The chatbox has been hidden for this page. It will reopen upon refresh. To hide the CBox permanently, select "Permanently Toggle Cbox" in your profile User Settings.
This chatbox is hidden. To reopen, edit your User Settings.
The notes had been sent out by his wife nearly three days ago. Which meant there was absolutely no valid reason why any of the Leventi family who had been invited would fail to arrive at the main manor for dinner that night. Fotios had made sure of it.
While not a family man in his heart, Fotios was a "House man". His name - the name of Leventi - was perhaps his greatest possession and it was one that he was forced to share with others if the name was to grow and attain power and prestige. This only meant, of course, that he had more pieces on the board than he would probably like, and the fact that some of those pieces had minds and voices of their own - often ill-informed and overtly emotional ones, but all the same - only made his job as Head of House that much more difficult.
As such, he very occasionally arranged full dinners like this with all of the family who were in the Vasiliadon manors at one time. Especially if there as a large event arriving soon or some form of information that he needed to impart on the daughters (for there were an infuriating number of them) of the House of Leventi.
His invitation had obviously included his own family - both his wife and three daughters, who were on time and ready for dinner as appropriate - but had also been extended to those staying in the second manor of the Leventi Vasiliadon property.
Georgios had been - unfortunately - too ill to attend and Evelli had insisted on handling his care herself for the evening. Which, left her daughters to attend alone. All five of the sisters had been invited - including Olympia from the royal palati - and Evangelina, their cousin, had also been summoned to the table as she was staying in the house alongside them.
As far as ministrations within the main manor were concerned, Fotios had simply informed Eirini of what was happening and left the arrangements under her care.
As such, the main dining hall was decked out in its finery, the place settings were exquisite and the kitchens were already preparing a five-course meal for the entire Leventi brood. He had never doubted his wife's skills in managing their household - or their daughters - and he would not be starting now.
Sitting in one of the several sitting rooms/studies within the manor, Fotios sat with his family for once though was limited in his engagement with them.
Sitting at the end of a long lounger, one knee crossed over the other and an open book balanced on his thigh, his wife Eirini lay elegantly beside him, her slim shoulders braced against his side. While Fotios managed his book with one hand, his other was up and over his wife's shoulder, his arm against the back of the lounger and his fingertips running the length of her forearm as she simply relaxed in the candlelit quiet.
His daughters were also in the room, enjoying the peace in their own ways. Agape and Melina were reading like their father and Dafni was working on some needle point.
It was a rare family moment that Fotios did not dislike... And it was only minorly interrupted when a maid came to the door and insisted that one of his other relations had arrived. Fotios, did not look up from his book and simply encouraged her to show them in to the manor and the room.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
The notes had been sent out by his wife nearly three days ago. Which meant there was absolutely no valid reason why any of the Leventi family who had been invited would fail to arrive at the main manor for dinner that night. Fotios had made sure of it.
While not a family man in his heart, Fotios was a "House man". His name - the name of Leventi - was perhaps his greatest possession and it was one that he was forced to share with others if the name was to grow and attain power and prestige. This only meant, of course, that he had more pieces on the board than he would probably like, and the fact that some of those pieces had minds and voices of their own - often ill-informed and overtly emotional ones, but all the same - only made his job as Head of House that much more difficult.
As such, he very occasionally arranged full dinners like this with all of the family who were in the Vasiliadon manors at one time. Especially if there as a large event arriving soon or some form of information that he needed to impart on the daughters (for there were an infuriating number of them) of the House of Leventi.
His invitation had obviously included his own family - both his wife and three daughters, who were on time and ready for dinner as appropriate - but had also been extended to those staying in the second manor of the Leventi Vasiliadon property.
Georgios had been - unfortunately - too ill to attend and Evelli had insisted on handling his care herself for the evening. Which, left her daughters to attend alone. All five of the sisters had been invited - including Olympia from the royal palati - and Evangelina, their cousin, had also been summoned to the table as she was staying in the house alongside them.
As far as ministrations within the main manor were concerned, Fotios had simply informed Eirini of what was happening and left the arrangements under her care.
As such, the main dining hall was decked out in its finery, the place settings were exquisite and the kitchens were already preparing a five-course meal for the entire Leventi brood. He had never doubted his wife's skills in managing their household - or their daughters - and he would not be starting now.
Sitting in one of the several sitting rooms/studies within the manor, Fotios sat with his family for once though was limited in his engagement with them.
Sitting at the end of a long lounger, one knee crossed over the other and an open book balanced on his thigh, his wife Eirini lay elegantly beside him, her slim shoulders braced against his side. While Fotios managed his book with one hand, his other was up and over his wife's shoulder, his arm against the back of the lounger and his fingertips running the length of her forearm as she simply relaxed in the candlelit quiet.
His daughters were also in the room, enjoying the peace in their own ways. Agape and Melina were reading like their father and Dafni was working on some needle point.
It was a rare family moment that Fotios did not dislike... And it was only minorly interrupted when a maid came to the door and insisted that one of his other relations had arrived. Fotios, did not look up from his book and simply encouraged her to show them in to the manor and the room.
The notes had been sent out by his wife nearly three days ago. Which meant there was absolutely no valid reason why any of the Leventi family who had been invited would fail to arrive at the main manor for dinner that night. Fotios had made sure of it.
While not a family man in his heart, Fotios was a "House man". His name - the name of Leventi - was perhaps his greatest possession and it was one that he was forced to share with others if the name was to grow and attain power and prestige. This only meant, of course, that he had more pieces on the board than he would probably like, and the fact that some of those pieces had minds and voices of their own - often ill-informed and overtly emotional ones, but all the same - only made his job as Head of House that much more difficult.
As such, he very occasionally arranged full dinners like this with all of the family who were in the Vasiliadon manors at one time. Especially if there as a large event arriving soon or some form of information that he needed to impart on the daughters (for there were an infuriating number of them) of the House of Leventi.
His invitation had obviously included his own family - both his wife and three daughters, who were on time and ready for dinner as appropriate - but had also been extended to those staying in the second manor of the Leventi Vasiliadon property.
Georgios had been - unfortunately - too ill to attend and Evelli had insisted on handling his care herself for the evening. Which, left her daughters to attend alone. All five of the sisters had been invited - including Olympia from the royal palati - and Evangelina, their cousin, had also been summoned to the table as she was staying in the house alongside them.
As far as ministrations within the main manor were concerned, Fotios had simply informed Eirini of what was happening and left the arrangements under her care.
As such, the main dining hall was decked out in its finery, the place settings were exquisite and the kitchens were already preparing a five-course meal for the entire Leventi brood. He had never doubted his wife's skills in managing their household - or their daughters - and he would not be starting now.
Sitting in one of the several sitting rooms/studies within the manor, Fotios sat with his family for once though was limited in his engagement with them.
Sitting at the end of a long lounger, one knee crossed over the other and an open book balanced on his thigh, his wife Eirini lay elegantly beside him, her slim shoulders braced against his side. While Fotios managed his book with one hand, his other was up and over his wife's shoulder, his arm against the back of the lounger and his fingertips running the length of her forearm as she simply relaxed in the candlelit quiet.
His daughters were also in the room, enjoying the peace in their own ways. Agape and Melina were reading like their father and Dafni was working on some needle point.
It was a rare family moment that Fotios did not dislike... And it was only minorly interrupted when a maid came to the door and insisted that one of his other relations had arrived. Fotios, did not look up from his book and simply encouraged her to show them in to the manor and the room.
Her stomach was filled with butterflies, and she knew the exact reason why.
It wasn’t because of the meal. Every time they were in the city, it seemed, they got together for a family meal. It wasn’t always a large affair, depending on who was taking up residence in the city. Most often, the men were too busy to attend, so the ladies would sit down together and enjoy their company. Whenever Fotios was involved, it always seemed to hold a different tone. But it wasn’t one that Selene found unpleasant. No, it was just different, and even in its subtle awkwardness, the family enjoyed being together.
No, her stomach was going summersaults because of the fact that she had yet to hear from Vangelis to know if he, too, was in the city. She had hoped that he would send her a letter, even just to let her know that he had safely made it to Taegnea. It was quite possible that he was not yet there, as she hadn’t dared to send someone to the docks to get word. Jo had offered, several times, to put her out of her misery, but Selene had refused. All she could do was push down the worry and trust that he would contact her as soon as he had the time.
Their last missives had seemed… different. Gone was the warm tone that had made her laugh. And perhaps that was just because of his worry about what was appropriate to put to parchment. And her own letters were just as guarded. She hated the unknown that was looming over her mind. She had told him that she was looking forward to a chance when they could just be themselves, the comfortable friendship that had bloomed within the safety of Colchis. Now, there was far more to it. And the lack of clarity was both frustrating and sad.
Luckily for her, life had been busy enough that she’d been able to focus on plenty of other things. Distractions of being with Pia and helping to finalize the wedding between Theo and Achilleas were helpful. It wasn’t until the day was over, that she was sitting against an empty Mercenaries board that she would miss him the most. She missed the way he challenged her, the way he pushed her to be more than just the pretty face. She could be brave. She could be bold. She would go to bed every night, missing the friendship that had bloomed in the two weeks she’d spent in Colchis with him and his family.
But tonight, she wanted to focus on her family. And she couldn’t do that if she was busy thinking about another family in another Kingdom. Jo was working with her curls, pinning them into a low bun at the base of her neck. Small gold hoops dangled from her ears, a small pendant of amethyst, raw cut but polished on her throat. It offset the rich plum of her chiton, a belt of leather and gold helping accent her waist. And her cuff with its stallion engraved into it held its usual spot on her wrist. As Jo finished, Selene thanked the girl and breezed out of her room, joining the rest of the broad in the foyer before they were set to leave.
As the eldest, it was her duty to make sure everyone was ready and on time. But, like most large families, it was difficult to get everyone out the door. By the time she had the 4 others all ready to go, they were running behind. To move it along, she ordered the carriage, pressing each of the girls to move with haste.
Her mind was occupied with the ride over, and even though it would have been a relatively short walk, it was nice to keep her new leather sandals in good condition. The rest of the girls made conversation, but she didn’t say much. As they pulled up to the door, Selene followed as they were handed down. She felt a bit like a mother hen, clucking and directing the girls up to the house. A servant met them at the door, ushering them into the house and towards the sitting room the rest of the family was in. Selene’s smile was bright, happy to see her cousins as well as her aunt and uncle.
“Good evening, Uncle.” She said, giving a small curtsy to him before eyeing the rest of the girls, making sure they would do the same.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Her stomach was filled with butterflies, and she knew the exact reason why.
It wasn’t because of the meal. Every time they were in the city, it seemed, they got together for a family meal. It wasn’t always a large affair, depending on who was taking up residence in the city. Most often, the men were too busy to attend, so the ladies would sit down together and enjoy their company. Whenever Fotios was involved, it always seemed to hold a different tone. But it wasn’t one that Selene found unpleasant. No, it was just different, and even in its subtle awkwardness, the family enjoyed being together.
No, her stomach was going summersaults because of the fact that she had yet to hear from Vangelis to know if he, too, was in the city. She had hoped that he would send her a letter, even just to let her know that he had safely made it to Taegnea. It was quite possible that he was not yet there, as she hadn’t dared to send someone to the docks to get word. Jo had offered, several times, to put her out of her misery, but Selene had refused. All she could do was push down the worry and trust that he would contact her as soon as he had the time.
Their last missives had seemed… different. Gone was the warm tone that had made her laugh. And perhaps that was just because of his worry about what was appropriate to put to parchment. And her own letters were just as guarded. She hated the unknown that was looming over her mind. She had told him that she was looking forward to a chance when they could just be themselves, the comfortable friendship that had bloomed within the safety of Colchis. Now, there was far more to it. And the lack of clarity was both frustrating and sad.
Luckily for her, life had been busy enough that she’d been able to focus on plenty of other things. Distractions of being with Pia and helping to finalize the wedding between Theo and Achilleas were helpful. It wasn’t until the day was over, that she was sitting against an empty Mercenaries board that she would miss him the most. She missed the way he challenged her, the way he pushed her to be more than just the pretty face. She could be brave. She could be bold. She would go to bed every night, missing the friendship that had bloomed in the two weeks she’d spent in Colchis with him and his family.
But tonight, she wanted to focus on her family. And she couldn’t do that if she was busy thinking about another family in another Kingdom. Jo was working with her curls, pinning them into a low bun at the base of her neck. Small gold hoops dangled from her ears, a small pendant of amethyst, raw cut but polished on her throat. It offset the rich plum of her chiton, a belt of leather and gold helping accent her waist. And her cuff with its stallion engraved into it held its usual spot on her wrist. As Jo finished, Selene thanked the girl and breezed out of her room, joining the rest of the broad in the foyer before they were set to leave.
As the eldest, it was her duty to make sure everyone was ready and on time. But, like most large families, it was difficult to get everyone out the door. By the time she had the 4 others all ready to go, they were running behind. To move it along, she ordered the carriage, pressing each of the girls to move with haste.
Her mind was occupied with the ride over, and even though it would have been a relatively short walk, it was nice to keep her new leather sandals in good condition. The rest of the girls made conversation, but she didn’t say much. As they pulled up to the door, Selene followed as they were handed down. She felt a bit like a mother hen, clucking and directing the girls up to the house. A servant met them at the door, ushering them into the house and towards the sitting room the rest of the family was in. Selene’s smile was bright, happy to see her cousins as well as her aunt and uncle.
“Good evening, Uncle.” She said, giving a small curtsy to him before eyeing the rest of the girls, making sure they would do the same.
Her stomach was filled with butterflies, and she knew the exact reason why.
It wasn’t because of the meal. Every time they were in the city, it seemed, they got together for a family meal. It wasn’t always a large affair, depending on who was taking up residence in the city. Most often, the men were too busy to attend, so the ladies would sit down together and enjoy their company. Whenever Fotios was involved, it always seemed to hold a different tone. But it wasn’t one that Selene found unpleasant. No, it was just different, and even in its subtle awkwardness, the family enjoyed being together.
No, her stomach was going summersaults because of the fact that she had yet to hear from Vangelis to know if he, too, was in the city. She had hoped that he would send her a letter, even just to let her know that he had safely made it to Taegnea. It was quite possible that he was not yet there, as she hadn’t dared to send someone to the docks to get word. Jo had offered, several times, to put her out of her misery, but Selene had refused. All she could do was push down the worry and trust that he would contact her as soon as he had the time.
Their last missives had seemed… different. Gone was the warm tone that had made her laugh. And perhaps that was just because of his worry about what was appropriate to put to parchment. And her own letters were just as guarded. She hated the unknown that was looming over her mind. She had told him that she was looking forward to a chance when they could just be themselves, the comfortable friendship that had bloomed within the safety of Colchis. Now, there was far more to it. And the lack of clarity was both frustrating and sad.
Luckily for her, life had been busy enough that she’d been able to focus on plenty of other things. Distractions of being with Pia and helping to finalize the wedding between Theo and Achilleas were helpful. It wasn’t until the day was over, that she was sitting against an empty Mercenaries board that she would miss him the most. She missed the way he challenged her, the way he pushed her to be more than just the pretty face. She could be brave. She could be bold. She would go to bed every night, missing the friendship that had bloomed in the two weeks she’d spent in Colchis with him and his family.
But tonight, she wanted to focus on her family. And she couldn’t do that if she was busy thinking about another family in another Kingdom. Jo was working with her curls, pinning them into a low bun at the base of her neck. Small gold hoops dangled from her ears, a small pendant of amethyst, raw cut but polished on her throat. It offset the rich plum of her chiton, a belt of leather and gold helping accent her waist. And her cuff with its stallion engraved into it held its usual spot on her wrist. As Jo finished, Selene thanked the girl and breezed out of her room, joining the rest of the broad in the foyer before they were set to leave.
As the eldest, it was her duty to make sure everyone was ready and on time. But, like most large families, it was difficult to get everyone out the door. By the time she had the 4 others all ready to go, they were running behind. To move it along, she ordered the carriage, pressing each of the girls to move with haste.
Her mind was occupied with the ride over, and even though it would have been a relatively short walk, it was nice to keep her new leather sandals in good condition. The rest of the girls made conversation, but she didn’t say much. As they pulled up to the door, Selene followed as they were handed down. She felt a bit like a mother hen, clucking and directing the girls up to the house. A servant met them at the door, ushering them into the house and towards the sitting room the rest of the family was in. Selene’s smile was bright, happy to see her cousins as well as her aunt and uncle.
“Good evening, Uncle.” She said, giving a small curtsy to him before eyeing the rest of the girls, making sure they would do the same.
It had been a busy day for Imma, even without the family dinner, she had gone to art viewing by herself. Not truly by herself, for she did have a chaperone, but it hadn’t been anyone in the family. Instead it was a trusted servant. It was a broken promise that led the chaperone to bringing her rather than her mother. At first Imma was upset over it and lamented whenever anyone was near. Her father had the chills, yet mother insisted that she spend near every moment with him as though it were some plague. Imma felt it was very unlike her mother to fret over something so small and breaking her promis. Having witnessed all that they had lately, however, Imma found that after hours of sulking, she could at least understand and therefore forgive mother for staying. After all, it wasn’t as though she didn’t get to go herself! She got to go and look at the paintings, the pottery and even a short comedy skit. It was a tad raunchy for her taste, but she did find some amusement in it. Mother likely would have had her leave during at least two of the jokes (that Imma still didn’t fully understand) so in a way it was a blessing she was not there.
