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Since they had come to Meganea, Imeeya had finally felt like she could relax and enjoy this trip to Taengea. Things were finally back to the plan that she had expected. She and Asia had made up, and Asia had been enjoying the archery lessons with her cousin. This, however, had left Imeeya with a good deal of free time while Asia was preoccupied with the archery lessons with her cousin, Dorothea. Imeeya herself had little interest in these archery practices, so Imeeya had had plenty of time to explore the house, and the grounds around it.
Today was one of those afternoons. Imeeya had been trying her best to keep herself busy during her time at the Dimitrou estate. One thing that had held Imeeya’s interest since she had been there was the library. It was so refreshing to come to a house that had a different collection of books than her own, and she had been devouring the tomes that she had never seen before, especially the works on history and politics. So that afternoon Imeeya had intended to take herself to the library and spend the afternoon immersed in a good book.
Imeeya entered the room and browsed around for a few moments, looking for a tome on Greek history she had spotted a couple of days before but hadn’t had the time to read. Someone else had clearly been in the library looking through the books aside from herself as the tome wasn’t where she had originally seen it, at least as far as she could tell. She wasn’t extremely familiar with the layout of this library so perhaps she was mistaken as to the location. As she searched, she heard footsteps approaching, but they stopped and then turned around and headed away again. Imeeya did not look up to see who it might be, as she didn’t particularly desire conversation. But the turn of her head in the direction of the noise was just enough for her to spot what she was looking for. She took the book from the shelf, dusting it lightly, before heading towards the windows where the seats for reading were located. However, when Imeeya got there, she found that her favorite seat was already occupied, by the woman who had been introduced to her as the Queen of Athenia only days before.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Since they had come to Meganea, Imeeya had finally felt like she could relax and enjoy this trip to Taengea. Things were finally back to the plan that she had expected. She and Asia had made up, and Asia had been enjoying the archery lessons with her cousin. This, however, had left Imeeya with a good deal of free time while Asia was preoccupied with the archery lessons with her cousin, Dorothea. Imeeya herself had little interest in these archery practices, so Imeeya had had plenty of time to explore the house, and the grounds around it.
Today was one of those afternoons. Imeeya had been trying her best to keep herself busy during her time at the Dimitrou estate. One thing that had held Imeeya’s interest since she had been there was the library. It was so refreshing to come to a house that had a different collection of books than her own, and she had been devouring the tomes that she had never seen before, especially the works on history and politics. So that afternoon Imeeya had intended to take herself to the library and spend the afternoon immersed in a good book.
Imeeya entered the room and browsed around for a few moments, looking for a tome on Greek history she had spotted a couple of days before but hadn’t had the time to read. Someone else had clearly been in the library looking through the books aside from herself as the tome wasn’t where she had originally seen it, at least as far as she could tell. She wasn’t extremely familiar with the layout of this library so perhaps she was mistaken as to the location. As she searched, she heard footsteps approaching, but they stopped and then turned around and headed away again. Imeeya did not look up to see who it might be, as she didn’t particularly desire conversation. But the turn of her head in the direction of the noise was just enough for her to spot what she was looking for. She took the book from the shelf, dusting it lightly, before heading towards the windows where the seats for reading were located. However, when Imeeya got there, she found that her favorite seat was already occupied, by the woman who had been introduced to her as the Queen of Athenia only days before.
Since they had come to Meganea, Imeeya had finally felt like she could relax and enjoy this trip to Taengea. Things were finally back to the plan that she had expected. She and Asia had made up, and Asia had been enjoying the archery lessons with her cousin. This, however, had left Imeeya with a good deal of free time while Asia was preoccupied with the archery lessons with her cousin, Dorothea. Imeeya herself had little interest in these archery practices, so Imeeya had had plenty of time to explore the house, and the grounds around it.
Today was one of those afternoons. Imeeya had been trying her best to keep herself busy during her time at the Dimitrou estate. One thing that had held Imeeya’s interest since she had been there was the library. It was so refreshing to come to a house that had a different collection of books than her own, and she had been devouring the tomes that she had never seen before, especially the works on history and politics. So that afternoon Imeeya had intended to take herself to the library and spend the afternoon immersed in a good book.
Imeeya entered the room and browsed around for a few moments, looking for a tome on Greek history she had spotted a couple of days before but hadn’t had the time to read. Someone else had clearly been in the library looking through the books aside from herself as the tome wasn’t where she had originally seen it, at least as far as she could tell. She wasn’t extremely familiar with the layout of this library so perhaps she was mistaken as to the location. As she searched, she heard footsteps approaching, but they stopped and then turned around and headed away again. Imeeya did not look up to see who it might be, as she didn’t particularly desire conversation. But the turn of her head in the direction of the noise was just enough for her to spot what she was looking for. She took the book from the shelf, dusting it lightly, before heading towards the windows where the seats for reading were located. However, when Imeeya got there, she found that her favorite seat was already occupied, by the woman who had been introduced to her as the Queen of Athenia only days before.
Persephone had found herself a little piece of home on the Dimitrou estate but not yet a purpose. Since arriving from Athenia, her emotional equilibrium had been non-existent. She had been to the lowest of lows during her period of numb existence out in the storm and highs that took her to the edge of manic - mostly in Iason's arms. Their growing relationship was something that somehow managed to both comfort and frighten her at different times and the experiences of closeness and joy that he engendered in her were tinged with desperation and a need for importance in the life of another after she had lost everything back home. Not that she doubted her growing feelings for the man. But it was impossible to take the sparking of their connection out of its larger context.
What her feelings for Iason had done was produce something to hold onto. And anchor that Persephone could use. No, not an anchor. A rudder. Something that didn't cause her to stop dead but offered her a method by which to steer her mentality. She had begun to cling to the real world once more, find a sense of acceptance and reality in her world and come back into a sense of self. That was the small sense of home she had created for herself (with the help of the welcoming Dimitrou family. What she now had to face and discover, was a sense of purpose.
She was to be Iason's wife. She knew this. Had accepted it with a heart open to loving someone and being loved in the future, even if perfect adoration was not yet where her feelings rested. But she was in need of something more day to day. Something that could occupy her time. Persephone was a woman who had worked for hours on end, every day, since she was a young teenager. She had had no time to see whether or not being a workaholic was a nature part of her mentality, for it had been cultivated within her through necessity rather than choice. Now, it was as much a part of her as it would have been had she been born with the trait and she could not occupy every minute of every day with interludes in the company of her intended. She was not emotional, nor physically ready to take things to the next level with Iason - not to mention her not being married to him yet. She could not spend all of her thoughts and time on him. As such, she had been determined to find herself an alternative means of distraction that would keep her busy with more immediate effect.
She had settled upon the library.
Whilst she had been overjoyed to find that the Dimitrou house was not simply full of hunters, but learner also, Iason had apologised upon introducing her to the chamber that held their books, scrolls and tablets. Whilst she was reliably informed that his uncle Dorotheos' private collection was immaculate in its organisation, the family resources had been added to over time. Persephone had smiled as he had explained the organic way in which the vessel of knowledge had expanded - so similar to the natural and easy means of Dimitrou life. But growth without skeletal structure or boundaries had caused the area to have no form of organisation. Most of the tomes were organised by size, some were done by medium: books, scrolls, tablets... others, she was amused to find, were organised by colour of the leather binding the pages.
Deciding that, as it continued to grow, the library should have some form of structure, of order, Persephone had assigned herself the task, after seeking permission from Lord Gavriil to go through his collection and reorder a few pieces.
What had turned into a quick tidy up had progressed to a full-scale project and when the Lady Imeeya entered the room and found Persephone seated in one of the reading chairs, she found her with little towers of books on all sides, as Persephone was organising them by subject. She was then returning them to the shelves within their genre by the dates the authors had inscribed in the corner of the pages. Those without dates she had yet to decide what to do with.
When the young woman in question moved around a bookcase to find Persephone perusing just such a tome, Persephone looked up with a calm expression, a soft and friendly smile falling over her features as she recognised the girl as one of Lord Gavriil's guests from Colchis. The girl had been introduced to her as Lady Imeeya of Drakos and she herself had been given her title Queen. Which meant she would now be expected to act as such.
Her back straightened, her posture regal. Her head was set at a certain angle as she surveyed the newcomer. Her demeanour was controlled by not unfriendly.
"Lady Imeeya." She greeted the woman, unaware that a smudge of grey dust had been transferred from the books to her cheekbone. She had deliberately worn a navy-blue gown for the day so her dress was able to hide some of the marks a little better. For some of the tomes were almost grey with the stuff and she had been unable to keep herself fully clean. "You find me out of countenance. My apologies." She nodded her head formally, her eyes dropping the book in Imeeya's hand. Her brows rose a little in perfect grace. "Where you looking for a particular tome?" She glanced obviously around her, her hands gesturing. "If there is something here you wish to read, please take it." She smiled. "I appear to have cultivated too many besides."
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Persephone had found herself a little piece of home on the Dimitrou estate but not yet a purpose. Since arriving from Athenia, her emotional equilibrium had been non-existent. She had been to the lowest of lows during her period of numb existence out in the storm and highs that took her to the edge of manic - mostly in Iason's arms. Their growing relationship was something that somehow managed to both comfort and frighten her at different times and the experiences of closeness and joy that he engendered in her were tinged with desperation and a need for importance in the life of another after she had lost everything back home. Not that she doubted her growing feelings for the man. But it was impossible to take the sparking of their connection out of its larger context.
What her feelings for Iason had done was produce something to hold onto. And anchor that Persephone could use. No, not an anchor. A rudder. Something that didn't cause her to stop dead but offered her a method by which to steer her mentality. She had begun to cling to the real world once more, find a sense of acceptance and reality in her world and come back into a sense of self. That was the small sense of home she had created for herself (with the help of the welcoming Dimitrou family. What she now had to face and discover, was a sense of purpose.
She was to be Iason's wife. She knew this. Had accepted it with a heart open to loving someone and being loved in the future, even if perfect adoration was not yet where her feelings rested. But she was in need of something more day to day. Something that could occupy her time. Persephone was a woman who had worked for hours on end, every day, since she was a young teenager. She had had no time to see whether or not being a workaholic was a nature part of her mentality, for it had been cultivated within her through necessity rather than choice. Now, it was as much a part of her as it would have been had she been born with the trait and she could not occupy every minute of every day with interludes in the company of her intended. She was not emotional, nor physically ready to take things to the next level with Iason - not to mention her not being married to him yet. She could not spend all of her thoughts and time on him. As such, she had been determined to find herself an alternative means of distraction that would keep her busy with more immediate effect.
