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It rankled Stelios to be back in the rarified surround of Athenia's noble district. Even as a child he'd hated this place; disdained the showy decadence of passing self-important oafs in attire too gaudy by half and enough sense-assaulting perfume to make his eyes water and his nose crinkle to ward off a sneeze. As he strolled through the Inner Circle, in the still ruddy light of morning the tall, commanding presence of this Antonis scion fell upon the curve of the district's perimeter and he smiled to himself. A circle is a wall, either meant to keep people in or out. Which one was the case here? Perhaps he was too distracted in that grim strategic pondering to pay attention to where he was going. A clattering of hooves alerted him to the passage of a horse and he pulled back just quickly enough to avoid getting trampled by the passing retinue of someone probably important though Stelios couldn't resist a rude hand gesture just the same.
He pulled his chlamys grey and steely as the eyes that flashed more firmly over his broad shoulders, shrugged, and started again on his way only to stop as a face came into view, all hazel and olive and what might have been counted dark promise if he weren't fully aware of who it belonged to. Instantly a square jaw clenched into a faint but disapproving frown, his towering presence steeling ramrod straight the better to look down upon one of the Stavros and a woman of formidable reputation. They'd shared the odd snide comment in passing but never more than that. He desired no more today, either, and let fly a cursory, "Lady Chara" devoid of any warmth or hospitality. If it were accompanied by the bob of a polite nod it was a truly negligible one. True to his nature Stelios stared, balefully, and would not aver his gaze even for royal blood. "Out for a pleasant stroll or fleeing another raid by insurgents?" he added flatly, ruddy eyebrow rising to a sardonic arc. "If they can force their way into the palace the damn miscreants could pop up anywhere like a bad case of the clap."
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It rankled Stelios to be back in the rarified surround of Athenia's noble district. Even as a child he'd hated this place; disdained the showy decadence of passing self-important oafs in attire too gaudy by half and enough sense-assaulting perfume to make his eyes water and his nose crinkle to ward off a sneeze. As he strolled through the Inner Circle, in the still ruddy light of morning the tall, commanding presence of this Antonis scion fell upon the curve of the district's perimeter and he smiled to himself. A circle is a wall, either meant to keep people in or out. Which one was the case here? Perhaps he was too distracted in that grim strategic pondering to pay attention to where he was going. A clattering of hooves alerted him to the passage of a horse and he pulled back just quickly enough to avoid getting trampled by the passing retinue of someone probably important though Stelios couldn't resist a rude hand gesture just the same.
He pulled his chlamys grey and steely as the eyes that flashed more firmly over his broad shoulders, shrugged, and started again on his way only to stop as a face came into view, all hazel and olive and what might have been counted dark promise if he weren't fully aware of who it belonged to. Instantly a square jaw clenched into a faint but disapproving frown, his towering presence steeling ramrod straight the better to look down upon one of the Stavros and a woman of formidable reputation. They'd shared the odd snide comment in passing but never more than that. He desired no more today, either, and let fly a cursory, "Lady Chara" devoid of any warmth or hospitality. If it were accompanied by the bob of a polite nod it was a truly negligible one. True to his nature Stelios stared, balefully, and would not aver his gaze even for royal blood. "Out for a pleasant stroll or fleeing another raid by insurgents?" he added flatly, ruddy eyebrow rising to a sardonic arc. "If they can force their way into the palace the damn miscreants could pop up anywhere like a bad case of the clap."
It rankled Stelios to be back in the rarified surround of Athenia's noble district. Even as a child he'd hated this place; disdained the showy decadence of passing self-important oafs in attire too gaudy by half and enough sense-assaulting perfume to make his eyes water and his nose crinkle to ward off a sneeze. As he strolled through the Inner Circle, in the still ruddy light of morning the tall, commanding presence of this Antonis scion fell upon the curve of the district's perimeter and he smiled to himself. A circle is a wall, either meant to keep people in or out. Which one was the case here? Perhaps he was too distracted in that grim strategic pondering to pay attention to where he was going. A clattering of hooves alerted him to the passage of a horse and he pulled back just quickly enough to avoid getting trampled by the passing retinue of someone probably important though Stelios couldn't resist a rude hand gesture just the same.
He pulled his chlamys grey and steely as the eyes that flashed more firmly over his broad shoulders, shrugged, and started again on his way only to stop as a face came into view, all hazel and olive and what might have been counted dark promise if he weren't fully aware of who it belonged to. Instantly a square jaw clenched into a faint but disapproving frown, his towering presence steeling ramrod straight the better to look down upon one of the Stavros and a woman of formidable reputation. They'd shared the odd snide comment in passing but never more than that. He desired no more today, either, and let fly a cursory, "Lady Chara" devoid of any warmth or hospitality. If it were accompanied by the bob of a polite nod it was a truly negligible one. True to his nature Stelios stared, balefully, and would not aver his gaze even for royal blood. "Out for a pleasant stroll or fleeing another raid by insurgents?" he added flatly, ruddy eyebrow rising to a sardonic arc. "If they can force their way into the palace the damn miscreants could pop up anywhere like a bad case of the clap."
Despite the turmoil that had left her family's reputation less than pristine, Chara would not allow herself to hide and cover. No, she went about her business as she always had. Walking through the inner circle with her head held high, and her pride tall as ever. Going about her own business, talking to the people she needed to and making conversations she'd rather not have, was all a large part of the gimmick. Her hair was braided on each side of her head, starting from the line of her forehead and following the line of her head to its back, where the two braids met and fell down her shoulders in waves.
From the corner of her eye, she saw him approach. She didn't turn immediately, of course. No, she would not offer him that satisfaction. He wasn't a hard character to spot ― his skin fair, yet not pale, his hair like the touch of sunlight and eyes as grey as steel. It was only when her name was spoken that Chara turned her head to look at him.
For a second or two, the young woman simply stared at him. His tone did a good job at portraying her own feelings towards the man, but years of poise and grace had taught her better than to sigh and groan. Instead, she turned to fully face him, her expression calculating and perhaps, even a tad amused.
"Lord Stelios." She greeted in turn with a slight tilt to her head. A pleasant smile that didn't quite reach her eyes was directed at him. "It seems I must disappoint you, my lord." She drawled, making a point of looking around. "I see no insurgents, nor anyone fleeing from them." She'd already made her peace with the rumors. She had no part in it.
"What of you, my lord? You seem a little lost out here, though you know what they say about a change of scenery." Even Chara found the rumors about the man's... Appetite with prostitutes ridiculous, that was the way within the inner circle. One had to be careful about the rumors one obtained, because it would ― as it always did ― be used against you. And Chara was not short of ammunition.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Despite the turmoil that had left her family's reputation less than pristine, Chara would not allow herself to hide and cover. No, she went about her business as she always had. Walking through the inner circle with her head held high, and her pride tall as ever. Going about her own business, talking to the people she needed to and making conversations she'd rather not have, was all a large part of the gimmick. Her hair was braided on each side of her head, starting from the line of her forehead and following the line of her head to its back, where the two braids met and fell down her shoulders in waves.
From the corner of her eye, she saw him approach. She didn't turn immediately, of course. No, she would not offer him that satisfaction. He wasn't a hard character to spot ― his skin fair, yet not pale, his hair like the touch of sunlight and eyes as grey as steel. It was only when her name was spoken that Chara turned her head to look at him.
For a second or two, the young woman simply stared at him. His tone did a good job at portraying her own feelings towards the man, but years of poise and grace had taught her better than to sigh and groan. Instead, she turned to fully face him, her expression calculating and perhaps, even a tad amused.