Thankfully it was a morning show and with a promise that she would be back with more than enough time to get ready, Imma kept her word. Rather, she was forced into keeping it. On the return trip Imma witnessed some buskers on the street which she demanded to stop and watch. They were each juggling, one was juggling eggs, two were juggling vases back and forth to one another, and the last, which truly had Imma’s attention was the one that dared juggle large knives. Her hand and clutched her chest as she watched in horror, awe and amazement. She waited for the disaster, yet nothing was ever broken. She clapped often and even laughed, donating coins to the performance. She would have stayed and watched all day and missed the stuffy dinner but, again, she was chaperoned and forced home.
Arriving home hours too early to even start getting ready, Imma ran to the kitchens and grabbed a set of knives. It didn’t seem so difficult after watching the performers. Throw one, wait, throw another, right before you catch throw another, catch, throw, catch and continue like that. With the knives in her hand, Imma held no fear in her heart. Just as she was about to throw the first one, her name was shouted stunning her and causing her to nearly trip before she turned to see her mother. She was forced to put the knives back, and grapes were given as a replacement. They were small and valueless enough that they couldn't hurt her, and should she fail nothing important was ruined.
Grapes, Imma decided, were the worst things in the entire world for juggling. She kept losing sight of them and they were so small it was hard to catch. Frustrated she threw them in the hall and slammed her door, unbenounced to her, a servant was waiting to pick them up with silent laughter. Instead, she returned to her paints. It was a near identical painting of four others she had done and given to her father. It was a painting of the scenery that was outside his bedroom window from the vantage point of standing up. The previous lacked a yellow that was satisfactory to Imma, however, she received a tip during her morning trip and started to mix. It seemed perfect this time and she loaded up her brush. Before a single stroke could be made, she was forced to get ready.
Imma was scrubbed, cleaned and appropriately dressed and marched to the foyer. Her mind was on the paint back in her room. Perfectly mixed, now drying and becoming useless. She bumped right into one of her sisters when she entered the foyer and mumbled an apology. At least she would get to see her other cousins today, and uncle Fotios and his wife! It seemed, to her, that she hardly ever seen them outside of large events. If it were by design or simply happenstance Imma couldn’t be sure. She certainly didn’t fret over it as she waited to pass inspection.
Her curly hair was clipped back with silver leaf shaped clips. Tiny white decorative flowers were placed sparkly in her hair, enough to show they were there on purpose but few enough that they did not make a loud statement. Her jewelry was simple as well, simple, silver bangles on each write with no earrings nor necklace. Her rich blue chiton was unadorned, save the slim silver chain that acted as a belt cinching the fabric at her stomach. The dress cut was modest. Waiting, however, had her fidgeting and twisting the bracelets and casting a glance towards where her room was. The paint, she lamented internally, it was drying. It would be useless. She better be able to recreate it.
On the ride to the dinner, Imma spoke of her adventures earlier in the day. Of all the art she seen and the strangest pot she had ever seen in her life. She mused that she may try pottery someday as well, but it was likely to be another one of her daydreams that she never really fulfilled. When she spoke of the juggling, the excitement could barely be contained. She acted out the actions as best that she could before vowing that she would give that a try as well; failing to mention her already failed attempt in that line of entertainment. It appeared that a day out had done the young girls spirit good.
Upon arriving to the room in which her uncle and his family were sitting Imma exclaimed cheerfully “Uncle! Aunt! Cousins!” with a bright smile upon her face. She had barely started to take a step forward and raise her arms, to rush and hug her uncle, when she was pulled back into place by Theo. Seemingly understanding protocol after that, she offered a haphazard curtsy following Selene's. She then folded her hands in front of her looking at the family she felt she seldom saw. The smile resting upon her face did not falter as she stood there, gently bouncing on the balls of her feet waiting to move into the room.
She looked to Selene for directions and then Fotios for permission.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
It had been a busy day for Imma, even without the family dinner, she had gone to art viewing by herself. Not truly by herself, for she did have a chaperone, but it hadn’t been anyone in the family. Instead it was a trusted servant. It was a broken promise that led the chaperone to bringing her rather than her mother. At first Imma was upset over it and lamented whenever anyone was near. Her father had the chills, yet mother insisted that she spend near every moment with him as though it were some plague. Imma felt it was very unlike her mother to fret over something so small and breaking her promis. Having witnessed all that they had lately, however, Imma found that after hours of sulking, she could at least understand and therefore forgive mother for staying. After all, it wasn’t as though she didn’t get to go herself! She got to go and look at the paintings, the pottery and even a short comedy skit. It was a tad raunchy for her taste, but she did find some amusement in it. Mother likely would have had her leave during at least two of the jokes (that Imma still didn’t fully understand) so in a way it was a blessing she was not there.
Thankfully it was a morning show and with a promise that she would be back with more than enough time to get ready, Imma kept her word. Rather, she was forced into keeping it. On the return trip Imma witnessed some buskers on the street which she demanded to stop and watch. They were each juggling, one was juggling eggs, two were juggling vases back and forth to one another, and the last, which truly had Imma’s attention was the one that dared juggle large knives. Her hand and clutched her chest as she watched in horror, awe and amazement. She waited for the disaster, yet nothing was ever broken. She clapped often and even laughed, donating coins to the performance. She would have stayed and watched all day and missed the stuffy dinner but, again, she was chaperoned and forced home.
Arriving home hours too early to even start getting ready, Imma ran to the kitchens and grabbed a set of knives. It didn’t seem so difficult after watching the performers. Throw one, wait, throw another, right before you catch throw another, catch, throw, catch and continue like that. With the knives in her hand, Imma held no fear in her heart. Just as she was about to throw the first one, her name was shouted stunning her and causing her to nearly trip before she turned to see her mother. She was forced to put the knives back, and grapes were given as a replacement. They were small and valueless enough that they couldn't hurt her, and should she fail nothing important was ruined.
Grapes, Imma decided, were the worst things in the entire world for juggling. She kept losing sight of them and they were so small it was hard to catch. Frustrated she threw them in the hall and slammed her door, unbenounced to her, a servant was waiting to pick them up with silent laughter. Instead, she returned to her paints. It was a near identical painting of four others she had done and given to her father. It was a painting of the scenery that was outside his bedroom window from the vantage point of standing up. The previous lacked a yellow that was satisfactory to Imma, however, she received a tip during her morning trip and started to mix. It seemed perfect this time and she loaded up her brush. Before a single stroke could be made, she was forced to get ready.
Imma was scrubbed, cleaned and appropriately dressed and marched to the foyer. Her mind was on the paint back in her room. Perfectly mixed, now drying and becoming useless. She bumped right into one of her sisters when she entered the foyer and mumbled an apology. At least she would get to see her other cousins today, and uncle Fotios and his wife! It seemed, to her, that she hardly ever seen them outside of large events. If it were by design or simply happenstance Imma couldn’t be sure. She certainly didn’t fret over it as she waited to pass inspection.
Her curly hair was clipped back with silver leaf shaped clips. Tiny white decorative flowers were placed sparkly in her hair, enough to show they were there on purpose but few enough that they did not make a loud statement. Her jewelry was simple as well, simple, silver bangles on each write with no earrings nor necklace. Her rich blue chiton was unadorned, save the slim silver chain that acted as a belt cinching the fabric at her stomach. The dress cut was modest. Waiting, however, had her fidgeting and twisting the bracelets and casting a glance towards where her room was. The paint, she lamented internally, it was drying. It would be useless. She better be able to recreate it.
On the ride to the dinner, Imma spoke of her adventures earlier in the day. Of all the art she seen and the strangest pot she had ever seen in her life. She mused that she may try pottery someday as well, but it was likely to be another one of her daydreams that she never really fulfilled. When she spoke of the juggling, the excitement could barely be contained. She acted out the actions as best that she could before vowing that she would give that a try as well; failing to mention her already failed attempt in that line of entertainment. It appeared that a day out had done the young girls spirit good.
Upon arriving to the room in which her uncle and his family were sitting Imma exclaimed cheerfully “Uncle! Aunt! Cousins!” with a bright smile upon her face. She had barely started to take a step forward and raise her arms, to rush and hug her uncle, when she was pulled back into place by Theo. Seemingly understanding protocol after that, she offered a haphazard curtsy following Selene's. She then folded her hands in front of her looking at the family she felt she seldom saw. The smile resting upon her face did not falter as she stood there, gently bouncing on the balls of her feet waiting to move into the room.
She looked to Selene for directions and then Fotios for permission.
It had been a busy day for Imma, even without the family dinner, she had gone to art viewing by herself. Not truly by herself, for she did have a chaperone, but it hadn’t been anyone in the family. Instead it was a trusted servant. It was a broken promise that led the chaperone to bringing her rather than her mother. At first Imma was upset over it and lamented whenever anyone was near. Her father had the chills, yet mother insisted that she spend near every moment with him as though it were some plague. Imma felt it was very unlike her mother to fret over something so small and breaking her promis. Having witnessed all that they had lately, however, Imma found that after hours of sulking, she could at least understand and therefore forgive mother for staying. After all, it wasn’t as though she didn’t get to go herself! She got to go and look at the paintings, the pottery and even a short comedy skit. It was a tad raunchy for her taste, but she did find some amusement in it. Mother likely would have had her leave during at least two of the jokes (that Imma still didn’t fully understand) so in a way it was a blessing she was not there.
Thankfully it was a morning show and with a promise that she would be back with more than enough time to get ready, Imma kept her word. Rather, she was forced into keeping it. On the return trip Imma witnessed some buskers on the street which she demanded to stop and watch. They were each juggling, one was juggling eggs, two were juggling vases back and forth to one another, and the last, which truly had Imma’s attention was the one that dared juggle large knives. Her hand and clutched her chest as she watched in horror, awe and amazement. She waited for the disaster, yet nothing was ever broken. She clapped often and even laughed, donating coins to the performance. She would have stayed and watched all day and missed the stuffy dinner but, again, she was chaperoned and forced home.
Arriving home hours too early to even start getting ready, Imma ran to the kitchens and grabbed a set of knives. It didn’t seem so difficult after watching the performers. Throw one, wait, throw another, right before you catch throw another, catch, throw, catch and continue like that. With the knives in her hand, Imma held no fear in her heart. Just as she was about to throw the first one, her name was shouted stunning her and causing her to nearly trip before she turned to see her mother. She was forced to put the knives back, and grapes were given as a replacement. They were small and valueless enough that they couldn't hurt her, and should she fail nothing important was ruined.
Grapes, Imma decided, were the worst things in the entire world for juggling. She kept losing sight of them and they were so small it was hard to catch. Frustrated she threw them in the hall and slammed her door, unbenounced to her, a servant was waiting to pick them up with silent laughter. Instead, she returned to her paints. It was a near identical painting of four others she had done and given to her father. It was a painting of the scenery that was outside his bedroom window from the vantage point of standing up. The previous lacked a yellow that was satisfactory to Imma, however, she received a tip during her morning trip and started to mix. It seemed perfect this time and she loaded up her brush. Before a single stroke could be made, she was forced to get ready.
Imma was scrubbed, cleaned and appropriately dressed and marched to the foyer. Her mind was on the paint back in her room. Perfectly mixed, now drying and becoming useless. She bumped right into one of her sisters when she entered the foyer and mumbled an apology. At least she would get to see her other cousins today, and uncle Fotios and his wife! It seemed, to her, that she hardly ever seen them outside of large events. If it were by design or simply happenstance Imma couldn’t be sure. She certainly didn’t fret over it as she waited to pass inspection.
Her curly hair was clipped back with silver leaf shaped clips. Tiny white decorative flowers were placed sparkly in her hair, enough to show they were there on purpose but few enough that they did not make a loud statement. Her jewelry was simple as well, simple, silver bangles on each write with no earrings nor necklace. Her rich blue chiton was unadorned, save the slim silver chain that acted as a belt cinching the fabric at her stomach. The dress cut was modest. Waiting, however, had her fidgeting and twisting the bracelets and casting a glance towards where her room was. The paint, she lamented internally, it was drying. It would be useless. She better be able to recreate it.
On the ride to the dinner, Imma spoke of her adventures earlier in the day. Of all the art she seen and the strangest pot she had ever seen in her life. She mused that she may try pottery someday as well, but it was likely to be another one of her daydreams that she never really fulfilled. When she spoke of the juggling, the excitement could barely be contained. She acted out the actions as best that she could before vowing that she would give that a try as well; failing to mention her already failed attempt in that line of entertainment. It appeared that a day out had done the young girls spirit good.
Upon arriving to the room in which her uncle and his family were sitting Imma exclaimed cheerfully “Uncle! Aunt! Cousins!” with a bright smile upon her face. She had barely started to take a step forward and raise her arms, to rush and hug her uncle, when she was pulled back into place by Theo. Seemingly understanding protocol after that, she offered a haphazard curtsy following Selene's. She then folded her hands in front of her looking at the family she felt she seldom saw. The smile resting upon her face did not falter as she stood there, gently bouncing on the balls of her feet waiting to move into the room.
She looked to Selene for directions and then Fotios for permission.
Fotios’ invitation lay crumpled up on the floor of her guest room there in Georgio’s manner. It had arrived three days ago and in that time had been crumpled, straightened, crumpled again, and straightened again… various times in the past three days. Nudging it with her foot, she eyed it the same way one might a particularly disgusting bug that had been squished. With a sigh, she snatched it up from the floor, unrumpled it and plunked it down on her small desk.
Her mouth set in a hard line. There wasn’t any way to avoid this. Her deep-set eyes flickered up to the large looking glass attached to the desk. This was the first time she’d have to attend a family dinner like this without her own family there. Her cousins would be but it wasn’t quite the same thing as having her own parents there. She pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes. She missed her parents. She missed Tino. She missed knowing they were nearby, that they were just down the hall.
Byrony floated into the room with the diaphanous aquamarine colored chiton that Evie had decided upon in one of those moments she’d managed to convince herself not to attempt to cop out of going. Her hands fell from her face and she gave Bryony a weak smile.
“Oh, stop worrying… you’ll have your cousins there too.” Byrony tittered, laying the dress on the bed and then unwound the gold silk ribbon girdle and laid it next to the chiton. “Come now, my lady. We need to get started lest you be late.”
Evangelina threaded a hand through her wild, chestnut hair and gave in to it. Stepping forward, she began to unfasten the ties of the chiton with Byrony’s help. The two worked in an efficient silence dressing her and wrapping the ribbon girdle around her. Sitting down in front of the desk, Byrony worked on her hair, catching it all and pinning it on top of her head showing off the lean, graceful lines of her neck and sharp features. While Byrony worked on her hair, Evie put her face on the way she’d been attempting to do more of since her stint at Vasiliádon. Her eyes were rimmed with a bit of charcoal and her lips lightly painted with a subtle mauve pink balm.
It was a special occasion so she donned a few gold bangle bracelets, a necklace made with hematite beads and gold caps, and matching dangling earrings. Looking into the looking glass, she stared at herself. Outside of slumping a little in the chair, she could almost make out who she’d been months ago. Behind her Byrony, smiled softly into the mirror at her lady. “You are so beautiful...my lady. Lady Nana is right, you should take more care of your appearance.”
Evie smiled softly back at her in the glass and patted her friend’s hand that rested upon her shoulder. A small chuckle escaped, “I’m going to forget entirely that you just said that Nana was right.”
One last glance in the glass, she let out a soft breath and rubbed her hands on her thighs over the bright blue material. It was time to head downstairs to join the others to head over to their uncles. Standing she was about to step away when she snatched up the invitation again, crumpled it and threw it into the corner in one last ditch effort of rebellion. Jutting her chin out, she marched towards the door, leaving Byrony there smirking.
She made idle chatter with her cousins, though it seemed to be more of smiling and nodding with the occasional ‘mhm’ thrown in there. Her mind was too busy idly preparing herself for the evening ahead.
Shown into her aunt and uncle’s home seemed more like she was just going through the motions. Remaining silent, she stood near the other side of Selene, offering a small curtsy. Her dark eyes focused demurely on the floor sparing a glance at her aunt and cousins the latter receive a faint smile before she looked to her uncle. Her chest rose and fell with deep, slow breaths. She wasn’t going to be intimidated by this. She wasn’t. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Imma in her excitement almost rush forward.
Casting a glance at Theo, before turning her attention back to her uncle. Clasping her arms in front of her, she spoke up with a coiled smile. “Good evening, Uncle. My parents wished me to express their regret for not being able to attend this evening, perhaps next time…” Her hands were growing clammy. Hold it together, Evie! Channeling her mother, she proceeded with a careful calmness and a look up from beneath her sweeping eyelashes, “Thank you for the invitation.”
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Fotios’ invitation lay crumpled up on the floor of her guest room there in Georgio’s manner. It had arrived three days ago and in that time had been crumpled, straightened, crumpled again, and straightened again… various times in the past three days. Nudging it with her foot, she eyed it the same way one might a particularly disgusting bug that had been squished. With a sigh, she snatched it up from the floor, unrumpled it and plunked it down on her small desk.
Her mouth set in a hard line. There wasn’t any way to avoid this. Her deep-set eyes flickered up to the large looking glass attached to the desk. This was the first time she’d have to attend a family dinner like this without her own family there. Her cousins would be but it wasn’t quite the same thing as having her own parents there. She pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes. She missed her parents. She missed Tino. She missed knowing they were nearby, that they were just down the hall.
Byrony floated into the room with the diaphanous aquamarine colored chiton that Evie had decided upon in one of those moments she’d managed to convince herself not to attempt to cop out of going. Her hands fell from her face and she gave Bryony a weak smile.
