly: Your character can be a part of an event and create their own thread within that event if they wish to. However, in order to be allowed to make that thread, they must first post in this one. The Event continues through this primary event thread, allowing for side stories (if they are in a different location to other participants) to be carried out in side threads. All curveballs to hit this Event will be posted to all threads in the board, whether relevant or not, so that your characters have the choice to return to the main location/thread to explore this new development.
When Moving to a Sub-Thread: Please add to your last message in this Event thread 'Continued in...' with a link to your new location.
When Returning to the Event Thread: Please ensure that your Sub-Thread is nicely wrapped up and clearly implies where your character is going. Add to your first message back in the Event thread 'Reentering from...' with a link to your sub-thread.
Please note that sub-threads are not required. You can participate in the Event thread for as long as you wish and remain here for the duration of the event. This event will close on the date above. At that time, this Event thread will be locked and closed. The other threads in this board will be allowed to continue at their writers' own pace. All threads within this board will be moved into the Arcasis board at the closure of this event.
Athenia.
Fotios didn't particularly like traveling. Too neurotic to leave his home and businesses for long, he preferred to stay in Vasiliadon. Journeys around the Taengean countryside or perhaps even to the isle of Emae were necessary evils. But to sail across the sea for nearly two weeks in order to visit the large kingdom of Athenia... It was not unheard of for the Head of the Leventi house, but it was rarer than most might make the trip.
That being said, if Fotios was forced to travel beyond the borders of his home, Athenia was a far more palatable destination than others. Colchis was rough and cold, filled with savage muscle-bound men (and women!) who were easily offended. Liaising in Colchis was exhausting. Egypt was vicious, with the threat of beheading around every corner. And the eastern continent and Judea were so religious it was hard not to put a foot wrong. Even for a man of Fotios' cunning intellect.
Athenia on the other hand? Europe in general, in fact... Was a land that naturally appealed to Fotios. It was built on intellect instead of brawn. On politics and schemes. Words, not force. It was the forte of Fotios' strengths. Had he not been born with an innate love for his own nation (not the mention the money to be had in Taengean's thriving economy) he might have considered migrating to the continent, finding his own means of power in the halls of Athenian politics. Instead, he had contented himself with building trade arrangements and friendships with the high and mighty of Athenian nobility.
Not only was Fotios brother-in-law to the Athenian king and uncle to the current princesses, but he was also a benefactor and trader closely tied to the Marikas, Stravos, and Antonis families. For the military blood of the Antonis, the Leventi provided warhorses. The Marikas were the means of high-quality grain and oats used to grow the animals and the sailing merchants of the Stravos were his means of transportation. All of them were ankle or knee-deep in financial connections with the Leventi.
So, it was hardly surprising when Fotios had been ashore only a few days before he was invited to the latest get-together of the highest Athenian echelons.
Originally journeying to Athenia to renegotiate a higher yield of food stores from the Marikas provinces - the storm in Taengea had seen his own diminished - Fotios had no qualms in attending the rural picnic the family was hosting. After all, politics did not cease to exist beyond the boundaries of one's native land. Connections abroad, the political stability of one's associates, the general context of their power and money... All of it was significant. And for a man who had once catered in information as the Master Informer of Taengea, Fotios was not one to reject the feeding frenzy of knowledge that such a courtly get-together created.
An added benefit was to another of Fotios' nieces.
Begging to come along with him to the Athenian kingdom, Imma had been an odd companion on the journey across the water. Fotios was a silent traveler at the best of times, his kin and kindred the books he brought along with him. Imma had initially seemed worried at his silence, perhaps thinking it was equitable to displeasure, but had later grown used to Fotios' solitary manner.
Once in Athenia, Imma had accompanied him wherever he was going, allowing him to introduce her briefly to the girls from the Marikas House, Vasia of Antonis that they had chanced meeting and several prominent merchants in the capitol. Whilst he had yet to determine the best way to mentor Imma into a woman of social significance, each interaction allowed Fotios the opportunity to watch. To witness Imma's instincts when it came to conversation and gentile behavior, and assess where those talents may be better employed.
The two of them, plus a serving maid for Imma, arrived at the Marikas event in a carriage of finely polished wood. Whilst it did not bear the Leventi insignia like the vehicles back home, it was rimmed in gold and prestigious enough to stand toe to toe with the private rigs that brought the Athenian nobility to their social outing.
'Lord Leventi...' Sera of Marikas' tone was welcoming and friendly. Delicate as a royal lady should be. Fotios took care in taking the woman's hand and bestowing a polite kiss and bow. Though she was now a wife and mother over anything else, Sera of Xanthos has once been a vehement young woman with the potential for greatness. Fotios had always been curious how the tempting romance of two husbands had diminished such a calling in her soul.
"Princess Sera," he greeted, using the title of her youth. He deliberately glanced across the field of wheat, shining yellow in the sunshine and waving merrily in the warm autumn breeze. So different from the drenched and damaged streets of Vasiliadon. "We seem to have stumbled on a field of gold. When Elysium is at your fingertips, I wonder at your spending any time at all in the capital."
Sera of Marikas' smile was small and, to Fotios' eye, a little brittle.
'My husband would not appreciate a leave of absence from the centre of things,' she explained.
And you do as your husband dictates... Fotios surmised. It was a shame. The young girl he had grown alongside on the other side of the sea had been one of great promise. A politician in a female frame.
'Might I re-introduce you to my daughters, Agathe and Elena?' the Lady Sera offered with a sweep of her hand. Both girls had been present when Fotios had attended their estate yesterday to discuss trade with their father. 'And I believe you have yet to meet my youngest in several years? Lady Daniil...'
Again, Fotios offered an arm to his waist over which he gave a shallow bow of respect; a generous gesture from a Head of House.
"Ladies..." he greeted. Then he turned to look at his niece. He did not offer her an introduction, for she already knew several of the faces herself. But he raised an eyebrow. It was a silent challenge... Just how are you to make your entrance known to these women, Imma? the look seemed to say.
JD
Fotios
JD
Fotios
Awards
First Impressions:Wiry; Sharp gaze, austere and regal features, prominent tendons in his hands.
Address: Your His Lordship
Fotios didn't particularly like traveling. Too neurotic to leave his home and businesses for long, he preferred to stay in Vasiliadon. Journeys around the Taengean countryside or perhaps even to the isle of Emae were necessary evils. But to sail across the sea for nearly two weeks in order to visit the large kingdom of Athenia... It was not unheard of for the Head of the Leventi house, but it was rarer than most might make the trip.
That being said, if Fotios was forced to travel beyond the borders of his home, Athenia was a far more palatable destination than others. Colchis was rough and cold, filled with savage muscle-bound men (and women!) who were easily offended. Liaising in Colchis was exhausting. Egypt was vicious, with the threat of beheading around every corner. And the eastern continent and Judea were so religious it was hard not to put a foot wrong. Even for a man of Fotios' cunning intellect.
Athenia on the other hand? Europe in general, in fact... Was a land that naturally appealed to Fotios. It was built on intellect instead of brawn. On politics and schemes. Words, not force. It was the forte of Fotios' strengths. Had he not been born with an innate love for his own nation (not the mention the money to be had in Taengean's thriving economy) he might have considered migrating to the continent, finding his own means of power in the halls of Athenian politics. Instead, he had contented himself with building trade arrangements and friendships with the high and mighty of Athenian nobility.
Not only was Fotios brother-in-law to the Athenian king and uncle to the current princesses, but he was also a benefactor and trader closely tied to the Marikas, Stravos, and Antonis families. For the military blood of the Antonis, the Leventi provided warhorses. The Marikas were the means of high-quality grain and oats used to grow the animals and the sailing merchants of the Stravos were his means of transportation. All of them were ankle or knee-deep in financial connections with the Leventi.
So, it was hardly surprising when Fotios had been ashore only a few days before he was invited to the latest get-together of the highest Athenian echelons.
Originally journeying to Athenia to renegotiate a higher yield of food stores from the Marikas provinces - the storm in Taengea had seen his own diminished - Fotios had no qualms in attending the rural picnic the family was hosting. After all, politics did not cease to exist beyond the boundaries of one's native land. Connections abroad, the political stability of one's associates, the general context of their power and money... All of it was significant. And for a man who had once catered in information as the Master Informer of Taengea, Fotios was not one to reject the feeding frenzy of knowledge that such a courtly get-together created.
An added benefit was to another of Fotios' nieces.
Begging to come along with him to the Athenian kingdom, Imma had been an odd companion on the journey across the water. Fotios was a silent traveler at the best of times, his kin and kindred the books he brought along with him. Imma had initially seemed worried at his silence, perhaps thinking it was equitable to displeasure, but had later grown used to Fotios' solitary manner.
Once in Athenia, Imma had accompanied him wherever he was going, allowing him to introduce her briefly to the girls from the Marikas House, Vasia of Antonis that they had chanced meeting and several prominent merchants in the capitol. Whilst he had yet to determine the best way to mentor Imma into a woman of social significance, each interaction allowed Fotios the opportunity to watch. To witness Imma's instincts when it came to conversation and gentile behavior, and assess where those talents may be better employed.
The two of them, plus a serving maid for Imma, arrived at the Marikas event in a carriage of finely polished wood. Whilst it did not bear the Leventi insignia like the vehicles back home, it was rimmed in gold and prestigious enough to stand toe to toe with the private rigs that brought the Athenian nobility to their social outing.
'Lord Leventi...' Sera of Marikas' tone was welcoming and friendly. Delicate as a royal lady should be. Fotios took care in taking the woman's hand and bestowing a polite kiss and bow. Though she was now a wife and mother over anything else, Sera of Xanthos has once been a vehement young woman with the potential for greatness. Fotios had always been curious how the tempting romance of two husbands had diminished such a calling in her soul.