"Lord Stelios." She greeted in turn with a slight tilt to her head. A pleasant smile that didn't quite reach her eyes was directed at him. "It seems I must disappoint you, my lord." She drawled, making a point of looking around. "I see no insurgents, nor anyone fleeing from them." She'd already made her peace with the rumors. She had no part in it.
"What of you, my lord? You seem a little lost out here, though you know what they say about a change of scenery." Even Chara found the rumors about the man's... Appetite with prostitutes ridiculous, that was the way within the inner circle. One had to be careful about the rumors one obtained, because it would ― as it always did ― be used against you. And Chara was not short of ammunition.
Despite the turmoil that had left her family's reputation less than pristine, Chara would not allow herself to hide and cover. No, she went about her business as she always had. Walking through the inner circle with her head held high, and her pride tall as ever. Going about her own business, talking to the people she needed to and making conversations she'd rather not have, was all a large part of the gimmick. Her hair was braided on each side of her head, starting from the line of her forehead and following the line of her head to its back, where the two braids met and fell down her shoulders in waves.
From the corner of her eye, she saw him approach. She didn't turn immediately, of course. No, she would not offer him that satisfaction. He wasn't a hard character to spot ― his skin fair, yet not pale, his hair like the touch of sunlight and eyes as grey as steel. It was only when her name was spoken that Chara turned her head to look at him.
For a second or two, the young woman simply stared at him. His tone did a good job at portraying her own feelings towards the man, but years of poise and grace had taught her better than to sigh and groan. Instead, she turned to fully face him, her expression calculating and perhaps, even a tad amused.
"Lord Stelios." She greeted in turn with a slight tilt to her head. A pleasant smile that didn't quite reach her eyes was directed at him. "It seems I must disappoint you, my lord." She drawled, making a point of looking around. "I see no insurgents, nor anyone fleeing from them." She'd already made her peace with the rumors. She had no part in it.
"What of you, my lord? You seem a little lost out here, though you know what they say about a change of scenery." Even Chara found the rumors about the man's... Appetite with prostitutes ridiculous, that was the way within the inner circle. One had to be careful about the rumors one obtained, because it would ― as it always did ― be used against you. And Chara was not short of ammunition.
Stelios hated anything that upset the general order of things. Order governed his life and most of the moments that filled each waking day. He was a severely, some might say excessively regimental man who left nothing to chance. He rose at the same hour, went through his morning ablutions in the same way (down to the same measured amount of water for washing and the same number of turns of the sponge across his skin), dressed in the same order, ate the same breakfast, and even greeted his family with the same terse, tired words. Unpredictability was left for the battlefield which, in truth, Athenia was more and more resembling of late. That unsettled him most of all, the very idea that this cradle of civilization could be jostled and its institutions paralyzed as thoroughly as the Senate and the great houses seemed to be. Not knowing set him on edge and that was a dangerous state for any to find him in.
Particularly a Stravos and especially this one.
He quieted a faint growl in the back of his throat as it threatened to arise in answer to her graceful smile and thoroughly composed demeanor. Something about that manufactured facade made him keen to tear it down. "Given their tendency to pop up unannounced and completely overwhelm the very bastion of power in this city you never know, my lady ... they might be closer than you think." He nodded sternly towards a nearby palanquin carrying a sour-faced noblewoman. "She might be a trained assassin or her chair carriers a team of cutthroats. If the great and good Lord Elias finds it best to shut himself away in defense of Princess Emilia these must be contentious times indeed."
None of which were genuine sentiments, made clear by the leaden weight of each syllable. But Chara's remark about scenery did pique his interest albeit not with any natural traveling of the mind to conclusions, other than one involving a few well-set fires. He continued to stare her down as if daring an openly combative remark even as his own flew as freely as arrows. "Yes, I know what they say about scenery. Some torches will clear it right out. On the whole I'd rather be mired down in mud in a garrison camp than in this godsforsaken place but I can't see that being your natural environment, hrmm? The rain would soak right through your attire ... not that the troops would mind."
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Stelios hated anything that upset the general order of things. Order governed his life and most of the moments that filled each waking day. He was a severely, some might say excessively regimental man who left nothing to chance. He rose at the same hour, went through his morning ablutions in the same way (down to the same measured amount of water for washing and the same number of turns of the sponge across his skin), dressed in the same order, ate the same breakfast, and even greeted his family with the same terse, tired words. Unpredictability was left for the battlefield which, in truth, Athenia was more and more resembling of late. That unsettled him most of all, the very idea that this cradle of civilization could be jostled and its institutions paralyzed as thoroughly as the Senate and the great houses seemed to be. Not knowing set him on edge and that was a dangerous state for any to find him in.
Particularly a Stravos and especially this one.
He quieted a faint growl in the back of his throat as it threatened to arise in answer to her graceful smile and thoroughly composed demeanor. Something about that manufactured facade made him keen to tear it down. "Given their tendency to pop up unannounced and completely overwhelm the very bastion of power in this city you never know, my lady ... they might be closer than you think." He nodded sternly towards a nearby palanquin carrying a sour-faced noblewoman. "She might be a trained assassin or her chair carriers a team of cutthroats. If the great and good Lord Elias finds it best to shut himself away in defense of Princess Emilia these must be contentious times indeed."
None of which were genuine sentiments, made clear by the leaden weight of each syllable. But Chara's remark about scenery did pique his interest albeit not with any natural traveling of the mind to conclusions, other than one involving a few well-set fires. He continued to stare her down as if daring an openly combative remark even as his own flew as freely as arrows. "Yes, I know what they say about scenery. Some torches will clear it right out. On the whole I'd rather be mired down in mud in a garrison camp than in this godsforsaken place but I can't see that being your natural environment, hrmm? The rain would soak right through your attire ... not that the troops would mind."
Stelios hated anything that upset the general order of things. Order governed his life and most of the moments that filled each waking day. He was a severely, some might say excessively regimental man who left nothing to chance. He rose at the same hour, went through his morning ablutions in the same way (down to the same measured amount of water for washing and the same number of turns of the sponge across his skin), dressed in the same order, ate the same breakfast, and even greeted his family with the same terse, tired words. Unpredictability was left for the battlefield which, in truth, Athenia was more and more resembling of late. That unsettled him most of all, the very idea that this cradle of civilization could be jostled and its institutions paralyzed as thoroughly as the Senate and the great houses seemed to be. Not knowing set him on edge and that was a dangerous state for any to find him in.
Particularly a Stravos and especially this one.
He quieted a faint growl in the back of his throat as it threatened to arise in answer to her graceful smile and thoroughly composed demeanor. Something about that manufactured facade made him keen to tear it down. "Given their tendency to pop up unannounced and completely overwhelm the very bastion of power in this city you never know, my lady ... they might be closer than you think." He nodded sternly towards a nearby palanquin carrying a sour-faced noblewoman. "She might be a trained assassin or her chair carriers a team of cutthroats. If the great and good Lord Elias finds it best to shut himself away in defense of Princess Emilia these must be contentious times indeed."
None of which were genuine sentiments, made clear by the leaden weight of each syllable. But Chara's remark about scenery did pique his interest albeit not with any natural traveling of the mind to conclusions, other than one involving a few well-set fires. He continued to stare her down as if daring an openly combative remark even as his own flew as freely as arrows. "Yes, I know what they say about scenery. Some torches will clear it right out. On the whole I'd rather be mired down in mud in a garrison camp than in this godsforsaken place but I can't see that being your natural environment, hrmm? The rain would soak right through your attire ... not that the troops would mind."