“Oh, stop worrying… you’ll have your cousins there too.” Byrony tittered, laying the dress on the bed and then unwound the gold silk ribbon girdle and laid it next to the chiton. “Come now, my lady. We need to get started lest you be late.”
Evangelina threaded a hand through her wild, chestnut hair and gave in to it. Stepping forward, she began to unfasten the ties of the chiton with Byrony’s help. The two worked in an efficient silence dressing her and wrapping the ribbon girdle around her. Sitting down in front of the desk, Byrony worked on her hair, catching it all and pinning it on top of her head showing off the lean, graceful lines of her neck and sharp features. While Byrony worked on her hair, Evie put her face on the way she’d been attempting to do more of since her stint at Vasiliádon. Her eyes were rimmed with a bit of charcoal and her lips lightly painted with a subtle mauve pink balm.
It was a special occasion so she donned a few gold bangle bracelets, a necklace made with hematite beads and gold caps, and matching dangling earrings. Looking into the looking glass, she stared at herself. Outside of slumping a little in the chair, she could almost make out who she’d been months ago. Behind her Byrony, smiled softly into the mirror at her lady. “You are so beautiful...my lady. Lady Nana is right, you should take more care of your appearance.”
Evie smiled softly back at her in the glass and patted her friend’s hand that rested upon her shoulder. A small chuckle escaped, “I’m going to forget entirely that you just said that Nana was right.”
One last glance in the glass, she let out a soft breath and rubbed her hands on her thighs over the bright blue material. It was time to head downstairs to join the others to head over to their uncles. Standing she was about to step away when she snatched up the invitation again, crumpled it and threw it into the corner in one last ditch effort of rebellion. Jutting her chin out, she marched towards the door, leaving Byrony there smirking.
She made idle chatter with her cousins, though it seemed to be more of smiling and nodding with the occasional ‘mhm’ thrown in there. Her mind was too busy idly preparing herself for the evening ahead.
Shown into her aunt and uncle’s home seemed more like she was just going through the motions. Remaining silent, she stood near the other side of Selene, offering a small curtsy. Her dark eyes focused demurely on the floor sparing a glance at her aunt and cousins the latter receive a faint smile before she looked to her uncle. Her chest rose and fell with deep, slow breaths. She wasn’t going to be intimidated by this. She wasn’t. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Imma in her excitement almost rush forward.
Casting a glance at Theo, before turning her attention back to her uncle. Clasping her arms in front of her, she spoke up with a coiled smile. “Good evening, Uncle. My parents wished me to express their regret for not being able to attend this evening, perhaps next time…” Her hands were growing clammy. Hold it together, Evie! Channeling her mother, she proceeded with a careful calmness and a look up from beneath her sweeping eyelashes, “Thank you for the invitation.”
Fotios’ invitation lay crumpled up on the floor of her guest room there in Georgio’s manner. It had arrived three days ago and in that time had been crumpled, straightened, crumpled again, and straightened again… various times in the past three days. Nudging it with her foot, she eyed it the same way one might a particularly disgusting bug that had been squished. With a sigh, she snatched it up from the floor, unrumpled it and plunked it down on her small desk.
Her mouth set in a hard line. There wasn’t any way to avoid this. Her deep-set eyes flickered up to the large looking glass attached to the desk. This was the first time she’d have to attend a family dinner like this without her own family there. Her cousins would be but it wasn’t quite the same thing as having her own parents there. She pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes. She missed her parents. She missed Tino. She missed knowing they were nearby, that they were just down the hall.
Byrony floated into the room with the diaphanous aquamarine colored chiton that Evie had decided upon in one of those moments she’d managed to convince herself not to attempt to cop out of going. Her hands fell from her face and she gave Bryony a weak smile.
“Oh, stop worrying… you’ll have your cousins there too.” Byrony tittered, laying the dress on the bed and then unwound the gold silk ribbon girdle and laid it next to the chiton. “Come now, my lady. We need to get started lest you be late.”
Evangelina threaded a hand through her wild, chestnut hair and gave in to it. Stepping forward, she began to unfasten the ties of the chiton with Byrony’s help. The two worked in an efficient silence dressing her and wrapping the ribbon girdle around her. Sitting down in front of the desk, Byrony worked on her hair, catching it all and pinning it on top of her head showing off the lean, graceful lines of her neck and sharp features. While Byrony worked on her hair, Evie put her face on the way she’d been attempting to do more of since her stint at Vasiliádon. Her eyes were rimmed with a bit of charcoal and her lips lightly painted with a subtle mauve pink balm.
It was a special occasion so she donned a few gold bangle bracelets, a necklace made with hematite beads and gold caps, and matching dangling earrings. Looking into the looking glass, she stared at herself. Outside of slumping a little in the chair, she could almost make out who she’d been months ago. Behind her Byrony, smiled softly into the mirror at her lady. “You are so beautiful...my lady. Lady Nana is right, you should take more care of your appearance.”
Evie smiled softly back at her in the glass and patted her friend’s hand that rested upon her shoulder. A small chuckle escaped, “I’m going to forget entirely that you just said that Nana was right.”
One last glance in the glass, she let out a soft breath and rubbed her hands on her thighs over the bright blue material. It was time to head downstairs to join the others to head over to their uncles. Standing she was about to step away when she snatched up the invitation again, crumpled it and threw it into the corner in one last ditch effort of rebellion. Jutting her chin out, she marched towards the door, leaving Byrony there smirking.
She made idle chatter with her cousins, though it seemed to be more of smiling and nodding with the occasional ‘mhm’ thrown in there. Her mind was too busy idly preparing herself for the evening ahead.
Shown into her aunt and uncle’s home seemed more like she was just going through the motions. Remaining silent, she stood near the other side of Selene, offering a small curtsy. Her dark eyes focused demurely on the floor sparing a glance at her aunt and cousins the latter receive a faint smile before she looked to her uncle. Her chest rose and fell with deep, slow breaths. She wasn’t going to be intimidated by this. She wasn’t. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Imma in her excitement almost rush forward.
Casting a glance at Theo, before turning her attention back to her uncle. Clasping her arms in front of her, she spoke up with a coiled smile. “Good evening, Uncle. My parents wished me to express their regret for not being able to attend this evening, perhaps next time…” Her hands were growing clammy. Hold it together, Evie! Channeling her mother, she proceeded with a careful calmness and a look up from beneath her sweeping eyelashes, “Thank you for the invitation.”
Being here was the last thing she wanted. The opportunity to spend time with her sisters and cousins were always welcome, but she was queen now. It chafed her pride that Fotios thought he could simply order her presence whenever he wished. Had it not been for Selene's letter, Pia would have discarded the notice in favor of remaining home. At almost seven months pregnant she was beginning to notice the pains and fatigue much more easily. Her back and feet ached and sitting in the same position for too long was uncomfortable, even sleeping had become difficult though that could be due to the nightmares she had been having and less the actual physical discomfort.
As far as anyone knew, she was happily married. There was no one but herself and Desma who knew about the pin, no one who knew the anger she had been hiding or the fear she held in her heart. If Stephanos had another lover, another mistress who might in turn bear a child, a son. She knew divorce was frowned upon but if she had a girl there was no reason why the royal family wouldn't want to get rid of her somehow. Send her to a temple, kill her, make her step aside in spite of everything.
Dressed simply in a pale blue chiton that was tied loosely over the swell of her stomach, she wore a robe of a deeper navy trimmed with gold to cover her shoulders and keep her warm against the bite of the air that was beginning to creep in. The carriage ride to her uncle's house was the time she took to prepare herself, bracing for any prying questions and practicing the coy smile she gave whenever people asked about her husband. Until she determined what to do with this information, how she could use it for herself, no one would know what she knew.
Aided in her descent from the carriage by one of her guards, they followed her inside and in her one show of strength she did not dismiss the men who accompanied her. Instead of insisting that they leave her, for the safety of her family, she kept them close by as she stepped into the presence of her uncle, aunt, cousins, and sisters. Instead of giving any sort of curtsy to her uncle as she might have in the past, Pia kept her chin up and simply smiled about the room.
"Uncle. How kind of you to open your house to us for this dinner."
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Being here was the last thing she wanted. The opportunity to spend time with her sisters and cousins were always welcome, but she was queen now. It chafed her pride that Fotios thought he could simply order her presence whenever he wished. Had it not been for Selene's letter, Pia would have discarded the notice in favor of remaining home. At almost seven months pregnant she was beginning to notice the pains and fatigue much more easily. Her back and feet ached and sitting in the same position for too long was uncomfortable, even sleeping had become difficult though that could be due to the nightmares she had been having and less the actual physical discomfort.
As far as anyone knew, she was happily married. There was no one but herself and Desma who knew about the pin, no one who knew the anger she had been hiding or the fear she held in her heart. If Stephanos had another lover, another mistress who might in turn bear a child, a son. She knew divorce was frowned upon but if she had a girl there was no reason why the royal family wouldn't want to get rid of her somehow. Send her to a temple, kill her, make her step aside in spite of everything.
Dressed simply in a pale blue chiton that was tied loosely over the swell of her stomach, she wore a robe of a deeper navy trimmed with gold to cover her shoulders and keep her warm against the bite of the air that was beginning to creep in. The carriage ride to her uncle's house was the time she took to prepare herself, bracing for any prying questions and practicing the coy smile she gave whenever people asked about her husband. Until she determined what to do with this information, how she could use it for herself, no one would know what she knew.
Aided in her descent from the carriage by one of her guards, they followed her inside and in her one show of strength she did not dismiss the men who accompanied her. Instead of insisting that they leave her, for the safety of her family, she kept them close by as she stepped into the presence of her uncle, aunt, cousins, and sisters. Instead of giving any sort of curtsy to her uncle as she might have in the past, Pia kept her chin up and simply smiled about the room.
"Uncle. How kind of you to open your house to us for this dinner."
Being here was the last thing she wanted. The opportunity to spend time with her sisters and cousins were always welcome, but she was queen now. It chafed her pride that Fotios thought he could simply order her presence whenever he wished. Had it not been for Selene's letter, Pia would have discarded the notice in favor of remaining home. At almost seven months pregnant she was beginning to notice the pains and fatigue much more easily. Her back and feet ached and sitting in the same position for too long was uncomfortable, even sleeping had become difficult though that could be due to the nightmares she had been having and less the actual physical discomfort.
As far as anyone knew, she was happily married. There was no one but herself and Desma who knew about the pin, no one who knew the anger she had been hiding or the fear she held in her heart. If Stephanos had another lover, another mistress who might in turn bear a child, a son. She knew divorce was frowned upon but if she had a girl there was no reason why the royal family wouldn't want to get rid of her somehow. Send her to a temple, kill her, make her step aside in spite of everything.
Dressed simply in a pale blue chiton that was tied loosely over the swell of her stomach, she wore a robe of a deeper navy trimmed with gold to cover her shoulders and keep her warm against the bite of the air that was beginning to creep in. The carriage ride to her uncle's house was the time she took to prepare herself, bracing for any prying questions and practicing the coy smile she gave whenever people asked about her husband. Until she determined what to do with this information, how she could use it for herself, no one would know what she knew.
Aided in her descent from the carriage by one of her guards, they followed her inside and in her one show of strength she did not dismiss the men who accompanied her. Instead of insisting that they leave her, for the safety of her family, she kept them close by as she stepped into the presence of her uncle, aunt, cousins, and sisters. Instead of giving any sort of curtsy to her uncle as she might have in the past, Pia kept her chin up and simply smiled about the room.
"Uncle. How kind of you to open your house to us for this dinner."
Strength in numbers.
It was a credo she’d been repeating to herself for the better part of the day, if not the last week.
Strength in numbers.
It repeated in her mind. Like a mantra. A pep talk. This time she wasn’t facing her uncle alone. She would be there with a contingent of ladies by her side. All well versed in the art of conversation and turning an awkward moment into something less intimidating.
Strength in numbers.
She’d gone to her mother.. Offered to sit with Georgios for the evening in her stead so that she might spend time with Eirini, Fotios and all of the girls. There was truly no other place Theo would rather be than sitting near her father; reading to him from one of his many tomes as he drifted in and out of sleep. It was one of the only times where getting lost in the book and the sound of her voice seemed to dull everything else out and she could just be with him. But Evelli had denied her; insisting on staying herself. Insisting she should go with her sisters. That Fotios would expect it. That to decline his invitation would be a grievous insult.
Strength in numbers.
Theo sat in front of the mirror; her hair pinned up and curled delicately about her temples. Her Cheeks with the smattering of freckles that she’d had since a child and her dark expressive eyes that seemed rather dull of late. She rubbed at the bags that had settled beneath them and took up a kohl pencil to line her lower lid. She focused on steadying her hand and drew the stick along her lashes; then repeated it on the other side with a shaky hand.
Strength in numbers.
She shook out her hand and looked at herself in the mirror. The dark circles were still present. But they weren’t as noticeable with the kohl liner. She picked up the glass of wine and took a long drink from it. If she was to survive this evening she would need it. Two glasses should be enough to keep her relaxed enough to not look tense, but sober enough that she wouldn’t say anything she regretted to her uncle.
Her room was quiet. Even with four other sisters readying themselves in various places in the house, her room was still quiet. Blessedly so as she needed the time for fortification. To center herself and remember the person she needed to be for all of them. She stared at her reflection in the wavy mirror. Her cheeks looked thinner and she pressed a hand against one of them. Surely it was just the wave of the mirror.
She looked away.
Standing from her seat, she went to the bench where her sandals rested; waiting for her. She sat down and leaned over so she could slip them on and strap them up her calves. The emerald green dress she wore billowed around the curve of her hips but was cinched in tightly about her slender waist. She wore a silver threaded leather belt around her waist and the cording around her neck matched. Her hair was tied up in a chignon at the nape of her neck with loose curls that fell from it that softened her features and made her look less severe. On her upper arm, she wore a silver snake cuff that had emeralds in the place of the eyes and on her other arm, a simple silver bracelet imported from Egypt.
Standing again, she went back to her glass and drained it before she left her room and walked around the upper balcony to the stairs that lead to the inner courtyard. ...The courtyard where five men had died. The courtyard where she and Emilios were almost killed.
Unconsciously, she’d taken up a path around where their bodies had been left. Fotios had long since changed out the tiles that had been stained with blood, but the vision of them laying there was permanently etched in her memory. As if she walked across the spots where they died she’d somehow feel the soft flesh of their bodies beneath her feet.
Her face paled.
Rounding the corner, she hurried a bit faster to her sisters. They’d been lucky in that they’d not seen the remnants of the skirmish. The blood and wine that ran like small streams between the tiles. Then again they’d seen the kings head on a pike. A vision she couldn’t imagine being able to forget.
Joining her sisters, they set off for their uncles; solemn and tense, as it seemed.
Strength in numbers.
She tried to speak several times.. Tried to find some words of cheer to break the tension, but none could be found. Instead, she linked arms with her youngest sister; hoping to glean some of her cheerfulness in some way.
Upon arriving at their Aunt and Uncle’s grand estate, they filed in to see them; all politely with pleasant words of greeting. Theo stayed Imma in her effervescence, keeping her from bounding up to their uncle. Instead, Imma hesitated and then dropped into a curtsey. Theo followed suit but gave no greeting to her Uncle; allowing Pia to speak for her instead. She doubted one way or the other if he cared. Their evening would likely be spent in his company listening to him speak of his expectations and informing them of court politics so they would be well prepared in public. They weren’t expected to speak unless spoken to. This was by no means a casual event in which to catch up and trade stories. And while being in Fotios’s presence always amounted to a long and exhaustive evening…
There was strength in numbers.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
It was a credo she’d been repeating to herself for the better part of the day, if not the last week.
Strength in numbers.
It repeated in her mind. Like a mantra. A pep talk. This time she wasn’t facing her uncle alone. She would be there with a contingent of ladies by her side. All well versed in the art of conversation and turning an awkward moment into something less intimidating.
Strength in numbers.
She’d gone to her mother.. Offered to sit with Georgios for the evening in her stead so that she might spend time with Eirini, Fotios and all of the girls. There was truly no other place Theo would rather be than sitting near her father; reading to him from one of his many tomes as he drifted in and out of sleep. It was one of the only times where getting lost in the book and the sound of her voice seemed to dull everything else out and she could just be with him. But Evelli had denied her; insisting on staying herself. Insisting she should go with her sisters. That Fotios would expect it. That to decline his invitation would be a grievous insult.
Strength in numbers.
Theo sat in front of the mirror; her hair pinned up and curled delicately about her temples. Her Cheeks with the smattering of freckles that she’d had since a child and her dark expressive eyes that seemed rather dull of late. She rubbed at the bags that had settled beneath them and took up a kohl pencil to line her lower lid. She focused on steadying her hand and drew the stick along her lashes; then repeated it on the other side with a shaky hand.
Strength in numbers.
She shook out her hand and looked at herself in the mirror. The dark circles were still present. But they weren’t as noticeable with the kohl liner. She picked up the glass of wine and took a long drink from it. If she was to survive this evening she would need it. Two glasses should be enough to keep her relaxed enough to not look tense, but sober enough that she wouldn’t say anything she regretted to her uncle.
Her room was quiet. Even with four other sisters readying themselves in various places in the house, her room was still quiet. Blessedly so as she needed the time for fortification. To center herself and remember the person she needed to be for all of them. She stared at her reflection in the wavy mirror. Her cheeks looked thinner and she pressed a hand against one of them. Surely it was just the wave of the mirror.
She looked away.
