Great Gods above, what had Léonide walked into! He had considered himself very good at navigating the many holidays, traditions and spontaneous demonstrations the people of Taengea were prone to celebrate, but this had completely blindsided him. Flowers, jewels, dresses and ribbon danced about the scene like fish in a cramped pond. Pulling Arno by his reins through the crowd that was forming was tiresome enough, atop of the fact that he had no idea where he was going anymore. On a better day, he may have enjoyed the jubilance of the occasion, but he had been travelling all day, only to get caught up in the midst of some gushy love fest. The very thought sent his eyes rolling. A love festival, someone believed it was a good idea. He prayed the goddess of love couldn't hear him cursing “romance” and all the plagues which follow it. Bitter could be a good word to describe how his eyes glinted as happy couples passed. If he already didn’t stand out with his fatally un-greek features and hoarse northern voice, he certainly did now on his lonesome. At least he had Arno, that counted for something, didn’t it?

His eyes were drawn to a splendid carriage stopped not too far from him. Like diamonds falling from a dull leather bag, the women that came from it much outdid their transportation. So this was why this event was held, so pretty people could be pretty, rich, and brag about it. Yuck. His eyes spread over one of the women who left the carriage. She looked vaguely like Evangelina, it wouldn’t be unlikely that they were related, if distantly. She must be a Leventi, he almost wanted to see if Evie was there, but he had more important things on his mind. Like getting the hell out of there.

The crowd only thickened as he went on. There was talk of ‘The Queen of Maliania Contest’, which fell upon the curious ears of the shepherd. The contest, as Léon understood it a beauty contest, was seeming to be the highlight of many conversations. By the way people passionately spoke about it, it was a big deal. He nearly wanted to stay, just to see how the battle of bodices would unravel. His ears picked apart what he could of what the people near to him were saying. All he found was the exchange of fulsome prose between lovers, to Léon’s disgust, and it soon changed whatever desire he had to stay. Pressing on as if an army were behind him, he broke the lines of the horde. He looked back for only a fliching moment. What a story he had for his mother.

Freshly eighteen just the month before, Evangelina was excited to spread her wings. It was that time of year again, that time when love was in the air and the last days of spring were upon them. She didn’t have any expectations with the love festival, not when she’d arrived with the company of the most beautiful girls in the kingdom, perhaps the realm. She was blithe, even if she was a simple daisy among a field of roses in their full blooming glory. At least, the chestnut-haired imp was in the field, no?

As Nana took her time climbing from the carriage, Evangelina fought the urge and the itchy fingers to just give her cousin the slightest of nudges out. It took everything she had not to. It wouldn’t have ended with a slight nudge though and Nana seemed to think this would be her year. Queen of Maliania. That was what Nana had in her sights this year. After Nana had finally descended as if she were the very embodiment of Aphrodite, Evangelina climbed out giving a slight tug to free the wedged silk of the gown from where it stuck to her rounded derriére.

She could feel the eyes of the crowd focused on the carriage they were staring again. She hated when people stared, shifting uncomfortably she felt like an awkward colt being leered at. Unlike Nana, who was taking the opportunity to make adjustments to her gown, Evangelina's dark eyes surfed over the faces in the crowd seeing the familiar faces of her family. Had they already arrived? If they didn’t know she was here, they would soon enough.

Hearing the sound of fabric ripping her eyes widened and she did a double take to make sure it wasn’t Nana’s lavender gown she’d pilfered that morning, but out of the corner of her eye, she saw Nana tearing the beautiful aquamarine fabric just a smidge higher. Oh, Poseidon…! Please take me now…Selene was going to kill her when she saw what she’d done to the chiton.

Her slender fingers grazed across her neck absently wishing she’d worn her hair down and loose. A braided crown weaved a slightly disheveled sort of chignon at the back of her neck with loose tendrils curling around her face adding to the wispiness. The muted lavender was not something Evangelina would have leaned towards naturally. She preferred deep, rich colors you could drown in. The muted lavender was too soft. Too sophisticated. Too prim for the girl who was more at home on a horse than a garden.

“Ready to go, ladies?” Nana was undoubtedly ready to strut her way into the battle for Queen of Maliania. Evangelina, on the other hand, was perfectly happy playing the wallflower and finding her own amusements.