"Princess Sera," he greeted, using the title of her youth. He deliberately glanced across the field of wheat, shining yellow in the sunshine and waving merrily in the warm autumn breeze. So different from the drenched and damaged streets of Vasiliadon. "We seem to have stumbled on a field of gold. When Elysium is at your fingertips, I wonder at your spending any time at all in the capital."
Sera of Marikas' smile was small and, to Fotios' eye, a little brittle.
'My husband would not appreciate a leave of absence from the centre of things,' she explained.
And you do as your husband dictates... Fotios surmised. It was a shame. The young girl he had grown alongside on the other side of the sea had been one of great promise. A politician in a female frame.
'Might I re-introduce you to my daughters, Agathe and Elena?' the Lady Sera offered with a sweep of her hand. Both girls had been present when Fotios had attended their estate yesterday to discuss trade with their father. 'And I believe you have yet to meet my youngest in several years? Lady Daniil...'
Again, Fotios offered an arm to his waist over which he gave a shallow bow of respect; a generous gesture from a Head of House.
"Ladies..." he greeted. Then he turned to look at his niece. He did not offer her an introduction, for she already knew several of the faces herself. But he raised an eyebrow. It was a silent challenge... Just how are you to make your entrance known to these women, Imma? the look seemed to say.
Athenia.
Fotios didn't particularly like traveling. Too neurotic to leave his home and businesses for long, he preferred to stay in Vasiliadon. Journeys around the Taengean countryside or perhaps even to the isle of Emae were necessary evils. But to sail across the sea for nearly two weeks in order to visit the large kingdom of Athenia... It was not unheard of for the Head of the Leventi house, but it was rarer than most might make the trip.
That being said, if Fotios was forced to travel beyond the borders of his home, Athenia was a far more palatable destination than others. Colchis was rough and cold, filled with savage muscle-bound men (and women!) who were easily offended. Liaising in Colchis was exhausting. Egypt was vicious, with the threat of beheading around every corner. And the eastern continent and Judea were so religious it was hard not to put a foot wrong. Even for a man of Fotios' cunning intellect.
Athenia on the other hand? Europe in general, in fact... Was a land that naturally appealed to Fotios. It was built on intellect instead of brawn. On politics and schemes. Words, not force. It was the forte of Fotios' strengths. Had he not been born with an innate love for his own nation (not the mention the money to be had in Taengean's thriving economy) he might have considered migrating to the continent, finding his own means of power in the halls of Athenian politics. Instead, he had contented himself with building trade arrangements and friendships with the high and mighty of Athenian nobility.
Not only was Fotios brother-in-law to the Athenian king and uncle to the current princesses, but he was also a benefactor and trader closely tied to the Marikas, Stravos, and Antonis families. For the military blood of the Antonis, the Leventi provided warhorses. The Marikas were the means of high-quality grain and oats used to grow the animals and the sailing merchants of the Stravos were his means of transportation. All of them were ankle or knee-deep in financial connections with the Leventi.
So, it was hardly surprising when Fotios had been ashore only a few days before he was invited to the latest get-together of the highest Athenian echelons.
Originally journeying to Athenia to renegotiate a higher yield of food stores from the Marikas provinces - the storm in Taengea had seen his own diminished - Fotios had no qualms in attending the rural picnic the family was hosting. After all, politics did not cease to exist beyond the boundaries of one's native land. Connections abroad, the political stability of one's associates, the general context of their power and money... All of it was significant. And for a man who had once catered in information as the Master Informer of Taengea, Fotios was not one to reject the feeding frenzy of knowledge that such a courtly get-together created.
An added benefit was to another of Fotios' nieces.
Begging to come along with him to the Athenian kingdom, Imma had been an odd companion on the journey across the water. Fotios was a silent traveler at the best of times, his kin and kindred the books he brought along with him. Imma had initially seemed worried at his silence, perhaps thinking it was equitable to displeasure, but had later grown used to Fotios' solitary manner.
Once in Athenia, Imma had accompanied him wherever he was going, allowing him to introduce her briefly to the girls from the Marikas House, Vasia of Antonis that they had chanced meeting and several prominent merchants in the capitol. Whilst he had yet to determine the best way to mentor Imma into a woman of social significance, each interaction allowed Fotios the opportunity to watch. To witness Imma's instincts when it came to conversation and gentile behavior, and assess where those talents may be better employed.
The two of them, plus a serving maid for Imma, arrived at the Marikas event in a carriage of finely polished wood. Whilst it did not bear the Leventi insignia like the vehicles back home, it was rimmed in gold and prestigious enough to stand toe to toe with the private rigs that brought the Athenian nobility to their social outing.
'Lord Leventi...' Sera of Marikas' tone was welcoming and friendly. Delicate as a royal lady should be. Fotios took care in taking the woman's hand and bestowing a polite kiss and bow. Though she was now a wife and mother over anything else, Sera of Xanthos has once been a vehement young woman with the potential for greatness. Fotios had always been curious how the tempting romance of two husbands had diminished such a calling in her soul.
"Princess Sera," he greeted, using the title of her youth. He deliberately glanced across the field of wheat, shining yellow in the sunshine and waving merrily in the warm autumn breeze. So different from the drenched and damaged streets of Vasiliadon. "We seem to have stumbled on a field of gold. When Elysium is at your fingertips, I wonder at your spending any time at all in the capital."
Sera of Marikas' smile was small and, to Fotios' eye, a little brittle.
'My husband would not appreciate a leave of absence from the centre of things,' she explained.
And you do as your husband dictates... Fotios surmised. It was a shame. The young girl he had grown alongside on the other side of the sea had been one of great promise. A politician in a female frame.
'Might I re-introduce you to my daughters, Agathe and Elena?' the Lady Sera offered with a sweep of her hand. Both girls had been present when Fotios had attended their estate yesterday to discuss trade with their father. 'And I believe you have yet to meet my youngest in several years? Lady Daniil...'
Again, Fotios offered an arm to his waist over which he gave a shallow bow of respect; a generous gesture from a Head of House.
"Ladies..." he greeted. Then he turned to look at his niece. He did not offer her an introduction, for she already knew several of the faces herself. But he raised an eyebrow. It was a silent challenge... Just how are you to make your entrance known to these women, Imma? the look seemed to say.
The hustle of servants rushing in and out of her quarters caused the Lady Elena to wake earlier than she had hoped. Sleep had been hard to come by and what little had been found was plagued by night terrors since the attack on the spice market weeks earlier. Her mind seemed to be stuck on the stone walkway with fire raining all around, everything out of focus except for the flames, the blood, and a dead woman's stare. In these dreams there was no rescue for her, nothing prevented the flames from reaching her and licking their way up her arms and legs. It had left the normally cheerful and gracious Marikas daughter feeling irritable and short tempered and very much not herself.
Her grandmother had noticed first of course, for nothing happened in the Marikas home without Lady Ivra knowing about it. The woman didn't feel anything was beneath her notice, even the most minute of details received her attention. Pride in the Marikas name ran deep through the family matriarch and nothing was to be out of place without her say-so. So had been the way of things for as long as Elena could remember. It was therefore of no surprise to anyone that the Lady Ivra had arranged for a gathering of nobility and even less so that the event had been anticipated for some weeks. The invitations had been accepted from nearly all who had received them, indicating a fair number were expected to turn up at the Arcasis estate for the occasion.
Elena couldn't have cared less.
The Gods wouldn't dare defy Lady Ivra on such an important day, and thus it began bright and lovely as ever a day that had dawned. Golden stalks waved ever so slightly in the soft breeze, and the air itself had a soft golden glow. The roads dry and packed, making travel easygoing for the great many guests making their way to the estate. Among the royalty and courtiers were guards, musicians, and entertainers arriving in a steady stream and being appropriately directed by the Marikas household servants. Voices and music wafted through the open window. By all accounts it was a day so glorious it was as if the Gods themselves had designed it.
Elena couldn't have cared less about that either.
The bare soles of her feet rustled on the stairs as she reluctantly followed the sound of her mother's voice. The corners of her mouth turned up as she exited, gathering the light lavender skirt of her chiton in one hand. Resigned to her misery, she was determined to fake happiness for her mother's sake. Lady Sera had enough to worry about today. For this reason Elena made her way to her mother's side just in time to hear the Taengean senator complimenting their land and home. Senator Fotios's words were flattering, but in the silence following his compliments she noticed that his smile did not reach his eyes. "Welcome, Lord Fotios." She dipped her head respectfully, not caring to continue taking the man's measure at the moment.
The young woman with him was moderately interesting. Elena had been acquainted with Lady Imma from her time in Athenia but knew little about her aside from the girl's artistic talents. Rumour had it that she was an especially talented painter, and to have skill at such a young age was impressive, even amongst nobility who could afford lessons. Elena did have the impression that the girl was a bit foolish however, recalling a story that involved the girl climbing a tree during the Taengean Queen's birthday celebration. Of course, that story may have been simply rumour, and Elena preferred to make her own judgements about a person's character.
"Lady Imma, lovely to see you again." Despite the woman being many years her junior, Elena hoped to make her feel welcome and fully intended to play the part of gracious host. "There is music in the garden and all sorts of delicious treats to indulge in." Both of the edible and non-edible variety, for there were plenty of entertainers and servants about for the occasion, each more beautiful than the last. It appeared that Lady Ivra had provided amusements that were to everyone's taste. Nothing of note would be happening in plain view of course, for that was not how the royal court worked. Later in the evening after wine had been consumed and the shadows grew long and secretive however...
"Would you like a tour of the gardens? I'm sure you'll find them to be a vision fit to inspire your artistic spirit." It was unlikely her mother would agree before all guests were accounted for, but Elena was half-hoping Imma would agree so that they might escape to the relative peace of the gardens. Lady Sera would not publicly disagree with her polite offer, although the small tightening of the corners of her mouth gave away her disapproval. As grateful as Elena was to have her mother and sisters nearby to act as buffers against the steady stream of humanity continuing to flow into the Marikas courtyard, she was already tired. Her eyes moved to the next carriage, internally wishing only to escape her responsibilities for the afternoon and get the chance to relax -unlikely given that this event needed to be successful for her father and entire family.