Standing from her seat, she went to the bench where her sandals rested; waiting for her. She sat down and leaned over so she could slip them on and strap them up her calves. The emerald green dress she wore billowed around the curve of her hips but was cinched in tightly about her slender waist. She wore a silver threaded leather belt around her waist and the cording around her neck matched. Her hair was tied up in a chignon at the nape of her neck with loose curls that fell from it that softened her features and made her look less severe. On her upper arm, she wore a silver snake cuff that had emeralds in the place of the eyes and on her other arm, a simple silver bracelet imported from Egypt.
Standing again, she went back to her glass and drained it before she left her room and walked around the upper balcony to the stairs that lead to the inner courtyard. ...The courtyard where five men had died. The courtyard where she and Emilios were almost killed.
Unconsciously, she’d taken up a path around where their bodies had been left. Fotios had long since changed out the tiles that had been stained with blood, but the vision of them laying there was permanently etched in her memory. As if she walked across the spots where they died she’d somehow feel the soft flesh of their bodies beneath her feet.
Her face paled.
Rounding the corner, she hurried a bit faster to her sisters. They’d been lucky in that they’d not seen the remnants of the skirmish. The blood and wine that ran like small streams between the tiles. Then again they’d seen the kings head on a pike. A vision she couldn’t imagine being able to forget.
Joining her sisters, they set off for their uncles; solemn and tense, as it seemed.
Strength in numbers.
She tried to speak several times.. Tried to find some words of cheer to break the tension, but none could be found. Instead, she linked arms with her youngest sister; hoping to glean some of her cheerfulness in some way.
Upon arriving at their Aunt and Uncle’s grand estate, they filed in to see them; all politely with pleasant words of greeting. Theo stayed Imma in her effervescence, keeping her from bounding up to their uncle. Instead, Imma hesitated and then dropped into a curtsey. Theo followed suit but gave no greeting to her Uncle; allowing Pia to speak for her instead. She doubted one way or the other if he cared. Their evening would likely be spent in his company listening to him speak of his expectations and informing them of court politics so they would be well prepared in public. They weren’t expected to speak unless spoken to. This was by no means a casual event in which to catch up and trade stories. And while being in Fotios’s presence always amounted to a long and exhaustive evening…
There was strength in numbers.
Strength in numbers.
It was a credo she’d been repeating to herself for the better part of the day, if not the last week.
Strength in numbers.
It repeated in her mind. Like a mantra. A pep talk. This time she wasn’t facing her uncle alone. She would be there with a contingent of ladies by her side. All well versed in the art of conversation and turning an awkward moment into something less intimidating.
Strength in numbers.
She’d gone to her mother.. Offered to sit with Georgios for the evening in her stead so that she might spend time with Eirini, Fotios and all of the girls. There was truly no other place Theo would rather be than sitting near her father; reading to him from one of his many tomes as he drifted in and out of sleep. It was one of the only times where getting lost in the book and the sound of her voice seemed to dull everything else out and she could just be with him. But Evelli had denied her; insisting on staying herself. Insisting she should go with her sisters. That Fotios would expect it. That to decline his invitation would be a grievous insult.
Strength in numbers.
Theo sat in front of the mirror; her hair pinned up and curled delicately about her temples. Her Cheeks with the smattering of freckles that she’d had since a child and her dark expressive eyes that seemed rather dull of late. She rubbed at the bags that had settled beneath them and took up a kohl pencil to line her lower lid. She focused on steadying her hand and drew the stick along her lashes; then repeated it on the other side with a shaky hand.
Strength in numbers.
She shook out her hand and looked at herself in the mirror. The dark circles were still present. But they weren’t as noticeable with the kohl liner. She picked up the glass of wine and took a long drink from it. If she was to survive this evening she would need it. Two glasses should be enough to keep her relaxed enough to not look tense, but sober enough that she wouldn’t say anything she regretted to her uncle.
Her room was quiet. Even with four other sisters readying themselves in various places in the house, her room was still quiet. Blessedly so as she needed the time for fortification. To center herself and remember the person she needed to be for all of them. She stared at her reflection in the wavy mirror. Her cheeks looked thinner and she pressed a hand against one of them. Surely it was just the wave of the mirror.
She looked away.
Standing from her seat, she went to the bench where her sandals rested; waiting for her. She sat down and leaned over so she could slip them on and strap them up her calves. The emerald green dress she wore billowed around the curve of her hips but was cinched in tightly about her slender waist. She wore a silver threaded leather belt around her waist and the cording around her neck matched. Her hair was tied up in a chignon at the nape of her neck with loose curls that fell from it that softened her features and made her look less severe. On her upper arm, she wore a silver snake cuff that had emeralds in the place of the eyes and on her other arm, a simple silver bracelet imported from Egypt.
Standing again, she went back to her glass and drained it before she left her room and walked around the upper balcony to the stairs that lead to the inner courtyard. ...The courtyard where five men had died. The courtyard where she and Emilios were almost killed.
Unconsciously, she’d taken up a path around where their bodies had been left. Fotios had long since changed out the tiles that had been stained with blood, but the vision of them laying there was permanently etched in her memory. As if she walked across the spots where they died she’d somehow feel the soft flesh of their bodies beneath her feet.
Her face paled.
Rounding the corner, she hurried a bit faster to her sisters. They’d been lucky in that they’d not seen the remnants of the skirmish. The blood and wine that ran like small streams between the tiles. Then again they’d seen the kings head on a pike. A vision she couldn’t imagine being able to forget.
Joining her sisters, they set off for their uncles; solemn and tense, as it seemed.
Strength in numbers.
She tried to speak several times.. Tried to find some words of cheer to break the tension, but none could be found. Instead, she linked arms with her youngest sister; hoping to glean some of her cheerfulness in some way.
Upon arriving at their Aunt and Uncle’s grand estate, they filed in to see them; all politely with pleasant words of greeting. Theo stayed Imma in her effervescence, keeping her from bounding up to their uncle. Instead, Imma hesitated and then dropped into a curtsey. Theo followed suit but gave no greeting to her Uncle; allowing Pia to speak for her instead. She doubted one way or the other if he cared. Their evening would likely be spent in his company listening to him speak of his expectations and informing them of court politics so they would be well prepared in public. They weren’t expected to speak unless spoken to. This was by no means a casual event in which to catch up and trade stories. And while being in Fotios’s presence always amounted to a long and exhaustive evening…
There was strength in numbers.
Nana's day was eventful, she took the courage to step outside... Until a dragonfly flew over to kindly greet her, and such courage only lasted for milliseconds before she clambered up the stairs and back to her room. Only the slaves and servants were present when she brushed past them to get to her abode, but knowing them, they wouldn't tell a soul about her small venture in the outdoors for their obedience held no bounds. Aside from the fearful mishap, she spent all of her time coordinating her outfit for the Leventi House dinner by nightfall. "Blue, red, or orange-- Eugh, never orange!" Oh, where was Imma when she needed her?
Eventually, she settled on a peach-toned peplos strapped to a matching chiton gown. Her first choice of color was white, but what if she dropped part of her meal in her lap? The thought almost made her furious, she wouldn't be able to scrub the stain out, ever! There were servants in tow but their assistance was redundant when it came to self-care and clothing. Her dark gold locks would be parted, stopping at her shoulders and away from her mouth. Necklaces would not be worn, due to recent events concerning the neck and throat. Thankfully, she had other places to accessorize, starting with her arms. Grabbing a numerous amount of gold bracelets, she attached eight to each arm by twos, she felt exposed without a necklace and believed that many bracelets would prevent her from feeling that way. A few servants knocked on her door and came into the room to assist-- until they were sent away by the wave of her hand. The young woman detested help, only accepting help from Imma if need be. Once she pierced golden hoops in both ears, she flicked one side of her hair behind her and smiled at her reflection in the mirror. The gold bracelets, peach clothing, golden earrings, and her darker golden hair color matched well with each color complementing each other. An impatient knock on the door was enough to tell Nana that she had to move, and with that, she took her time to head out the door and over to the family.
As always, Nana was the last to arrive. Her eyes shifted to the side, in hopes that their father and Evangelina's uncle Georgios would appear. Unfortunately, he was still occupied with the chills. With a small sigh, she walked down the stairs to take her place near Imma and Evangelina as they all approached a carriage. The vapid Leventi smiled at Selene and Theodora, visibly pleased that they wouldn't be walking to the opposite manor. As they all settled into the carriage, Imma talked about her day outside of the manor thus earning a surprised statement from Nana, who believed that the youngest should've been home to help coordinate her outfit! Imma was spared from any snark-filled comments since the fourth oldest was able to do so on her own. Plus, she looked too good to form a frown on her face in the moment.
They arrived and all piled out into the open, being ushered into the larger home. Nana was looking forward to the dinner, it was usually all of the ladies that sat and conversed. She would always try to direct the conversations over to Agape, Melina, or Dafne, but they were so flustered and timid that the conversations would fall flat until Aunt Eirini picked it back up again. It was as if the three were afraid to say something amusing or witty and it was quite pitiful. Regardless, the woman of twenty one still liked to hear their voices every one in awhile, it was a rare opportunity, almost like seeing a Gladiator face-to face. Unfortunately, the bright dinner event would turn into a dull affair... upon seeing Uncle Fotios, she dipped into a curtsy, the eight bracelets on each arm clinking against each other as a greeting, sounding like mishapened harp strings. Uncle Fotios almost never appeared at the dinners, and when he did, the conversations were a bore! Although she barely paid attention to Evie's brother Konstantinos, she would always look to the boy as if silently pleading him to do something amusing. She had nothing against the Head of their House, but he was a bit of a gruff and very boring, but all Noblemen were.
Polite pleasantries swiftly took the place of what could've been a moan. "Uncle Fotios, Aunt Eirini," She said, a smile and a dip to her head towards her aunt before turning to the three other women. "Agape, Melina, Dafne, it's a pleasure to see you three."
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Nana's day was eventful, she took the courage to step outside... Until a dragonfly flew over to kindly greet her, and such courage only lasted for milliseconds before she clambered up the stairs and back to her room. Only the slaves and servants were present when she brushed past them to get to her abode, but knowing them, they wouldn't tell a soul about her small venture in the outdoors for their obedience held no bounds. Aside from the fearful mishap, she spent all of her time coordinating her outfit for the Leventi House dinner by nightfall. "Blue, red, or orange-- Eugh, never orange!" Oh, where was Imma when she needed her?
Eventually, she settled on a peach-toned peplos strapped to a matching chiton gown. Her first choice of color was white, but what if she dropped part of her meal in her lap? The thought almost made her furious, she wouldn't be able to scrub the stain out, ever! There were servants in tow but their assistance was redundant when it came to self-care and clothing. Her dark gold locks would be parted, stopping at her shoulders and away from her mouth. Necklaces would not be worn, due to recent events concerning the neck and throat. Thankfully, she had other places to accessorize, starting with her arms. Grabbing a numerous amount of gold bracelets, she attached eight to each arm by twos, she felt exposed without a necklace and believed that many bracelets would prevent her from feeling that way. A few servants knocked on her door and came into the room to assist-- until they were sent away by the wave of her hand. The young woman detested help, only accepting help from Imma if need be. Once she pierced golden hoops in both ears, she flicked one side of her hair behind her and smiled at her reflection in the mirror. The gold bracelets, peach clothing, golden earrings, and her darker golden hair color matched well with each color complementing each other. An impatient knock on the door was enough to tell Nana that she had to move, and with that, she took her time to head out the door and over to the family.
As always, Nana was the last to arrive. Her eyes shifted to the side, in hopes that their father and Evangelina's uncle Georgios would appear. Unfortunately, he was still occupied with the chills. With a small sigh, she walked down the stairs to take her place near Imma and Evangelina as they all approached a carriage. The vapid Leventi smiled at Selene and Theodora, visibly pleased that they wouldn't be walking to the opposite manor. As they all settled into the carriage, Imma talked about her day outside of the manor thus earning a surprised statement from Nana, who believed that the youngest should've been home to help coordinate her outfit! Imma was spared from any snark-filled comments since the fourth oldest was able to do so on her own. Plus, she looked too good to form a frown on her face in the moment.
They arrived and all piled out into the open, being ushered into the larger home. Nana was looking forward to the dinner, it was usually all of the ladies that sat and conversed. She would always try to direct the conversations over to Agape, Melina, or Dafne, but they were so flustered and timid that the conversations would fall flat until Aunt Eirini picked it back up again. It was as if the three were afraid to say something amusing or witty and it was quite pitiful. Regardless, the woman of twenty one still liked to hear their voices every one in awhile, it was a rare opportunity, almost like seeing a Gladiator face-to face. Unfortunately, the bright dinner event would turn into a dull affair... upon seeing Uncle Fotios, she dipped into a curtsy, the eight bracelets on each arm clinking against each other as a greeting, sounding like mishapened harp strings. Uncle Fotios almost never appeared at the dinners, and when he did, the conversations were a bore! Although she barely paid attention to Evie's brother Konstantinos, she would always look to the boy as if silently pleading him to do something amusing. She had nothing against the Head of their House, but he was a bit of a gruff and very boring, but all Noblemen were.
Polite pleasantries swiftly took the place of what could've been a moan. "Uncle Fotios, Aunt Eirini," She said, a smile and a dip to her head towards her aunt before turning to the three other women. "Agape, Melina, Dafne, it's a pleasure to see you three."
Nana's day was eventful, she took the courage to step outside... Until a dragonfly flew over to kindly greet her, and such courage only lasted for milliseconds before she clambered up the stairs and back to her room. Only the slaves and servants were present when she brushed past them to get to her abode, but knowing them, they wouldn't tell a soul about her small venture in the outdoors for their obedience held no bounds. Aside from the fearful mishap, she spent all of her time coordinating her outfit for the Leventi House dinner by nightfall. "Blue, red, or orange-- Eugh, never orange!" Oh, where was Imma when she needed her?
Eventually, she settled on a peach-toned peplos strapped to a matching chiton gown. Her first choice of color was white, but what if she dropped part of her meal in her lap? The thought almost made her furious, she wouldn't be able to scrub the stain out, ever! There were servants in tow but their assistance was redundant when it came to self-care and clothing. Her dark gold locks would be parted, stopping at her shoulders and away from her mouth. Necklaces would not be worn, due to recent events concerning the neck and throat. Thankfully, she had other places to accessorize, starting with her arms. Grabbing a numerous amount of gold bracelets, she attached eight to each arm by twos, she felt exposed without a necklace and believed that many bracelets would prevent her from feeling that way. A few servants knocked on her door and came into the room to assist-- until they were sent away by the wave of her hand. The young woman detested help, only accepting help from Imma if need be. Once she pierced golden hoops in both ears, she flicked one side of her hair behind her and smiled at her reflection in the mirror. The gold bracelets, peach clothing, golden earrings, and her darker golden hair color matched well with each color complementing each other. An impatient knock on the door was enough to tell Nana that she had to move, and with that, she took her time to head out the door and over to the family.
As always, Nana was the last to arrive. Her eyes shifted to the side, in hopes that their father and Evangelina's uncle Georgios would appear. Unfortunately, he was still occupied with the chills. With a small sigh, she walked down the stairs to take her place near Imma and Evangelina as they all approached a carriage. The vapid Leventi smiled at Selene and Theodora, visibly pleased that they wouldn't be walking to the opposite manor. As they all settled into the carriage, Imma talked about her day outside of the manor thus earning a surprised statement from Nana, who believed that the youngest should've been home to help coordinate her outfit! Imma was spared from any snark-filled comments since the fourth oldest was able to do so on her own. Plus, she looked too good to form a frown on her face in the moment.
They arrived and all piled out into the open, being ushered into the larger home. Nana was looking forward to the dinner, it was usually all of the ladies that sat and conversed. She would always try to direct the conversations over to Agape, Melina, or Dafne, but they were so flustered and timid that the conversations would fall flat until Aunt Eirini picked it back up again. It was as if the three were afraid to say something amusing or witty and it was quite pitiful. Regardless, the woman of twenty one still liked to hear their voices every one in awhile, it was a rare opportunity, almost like seeing a Gladiator face-to face. Unfortunately, the bright dinner event would turn into a dull affair... upon seeing Uncle Fotios, she dipped into a curtsy, the eight bracelets on each arm clinking against each other as a greeting, sounding like mishapened harp strings. Uncle Fotios almost never appeared at the dinners, and when he did, the conversations were a bore! Although she barely paid attention to Evie's brother Konstantinos, she would always look to the boy as if silently pleading him to do something amusing. She had nothing against the Head of their House, but he was a bit of a gruff and very boring, but all Noblemen were.
Polite pleasantries swiftly took the place of what could've been a moan. "Uncle Fotios, Aunt Eirini," She said, a smile and a dip to her head towards her aunt before turning to the three other women. "Agape, Melina, Dafne, it's a pleasure to see you three."
When a servant came to the door of the study and the other Leventi’s beside his own immediate family were admitted to the room, Fotios did not stand immediately. Instead, he gently closed the tome he had been reading, his finger still placed between the pages as if he expected to go back to it after the minor interruption of his brothers' children arriving in his home and his fingers stopped brushing over the length of his wife's arm as he looked up towards the new entrants.
The first was the eldest of the entire brood. Blonde and supremely elegant, Selene had an angelic quality about her that men liked. Not to mention the fact that she was clearly graced by Aphrodite with her outstanding beauty. It was a shame Georgios held her in such high regard, however, for he had kept that beauty behind a cage for far too long. Not matter how many times Fotios had tried to push for a quick engagement between herself and Zacharias or maybe one of the Marikas family in Athenia, he had insisted that she would choose her husband within time and that he would be content to marry her off, only when she felt the time to be ready. That, coupled with the fact that Zacharias had dragged his feet in the proposal area, meant that Selene was now getting on in years. It was a shame, given that she had held so much promise... Then again, perhaps the news he had for that night would offer her one final chance before she was officially delegated a spinster and he stopped trying. She had other sisters after all... At least if he was stuck with her within the Leventi homestead, Selene was one of the more palatable of Georgios' children for him. She was quiet and subdued around him and spoke with the right level of respect without speaking too much. Uninteresting but at least not annoying. Rather like his second daughter Melina.