A hand came up to graze the small of her back, steadying her, preventing her from breaking off from the group. Her heart rate jumped and she dropped her thick, sweeping eyelashes downward as she smiled more to herself than anyone else. She could do this... Her head came up and she straightened her posture. Better to be the daisy who grew with roses than the rose who could only bloom with daisies.

Olympia couldn’t help but laugh as she watched Nana tearing the material from the bottom of her chiton. It would throw half of the family into a fit but the second youngest Leventi woman couldn’t help it. Pia knew the feeling full well, being the third in a clutch of the most beautiful women in Taengea with two older sisters blessed by Aphrodite, it was all she and the others could do to gain some sort of attention. It didn’t help that she stood in stark contrast to most of the other girls with her hair as black as her mother’s in comparison to all of the other fairer heads around her. Only Theo’s hair came close to being as dark and hers was a far warmer sort of brown that looked inviting instead of harsh.

She’d chosen to lean into the difference of her looks on this occasion that took them to Meliania. Wearing a deep blue chiton that highlighted the contrast of how pale her skin was to the dark curls she’d painstakingly instructed Desma into draping and piling into a bun, a woven belt around her waist of a pale fawn color accentuated her figure. She’d chosen to go once again with contrast, a necklace of deep blue glass fragments hovered just above her breasts which the chiton was cut low enough to give a tantalizing glimpse, but unlike Nana she let hers fall to the appropriate length.

”Yes yes, we’ve been waiting for you silly, let’s be off.”

The man who approached them first she vaguely knew had something to do with them, but she was far less interested in what he had to say aside from his name and title. An Athenian lord would take her out of Taengea, the country she so loved, but it would depend on what his family position was before she could bother to show any interest. If truth be told, while Selene had her eye on Prince Zacharias, Olympia had always found a far more intriguing charm in the younger prince. Stephanos could give her title and riches and prestige without the responsibility of a crown weighing on her head. Scanning for him among the crowd she pursed her lips in disappointment for a moment when she didn’t immediately spot him or any of his entourage before turning a warm smile to the other lord.

”How kind of you to join us today, Lord Dysmas. And fitting that we can show you some of the best of Taengea. Evie, where to first?” His hand on the small of her back, the way they looked at each other, Pia’s eyes narrowed as she noticed the attention shared between the foreign lord and her cousin. Ah well, best to divert his attention to that Leventi then. Evie would thrive outside of Taengea without any burden placed upon her that came with being a Leventi in the country.

The youngest Mikaelidas had been volunteered by her mother to attend the festival and so she had been roused before dawn in order to bathe. She had dressed in a soft lilac chiton that fell to her ankles and billowed about her legs when she walked. Her hair was intricately plaited and curled and piled atop her head to keep it off her neck in the summer’s heat. She had chosen a gold pendant bearing the House of Mikaelidas crest and her favored gold filigree and green jasper diadem.

Once properly prepared and approved by Queen Elise, Gianna had been shepherded into the Royal Family’s carriage with her assigned security detail seated next to the driver. She had to admit that she felt a twinge of excitement as the carriage rumbled along the roads of Taengea. Gianna peered out the window of the carriage as it neared the heart of Maliania. The market was bustling, the sellers offering samples of their wares to passersby. The streets were filling with contestants for the day’s events and spectators eager to observe the Queen of Maliania contest and pass their own judgement.

The young Princess turned her attention to the bushels of fresh flowers available at nearly every vendor’s stall. She had agreed to attend in order to see the beautiful blossoms produced by the providence every year. At least, that’s what Gianna told herself. She knew her status as a Princess was fraught with duties which she would have to eventually fulfill. Perhaps the most important duty was that of a political marriage. It had never been a secret and was often a topic of discussion in her lessons growing up. And yet there was a part of the girl that would always pine for a marriage built on a foundation of mutual love and respect.

Lost in thought, she did not feel the carriage come to a halt and was startled when the door opened to reveal the square, buzzing with anticipation. Gianna took the coachman’s hand and gingerly exited the carriage. As she melted into the crowd, her attempt at assimilation was undermined by the escort of armed guards who shadowed her wherever she went. Moderately frustrated, but knowing better than to try to run away from her retinue, Gianna distracted herself by glancing over the gathering crowd. She immediately picked out the Leventi family, it was not difficult with the surplus of daughters, and was in the midst of making a mental note to make niceties with Georgios when the collision with a small body effectively derailed her train of thought.