It was rather obvious that the young lord wasn’t all too pleased with her company, but then, it wasn’t as if it was foreign to Chara. For whatever reason, many people seemed to have a torn in their side, and it had only amplified after the whole ordeal with her brother. “If they didn’t pop up unannounced, it would make them terrible at their jobs, don’t you agree?” She noted. After all, it would make their jobs incredibly difficult if everyone knew they were coming. Still, Chara followed his gaze and took in the woman he had been referring to. ”Or she might just be a sour looking woman who’s headed home to the life she hates and shares with a husband she hates.” she continued dryly, quickly and very obviously losing interest in the subject. ”If you have any concerns, I hardly think this is the forum to chase such things, my lord.” Though, she hardly thought the man brave enough to bring these thoughts any further. After all, it was very obvious he was trying to rile her, and very clearly failing at it.
“If you have such a foul opinion of the inner circle, then pray tell, why are you here?” She asked him directly, but quickly continued. “If the mud is what you prefer, then the mud is easy enough to find. And yet, here you are.” While she had been born with a silver spoon in her mouth, Chara was still aware of how different live was outside the inner circle. She wasn’t blind to how lucky the nobles could consider themselves for the riches they had, that the commoners did not. Still, the hazel eyed brunette smile. ”Of course they wouldn’t mind.” she began, her tone matter-of-factly. ”Few men would turn away from the sight of a woman whose clothes cling to her body like second skin.” Her eyebrows rose at that, as if challenging him to tell her otherwise. ”Unless his attention lies towards the less fairer sex.”
Chara had not just studied the art of politics and how to work her way around the court. No, she was perfectly aware of how certain movements and gestures could go a long way to get you exactly what you wanted. Swaying your hip this way, tilting your head that way to expose the soft curves of your neck… How a simple touch could be enough to distract a man if done correctly. ”Though, some men seem to prefer the company of the women he buys, over the ones that he’s earned. Perhaps that lifestyle better fits someone not made for the life within the inner circle, my lord.”
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It was rather obvious that the young lord wasn’t all too pleased with her company, but then, it wasn’t as if it was foreign to Chara. For whatever reason, many people seemed to have a torn in their side, and it had only amplified after the whole ordeal with her brother. “If they didn’t pop up unannounced, it would make them terrible at their jobs, don’t you agree?” She noted. After all, it would make their jobs incredibly difficult if everyone knew they were coming. Still, Chara followed his gaze and took in the woman he had been referring to. ”Or she might just be a sour looking woman who’s headed home to the life she hates and shares with a husband she hates.” she continued dryly, quickly and very obviously losing interest in the subject. ”If you have any concerns, I hardly think this is the forum to chase such things, my lord.” Though, she hardly thought the man brave enough to bring these thoughts any further. After all, it was very obvious he was trying to rile her, and very clearly failing at it.
“If you have such a foul opinion of the inner circle, then pray tell, why are you here?” She asked him directly, but quickly continued. “If the mud is what you prefer, then the mud is easy enough to find. And yet, here you are.” While she had been born with a silver spoon in her mouth, Chara was still aware of how different live was outside the inner circle. She wasn’t blind to how lucky the nobles could consider themselves for the riches they had, that the commoners did not. Still, the hazel eyed brunette smile. ”Of course they wouldn’t mind.” she began, her tone matter-of-factly. ”Few men would turn away from the sight of a woman whose clothes cling to her body like second skin.” Her eyebrows rose at that, as if challenging him to tell her otherwise. ”Unless his attention lies towards the less fairer sex.”
Chara had not just studied the art of politics and how to work her way around the court. No, she was perfectly aware of how certain movements and gestures could go a long way to get you exactly what you wanted. Swaying your hip this way, tilting your head that way to expose the soft curves of your neck… How a simple touch could be enough to distract a man if done correctly. ”Though, some men seem to prefer the company of the women he buys, over the ones that he’s earned. Perhaps that lifestyle better fits someone not made for the life within the inner circle, my lord.”
It was rather obvious that the young lord wasn’t all too pleased with her company, but then, it wasn’t as if it was foreign to Chara. For whatever reason, many people seemed to have a torn in their side, and it had only amplified after the whole ordeal with her brother. “If they didn’t pop up unannounced, it would make them terrible at their jobs, don’t you agree?” She noted. After all, it would make their jobs incredibly difficult if everyone knew they were coming. Still, Chara followed his gaze and took in the woman he had been referring to. ”Or she might just be a sour looking woman who’s headed home to the life she hates and shares with a husband she hates.” she continued dryly, quickly and very obviously losing interest in the subject. ”If you have any concerns, I hardly think this is the forum to chase such things, my lord.” Though, she hardly thought the man brave enough to bring these thoughts any further. After all, it was very obvious he was trying to rile her, and very clearly failing at it.
“If you have such a foul opinion of the inner circle, then pray tell, why are you here?” She asked him directly, but quickly continued. “If the mud is what you prefer, then the mud is easy enough to find. And yet, here you are.” While she had been born with a silver spoon in her mouth, Chara was still aware of how different live was outside the inner circle. She wasn’t blind to how lucky the nobles could consider themselves for the riches they had, that the commoners did not. Still, the hazel eyed brunette smile. ”Of course they wouldn’t mind.” she began, her tone matter-of-factly. ”Few men would turn away from the sight of a woman whose clothes cling to her body like second skin.” Her eyebrows rose at that, as if challenging him to tell her otherwise. ”Unless his attention lies towards the less fairer sex.”
Chara had not just studied the art of politics and how to work her way around the court. No, she was perfectly aware of how certain movements and gestures could go a long way to get you exactly what you wanted. Swaying your hip this way, tilting your head that way to expose the soft curves of your neck… How a simple touch could be enough to distract a man if done correctly. ”Though, some men seem to prefer the company of the women he buys, over the ones that he’s earned. Perhaps that lifestyle better fits someone not made for the life within the inner circle, my lord.”
Among the catalogue of faults in Stelios' character was a profound lack of understanding how his words could affect other people. That wasn't due to any callousness or cruelty on his part; more the combination of a stern upbringing and a life in the military where conversation amounted to commands issued with the expectation of obedience. He might have cared enough not to be so brusque if he were aware of how he came across.
But he wasn't.
And his gaze didn't return to the exemplar of the wealthy noblewoman being carried off in a sedan chair, his gaze fixed upon the loadstar of Chara's dry wit. "I don't know many sour women so can't say; but I'll defer to your experience," he shot back deadpan. A more earnest tone intruded for just a moment, and he stepped a few long paces closer, muscular chest filling with a sharp intake of air. "Concerns should be 'aired' in public when they are public concerns, don't you think? And the current state of affairs concerns everyone in this city. Why are any of us here if not to safeguard our interests in a time of uncertainty, hrmm? I'm here for the same reasons as you." He eyed her from head to foot dispassionately. "Well perhaps not all the same reasons but for the benefit of my family same as you." This was transforming into one of those lamentable instances where Stelios knew his mouth would get the better of him but with every passing second and each heartbeat thundering in the veins at his temples he cared less and less. Grey eyes hardened to steel, narrowed in scrutiny. "You seem to know a lot about my preferences ... or presume to. Do you know the true value of a woman who is bought for her company rather than one whose company is earned?"