Fotios gave little response to her greeting besides a minor nod as her sisters filed in behind her.
The youngest followed the eldest. A sweet and naive girl that Fotios found he quite liked... She was still young - mouldable... and so eager to please that he saw potential there. Marrying her off for an appropriate connection would be of no difficulty at all. He had only abstained this long because he didn't like the shade it would throw onto her elder sisters if the youngest was the first to wed. That would be of little concern soon enough and Fotios made a mental note to encourage a connection between Imma and his youngest daughter Dafni. They had enjoyed each other’s company in the past and were both equally rambunctious. Dafni was also the only one of his daughters who seemed to be growing with some kind of prettiness that might attract an appropriate suitor...
When the young girl was eager to greet them, her smile real and her enthusiasm electric, Fotios offered a small and friendly smile at her and caught the eye of his own issue who stood and moved to greet the youngest of their cousins.
The third girl to walk through the door was one that Fotios had been less hastened to invite to dinner. Unfortunately, given the news he had that involved her, her presence was a necessary irritation that was required that evening. Her mother's daughter and an unfortunate blemish that he had been trying to marry off over the last few weeks, making connections across the three kingdoms, she was a constant thorn in his side that he was regularly having to stop and pluck out. As she thanked him for the invitation to dinner, Fotios could almost see the lie in her eyes and he had no doubts in his mind that her words were simply bluster. She even had the gall to offer up her parents' condolences, as if to try and make obvious that he held no sway over Ava and Konstanos.
"That's quite alright." Fotios commented as Evangelina came fully into the room after offering a small curtsy at the entrance. "I didn't invite them." He bluntly answered with disregard for any awkwardness his statement might cause.
As the three girls moved further into the room, Fotios remained seated and waved a hand to encourage Imma and Dafni to move further away from the door and Selene to a chair out of the way.
It was good he had made space given that the next woman to enter the room was three times her normal size.
Olympia followed her belly into the room and Fotios felt an internal preening. So, the queen of the kingdom could be commanded to attend a family function. That was good to know. He had regular reports from the Mikaelidas palace to confirm that Olympia and the baby were in good health and Fotios was pleased that the connection between the two Houses would soon be solidified by offspring. He just hoped for Irakles' sake that the child was female.
"Not at all, Olympia." Fotios commented in response to her welcome. "Thank you for attending when I know you must be tired these days..."
The only time Fotios actually frowned with regards to one of the girl's entering the room was when Theodora made her entrance. While she had curled and primmed her hair to perfection and she was just as elegant in her bearing as always, she looked... ill. Her cheeks shallower and without colour and the hint of shadows beneath her eyes were noticeable to a trained eye. She was wallowing and Fotios inwardly grit his teeth.
Women...
Promise them the unity with the most eligible bachelor in the kingdom and they would still find a way to make their own lives’ a misery and the happy occasion a prophecy of doom. If there was one thing Fotios couldn't stand, it was melodrama.
The girl said nothing as she entered the room, so Fotios said nothing in return. He would have plenty to impart on Theodora later that evening and he was not about to send her into hysterics now. She looked like one barbed comment would break her and he wasn't interested in dealing with a swoon.
The last - unsurprisingly - was Nana. She had probably stopped to check her appearance in the mirror in the hall but Fotios had little issue with this. A pretty young girl and therefore of use to him, Nana was the perfect visage of a wife in the making. Provided she kept her mouth shut. Not that he was going to tell her that. The amount of time she spent on her appearance (as his servants in the second manor had reported) was all to good effect and he wasn't about to let a comment from him diminish her confidence and put a halt to such ministrations. The girl was shining brighter than the Goddess blessed Theodora these days and he wasn't about to have two of them looking gaunt.
When all of the girls had showed themselves to be present, Fotios finally stood, his wife Eirini elegantly swinging her legs around to sit upright after leaning against him for the last few hours. His daughters followed suit, as they were trained to and Agape and Melina joined Nana while Dafni continued to murmur her welcomes to Imma.
With the sweep of his hand Fotios turned and led the way from the room through a different door than the one that Leventi girls were hovering around in a gaggle.
"To the dining room then, I would suggest." He stated, wasting no time on idle chit chat. Fotios couldn't bear nonsensical chatter and women were the worse for it between the sexes.
The dining room that he led them towards was the room used for all kinds of meals in the primary Leventi manor and was one that Georgios's girls at least would know well from irregular dinners held by the Head of the House.
A long room with marble walls and pillars set into them - semi-spheres curving their way out at regular intervals down the chamber... tall candle holders stood in place between each interruption and the flickering light of six dozen tapers turned the marble to black oil and gave the room an elegant and dull lighting.
More candles and their brackets adorned the table where golden place settings shined. Beneath each plate was a white muslin place setting, the fabric stark against the black and glossy wood of the long table.
The chairs were already laid out in place and Fotios immediately strode to the far end of the table as was his place as head of the family. His wife Eirini - who normally took his right-hand side proved her etiquette knowledge by taking the left instead and waving Olympia to the seat on Fotios' right. The most prestigious seat, barring his own at the table.
On Eirini's left side would be seated Selene, then Nana, Imma and Dafni. To the Queen's right, Theodora was directed, with Evangelina, Agape and Melina filling the others. Two long rows of women with Fotios at the head.
As all the girls took their places, it was only upon Fotios sitting down in tandem that had the servants rushing from the kitchens with covered dishes for each place setting. Once revealed their entree was, as Eirini had no doubt instructed, goat's cheese and olives - a favourite of Fotios'.
Reaching out, he touched a momentary finger to the edge of his wife's arm and she smiled across at him, their eyes meeting in a moment of thanks and understanding for the gesture.
"You may eat." Fotios commanded, suddenly looking away from his wife and allowed his gaze to be draw towards the rest of the party, his hand moving from her skin to the utensils before him. Spearing one of the olives, Fotios began as he had instructed others to do, while two servants ran down either side of the table pouring wine or water into cups at the behest of each guest's preference.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
When a servant came to the door of the study and the other Leventi’s beside his own immediate family were admitted to the room, Fotios did not stand immediately. Instead, he gently closed the tome he had been reading, his finger still placed between the pages as if he expected to go back to it after the minor interruption of his brothers' children arriving in his home and his fingers stopped brushing over the length of his wife's arm as he looked up towards the new entrants.
The first was the eldest of the entire brood. Blonde and supremely elegant, Selene had an angelic quality about her that men liked. Not to mention the fact that she was clearly graced by Aphrodite with her outstanding beauty. It was a shame Georgios held her in such high regard, however, for he had kept that beauty behind a cage for far too long. Not matter how many times Fotios had tried to push for a quick engagement between herself and Zacharias or maybe one of the Marikas family in Athenia, he had insisted that she would choose her husband within time and that he would be content to marry her off, only when she felt the time to be ready. That, coupled with the fact that Zacharias had dragged his feet in the proposal area, meant that Selene was now getting on in years. It was a shame, given that she had held so much promise... Then again, perhaps the news he had for that night would offer her one final chance before she was officially delegated a spinster and he stopped trying. She had other sisters after all... At least if he was stuck with her within the Leventi homestead, Selene was one of the more palatable of Georgios' children for him. She was quiet and subdued around him and spoke with the right level of respect without speaking too much. Uninteresting but at least not annoying. Rather like his second daughter Melina.
Fotios gave little response to her greeting besides a minor nod as her sisters filed in behind her.
The youngest followed the eldest. A sweet and naive girl that Fotios found he quite liked... She was still young - mouldable... and so eager to please that he saw potential there. Marrying her off for an appropriate connection would be of no difficulty at all. He had only abstained this long because he didn't like the shade it would throw onto her elder sisters if the youngest was the first to wed. That would be of little concern soon enough and Fotios made a mental note to encourage a connection between Imma and his youngest daughter Dafni. They had enjoyed each other’s company in the past and were both equally rambunctious. Dafni was also the only one of his daughters who seemed to be growing with some kind of prettiness that might attract an appropriate suitor...
When the young girl was eager to greet them, her smile real and her enthusiasm electric, Fotios offered a small and friendly smile at her and caught the eye of his own issue who stood and moved to greet the youngest of their cousins.
The third girl to walk through the door was one that Fotios had been less hastened to invite to dinner. Unfortunately, given the news he had that involved her, her presence was a necessary irritation that was required that evening. Her mother's daughter and an unfortunate blemish that he had been trying to marry off over the last few weeks, making connections across the three kingdoms, she was a constant thorn in his side that he was regularly having to stop and pluck out. As she thanked him for the invitation to dinner, Fotios could almost see the lie in her eyes and he had no doubts in his mind that her words were simply bluster. She even had the gall to offer up her parents' condolences, as if to try and make obvious that he held no sway over Ava and Konstanos.
"That's quite alright." Fotios commented as Evangelina came fully into the room after offering a small curtsy at the entrance. "I didn't invite them." He bluntly answered with disregard for any awkwardness his statement might cause.
As the three girls moved further into the room, Fotios remained seated and waved a hand to encourage Imma and Dafni to move further away from the door and Selene to a chair out of the way.
It was good he had made space given that the next woman to enter the room was three times her normal size.
Olympia followed her belly into the room and Fotios felt an internal preening. So, the queen of the kingdom could be commanded to attend a family function. That was good to know. He had regular reports from the Mikaelidas palace to confirm that Olympia and the baby were in good health and Fotios was pleased that the connection between the two Houses would soon be solidified by offspring. He just hoped for Irakles' sake that the child was female.
"Not at all, Olympia." Fotios commented in response to her welcome. "Thank you for attending when I know you must be tired these days..."
The only time Fotios actually frowned with regards to one of the girl's entering the room was when Theodora made her entrance. While she had curled and primmed her hair to perfection and she was just as elegant in her bearing as always, she looked... ill. Her cheeks shallower and without colour and the hint of shadows beneath her eyes were noticeable to a trained eye. She was wallowing and Fotios inwardly grit his teeth.
Women...
Promise them the unity with the most eligible bachelor in the kingdom and they would still find a way to make their own lives’ a misery and the happy occasion a prophecy of doom. If there was one thing Fotios couldn't stand, it was melodrama.
The girl said nothing as she entered the room, so Fotios said nothing in return. He would have plenty to impart on Theodora later that evening and he was not about to send her into hysterics now. She looked like one barbed comment would break her and he wasn't interested in dealing with a swoon.
The last - unsurprisingly - was Nana. She had probably stopped to check her appearance in the mirror in the hall but Fotios had little issue with this. A pretty young girl and therefore of use to him, Nana was the perfect visage of a wife in the making. Provided she kept her mouth shut. Not that he was going to tell her that. The amount of time she spent on her appearance (as his servants in the second manor had reported) was all to good effect and he wasn't about to let a comment from him diminish her confidence and put a halt to such ministrations. The girl was shining brighter than the Goddess blessed Theodora these days and he wasn't about to have two of them looking gaunt.
When all of the girls had showed themselves to be present, Fotios finally stood, his wife Eirini elegantly swinging her legs around to sit upright after leaning against him for the last few hours. His daughters followed suit, as they were trained to and Agape and Melina joined Nana while Dafni continued to murmur her welcomes to Imma.
With the sweep of his hand Fotios turned and led the way from the room through a different door than the one that Leventi girls were hovering around in a gaggle.
"To the dining room then, I would suggest." He stated, wasting no time on idle chit chat. Fotios couldn't bear nonsensical chatter and women were the worse for it between the sexes.
The dining room that he led them towards was the room used for all kinds of meals in the primary Leventi manor and was one that Georgios's girls at least would know well from irregular dinners held by the Head of the House.
A long room with marble walls and pillars set into them - semi-spheres curving their way out at regular intervals down the chamber... tall candle holders stood in place between each interruption and the flickering light of six dozen tapers turned the marble to black oil and gave the room an elegant and dull lighting.
More candles and their brackets adorned the table where golden place settings shined. Beneath each plate was a white muslin place setting, the fabric stark against the black and glossy wood of the long table.
The chairs were already laid out in place and Fotios immediately strode to the far end of the table as was his place as head of the family. His wife Eirini - who normally took his right-hand side proved her etiquette knowledge by taking the left instead and waving Olympia to the seat on Fotios' right. The most prestigious seat, barring his own at the table.
On Eirini's left side would be seated Selene, then Nana, Imma and Dafni. To the Queen's right, Theodora was directed, with Evangelina, Agape and Melina filling the others. Two long rows of women with Fotios at the head.
As all the girls took their places, it was only upon Fotios sitting down in tandem that had the servants rushing from the kitchens with covered dishes for each place setting. Once revealed their entree was, as Eirini had no doubt instructed, goat's cheese and olives - a favourite of Fotios'.
Reaching out, he touched a momentary finger to the edge of his wife's arm and she smiled across at him, their eyes meeting in a moment of thanks and understanding for the gesture.
"You may eat." Fotios commanded, suddenly looking away from his wife and allowed his gaze to be draw towards the rest of the party, his hand moving from her skin to the utensils before him. Spearing one of the olives, Fotios began as he had instructed others to do, while two servants ran down either side of the table pouring wine or water into cups at the behest of each guest's preference.
When a servant came to the door of the study and the other Leventi’s beside his own immediate family were admitted to the room, Fotios did not stand immediately. Instead, he gently closed the tome he had been reading, his finger still placed between the pages as if he expected to go back to it after the minor interruption of his brothers' children arriving in his home and his fingers stopped brushing over the length of his wife's arm as he looked up towards the new entrants.
The first was the eldest of the entire brood. Blonde and supremely elegant, Selene had an angelic quality about her that men liked. Not to mention the fact that she was clearly graced by Aphrodite with her outstanding beauty. It was a shame Georgios held her in such high regard, however, for he had kept that beauty behind a cage for far too long. Not matter how many times Fotios had tried to push for a quick engagement between herself and Zacharias or maybe one of the Marikas family in Athenia, he had insisted that she would choose her husband within time and that he would be content to marry her off, only when she felt the time to be ready. That, coupled with the fact that Zacharias had dragged his feet in the proposal area, meant that Selene was now getting on in years. It was a shame, given that she had held so much promise... Then again, perhaps the news he had for that night would offer her one final chance before she was officially delegated a spinster and he stopped trying. She had other sisters after all... At least if he was stuck with her within the Leventi homestead, Selene was one of the more palatable of Georgios' children for him. She was quiet and subdued around him and spoke with the right level of respect without speaking too much. Uninteresting but at least not annoying. Rather like his second daughter Melina.
Fotios gave little response to her greeting besides a minor nod as her sisters filed in behind her.
The youngest followed the eldest. A sweet and naive girl that Fotios found he quite liked... She was still young - mouldable... and so eager to please that he saw potential there. Marrying her off for an appropriate connection would be of no difficulty at all. He had only abstained this long because he didn't like the shade it would throw onto her elder sisters if the youngest was the first to wed. That would be of little concern soon enough and Fotios made a mental note to encourage a connection between Imma and his youngest daughter Dafni. They had enjoyed each other’s company in the past and were both equally rambunctious. Dafni was also the only one of his daughters who seemed to be growing with some kind of prettiness that might attract an appropriate suitor...
When the young girl was eager to greet them, her smile real and her enthusiasm electric, Fotios offered a small and friendly smile at her and caught the eye of his own issue who stood and moved to greet the youngest of their cousins.
The third girl to walk through the door was one that Fotios had been less hastened to invite to dinner. Unfortunately, given the news he had that involved her, her presence was a necessary irritation that was required that evening. Her mother's daughter and an unfortunate blemish that he had been trying to marry off over the last few weeks, making connections across the three kingdoms, she was a constant thorn in his side that he was regularly having to stop and pluck out. As she thanked him for the invitation to dinner, Fotios could almost see the lie in her eyes and he had no doubts in his mind that her words were simply bluster. She even had the gall to offer up her parents' condolences, as if to try and make obvious that he held no sway over Ava and Konstanos.
"That's quite alright." Fotios commented as Evangelina came fully into the room after offering a small curtsy at the entrance. "I didn't invite them." He bluntly answered with disregard for any awkwardness his statement might cause.
As the three girls moved further into the room, Fotios remained seated and waved a hand to encourage Imma and Dafni to move further away from the door and Selene to a chair out of the way.
It was good he had made space given that the next woman to enter the room was three times her normal size.
Olympia followed her belly into the room and Fotios felt an internal preening. So, the queen of the kingdom could be commanded to attend a family function. That was good to know. He had regular reports from the Mikaelidas palace to confirm that Olympia and the baby were in good health and Fotios was pleased that the connection between the two Houses would soon be solidified by offspring. He just hoped for Irakles' sake that the child was female.
"Not at all, Olympia." Fotios commented in response to her welcome. "Thank you for attending when I know you must be tired these days..."
The only time Fotios actually frowned with regards to one of the girl's entering the room was when Theodora made her entrance. While she had curled and primmed her hair to perfection and she was just as elegant in her bearing as always, she looked... ill. Her cheeks shallower and without colour and the hint of shadows beneath her eyes were noticeable to a trained eye. She was wallowing and Fotios inwardly grit his teeth.
Women...