She had settled upon the library.
Whilst she had been overjoyed to find that the Dimitrou house was not simply full of hunters, but learner also, Iason had apologised upon introducing her to the chamber that held their books, scrolls and tablets. Whilst she was reliably informed that his uncle Dorotheos' private collection was immaculate in its organisation, the family resources had been added to over time. Persephone had smiled as he had explained the organic way in which the vessel of knowledge had expanded - so similar to the natural and easy means of Dimitrou life. But growth without skeletal structure or boundaries had caused the area to have no form of organisation. Most of the tomes were organised by size, some were done by medium: books, scrolls, tablets... others, she was amused to find, were organised by colour of the leather binding the pages.
Deciding that, as it continued to grow, the library should have some form of structure, of order, Persephone had assigned herself the task, after seeking permission from Lord Gavriil to go through his collection and reorder a few pieces.
What had turned into a quick tidy up had progressed to a full-scale project and when the Lady Imeeya entered the room and found Persephone seated in one of the reading chairs, she found her with little towers of books on all sides, as Persephone was organising them by subject. She was then returning them to the shelves within their genre by the dates the authors had inscribed in the corner of the pages. Those without dates she had yet to decide what to do with.
When the young woman in question moved around a bookcase to find Persephone perusing just such a tome, Persephone looked up with a calm expression, a soft and friendly smile falling over her features as she recognised the girl as one of Lord Gavriil's guests from Colchis. The girl had been introduced to her as Lady Imeeya of Drakos and she herself had been given her title Queen. Which meant she would now be expected to act as such.
Her back straightened, her posture regal. Her head was set at a certain angle as she surveyed the newcomer. Her demeanour was controlled by not unfriendly.
"Lady Imeeya." She greeted the woman, unaware that a smudge of grey dust had been transferred from the books to her cheekbone. She had deliberately worn a navy-blue gown for the day so her dress was able to hide some of the marks a little better. For some of the tomes were almost grey with the stuff and she had been unable to keep herself fully clean. "You find me out of countenance. My apologies." She nodded her head formally, her eyes dropping the book in Imeeya's hand. Her brows rose a little in perfect grace. "Where you looking for a particular tome?" She glanced obviously around her, her hands gesturing. "If there is something here you wish to read, please take it." She smiled. "I appear to have cultivated too many besides."
Persephone had found herself a little piece of home on the Dimitrou estate but not yet a purpose. Since arriving from Athenia, her emotional equilibrium had been non-existent. She had been to the lowest of lows during her period of numb existence out in the storm and highs that took her to the edge of manic - mostly in Iason's arms. Their growing relationship was something that somehow managed to both comfort and frighten her at different times and the experiences of closeness and joy that he engendered in her were tinged with desperation and a need for importance in the life of another after she had lost everything back home. Not that she doubted her growing feelings for the man. But it was impossible to take the sparking of their connection out of its larger context.
What her feelings for Iason had done was produce something to hold onto. And anchor that Persephone could use. No, not an anchor. A rudder. Something that didn't cause her to stop dead but offered her a method by which to steer her mentality. She had begun to cling to the real world once more, find a sense of acceptance and reality in her world and come back into a sense of self. That was the small sense of home she had created for herself (with the help of the welcoming Dimitrou family. What she now had to face and discover, was a sense of purpose.
She was to be Iason's wife. She knew this. Had accepted it with a heart open to loving someone and being loved in the future, even if perfect adoration was not yet where her feelings rested. But she was in need of something more day to day. Something that could occupy her time. Persephone was a woman who had worked for hours on end, every day, since she was a young teenager. She had had no time to see whether or not being a workaholic was a nature part of her mentality, for it had been cultivated within her through necessity rather than choice. Now, it was as much a part of her as it would have been had she been born with the trait and she could not occupy every minute of every day with interludes in the company of her intended. She was not emotional, nor physically ready to take things to the next level with Iason - not to mention her not being married to him yet. She could not spend all of her thoughts and time on him. As such, she had been determined to find herself an alternative means of distraction that would keep her busy with more immediate effect.
She had settled upon the library.
Whilst she had been overjoyed to find that the Dimitrou house was not simply full of hunters, but learner also, Iason had apologised upon introducing her to the chamber that held their books, scrolls and tablets. Whilst she was reliably informed that his uncle Dorotheos' private collection was immaculate in its organisation, the family resources had been added to over time. Persephone had smiled as he had explained the organic way in which the vessel of knowledge had expanded - so similar to the natural and easy means of Dimitrou life. But growth without skeletal structure or boundaries had caused the area to have no form of organisation. Most of the tomes were organised by size, some were done by medium: books, scrolls, tablets... others, she was amused to find, were organised by colour of the leather binding the pages.
Deciding that, as it continued to grow, the library should have some form of structure, of order, Persephone had assigned herself the task, after seeking permission from Lord Gavriil to go through his collection and reorder a few pieces.
What had turned into a quick tidy up had progressed to a full-scale project and when the Lady Imeeya entered the room and found Persephone seated in one of the reading chairs, she found her with little towers of books on all sides, as Persephone was organising them by subject. She was then returning them to the shelves within their genre by the dates the authors had inscribed in the corner of the pages. Those without dates she had yet to decide what to do with.
When the young woman in question moved around a bookcase to find Persephone perusing just such a tome, Persephone looked up with a calm expression, a soft and friendly smile falling over her features as she recognised the girl as one of Lord Gavriil's guests from Colchis. The girl had been introduced to her as Lady Imeeya of Drakos and she herself had been given her title Queen. Which meant she would now be expected to act as such.
Her back straightened, her posture regal. Her head was set at a certain angle as she surveyed the newcomer. Her demeanour was controlled by not unfriendly.
"Lady Imeeya." She greeted the woman, unaware that a smudge of grey dust had been transferred from the books to her cheekbone. She had deliberately worn a navy-blue gown for the day so her dress was able to hide some of the marks a little better. For some of the tomes were almost grey with the stuff and she had been unable to keep herself fully clean. "You find me out of countenance. My apologies." She nodded her head formally, her eyes dropping the book in Imeeya's hand. Her brows rose a little in perfect grace. "Where you looking for a particular tome?" She glanced obviously around her, her hands gesturing. "If there is something here you wish to read, please take it." She smiled. "I appear to have cultivated too many besides."
Had Imeeya known that she was going to be meeting with the Queen of Athenia again today, she would have dressed better for the part. Instead, she was dressed in a relatively plain chiton in a light yellow fine linen that she would normally wear when she wasn’t planning on leaving the house. While it was true that she hadn’t planned on leaving, she had also not planned on encountering anyone when she was curled up with a book in the library. Instead, she had found that her peaceful hiding place had been completely disturbed and uprooted and a person sitting exactly where she had planned to sit, and that person was the Queen of Athenia.
The cheerful politeness only stoked Imeeya’s annoyance even further, anger flashing briefly in her eyes. She wished that she could tell the queen to leave the room that she had expected to be a private retreat, but instead she forced her own face into a polite smile. “Thank you for your concern,” she answered just as politely. “I found the book that I was intending to read.” She placed the Greek history book down on a nearby table. As much as she had been hoping to relax a bit. She couldn’t imagine sitting and reading while someone else was working nearby, and certainly not if someone of Persephone’s rank was working nearby.
“Is there anything you need help with?” Imeeya asked, almost hoping the answer was no. Though on the other hand, Imeeya had also not had much of an opportunity to speak with the queen since she had arrived at the Dimitrou manor. She had quite a few questions about the news from Athenia, only having picked up bits and pieces about what had happened since arriving. Perhaps working side by side with this woman would give her a chance to ask those questions.
This character is currently a work in progress.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Had Imeeya known that she was going to be meeting with the Queen of Athenia again today, she would have dressed better for the part. Instead, she was dressed in a relatively plain chiton in a light yellow fine linen that she would normally wear when she wasn’t planning on leaving the house. While it was true that she hadn’t planned on leaving, she had also not planned on encountering anyone when she was curled up with a book in the library. Instead, she had found that her peaceful hiding place had been completely disturbed and uprooted and a person sitting exactly where she had planned to sit, and that person was the Queen of Athenia.
The cheerful politeness only stoked Imeeya’s annoyance even further, anger flashing briefly in her eyes. She wished that she could tell the queen to leave the room that she had expected to be a private retreat, but instead she forced her own face into a polite smile. “Thank you for your concern,” she answered just as politely. “I found the book that I was intending to read.” She placed the Greek history book down on a nearby table. As much as she had been hoping to relax a bit. She couldn’t imagine sitting and reading while someone else was working nearby, and certainly not if someone of Persephone’s rank was working nearby.
“Is there anything you need help with?” Imeeya asked, almost hoping the answer was no. Though on the other hand, Imeeya had also not had much of an opportunity to speak with the queen since she had arrived at the Dimitrou manor. She had quite a few questions about the news from Athenia, only having picked up bits and pieces about what had happened since arriving. Perhaps working side by side with this woman would give her a chance to ask those questions.
Had Imeeya known that she was going to be meeting with the Queen of Athenia again today, she would have dressed better for the part. Instead, she was dressed in a relatively plain chiton in a light yellow fine linen that she would normally wear when she wasn’t planning on leaving the house. While it was true that she hadn’t planned on leaving, she had also not planned on encountering anyone when she was curled up with a book in the library. Instead, she had found that her peaceful hiding place had been completely disturbed and uprooted and a person sitting exactly where she had planned to sit, and that person was the Queen of Athenia.
The cheerful politeness only stoked Imeeya’s annoyance even further, anger flashing briefly in her eyes. She wished that she could tell the queen to leave the room that she had expected to be a private retreat, but instead she forced her own face into a polite smile. “Thank you for your concern,” she answered just as politely. “I found the book that I was intending to read.” She placed the Greek history book down on a nearby table. As much as she had been hoping to relax a bit. She couldn’t imagine sitting and reading while someone else was working nearby, and certainly not if someone of Persephone’s rank was working nearby.
“Is there anything you need help with?” Imeeya asked, almost hoping the answer was no. Though on the other hand, Imeeya had also not had much of an opportunity to speak with the queen since she had arrived at the Dimitrou manor. She had quite a few questions about the news from Athenia, only having picked up bits and pieces about what had happened since arriving. Perhaps working side by side with this woman would give her a chance to ask those questions.
Persephone was a person who failed in many respects. She was not particular gifted in music. Nor in art. Despite strong muscles from intolerable posture lessons, she was not particularly athletic. Part of her role as princess and queen had and was to maintain the image of perfection as much and as long as possible within any one person’s acquaintance or meetings. But this was far from the truth of her actual skills.