Purposeful strides closed the distance between them further til the Antonis lord stood like a mounting thundercloud ready to break loose upon the topography of the Stravos lady. He crossed the bridge and burned it behind himself, letting fly a barb growled in the back of his throat: "A bought woman knows when to keep her mouth shut and by what circumstances to open it wide."
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Among the catalogue of faults in Stelios' character was a profound lack of understanding how his words could affect other people. That wasn't due to any callousness or cruelty on his part; more the combination of a stern upbringing and a life in the military where conversation amounted to commands issued with the expectation of obedience. He might have cared enough not to be so brusque if he were aware of how he came across.
But he wasn't.
And his gaze didn't return to the exemplar of the wealthy noblewoman being carried off in a sedan chair, his gaze fixed upon the loadstar of Chara's dry wit. "I don't know many sour women so can't say; but I'll defer to your experience," he shot back deadpan. A more earnest tone intruded for just a moment, and he stepped a few long paces closer, muscular chest filling with a sharp intake of air. "Concerns should be 'aired' in public when they are public concerns, don't you think? And the current state of affairs concerns everyone in this city. Why are any of us here if not to safeguard our interests in a time of uncertainty, hrmm? I'm here for the same reasons as you." He eyed her from head to foot dispassionately. "Well perhaps not all the same reasons but for the benefit of my family same as you." This was transforming into one of those lamentable instances where Stelios knew his mouth would get the better of him but with every passing second and each heartbeat thundering in the veins at his temples he cared less and less. Grey eyes hardened to steel, narrowed in scrutiny. "You seem to know a lot about my preferences ... or presume to. Do you know the true value of a woman who is bought for her company rather than one whose company is earned?"
Purposeful strides closed the distance between them further til the Antonis lord stood like a mounting thundercloud ready to break loose upon the topography of the Stravos lady. He crossed the bridge and burned it behind himself, letting fly a barb growled in the back of his throat: "A bought woman knows when to keep her mouth shut and by what circumstances to open it wide."
Among the catalogue of faults in Stelios' character was a profound lack of understanding how his words could affect other people. That wasn't due to any callousness or cruelty on his part; more the combination of a stern upbringing and a life in the military where conversation amounted to commands issued with the expectation of obedience. He might have cared enough not to be so brusque if he were aware of how he came across.
But he wasn't.
And his gaze didn't return to the exemplar of the wealthy noblewoman being carried off in a sedan chair, his gaze fixed upon the loadstar of Chara's dry wit. "I don't know many sour women so can't say; but I'll defer to your experience," he shot back deadpan. A more earnest tone intruded for just a moment, and he stepped a few long paces closer, muscular chest filling with a sharp intake of air. "Concerns should be 'aired' in public when they are public concerns, don't you think? And the current state of affairs concerns everyone in this city. Why are any of us here if not to safeguard our interests in a time of uncertainty, hrmm? I'm here for the same reasons as you." He eyed her from head to foot dispassionately. "Well perhaps not all the same reasons but for the benefit of my family same as you." This was transforming into one of those lamentable instances where Stelios knew his mouth would get the better of him but with every passing second and each heartbeat thundering in the veins at his temples he cared less and less. Grey eyes hardened to steel, narrowed in scrutiny. "You seem to know a lot about my preferences ... or presume to. Do you know the true value of a woman who is bought for her company rather than one whose company is earned?"
Purposeful strides closed the distance between them further til the Antonis lord stood like a mounting thundercloud ready to break loose upon the topography of the Stravos lady. He crossed the bridge and burned it behind himself, letting fly a barb growled in the back of his throat: "A bought woman knows when to keep her mouth shut and by what circumstances to open it wide."
He wasn't the first man to refer to her as sour, and he surely wouldn't be the last. Had Chara cared more for the opinions of men, she might have done something to change her reputation. But she didn't. An amused twitch reached the corner of the brunette's lips. "I'm heartbroken." She drawled. But it didn't seem as if the man was quite done, but instead, found himself drawing closer. "The difference, my lord, is that you're not 'airing your concerns', but rather throwing remarks at my face and doing rather poorly while you're at it." She stared up at him, her head tilting as she studied him. "And I find it funny how you justify your actions and your loyalty towards your family, but seem rather oblivious to the fact that you're shaming me for the same." Otherwise, he never would have mentioned Elias in all of this. It was a rather dull effort, and it seemed as if the man was riling himself up for nothing. Whatever his reasons were, they were his own, but he seemed to have missed the point where he'd been the one to approach her. Did the lord truly have so little time on his hands that he had nothing better to do? "I'm only returning the favor, my lord."
Chara remained perfectly still as the man continued to approach her. Towering over her, it forced the brunette to dip her head back to properly be able to look him in the eye. She wasn't short by any standards, though the freakishly tall man made her look ridiculously tiny in comparison. For a moment, Chara looked at him, her expression contemplative. But then her expression changed and genuine humor colored her hazel eyes.
"You seem to have forgotten somewhere along your temper tantrum that you approached me, and unlike whores, you haven't paid me to keep my mouth shut, nor to open them wide at your command." Lifting her hand, she placed it against the much taller man's chest and put pressure against it, as if trying to push him away. "And by your own reasoning, you can't very well except me to obey, now can you, Lord Antonis?"
It was a curious thing, she quickly realized, that it was very different from discussing with someone even remotely clever or trained in the arts. It was like trying to talk a rock into growing feet and walk away, just that the rock thought itself very smart, only to lose itself in childish fits of anger. Still, Chara found herself intrigued by the brute who spoke more freely than any of her own counterparts ever did in court. It was refreshing, if nothing else.
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He wasn't the first man to refer to her as sour, and he surely wouldn't be the last. Had Chara cared more for the opinions of men, she might have done something to change her reputation. But she didn't. An amused twitch reached the corner of the brunette's lips. "I'm heartbroken." She drawled. But it didn't seem as if the man was quite done, but instead, found himself drawing closer. "The difference, my lord, is that you're not 'airing your concerns', but rather throwing remarks at my face and doing rather poorly while you're at it." She stared up at him, her head tilting as she studied him. "And I find it funny how you justify your actions and your loyalty towards your family, but seem rather oblivious to the fact that you're shaming me for the same." Otherwise, he never would have mentioned Elias in all of this. It was a rather dull effort, and it seemed as if the man was riling himself up for nothing. Whatever his reasons were, they were his own, but he seemed to have missed the point where he'd been the one to approach her. Did the lord truly have so little time on his hands that he had nothing better to do? "I'm only returning the favor, my lord."
Chara remained perfectly still as the man continued to approach her. Towering over her, it forced the brunette to dip her head back to properly be able to look him in the eye. She wasn't short by any standards, though the freakishly tall man made her look ridiculously tiny in comparison. For a moment, Chara looked at him, her expression contemplative. But then her expression changed and genuine humor colored her hazel eyes.
"You seem to have forgotten somewhere along your temper tantrum that you approached me, and unlike whores, you haven't paid me to keep my mouth shut, nor to open them wide at your command." Lifting her hand, she placed it against the much taller man's chest and put pressure against it, as if trying to push him away. "And by your own reasoning, you can't very well except me to obey, now can you, Lord Antonis?"
It was a curious thing, she quickly realized, that it was very different from discussing with someone even remotely clever or trained in the arts. It was like trying to talk a rock into growing feet and walk away, just that the rock thought itself very smart, only to lose itself in childish fits of anger. Still, Chara found herself intrigued by the brute who spoke more freely than any of her own counterparts ever did in court. It was refreshing, if nothing else.