Promise them the unity with the most eligible bachelor in the kingdom and they would still find a way to make their own lives’ a misery and the happy occasion a prophecy of doom. If there was one thing Fotios couldn't stand, it was melodrama.
The girl said nothing as she entered the room, so Fotios said nothing in return. He would have plenty to impart on Theodora later that evening and he was not about to send her into hysterics now. She looked like one barbed comment would break her and he wasn't interested in dealing with a swoon.
The last - unsurprisingly - was Nana. She had probably stopped to check her appearance in the mirror in the hall but Fotios had little issue with this. A pretty young girl and therefore of use to him, Nana was the perfect visage of a wife in the making. Provided she kept her mouth shut. Not that he was going to tell her that. The amount of time she spent on her appearance (as his servants in the second manor had reported) was all to good effect and he wasn't about to let a comment from him diminish her confidence and put a halt to such ministrations. The girl was shining brighter than the Goddess blessed Theodora these days and he wasn't about to have two of them looking gaunt.
When all of the girls had showed themselves to be present, Fotios finally stood, his wife Eirini elegantly swinging her legs around to sit upright after leaning against him for the last few hours. His daughters followed suit, as they were trained to and Agape and Melina joined Nana while Dafni continued to murmur her welcomes to Imma.
With the sweep of his hand Fotios turned and led the way from the room through a different door than the one that Leventi girls were hovering around in a gaggle.
"To the dining room then, I would suggest." He stated, wasting no time on idle chit chat. Fotios couldn't bear nonsensical chatter and women were the worse for it between the sexes.
The dining room that he led them towards was the room used for all kinds of meals in the primary Leventi manor and was one that Georgios's girls at least would know well from irregular dinners held by the Head of the House.
A long room with marble walls and pillars set into them - semi-spheres curving their way out at regular intervals down the chamber... tall candle holders stood in place between each interruption and the flickering light of six dozen tapers turned the marble to black oil and gave the room an elegant and dull lighting.
More candles and their brackets adorned the table where golden place settings shined. Beneath each plate was a white muslin place setting, the fabric stark against the black and glossy wood of the long table.
The chairs were already laid out in place and Fotios immediately strode to the far end of the table as was his place as head of the family. His wife Eirini - who normally took his right-hand side proved her etiquette knowledge by taking the left instead and waving Olympia to the seat on Fotios' right. The most prestigious seat, barring his own at the table.
On Eirini's left side would be seated Selene, then Nana, Imma and Dafni. To the Queen's right, Theodora was directed, with Evangelina, Agape and Melina filling the others. Two long rows of women with Fotios at the head.
As all the girls took their places, it was only upon Fotios sitting down in tandem that had the servants rushing from the kitchens with covered dishes for each place setting. Once revealed their entree was, as Eirini had no doubt instructed, goat's cheese and olives - a favourite of Fotios'.
Reaching out, he touched a momentary finger to the edge of his wife's arm and she smiled across at him, their eyes meeting in a moment of thanks and understanding for the gesture.
"You may eat." Fotios commanded, suddenly looking away from his wife and allowed his gaze to be draw towards the rest of the party, his hand moving from her skin to the utensils before him. Spearing one of the olives, Fotios began as he had instructed others to do, while two servants ran down either side of the table pouring wine or water into cups at the behest of each guest's preference.
Selene’s duty, first and foremost, was to set the example for the rest of the girls. As the first born, it was the expectation of those around her to be a leader, to demonstrate just how a Leventi was to act. But, even then, she was well aware of the fact that her uncle considered her to be a disappointment. The blonde wasn’t sure that it was due strictly to her gender (although it played a part). It was more because it was odd for a woman to still be unmarried at her age. And, even more so, it was odd that she wasn’t at a point where she was willing to settle for just anyone.
Months ago, when things had been safe and normal, she had expected a proposal from the now dead prince. While he had never shown much of a physical attraction to her, Zacharias seemed to enjoy her company. And perhaps it was because she was realistic about the expectations of a crowned prince. It wasn’t always about love when a kingdom looked to you for guidance as its prince. No, it was about finding someone who could be your equal. Who would stand next to you and support you, and who wouldn’t trust you without question. Marriage, when you were a Leventi, wasn’t always about love.
And yet, it was all around her.
Her parents, as odd as their relationship seemed at times, had always been in love with each other. Her father was ever faithful to his wife, genuinely focused on keeping her happy and doting upon his girls. Even Fotios and Elrini, in a way she never quite understood, seemed to be obsessed with each other. While their eyes often wandered in court, it never seemed to matter at the end of the day. So, even though she had been raised to not expect to love the man she was to marry, in the very depths of her heart, she hoped that she would.
Who knew, maybe their love had taken years to grow. Perhaps, she thought as she took an open chair in the corner of the room, they hated each other in the beginning. Perhaps there was nothing there, but a respect and love that grew with time. In her own mind, she tried to picture herself falling in love with the dead prince. And while they got along well, she was positive that the best they could have hoped for was a close friendship. And without love, a marriage was ripe with infidelity. Could she handle being married to someone who looked elsewhere for love?
She had wanted to be a Queen, before being noble and royal in Taegnea was dangerous. Now, she wanted a marriage that would offer security and protection. Perhaps she could convince her father to choose a powerful man, to send her away for a while to get to know her future husband. Perhaps she could find herself somewhere else.
Colchis had done that for her, had made her take a look at her own strengths. And while she had come to terms with what she wanted from her life now, there was still confused on what the overall outcome would be. She was torn in wanting to stay with her family and needing to go for her own sanity.
When she returned from her trip, in her brief visit back to the island they called him, she had told her father that she wished to please him, to marry a King like they had always planned for her. But, more importantly, she was sure she did not wish to stay in Greece. Perhaps, she had told them, it could be somewhere close. Where she could visit frequently and still be a part of the family when her husband would allow it. After that baby was born, she had said, but then she wished to be settled. Since his illness, she had heard nothing of a prospective husband.
Her mind was focused elsewhere, so she missed the rest of her family’s entrance. Had she seen Pia enter, she would have stood from her chair to greet her sister properly. By the time she had realized that everyone was there, they were being told that they were to proceed to the table.
She stood, slipping her arm through Pia’s to escort her to the dining room. Her sister looked good, for being as pregnant as she was. Her head leaned into her sister’s, sighing softly, ”Thank you for coming, Sweet Pea. I know you’d rather be elsewhere.” She gently touched her hand, hoping that her gratitude was apparent. As close as the other girls were, she didn’t dare mention her underlying worry about Vangelis, nor did she say anything about the conversation she had with their father. No, the walk was relatively silent for the older girls, who didn’t dare speak openly in such a guarded setting.
As they walked to the table, she couldn’t hide her disappointment in the new seating. Usually, she and Pia were sat next to each other, with Selene occupying the seat next to her uncle. It wasn’t that she felt that it was a rebuke in her own importance-- Pia was Queen, after all. No, it was more than she wanted to sit next to her sister, who had been keeping her secrets since they were children, who she had bonded with more in the past few months than they had in a lifetime together. She wouldn’t say anything, instead of escorting her sister to her seat of honor before moving to the other side of the table.
Selene adored Nana, in her own sweet way. And she was sure that her aunt did not look forward to being next to her eldest niece. Dinner, it seemed, was going to be a test of patience.
The eldest waited until her uncle began eating, then continued to wait until her glass was filled with wine before she, too, started to enjoy the meal in front of her.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Selene’s duty, first and foremost, was to set the example for the rest of the girls. As the first born, it was the expectation of those around her to be a leader, to demonstrate just how a Leventi was to act. But, even then, she was well aware of the fact that her uncle considered her to be a disappointment. The blonde wasn’t sure that it was due strictly to her gender (although it played a part). It was more because it was odd for a woman to still be unmarried at her age. And, even more so, it was odd that she wasn’t at a point where she was willing to settle for just anyone.
Months ago, when things had been safe and normal, she had expected a proposal from the now dead prince. While he had never shown much of a physical attraction to her, Zacharias seemed to enjoy her company. And perhaps it was because she was realistic about the expectations of a crowned prince. It wasn’t always about love when a kingdom looked to you for guidance as its prince. No, it was about finding someone who could be your equal. Who would stand next to you and support you, and who wouldn’t trust you without question. Marriage, when you were a Leventi, wasn’t always about love.
And yet, it was all around her.
Her parents, as odd as their relationship seemed at times, had always been in love with each other. Her father was ever faithful to his wife, genuinely focused on keeping her happy and doting upon his girls. Even Fotios and Elrini, in a way she never quite understood, seemed to be obsessed with each other. While their eyes often wandered in court, it never seemed to matter at the end of the day. So, even though she had been raised to not expect to love the man she was to marry, in the very depths of her heart, she hoped that she would.
Who knew, maybe their love had taken years to grow. Perhaps, she thought as she took an open chair in the corner of the room, they hated each other in the beginning. Perhaps there was nothing there, but a respect and love that grew with time. In her own mind, she tried to picture herself falling in love with the dead prince. And while they got along well, she was positive that the best they could have hoped for was a close friendship. And without love, a marriage was ripe with infidelity. Could she handle being married to someone who looked elsewhere for love?
She had wanted to be a Queen, before being noble and royal in Taegnea was dangerous. Now, she wanted a marriage that would offer security and protection. Perhaps she could convince her father to choose a powerful man, to send her away for a while to get to know her future husband. Perhaps she could find herself somewhere else.
Colchis had done that for her, had made her take a look at her own strengths. And while she had come to terms with what she wanted from her life now, there was still confused on what the overall outcome would be. She was torn in wanting to stay with her family and needing to go for her own sanity.
When she returned from her trip, in her brief visit back to the island they called him, she had told her father that she wished to please him, to marry a King like they had always planned for her. But, more importantly, she was sure she did not wish to stay in Greece. Perhaps, she had told them, it could be somewhere close. Where she could visit frequently and still be a part of the family when her husband would allow it. After that baby was born, she had said, but then she wished to be settled. Since his illness, she had heard nothing of a prospective husband.
Her mind was focused elsewhere, so she missed the rest of her family’s entrance. Had she seen Pia enter, she would have stood from her chair to greet her sister properly. By the time she had realized that everyone was there, they were being told that they were to proceed to the table.
She stood, slipping her arm through Pia’s to escort her to the dining room. Her sister looked good, for being as pregnant as she was. Her head leaned into her sister’s, sighing softly, ”Thank you for coming, Sweet Pea. I know you’d rather be elsewhere.” She gently touched her hand, hoping that her gratitude was apparent. As close as the other girls were, she didn’t dare mention her underlying worry about Vangelis, nor did she say anything about the conversation she had with their father. No, the walk was relatively silent for the older girls, who didn’t dare speak openly in such a guarded setting.
As they walked to the table, she couldn’t hide her disappointment in the new seating. Usually, she and Pia were sat next to each other, with Selene occupying the seat next to her uncle. It wasn’t that she felt that it was a rebuke in her own importance-- Pia was Queen, after all. No, it was more than she wanted to sit next to her sister, who had been keeping her secrets since they were children, who she had bonded with more in the past few months than they had in a lifetime together. She wouldn’t say anything, instead of escorting her sister to her seat of honor before moving to the other side of the table.
Selene adored Nana, in her own sweet way. And she was sure that her aunt did not look forward to being next to her eldest niece. Dinner, it seemed, was going to be a test of patience.
The eldest waited until her uncle began eating, then continued to wait until her glass was filled with wine before she, too, started to enjoy the meal in front of her.
Selene’s duty, first and foremost, was to set the example for the rest of the girls. As the first born, it was the expectation of those around her to be a leader, to demonstrate just how a Leventi was to act. But, even then, she was well aware of the fact that her uncle considered her to be a disappointment. The blonde wasn’t sure that it was due strictly to her gender (although it played a part). It was more because it was odd for a woman to still be unmarried at her age. And, even more so, it was odd that she wasn’t at a point where she was willing to settle for just anyone.
Months ago, when things had been safe and normal, she had expected a proposal from the now dead prince. While he had never shown much of a physical attraction to her, Zacharias seemed to enjoy her company. And perhaps it was because she was realistic about the expectations of a crowned prince. It wasn’t always about love when a kingdom looked to you for guidance as its prince. No, it was about finding someone who could be your equal. Who would stand next to you and support you, and who wouldn’t trust you without question. Marriage, when you were a Leventi, wasn’t always about love.
And yet, it was all around her.
Her parents, as odd as their relationship seemed at times, had always been in love with each other. Her father was ever faithful to his wife, genuinely focused on keeping her happy and doting upon his girls. Even Fotios and Elrini, in a way she never quite understood, seemed to be obsessed with each other. While their eyes often wandered in court, it never seemed to matter at the end of the day. So, even though she had been raised to not expect to love the man she was to marry, in the very depths of her heart, she hoped that she would.
Who knew, maybe their love had taken years to grow. Perhaps, she thought as she took an open chair in the corner of the room, they hated each other in the beginning. Perhaps there was nothing there, but a respect and love that grew with time. In her own mind, she tried to picture herself falling in love with the dead prince. And while they got along well, she was positive that the best they could have hoped for was a close friendship. And without love, a marriage was ripe with infidelity. Could she handle being married to someone who looked elsewhere for love?
She had wanted to be a Queen, before being noble and royal in Taegnea was dangerous. Now, she wanted a marriage that would offer security and protection. Perhaps she could convince her father to choose a powerful man, to send her away for a while to get to know her future husband. Perhaps she could find herself somewhere else.
Colchis had done that for her, had made her take a look at her own strengths. And while she had come to terms with what she wanted from her life now, there was still confused on what the overall outcome would be. She was torn in wanting to stay with her family and needing to go for her own sanity.
When she returned from her trip, in her brief visit back to the island they called him, she had told her father that she wished to please him, to marry a King like they had always planned for her. But, more importantly, she was sure she did not wish to stay in Greece. Perhaps, she had told them, it could be somewhere close. Where she could visit frequently and still be a part of the family when her husband would allow it. After that baby was born, she had said, but then she wished to be settled. Since his illness, she had heard nothing of a prospective husband.
Her mind was focused elsewhere, so she missed the rest of her family’s entrance. Had she seen Pia enter, she would have stood from her chair to greet her sister properly. By the time she had realized that everyone was there, they were being told that they were to proceed to the table.
She stood, slipping her arm through Pia’s to escort her to the dining room. Her sister looked good, for being as pregnant as she was. Her head leaned into her sister’s, sighing softly, ”Thank you for coming, Sweet Pea. I know you’d rather be elsewhere.” She gently touched her hand, hoping that her gratitude was apparent. As close as the other girls were, she didn’t dare mention her underlying worry about Vangelis, nor did she say anything about the conversation she had with their father. No, the walk was relatively silent for the older girls, who didn’t dare speak openly in such a guarded setting.
As they walked to the table, she couldn’t hide her disappointment in the new seating. Usually, she and Pia were sat next to each other, with Selene occupying the seat next to her uncle. It wasn’t that she felt that it was a rebuke in her own importance-- Pia was Queen, after all. No, it was more than she wanted to sit next to her sister, who had been keeping her secrets since they were children, who she had bonded with more in the past few months than they had in a lifetime together. She wouldn’t say anything, instead of escorting her sister to her seat of honor before moving to the other side of the table.
Selene adored Nana, in her own sweet way. And she was sure that her aunt did not look forward to being next to her eldest niece. Dinner, it seemed, was going to be a test of patience.
The eldest waited until her uncle began eating, then continued to wait until her glass was filled with wine before she, too, started to enjoy the meal in front of her.
Somehow Olympia managed to bite her tongue at her uncle's address. By all rights since the coronation she ought to have been greeted as "your majesty" or "your highness" even by her own family members, especially her uncle whom she didn't consider herself particularly close to. He had always seemed to favor other sisters and given her little time or thought, part of the reason why she had chosen to take her fate into her own hands in reaching for what she wanted. As much as she adored Selene, she had never had any desire to be unmarried and nearly thirty. Love wasn't what mattered in marriage to her, though a pang shot through her heart at the memory of their time in the woods. She had told Stephanos she loved him, and he hadn't responded. Indeed, he had laughed.
"It is difficult some days, but I could never miss a chance to spend time with my dear family." She kept her smile pasted on, showing real affection as her gaze scanned the assembled cousins and sisters. Taking Selene's arm happily, Pia shook her head and pressed a kiss to her sister's temple in a show of affection, her hand landing over the older girl's own. Ever since she had returned, and the coronation, Selene had been the one she leaned on the most in her change of fortunes.
"It's been harder to get around that I like to admit. Most days I long to stay abed and rest, I'll be glad when he's finally free instead of snatching away all of my energy."
The queen laughed and settled a hand over her belly as they moved to the dining room, squeezing her eldest sister's hand once again as she guided her to the seat of honor that she had never been afforded before. It felt odd, almost uncomfortable to be so close to Fotios when she was used to looking up at him from the end of the table. Erini's gaze on her felt too searching, almost as if they knew something that she had no desire for them to know.
Once again she bristled at the command that allowed them to eat, moving slowly and taking only the smallest of bites. It had become somewhat more difficult for her to eat of late, certain things set off her nausea more than others, but for the most part all of the offerings on the table were bits she could manage. Fish was setting her off most of all, and if there was a course consisting of it it would take all of her willpower to make it through the dinner. Reaching under the table, Pia laid a hand on Theodora's leg and gave a gentle touch as if to reassure her that they would all manage this.
"Nana, you look beautiful tonight as always. Imma, you must come paint something for the nursery. I trust only your artistic talents for the new prince."