In this moment, Elena really couldn't have cared less.
Peach
Elena
Peach
Elena
Awards
First Impressions:Delicate; Kind smile, golden hair, soft hands, full lower lip
Address: Your Her Ladyship
The hustle of servants rushing in and out of her quarters caused the Lady Elena to wake earlier than she had hoped. Sleep had been hard to come by and what little had been found was plagued by night terrors since the attack on the spice market weeks earlier. Her mind seemed to be stuck on the stone walkway with fire raining all around, everything out of focus except for the flames, the blood, and a dead woman's stare. In these dreams there was no rescue for her, nothing prevented the flames from reaching her and licking their way up her arms and legs. It had left the normally cheerful and gracious Marikas daughter feeling irritable and short tempered and very much not herself.
Her grandmother had noticed first of course, for nothing happened in the Marikas home without Lady Ivra knowing about it. The woman didn't feel anything was beneath her notice, even the most minute of details received her attention. Pride in the Marikas name ran deep through the family matriarch and nothing was to be out of place without her say-so. So had been the way of things for as long as Elena could remember. It was therefore of no surprise to anyone that the Lady Ivra had arranged for a gathering of nobility and even less so that the event had been anticipated for some weeks. The invitations had been accepted from nearly all who had received them, indicating a fair number were expected to turn up at the Arcasis estate for the occasion.
Elena couldn't have cared less.
The Gods wouldn't dare defy Lady Ivra on such an important day, and thus it began bright and lovely as ever a day that had dawned. Golden stalks waved ever so slightly in the soft breeze, and the air itself had a soft golden glow. The roads dry and packed, making travel easygoing for the great many guests making their way to the estate. Among the royalty and courtiers were guards, musicians, and entertainers arriving in a steady stream and being appropriately directed by the Marikas household servants. Voices and music wafted through the open window. By all accounts it was a day so glorious it was as if the Gods themselves had designed it.
Elena couldn't have cared less about that either.
The bare soles of her feet rustled on the stairs as she reluctantly followed the sound of her mother's voice. The corners of her mouth turned up as she exited, gathering the light lavender skirt of her chiton in one hand. Resigned to her misery, she was determined to fake happiness for her mother's sake. Lady Sera had enough to worry about today. For this reason Elena made her way to her mother's side just in time to hear the Taengean senator complimenting their land and home. Senator Fotios's words were flattering, but in the silence following his compliments she noticed that his smile did not reach his eyes. "Welcome, Lord Fotios." She dipped her head respectfully, not caring to continue taking the man's measure at the moment.
The young woman with him was moderately interesting. Elena had been acquainted with Lady Imma from her time in Athenia but knew little about her aside from the girl's artistic talents. Rumour had it that she was an especially talented painter, and to have skill at such a young age was impressive, even amongst nobility who could afford lessons. Elena did have the impression that the girl was a bit foolish however, recalling a story that involved the girl climbing a tree during the Taengean Queen's birthday celebration. Of course, that story may have been simply rumour, and Elena preferred to make her own judgements about a person's character.
"Lady Imma, lovely to see you again." Despite the woman being many years her junior, Elena hoped to make her feel welcome and fully intended to play the part of gracious host. "There is music in the garden and all sorts of delicious treats to indulge in." Both of the edible and non-edible variety, for there were plenty of entertainers and servants about for the occasion, each more beautiful than the last. It appeared that Lady Ivra had provided amusements that were to everyone's taste. Nothing of note would be happening in plain view of course, for that was not how the royal court worked. Later in the evening after wine had been consumed and the shadows grew long and secretive however...
"Would you like a tour of the gardens? I'm sure you'll find them to be a vision fit to inspire your artistic spirit." It was unlikely her mother would agree before all guests were accounted for, but Elena was half-hoping Imma would agree so that they might escape to the relative peace of the gardens. Lady Sera would not publicly disagree with her polite offer, although the small tightening of the corners of her mouth gave away her disapproval. As grateful as Elena was to have her mother and sisters nearby to act as buffers against the steady stream of humanity continuing to flow into the Marikas courtyard, she was already tired. Her eyes moved to the next carriage, internally wishing only to escape her responsibilities for the afternoon and get the chance to relax -unlikely given that this event needed to be successful for her father and entire family.
In this moment, Elena really couldn't have cared less.
The hustle of servants rushing in and out of her quarters caused the Lady Elena to wake earlier than she had hoped. Sleep had been hard to come by and what little had been found was plagued by night terrors since the attack on the spice market weeks earlier. Her mind seemed to be stuck on the stone walkway with fire raining all around, everything out of focus except for the flames, the blood, and a dead woman's stare. In these dreams there was no rescue for her, nothing prevented the flames from reaching her and licking their way up her arms and legs. It had left the normally cheerful and gracious Marikas daughter feeling irritable and short tempered and very much not herself.
Her grandmother had noticed first of course, for nothing happened in the Marikas home without Lady Ivra knowing about it. The woman didn't feel anything was beneath her notice, even the most minute of details received her attention. Pride in the Marikas name ran deep through the family matriarch and nothing was to be out of place without her say-so. So had been the way of things for as long as Elena could remember. It was therefore of no surprise to anyone that the Lady Ivra had arranged for a gathering of nobility and even less so that the event had been anticipated for some weeks. The invitations had been accepted from nearly all who had received them, indicating a fair number were expected to turn up at the Arcasis estate for the occasion.
Elena couldn't have cared less.
The Gods wouldn't dare defy Lady Ivra on such an important day, and thus it began bright and lovely as ever a day that had dawned. Golden stalks waved ever so slightly in the soft breeze, and the air itself had a soft golden glow. The roads dry and packed, making travel easygoing for the great many guests making their way to the estate. Among the royalty and courtiers were guards, musicians, and entertainers arriving in a steady stream and being appropriately directed by the Marikas household servants. Voices and music wafted through the open window. By all accounts it was a day so glorious it was as if the Gods themselves had designed it.
Elena couldn't have cared less about that either.
The bare soles of her feet rustled on the stairs as she reluctantly followed the sound of her mother's voice. The corners of her mouth turned up as she exited, gathering the light lavender skirt of her chiton in one hand. Resigned to her misery, she was determined to fake happiness for her mother's sake. Lady Sera had enough to worry about today. For this reason Elena made her way to her mother's side just in time to hear the Taengean senator complimenting their land and home. Senator Fotios's words were flattering, but in the silence following his compliments she noticed that his smile did not reach his eyes. "Welcome, Lord Fotios." She dipped her head respectfully, not caring to continue taking the man's measure at the moment.
The young woman with him was moderately interesting. Elena had been acquainted with Lady Imma from her time in Athenia but knew little about her aside from the girl's artistic talents. Rumour had it that she was an especially talented painter, and to have skill at such a young age was impressive, even amongst nobility who could afford lessons. Elena did have the impression that the girl was a bit foolish however, recalling a story that involved the girl climbing a tree during the Taengean Queen's birthday celebration. Of course, that story may have been simply rumour, and Elena preferred to make her own judgements about a person's character.
"Lady Imma, lovely to see you again." Despite the woman being many years her junior, Elena hoped to make her feel welcome and fully intended to play the part of gracious host. "There is music in the garden and all sorts of delicious treats to indulge in." Both of the edible and non-edible variety, for there were plenty of entertainers and servants about for the occasion, each more beautiful than the last. It appeared that Lady Ivra had provided amusements that were to everyone's taste. Nothing of note would be happening in plain view of course, for that was not how the royal court worked. Later in the evening after wine had been consumed and the shadows grew long and secretive however...
"Would you like a tour of the gardens? I'm sure you'll find them to be a vision fit to inspire your artistic spirit." It was unlikely her mother would agree before all guests were accounted for, but Elena was half-hoping Imma would agree so that they might escape to the relative peace of the gardens. Lady Sera would not publicly disagree with her polite offer, although the small tightening of the corners of her mouth gave away her disapproval. As grateful as Elena was to have her mother and sisters nearby to act as buffers against the steady stream of humanity continuing to flow into the Marikas courtyard, she was already tired. Her eyes moved to the next carriage, internally wishing only to escape her responsibilities for the afternoon and get the chance to relax -unlikely given that this event needed to be successful for her father and entire family.
In this moment, Elena really couldn't have cared less.
He should have considered himself lucky. Leonidas was more than aware of how soldiers from all walks of life would kill to stand beside the princesses of the kingdom and honour their name with the duties they might perform there. There were men twice his age and three times his experience that had rarely seen the royal family on a professional level, their glimpses of royalty that of commoners: during festivals or celebrations, and from a distance at that.
Yet here he was, bloodline aside no more than a commoner of a few years dedication to the Guard, and this was his second time as part of the royal entourage.
Holding into the back of the carriage, where he was stationed, like a footman, Leo tried to remind himself that he was, in the eyes of anyone else, extremely lucky. But he couldn’t quite bring the thought to reality. With every bump in the road, his stomach dipped unpleasantly and it triggered a similar sensation whenever he thought of their destination… and the guests that would be there.
His first venture with the Xanthos princesses, who were currently within the carriage beneath him, had been a private one - a simple errand made to local stores in the capital. No one else to witness, judge or deal with.
This time, it was a formal affair. One that would be attended by all manner of royalty… including the Antonis.
Which made it hard for Leonidas to read any true luck in his current situation.
Game plan… tactical solutions… he thought to himself. That’s what he needed. If he saw one of Lacides’ sons, he’d keep his eyes down and bow his head in their presence. It went against every grain he had, but that’s what he’d do. Even if they made a comment, or called him some kind of name, he’d ignore them.