He wasn't the first man to refer to her as sour, and he surely wouldn't be the last. Had Chara cared more for the opinions of men, she might have done something to change her reputation. But she didn't. An amused twitch reached the corner of the brunette's lips. "I'm heartbroken." She drawled. But it didn't seem as if the man was quite done, but instead, found himself drawing closer. "The difference, my lord, is that you're not 'airing your concerns', but rather throwing remarks at my face and doing rather poorly while you're at it." She stared up at him, her head tilting as she studied him. "And I find it funny how you justify your actions and your loyalty towards your family, but seem rather oblivious to the fact that you're shaming me for the same." Otherwise, he never would have mentioned Elias in all of this. It was a rather dull effort, and it seemed as if the man was riling himself up for nothing. Whatever his reasons were, they were his own, but he seemed to have missed the point where he'd been the one to approach her. Did the lord truly have so little time on his hands that he had nothing better to do? "I'm only returning the favor, my lord."
Chara remained perfectly still as the man continued to approach her. Towering over her, it forced the brunette to dip her head back to properly be able to look him in the eye. She wasn't short by any standards, though the freakishly tall man made her look ridiculously tiny in comparison. For a moment, Chara looked at him, her expression contemplative. But then her expression changed and genuine humor colored her hazel eyes.
"You seem to have forgotten somewhere along your temper tantrum that you approached me, and unlike whores, you haven't paid me to keep my mouth shut, nor to open them wide at your command." Lifting her hand, she placed it against the much taller man's chest and put pressure against it, as if trying to push him away. "And by your own reasoning, you can't very well except me to obey, now can you, Lord Antonis?"
It was a curious thing, she quickly realized, that it was very different from discussing with someone even remotely clever or trained in the arts. It was like trying to talk a rock into growing feet and walk away, just that the rock thought itself very smart, only to lose itself in childish fits of anger. Still, Chara found herself intrigued by the brute who spoke more freely than any of her own counterparts ever did in court. It was refreshing, if nothing else.
Stelios should have remembered his childhood and halted. The first limb he broke (one of many) was when he decided at the age of five to steal into the stables, climb up on a horse without saddle (or a lesson to his credit) and was promptly thrown from it. Rather than howling in pain he was discovered screeching in glee, cradling his arm and grinning from ear to ear. Such was his weakness for treading where wiser, cooler, and perhaps more rational heads would not.
Today would not see him changing his stripes, either. Apologies ought to have followed, a clarification rather than an argument but instead he scowled, square jawline set in stone. "Shaming you? No. Shaming others? That's for you to interpret as you see fit but I would compliment you on your loyalty to your family if you weren't jumping to stupid conclusions fueled by your own damnable self-superiority." Oh, gods, now it was all coming out. "You're entitled to your opinions even if they're wrong. But you're not entitled to ..."
His thought evaporated as the near proximity forced the study of the lustrous hazel eyes staring up unafraid and ... humored? That much Stelios had not expected and even the ineffectual press of Chara's hand against his chest was enough for him to step back a stagger, mentally off-balance from the surprise of her response. Til the rest of it sank in and he found an opening, tactician that he was, to launch a fresh assault. "I don't seek obedience from women I don't pay. And from those who do, when their feet aren't permitted to touch the ground until I have the surrender I seek they're surprisingly docile. I don't mistake you for that sort, my lady. If your mouth ever opened wide it'd be to bite off a man's pride. But when you want to correct that flaw, I could recommend a few famous courtesans who'd be happy to offer lessons."
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Stelios should have remembered his childhood and halted. The first limb he broke (one of many) was when he decided at the age of five to steal into the stables, climb up on a horse without saddle (or a lesson to his credit) and was promptly thrown from it. Rather than howling in pain he was discovered screeching in glee, cradling his arm and grinning from ear to ear. Such was his weakness for treading where wiser, cooler, and perhaps more rational heads would not.
Today would not see him changing his stripes, either. Apologies ought to have followed, a clarification rather than an argument but instead he scowled, square jawline set in stone. "Shaming you? No. Shaming others? That's for you to interpret as you see fit but I would compliment you on your loyalty to your family if you weren't jumping to stupid conclusions fueled by your own damnable self-superiority." Oh, gods, now it was all coming out. "You're entitled to your opinions even if they're wrong. But you're not entitled to ..."
His thought evaporated as the near proximity forced the study of the lustrous hazel eyes staring up unafraid and ... humored? That much Stelios had not expected and even the ineffectual press of Chara's hand against his chest was enough for him to step back a stagger, mentally off-balance from the surprise of her response. Til the rest of it sank in and he found an opening, tactician that he was, to launch a fresh assault. "I don't seek obedience from women I don't pay. And from those who do, when their feet aren't permitted to touch the ground until I have the surrender I seek they're surprisingly docile. I don't mistake you for that sort, my lady. If your mouth ever opened wide it'd be to bite off a man's pride. But when you want to correct that flaw, I could recommend a few famous courtesans who'd be happy to offer lessons."
Stelios should have remembered his childhood and halted. The first limb he broke (one of many) was when he decided at the age of five to steal into the stables, climb up on a horse without saddle (or a lesson to his credit) and was promptly thrown from it. Rather than howling in pain he was discovered screeching in glee, cradling his arm and grinning from ear to ear. Such was his weakness for treading where wiser, cooler, and perhaps more rational heads would not.
Today would not see him changing his stripes, either. Apologies ought to have followed, a clarification rather than an argument but instead he scowled, square jawline set in stone. "Shaming you? No. Shaming others? That's for you to interpret as you see fit but I would compliment you on your loyalty to your family if you weren't jumping to stupid conclusions fueled by your own damnable self-superiority." Oh, gods, now it was all coming out. "You're entitled to your opinions even if they're wrong. But you're not entitled to ..."
His thought evaporated as the near proximity forced the study of the lustrous hazel eyes staring up unafraid and ... humored? That much Stelios had not expected and even the ineffectual press of Chara's hand against his chest was enough for him to step back a stagger, mentally off-balance from the surprise of her response. Til the rest of it sank in and he found an opening, tactician that he was, to launch a fresh assault. "I don't seek obedience from women I don't pay. And from those who do, when their feet aren't permitted to touch the ground until I have the surrender I seek they're surprisingly docile. I don't mistake you for that sort, my lady. If your mouth ever opened wide it'd be to bite off a man's pride. But when you want to correct that flaw, I could recommend a few famous courtesans who'd be happy to offer lessons."
Chara’s eyebrows rose a fractioned as the man continued his tireless charge at her. Towards what end, she wasn’t sure, but it was rather obvious that the lord had a lot on his chest and for whatever reason, he’d seen it fit to dump it all on her. Perhaps it was easier for him to dump it on someone who wouldn’t care, nor show him any obvious sympathy. She wasn’t sure, though before she was offered a chance to properly defend herself again, the lord staggered back.
Though, whatever surprise had caught him, quickly fell away as the man found himself another opening to jump right back at her throat. ”If I’d like to correct the presumptions of other people, my lord, I am more than capable of making that choice myself. I would be just as capable of choosing the recipients as well, if I ever choose to do so.” Chara had no reason to hide the fact that men was the last thing on her mind right now, just as it never had been. No, her focus had always been solely upon the politics of court, and she had never had much interest in exploring anything past that.