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Somehow Olympia managed to bite her tongue at her uncle's address. By all rights since the coronation she ought to have been greeted as "your majesty" or "your highness" even by her own family members, especially her uncle whom she didn't consider herself particularly close to. He had always seemed to favor other sisters and given her little time or thought, part of the reason why she had chosen to take her fate into her own hands in reaching for what she wanted. As much as she adored Selene, she had never had any desire to be unmarried and nearly thirty. Love wasn't what mattered in marriage to her, though a pang shot through her heart at the memory of their time in the woods. She had told Stephanos she loved him, and he hadn't responded. Indeed, he had laughed.
"It is difficult some days, but I could never miss a chance to spend time with my dear family." She kept her smile pasted on, showing real affection as her gaze scanned the assembled cousins and sisters. Taking Selene's arm happily, Pia shook her head and pressed a kiss to her sister's temple in a show of affection, her hand landing over the older girl's own. Ever since she had returned, and the coronation, Selene had been the one she leaned on the most in her change of fortunes.
"It's been harder to get around that I like to admit. Most days I long to stay abed and rest, I'll be glad when he's finally free instead of snatching away all of my energy."
The queen laughed and settled a hand over her belly as they moved to the dining room, squeezing her eldest sister's hand once again as she guided her to the seat of honor that she had never been afforded before. It felt odd, almost uncomfortable to be so close to Fotios when she was used to looking up at him from the end of the table. Erini's gaze on her felt too searching, almost as if they knew something that she had no desire for them to know.
Once again she bristled at the command that allowed them to eat, moving slowly and taking only the smallest of bites. It had become somewhat more difficult for her to eat of late, certain things set off her nausea more than others, but for the most part all of the offerings on the table were bits she could manage. Fish was setting her off most of all, and if there was a course consisting of it it would take all of her willpower to make it through the dinner. Reaching under the table, Pia laid a hand on Theodora's leg and gave a gentle touch as if to reassure her that they would all manage this.
"Nana, you look beautiful tonight as always. Imma, you must come paint something for the nursery. I trust only your artistic talents for the new prince."
Somehow Olympia managed to bite her tongue at her uncle's address. By all rights since the coronation she ought to have been greeted as "your majesty" or "your highness" even by her own family members, especially her uncle whom she didn't consider herself particularly close to. He had always seemed to favor other sisters and given her little time or thought, part of the reason why she had chosen to take her fate into her own hands in reaching for what she wanted. As much as she adored Selene, she had never had any desire to be unmarried and nearly thirty. Love wasn't what mattered in marriage to her, though a pang shot through her heart at the memory of their time in the woods. She had told Stephanos she loved him, and he hadn't responded. Indeed, he had laughed.
"It is difficult some days, but I could never miss a chance to spend time with my dear family." She kept her smile pasted on, showing real affection as her gaze scanned the assembled cousins and sisters. Taking Selene's arm happily, Pia shook her head and pressed a kiss to her sister's temple in a show of affection, her hand landing over the older girl's own. Ever since she had returned, and the coronation, Selene had been the one she leaned on the most in her change of fortunes.
"It's been harder to get around that I like to admit. Most days I long to stay abed and rest, I'll be glad when he's finally free instead of snatching away all of my energy."
The queen laughed and settled a hand over her belly as they moved to the dining room, squeezing her eldest sister's hand once again as she guided her to the seat of honor that she had never been afforded before. It felt odd, almost uncomfortable to be so close to Fotios when she was used to looking up at him from the end of the table. Erini's gaze on her felt too searching, almost as if they knew something that she had no desire for them to know.
Once again she bristled at the command that allowed them to eat, moving slowly and taking only the smallest of bites. It had become somewhat more difficult for her to eat of late, certain things set off her nausea more than others, but for the most part all of the offerings on the table were bits she could manage. Fish was setting her off most of all, and if there was a course consisting of it it would take all of her willpower to make it through the dinner. Reaching under the table, Pia laid a hand on Theodora's leg and gave a gentle touch as if to reassure her that they would all manage this.
"Nana, you look beautiful tonight as always. Imma, you must come paint something for the nursery. I trust only your artistic talents for the new prince."
Fotios allowed the girls to meander their way into the dining room at their own speed and with their own muttered conversations. As he had known that dinner would not be starting until he ordained it, he had no desire to tighten the firm grip he already had on the Leventi brood. For it was a belief of his that to hold too tight was to provoke rebellion or allow slippage between the fingers. Fotios was inclined to inspire neither and so would only put a foot down or make a sharp comment as and when he felt it was particularly required or would be of some use to him. He was not a cruel man. Merely one who knew what he wanted and would hold no empathy for others as and when he was setting out to achieve it. Especially from those who would again in his success through the their shared family name and blood.
The gaggle of girls that began their meals before him were lucky they had never met Serafim... Fotios' father had never been able to grasp to concept that there was a difference between necessary lack of empathy and genuine cruelty...
As such, the conversation that progressed over the table was one he did little to quash and instead Fotios turned his attentions to his first course, enjoying the mix of rich textures before him. He had no interest in what was being discussed - paints and nurseries and fashion... but he was willing to allow the indulgence of the others until he was ready to impart his own information...
For he had announcements to make that night. Several that would affect many of the girls.
Waiting for a natural lull in the conversation, Fotios simply made comment on a use of title on the part of Olympia.
"You are so certain the child is male, Olympia?" He asked her casually without hint of menace. It was not a question to contradict or promote hostility. Fotios was genuinely interested on whether or not Olympia's physician had some way of telling the gender of the child prior to birth...
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Fotios allowed the girls to meander their way into the dining room at their own speed and with their own muttered conversations. As he had known that dinner would not be starting until he ordained it, he had no desire to tighten the firm grip he already had on the Leventi brood. For it was a belief of his that to hold too tight was to provoke rebellion or allow slippage between the fingers. Fotios was inclined to inspire neither and so would only put a foot down or make a sharp comment as and when he felt it was particularly required or would be of some use to him. He was not a cruel man. Merely one who knew what he wanted and would hold no empathy for others as and when he was setting out to achieve it. Especially from those who would again in his success through the their shared family name and blood.
The gaggle of girls that began their meals before him were lucky they had never met Serafim... Fotios' father had never been able to grasp to concept that there was a difference between necessary lack of empathy and genuine cruelty...
As such, the conversation that progressed over the table was one he did little to quash and instead Fotios turned his attentions to his first course, enjoying the mix of rich textures before him. He had no interest in what was being discussed - paints and nurseries and fashion... but he was willing to allow the indulgence of the others until he was ready to impart his own information...
For he had announcements to make that night. Several that would affect many of the girls.
Waiting for a natural lull in the conversation, Fotios simply made comment on a use of title on the part of Olympia.
"You are so certain the child is male, Olympia?" He asked her casually without hint of menace. It was not a question to contradict or promote hostility. Fotios was genuinely interested on whether or not Olympia's physician had some way of telling the gender of the child prior to birth...
Fotios allowed the girls to meander their way into the dining room at their own speed and with their own muttered conversations. As he had known that dinner would not be starting until he ordained it, he had no desire to tighten the firm grip he already had on the Leventi brood. For it was a belief of his that to hold too tight was to provoke rebellion or allow slippage between the fingers. Fotios was inclined to inspire neither and so would only put a foot down or make a sharp comment as and when he felt it was particularly required or would be of some use to him. He was not a cruel man. Merely one who knew what he wanted and would hold no empathy for others as and when he was setting out to achieve it. Especially from those who would again in his success through the their shared family name and blood.
The gaggle of girls that began their meals before him were lucky they had never met Serafim... Fotios' father had never been able to grasp to concept that there was a difference between necessary lack of empathy and genuine cruelty...
As such, the conversation that progressed over the table was one he did little to quash and instead Fotios turned his attentions to his first course, enjoying the mix of rich textures before him. He had no interest in what was being discussed - paints and nurseries and fashion... but he was willing to allow the indulgence of the others until he was ready to impart his own information...
For he had announcements to make that night. Several that would affect many of the girls.
Waiting for a natural lull in the conversation, Fotios simply made comment on a use of title on the part of Olympia.
"You are so certain the child is male, Olympia?" He asked her casually without hint of menace. It was not a question to contradict or promote hostility. Fotios was genuinely interested on whether or not Olympia's physician had some way of telling the gender of the child prior to birth...
Theo was of no illusion that Fotios had invited them on a social call. She wasn’t so naive. Fotios did nothing without purpose and he cared little for her or her sisters unless they served his prior purpose. And if they didn’t please him he would most definitely put them in their place. So to say Theo was on edge was an understatement. ...But she’d learned some time ago that silence was her best defense around her uncle. If she didn’t say very much around him, he couldn’t find fault with what she said. A position she wasn't able to maintain the last time they’d spoken to each other.
But as Fotios’s gaze merely skimmed over her as the other girls said their greetings, it seemed to be working. It was, what she considered to be, a small reprieve. Then again, there were bigger characters in the room. Pia’s presence now as queen and round with child commanded most of the attention. Many of them were surprised she’d come at all. And as the oldest and only one to rival Theo’s beauty (save in fairer form,) Selene was always the center of attention anyways. Theo had been accustomed to standing behind her older sister and while at one time she would have been bitterly jealous of Pia’s fortune in marrying what was now the king of Taengea, she just couldn’t find it in her to envy her younger. ...Not when their last king had lost his head.
With Fotios’s demand, they made their way to the dining hall; Theo latching arms with Imma as she was accustomed to doing. After their spat at the coronation dinner, Theo realized how selfish she’d been with her own problems. And as the days to her wedding drew nearer and her hold on Emilios seemed to grow weaker, she’d made a valiant decision to pay more attention to her sisters; more attention to Imma and Nana and Selene.. To write to Pia, even if it’d only been a few days. A glass or two of wine was all she needed to carry on instead of hiding in her bed.
When Selene stepped away to sit in her chair, Theo helped Pia into hers wordlessly before sitting at her side. And while the second born daughter had a rather rebellious and heady streak of adventure, she was ever the lady in the right setting. She waited for the napkin to be set over her lap; listening to the girls as they made small talk; her hands folded in her lap as the first course was served. Her back was straight and her chin level with her lap; shoulders relaxed, she was a stoic example of the beauty and grace the eldest Leventi’s were known for. But inside her mind was alight as it so often was lately. As the listener of the group, it didn’t go against her nature to pay attention to the others as they spoke. Normally she would join in at opportune moments to give her opinion or tell a story but under such scrutiny, she would be remaining quiet.
Pia, on the other hand, was easily taking over the conversation; firing off questions and observations to those at the table. The comment of the unborn child being a boy was so common to her even Theo believed that the baby would be nothing else. As they began to eat, Theo pushed around her soup in the bowl with her spoon; watching the wake it left behind. If anyone could eat less of late than a nauseated pregnant queen, it was the overly reluctant bride being forced down the aisle. Sensing her unease, Pia reached for her under the table; her small hands latching onto her leg and startling her at first. She glanced at her queen and slipped her own hand over hers to squeeze it back; holding onto her beneath the cover.
And so she ventured an olive.
But Fotios had barely begun the evening before he brought up the gender of Pia’s child. Theo threaded her fingers into Pia’s squeezing tight; the silver in her other hand trembling slightly as she drew it to her lips. After their conversation with Imma the night before the coronation, there’d been an unspoken decision that Stephano’s child would be a boy. After all, if one willed it so intensely then it would surely come true. Yet the way he asked made Theo wonder if Fotios would have desired a male heir at all. Such a thing could only bring honor to House Leventi.. It showed Taengea that the Leventi women could, in fact, breed strong men, despite the failures of the generation before them. If anyone needed a male heir as much as Stephanos and Pia did, it was a father with as many daughters as Fotios had.
But she said nothing.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Theo was of no illusion that Fotios had invited them on a social call. She wasn’t so naive. Fotios did nothing without purpose and he cared little for her or her sisters unless they served his prior purpose. And if they didn’t please him he would most definitely put them in their place. So to say Theo was on edge was an understatement. ...But she’d learned some time ago that silence was her best defense around her uncle. If she didn’t say very much around him, he couldn’t find fault with what she said. A position she wasn't able to maintain the last time they’d spoken to each other.
But as Fotios’s gaze merely skimmed over her as the other girls said their greetings, it seemed to be working. It was, what she considered to be, a small reprieve. Then again, there were bigger characters in the room. Pia’s presence now as queen and round with child commanded most of the attention. Many of them were surprised she’d come at all. And as the oldest and only one to rival Theo’s beauty (save in fairer form,) Selene was always the center of attention anyways. Theo had been accustomed to standing behind her older sister and while at one time she would have been bitterly jealous of Pia’s fortune in marrying what was now the king of Taengea, she just couldn’t find it in her to envy her younger. ...Not when their last king had lost his head.
With Fotios’s demand, they made their way to the dining hall; Theo latching arms with Imma as she was accustomed to doing. After their spat at the coronation dinner, Theo realized how selfish she’d been with her own problems. And as the days to her wedding drew nearer and her hold on Emilios seemed to grow weaker, she’d made a valiant decision to pay more attention to her sisters; more attention to Imma and Nana and Selene.. To write to Pia, even if it’d only been a few days. A glass or two of wine was all she needed to carry on instead of hiding in her bed.
When Selene stepped away to sit in her chair, Theo helped Pia into hers wordlessly before sitting at her side. And while the second born daughter had a rather rebellious and heady streak of adventure, she was ever the lady in the right setting. She waited for the napkin to be set over her lap; listening to the girls as they made small talk; her hands folded in her lap as the first course was served. Her back was straight and her chin level with her lap; shoulders relaxed, she was a stoic example of the beauty and grace the eldest Leventi’s were known for. But inside her mind was alight as it so often was lately. As the listener of the group, it didn’t go against her nature to pay attention to the others as they spoke. Normally she would join in at opportune moments to give her opinion or tell a story but under such scrutiny, she would be remaining quiet.
Pia, on the other hand, was easily taking over the conversation; firing off questions and observations to those at the table. The comment of the unborn child being a boy was so common to her even Theo believed that the baby would be nothing else. As they began to eat, Theo pushed around her soup in the bowl with her spoon; watching the wake it left behind. If anyone could eat less of late than a nauseated pregnant queen, it was the overly reluctant bride being forced down the aisle. Sensing her unease, Pia reached for her under the table; her small hands latching onto her leg and startling her at first. She glanced at her queen and slipped her own hand over hers to squeeze it back; holding onto her beneath the cover.
And so she ventured an olive.
But Fotios had barely begun the evening before he brought up the gender of Pia’s child. Theo threaded her fingers into Pia’s squeezing tight; the silver in her other hand trembling slightly as she drew it to her lips. After their conversation with Imma the night before the coronation, there’d been an unspoken decision that Stephano’s child would be a boy. After all, if one willed it so intensely then it would surely come true. Yet the way he asked made Theo wonder if Fotios would have desired a male heir at all. Such a thing could only bring honor to House Leventi.. It showed Taengea that the Leventi women could, in fact, breed strong men, despite the failures of the generation before them. If anyone needed a male heir as much as Stephanos and Pia did, it was a father with as many daughters as Fotios had.
But she said nothing.
Theo was of no illusion that Fotios had invited them on a social call. She wasn’t so naive. Fotios did nothing without purpose and he cared little for her or her sisters unless they served his prior purpose. And if they didn’t please him he would most definitely put them in their place. So to say Theo was on edge was an understatement. ...But she’d learned some time ago that silence was her best defense around her uncle. If she didn’t say very much around him, he couldn’t find fault with what she said. A position she wasn't able to maintain the last time they’d spoken to each other.
But as Fotios’s gaze merely skimmed over her as the other girls said their greetings, it seemed to be working. It was, what she considered to be, a small reprieve. Then again, there were bigger characters in the room. Pia’s presence now as queen and round with child commanded most of the attention. Many of them were surprised she’d come at all. And as the oldest and only one to rival Theo’s beauty (save in fairer form,) Selene was always the center of attention anyways. Theo had been accustomed to standing behind her older sister and while at one time she would have been bitterly jealous of Pia’s fortune in marrying what was now the king of Taengea, she just couldn’t find it in her to envy her younger. ...Not when their last king had lost his head.
With Fotios’s demand, they made their way to the dining hall; Theo latching arms with Imma as she was accustomed to doing. After their spat at the coronation dinner, Theo realized how selfish she’d been with her own problems. And as the days to her wedding drew nearer and her hold on Emilios seemed to grow weaker, she’d made a valiant decision to pay more attention to her sisters; more attention to Imma and Nana and Selene.. To write to Pia, even if it’d only been a few days. A glass or two of wine was all she needed to carry on instead of hiding in her bed.
When Selene stepped away to sit in her chair, Theo helped Pia into hers wordlessly before sitting at her side. And while the second born daughter had a rather rebellious and heady streak of adventure, she was ever the lady in the right setting. She waited for the napkin to be set over her lap; listening to the girls as they made small talk; her hands folded in her lap as the first course was served. Her back was straight and her chin level with her lap; shoulders relaxed, she was a stoic example of the beauty and grace the eldest Leventi’s were known for. But inside her mind was alight as it so often was lately. As the listener of the group, it didn’t go against her nature to pay attention to the others as they spoke. Normally she would join in at opportune moments to give her opinion or tell a story but under such scrutiny, she would be remaining quiet.
Pia, on the other hand, was easily taking over the conversation; firing off questions and observations to those at the table. The comment of the unborn child being a boy was so common to her even Theo believed that the baby would be nothing else. As they began to eat, Theo pushed around her soup in the bowl with her spoon; watching the wake it left behind. If anyone could eat less of late than a nauseated pregnant queen, it was the overly reluctant bride being forced down the aisle. Sensing her unease, Pia reached for her under the table; her small hands latching onto her leg and startling her at first. She glanced at her queen and slipped her own hand over hers to squeeze it back; holding onto her beneath the cover.