It was rare for Leo to even come into contact with his birth family. The last real conversation he had had with any of them had been more than a few years ago. When Ma had been sick and he’d been without options to pay a physician.
Not that they’d helped.
Leonidas felt his fingers tighten and his knuckles whiten on the rim of the carriage. Stelios had taken great delight in pronouncing his father and older brother absent from the estate that day. Even more so in refusing Leo’s begging request for a few silver owls. He’d only managed in the end by selling his shoes.
Shoes that had spatters of Stelios’ blood on them from the punch he had aimed at the man’s nose. Realistically, he’d been lucky to escape with his life that day.
And who would have taken care of Ma, then?
That was exactly why today was going to be different. Leo was going to bury his emotions, ignore any passionate responses of hostility, and focus on keeping his head down and still attached to his shoulders.
Jolted from his thoughts by the trundling stop of the carriage, Leonidas looked up and around the scene before them. One of the Marikas estates, attached to a sea of golden crop, flowed in the morning sunshine. Canopies, tents and blankets had been pieced together to create a pleasant seating space amidst the swaying yellow, and there were already several families in attendance. As they were clustered together or hidden by servants and guards who killed around the area, Leo couldn’t see whether or not the Antonis were already there. It wasn’t as if nobles only ever wore their familial colours. Else he could have avoided any patches of blue.
Instead, Leo turned his attentions to his duty abs aided the young princesses as they descended to the ground. He then stood by them as they greeted the hosts of the event but, after that, he was left with little purpose to his role. Like the other guards of the Xanthos party, Leonidas was left to hover in awkward limbo.
Guards had already been prepared for a secure perimeter by the Marikas, and soldiers amidst the fruit and baked goods did not exactly meet with the desired atmosphere of the event. As such, there was little for Leo to do…
Finding a spot for himself away from the excitement but still in the eye line of the women he was sworn to protect, Leonidas found himself close to the fields due to be cut down. He could hear the slicing of sickles not far away and see the pretty plumes of gold dust in the air.
He swallowed. Damn, but his throat was suddenly dry. He must have been thirstier from the road than he thought. Though it could have just been a very odd mistake on his body’s part. Because, whilst his mouth was dry, his eyes were wet. Watering as if he were crying.
What the-?
Wracked suddenly with a horrendous sneeze, Leo tried to stifle the noise, horrendously embarrassed. Thank the Gods he was at least out of the way, he thought, sneezing again uncontrollably. He couldn’t even begin to imagine the fodder an Antonis might get out of seeing him cry and feel sick, for absolutely no reason, in the middle of a field.
What in all of Hades was this craziness??
JD
Leonidas
JD
Leonidas
Awards
First Impressions:Slender; Prominent cheekbones, bright blue eyes, tendon-heavy hands.
Address: Your
He should have considered himself lucky. Leonidas was more than aware of how soldiers from all walks of life would kill to stand beside the princesses of the kingdom and honour their name with the duties they might perform there. There were men twice his age and three times his experience that had rarely seen the royal family on a professional level, their glimpses of royalty that of commoners: during festivals or celebrations, and from a distance at that.
Yet here he was, bloodline aside no more than a commoner of a few years dedication to the Guard, and this was his second time as part of the royal entourage.
Holding into the back of the carriage, where he was stationed, like a footman, Leo tried to remind himself that he was, in the eyes of anyone else, extremely lucky. But he couldn’t quite bring the thought to reality. With every bump in the road, his stomach dipped unpleasantly and it triggered a similar sensation whenever he thought of their destination… and the guests that would be there.
His first venture with the Xanthos princesses, who were currently within the carriage beneath him, had been a private one - a simple errand made to local stores in the capital. No one else to witness, judge or deal with.
This time, it was a formal affair. One that would be attended by all manner of royalty… including the Antonis.
Which made it hard for Leonidas to read any true luck in his current situation.
Game plan… tactical solutions… he thought to himself. That’s what he needed. If he saw one of Lacides’ sons, he’d keep his eyes down and bow his head in their presence. It went against every grain he had, but that’s what he’d do. Even if they made a comment, or called him some kind of name, he’d ignore them.
It was rare for Leo to even come into contact with his birth family. The last real conversation he had had with any of them had been more than a few years ago. When Ma had been sick and he’d been without options to pay a physician.
Not that they’d helped.
Leonidas felt his fingers tighten and his knuckles whiten on the rim of the carriage. Stelios had taken great delight in pronouncing his father and older brother absent from the estate that day. Even more so in refusing Leo’s begging request for a few silver owls. He’d only managed in the end by selling his shoes.
Shoes that had spatters of Stelios’ blood on them from the punch he had aimed at the man’s nose. Realistically, he’d been lucky to escape with his life that day.
And who would have taken care of Ma, then?
That was exactly why today was going to be different. Leo was going to bury his emotions, ignore any passionate responses of hostility, and focus on keeping his head down and still attached to his shoulders.
Jolted from his thoughts by the trundling stop of the carriage, Leonidas looked up and around the scene before them. One of the Marikas estates, attached to a sea of golden crop, flowed in the morning sunshine. Canopies, tents and blankets had been pieced together to create a pleasant seating space amidst the swaying yellow, and there were already several families in attendance. As they were clustered together or hidden by servants and guards who killed around the area, Leo couldn’t see whether or not the Antonis were already there. It wasn’t as if nobles only ever wore their familial colours. Else he could have avoided any patches of blue.
Instead, Leo turned his attentions to his duty abs aided the young princesses as they descended to the ground. He then stood by them as they greeted the hosts of the event but, after that, he was left with little purpose to his role. Like the other guards of the Xanthos party, Leonidas was left to hover in awkward limbo.
Guards had already been prepared for a secure perimeter by the Marikas, and soldiers amidst the fruit and baked goods did not exactly meet with the desired atmosphere of the event. As such, there was little for Leo to do…
Finding a spot for himself away from the excitement but still in the eye line of the women he was sworn to protect, Leonidas found himself close to the fields due to be cut down. He could hear the slicing of sickles not far away and see the pretty plumes of gold dust in the air.
He swallowed. Damn, but his throat was suddenly dry. He must have been thirstier from the road than he thought. Though it could have just been a very odd mistake on his body’s part. Because, whilst his mouth was dry, his eyes were wet. Watering as if he were crying.
What the-?
Wracked suddenly with a horrendous sneeze, Leo tried to stifle the noise, horrendously embarrassed. Thank the Gods he was at least out of the way, he thought, sneezing again uncontrollably. He couldn’t even begin to imagine the fodder an Antonis might get out of seeing him cry and feel sick, for absolutely no reason, in the middle of a field.
What in all of Hades was this craziness??
He should have considered himself lucky. Leonidas was more than aware of how soldiers from all walks of life would kill to stand beside the princesses of the kingdom and honour their name with the duties they might perform there. There were men twice his age and three times his experience that had rarely seen the royal family on a professional level, their glimpses of royalty that of commoners: during festivals or celebrations, and from a distance at that.
Yet here he was, bloodline aside no more than a commoner of a few years dedication to the Guard, and this was his second time as part of the royal entourage.
Holding into the back of the carriage, where he was stationed, like a footman, Leo tried to remind himself that he was, in the eyes of anyone else, extremely lucky. But he couldn’t quite bring the thought to reality. With every bump in the road, his stomach dipped unpleasantly and it triggered a similar sensation whenever he thought of their destination… and the guests that would be there.
His first venture with the Xanthos princesses, who were currently within the carriage beneath him, had been a private one - a simple errand made to local stores in the capital. No one else to witness, judge or deal with.
This time, it was a formal affair. One that would be attended by all manner of royalty… including the Antonis.
Which made it hard for Leonidas to read any true luck in his current situation.
Game plan… tactical solutions… he thought to himself. That’s what he needed. If he saw one of Lacides’ sons, he’d keep his eyes down and bow his head in their presence. It went against every grain he had, but that’s what he’d do. Even if they made a comment, or called him some kind of name, he’d ignore them.
It was rare for Leo to even come into contact with his birth family. The last real conversation he had had with any of them had been more than a few years ago. When Ma had been sick and he’d been without options to pay a physician.
Not that they’d helped.
Leonidas felt his fingers tighten and his knuckles whiten on the rim of the carriage. Stelios had taken great delight in pronouncing his father and older brother absent from the estate that day. Even more so in refusing Leo’s begging request for a few silver owls. He’d only managed in the end by selling his shoes.
Shoes that had spatters of Stelios’ blood on them from the punch he had aimed at the man’s nose. Realistically, he’d been lucky to escape with his life that day.
And who would have taken care of Ma, then?
That was exactly why today was going to be different. Leo was going to bury his emotions, ignore any passionate responses of hostility, and focus on keeping his head down and still attached to his shoulders.
Jolted from his thoughts by the trundling stop of the carriage, Leonidas looked up and around the scene before them. One of the Marikas estates, attached to a sea of golden crop, flowed in the morning sunshine. Canopies, tents and blankets had been pieced together to create a pleasant seating space amidst the swaying yellow, and there were already several families in attendance. As they were clustered together or hidden by servants and guards who killed around the area, Leo couldn’t see whether or not the Antonis were already there. It wasn’t as if nobles only ever wore their familial colours. Else he could have avoided any patches of blue.
Instead, Leo turned his attentions to his duty abs aided the young princesses as they descended to the ground. He then stood by them as they greeted the hosts of the event but, after that, he was left with little purpose to his role. Like the other guards of the Xanthos party, Leonidas was left to hover in awkward limbo.
Guards had already been prepared for a secure perimeter by the Marikas, and soldiers amidst the fruit and baked goods did not exactly meet with the desired atmosphere of the event. As such, there was little for Leo to do…
Finding a spot for himself away from the excitement but still in the eye line of the women he was sworn to protect, Leonidas found himself close to the fields due to be cut down. He could hear the slicing of sickles not far away and see the pretty plumes of gold dust in the air.