”As for the fact of my mouth opening wide, I’ll happily let you know if your musings come to be, or if they prove to be yet another ridiculous attempt at prodding without the proper ammunition.” Still, her gaze never left his. Hazel eyes remained upon his steely grey. ”Though, you seem very eager to make assumptions about my sexual endeavors. Is there something I should be made aware of, or are you deflecting your own insecurities about the matter onto me?” She pursed her lips, before half turning away from him.
Her own lack of experience was not something Chara was ashamed of, despite her age. She was well aware of the rumors that circled about her. Most people seemed to think she would die an old maid, and that no man would ever dare marry her. She had her own issues with the rumors, but she’d partly come to terms with it, and partly learned to live with them.
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Chara’s eyebrows rose a fractioned as the man continued his tireless charge at her. Towards what end, she wasn’t sure, but it was rather obvious that the lord had a lot on his chest and for whatever reason, he’d seen it fit to dump it all on her. Perhaps it was easier for him to dump it on someone who wouldn’t care, nor show him any obvious sympathy. She wasn’t sure, though before she was offered a chance to properly defend herself again, the lord staggered back.
Though, whatever surprise had caught him, quickly fell away as the man found himself another opening to jump right back at her throat. ”If I’d like to correct the presumptions of other people, my lord, I am more than capable of making that choice myself. I would be just as capable of choosing the recipients as well, if I ever choose to do so.” Chara had no reason to hide the fact that men was the last thing on her mind right now, just as it never had been. No, her focus had always been solely upon the politics of court, and she had never had much interest in exploring anything past that.
”As for the fact of my mouth opening wide, I’ll happily let you know if your musings come to be, or if they prove to be yet another ridiculous attempt at prodding without the proper ammunition.” Still, her gaze never left his. Hazel eyes remained upon his steely grey. ”Though, you seem very eager to make assumptions about my sexual endeavors. Is there something I should be made aware of, or are you deflecting your own insecurities about the matter onto me?” She pursed her lips, before half turning away from him.
Her own lack of experience was not something Chara was ashamed of, despite her age. She was well aware of the rumors that circled about her. Most people seemed to think she would die an old maid, and that no man would ever dare marry her. She had her own issues with the rumors, but she’d partly come to terms with it, and partly learned to live with them.
Chara’s eyebrows rose a fractioned as the man continued his tireless charge at her. Towards what end, she wasn’t sure, but it was rather obvious that the lord had a lot on his chest and for whatever reason, he’d seen it fit to dump it all on her. Perhaps it was easier for him to dump it on someone who wouldn’t care, nor show him any obvious sympathy. She wasn’t sure, though before she was offered a chance to properly defend herself again, the lord staggered back.
Though, whatever surprise had caught him, quickly fell away as the man found himself another opening to jump right back at her throat. ”If I’d like to correct the presumptions of other people, my lord, I am more than capable of making that choice myself. I would be just as capable of choosing the recipients as well, if I ever choose to do so.” Chara had no reason to hide the fact that men was the last thing on her mind right now, just as it never had been. No, her focus had always been solely upon the politics of court, and she had never had much interest in exploring anything past that.
”As for the fact of my mouth opening wide, I’ll happily let you know if your musings come to be, or if they prove to be yet another ridiculous attempt at prodding without the proper ammunition.” Still, her gaze never left his. Hazel eyes remained upon his steely grey. ”Though, you seem very eager to make assumptions about my sexual endeavors. Is there something I should be made aware of, or are you deflecting your own insecurities about the matter onto me?” She pursed her lips, before half turning away from him.
Her own lack of experience was not something Chara was ashamed of, despite her age. She was well aware of the rumors that circled about her. Most people seemed to think she would die an old maid, and that no man would ever dare marry her. She had her own issues with the rumors, but she’d partly come to terms with it, and partly learned to live with them.
It was a rare thing for Stelios to be challenged. If his imposing height didn't ward off disagreement, his baleful gaze silenced it. But Chara seemed impervious to both and it only twisted the knot of frustration in his chest tighter as she met his gaze and held it! Gods, if she weren't a woman ... But she was. Her hazel eyes held a grace and confidence the match for anyone regardless of sex. Granted, the stark distinctions drawn by the face that would not be bowed or bent to even his stubborn expectations made his the periphery of his mind wonder about other things. Things that would be impolite to mention.
Thankfully, Stelios of Antonis had never stood on politeness, particularly when dealing with his fellow nobility.
"Mention of mouths wasn't intended as an invitation, my lady, and your needling about my own appetites speaks to your insecurities, not mine. I'm flattered you've kept up with my exploits but my tastes turn to more amenable company rather than those more likely to try to cut it off."
The corners of his lips actually upturned into the barest semblance of a smile, and the soldier's voice rumbled low in the back of his throat, thrumming like distant thunder. "Someone should have spanked you as a child. And if they didn't ... someone should make up for lost time now."
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It was a rare thing for Stelios to be challenged. If his imposing height didn't ward off disagreement, his baleful gaze silenced it. But Chara seemed impervious to both and it only twisted the knot of frustration in his chest tighter as she met his gaze and held it! Gods, if she weren't a woman ... But she was. Her hazel eyes held a grace and confidence the match for anyone regardless of sex. Granted, the stark distinctions drawn by the face that would not be bowed or bent to even his stubborn expectations made his the periphery of his mind wonder about other things. Things that would be impolite to mention.
Thankfully, Stelios of Antonis had never stood on politeness, particularly when dealing with his fellow nobility.
"Mention of mouths wasn't intended as an invitation, my lady, and your needling about my own appetites speaks to your insecurities, not mine. I'm flattered you've kept up with my exploits but my tastes turn to more amenable company rather than those more likely to try to cut it off."
The corners of his lips actually upturned into the barest semblance of a smile, and the soldier's voice rumbled low in the back of his throat, thrumming like distant thunder. "Someone should have spanked you as a child. And if they didn't ... someone should make up for lost time now."
It was a rare thing for Stelios to be challenged. If his imposing height didn't ward off disagreement, his baleful gaze silenced it. But Chara seemed impervious to both and it only twisted the knot of frustration in his chest tighter as she met his gaze and held it! Gods, if she weren't a woman ... But she was. Her hazel eyes held a grace and confidence the match for anyone regardless of sex. Granted, the stark distinctions drawn by the face that would not be bowed or bent to even his stubborn expectations made his the periphery of his mind wonder about other things. Things that would be impolite to mention.
Thankfully, Stelios of Antonis had never stood on politeness, particularly when dealing with his fellow nobility.
"Mention of mouths wasn't intended as an invitation, my lady, and your needling about my own appetites speaks to your insecurities, not mine. I'm flattered you've kept up with my exploits but my tastes turn to more amenable company rather than those more likely to try to cut it off."
The corners of his lips actually upturned into the barest semblance of a smile, and the soldier's voice rumbled low in the back of his throat, thrumming like distant thunder. "Someone should have spanked you as a child. And if they didn't ... someone should make up for lost time now."
"And yet, here you are." She commented dryly. "It's rather obvious that my company is not one that you favor, but you don't seem overly eager to leave it." Was she insecure? Not at all. She had nothing to be insecure about. It was not something Chara had considered for herself, and she had made her peace with it. "I have no intention of cutting off anything from you, my lord, so you need not worry." She added with a slight shrug to her shoulders.
Still, even Chara of Stravos had her limits. While she could hold her own in an argument or a discussion any time, this was bordering into something else entirely.