One area in which she was particularly talented, however, (be it from natural aptitude or years of training and experience, she would never be able to tell or attribute) was reading people. As a young girl expected to hold Court at the age of twelve and later as an effective pseudo-ruler of the kingdom, being able to read when someone was lying or putting on a farce was a day to day necessity if she was ever to make a decision that would not alienate all those who had issue with the choice but were being 'polite' to the princess and not showing such disregard on their features. She would have been ousted and alienated both the Court and Senate many years ago if she did not have the skill of reading between the lines. And when someone was a little startled - presented with a circumstance that forced them to reassess and recalibrate, their emotions and thoughts were more obvious than normal; and certainly easier to read than they might want them to be.
It was clear to Persephone - though the young girl reclaimed her calm well - that she had disturbed the girl's plans for her afternoon. Judging by the book in her hands and her surprise at seeing another person within the chamber, it did not take a genius to assume the Lady Imeeya's plans for her next few hours and therefore the fact that she had most likely wanted to complete those endeavours alone.
Instead, the young girl rallied. She set the book to one side and offered her help to the young Queen, her expression and carriage all polite decorum.
Had she been home in Athenia and holding her position actively, where there would be great risk to calling a noble lady's bluff or masquerade, Persephone would have simply allowed the pretence of politeness and said nothing on the topic, either opening the situation to include the lady's offered aid or dismiss her from the room.
But she was not in Athenia. This was not her home. And the manor of Dimitrou (or more specifically the people within it) had begun to encourage within her a more friendly manner of interpersonal communication and, in this moment, she decided to throw caution to the wind.
Her expression changed - turning shrewd and a little co-conspiratorial, as she raised a brow a little, turned towards Imeeya and leaned forwards slightly.
"Would you prefer it for me to say 'no', Lady Imeeya?" She asked with a friendly smile that also held a certain level of knowledge and challenge...
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Persephone was a person who failed in many respects. She was not particular gifted in music. Nor in art. Despite strong muscles from intolerable posture lessons, she was not particularly athletic. Part of her role as princess and queen had and was to maintain the image of perfection as much and as long as possible within any one person’s acquaintance or meetings. But this was far from the truth of her actual skills.
One area in which she was particularly talented, however, (be it from natural aptitude or years of training and experience, she would never be able to tell or attribute) was reading people. As a young girl expected to hold Court at the age of twelve and later as an effective pseudo-ruler of the kingdom, being able to read when someone was lying or putting on a farce was a day to day necessity if she was ever to make a decision that would not alienate all those who had issue with the choice but were being 'polite' to the princess and not showing such disregard on their features. She would have been ousted and alienated both the Court and Senate many years ago if she did not have the skill of reading between the lines. And when someone was a little startled - presented with a circumstance that forced them to reassess and recalibrate, their emotions and thoughts were more obvious than normal; and certainly easier to read than they might want them to be.
It was clear to Persephone - though the young girl reclaimed her calm well - that she had disturbed the girl's plans for her afternoon. Judging by the book in her hands and her surprise at seeing another person within the chamber, it did not take a genius to assume the Lady Imeeya's plans for her next few hours and therefore the fact that she had most likely wanted to complete those endeavours alone.
Instead, the young girl rallied. She set the book to one side and offered her help to the young Queen, her expression and carriage all polite decorum.
Had she been home in Athenia and holding her position actively, where there would be great risk to calling a noble lady's bluff or masquerade, Persephone would have simply allowed the pretence of politeness and said nothing on the topic, either opening the situation to include the lady's offered aid or dismiss her from the room.
But she was not in Athenia. This was not her home. And the manor of Dimitrou (or more specifically the people within it) had begun to encourage within her a more friendly manner of interpersonal communication and, in this moment, she decided to throw caution to the wind.
Her expression changed - turning shrewd and a little co-conspiratorial, as she raised a brow a little, turned towards Imeeya and leaned forwards slightly.
"Would you prefer it for me to say 'no', Lady Imeeya?" She asked with a friendly smile that also held a certain level of knowledge and challenge...
Persephone was a person who failed in many respects. She was not particular gifted in music. Nor in art. Despite strong muscles from intolerable posture lessons, she was not particularly athletic. Part of her role as princess and queen had and was to maintain the image of perfection as much and as long as possible within any one person’s acquaintance or meetings. But this was far from the truth of her actual skills.
One area in which she was particularly talented, however, (be it from natural aptitude or years of training and experience, she would never be able to tell or attribute) was reading people. As a young girl expected to hold Court at the age of twelve and later as an effective pseudo-ruler of the kingdom, being able to read when someone was lying or putting on a farce was a day to day necessity if she was ever to make a decision that would not alienate all those who had issue with the choice but were being 'polite' to the princess and not showing such disregard on their features. She would have been ousted and alienated both the Court and Senate many years ago if she did not have the skill of reading between the lines. And when someone was a little startled - presented with a circumstance that forced them to reassess and recalibrate, their emotions and thoughts were more obvious than normal; and certainly easier to read than they might want them to be.
It was clear to Persephone - though the young girl reclaimed her calm well - that she had disturbed the girl's plans for her afternoon. Judging by the book in her hands and her surprise at seeing another person within the chamber, it did not take a genius to assume the Lady Imeeya's plans for her next few hours and therefore the fact that she had most likely wanted to complete those endeavours alone.
Instead, the young girl rallied. She set the book to one side and offered her help to the young Queen, her expression and carriage all polite decorum.
Had she been home in Athenia and holding her position actively, where there would be great risk to calling a noble lady's bluff or masquerade, Persephone would have simply allowed the pretence of politeness and said nothing on the topic, either opening the situation to include the lady's offered aid or dismiss her from the room.
But she was not in Athenia. This was not her home. And the manor of Dimitrou (or more specifically the people within it) had begun to encourage within her a more friendly manner of interpersonal communication and, in this moment, she decided to throw caution to the wind.
Her expression changed - turning shrewd and a little co-conspiratorial, as she raised a brow a little, turned towards Imeeya and leaned forwards slightly.
"Would you prefer it for me to say 'no', Lady Imeeya?" She asked with a friendly smile that also held a certain level of knowledge and challenge...
Despite the fact that she hadn’t expected to be interacting with Queen Persephone, Imeeya had immediately found herself drawn into the social niceties one would use when dealing with someone of her station. Yet, the queen did not seem to be playing by the same rules of decorum, instead, pointing out what Imeeya had conveyed not by her words but by her subtle facial expressions.
Imeeya was taken aback that Persephone had seen through her polite words to her underlying thoughts. It was a bit unsettling that even her own carefully polite exterior could be seen through so easily. She almost felt as if she was somehow naked in front of the queen. There was only one thing she could do now, deny. Only in that way she could regain some semblance of control over the conversation. “No not at all,” Imeeya responded. “I’d be happy to help out.” She tried to show only polite helpfulness on her face, but she could not entirely conceal her concern that whatever expression she made it would not be enough to convince Persephone that her offer was genuine.
If nothing else, actions spoke louder than words. Imeeya put her book down and started towards one of the piles of books that Persephone had scattered around her. She picked up a book from the stack nearest her and looked at the cover. It appeared to be a tome on naval warfare and she flipped through it briefly, noting the well-done illustrations, before turning back to Persephone. “How were you organizing these books? Or would it be easier if you just told me where they should go and I placed them there?” Imeeya hoped that Persephone did feel that she was helpful. Even if she did still wish that she could have had a more relaxed afternoon, she didn’t want the queen to think that she resented helping out.
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Despite the fact that she hadn’t expected to be interacting with Queen Persephone, Imeeya had immediately found herself drawn into the social niceties one would use when dealing with someone of her station. Yet, the queen did not seem to be playing by the same rules of decorum, instead, pointing out what Imeeya had conveyed not by her words but by her subtle facial expressions.
Imeeya was taken aback that Persephone had seen through her polite words to her underlying thoughts. It was a bit unsettling that even her own carefully polite exterior could be seen through so easily. She almost felt as if she was somehow naked in front of the queen. There was only one thing she could do now, deny. Only in that way she could regain some semblance of control over the conversation. “No not at all,” Imeeya responded. “I’d be happy to help out.” She tried to show only polite helpfulness on her face, but she could not entirely conceal her concern that whatever expression she made it would not be enough to convince Persephone that her offer was genuine.
If nothing else, actions spoke louder than words. Imeeya put her book down and started towards one of the piles of books that Persephone had scattered around her. She picked up a book from the stack nearest her and looked at the cover. It appeared to be a tome on naval warfare and she flipped through it briefly, noting the well-done illustrations, before turning back to Persephone. “How were you organizing these books? Or would it be easier if you just told me where they should go and I placed them there?” Imeeya hoped that Persephone did feel that she was helpful. Even if she did still wish that she could have had a more relaxed afternoon, she didn’t want the queen to think that she resented helping out.
Despite the fact that she hadn’t expected to be interacting with Queen Persephone, Imeeya had immediately found herself drawn into the social niceties one would use when dealing with someone of her station. Yet, the queen did not seem to be playing by the same rules of decorum, instead, pointing out what Imeeya had conveyed not by her words but by her subtle facial expressions.
Imeeya was taken aback that Persephone had seen through her polite words to her underlying thoughts. It was a bit unsettling that even her own carefully polite exterior could be seen through so easily. She almost felt as if she was somehow naked in front of the queen. There was only one thing she could do now, deny. Only in that way she could regain some semblance of control over the conversation. “No not at all,” Imeeya responded. “I’d be happy to help out.” She tried to show only polite helpfulness on her face, but she could not entirely conceal her concern that whatever expression she made it would not be enough to convince Persephone that her offer was genuine.
If nothing else, actions spoke louder than words. Imeeya put her book down and started towards one of the piles of books that Persephone had scattered around her. She picked up a book from the stack nearest her and looked at the cover. It appeared to be a tome on naval warfare and she flipped through it briefly, noting the well-done illustrations, before turning back to Persephone. “How were you organizing these books? Or would it be easier if you just told me where they should go and I placed them there?” Imeeya hoped that Persephone did feel that she was helpful. Even if she did still wish that she could have had a more relaxed afternoon, she didn’t want the queen to think that she resented helping out.
Watching as the woman processed her words, Persephone could only summon respect for the girl when she continued with her propriety and insisted that she wished to help her in her foray into organising the library. In simply response, Persephone offered the lowering of her head, with a slight tilt; an acquiescence to the aid Imeeya was offering.