He swallowed. Damn, but his throat was suddenly dry. He must have been thirstier from the road than he thought. Though it could have just been a very odd mistake on his body’s part. Because, whilst his mouth was dry, his eyes were wet. Watering as if he were crying.
What the-?
Wracked suddenly with a horrendous sneeze, Leo tried to stifle the noise, horrendously embarrassed. Thank the Gods he was at least out of the way, he thought, sneezing again uncontrollably. He couldn’t even begin to imagine the fodder an Antonis might get out of seeing him cry and feel sick, for absolutely no reason, in the middle of a field.
What in all of Hades was this craziness??
The journey to Athenia had been more than a bit disappointing for Imma. Alone with her uncle without the distraction of her aunts and cousins, she expected him to spend most of his time advising her on how to become a paragon of social sophistication. Instead, he preferred to be alone, and she wondered if she had done something to displease him. Left mostly to her own devices, she enjoyed standing on the deck by the railing and looking over the great expanse of water while the sun haloed her in its warmth. Many of the sailors stared at her and eventually grew bold enough to speak to her.
And so she practiced her skills on them the way she had begun to do with the shopkeepers at the market. It seemed to Imma that she charmed them completely. On their time off, they vied with each other for her attention and she didn’t have to pretend to be thrilled with the fantastic stories they told her about sea monsters, mermaids, and other creatures who lived in the sea. Imma enchanted the captain as well, who gave her a tour of the ship and even allowed her to try her hand at navigating it, which was unfortunately difficult for her to understand.
Uncle Fotios was more amenable when they reached Athenia after two weeks on the ship. Maybe he had kept to himself because he was ill. He was a wealthy and powerful man and had an image to maintain. Unwilling to show weakness, he would never let anyone to know that he could be brought low by a bout of seasickness. Imma didn’t know if her suspicion was true or not, but it was an amusing thought and often brought a smile to her face when she contemplated it.
She accompanied her uncle everywhere and he introduced her to nobles and commoners alike. The youngest Leventi thought she did quite well when speaking to them. Usually, she didn’t have to say much, but she answered their questions amiably and her curiosity ensured that she asked a few of her own. As she found Athenia a lovely kingdom, she often gushed over its beauty, which was sure to please the locals.
Now she sat in a carriage with Uncle Fotios, heading to a picnic in Arcasis hosted by House Marikas. Imma had already met a few members of the family, but that didn’t stop the anxiety that always preceded a social event. She fiddled with the golden embroidery on the edge of the apotygma of her mauve chiton as she gazed out the window at the golden wheat swaying in the wind, looking forward to and both dreading the outing. At least there would be food. She had eaten before she left and she was already hungry again.
They were greeted by Lady Sera … or was it Princess Sera? … and her daughters. Imma listened to the brief exchange between the regal woman and her uncle, glancing a bit shyly at the younger ladies, all of whom she had met before. Uncle Fotios bowed slightly to them and she thought that he would bring her into the conversation. Instead, he raised an eyebrow at her. She knew what that meant … it was up to her to make her own impression on them.
She curtsied prettily to the older woman. Maybe it wasn’t necessary, as she came from an equally illustrious family, but it never hurt to be respectful. “I am delighted to make your acquaintance, my lady,” she said with a disarming smile. “I’m Imma of Leventi and I'm visiting Athenia for the first time. This province is particularly lovely. It practically begs me to paint it.”
Lady Elena spoke to her and she curtsied again. “I’m pleased to see you again as well, Lady Elena, and I would love a tour of the gardens, if your lady mother and my lord uncle can spare us for a bit.”
Alysanne
Imma
Alysanne
Imma
Awards
First Impressions:slender but still growing and heading toward being top-heavy; large blue-violet eyes; curly white-gold hair; high cheekbones; full lips; often smudged with paint, clay, or soil
Address: Your Her Ladyship
First Impressions:slender but still growing and heading toward being top-heavy; large blue-violet eyes; curly white-gold hair; high cheekbones; full lips; often smudged with paint, clay, or soil
Address: Your Her Ladyship
The journey to Athenia had been more than a bit disappointing for Imma. Alone with her uncle without the distraction of her aunts and cousins, she expected him to spend most of his time advising her on how to become a paragon of social sophistication. Instead, he preferred to be alone, and she wondered if she had done something to displease him. Left mostly to her own devices, she enjoyed standing on the deck by the railing and looking over the great expanse of water while the sun haloed her in its warmth. Many of the sailors stared at her and eventually grew bold enough to speak to her.
And so she practiced her skills on them the way she had begun to do with the shopkeepers at the market. It seemed to Imma that she charmed them completely. On their time off, they vied with each other for her attention and she didn’t have to pretend to be thrilled with the fantastic stories they told her about sea monsters, mermaids, and other creatures who lived in the sea. Imma enchanted the captain as well, who gave her a tour of the ship and even allowed her to try her hand at navigating it, which was unfortunately difficult for her to understand.
Uncle Fotios was more amenable when they reached Athenia after two weeks on the ship. Maybe he had kept to himself because he was ill. He was a wealthy and powerful man and had an image to maintain. Unwilling to show weakness, he would never let anyone to know that he could be brought low by a bout of seasickness. Imma didn’t know if her suspicion was true or not, but it was an amusing thought and often brought a smile to her face when she contemplated it.
She accompanied her uncle everywhere and he introduced her to nobles and commoners alike. The youngest Leventi thought she did quite well when speaking to them. Usually, she didn’t have to say much, but she answered their questions amiably and her curiosity ensured that she asked a few of her own. As she found Athenia a lovely kingdom, she often gushed over its beauty, which was sure to please the locals.
Now she sat in a carriage with Uncle Fotios, heading to a picnic in Arcasis hosted by House Marikas. Imma had already met a few members of the family, but that didn’t stop the anxiety that always preceded a social event. She fiddled with the golden embroidery on the edge of the apotygma of her mauve chiton as she gazed out the window at the golden wheat swaying in the wind, looking forward to and both dreading the outing. At least there would be food. She had eaten before she left and she was already hungry again.
They were greeted by Lady Sera … or was it Princess Sera? … and her daughters. Imma listened to the brief exchange between the regal woman and her uncle, glancing a bit shyly at the younger ladies, all of whom she had met before. Uncle Fotios bowed slightly to them and she thought that he would bring her into the conversation. Instead, he raised an eyebrow at her. She knew what that meant … it was up to her to make her own impression on them.
She curtsied prettily to the older woman. Maybe it wasn’t necessary, as she came from an equally illustrious family, but it never hurt to be respectful. “I am delighted to make your acquaintance, my lady,” she said with a disarming smile. “I’m Imma of Leventi and I'm visiting Athenia for the first time. This province is particularly lovely. It practically begs me to paint it.”
Lady Elena spoke to her and she curtsied again. “I’m pleased to see you again as well, Lady Elena, and I would love a tour of the gardens, if your lady mother and my lord uncle can spare us for a bit.”
The journey to Athenia had been more than a bit disappointing for Imma. Alone with her uncle without the distraction of her aunts and cousins, she expected him to spend most of his time advising her on how to become a paragon of social sophistication. Instead, he preferred to be alone, and she wondered if she had done something to displease him. Left mostly to her own devices, she enjoyed standing on the deck by the railing and looking over the great expanse of water while the sun haloed her in its warmth. Many of the sailors stared at her and eventually grew bold enough to speak to her.
And so she practiced her skills on them the way she had begun to do with the shopkeepers at the market. It seemed to Imma that she charmed them completely. On their time off, they vied with each other for her attention and she didn’t have to pretend to be thrilled with the fantastic stories they told her about sea monsters, mermaids, and other creatures who lived in the sea. Imma enchanted the captain as well, who gave her a tour of the ship and even allowed her to try her hand at navigating it, which was unfortunately difficult for her to understand.
Uncle Fotios was more amenable when they reached Athenia after two weeks on the ship. Maybe he had kept to himself because he was ill. He was a wealthy and powerful man and had an image to maintain. Unwilling to show weakness, he would never let anyone to know that he could be brought low by a bout of seasickness. Imma didn’t know if her suspicion was true or not, but it was an amusing thought and often brought a smile to her face when she contemplated it.
She accompanied her uncle everywhere and he introduced her to nobles and commoners alike. The youngest Leventi thought she did quite well when speaking to them. Usually, she didn’t have to say much, but she answered their questions amiably and her curiosity ensured that she asked a few of her own. As she found Athenia a lovely kingdom, she often gushed over its beauty, which was sure to please the locals.
Now she sat in a carriage with Uncle Fotios, heading to a picnic in Arcasis hosted by House Marikas. Imma had already met a few members of the family, but that didn’t stop the anxiety that always preceded a social event. She fiddled with the golden embroidery on the edge of the apotygma of her mauve chiton as she gazed out the window at the golden wheat swaying in the wind, looking forward to and both dreading the outing. At least there would be food. She had eaten before she left and she was already hungry again.
They were greeted by Lady Sera … or was it Princess Sera? … and her daughters. Imma listened to the brief exchange between the regal woman and her uncle, glancing a bit shyly at the younger ladies, all of whom she had met before. Uncle Fotios bowed slightly to them and she thought that he would bring her into the conversation. Instead, he raised an eyebrow at her. She knew what that meant … it was up to her to make her own impression on them.
She curtsied prettily to the older woman. Maybe it wasn’t necessary, as she came from an equally illustrious family, but it never hurt to be respectful. “I am delighted to make your acquaintance, my lady,” she said with a disarming smile. “I’m Imma of Leventi and I'm visiting Athenia for the first time. This province is particularly lovely. It practically begs me to paint it.”