And so she ventured an olive.
But Fotios had barely begun the evening before he brought up the gender of Pia’s child. Theo threaded her fingers into Pia’s squeezing tight; the silver in her other hand trembling slightly as she drew it to her lips. After their conversation with Imma the night before the coronation, there’d been an unspoken decision that Stephano’s child would be a boy. After all, if one willed it so intensely then it would surely come true. Yet the way he asked made Theo wonder if Fotios would have desired a male heir at all. Such a thing could only bring honor to House Leventi.. It showed Taengea that the Leventi women could, in fact, breed strong men, despite the failures of the generation before them. If anyone needed a male heir as much as Stephanos and Pia did, it was a father with as many daughters as Fotios had.
But she said nothing.
Hating her uncle would by far be the easiest option laid before her feet. She had reason enough to hate him. He was a threat to everything that she loved most; to her family, her well-being, to her own beliefs. That was enough of a reason to create hate had she wanted to hate him. But hating him gave him a power that she would not relinquish. She could hold on to far more things if she could hold even an ounce of power. Not hating him was an ounce. Instead of hating him, she merely was distrustful. Nobody was ever so cunning as to conceal thier being so; and everybody is shy and distrustful of crafty men.
For the length of a heartbeat, Evangelina narrowed her gaze at her uncle as he flaunted to her that he hadn’t even bothered to invite her parents. Was she so much of a thread that he needed her that exposed to him? Taking a deep breath, she pasted her pretty, butter-wouldn’t melt in her mouth smile on her lips and dropped her eyes as she nodded in polite acceptance of his pettiness. She did annoy him. It probably shouldn’t have sent a thrill through her but it did, she could see it there for just the flash of a moment. She could read between the lines and the tone he’d replied to her with.
That would be something she would file away, for now, she’d let him believe whatever he wanted about putting her in her rightful place. He had far greater concerns at the moment then her. She faded herself into the group of girls using her mediocre as a shadow or veil. It was an unsung boon. It was a bit of a startling realization that something she’d wanted so badly for most of her life would have put here there front and center to people like her uncle. Her dark eyes flitted over the oldest three of Georgio’s daughters. Up to this point she’d been consumed with being noticed but she’d never really thought about attention and how you had to take the good attention with the bad.
The Leventi’s filed into the dining area and were seated. To the right of Theo and the left of Agape, her gaze strayed over to Nana whom she sat across from. Agape was the easier choice to fall into conversation. Evangelina asked about the tome she’d been reading knowing now wasn’t the time to ask her the eldest of Fotio’s daughters about what the household had been up too. But the small look Agape sent to Evie was enough to say that she should prepare herself because tonight's dinner had its reasons.
Her uncle asked Pia about the sex of the child, and her head turned briefly to glance at Theo and Selene then finally settle on her uncle as she waited for Pia’s reply and silently willing the Gods to give her a bit of Queenly strength under such a direct public question. Her eyes might have dropped back to the soup but her attention was still riveted to her uncle. She stirred her spoon with feigned attention at the meal, this dinner wasn’t about food.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Hating her uncle would by far be the easiest option laid before her feet. She had reason enough to hate him. He was a threat to everything that she loved most; to her family, her well-being, to her own beliefs. That was enough of a reason to create hate had she wanted to hate him. But hating him gave him a power that she would not relinquish. She could hold on to far more things if she could hold even an ounce of power. Not hating him was an ounce. Instead of hating him, she merely was distrustful. Nobody was ever so cunning as to conceal thier being so; and everybody is shy and distrustful of crafty men.
For the length of a heartbeat, Evangelina narrowed her gaze at her uncle as he flaunted to her that he hadn’t even bothered to invite her parents. Was she so much of a thread that he needed her that exposed to him? Taking a deep breath, she pasted her pretty, butter-wouldn’t melt in her mouth smile on her lips and dropped her eyes as she nodded in polite acceptance of his pettiness. She did annoy him. It probably shouldn’t have sent a thrill through her but it did, she could see it there for just the flash of a moment. She could read between the lines and the tone he’d replied to her with.
That would be something she would file away, for now, she’d let him believe whatever he wanted about putting her in her rightful place. He had far greater concerns at the moment then her. She faded herself into the group of girls using her mediocre as a shadow or veil. It was an unsung boon. It was a bit of a startling realization that something she’d wanted so badly for most of her life would have put here there front and center to people like her uncle. Her dark eyes flitted over the oldest three of Georgio’s daughters. Up to this point she’d been consumed with being noticed but she’d never really thought about attention and how you had to take the good attention with the bad.
The Leventi’s filed into the dining area and were seated. To the right of Theo and the left of Agape, her gaze strayed over to Nana whom she sat across from. Agape was the easier choice to fall into conversation. Evangelina asked about the tome she’d been reading knowing now wasn’t the time to ask her the eldest of Fotio’s daughters about what the household had been up too. But the small look Agape sent to Evie was enough to say that she should prepare herself because tonight's dinner had its reasons.
Her uncle asked Pia about the sex of the child, and her head turned briefly to glance at Theo and Selene then finally settle on her uncle as she waited for Pia’s reply and silently willing the Gods to give her a bit of Queenly strength under such a direct public question. Her eyes might have dropped back to the soup but her attention was still riveted to her uncle. She stirred her spoon with feigned attention at the meal, this dinner wasn’t about food.
Hating her uncle would by far be the easiest option laid before her feet. She had reason enough to hate him. He was a threat to everything that she loved most; to her family, her well-being, to her own beliefs. That was enough of a reason to create hate had she wanted to hate him. But hating him gave him a power that she would not relinquish. She could hold on to far more things if she could hold even an ounce of power. Not hating him was an ounce. Instead of hating him, she merely was distrustful. Nobody was ever so cunning as to conceal thier being so; and everybody is shy and distrustful of crafty men.
For the length of a heartbeat, Evangelina narrowed her gaze at her uncle as he flaunted to her that he hadn’t even bothered to invite her parents. Was she so much of a thread that he needed her that exposed to him? Taking a deep breath, she pasted her pretty, butter-wouldn’t melt in her mouth smile on her lips and dropped her eyes as she nodded in polite acceptance of his pettiness. She did annoy him. It probably shouldn’t have sent a thrill through her but it did, she could see it there for just the flash of a moment. She could read between the lines and the tone he’d replied to her with.
That would be something she would file away, for now, she’d let him believe whatever he wanted about putting her in her rightful place. He had far greater concerns at the moment then her. She faded herself into the group of girls using her mediocre as a shadow or veil. It was an unsung boon. It was a bit of a startling realization that something she’d wanted so badly for most of her life would have put here there front and center to people like her uncle. Her dark eyes flitted over the oldest three of Georgio’s daughters. Up to this point she’d been consumed with being noticed but she’d never really thought about attention and how you had to take the good attention with the bad.
The Leventi’s filed into the dining area and were seated. To the right of Theo and the left of Agape, her gaze strayed over to Nana whom she sat across from. Agape was the easier choice to fall into conversation. Evangelina asked about the tome she’d been reading knowing now wasn’t the time to ask her the eldest of Fotio’s daughters about what the household had been up too. But the small look Agape sent to Evie was enough to say that she should prepare herself because tonight's dinner had its reasons.
Her uncle asked Pia about the sex of the child, and her head turned briefly to glance at Theo and Selene then finally settle on her uncle as she waited for Pia’s reply and silently willing the Gods to give her a bit of Queenly strength under such a direct public question. Her eyes might have dropped back to the soup but her attention was still riveted to her uncle. She stirred her spoon with feigned attention at the meal, this dinner wasn’t about food.
When Dafni approached Imma took immediately to chatting with her and offering a quick hug and asking what they were doing. Needlepoint might not have been Imma’s idea of enjoyable art, but she recognized it as art none the less and moved with her cousin to view her work of art. She giggled and spoke often to the girl, but there was nothing of any great importance shared between the two of them. She rarely seemed to spend time with Dafni, at least in comparison to her other cousins and her sisters. It was a shame, really. The girl might have been a little more ridged than the rest of her family, but she was a delight to be around.
For the moment, Imma seemed to have forgotten that her sisters were even there as she busied herself fawning over the expert needlepoint. The front and back so neat and tidy. When Imma tried the same craft, the back end looked as though a box of ribbons had been poured over the floor with no regard for organization. It was commendable that anyone could do the work well and Imma was sure to mention that to her cousin. She thought that she should have brought a painting for her cousin. In her mind her paintings were getting better, she was really learning how to capture depth as of late. Next time, she resigned herself to thinking.
If Imma heard her sister or other cousin, it did not show as she became engrossed upon the tiny world that she was now a part of. In fact, she had not even heard when Fotios dictated that it was time for eat and it had been her three cousins that informed her of such. She rose, of course, and followed as was expected while chattering away enthusiastically with; or rather, at Dafni who murmured her responses as they went into the dining room. She found her place and sat after her uncle did. It all seemed so formal for a family dinner, but Imma had learned that Uncle Fotios enjoyed his formality. He was a stickler for it even. It wasn’t exactly what Imma enjoyed by, she couldn’t fault her uncle. Certainly, he was not the only one that enjoyed it so.
The youngest of the sisters scarcely noticed that seating differences and was relieved when at last she could satiate her hunger. Rather, that she could tease it with these snacks. She took an olive and goat cheese into her mouth at the same time and started chewing. A glance at Nana and Imma reminded herself that she ought not speak when he mouth was full, and so she didn’t.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
When Dafni approached Imma took immediately to chatting with her and offering a quick hug and asking what they were doing. Needlepoint might not have been Imma’s idea of enjoyable art, but she recognized it as art none the less and moved with her cousin to view her work of art. She giggled and spoke often to the girl, but there was nothing of any great importance shared between the two of them. She rarely seemed to spend time with Dafni, at least in comparison to her other cousins and her sisters. It was a shame, really. The girl might have been a little more ridged than the rest of her family, but she was a delight to be around.
For the moment, Imma seemed to have forgotten that her sisters were even there as she busied herself fawning over the expert needlepoint. The front and back so neat and tidy. When Imma tried the same craft, the back end looked as though a box of ribbons had been poured over the floor with no regard for organization. It was commendable that anyone could do the work well and Imma was sure to mention that to her cousin. She thought that she should have brought a painting for her cousin. In her mind her paintings were getting better, she was really learning how to capture depth as of late. Next time, she resigned herself to thinking.
If Imma heard her sister or other cousin, it did not show as she became engrossed upon the tiny world that she was now a part of. In fact, she had not even heard when Fotios dictated that it was time for eat and it had been her three cousins that informed her of such. She rose, of course, and followed as was expected while chattering away enthusiastically with; or rather, at Dafni who murmured her responses as they went into the dining room. She found her place and sat after her uncle did. It all seemed so formal for a family dinner, but Imma had learned that Uncle Fotios enjoyed his formality. He was a stickler for it even. It wasn’t exactly what Imma enjoyed by, she couldn’t fault her uncle. Certainly, he was not the only one that enjoyed it so.
The youngest of the sisters scarcely noticed that seating differences and was relieved when at last she could satiate her hunger. Rather, that she could tease it with these snacks. She took an olive and goat cheese into her mouth at the same time and started chewing. A glance at Nana and Imma reminded herself that she ought not speak when he mouth was full, and so she didn’t.
When Dafni approached Imma took immediately to chatting with her and offering a quick hug and asking what they were doing. Needlepoint might not have been Imma’s idea of enjoyable art, but she recognized it as art none the less and moved with her cousin to view her work of art. She giggled and spoke often to the girl, but there was nothing of any great importance shared between the two of them. She rarely seemed to spend time with Dafni, at least in comparison to her other cousins and her sisters. It was a shame, really. The girl might have been a little more ridged than the rest of her family, but she was a delight to be around.
For the moment, Imma seemed to have forgotten that her sisters were even there as she busied herself fawning over the expert needlepoint. The front and back so neat and tidy. When Imma tried the same craft, the back end looked as though a box of ribbons had been poured over the floor with no regard for organization. It was commendable that anyone could do the work well and Imma was sure to mention that to her cousin. She thought that she should have brought a painting for her cousin. In her mind her paintings were getting better, she was really learning how to capture depth as of late. Next time, she resigned herself to thinking.
If Imma heard her sister or other cousin, it did not show as she became engrossed upon the tiny world that she was now a part of. In fact, she had not even heard when Fotios dictated that it was time for eat and it had been her three cousins that informed her of such. She rose, of course, and followed as was expected while chattering away enthusiastically with; or rather, at Dafni who murmured her responses as they went into the dining room. She found her place and sat after her uncle did. It all seemed so formal for a family dinner, but Imma had learned that Uncle Fotios enjoyed his formality. He was a stickler for it even. It wasn’t exactly what Imma enjoyed by, she couldn’t fault her uncle. Certainly, he was not the only one that enjoyed it so.
The youngest of the sisters scarcely noticed that seating differences and was relieved when at last she could satiate her hunger. Rather, that she could tease it with these snacks. She took an olive and goat cheese into her mouth at the same time and started chewing. A glance at Nana and Imma reminded herself that she ought not speak when he mouth was full, and so she didn’t.
Her uncle’s tone held no challenge, nor could she see a reason why Fotios would have any reason to wish against a male heir. After all, wasn’t it his idea to see Theodora married to a Mikaelidas son, and wouldn’t the birth of a prince on top of all of that simply add to the prestige of the family? Keeping her features set in a pleasant neutrality, Olympia simply rested a hand on the swell of her stomach and kept her gaze set on the head of her household.
”Of course. A mother knows. This one will be strong, a new prince for the kingdom and truly a blessing from the gods on the Leventi house. Don’t you agree, uncle? Surely you of all people would not prefer a girl. Every man wants his firstborn to be an heir.”
She tried to keep her tone pleasant and without any hostility, smiling broadly at him and then across to her aunt before turning to survey the rest of the women at the table. They would all in their time hope for boys to fill their cradles, that she was the first simply meant that all eyes would be on her to see whether the apparent curse of Leventi women could be broken. Gods willing, she could be. Needed to be. If not this one, then the next. Somewhere in her womb there had to be a baby boy waiting to be born and why should it not be now.
”Theo, I hear you have been visiting temples. Have you chosen one for your wedding? You ought to have the party at the palace, after all you will be a princess then, and we have plenty of room for it. Everyone who’s anyone can be invited.”
There. She hoped that would be enough of a distraction to keep her uncle’s prying questions from her certainty. Lifting her glass of wine to her lips, she allowed herself a moment of allowing her expression to relax before her smile was once again pasted on.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
Badges
Deleted
Deleted
Her uncle’s tone held no challenge, nor could she see a reason why Fotios would have any reason to wish against a male heir. After all, wasn’t it his idea to see Theodora married to a Mikaelidas son, and wouldn’t the birth of a prince on top of all of that simply add to the prestige of the family? Keeping her features set in a pleasant neutrality, Olympia simply rested a hand on the swell of her stomach and kept her gaze set on the head of her household.
”Of course. A mother knows. This one will be strong, a new prince for the kingdom and truly a blessing from the gods on the Leventi house. Don’t you agree, uncle? Surely you of all people would not prefer a girl. Every man wants his firstborn to be an heir.”
She tried to keep her tone pleasant and without any hostility, smiling broadly at him and then across to her aunt before turning to survey the rest of the women at the table. They would all in their time hope for boys to fill their cradles, that she was the first simply meant that all eyes would be on her to see whether the apparent curse of Leventi women could be broken. Gods willing, she could be. Needed to be. If not this one, then the next. Somewhere in her womb there had to be a baby boy waiting to be born and why should it not be now.
”Theo, I hear you have been visiting temples. Have you chosen one for your wedding? You ought to have the party at the palace, after all you will be a princess then, and we have plenty of room for it. Everyone who’s anyone can be invited.”
There. She hoped that would be enough of a distraction to keep her uncle’s prying questions from her certainty. Lifting her glass of wine to her lips, she allowed herself a moment of allowing her expression to relax before her smile was once again pasted on.
Her uncle’s tone held no challenge, nor could she see a reason why Fotios would have any reason to wish against a male heir. After all, wasn’t it his idea to see Theodora married to a Mikaelidas son, and wouldn’t the birth of a prince on top of all of that simply add to the prestige of the family? Keeping her features set in a pleasant neutrality, Olympia simply rested a hand on the swell of her stomach and kept her gaze set on the head of her household.
”Of course. A mother knows. This one will be strong, a new prince for the kingdom and truly a blessing from the gods on the Leventi house. Don’t you agree, uncle? Surely you of all people would not prefer a girl. Every man wants his firstborn to be an heir.”
She tried to keep her tone pleasant and without any hostility, smiling broadly at him and then across to her aunt before turning to survey the rest of the women at the table. They would all in their time hope for boys to fill their cradles, that she was the first simply meant that all eyes would be on her to see whether the apparent curse of Leventi women could be broken. Gods willing, she could be. Needed to be. If not this one, then the next. Somewhere in her womb there had to be a baby boy waiting to be born and why should it not be now.
”Theo, I hear you have been visiting temples. Have you chosen one for your wedding? You ought to have the party at the palace, after all you will be a princess then, and we have plenty of room for it. Everyone who’s anyone can be invited.”
There. She hoped that would be enough of a distraction to keep her uncle’s prying questions from her certainty. Lifting her glass of wine to her lips, she allowed herself a moment of allowing her expression to relax before her smile was once again pasted on.
