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A crisp blue morning awoke the senses of young Vilmar as he walked through the streets of the city. Sunlight glimmered along the white pillars of the vast temple structure. Breezes rolled along from the distant sea to set a morning chill on the air. Long clouds of white playfully winded across the sky. The temple cast a shadow over Vilmar as he approached. He began to slowly walk up the steps as his body started to wake along with is mind.
A myriad of halls and shrines accented through the temple. The crowd was small at this hour of the morning. The first offerings of the day were complete, and most had departed for work or other errands. Vilmar had time while his charge attended to her more private matters. He did not mind, and he enjoyed a bit of time to himself now and again. His sandals took his to the right down a long white hall towards the Shrine of Athena. She had many names and as Patron of the city many followers. Vilmar had always felt a kinship with her, even as a boy.
A pure white toga adorned Vilmar's form this morning. It was new, and the color had not begun to fade. He had left his sword and spear at the manor. He did not see any reason to require them here. His face had a groomed beard, and his hair loose. His blue eyes looked reverently at the statue of Athena. He lowered his head as his hand dropped a small offering onto the offering plate. Vilmar had never been a wealthy man, but he had always tried to thank the gods for the gifts they provided.
Ares would always be the patron of war, but Athena was the words of wisdom. The strategy behind each battle, and cunning in each encounter were her providence. It was a skill Vilmar long admired, even if he was never much of a tactician. The life of a fisherman left little time for intellectual pursuits. He had never learned to read, or educated in academic pursuits. He had always admired them though and respected those who held such skill.
He moved over to a small alcove off to the side of Athena's shrine. Inside was a large board on the ground. On one side of the board a series of carved white stones, and on the opposite side a set of black carved stones. Each of the rocks had a different placement and position on the board. People used the board throughout the day, and each morning the stones were set back in their original place. Vilmar had watched the game played for a distance, but he did not understand it. Still, he came each morning to try and wrap his mind around the strategies used and the ways the pieces moved.
The last game he had observed seemed to have been rather dramatic, given the tones of the crowd watching it. The older player had managed to move his piece to the middle of the board, and gain a center position. The younger player had moved his stones to the side in something Vilmar assumed was a flanking of some kind in the game. The tactics then shifted though as the younger player moved the pieces forward rather than back, and the older player overtook, the more youthful player's position. Sapphire eyes watched the board as Vilmar squatted down to get a closer view of it.
He picked up one of the stones and turned it in his hand. He wondered what the purpose or goal of the game was, beyond winning. Vilmar still had so many questions, and Athena always seemed to scatter the answers where he least expected. The bodyguard continued to look at the board, hoping some great revelation would come his way.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
A crisp blue morning awoke the senses of young Vilmar as he walked through the streets of the city. Sunlight glimmered along the white pillars of the vast temple structure. Breezes rolled along from the distant sea to set a morning chill on the air. Long clouds of white playfully winded across the sky. The temple cast a shadow over Vilmar as he approached. He began to slowly walk up the steps as his body started to wake along with is mind.
A myriad of halls and shrines accented through the temple. The crowd was small at this hour of the morning. The first offerings of the day were complete, and most had departed for work or other errands. Vilmar had time while his charge attended to her more private matters. He did not mind, and he enjoyed a bit of time to himself now and again. His sandals took his to the right down a long white hall towards the Shrine of Athena. She had many names and as Patron of the city many followers. Vilmar had always felt a kinship with her, even as a boy.
A pure white toga adorned Vilmar's form this morning. It was new, and the color had not begun to fade. He had left his sword and spear at the manor. He did not see any reason to require them here. His face had a groomed beard, and his hair loose. His blue eyes looked reverently at the statue of Athena. He lowered his head as his hand dropped a small offering onto the offering plate. Vilmar had never been a wealthy man, but he had always tried to thank the gods for the gifts they provided.
Ares would always be the patron of war, but Athena was the words of wisdom. The strategy behind each battle, and cunning in each encounter were her providence. It was a skill Vilmar long admired, even if he was never much of a tactician. The life of a fisherman left little time for intellectual pursuits. He had never learned to read, or educated in academic pursuits. He had always admired them though and respected those who held such skill.
He moved over to a small alcove off to the side of Athena's shrine. Inside was a large board on the ground. On one side of the board a series of carved white stones, and on the opposite side a set of black carved stones. Each of the rocks had a different placement and position on the board. People used the board throughout the day, and each morning the stones were set back in their original place. Vilmar had watched the game played for a distance, but he did not understand it. Still, he came each morning to try and wrap his mind around the strategies used and the ways the pieces moved.