Lady Elena spoke to her and she curtsied again. “I’m pleased to see you again as well, Lady Elena, and I would love a tour of the gardens, if your lady mother and my lord uncle can spare us for a bit.”
It had been early morning when the Xanthos family had woken up. Their presence would be expected at the harvest, of course. Still, Persephone knew that if she were to have any hope of inheriting her father's crown, she would have to show Greece that she was not merely a beautiful substitute while her father was indisposed; she had to show that she could be a good and kind ruler and a massive part of that, was to show the people of Greece - from highborn to lowborn - that she cared about them and their interests. Persephone would have an excellent opportunity to show her interest in the Marikas family but also to meet her friends. This celebration of a good harvest was an opportunity to do just that.
The carriage ride over there was mostly uneventful. Given recent events, more guards had been brought along, but Persephone was so used to being surrounded by guards and servants that a few more did not make her feel unvexed. She spent most of the voyage looking over her garments. Making sure the folds fell adequately, that the golden swan that bedizened her bicep was properly polished, and that her long braid didn't have a single hair out of place.
She had a brief, although characteristically internal, crisis when she found that her braid had been slightly unevenly done. Obviously, her handmaids had long since learned to read Persephone's stifled despair and quickly rectified it before she exited the carriage. Her final act to ensure her impeccable image was to correct her golden crown to make sure it sat flawlessly in contrast to her dark hair.
Upon standing amidst the Athenian nobility, Persephone looked around to find an anchor; something that could distract her from the anxiety of not being entirely immaculate throughout the entire day. Given that they had to be outdoors most of the day, she had decided not to go barefoot today and usually, feeling the ground beneath her feet helped ground her in the moment. But her gaze located Lady Sera, and she walked to her with an air of natural dignity and calmness that concealed her actual turmoil inside.
"Lady Sera, I thank you for your invitation to this event and please extend my most cordial greetings to Lady Ivra," Persephone said to the host and smiled courteously. "I prayed to Demeter to bring about an abundant harvest, and I am delighted she blessed your crops".
Once the pleasantries were accomplished, Persephone noticed her friend Elena with Lady Imma of Leventi. Even from where she was standing, she could hear Elena mention the beautiful Marikas gardens and Persephone had indeed enjoyed walking in them in the past. She walked towards her friend and smiled. "Dearest Elena, I am delighted to see you," she said and then turned to Lady Imma. "And I am pleased to see you as well, Lady Imma," she added and then briefly had her attention stolen by a sneeze from a nearby guard. Persephone turned her head to look at him as he sneezed again. She recognised the guard. It was the Lieutenant that had accompanied her and Emilia at the market. The gods only knew why he was attracting attention to himself at an event where he, as a guard of common social rank should preferably remain invisible.
"I overhear you offer Lady Imma a walk in your lovely gardens," Persephone said to Elena as she turned back to face the two ladies. "If you wouldn't mind, I would be elated to accompany you," she said and then turned to look at the guard again. "Lieutenant! I intend to take a walk in the gardens. I assume having you escort me will suffice so that I don't have to have half of the Athenian Guard on my heels?"
Makki
Persephone
Makki
Persephone
Awards
First Impressions:Slender; Her deep brown, almond-shaped eyes and her thick long and braided hair.
Address: Your Her Royal Highness
It had been early morning when the Xanthos family had woken up. Their presence would be expected at the harvest, of course. Still, Persephone knew that if she were to have any hope of inheriting her father's crown, she would have to show Greece that she was not merely a beautiful substitute while her father was indisposed; she had to show that she could be a good and kind ruler and a massive part of that, was to show the people of Greece - from highborn to lowborn - that she cared about them and their interests. Persephone would have an excellent opportunity to show her interest in the Marikas family but also to meet her friends. This celebration of a good harvest was an opportunity to do just that.
The carriage ride over there was mostly uneventful. Given recent events, more guards had been brought along, but Persephone was so used to being surrounded by guards and servants that a few more did not make her feel unvexed. She spent most of the voyage looking over her garments. Making sure the folds fell adequately, that the golden swan that bedizened her bicep was properly polished, and that her long braid didn't have a single hair out of place.
She had a brief, although characteristically internal, crisis when she found that her braid had been slightly unevenly done. Obviously, her handmaids had long since learned to read Persephone's stifled despair and quickly rectified it before she exited the carriage. Her final act to ensure her impeccable image was to correct her golden crown to make sure it sat flawlessly in contrast to her dark hair.
Upon standing amidst the Athenian nobility, Persephone looked around to find an anchor; something that could distract her from the anxiety of not being entirely immaculate throughout the entire day. Given that they had to be outdoors most of the day, she had decided not to go barefoot today and usually, feeling the ground beneath her feet helped ground her in the moment. But her gaze located Lady Sera, and she walked to her with an air of natural dignity and calmness that concealed her actual turmoil inside.
"Lady Sera, I thank you for your invitation to this event and please extend my most cordial greetings to Lady Ivra," Persephone said to the host and smiled courteously. "I prayed to Demeter to bring about an abundant harvest, and I am delighted she blessed your crops".
Once the pleasantries were accomplished, Persephone noticed her friend Elena with Lady Imma of Leventi. Even from where she was standing, she could hear Elena mention the beautiful Marikas gardens and Persephone had indeed enjoyed walking in them in the past. She walked towards her friend and smiled. "Dearest Elena, I am delighted to see you," she said and then turned to Lady Imma. "And I am pleased to see you as well, Lady Imma," she added and then briefly had her attention stolen by a sneeze from a nearby guard. Persephone turned her head to look at him as he sneezed again. She recognised the guard. It was the Lieutenant that had accompanied her and Emilia at the market. The gods only knew why he was attracting attention to himself at an event where he, as a guard of common social rank should preferably remain invisible.
"I overhear you offer Lady Imma a walk in your lovely gardens," Persephone said to Elena as she turned back to face the two ladies. "If you wouldn't mind, I would be elated to accompany you," she said and then turned to look at the guard again. "Lieutenant! I intend to take a walk in the gardens. I assume having you escort me will suffice so that I don't have to have half of the Athenian Guard on my heels?"
It had been early morning when the Xanthos family had woken up. Their presence would be expected at the harvest, of course. Still, Persephone knew that if she were to have any hope of inheriting her father's crown, she would have to show Greece that she was not merely a beautiful substitute while her father was indisposed; she had to show that she could be a good and kind ruler and a massive part of that, was to show the people of Greece - from highborn to lowborn - that she cared about them and their interests. Persephone would have an excellent opportunity to show her interest in the Marikas family but also to meet her friends. This celebration of a good harvest was an opportunity to do just that.
The carriage ride over there was mostly uneventful. Given recent events, more guards had been brought along, but Persephone was so used to being surrounded by guards and servants that a few more did not make her feel unvexed. She spent most of the voyage looking over her garments. Making sure the folds fell adequately, that the golden swan that bedizened her bicep was properly polished, and that her long braid didn't have a single hair out of place.
She had a brief, although characteristically internal, crisis when she found that her braid had been slightly unevenly done. Obviously, her handmaids had long since learned to read Persephone's stifled despair and quickly rectified it before she exited the carriage. Her final act to ensure her impeccable image was to correct her golden crown to make sure it sat flawlessly in contrast to her dark hair.
Upon standing amidst the Athenian nobility, Persephone looked around to find an anchor; something that could distract her from the anxiety of not being entirely immaculate throughout the entire day. Given that they had to be outdoors most of the day, she had decided not to go barefoot today and usually, feeling the ground beneath her feet helped ground her in the moment. But her gaze located Lady Sera, and she walked to her with an air of natural dignity and calmness that concealed her actual turmoil inside.
"Lady Sera, I thank you for your invitation to this event and please extend my most cordial greetings to Lady Ivra," Persephone said to the host and smiled courteously. "I prayed to Demeter to bring about an abundant harvest, and I am delighted she blessed your crops".
Once the pleasantries were accomplished, Persephone noticed her friend Elena with Lady Imma of Leventi. Even from where she was standing, she could hear Elena mention the beautiful Marikas gardens and Persephone had indeed enjoyed walking in them in the past. She walked towards her friend and smiled. "Dearest Elena, I am delighted to see you," she said and then turned to Lady Imma. "And I am pleased to see you as well, Lady Imma," she added and then briefly had her attention stolen by a sneeze from a nearby guard. Persephone turned her head to look at him as he sneezed again. She recognised the guard. It was the Lieutenant that had accompanied her and Emilia at the market. The gods only knew why he was attracting attention to himself at an event where he, as a guard of common social rank should preferably remain invisible.
"I overhear you offer Lady Imma a walk in your lovely gardens," Persephone said to Elena as she turned back to face the two ladies. "If you wouldn't mind, I would be elated to accompany you," she said and then turned to look at the guard again. "Lieutenant! I intend to take a walk in the gardens. I assume having you escort me will suffice so that I don't have to have half of the Athenian Guard on my heels?"
Elena arose, convinced the day was determined to be beautiful for the sole purpose of irritating her. It would have been better if it had been raining and grey, windy and wild to match her mood. Her grandmother however wanted the day to be successful, and Elena was unable to begrudge the matriarch anything. Her mood had been sour since before her feet had even left her bed, and was showing no sign of improving.
On the outside, she masked her dark mood from everyone. There was no sense trying to battle the inevitable when there was nothing she could change about it. Her energy would be better spent making the best of things and Lady Sera would not tolerate her poor attitude. Guests were arriving from Athenia and beyond, and the Marikas would be courteous hosts. Elena had endured far worse functions, although she couldn't recall one where she had felt so on edge. Luckily, many of her mother's teachings included how to do unpleasant things with a smile. Those were the lessons that would serve her well this day.