Still half-way facing away from him, she turned her head to look at him directly. "Tell me, my lord." She drawled, her voice flat and void of any emotion. Even the amusement she had carried before was gone. "Is that an invitation or is it a threat?" She held her hand up then, as if to silence whatever spiel he was about to let roll of his tongue. "And please, try to come up with something new this time, unless you've already used up your vocabulary?"
She didn't expect much of this brute, she realized. He'd already proved himself incapable of surprising her. She expected whatever to come from his lips be in the same fashion as the insults he had already offered, and there was only so many ways of which he could deliver them before they all ended up sounding the same.
Disappointing.
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"And yet, here you are." She commented dryly. "It's rather obvious that my company is not one that you favor, but you don't seem overly eager to leave it." Was she insecure? Not at all. She had nothing to be insecure about. It was not something Chara had considered for herself, and she had made her peace with it. "I have no intention of cutting off anything from you, my lord, so you need not worry." She added with a slight shrug to her shoulders.
Still, even Chara of Stravos had her limits. While she could hold her own in an argument or a discussion any time, this was bordering into something else entirely.
Still half-way facing away from him, she turned her head to look at him directly. "Tell me, my lord." She drawled, her voice flat and void of any emotion. Even the amusement she had carried before was gone. "Is that an invitation or is it a threat?" She held her hand up then, as if to silence whatever spiel he was about to let roll of his tongue. "And please, try to come up with something new this time, unless you've already used up your vocabulary?"
She didn't expect much of this brute, she realized. He'd already proved himself incapable of surprising her. She expected whatever to come from his lips be in the same fashion as the insults he had already offered, and there was only so many ways of which he could deliver them before they all ended up sounding the same.
Disappointing.
"And yet, here you are." She commented dryly. "It's rather obvious that my company is not one that you favor, but you don't seem overly eager to leave it." Was she insecure? Not at all. She had nothing to be insecure about. It was not something Chara had considered for herself, and she had made her peace with it. "I have no intention of cutting off anything from you, my lord, so you need not worry." She added with a slight shrug to her shoulders.
Still, even Chara of Stravos had her limits. While she could hold her own in an argument or a discussion any time, this was bordering into something else entirely.
Still half-way facing away from him, she turned her head to look at him directly. "Tell me, my lord." She drawled, her voice flat and void of any emotion. Even the amusement she had carried before was gone. "Is that an invitation or is it a threat?" She held her hand up then, as if to silence whatever spiel he was about to let roll of his tongue. "And please, try to come up with something new this time, unless you've already used up your vocabulary?"
She didn't expect much of this brute, she realized. He'd already proved himself incapable of surprising her. She expected whatever to come from his lips be in the same fashion as the insults he had already offered, and there was only so many ways of which he could deliver them before they all ended up sounding the same.
Disappointing.
"And yet here we are," Stelios corrected in a growl, not about to let Chara remove herself from the fact that she'd made no attempt to escape this impasse any more than he had. The stubborn soldier knew what kept him rooted fast, or what his silent, internal excuse was: a refusal to let a Stravos get the better of him. "You're still here as well for all your feigned disinterest. Maybe somewhere in that ice cold edifice you call a body there's a spark of curiosity or, gods grant, at least room for frustration. Any emotion would be welcome proof that you're human and not a talking statue."
He could handle being dismissed. That was something Stelios had grown used to, particularly from more sensitive members of his noble class (and he did not imagine Chara the sensitive type at all). If his opinions were not wanted he did not waste them on closed ears and shuttered minds.
But feigned disinterest, ah, that was a different matter. The way she half-turned away, tried to force him to admit some kind of prurient interest made his palms itch and his nostrils flare for a deeper intake of breath for his lungs. "Pretty a picture as you might make, bent over a man's knee and your ass glowing red my hand would likely turn gangrenous and fall off so no, my lady, I hate to shatter your hopes but that was no invitation. There is only one cure for pride like yours. A good walloping. I'll leave that to even braver souls."
He nodded down the broad, cobbled path leading into the city sprawl below. "Walking is a simple action. I'm sure you know how. You put one foot in front of the other. But if you were minded to fire off a few ineffectual barbs and blow off in a huff you'd have done it already. Which proves my point. Pride won't let you back down, will it?" Medicine he should perhaps take himself but it was always more palatable to dish it to others.
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"And yet here we are," Stelios corrected in a growl, not about to let Chara remove herself from the fact that she'd made no attempt to escape this impasse any more than he had. The stubborn soldier knew what kept him rooted fast, or what his silent, internal excuse was: a refusal to let a Stravos get the better of him. "You're still here as well for all your feigned disinterest. Maybe somewhere in that ice cold edifice you call a body there's a spark of curiosity or, gods grant, at least room for frustration. Any emotion would be welcome proof that you're human and not a talking statue."
He could handle being dismissed. That was something Stelios had grown used to, particularly from more sensitive members of his noble class (and he did not imagine Chara the sensitive type at all). If his opinions were not wanted he did not waste them on closed ears and shuttered minds.
But feigned disinterest, ah, that was a different matter. The way she half-turned away, tried to force him to admit some kind of prurient interest made his palms itch and his nostrils flare for a deeper intake of breath for his lungs. "Pretty a picture as you might make, bent over a man's knee and your ass glowing red my hand would likely turn gangrenous and fall off so no, my lady, I hate to shatter your hopes but that was no invitation. There is only one cure for pride like yours. A good walloping. I'll leave that to even braver souls."
He nodded down the broad, cobbled path leading into the city sprawl below. "Walking is a simple action. I'm sure you know how. You put one foot in front of the other. But if you were minded to fire off a few ineffectual barbs and blow off in a huff you'd have done it already. Which proves my point. Pride won't let you back down, will it?" Medicine he should perhaps take himself but it was always more palatable to dish it to others.
"And yet here we are," Stelios corrected in a growl, not about to let Chara remove herself from the fact that she'd made no attempt to escape this impasse any more than he had. The stubborn soldier knew what kept him rooted fast, or what his silent, internal excuse was: a refusal to let a Stravos get the better of him. "You're still here as well for all your feigned disinterest. Maybe somewhere in that ice cold edifice you call a body there's a spark of curiosity or, gods grant, at least room for frustration. Any emotion would be welcome proof that you're human and not a talking statue."
He could handle being dismissed. That was something Stelios had grown used to, particularly from more sensitive members of his noble class (and he did not imagine Chara the sensitive type at all). If his opinions were not wanted he did not waste them on closed ears and shuttered minds.
But feigned disinterest, ah, that was a different matter. The way she half-turned away, tried to force him to admit some kind of prurient interest made his palms itch and his nostrils flare for a deeper intake of breath for his lungs. "Pretty a picture as you might make, bent over a man's knee and your ass glowing red my hand would likely turn gangrenous and fall off so no, my lady, I hate to shatter your hopes but that was no invitation. There is only one cure for pride like yours. A good walloping. I'll leave that to even braver souls."
He nodded down the broad, cobbled path leading into the city sprawl below. "Walking is a simple action. I'm sure you know how. You put one foot in front of the other. But if you were minded to fire off a few ineffectual barbs and blow off in a huff you'd have done it already. Which proves my point. Pride won't let you back down, will it?" Medicine he should perhaps take himself but it was always more palatable to dish it to others.
He was partly right. Even Chara couldn't deny that fact. She could have walked away just as much as he had. "I find it amusing to watch you try and fail." She simply said with a slight shrug to one shoulder. "It's rather amusing to watch someone get so... worked up. Similar to that of a bull banging its head against a brick wall over and over again in hopes that it will eventually break." It wasn't the first time Chara had been called out for being 'less than human', and not in any complimenting way, either.