With five daughters, travelling had never been 'light' when it came to the family of Georgios and Evelli of Leventi. Two carriages were needed to carry the family itself, while a third would trail with necessities, a trunk full of a change of clothes in case accidents happened, and many other knick knacks Evelli saw would be useful in the chance that one of her daughters would need some sprucing up. After all, this was the love festival of Maliania, and she intended to seek out some partners for her young ones. Besides, it wasn't as if Georgios was about to miss the festival. Her husband made it a point to attend almost every one.

But Evelli did not complain. Each festival was a ripe ground for her to find good matches for her daughters. She already chomped at the bit that her three eldest were yet to be married. In just two years, her youngest would reach marriageable age already - surely one of them can be married off by now!

Peering out the blinds that covered the windows of their carriage, as if doing so could give her foresight as to who would be attending, her attention was caught when her husband's voice drifted by her ear. The affectionate smile came naturally - it was hard not to fall for Georgios when he wore such an easy going nature, and his heart on a sleeve. Despite it being an arranged marriage, Georgios had made her fall quite easily with his attentions, and everytime after that. "We can still be considered young, if you would only think so husband." she replied smoothly, shooting him a wink. At forty two, Evelli knew it was debatable to call her 'young', but neither did she want to consider herself as an old crone just yet.

Turning her hand that was in his grip, she returned his squeeze, letting the blinds drop as the carriage rolled to a stop. Picking up her navy blue chitons overlaid with a golden threads, she took her husband's assisting hand to descend the carriage, tucking it under his as she too allowed her eyes to wander to their daughters. They were excited, of that Evelli had no doubt. Their cousin had joined them too, with Evangelina under their watch, and while Evelli was not at all keen on her daughter's sharing their spotlight with Evangelina, she could not deny the girl when her girls had a great time with them.

Distracted as her husband spoke again, Evelli turned and laughed when she saw his devious words. "I think you could - as long as you watch your back. I'm not as light as I used to be." After giving birth to five girls, the years had caught up to her. While Evelli retained most of her beauty, she no longer had the willowy, lithe figure she used to have, and it was a fact she mourned everyday during her bath in oils and blooms. Following him through the crowds, her eyes settled on her daughters again just as Georgios asked his question, and her eyes narrowed. Whoever that was, Evelli did not know clearly. The way he held himself spoke of nobility... but Evelli was nothing if not careful of her daughter's reputation.

With only a tug on her husband's arm, she more or less dragged him towards their girls. Nearing them, and only then, did she slow the previously dogged steps she had taken, and pasted a serene, almost slow smile as her eyes glanced at each of her girls, before settling on Dysmas. She had been in earshot just as he introduced himself, and sharp eyes had caught the way he had retracted his arm from Evangelian's body - something which Evelli internally narrowed her eyes at.

"Olympia, I trust you and your sisters to ensure that Nana and Imma are never out of your sight for a second." she murmured to one of her eldest, and the one she was likely closest to. Olympia had wits and ambition, a trait Evelli knew would bring her third daughter far. But she trusted all three of her daughters to watch over each other, and her leveled gaze at all of them warned them all that they were to keep their reputation for the day pristine, or there would be hell to pay. When her eyes eventually fell on Dysmas, the Leventi matriarch's eyes were careful and held a glimmer of warning, as she reached for her husband again. "Lord Dysmas, I see you've made the acquaintance of our daughters." She intentionally placed pressure on stating who the daughters were, her chin tilting slightly upwards as if in warning to the male. "Do you plan on taking part in the footrace?"

It was not that she found him unworthy - he was a lord, of nobility, and from Athenia if she heard correctly. No, he was of good blood, at least. But Evelli would settle for nothing less then princes and kings for her daughters. If he had his sights set on Evangelina, that Evelli would not butt in. At most, she would ask her niece on what transpired for the day. But if his eyes wandered anywhere near her daughters... well, that was something Evelli would not stand for. As she listened to the lord's response, her eyes drifted over to her daughter's again... and then she froze, her eyes widening when she noticed the outfit that Nana had.

Or not have, really.