The courtyard was swept clean and the home and gardens looked a vision. The servants knew their duties and were attending them with little oversight. If the Arcasis estate had been a ship, Lady Ivra was the captain, and Lady Sera the first officer. In the captain's absence, the first mate had made sure things were running flawlessly. Elena had felt like she was of little help and had mostly tried to stay out of the way the past few days, like her sisters.
At least she had Lady Imma's company to look forward to. The cheerful Taengean's demeanor was warm and kind, and Elena returned her smile. If Lady Imma was intending to spend more time in Athenia with her uncle then could be possible for them to be friends. Even if Lady Imma's uncle did seem a little aloof. Elena did not know what to make of the man yet, as she had heard surprisingly little about him. She also knew little about typical Taengean manners, but the Leventi family had always been gracious guests. They had visited once or twice that Elena could recall to reach agreement on the sale of some fine horses.
Lady Imma's round face was bright with a warm smile, her pale dress fashionable. Her hair was a gleaming blonde waterfall in the sunlight. She upheld the reputation the Laventi women had for beauty, that was for certain. Elena was glad that she was not held to such a high standard -it sounded exhausting. Lady Imma's beauty seemed matched by her manners as she quickly agreed to Elena's offer. She even deferred to her guardian and the lady of the house, something that the young Marikas would have done if she had been more herself today.
"Wonderful! There is a beautiful ivy wall and fountain you must see. You may even find inspiration for your next painting." Known for it's lush harvests and the food it provided for so many in Hellas, the golden province was a source of pride for the Marikas. As one of the country's oldest and wealthiest families, their supply of wheat and other foods were vital for the country's wellbeing. It was also a beautiful area of the country, the most beautiful, in Elena's opinion. The gardens of the Arcasis manor and it's beautiful flowers were one of her favourite places. Another bonus was that the garden was unlikely to be busy -as most of the guests would be closer to the manor, thereby allowing her to avoid them for a while. And if Lady Imma had to come along for her to escape, well, it was better than standing and waiting for all the carriages to arrive.
Elena picked up her skirt and began turning away when her mother made a small noise in her throat. It was subtle, but enough to draw the girl's attention to the next carriage -a good thing, for it bore the insignia of the royal household. It halted, horses stamping, while the clanking of armor and rustling of leather filled the air. It wasn't immediately clear to Elena which of the royal family had arrived. Lady Sera was beaming. It was an honor to have a royal at a Marikas gathering, and would highlight their influence to the court. The number of soldiers dismounting could have indicated any of the royal house, but it was soon obvious who the occupant was.
This gathering was the first outing for many of the nobles since the spice market, and it had been much anticipated. There were a large number of guards accompanying the royal, but it made sense for her to have extra security. The attack had left everyone on edge, and for her friend's sake Elena was grateful to see so many swords and spears. Persephone was not just the princess after all, but her cousin. The guard who had helped the princess from the carriage was already walking away, but the shape of his shoulders... Elena mentally shook herself. It wasn't the first time lately that her lack of sleep was making her mind play tricks.
Ever the royal -how was her hair always so flawless?- the Xanthos princess looked beautiful and put together. Going anywhere with Persephone took an age, because she allowed every person they encountered have a moment of her time, no matter their rank. It was an endearing -but at times exasperating- trait that spoke to her patience and grace. Normally it left Elena feeling some impatience, but she used the delay now to gather her thoughts. She still felt scattered and mentally weighed down from her dreams the night before. She struggled to be present and focused on the ladies in front of her. At least her mother looked pleased. More than pleased, Lady Sera positively glowed when Persephone stated that she also wished to see the gardens. Persephone wishing to view part of the grounds was a very appropriate reason for Elena to step away.
"Princess Persephone, I'm so happy you were able to come." She brushed an escaped tendril of hair behind her ear, skirts brushing the dirt as she dropped a quick curtsy. The dark lavender of her skirt floated about as she returned the princess's smile. She took hold of her cousin's hands and held them in friendly greeting. "I trust your journey was a safe and pleasant one?" She eyed the extra guards meaningfully as they began to disperse in various directions, knowing Persephone was perceptive enough to realize she was asking about them. As the men allowed the three young women space to talk amongst themselves, Elena could see her friend begin to relax a little. Maybe the fresh air would do all three of them good.
"Of course," she agreed. "We can all go-" Whatever she'd been about to say next was interrupted by a very abrupt noise. All three ladies looked toward the sound, with Persephone calling over the offender. The man, who had the terrible misfortune of sneezing loud enough for all to hear, began to walk towards them. Lady Sera's voice could be heard behind them as she greeted the next group of guests, the senator's voice intermingling at times. Her eagerness for the peace of the garden, led Elena to distraction until the tall armored figure was suddenly upon them.
Oh no. Oh dear.
Her eyes could not help but trace over him for long moments as he stood in front of them. The Gods had a wry sense of humor, that's for certain. His face was a familiar one, from the perpetually mussed hair to the breadth of his shoulders... Elena cleared her throat and tore her eyes away from the Lieutenant, unable to speak. Hopefully the pinkened tips of her ears would go unnoticed. Was he looking at her? Elena had no idea, because now she couldn't look at his face. His shoes however, she had a very good view of. Standard issue from the Athenian guard, they were uncomplicated, practical, and durable, just like the man they were attached to.
"Should we continue on?" Elena's voice sounded less commanding, softer than she had hoped. The group began to move with their new member -who she was most definitely not looking at out of the corner of her eye- in tow. As they walked, the feeling of needing to make conversation grew, so she endeavored to find a topic. She smiled warmly at Imma, although she couldn't stop her eyes from flicking over the princess as well. It was second nature to make sure her cousin was alright, since in most situations the room seemed to revolve around her. It was not a bad thing, just a fact of her birthright. "Have you had the opportunity to see much of the Athenian countryside yet, Lady Imma?" Persephone loved Athenia and could talk at length about it, so Elena was hopeful the three could find common ground. They passed the narrow entrance pillars, and she allowed the other two women to enter first. As the foliage and flowers began to surround them, she found herself at last making eye contact with Leonidas.
Peach
Elena
Peach
Elena
Awards
First Impressions:Delicate; Kind smile, golden hair, soft hands, full lower lip
Address: Your Her Ladyship
Elena arose, convinced the day was determined to be beautiful for the sole purpose of irritating her. It would have been better if it had been raining and grey, windy and wild to match her mood. Her grandmother however wanted the day to be successful, and Elena was unable to begrudge the matriarch anything. Her mood had been sour since before her feet had even left her bed, and was showing no sign of improving.
On the outside, she masked her dark mood from everyone. There was no sense trying to battle the inevitable when there was nothing she could change about it. Her energy would be better spent making the best of things and Lady Sera would not tolerate her poor attitude. Guests were arriving from Athenia and beyond, and the Marikas would be courteous hosts. Elena had endured far worse functions, although she couldn't recall one where she had felt so on edge. Luckily, many of her mother's teachings included how to do unpleasant things with a smile. Those were the lessons that would serve her well this day.
The courtyard was swept clean and the home and gardens looked a vision. The servants knew their duties and were attending them with little oversight. If the Arcasis estate had been a ship, Lady Ivra was the captain, and Lady Sera the first officer. In the captain's absence, the first mate had made sure things were running flawlessly. Elena had felt like she was of little help and had mostly tried to stay out of the way the past few days, like her sisters.
At least she had Lady Imma's company to look forward to. The cheerful Taengean's demeanor was warm and kind, and Elena returned her smile. If Lady Imma was intending to spend more time in Athenia with her uncle then could be possible for them to be friends. Even if Lady Imma's uncle did seem a little aloof. Elena did not know what to make of the man yet, as she had heard surprisingly little about him. She also knew little about typical Taengean manners, but the Leventi family had always been gracious guests. They had visited once or twice that Elena could recall to reach agreement on the sale of some fine horses.
Lady Imma's round face was bright with a warm smile, her pale dress fashionable. Her hair was a gleaming blonde waterfall in the sunlight. She upheld the reputation the Laventi women had for beauty, that was for certain. Elena was glad that she was not held to such a high standard -it sounded exhausting. Lady Imma's beauty seemed matched by her manners as she quickly agreed to Elena's offer. She even deferred to her guardian and the lady of the house, something that the young Marikas would have done if she had been more herself today.
"Wonderful! There is a beautiful ivy wall and fountain you must see. You may even find inspiration for your next painting." Known for it's lush harvests and the food it provided for so many in Hellas, the golden province was a source of pride for the Marikas. As one of the country's oldest and wealthiest families, their supply of wheat and other foods were vital for the country's wellbeing. It was also a beautiful area of the country, the most beautiful, in Elena's opinion. The gardens of the Arcasis manor and it's beautiful flowers were one of her favourite places. Another bonus was that the garden was unlikely to be busy -as most of the guests would be closer to the manor, thereby allowing her to avoid them for a while. And if Lady Imma had to come along for her to escape, well, it was better than standing and waiting for all the carriages to arrive.
Elena picked up her skirt and began turning away when her mother made a small noise in her throat. It was subtle, but enough to draw the girl's attention to the next carriage -a good thing, for it bore the insignia of the royal household. It halted, horses stamping, while the clanking of armor and rustling of leather filled the air. It wasn't immediately clear to Elena which of the royal family had arrived. Lady Sera was beaming. It was an honor to have a royal at a Marikas gathering, and would highlight their influence to the court. The number of soldiers dismounting could have indicated any of the royal house, but it was soon obvious who the occupant was.
This gathering was the first outing for many of the nobles since the spice market, and it had been much anticipated. There were a large number of guards accompanying the royal, but it made sense for her to have extra security. The attack had left everyone on edge, and for her friend's sake Elena was grateful to see so many swords and spears. Persephone was not just the princess after all, but her cousin. The guard who had helped the princess from the carriage was already walking away, but the shape of his shoulders... Elena mentally shook herself. It wasn't the first time lately that her lack of sleep was making her mind play tricks.