The last game he had observed seemed to have been rather dramatic, given the tones of the crowd watching it. The older player had managed to move his piece to the middle of the board, and gain a center position. The younger player had moved his stones to the side in something Vilmar assumed was a flanking of some kind in the game. The tactics then shifted though as the younger player moved the pieces forward rather than back, and the older player overtook, the more youthful player's position. Sapphire eyes watched the board as Vilmar squatted down to get a closer view of it.
He picked up one of the stones and turned it in his hand. He wondered what the purpose or goal of the game was, beyond winning. Vilmar still had so many questions, and Athena always seemed to scatter the answers where he least expected. The bodyguard continued to look at the board, hoping some great revelation would come his way.
A crisp blue morning awoke the senses of young Vilmar as he walked through the streets of the city. Sunlight glimmered along the white pillars of the vast temple structure. Breezes rolled along from the distant sea to set a morning chill on the air. Long clouds of white playfully winded across the sky. The temple cast a shadow over Vilmar as he approached. He began to slowly walk up the steps as his body started to wake along with is mind.
A myriad of halls and shrines accented through the temple. The crowd was small at this hour of the morning. The first offerings of the day were complete, and most had departed for work or other errands. Vilmar had time while his charge attended to her more private matters. He did not mind, and he enjoyed a bit of time to himself now and again. His sandals took his to the right down a long white hall towards the Shrine of Athena. She had many names and as Patron of the city many followers. Vilmar had always felt a kinship with her, even as a boy.
A pure white toga adorned Vilmar's form this morning. It was new, and the color had not begun to fade. He had left his sword and spear at the manor. He did not see any reason to require them here. His face had a groomed beard, and his hair loose. His blue eyes looked reverently at the statue of Athena. He lowered his head as his hand dropped a small offering onto the offering plate. Vilmar had never been a wealthy man, but he had always tried to thank the gods for the gifts they provided.
Ares would always be the patron of war, but Athena was the words of wisdom. The strategy behind each battle, and cunning in each encounter were her providence. It was a skill Vilmar long admired, even if he was never much of a tactician. The life of a fisherman left little time for intellectual pursuits. He had never learned to read, or educated in academic pursuits. He had always admired them though and respected those who held such skill.
He moved over to a small alcove off to the side of Athena's shrine. Inside was a large board on the ground. On one side of the board a series of carved white stones, and on the opposite side a set of black carved stones. Each of the rocks had a different placement and position on the board. People used the board throughout the day, and each morning the stones were set back in their original place. Vilmar had watched the game played for a distance, but he did not understand it. Still, he came each morning to try and wrap his mind around the strategies used and the ways the pieces moved.
The last game he had observed seemed to have been rather dramatic, given the tones of the crowd watching it. The older player had managed to move his piece to the middle of the board, and gain a center position. The younger player had moved his stones to the side in something Vilmar assumed was a flanking of some kind in the game. The tactics then shifted though as the younger player moved the pieces forward rather than back, and the older player overtook, the more youthful player's position. Sapphire eyes watched the board as Vilmar squatted down to get a closer view of it.
He picked up one of the stones and turned it in his hand. He wondered what the purpose or goal of the game was, beyond winning. Vilmar still had so many questions, and Athena always seemed to scatter the answers where he least expected. The bodyguard continued to look at the board, hoping some great revelation would come his way.
Iris kept her head bowed, settled in front of Artemis' statue. Having already placed her offering in the tray, she simply went through the quiet prayer constantly on her tongue. Her dark locks were loose around her shoulders and her chiton was one of a deep emerald, the shoulders clasped with the sigil of her house. The lady rose slowly to her feet, gazing up at the statue in silence for a few long moments.
This didn't feel as natural as being in the forest back home. At least there, she felt close to the goddess. A bow in her hand, her sandals in the dirt. She already missed home and she had hardly been back in the city for more than a few hours.
A deep sigh escaping her, she turned away from Artemis' shrine, starting to make her way back across the temple to return back to her mansion. There was much work to be done before she could enjoy the feast of sinners, knowing that she might actually have to attend court the next morning. It wasn't her favorite pastime, but it was starting to become necessary.