Her eyes narrowed when she saw how Nana's chiton barely covered her thighs, if at all. Not even bothering to warn her husband, Evelli dropped her hold on his arm, and turned with a polite smile to the lord. "If you will excuse me, Lord Dysmas. I have words to convey to Lady Nana. I shall leave you in my husband's good hands." Evelli curtsied politely, and turned fierce eyes to her youngest. Regardless of her protests, Evelli grabbed the blonde's wrist, and more or less forced the younger ones back to a quieter area where the carriages were parked, speaking in a hard tone as they went. "What were you thinking, Nana? Do you wish to flagrantly display yourself to every man out there? Have some decency!" she hissed, half dragging until they got to the spare carriage where a few maids and footmen lingered around. Not at all releasing her hold, Evelli instructed for the trunk full of clothings to be brought out, and flicked her wrist. Her maid's were well trained enough to rummage through the trunk, and pulled out an ankle length sky blue chiton, with silver clasps and a modest neckline. "You will change, Nana. I mean it." Evelli finally leveled in a firm tone on her younger daughter.

Selene may have had her eye set on Zacharias, but so did every other socially motivated female in Taengea. She was in great company in that regard. So much so that even her own sister had every intention of landing the prince. Theo could have stood aside for her sister… after all, she was older and, some might argue, more entitled to the prince. ….But she’d also grown far older than most girls did when they married and honestly, Theo was tired of waiting for her to find a suiter. She herself was growing old too and she wasn’t about to have her best chances squandered waiting on her sister to make up her mind.

And honestly, who better to catch the attention of at a love festival than the crowned prince of Taengea? ...She’d spoken to him a few times before.. Never in great detail. He was rather popular at social events, after all. ...But if she could get him alone.. Just for a time, she was sure she could convince him to find interest in her. Men fell at her and Selene’s feet daily; enamored with their beauty. And if he hadn’t fallen for the fair featured Selene… well, perhaps a woman of darker features was more to his taste.

And while she hated to use her appearance as a way to ensnare a man.. When catching a future king, one must employ every avenue she had in which to better her chances. So while Evelli had her own motivations for her daughters, Theo had decided weeks ago what her target would be at the Love Festival. She would see no one else save Zacharias of Mikaelidas. The rest be damned.

The carriage ride to Maliania was extensive, but Theo spent the time plotting her moves. Diverting Selene so she wasn’t in the way and going over what she would say to the prince. She’d prepared for the last week; her hair was trimmed and plaited in an elaborate crown of curls atop her head that cascaded in ringlets over her shoulders, and she’d emphasized her beauty with a thin line of kohl beneath her eyes. Her skin looked warm and sunkissed, but not enough to emphasize the soft smattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose. And the fragrant oils she’d rubbed into her skin made it shine in the sunlight.

Her gown was something out of a fairy tale. emerald green, as she knew was Zacharias’s favorite color. It highlighted her skin tone and emphasized her curves. Her hands were well manicured and her lips tinted a soft pink. As the day was warm, she felt no need for a himation and so her shoulders were bare save for the straps that held up her dress; the deep V of the front left just enough for the imagination.

The carriage jostled along the road with sisters in tow and when they finally arrived at the festival, everyone piled out one at a time; smoothing the silk and linens they wore. Already there were so many noble houses there; she saw quite a few families she knew well. But upon exiting the carriage, she only had one focus. A prince and a marriage contract to follow. She wouldn’t be satisfied leaving today without retaining his unwavering attention.

Perhaps if she wasn’t so lost in thought in the carriage ride she would have noticed Nana butchering her dress. At least enough so that she could have stopped her from enraging her mother. But when they stepped from the carriage, everyone’s eyes went to the youngest Leventi and the weight of judgment seemed to fall heavily. Before Theo had a chance to pull her aside, Evelli stepped forward and took her wrist; dragging her away, most likely to force her to change. Honestly, what was she thinking?? Even the flute girls didn’t dress so inappropriately.

Theo raised her brow indifferently as she shook the wrinkles out of her own dress; only half acknowledging the foreign born noble who’d approached Evie and their family as soon as they’d arrived. “Good afternoon, Lord Nikolaos.” His greeting was polite enough….but Evie was a Leventi. ...She could do better.

Without looking at the noble lord, she spoke to Evie. “Evie, Darling.. Won’t you help me find the fountain? It’s bound to get crowded and we should find a cup in which to drink with. And I think I shall require your company for most of the day.” She looked up at her cousin and gave her a sweet smile. “I doubt you’ll have a moment to yourself. Did you hear that Stephanos of Mikaelidas would be in attendance?” Whether or not he would be remained to be seen.. But even the idea of the second born royal was preferable to a noble Lord. Even Evie had to see that.