If nothing else, Chara supposed it was rather easy to be impressed by the man's stubborn pride. It was something she could easily relate to. He wasn't one that backed down from a challenge and gods knew that the court would have been far more interesting if it contained more people like that, and less of the purely innocent brand.
"There you go again." She mused, but quickly continued. "Biting off, cutting off, falling off. Changing the words doesn't make the meaning any more creative." Perhaps she could suggest him a good tutor of sorts, because his vocabulary was sorely lacking. She could have offered herself, but then, even Chara wouldn't claim herself good enough a teacher to teach someone so clearly wayward.
Again, he was right: Her pride wouldn't let her walk away, and she wasn't about to make any excuses for it, either. "If my pride allowed me to back down, Stelios, I would be rather useless in court politics." She shrugged a little at that, the hypocrisy of his words not at all lost on her. "But pray tell, what is your excuse?" He'd made it rather clear that he did not like her, which only put him last in a very long line. She turned her head to look at him then, hazel eyes contemplative for a moment.
First he attempted to insult her family, then he went on a long tirade of how no man would touch her, less something would be bit, cut or fall off. She briefly wondered if he didn't think she was aware of the rumors. Did he really think she didn't know? Or perhaps, he did know. Perhaps he was trying to rub it in her face — perhaps it would have succeeded too, if Chara wasn't all too aware of how most ment shied away from her path when she came walking.
With a sigh, Chara turned to properly face the young man once more. All sense of arrogance dropped from her features and in its wake, her expression was neutral. "Look." She began, lips pursing. "I am well aware of my own reputation, Lord Antonis. I am not the kind of woman who surrender myself on naive whims to the might of men. I never have been. My ambition has always been that of my family. There has never been anything else." She would much rather have men be afraid to touch her, to think of her as some kind of she-devil that would obliterate them from a simple touch, than to be yet another lady who found herself heartbroken and left on the streets from making a mistake fueled by something as unnecessary as love. "If you'd like to keep rubbing my lack of appeal to men in my face, then please go ahead, I cannot stop you, but do not make the mistake of thinking that I am not already aware." It was perhaps the most truthful and possible the most vulnerable thing she had ever told him, or anyone else for that matter. "And do not make the mistake of thinking you are the only one."
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He was partly right. Even Chara couldn't deny that fact. She could have walked away just as much as he had. "I find it amusing to watch you try and fail." She simply said with a slight shrug to one shoulder. "It's rather amusing to watch someone get so... worked up. Similar to that of a bull banging its head against a brick wall over and over again in hopes that it will eventually break." It wasn't the first time Chara had been called out for being 'less than human', and not in any complimenting way, either.
If nothing else, Chara supposed it was rather easy to be impressed by the man's stubborn pride. It was something she could easily relate to. He wasn't one that backed down from a challenge and gods knew that the court would have been far more interesting if it contained more people like that, and less of the purely innocent brand.
"There you go again." She mused, but quickly continued. "Biting off, cutting off, falling off. Changing the words doesn't make the meaning any more creative." Perhaps she could suggest him a good tutor of sorts, because his vocabulary was sorely lacking. She could have offered herself, but then, even Chara wouldn't claim herself good enough a teacher to teach someone so clearly wayward.
Again, he was right: Her pride wouldn't let her walk away, and she wasn't about to make any excuses for it, either. "If my pride allowed me to back down, Stelios, I would be rather useless in court politics." She shrugged a little at that, the hypocrisy of his words not at all lost on her. "But pray tell, what is your excuse?" He'd made it rather clear that he did not like her, which only put him last in a very long line. She turned her head to look at him then, hazel eyes contemplative for a moment.
First he attempted to insult her family, then he went on a long tirade of how no man would touch her, less something would be bit, cut or fall off. She briefly wondered if he didn't think she was aware of the rumors. Did he really think she didn't know? Or perhaps, he did know. Perhaps he was trying to rub it in her face — perhaps it would have succeeded too, if Chara wasn't all too aware of how most ment shied away from her path when she came walking.
With a sigh, Chara turned to properly face the young man once more. All sense of arrogance dropped from her features and in its wake, her expression was neutral. "Look." She began, lips pursing. "I am well aware of my own reputation, Lord Antonis. I am not the kind of woman who surrender myself on naive whims to the might of men. I never have been. My ambition has always been that of my family. There has never been anything else." She would much rather have men be afraid to touch her, to think of her as some kind of she-devil that would obliterate them from a simple touch, than to be yet another lady who found herself heartbroken and left on the streets from making a mistake fueled by something as unnecessary as love. "If you'd like to keep rubbing my lack of appeal to men in my face, then please go ahead, I cannot stop you, but do not make the mistake of thinking that I am not already aware." It was perhaps the most truthful and possible the most vulnerable thing she had ever told him, or anyone else for that matter. "And do not make the mistake of thinking you are the only one."
He was partly right. Even Chara couldn't deny that fact. She could have walked away just as much as he had. "I find it amusing to watch you try and fail." She simply said with a slight shrug to one shoulder. "It's rather amusing to watch someone get so... worked up. Similar to that of a bull banging its head against a brick wall over and over again in hopes that it will eventually break." It wasn't the first time Chara had been called out for being 'less than human', and not in any complimenting way, either.
If nothing else, Chara supposed it was rather easy to be impressed by the man's stubborn pride. It was something she could easily relate to. He wasn't one that backed down from a challenge and gods knew that the court would have been far more interesting if it contained more people like that, and less of the purely innocent brand.
"There you go again." She mused, but quickly continued. "Biting off, cutting off, falling off. Changing the words doesn't make the meaning any more creative." Perhaps she could suggest him a good tutor of sorts, because his vocabulary was sorely lacking. She could have offered herself, but then, even Chara wouldn't claim herself good enough a teacher to teach someone so clearly wayward.
Again, he was right: Her pride wouldn't let her walk away, and she wasn't about to make any excuses for it, either. "If my pride allowed me to back down, Stelios, I would be rather useless in court politics." She shrugged a little at that, the hypocrisy of his words not at all lost on her. "But pray tell, what is your excuse?" He'd made it rather clear that he did not like her, which only put him last in a very long line. She turned her head to look at him then, hazel eyes contemplative for a moment.
First he attempted to insult her family, then he went on a long tirade of how no man would touch her, less something would be bit, cut or fall off. She briefly wondered if he didn't think she was aware of the rumors. Did he really think she didn't know? Or perhaps, he did know. Perhaps he was trying to rub it in her face — perhaps it would have succeeded too, if Chara wasn't all too aware of how most ment shied away from her path when she came walking.
With a sigh, Chara turned to properly face the young man once more. All sense of arrogance dropped from her features and in its wake, her expression was neutral. "Look." She began, lips pursing. "I am well aware of my own reputation, Lord Antonis. I am not the kind of woman who surrender myself on naive whims to the might of men. I never have been. My ambition has always been that of my family. There has never been anything else." She would much rather have men be afraid to touch her, to think of her as some kind of she-devil that would obliterate them from a simple touch, than to be yet another lady who found herself heartbroken and left on the streets from making a mistake fueled by something as unnecessary as love. "If you'd like to keep rubbing my lack of appeal to men in my face, then please go ahead, I cannot stop you, but do not make the mistake of thinking that I am not already aware." It was perhaps the most truthful and possible the most vulnerable thing she had ever told him, or anyone else for that matter. "And do not make the mistake of thinking you are the only one."