"Then, I should be very glad for your company, Lady Imeeya." She insisted. For, while she had been looking forward to losing herself in a project alone - blocking out the world as it was and allowing herself the afternoon to not be Queen of Athenia or fiancé to the Dimitrou, she found that she was eager for a little human contact outside the family she was soon to be wed into. She could have her own time at any point - why not take the opportunity to interact with someone new when the chance was given?
When the young woman drew closer and picked up one of the tomes, Persephone was not surprised by her next question. Given her manner, her calm dignity, the Lady Imeeya appeared to be a woman of careful thought and consideration. So, it was logical that her next question would be based on how Persephone was to set about her task of organising the large reading room.
Taking a steady inhale and capitulating to the notion of being a little more human with this woman - personal and admitting of weakness - Persephone took the security that she had felt since arriving with the Dimitrou's and allowed it to spur her to a more honest interaction.
"In all truthfulness..." She began, looking around at the books. "I have not the first clue." She told the girl with a soft smile. "I had thought by topic and then by date of creation... But I was half way through the first shelving case when I found that some of the tomes have no dates written upon them. I was just deciding my next move in terms of organising them so that they can be more easily found when needed." She gestured to the piles before her, her explanation making it clear why there were so many stacked upon the floor. She looked at the girl, in case she might have a better solution to the issue at hand.
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Watching as the woman processed her words, Persephone could only summon respect for the girl when she continued with her propriety and insisted that she wished to help her in her foray into organising the library. In simply response, Persephone offered the lowering of her head, with a slight tilt; an acquiescence to the aid Imeeya was offering.
"Then, I should be very glad for your company, Lady Imeeya." She insisted. For, while she had been looking forward to losing herself in a project alone - blocking out the world as it was and allowing herself the afternoon to not be Queen of Athenia or fiancé to the Dimitrou, she found that she was eager for a little human contact outside the family she was soon to be wed into. She could have her own time at any point - why not take the opportunity to interact with someone new when the chance was given?
When the young woman drew closer and picked up one of the tomes, Persephone was not surprised by her next question. Given her manner, her calm dignity, the Lady Imeeya appeared to be a woman of careful thought and consideration. So, it was logical that her next question would be based on how Persephone was to set about her task of organising the large reading room.
Taking a steady inhale and capitulating to the notion of being a little more human with this woman - personal and admitting of weakness - Persephone took the security that she had felt since arriving with the Dimitrou's and allowed it to spur her to a more honest interaction.
"In all truthfulness..." She began, looking around at the books. "I have not the first clue." She told the girl with a soft smile. "I had thought by topic and then by date of creation... But I was half way through the first shelving case when I found that some of the tomes have no dates written upon them. I was just deciding my next move in terms of organising them so that they can be more easily found when needed." She gestured to the piles before her, her explanation making it clear why there were so many stacked upon the floor. She looked at the girl, in case she might have a better solution to the issue at hand.
Watching as the woman processed her words, Persephone could only summon respect for the girl when she continued with her propriety and insisted that she wished to help her in her foray into organising the library. In simply response, Persephone offered the lowering of her head, with a slight tilt; an acquiescence to the aid Imeeya was offering.
"Then, I should be very glad for your company, Lady Imeeya." She insisted. For, while she had been looking forward to losing herself in a project alone - blocking out the world as it was and allowing herself the afternoon to not be Queen of Athenia or fiancé to the Dimitrou, she found that she was eager for a little human contact outside the family she was soon to be wed into. She could have her own time at any point - why not take the opportunity to interact with someone new when the chance was given?
When the young woman drew closer and picked up one of the tomes, Persephone was not surprised by her next question. Given her manner, her calm dignity, the Lady Imeeya appeared to be a woman of careful thought and consideration. So, it was logical that her next question would be based on how Persephone was to set about her task of organising the large reading room.
Taking a steady inhale and capitulating to the notion of being a little more human with this woman - personal and admitting of weakness - Persephone took the security that she had felt since arriving with the Dimitrou's and allowed it to spur her to a more honest interaction.
"In all truthfulness..." She began, looking around at the books. "I have not the first clue." She told the girl with a soft smile. "I had thought by topic and then by date of creation... But I was half way through the first shelving case when I found that some of the tomes have no dates written upon them. I was just deciding my next move in terms of organising them so that they can be more easily found when needed." She gestured to the piles before her, her explanation making it clear why there were so many stacked upon the floor. She looked at the girl, in case she might have a better solution to the issue at hand.
Despite her own initial surprise at finding herself having to interact with Persephone, Imeeya was quickly warming to the idea of spending the afternoon with her. Imeeya had not had much of a chance to interact with the queen, and yet there were many things that she was curious about. So perhaps it was a blessing that she had this opportunity to spend some time in the quiet library with the queen.
Imeeya smiled as Persephone admitted that she wasn’t sure how to organize the library. This was something that Imeeya had some experience with. While the Drakos library wasn’t nearly as large as the one here at the Dimitrou estate, perhaps it was the smaller size of her own library at home that made her more familiar with having to keep a library organized. “The idea to organize them by topic is a good one. It makes it much easier to find what you’re looking for if you need to read on a particular topic. But I’ve often found that books don’t have a date written on them. It’s more often that you’ll find an author though, so I think that’s a good second thing to sort on. Then you’ll also be able to find other books by the same author easily if you like their writing style, or way they discuss the subject matter.”
Imeeya looked down at the book in her hand, and then at the book in the stack she had picked it up from, examining the covers closely to figure out what subject matter she was looking at. “Ah of course, Taengean history. I should have expected to find a large number of those in this library.” Imeeya quickly started looking through the first few pages of each of the books and sorting them by author as best as she could. As she started her work she pointed at another stack of books “Are those also Taengean history? Perhaps you could also start sorting those, if it please you, your majesty.” Imeeya didn’t want to tread too close to giving the queen an order.
As the two women began to sort through the books arranging them in order to put them back on the shelves, Imeeya’s mind began to wander. There was a question she had been dying to ask Persephone since she had first been introduced to the woman. “So you’re queen of your entire country?” Imeeya asked curiously, not looking up from the books she was focused on sorting. “I don’t mean to be impertinent it’s just that ...in my country it wouldn’t be possible for that to happen. My mother is only allowed to hold a senate seat through special permission, and I am forced to have a steward to hold mine for me.” It was one of Imeeya’s greatest ambitions to hold her own senate seat one day, and she wondered if perhaps Persephone knew the secret to somehow making that happen.
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Despite her own initial surprise at finding herself having to interact with Persephone, Imeeya was quickly warming to the idea of spending the afternoon with her. Imeeya had not had much of a chance to interact with the queen, and yet there were many things that she was curious about. So perhaps it was a blessing that she had this opportunity to spend some time in the quiet library with the queen.
Imeeya smiled as Persephone admitted that she wasn’t sure how to organize the library. This was something that Imeeya had some experience with. While the Drakos library wasn’t nearly as large as the one here at the Dimitrou estate, perhaps it was the smaller size of her own library at home that made her more familiar with having to keep a library organized. “The idea to organize them by topic is a good one. It makes it much easier to find what you’re looking for if you need to read on a particular topic. But I’ve often found that books don’t have a date written on them. It’s more often that you’ll find an author though, so I think that’s a good second thing to sort on. Then you’ll also be able to find other books by the same author easily if you like their writing style, or way they discuss the subject matter.”
Imeeya looked down at the book in her hand, and then at the book in the stack she had picked it up from, examining the covers closely to figure out what subject matter she was looking at. “Ah of course, Taengean history. I should have expected to find a large number of those in this library.” Imeeya quickly started looking through the first few pages of each of the books and sorting them by author as best as she could. As she started her work she pointed at another stack of books “Are those also Taengean history? Perhaps you could also start sorting those, if it please you, your majesty.” Imeeya didn’t want to tread too close to giving the queen an order.
As the two women began to sort through the books arranging them in order to put them back on the shelves, Imeeya’s mind began to wander. There was a question she had been dying to ask Persephone since she had first been introduced to the woman. “So you’re queen of your entire country?” Imeeya asked curiously, not looking up from the books she was focused on sorting. “I don’t mean to be impertinent it’s just that ...in my country it wouldn’t be possible for that to happen. My mother is only allowed to hold a senate seat through special permission, and I am forced to have a steward to hold mine for me.” It was one of Imeeya’s greatest ambitions to hold her own senate seat one day, and she wondered if perhaps Persephone knew the secret to somehow making that happen.
Despite her own initial surprise at finding herself having to interact with Persephone, Imeeya was quickly warming to the idea of spending the afternoon with her. Imeeya had not had much of a chance to interact with the queen, and yet there were many things that she was curious about. So perhaps it was a blessing that she had this opportunity to spend some time in the quiet library with the queen.
Imeeya smiled as Persephone admitted that she wasn’t sure how to organize the library. This was something that Imeeya had some experience with. While the Drakos library wasn’t nearly as large as the one here at the Dimitrou estate, perhaps it was the smaller size of her own library at home that made her more familiar with having to keep a library organized. “The idea to organize them by topic is a good one. It makes it much easier to find what you’re looking for if you need to read on a particular topic. But I’ve often found that books don’t have a date written on them. It’s more often that you’ll find an author though, so I think that’s a good second thing to sort on. Then you’ll also be able to find other books by the same author easily if you like their writing style, or way they discuss the subject matter.”
Imeeya looked down at the book in her hand, and then at the book in the stack she had picked it up from, examining the covers closely to figure out what subject matter she was looking at. “Ah of course, Taengean history. I should have expected to find a large number of those in this library.” Imeeya quickly started looking through the first few pages of each of the books and sorting them by author as best as she could. As she started her work she pointed at another stack of books “Are those also Taengean history? Perhaps you could also start sorting those, if it please you, your majesty.” Imeeya didn’t want to tread too close to giving the queen an order.
As the two women began to sort through the books arranging them in order to put them back on the shelves, Imeeya’s mind began to wander. There was a question she had been dying to ask Persephone since she had first been introduced to the woman. “So you’re queen of your entire country?” Imeeya asked curiously, not looking up from the books she was focused on sorting. “I don’t mean to be impertinent it’s just that ...in my country it wouldn’t be possible for that to happen. My mother is only allowed to hold a senate seat through special permission, and I am forced to have a steward to hold mine for me.” It was one of Imeeya’s greatest ambitions to hold her own senate seat one day, and she wondered if perhaps Persephone knew the secret to somehow making that happen.