Having friends in high places was becoming more and more vital the older her father became and the more his health failed. It would become ever more vital to find a husband before her father passed. He was feeling strong now, but it was only a matter of time before he would be gone... and she needed to prepare herself.
Her run in with Lord Rafail in Aetaea had only furthered the feelings of resentment toward the men of court. Just like the others that had attempted to court her in the past, he was just as abhorrent and immature as the rest of them. It made the idea of marriage that much more terrifying.
While she had never once thought she would marry for love, the idea of living in a marriage without it... Iris couldn't be sure whether or not her heart of her mind would survive. Would she become a simple husk? A dead soul with nothing else to look forward to? It was likely. Anyone who would try to tie her down would only make her fire fade... and Iris wasn't ready to fade away. She wasn't ready to let go of the wildness or her love of politics.
Iris just wasn't ready.
Green eyes assessed her surroundings, spotting a man crouching down by the chess board. She had seen the game played a few times in the time that she had lived in the capitol. Keeping her steps light, she found herself crouching on the other side of the board from Vilmar. "Do you play?" she asked softly, reaching for one of the stones and pressing it between her fingers. There had been one day, when no one was around, that she had tried to teach herself to play, pulling from what she had seen others do on the board. Her gaze flitted up to the man's face.
"It seems like an enticing game if only because one wants to figure out its strategy."
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Iris kept her head bowed, settled in front of Artemis' statue. Having already placed her offering in the tray, she simply went through the quiet prayer constantly on her tongue. Her dark locks were loose around her shoulders and her chiton was one of a deep emerald, the shoulders clasped with the sigil of her house. The lady rose slowly to her feet, gazing up at the statue in silence for a few long moments.
This didn't feel as natural as being in the forest back home. At least there, she felt close to the goddess. A bow in her hand, her sandals in the dirt. She already missed home and she had hardly been back in the city for more than a few hours.
A deep sigh escaping her, she turned away from Artemis' shrine, starting to make her way back across the temple to return back to her mansion. There was much work to be done before she could enjoy the feast of sinners, knowing that she might actually have to attend court the next morning. It wasn't her favorite pastime, but it was starting to become necessary.
Having friends in high places was becoming more and more vital the older her father became and the more his health failed. It would become ever more vital to find a husband before her father passed. He was feeling strong now, but it was only a matter of time before he would be gone... and she needed to prepare herself.
Her run in with Lord Rafail in Aetaea had only furthered the feelings of resentment toward the men of court. Just like the others that had attempted to court her in the past, he was just as abhorrent and immature as the rest of them. It made the idea of marriage that much more terrifying.
While she had never once thought she would marry for love, the idea of living in a marriage without it... Iris couldn't be sure whether or not her heart of her mind would survive. Would she become a simple husk? A dead soul with nothing else to look forward to? It was likely. Anyone who would try to tie her down would only make her fire fade... and Iris wasn't ready to fade away. She wasn't ready to let go of the wildness or her love of politics.
Iris just wasn't ready.
Green eyes assessed her surroundings, spotting a man crouching down by the chess board. She had seen the game played a few times in the time that she had lived in the capitol. Keeping her steps light, she found herself crouching on the other side of the board from Vilmar. "Do you play?" she asked softly, reaching for one of the stones and pressing it between her fingers. There had been one day, when no one was around, that she had tried to teach herself to play, pulling from what she had seen others do on the board. Her gaze flitted up to the man's face.
"It seems like an enticing game if only because one wants to figure out its strategy."
Iris kept her head bowed, settled in front of Artemis' statue. Having already placed her offering in the tray, she simply went through the quiet prayer constantly on her tongue. Her dark locks were loose around her shoulders and her chiton was one of a deep emerald, the shoulders clasped with the sigil of her house. The lady rose slowly to her feet, gazing up at the statue in silence for a few long moments.
This didn't feel as natural as being in the forest back home. At least there, she felt close to the goddess. A bow in her hand, her sandals in the dirt. She already missed home and she had hardly been back in the city for more than a few hours.
A deep sigh escaping her, she turned away from Artemis' shrine, starting to make her way back across the temple to return back to her mansion. There was much work to be done before she could enjoy the feast of sinners, knowing that she might actually have to attend court the next morning. It wasn't her favorite pastime, but it was starting to become necessary.
Having friends in high places was becoming more and more vital the older her father became and the more his health failed. It would become ever more vital to find a husband before her father passed. He was feeling strong now, but it was only a matter of time before he would be gone... and she needed to prepare herself.