Ever the royal -how was her hair always so flawless?- the Xanthos princess looked beautiful and put together. Going anywhere with Persephone took an age, because she allowed every person they encountered have a moment of her time, no matter their rank. It was an endearing -but at times exasperating- trait that spoke to her patience and grace. Normally it left Elena feeling some impatience, but she used the delay now to gather her thoughts. She still felt scattered and mentally weighed down from her dreams the night before. She struggled to be present and focused on the ladies in front of her. At least her mother looked pleased. More than pleased, Lady Sera positively glowed when Persephone stated that she also wished to see the gardens. Persephone wishing to view part of the grounds was a very appropriate reason for Elena to step away.
"Princess Persephone, I'm so happy you were able to come." She brushed an escaped tendril of hair behind her ear, skirts brushing the dirt as she dropped a quick curtsy. The dark lavender of her skirt floated about as she returned the princess's smile. She took hold of her cousin's hands and held them in friendly greeting. "I trust your journey was a safe and pleasant one?" She eyed the extra guards meaningfully as they began to disperse in various directions, knowing Persephone was perceptive enough to realize she was asking about them. As the men allowed the three young women space to talk amongst themselves, Elena could see her friend begin to relax a little. Maybe the fresh air would do all three of them good.
"Of course," she agreed. "We can all go-" Whatever she'd been about to say next was interrupted by a very abrupt noise. All three ladies looked toward the sound, with Persephone calling over the offender. The man, who had the terrible misfortune of sneezing loud enough for all to hear, began to walk towards them. Lady Sera's voice could be heard behind them as she greeted the next group of guests, the senator's voice intermingling at times. Her eagerness for the peace of the garden, led Elena to distraction until the tall armored figure was suddenly upon them.
Oh no. Oh dear.
Her eyes could not help but trace over him for long moments as he stood in front of them. The Gods had a wry sense of humor, that's for certain. His face was a familiar one, from the perpetually mussed hair to the breadth of his shoulders... Elena cleared her throat and tore her eyes away from the Lieutenant, unable to speak. Hopefully the pinkened tips of her ears would go unnoticed. Was he looking at her? Elena had no idea, because now she couldn't look at his face. His shoes however, she had a very good view of. Standard issue from the Athenian guard, they were uncomplicated, practical, and durable, just like the man they were attached to.
"Should we continue on?" Elena's voice sounded less commanding, softer than she had hoped. The group began to move with their new member -who she was most definitely not looking at out of the corner of her eye- in tow. As they walked, the feeling of needing to make conversation grew, so she endeavored to find a topic. She smiled warmly at Imma, although she couldn't stop her eyes from flicking over the princess as well. It was second nature to make sure her cousin was alright, since in most situations the room seemed to revolve around her. It was not a bad thing, just a fact of her birthright. "Have you had the opportunity to see much of the Athenian countryside yet, Lady Imma?" Persephone loved Athenia and could talk at length about it, so Elena was hopeful the three could find common ground. They passed the narrow entrance pillars, and she allowed the other two women to enter first. As the foliage and flowers began to surround them, she found herself at last making eye contact with Leonidas.
Elena arose, convinced the day was determined to be beautiful for the sole purpose of irritating her. It would have been better if it had been raining and grey, windy and wild to match her mood. Her grandmother however wanted the day to be successful, and Elena was unable to begrudge the matriarch anything. Her mood had been sour since before her feet had even left her bed, and was showing no sign of improving.
On the outside, she masked her dark mood from everyone. There was no sense trying to battle the inevitable when there was nothing she could change about it. Her energy would be better spent making the best of things and Lady Sera would not tolerate her poor attitude. Guests were arriving from Athenia and beyond, and the Marikas would be courteous hosts. Elena had endured far worse functions, although she couldn't recall one where she had felt so on edge. Luckily, many of her mother's teachings included how to do unpleasant things with a smile. Those were the lessons that would serve her well this day.
The courtyard was swept clean and the home and gardens looked a vision. The servants knew their duties and were attending them with little oversight. If the Arcasis estate had been a ship, Lady Ivra was the captain, and Lady Sera the first officer. In the captain's absence, the first mate had made sure things were running flawlessly. Elena had felt like she was of little help and had mostly tried to stay out of the way the past few days, like her sisters.
At least she had Lady Imma's company to look forward to. The cheerful Taengean's demeanor was warm and kind, and Elena returned her smile. If Lady Imma was intending to spend more time in Athenia with her uncle then could be possible for them to be friends. Even if Lady Imma's uncle did seem a little aloof. Elena did not know what to make of the man yet, as she had heard surprisingly little about him. She also knew little about typical Taengean manners, but the Leventi family had always been gracious guests. They had visited once or twice that Elena could recall to reach agreement on the sale of some fine horses.
Lady Imma's round face was bright with a warm smile, her pale dress fashionable. Her hair was a gleaming blonde waterfall in the sunlight. She upheld the reputation the Laventi women had for beauty, that was for certain. Elena was glad that she was not held to such a high standard -it sounded exhausting. Lady Imma's beauty seemed matched by her manners as she quickly agreed to Elena's offer. She even deferred to her guardian and the lady of the house, something that the young Marikas would have done if she had been more herself today.
"Wonderful! There is a beautiful ivy wall and fountain you must see. You may even find inspiration for your next painting." Known for it's lush harvests and the food it provided for so many in Hellas, the golden province was a source of pride for the Marikas. As one of the country's oldest and wealthiest families, their supply of wheat and other foods were vital for the country's wellbeing. It was also a beautiful area of the country, the most beautiful, in Elena's opinion. The gardens of the Arcasis manor and it's beautiful flowers were one of her favourite places. Another bonus was that the garden was unlikely to be busy -as most of the guests would be closer to the manor, thereby allowing her to avoid them for a while. And if Lady Imma had to come along for her to escape, well, it was better than standing and waiting for all the carriages to arrive.
Elena picked up her skirt and began turning away when her mother made a small noise in her throat. It was subtle, but enough to draw the girl's attention to the next carriage -a good thing, for it bore the insignia of the royal household. It halted, horses stamping, while the clanking of armor and rustling of leather filled the air. It wasn't immediately clear to Elena which of the royal family had arrived. Lady Sera was beaming. It was an honor to have a royal at a Marikas gathering, and would highlight their influence to the court. The number of soldiers dismounting could have indicated any of the royal house, but it was soon obvious who the occupant was.
This gathering was the first outing for many of the nobles since the spice market, and it had been much anticipated. There were a large number of guards accompanying the royal, but it made sense for her to have extra security. The attack had left everyone on edge, and for her friend's sake Elena was grateful to see so many swords and spears. Persephone was not just the princess after all, but her cousin. The guard who had helped the princess from the carriage was already walking away, but the shape of his shoulders... Elena mentally shook herself. It wasn't the first time lately that her lack of sleep was making her mind play tricks.
Ever the royal -how was her hair always so flawless?- the Xanthos princess looked beautiful and put together. Going anywhere with Persephone took an age, because she allowed every person they encountered have a moment of her time, no matter their rank. It was an endearing -but at times exasperating- trait that spoke to her patience and grace. Normally it left Elena feeling some impatience, but she used the delay now to gather her thoughts. She still felt scattered and mentally weighed down from her dreams the night before. She struggled to be present and focused on the ladies in front of her. At least her mother looked pleased. More than pleased, Lady Sera positively glowed when Persephone stated that she also wished to see the gardens. Persephone wishing to view part of the grounds was a very appropriate reason for Elena to step away.
"Princess Persephone, I'm so happy you were able to come." She brushed an escaped tendril of hair behind her ear, skirts brushing the dirt as she dropped a quick curtsy. The dark lavender of her skirt floated about as she returned the princess's smile. She took hold of her cousin's hands and held them in friendly greeting. "I trust your journey was a safe and pleasant one?" She eyed the extra guards meaningfully as they began to disperse in various directions, knowing Persephone was perceptive enough to realize she was asking about them. As the men allowed the three young women space to talk amongst themselves, Elena could see her friend begin to relax a little. Maybe the fresh air would do all three of them good.
"Of course," she agreed. "We can all go-" Whatever she'd been about to say next was interrupted by a very abrupt noise. All three ladies looked toward the sound, with Persephone calling over the offender. The man, who had the terrible misfortune of sneezing loud enough for all to hear, began to walk towards them. Lady Sera's voice could be heard behind them as she greeted the next group of guests, the senator's voice intermingling at times. Her eagerness for the peace of the garden, led Elena to distraction until the tall armored figure was suddenly upon them.
Oh no. Oh dear.
Her eyes could not help but trace over him for long moments as he stood in front of them. The Gods had a wry sense of humor, that's for certain. His face was a familiar one, from the perpetually mussed hair to the breadth of his shoulders... Elena cleared her throat and tore her eyes away from the Lieutenant, unable to speak. Hopefully the pinkened tips of her ears would go unnoticed. Was he looking at her? Elena had no idea, because now she couldn't look at his face. His shoes however, she had a very good view of. Standard issue from the Athenian guard, they were uncomplicated, practical, and durable, just like the man they were attached to.
"Should we continue on?" Elena's voice sounded less commanding, softer than she had hoped. The group began to move with their new member -who she was most definitely not looking at out of the corner of her eye- in tow. As they walked, the feeling of needing to make conversation grew, so she endeavored to find a topic. She smiled warmly at Imma, although she couldn't stop her eyes from flicking over the princess as well. It was second nature to make sure her cousin was alright, since in most situations the room seemed to revolve around her. It was not a bad thing, just a fact of her birthright. "Have you had the opportunity to see much of the Athenian countryside yet, Lady Imma?" Persephone loved Athenia and could talk at length about it, so Elena was hopeful the three could find common ground. They passed the narrow entrance pillars, and she allowed the other two women to enter first. As the foliage and flowers began to surround them, she found herself at last making eye contact with Leonidas.