Persephone was a good listener. You had to be in order to be a successful courtier. Firstly, you need to actually hear what those you were liaising with actually had to say. Not become plugged in the ears by ego or pride over your own solutions or answers. And secondly, it was just as important to look as if you were paying attention, as well as actually doing it. Politics were, after all, an act. In many ways, a popularity contest. And listening to others wasn't enough if it went unnoticed. Being so obviously engaged with what someone else had to say, on the other hand, won you their personal liking and ensured that they felt heard. Whether they were or not was only part of the equation. They had to know that they had been.
Persephone, therefore, was a good listener. She kept eye contact, she stilled her hands, she offered a slight lean forward as Imeeya spoke. She nodded in the right moments and seemed to tilt her head just the barest of fractions as she considered the girl's ideas.
"Topic and then author sounds perfectly appropriate to me." She offered, nodding at the other noble woman's suggestion. She glanced across the sea of books in leather and clay bindings. "I have noted that several scholars tend to write upon only one specialism, so there should be little fracturing of writers' works."
When Imeeya reached to start inspecting piles of books, Persephone turned to one she had already started to try and organise and then was quick to reassemble them in a manner befitting the newly decided order. She glanced around with an amused look when the Lady Imeeya offered a suggestion for her own attentions in words so very carefully put together so as not to have it sound like an order. Despite the sense of oddity that it rang in her ears, Persephone was not offended by the suggestion and simply nodded succinctly and turned to complete the task as suggested by the Colchian.
The two of them worked for a few moments in a quiet that was peaceful and actually quite enjoyable. There was something nice about working alongside someone else, even if you were not in direct communication. A sense of camaraderie over a joint task or responsibility.
Persephone only turned her stare away from the books she repositioned and assessed read for the shelves once more, when Imeeya spoke, her expression remaining calm and carefully constructed into a face of polite conversation.
"Indeed." Was the single word she used to confirm her status as Queen. "As others in my stead would be if they had no male relative." It was the law of all three kingdoms that a woman could rule but over after every male in the royal bloodline had been extinguished. Something that was now almost impossible due to the interconnecting families and the number of male offspring from each Dynasteia. "The Athenian Senate determined a change of pattern in the inheritance law." She glanced back at Imeeya, having been focused on the next little tower of books as she explained. "Immediate families to inherit first. Were I to have had a brother, I would have never ruled but my father produced only girls."
Her words were cut off quickly as her throat felt tight at mention of her father and sister - both now dead and taken from her life within a day of each other. She swallowed and carried on about her work.
"I admire your mother already." She offered, with a sideways glance. "To hold a position in Senate is a goal to be sure but to retain it is something much more impressive. Is she listened to much in the Senate do you think?" The question was one of curious interest, not an implied insult to the Lady Tythra's skills as a politician. Persephone was genuinely curious if the woman was heard and appreciated for her input by the other male senators...
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Persephone was a good listener. You had to be in order to be a successful courtier. Firstly, you need to actually hear what those you were liaising with actually had to say. Not become plugged in the ears by ego or pride over your own solutions or answers. And secondly, it was just as important to look as if you were paying attention, as well as actually doing it. Politics were, after all, an act. In many ways, a popularity contest. And listening to others wasn't enough if it went unnoticed. Being so obviously engaged with what someone else had to say, on the other hand, won you their personal liking and ensured that they felt heard. Whether they were or not was only part of the equation. They had to know that they had been.
Persephone, therefore, was a good listener. She kept eye contact, she stilled her hands, she offered a slight lean forward as Imeeya spoke. She nodded in the right moments and seemed to tilt her head just the barest of fractions as she considered the girl's ideas.
"Topic and then author sounds perfectly appropriate to me." She offered, nodding at the other noble woman's suggestion. She glanced across the sea of books in leather and clay bindings. "I have noted that several scholars tend to write upon only one specialism, so there should be little fracturing of writers' works."
When Imeeya reached to start inspecting piles of books, Persephone turned to one she had already started to try and organise and then was quick to reassemble them in a manner befitting the newly decided order. She glanced around with an amused look when the Lady Imeeya offered a suggestion for her own attentions in words so very carefully put together so as not to have it sound like an order. Despite the sense of oddity that it rang in her ears, Persephone was not offended by the suggestion and simply nodded succinctly and turned to complete the task as suggested by the Colchian.
The two of them worked for a few moments in a quiet that was peaceful and actually quite enjoyable. There was something nice about working alongside someone else, even if you were not in direct communication. A sense of camaraderie over a joint task or responsibility.
Persephone only turned her stare away from the books she repositioned and assessed read for the shelves once more, when Imeeya spoke, her expression remaining calm and carefully constructed into a face of polite conversation.
"Indeed." Was the single word she used to confirm her status as Queen. "As others in my stead would be if they had no male relative." It was the law of all three kingdoms that a woman could rule but over after every male in the royal bloodline had been extinguished. Something that was now almost impossible due to the interconnecting families and the number of male offspring from each Dynasteia. "The Athenian Senate determined a change of pattern in the inheritance law." She glanced back at Imeeya, having been focused on the next little tower of books as she explained. "Immediate families to inherit first. Were I to have had a brother, I would have never ruled but my father produced only girls."
Her words were cut off quickly as her throat felt tight at mention of her father and sister - both now dead and taken from her life within a day of each other. She swallowed and carried on about her work.
"I admire your mother already." She offered, with a sideways glance. "To hold a position in Senate is a goal to be sure but to retain it is something much more impressive. Is she listened to much in the Senate do you think?" The question was one of curious interest, not an implied insult to the Lady Tythra's skills as a politician. Persephone was genuinely curious if the woman was heard and appreciated for her input by the other male senators...
Persephone was a good listener. You had to be in order to be a successful courtier. Firstly, you need to actually hear what those you were liaising with actually had to say. Not become plugged in the ears by ego or pride over your own solutions or answers. And secondly, it was just as important to look as if you were paying attention, as well as actually doing it. Politics were, after all, an act. In many ways, a popularity contest. And listening to others wasn't enough if it went unnoticed. Being so obviously engaged with what someone else had to say, on the other hand, won you their personal liking and ensured that they felt heard. Whether they were or not was only part of the equation. They had to know that they had been.
Persephone, therefore, was a good listener. She kept eye contact, she stilled her hands, she offered a slight lean forward as Imeeya spoke. She nodded in the right moments and seemed to tilt her head just the barest of fractions as she considered the girl's ideas.
"Topic and then author sounds perfectly appropriate to me." She offered, nodding at the other noble woman's suggestion. She glanced across the sea of books in leather and clay bindings. "I have noted that several scholars tend to write upon only one specialism, so there should be little fracturing of writers' works."
When Imeeya reached to start inspecting piles of books, Persephone turned to one she had already started to try and organise and then was quick to reassemble them in a manner befitting the newly decided order. She glanced around with an amused look when the Lady Imeeya offered a suggestion for her own attentions in words so very carefully put together so as not to have it sound like an order. Despite the sense of oddity that it rang in her ears, Persephone was not offended by the suggestion and simply nodded succinctly and turned to complete the task as suggested by the Colchian.
The two of them worked for a few moments in a quiet that was peaceful and actually quite enjoyable. There was something nice about working alongside someone else, even if you were not in direct communication. A sense of camaraderie over a joint task or responsibility.
Persephone only turned her stare away from the books she repositioned and assessed read for the shelves once more, when Imeeya spoke, her expression remaining calm and carefully constructed into a face of polite conversation.
"Indeed." Was the single word she used to confirm her status as Queen. "As others in my stead would be if they had no male relative." It was the law of all three kingdoms that a woman could rule but over after every male in the royal bloodline had been extinguished. Something that was now almost impossible due to the interconnecting families and the number of male offspring from each Dynasteia. "The Athenian Senate determined a change of pattern in the inheritance law." She glanced back at Imeeya, having been focused on the next little tower of books as she explained. "Immediate families to inherit first. Were I to have had a brother, I would have never ruled but my father produced only girls."
Her words were cut off quickly as her throat felt tight at mention of her father and sister - both now dead and taken from her life within a day of each other. She swallowed and carried on about her work.
"I admire your mother already." She offered, with a sideways glance. "To hold a position in Senate is a goal to be sure but to retain it is something much more impressive. Is she listened to much in the Senate do you think?" The question was one of curious interest, not an implied insult to the Lady Tythra's skills as a politician. Persephone was genuinely curious if the woman was heard and appreciated for her input by the other male senators...
There was something nice about holding a conversation while attending to some other task. It allowed a certain ease to the conversation as both parties were occupied by something other than trying to analyze the minute changes in expression of the other person. Besides there was something soothing both about being around books and setting things in order. Imeeya appreciated when things were in their proper place, it made them so much easier to deal with.
Imeeya grabbed an armful of books she had sorted and started arranging them on the shelf as she listened to Persephone's answer to her questions. So it was a law passed by the Senate that allowed her to rule? Imeeya briefly weighed the chances of getting any such rule passed in her own Senate that would allow her to properly control her own Senate seat. Not that that would be enough. She held the title already. But she didn't have enough time to properly think about any potential strategy when she still had her own side of the conversation to keep up as well as books to sort.
Imeeya couldn't help but notice the emotion in her voice at the mention of her family. It was unsurprising, but Imeeya did not draw any attention to it. It would not have been polite to press an emotional topic.
Imeeya was a bit surprised by the interest Persephone seemed to have in her mother. Tythra had always been so much of a presence in her life and in Colchis that there were still those who would know her better as Tythra's daughter than by her own name. It was a strange feeling to have to explain Tythra to anyone. "From what I understand, although I have not been allowed to attend myself, she is well respected. I believe that she is even feared by some." Imeeya only wished that she knew how her mother was as effective as she was. Sometimes Imeeya felt as if even Chares didn't really listen to her. "I hope that someday I could achieve such grace and presence as she has." Imeeya also wished to wield such power as well, but wishing for things that lay out of her grasp was not a pleasant conversation topic suitable for discussing with a foreign queen.
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There was something nice about holding a conversation while attending to some other task. It allowed a certain ease to the conversation as both parties were occupied by something other than trying to analyze the minute changes in expression of the other person. Besides there was something soothing both about being around books and setting things in order. Imeeya appreciated when things were in their proper place, it made them so much easier to deal with.
Imeeya grabbed an armful of books she had sorted and started arranging them on the shelf as she listened to Persephone's answer to her questions. So it was a law passed by the Senate that allowed her to rule? Imeeya briefly weighed the chances of getting any such rule passed in her own Senate that would allow her to properly control her own Senate seat. Not that that would be enough. She held the title already. But she didn't have enough time to properly think about any potential strategy when she still had her own side of the conversation to keep up as well as books to sort.