Her run in with Lord Rafail in Aetaea had only furthered the feelings of resentment toward the men of court. Just like the others that had attempted to court her in the past, he was just as abhorrent and immature as the rest of them. It made the idea of marriage that much more terrifying.
While she had never once thought she would marry for love, the idea of living in a marriage without it... Iris couldn't be sure whether or not her heart of her mind would survive. Would she become a simple husk? A dead soul with nothing else to look forward to? It was likely. Anyone who would try to tie her down would only make her fire fade... and Iris wasn't ready to fade away. She wasn't ready to let go of the wildness or her love of politics.
Iris just wasn't ready.
Green eyes assessed her surroundings, spotting a man crouching down by the chess board. She had seen the game played a few times in the time that she had lived in the capitol. Keeping her steps light, she found herself crouching on the other side of the board from Vilmar. "Do you play?" she asked softly, reaching for one of the stones and pressing it between her fingers. There had been one day, when no one was around, that she had tried to teach herself to play, pulling from what she had seen others do on the board. Her gaze flitted up to the man's face.
"It seems like an enticing game if only because one wants to figure out its strategy."
Sapphire eyes followed the sound of the voice that had appeared behind him. The eyes caught the form of a young woman with long dark hair and fierce eyes looking back at him. Her attire was more regal, and noteworthy than his own. His eyes briefly wandered her feminine form, and his eyes wandered down her neckline before noting the clasp with a house sigil. He quickly placed the game piece down and lowered his head humbly.
"I am Vilmar, sorry milady. I did not mean to interrupt your game or the board."
Vilmar had lived a life of duty to things beyond his station. Another had always belayed the orders, and Vilmar had followed in step. As a young boy, he had heeded his father and his elder siblings. Not because he had to, but because he trusted them, and he admired them. The same way he had followed captains and soldiers into battle under the thick thunder of arrows and the steel clang of shields. He guarded and listened to the Princess because he knew that Athenai needed her and that through her his home would be stronger. He did not have much, but he always tried to keep himself well mannered in the tradition of his land.
His eyes glanced back at the board a moment as the realization began to cross his mind that she had asked him a question. Vilmar considered his answer. He did not have any explanation beyond the honest one. He had admired the game but never taught such things. Vilmar kept his head reverently lowered as he spoke.
"No milady, I have not the instruction in the game."
He wondered if she was here to meet someone, perhaps another noble. To his knowledge, the Princess was occupied with other matters this evening, so it would not be her. Another royal family maybe? Vilmar had to admit he was not very familiar with all the houses in the Kingdom. He was not sure how anyone kept track of so many of them. Ancient friends, old rivals, newcomers, those who bought in, some who recently arrived, and others that vanished in a night. It seemed like a maze to navigate so much, at such a young age as the woman before him and the Princess.
The only thing Vilmar could compare it to was a battle. In a fight, Vilmar knew the things that mattered. Position on the opponent, surprise if possible, a solid foundation if not. The choice of weapon, he preferred sword, although spear was familiar. Leverage was useful, using height or weight to one's advantage. Nothing was as valuable as the familiarity of it, he could see it in the eyes of the older soldiers. The ability to unleash brutality in an instant without hesitation. It was one of the few things Vilmar knew about himself when thrust into battle, he never held back.
He lifted his gaze slightly, a bit too look at the beauty of the woman before him again, and partially to answer her second question a bit easier.
"I know one side tries to take pieces from the other."
He gestured a hand to some of the smaller pieces,
"I think the taller pieces are more valuable than, the smaller ones."
Vilmar was not sure how to further engage the conversation, so he attempted to ask questions of his own.
"Do you play the game milady?"
He assumed that was what brought her here, but Athena had many patrons in many forms. Her strategies were a layered labyrinth that winded to unknown destinations. Vilmar was not always sure why Athena brought sure people to cross paths, but he always assumed there was a purpose. Even at this moment with a stranger, he felt there must be a purpose behind it. Perhaps she was pushing him in a new direction.
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Sapphire eyes followed the sound of the voice that had appeared behind him. The eyes caught the form of a young woman with long dark hair and fierce eyes looking back at him. Her attire was more regal, and noteworthy than his own. His eyes briefly wandered her feminine form, and his eyes wandered down her neckline before noting the clasp with a house sigil. He quickly placed the game piece down and lowered his head humbly.