Imeeya couldn't help but notice the emotion in her voice at the mention of her family. It was unsurprising, but Imeeya did not draw any attention to it. It would not have been polite to press an emotional topic.
Imeeya was a bit surprised by the interest Persephone seemed to have in her mother. Tythra had always been so much of a presence in her life and in Colchis that there were still those who would know her better as Tythra's daughter than by her own name. It was a strange feeling to have to explain Tythra to anyone. "From what I understand, although I have not been allowed to attend myself, she is well respected. I believe that she is even feared by some." Imeeya only wished that she knew how her mother was as effective as she was. Sometimes Imeeya felt as if even Chares didn't really listen to her. "I hope that someday I could achieve such grace and presence as she has." Imeeya also wished to wield such power as well, but wishing for things that lay out of her grasp was not a pleasant conversation topic suitable for discussing with a foreign queen.
There was something nice about holding a conversation while attending to some other task. It allowed a certain ease to the conversation as both parties were occupied by something other than trying to analyze the minute changes in expression of the other person. Besides there was something soothing both about being around books and setting things in order. Imeeya appreciated when things were in their proper place, it made them so much easier to deal with.
Imeeya grabbed an armful of books she had sorted and started arranging them on the shelf as she listened to Persephone's answer to her questions. So it was a law passed by the Senate that allowed her to rule? Imeeya briefly weighed the chances of getting any such rule passed in her own Senate that would allow her to properly control her own Senate seat. Not that that would be enough. She held the title already. But she didn't have enough time to properly think about any potential strategy when she still had her own side of the conversation to keep up as well as books to sort.
Imeeya couldn't help but notice the emotion in her voice at the mention of her family. It was unsurprising, but Imeeya did not draw any attention to it. It would not have been polite to press an emotional topic.
Imeeya was a bit surprised by the interest Persephone seemed to have in her mother. Tythra had always been so much of a presence in her life and in Colchis that there were still those who would know her better as Tythra's daughter than by her own name. It was a strange feeling to have to explain Tythra to anyone. "From what I understand, although I have not been allowed to attend myself, she is well respected. I believe that she is even feared by some." Imeeya only wished that she knew how her mother was as effective as she was. Sometimes Imeeya felt as if even Chares didn't really listen to her. "I hope that someday I could achieve such grace and presence as she has." Imeeya also wished to wield such power as well, but wishing for things that lay out of her grasp was not a pleasant conversation topic suitable for discussing with a foreign queen.
Had Persephone known Imeeya's thoughts she would have agreed with them. For it was indeed nice to conduct a conversation whilst keeping idle hands busy with some task. After spending many years in courtly or political situations where her every expression was analysed for even the barest hint of a sign of weakness or personal thought, it was nice to be able to partake in a discussion where she didn't feel constantly watched.
It was also nice, she could not help by unknowingly agree with her new acquaintance, that such a task consisted of ordering things. For, like Imeeya, Persephone liked things in their place. But she had not until now known the calming and comforting effect that organising items could have on one's mindset when their life was in confusion. It felt as if she were making progress in sorting her own life and its madnesses, when really, she was only ordering a few books in a library.
The conversation that progressed was pleasant. Interrupted now and then as one of them turned their more ardent attention on the tomes they held or on holding books in line on a shelf whilst additional ones were positioned... it lacked nothing for the pauses. It simply allowed the participants time to think and consider their words when not being spectated upon by the other.
When her mother was mentioned, the Lady Imeeya seemed unsure of her words and took deliberacy in choosing them as she organised a fresh shelf to be sorted through.
Persephone smiled a little at the notion of the Lady Tythra being feared.
"Perhaps fear is what I lack as a monarch." She murmured quietly as if to herself, before biting her tongue. Clearly the ease of the conversation was getting to her and disturbing her mental restraint. She moved on quickly.
"Grace is such a thing to be admired but less so the goal if one is to be respected, I think." Persephone ventured to offer. She glanced up at the girl from where she sat ordering a small pile, ready for it to be moved back to its shelf. "I have forever been complimented on my grace and yet still there are those that doubt my ability to rule. My... elegance, I supposed, only reminds them of my gender and therefore my failure in their eyes. You do not ask for my advice but were you to do so I would recommend the chasing of presence over grace."
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Had Persephone known Imeeya's thoughts she would have agreed with them. For it was indeed nice to conduct a conversation whilst keeping idle hands busy with some task. After spending many years in courtly or political situations where her every expression was analysed for even the barest hint of a sign of weakness or personal thought, it was nice to be able to partake in a discussion where she didn't feel constantly watched.
It was also nice, she could not help by unknowingly agree with her new acquaintance, that such a task consisted of ordering things. For, like Imeeya, Persephone liked things in their place. But she had not until now known the calming and comforting effect that organising items could have on one's mindset when their life was in confusion. It felt as if she were making progress in sorting her own life and its madnesses, when really, she was only ordering a few books in a library.
The conversation that progressed was pleasant. Interrupted now and then as one of them turned their more ardent attention on the tomes they held or on holding books in line on a shelf whilst additional ones were positioned... it lacked nothing for the pauses. It simply allowed the participants time to think and consider their words when not being spectated upon by the other.
When her mother was mentioned, the Lady Imeeya seemed unsure of her words and took deliberacy in choosing them as she organised a fresh shelf to be sorted through.
Persephone smiled a little at the notion of the Lady Tythra being feared.
"Perhaps fear is what I lack as a monarch." She murmured quietly as if to herself, before biting her tongue. Clearly the ease of the conversation was getting to her and disturbing her mental restraint. She moved on quickly.
"Grace is such a thing to be admired but less so the goal if one is to be respected, I think." Persephone ventured to offer. She glanced up at the girl from where she sat ordering a small pile, ready for it to be moved back to its shelf. "I have forever been complimented on my grace and yet still there are those that doubt my ability to rule. My... elegance, I supposed, only reminds them of my gender and therefore my failure in their eyes. You do not ask for my advice but were you to do so I would recommend the chasing of presence over grace."
Had Persephone known Imeeya's thoughts she would have agreed with them. For it was indeed nice to conduct a conversation whilst keeping idle hands busy with some task. After spending many years in courtly or political situations where her every expression was analysed for even the barest hint of a sign of weakness or personal thought, it was nice to be able to partake in a discussion where she didn't feel constantly watched.
It was also nice, she could not help by unknowingly agree with her new acquaintance, that such a task consisted of ordering things. For, like Imeeya, Persephone liked things in their place. But she had not until now known the calming and comforting effect that organising items could have on one's mindset when their life was in confusion. It felt as if she were making progress in sorting her own life and its madnesses, when really, she was only ordering a few books in a library.
The conversation that progressed was pleasant. Interrupted now and then as one of them turned their more ardent attention on the tomes they held or on holding books in line on a shelf whilst additional ones were positioned... it lacked nothing for the pauses. It simply allowed the participants time to think and consider their words when not being spectated upon by the other.
When her mother was mentioned, the Lady Imeeya seemed unsure of her words and took deliberacy in choosing them as she organised a fresh shelf to be sorted through.
Persephone smiled a little at the notion of the Lady Tythra being feared.
"Perhaps fear is what I lack as a monarch." She murmured quietly as if to herself, before biting her tongue. Clearly the ease of the conversation was getting to her and disturbing her mental restraint. She moved on quickly.
"Grace is such a thing to be admired but less so the goal if one is to be respected, I think." Persephone ventured to offer. She glanced up at the girl from where she sat ordering a small pile, ready for it to be moved back to its shelf. "I have forever been complimented on my grace and yet still there are those that doubt my ability to rule. My... elegance, I supposed, only reminds them of my gender and therefore my failure in their eyes. You do not ask for my advice but were you to do so I would recommend the chasing of presence over grace."
Normally Imeeya found that conversations with those of political importance to be very shallow and polite, but here the distraction of a shared task only served to heighten the conversation. Between the task of dusting, and inspecting and sorting books, there was plenty of time to collect one’s thoughts before one had to make a reply to the conversation. Imeeya found this quite a pleasant way to conduct a conversation, and she briefly wondered if there was any way to translate this into something usable as a political strategy.
As Persephone offered her opinion on the usefulness of grace and presence, Imeeya dusted a large tome that seemed to contain maps and commentary of the Mediterranean ocean. She placed the book on the shelf in the correct location as she considered her own response choosing the words carefully.
“Speaking as someone who has found grace elusive, I wouldn’t entirely discount the importance of that trait.” It was not the most comfortable thing to admit one’s faults, and Imeeya looked to the next book instead of towards Persephone as she considered her next words. Then she turned to speak more directly to the woman. “It seems to me that presence without grace achieves only strong opinions of a person, but won’t determine what those opinions may be. The grace helps to shape those opinions for the positive. It is a balance between the two that make one respected.”
Imeeya turned back to the book which she had been searching for evidence of the name of the author. “Of course, I speak only as an observer. I wield no great power myself, therefore I am not certain of the validity of my advice when it comes to actual practice.” Imeeya added as a disclaimer to the information she had just given, still working on organizing the books.
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Normally Imeeya found that conversations with those of political importance to be very shallow and polite, but here the distraction of a shared task only served to heighten the conversation. Between the task of dusting, and inspecting and sorting books, there was plenty of time to collect one’s thoughts before one had to make a reply to the conversation. Imeeya found this quite a pleasant way to conduct a conversation, and she briefly wondered if there was any way to translate this into something usable as a political strategy.
As Persephone offered her opinion on the usefulness of grace and presence, Imeeya dusted a large tome that seemed to contain maps and commentary of the Mediterranean ocean. She placed the book on the shelf in the correct location as she considered her own response choosing the words carefully.
“Speaking as someone who has found grace elusive, I wouldn’t entirely discount the importance of that trait.” It was not the most comfortable thing to admit one’s faults, and Imeeya looked to the next book instead of towards Persephone as she considered her next words. Then she turned to speak more directly to the woman. “It seems to me that presence without grace achieves only strong opinions of a person, but won’t determine what those opinions may be. The grace helps to shape those opinions for the positive. It is a balance between the two that make one respected.”
Imeeya turned back to the book which she had been searching for evidence of the name of the author. “Of course, I speak only as an observer. I wield no great power myself, therefore I am not certain of the validity of my advice when it comes to actual practice.” Imeeya added as a disclaimer to the information she had just given, still working on organizing the books.
Normally Imeeya found that conversations with those of political importance to be very shallow and polite, but here the distraction of a shared task only served to heighten the conversation. Between the task of dusting, and inspecting and sorting books, there was plenty of time to collect one’s thoughts before one had to make a reply to the conversation. Imeeya found this quite a pleasant way to conduct a conversation, and she briefly wondered if there was any way to translate this into something usable as a political strategy.
As Persephone offered her opinion on the usefulness of grace and presence, Imeeya dusted a large tome that seemed to contain maps and commentary of the Mediterranean ocean. She placed the book on the shelf in the correct location as she considered her own response choosing the words carefully.
“Speaking as someone who has found grace elusive, I wouldn’t entirely discount the importance of that trait.” It was not the most comfortable thing to admit one’s faults, and Imeeya looked to the next book instead of towards Persephone as she considered her next words. Then she turned to speak more directly to the woman. “It seems to me that presence without grace achieves only strong opinions of a person, but won’t determine what those opinions may be. The grace helps to shape those opinions for the positive. It is a balance between the two that make one respected.”
Imeeya turned back to the book which she had been searching for evidence of the name of the author. “Of course, I speak only as an observer. I wield no great power myself, therefore I am not certain of the validity of my advice when it comes to actual practice.” Imeeya added as a disclaimer to the information she had just given, still working on organizing the books.
Persephone was careful to show the Lady Imeeya the same balance of attentions that the Colchian had offered to her. There was a path to be walked between giving her the attention you might normally offer to a speaker, but also providing her with enough privacy for her own thoughts by keeping her gaze drifting back to the task at hand. The combination of the two - focus and dismissal - seemed to produce an atmosphere wildly conducive to more honest conversation. And Persephone was careful to ensure that the Lady Imeeya was given that same atmosphere she had bestowed upon her.
The young Queen of Athenia was careful in her consideration of Imeeya's words, determined to give her opinion and insight value despite it being - or perhaps because it was - so very different from her own experiences in life. The idea that grace and feminine elegance was a tool to be used for political power had never occurred to Persephone because it had never seemed to do her much good in achieving her ends. Yet, she hadn't considered the idea that it had in fact been a positive trait that had gotten her to the level she had achieved. Perhaps her hold upon what had once been her kingdom would have been even weaker if she had not possessed the feminine elements of her carriage.
When Imeeya came to the conclusion that it was a balance of the two - presence and grace - that could, in their unity, create a facade that others could follow, she offered a nod of understanding and contemplative agreement.
"Perhaps we could consider power to be like most things in life..." She stated with a soft lightness to her tone. "...something to be only perfectly achieved through balance and harmony of opposing elements."
When the young girl turned her own opinion into something worth less than it might have been otherwise, Persephone glanced at her way, a book on European languages in each hand.
"Forgive me, Lady Imeeya..." Persephone commented, with a slight frown between her brows. "But are you not a baroness in your lands?" Persephone's long and straight locks swayed a little as she shook her head. "You wield power in such a role, surely?"
Whilst Persephone knew little of the very finer details of political systems in other kingdoms, she had always been under the strong and informed impression that they kingdoms of Colchis and Taengea operated the same structure of rank and political power as Athenia. And, from her position as first a princess and then a queen, she had ever knowledge of just how powerful a baron or baroness could be if they wished it.
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Persephone was careful to show the Lady Imeeya the same balance of attentions that the Colchian had offered to her. There was a path to be walked between giving her the attention you might normally offer to a speaker, but also providing her with enough privacy for her own thoughts by keeping her gaze drifting back to the task at hand. The combination of the two - focus and dismissal - seemed to produce an atmosphere wildly conducive to more honest conversation. And Persephone was careful to ensure that the Lady Imeeya was given that same atmosphere she had bestowed upon her.
The young Queen of Athenia was careful in her consideration of Imeeya's words, determined to give her opinion and insight value despite it being - or perhaps because it was - so very different from her own experiences in life. The idea that grace and feminine elegance was a tool to be used for political power had never occurred to Persephone because it had never seemed to do her much good in achieving her ends. Yet, she hadn't considered the idea that it had in fact been a positive trait that had gotten her to the level she had achieved. Perhaps her hold upon what had once been her kingdom would have been even weaker if she had not possessed the feminine elements of her carriage.
When Imeeya came to the conclusion that it was a balance of the two - presence and grace - that could, in their unity, create a facade that others could follow, she offered a nod of understanding and contemplative agreement.
"Perhaps we could consider power to be like most things in life..." She stated with a soft lightness to her tone. "...something to be only perfectly achieved through balance and harmony of opposing elements."
When the young girl turned her own opinion into something worth less than it might have been otherwise, Persephone glanced at her way, a book on European languages in each hand.
"Forgive me, Lady Imeeya..." Persephone commented, with a slight frown between her brows. "But are you not a baroness in your lands?" Persephone's long and straight locks swayed a little as she shook her head. "You wield power in such a role, surely?"
Whilst Persephone knew little of the very finer details of political systems in other kingdoms, she had always been under the strong and informed impression that they kingdoms of Colchis and Taengea operated the same structure of rank and political power as Athenia. And, from her position as first a princess and then a queen, she had ever knowledge of just how powerful a baron or baroness could be if they wished it.
Persephone was careful to show the Lady Imeeya the same balance of attentions that the Colchian had offered to her. There was a path to be walked between giving her the attention you might normally offer to a speaker, but also providing her with enough privacy for her own thoughts by keeping her gaze drifting back to the task at hand. The combination of the two - focus and dismissal - seemed to produce an atmosphere wildly conducive to more honest conversation. And Persephone was careful to ensure that the Lady Imeeya was given that same atmosphere she had bestowed upon her.
The young Queen of Athenia was careful in her consideration of Imeeya's words, determined to give her opinion and insight value despite it being - or perhaps because it was - so very different from her own experiences in life. The idea that grace and feminine elegance was a tool to be used for political power had never occurred to Persephone because it had never seemed to do her much good in achieving her ends. Yet, she hadn't considered the idea that it had in fact been a positive trait that had gotten her to the level she had achieved. Perhaps her hold upon what had once been her kingdom would have been even weaker if she had not possessed the feminine elements of her carriage.
When Imeeya came to the conclusion that it was a balance of the two - presence and grace - that could, in their unity, create a facade that others could follow, she offered a nod of understanding and contemplative agreement.
"Perhaps we could consider power to be like most things in life..." She stated with a soft lightness to her tone. "...something to be only perfectly achieved through balance and harmony of opposing elements."
When the young girl turned her own opinion into something worth less than it might have been otherwise, Persephone glanced at her way, a book on European languages in each hand.
"Forgive me, Lady Imeeya..." Persephone commented, with a slight frown between her brows. "But are you not a baroness in your lands?" Persephone's long and straight locks swayed a little as she shook her head. "You wield power in such a role, surely?"
Whilst Persephone knew little of the very finer details of political systems in other kingdoms, she had always been under the strong and informed impression that they kingdoms of Colchis and Taengea operated the same structure of rank and political power as Athenia. And, from her position as first a princess and then a queen, she had ever knowledge of just how powerful a baron or baroness could be if they wished it.
Imeeya pulled another book from the shelf, gently dusting it and placing it in a stack of other war chronicles as she considered her responses to Persephone. It was nice to have a less formal atmosphere in which they could discuss things, and yet Imeeya felt like she could never truly let her guard down around this woman of a higher rank than her. The biggest advantage of the work was that it allowed her to choose her words carefully, and yet she had still managed to blunder into misspeaking, not by speaking too quickly, but by having too narrow a view of the situation. It seemed that she had spent too much of her life thinking about what she lacked rather than what she already had.
“Perhaps I shouldn’t have spoken so hastily,” Imeeya backtracked slightly. “It is true that I am a baroness, and yet I still don’t wield the power I would be entitled to were I born a boy.” It was the one thing that Imeeya found so frustrating about trying to lead a barony. She picked up another book from the shelf, not looking at the cover. She turned the book over in her hands as she spoke. “It is hard not to compare myself to others, even of lower birth who have more rights than I. Instead, I must exercise my influence from behind my steward. No matter how loyal or skilled he may be, it is still a poor substitute for being there in person.” It was true that Chares was as good as a steward could be. He would accurately report the happenings of the Senate to her: who said what, who reported what. He couldn’t, however, replicate the small important details that were vital to proper politics: the subtle glances between the other politicians, the moments at which a person might breathe a sigh of relief or sit forward with interest. That, Imeeya desperately wanted access to, and what she couldn’t get.
“But perhaps, you are right, I should not underestimate my own power. It is not nothing, and there is much that I can do from the position that I am in.” It was true that Imeeya hadn’t properly considered what she actually could do in her position. Imeeya turned back to the book that she had been holding, brushing off the cover and then placing it with the other history books. Perhaps she needed to be more active in exerting the power that she already had. She considered that as she dived into a stack of loosely bound books that were more pages roughly tied together with string.
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Imeeya pulled another book from the shelf, gently dusting it and placing it in a stack of other war chronicles as she considered her responses to Persephone. It was nice to have a less formal atmosphere in which they could discuss things, and yet Imeeya felt like she could never truly let her guard down around this woman of a higher rank than her. The biggest advantage of the work was that it allowed her to choose her words carefully, and yet she had still managed to blunder into misspeaking, not by speaking too quickly, but by having too narrow a view of the situation. It seemed that she had spent too much of her life thinking about what she lacked rather than what she already had.
“Perhaps I shouldn’t have spoken so hastily,” Imeeya backtracked slightly. “It is true that I am a baroness, and yet I still don’t wield the power I would be entitled to were I born a boy.” It was the one thing that Imeeya found so frustrating about trying to lead a barony. She picked up another book from the shelf, not looking at the cover. She turned the book over in her hands as she spoke. “It is hard not to compare myself to others, even of lower birth who have more rights than I. Instead, I must exercise my influence from behind my steward. No matter how loyal or skilled he may be, it is still a poor substitute for being there in person.” It was true that Chares was as good as a steward could be. He would accurately report the happenings of the Senate to her: who said what, who reported what. He couldn’t, however, replicate the small important details that were vital to proper politics: the subtle glances between the other politicians, the moments at which a person might breathe a sigh of relief or sit forward with interest. That, Imeeya desperately wanted access to, and what she couldn’t get.
“But perhaps, you are right, I should not underestimate my own power. It is not nothing, and there is much that I can do from the position that I am in.” It was true that Imeeya hadn’t properly considered what she actually could do in her position. Imeeya turned back to the book that she had been holding, brushing off the cover and then placing it with the other history books. Perhaps she needed to be more active in exerting the power that she already had. She considered that as she dived into a stack of loosely bound books that were more pages roughly tied together with string.