"I am Vilmar, sorry milady. I did not mean to interrupt your game or the board."
Vilmar had lived a life of duty to things beyond his station. Another had always belayed the orders, and Vilmar had followed in step. As a young boy, he had heeded his father and his elder siblings. Not because he had to, but because he trusted them, and he admired them. The same way he had followed captains and soldiers into battle under the thick thunder of arrows and the steel clang of shields. He guarded and listened to the Princess because he knew that Athenai needed her and that through her his home would be stronger. He did not have much, but he always tried to keep himself well mannered in the tradition of his land.
His eyes glanced back at the board a moment as the realization began to cross his mind that she had asked him a question. Vilmar considered his answer. He did not have any explanation beyond the honest one. He had admired the game but never taught such things. Vilmar kept his head reverently lowered as he spoke.
"No milady, I have not the instruction in the game."
He wondered if she was here to meet someone, perhaps another noble. To his knowledge, the Princess was occupied with other matters this evening, so it would not be her. Another royal family maybe? Vilmar had to admit he was not very familiar with all the houses in the Kingdom. He was not sure how anyone kept track of so many of them. Ancient friends, old rivals, newcomers, those who bought in, some who recently arrived, and others that vanished in a night. It seemed like a maze to navigate so much, at such a young age as the woman before him and the Princess.
The only thing Vilmar could compare it to was a battle. In a fight, Vilmar knew the things that mattered. Position on the opponent, surprise if possible, a solid foundation if not. The choice of weapon, he preferred sword, although spear was familiar. Leverage was useful, using height or weight to one's advantage. Nothing was as valuable as the familiarity of it, he could see it in the eyes of the older soldiers. The ability to unleash brutality in an instant without hesitation. It was one of the few things Vilmar knew about himself when thrust into battle, he never held back.
He lifted his gaze slightly, a bit too look at the beauty of the woman before him again, and partially to answer her second question a bit easier.
"I know one side tries to take pieces from the other."
He gestured a hand to some of the smaller pieces,
"I think the taller pieces are more valuable than, the smaller ones."
Vilmar was not sure how to further engage the conversation, so he attempted to ask questions of his own.
"Do you play the game milady?"
He assumed that was what brought her here, but Athena had many patrons in many forms. Her strategies were a layered labyrinth that winded to unknown destinations. Vilmar was not always sure why Athena brought sure people to cross paths, but he always assumed there was a purpose. Even at this moment with a stranger, he felt there must be a purpose behind it. Perhaps she was pushing him in a new direction.
Sapphire eyes followed the sound of the voice that had appeared behind him. The eyes caught the form of a young woman with long dark hair and fierce eyes looking back at him. Her attire was more regal, and noteworthy than his own. His eyes briefly wandered her feminine form, and his eyes wandered down her neckline before noting the clasp with a house sigil. He quickly placed the game piece down and lowered his head humbly.
"I am Vilmar, sorry milady. I did not mean to interrupt your game or the board."
Vilmar had lived a life of duty to things beyond his station. Another had always belayed the orders, and Vilmar had followed in step. As a young boy, he had heeded his father and his elder siblings. Not because he had to, but because he trusted them, and he admired them. The same way he had followed captains and soldiers into battle under the thick thunder of arrows and the steel clang of shields. He guarded and listened to the Princess because he knew that Athenai needed her and that through her his home would be stronger. He did not have much, but he always tried to keep himself well mannered in the tradition of his land.
His eyes glanced back at the board a moment as the realization began to cross his mind that she had asked him a question. Vilmar considered his answer. He did not have any explanation beyond the honest one. He had admired the game but never taught such things. Vilmar kept his head reverently lowered as he spoke.
"No milady, I have not the instruction in the game."
He wondered if she was here to meet someone, perhaps another noble. To his knowledge, the Princess was occupied with other matters this evening, so it would not be her. Another royal family maybe? Vilmar had to admit he was not very familiar with all the houses in the Kingdom. He was not sure how anyone kept track of so many of them. Ancient friends, old rivals, newcomers, those who bought in, some who recently arrived, and others that vanished in a night. It seemed like a maze to navigate so much, at such a young age as the woman before him and the Princess.