Imeeya pulled another book from the shelf, gently dusting it and placing it in a stack of other war chronicles as she considered her responses to Persephone. It was nice to have a less formal atmosphere in which they could discuss things, and yet Imeeya felt like she could never truly let her guard down around this woman of a higher rank than her. The biggest advantage of the work was that it allowed her to choose her words carefully, and yet she had still managed to blunder into misspeaking, not by speaking too quickly, but by having too narrow a view of the situation. It seemed that she had spent too much of her life thinking about what she lacked rather than what she already had.
“Perhaps I shouldn’t have spoken so hastily,” Imeeya backtracked slightly. “It is true that I am a baroness, and yet I still don’t wield the power I would be entitled to were I born a boy.” It was the one thing that Imeeya found so frustrating about trying to lead a barony. She picked up another book from the shelf, not looking at the cover. She turned the book over in her hands as she spoke. “It is hard not to compare myself to others, even of lower birth who have more rights than I. Instead, I must exercise my influence from behind my steward. No matter how loyal or skilled he may be, it is still a poor substitute for being there in person.” It was true that Chares was as good as a steward could be. He would accurately report the happenings of the Senate to her: who said what, who reported what. He couldn’t, however, replicate the small important details that were vital to proper politics: the subtle glances between the other politicians, the moments at which a person might breathe a sigh of relief or sit forward with interest. That, Imeeya desperately wanted access to, and what she couldn’t get.
“But perhaps, you are right, I should not underestimate my own power. It is not nothing, and there is much that I can do from the position that I am in.” It was true that Imeeya hadn’t properly considered what she actually could do in her position. Imeeya turned back to the book that she had been holding, brushing off the cover and then placing it with the other history books. Perhaps she needed to be more active in exerting the power that she already had. She considered that as she dived into a stack of loosely bound books that were more pages roughly tied together with string.
Persephone's features were composed into an expression of consideration as she looked to Imeeya's words. Her hands remained handling of the books, careful of how she organised the tomes and then set them into the appropriate order to be added back to the shelves in a moment.
"I have always found..." Persephone said, her tone thoughtful, as if she were talking more to herself than to the other occupant in the room. "That being a woman in the political sphere comes some advantages alongside its challenges." She shared a private and self-flagellating smile with the other girl. "True enough, not in equal exchange..."
Standing from her previously seated position, Persephone allowed the skirts of her gown to fall around her feet, any wrinkles or dust that had found purchase on the silken fabrics dropping to the wooden floorboards beneath the soles of her silver sandals. She moved to the first bookcase and with a grace that had given her the rumour of divine blessing, she sought the tomes from the top of the nearest pile and began to place them back upon the shelves in the more organised manner that they had defined.
"For one..." She suggested, to the girl, occasionally looking over at the baroness as she worked. "You are often underestimated. Peers believe you to know little of what is going on in the Senate because of your absence. You can utilise that. Holding meets and Court sessions within your own home or using those that are open to the kingdom..." Persephone's eyes turned almost wicked for a moment. "Play the fool, and I can assure you that tongues will loosen, Lady Imeeya."
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Persephone's features were composed into an expression of consideration as she looked to Imeeya's words. Her hands remained handling of the books, careful of how she organised the tomes and then set them into the appropriate order to be added back to the shelves in a moment.
"I have always found..." Persephone said, her tone thoughtful, as if she were talking more to herself than to the other occupant in the room. "That being a woman in the political sphere comes some advantages alongside its challenges." She shared a private and self-flagellating smile with the other girl. "True enough, not in equal exchange..."
Standing from her previously seated position, Persephone allowed the skirts of her gown to fall around her feet, any wrinkles or dust that had found purchase on the silken fabrics dropping to the wooden floorboards beneath the soles of her silver sandals. She moved to the first bookcase and with a grace that had given her the rumour of divine blessing, she sought the tomes from the top of the nearest pile and began to place them back upon the shelves in the more organised manner that they had defined.
"For one..." She suggested, to the girl, occasionally looking over at the baroness as she worked. "You are often underestimated. Peers believe you to know little of what is going on in the Senate because of your absence. You can utilise that. Holding meets and Court sessions within your own home or using those that are open to the kingdom..." Persephone's eyes turned almost wicked for a moment. "Play the fool, and I can assure you that tongues will loosen, Lady Imeeya."
Persephone's features were composed into an expression of consideration as she looked to Imeeya's words. Her hands remained handling of the books, careful of how she organised the tomes and then set them into the appropriate order to be added back to the shelves in a moment.
"I have always found..." Persephone said, her tone thoughtful, as if she were talking more to herself than to the other occupant in the room. "That being a woman in the political sphere comes some advantages alongside its challenges." She shared a private and self-flagellating smile with the other girl. "True enough, not in equal exchange..."
Standing from her previously seated position, Persephone allowed the skirts of her gown to fall around her feet, any wrinkles or dust that had found purchase on the silken fabrics dropping to the wooden floorboards beneath the soles of her silver sandals. She moved to the first bookcase and with a grace that had given her the rumour of divine blessing, she sought the tomes from the top of the nearest pile and began to place them back upon the shelves in the more organised manner that they had defined.
"For one..." She suggested, to the girl, occasionally looking over at the baroness as she worked. "You are often underestimated. Peers believe you to know little of what is going on in the Senate because of your absence. You can utilise that. Holding meets and Court sessions within your own home or using those that are open to the kingdom..." Persephone's eyes turned almost wicked for a moment. "Play the fool, and I can assure you that tongues will loosen, Lady Imeeya."
Imeeya had reached the final pile of books that had been arrayed around her as they talked. These seemed to be more personal records about the running of the Dimitrou household, though the order of years seemed to be in some disarray. She picked up two of the books, placing them in order, then started taking them one at a time and inserting them onto the shelf in order by date.
Imeeya raised an intrigued eyebrow at Persephone as she mentioned that there were some advantages in being a woman in politics. Imeeya had never found them herself, and she was skeptical at there being any such thing. It always seemed to Imeeya that wherever she looked there were only people saying no to anything she suggested when she tried to get involved in politics. If it wasn’t Chares, it was her mother, or someone else rejecting her ideas.
Persephone’s ideas were foreign to her. Imeeya never liked to be seen as ignorant or out of control of the situation, but there was sense in her words. Perhaps she didn’t need to prove that she was as strong or as competent as the men. If only she let them believe what they naturally believed about her because of her sex, then that would open up opportunities for her to learn important information that could inform her political actions.
Yet, there seemed one major flaw in Persephone’s plan. “I think your words are very wise,” Imeeya said to Persephone. “However, how am I to ever get anyone to take my ideas seriously if they believe me to be a fool?” Imeeya had always struggled with getting her ideas to be taken seriously, and the idea of letting that goal fall to the wayside concerned her.
Imeeya picked up the final book in her stack, fitting it neatly in order with the other books. As she turned back, she saw no more stacks she could easily help with, and she wasn’t about to take more books off the shelves herself. “I appear to have run out of books to sort,” Imeeya admitted with a bit of a laugh, though she soon returned to a more serious tone. “Thank you for this discussion. You have given me much to think about. I hope you enjoy your time in Taengea if we don’t have a chance to speak further.” Imeeya nodded her head at the woman before leaving the room.
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Imeeya had reached the final pile of books that had been arrayed around her as they talked. These seemed to be more personal records about the running of the Dimitrou household, though the order of years seemed to be in some disarray. She picked up two of the books, placing them in order, then started taking them one at a time and inserting them onto the shelf in order by date.
Imeeya raised an intrigued eyebrow at Persephone as she mentioned that there were some advantages in being a woman in politics. Imeeya had never found them herself, and she was skeptical at there being any such thing. It always seemed to Imeeya that wherever she looked there were only people saying no to anything she suggested when she tried to get involved in politics. If it wasn’t Chares, it was her mother, or someone else rejecting her ideas.
Persephone’s ideas were foreign to her. Imeeya never liked to be seen as ignorant or out of control of the situation, but there was sense in her words. Perhaps she didn’t need to prove that she was as strong or as competent as the men. If only she let them believe what they naturally believed about her because of her sex, then that would open up opportunities for her to learn important information that could inform her political actions.
Yet, there seemed one major flaw in Persephone’s plan. “I think your words are very wise,” Imeeya said to Persephone. “However, how am I to ever get anyone to take my ideas seriously if they believe me to be a fool?” Imeeya had always struggled with getting her ideas to be taken seriously, and the idea of letting that goal fall to the wayside concerned her.
Imeeya picked up the final book in her stack, fitting it neatly in order with the other books. As she turned back, she saw no more stacks she could easily help with, and she wasn’t about to take more books off the shelves herself. “I appear to have run out of books to sort,” Imeeya admitted with a bit of a laugh, though she soon returned to a more serious tone. “Thank you for this discussion. You have given me much to think about. I hope you enjoy your time in Taengea if we don’t have a chance to speak further.” Imeeya nodded her head at the woman before leaving the room.
Imeeya had reached the final pile of books that had been arrayed around her as they talked. These seemed to be more personal records about the running of the Dimitrou household, though the order of years seemed to be in some disarray. She picked up two of the books, placing them in order, then started taking them one at a time and inserting them onto the shelf in order by date.
Imeeya raised an intrigued eyebrow at Persephone as she mentioned that there were some advantages in being a woman in politics. Imeeya had never found them herself, and she was skeptical at there being any such thing. It always seemed to Imeeya that wherever she looked there were only people saying no to anything she suggested when she tried to get involved in politics. If it wasn’t Chares, it was her mother, or someone else rejecting her ideas.
Persephone’s ideas were foreign to her. Imeeya never liked to be seen as ignorant or out of control of the situation, but there was sense in her words. Perhaps she didn’t need to prove that she was as strong or as competent as the men. If only she let them believe what they naturally believed about her because of her sex, then that would open up opportunities for her to learn important information that could inform her political actions.
Yet, there seemed one major flaw in Persephone’s plan. “I think your words are very wise,” Imeeya said to Persephone. “However, how am I to ever get anyone to take my ideas seriously if they believe me to be a fool?” Imeeya had always struggled with getting her ideas to be taken seriously, and the idea of letting that goal fall to the wayside concerned her.
Imeeya picked up the final book in her stack, fitting it neatly in order with the other books. As she turned back, she saw no more stacks she could easily help with, and she wasn’t about to take more books off the shelves herself. “I appear to have run out of books to sort,” Imeeya admitted with a bit of a laugh, though she soon returned to a more serious tone. “Thank you for this discussion. You have given me much to think about. I hope you enjoy your time in Taengea if we don’t have a chance to speak further.” Imeeya nodded her head at the woman before leaving the room.