The only thing Vilmar could compare it to was a battle. In a fight, Vilmar knew the things that mattered. Position on the opponent, surprise if possible, a solid foundation if not. The choice of weapon, he preferred sword, although spear was familiar. Leverage was useful, using height or weight to one's advantage. Nothing was as valuable as the familiarity of it, he could see it in the eyes of the older soldiers. The ability to unleash brutality in an instant without hesitation. It was one of the few things Vilmar knew about himself when thrust into battle, he never held back.
He lifted his gaze slightly, a bit too look at the beauty of the woman before him again, and partially to answer her second question a bit easier.
"I know one side tries to take pieces from the other."
He gestured a hand to some of the smaller pieces,
"I think the taller pieces are more valuable than, the smaller ones."
Vilmar was not sure how to further engage the conversation, so he attempted to ask questions of his own.
"Do you play the game milady?"
He assumed that was what brought her here, but Athena had many patrons in many forms. Her strategies were a layered labyrinth that winded to unknown destinations. Vilmar was not always sure why Athena brought sure people to cross paths, but he always assumed there was a purpose. Even at this moment with a stranger, he felt there must be a purpose behind it. Perhaps she was pushing him in a new direction.
Iris didn't play, but she wanted to. Part of her hoped the man would linger long enough to see if they might figure it out together. Yet, the way his gaze lingered on the ground the moment he spotted her sigil... it didn't sit well with her for some reason. On a normal day, it was a normal occurrence. A normal course of action for someone of lower status to keep their eyes down and their tongues reined in. But the next few days would not be normal...
And the fact that this Vilmar deigned to keep his eyes on the ground instead of on her was enough to set her on edge.
Slipping to the other side of the board, she lowered herself to the ground, still holding one of the pieces in her hand. If he looked any lower, he wouldn't see anything but the stone of the temple. Human nature was to look up. Was to meet the gaze of the individual speaking to you.
"My name is Iris," the lady offered softly, reaching forward to place the piece back onto the board with a sort of slow grace. "I do not play, but I have seen others play many times since I was a girl coming here to pray," she continued. Instead of staring him down, her green gaze landed on the board. It always seemed as if people grew tense when their opponent grazed too close to the larger pieces on the board.
If anything, Iris might have thought it a war game with the way that players seemed so intent and focused. As if they were generals moving their pieces in the most efficient way. The way that would keep everyone, or mostly everyone, alive.
"Players always seem so intent on the board," she hummed, testing the movement of a piece in a way that she had witnessed time and time again. There was a slight pause as Iris brought her gaze back up to Vilmar. "Would you care to play a game with me, Vilmar? Perhaps we might learn to play together. With your experiences and mine, I'm sure that we could put together the rules and the strategy, hm?"
A smile graced her lips, her green eyes bright at the prospect of doing something, anything, that wasn't what she did all day, every day. She enjoyed caring for her father's barony. She loved the work. But even ladies needed a moment to breathe. A moment to think about nothing but a silly game that the people of the temple played whenever they had a chance.
"If you have nowhere else to be, that is," Iris tested softly, lifting her head to glance about the temple. She wasn't a hunter here. There was nothing to fear and no reason to kill her own food. But old habits often died hard. She missed the barks of the hunting hounds and the sounds of the forest. At times, the city was simply overwhelming, and the little piece of quiet here was all that she wanted.
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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Iris didn't play, but she wanted to. Part of her hoped the man would linger long enough to see if they might figure it out together. Yet, the way his gaze lingered on the ground the moment he spotted her sigil... it didn't sit well with her for some reason. On a normal day, it was a normal occurrence. A normal course of action for someone of lower status to keep their eyes down and their tongues reined in. But the next few days would not be normal...
And the fact that this Vilmar deigned to keep his eyes on the ground instead of on her was enough to set her on edge.
Slipping to the other side of the board, she lowered herself to the ground, still holding one of the pieces in her hand. If he looked any lower, he wouldn't see anything but the stone of the temple. Human nature was to look up. Was to meet the gaze of the individual speaking to you.
"My name is Iris," the lady offered softly, reaching forward to place the piece back onto the board with a sort of slow grace. "I do not play, but I have seen others play many times since I was a girl coming here to pray," she continued. Instead of staring him down, her green gaze landed on the board. It always seemed as if people grew tense when their opponent grazed too close to the larger pieces on the board.
If anything, Iris might have thought it a war game with the way that players seemed so intent and focused. As if they were generals moving their pieces in the most efficient way. The way that would keep everyone, or mostly everyone, alive.
"Players always seem so intent on the board," she hummed, testing the movement of a piece in a way that she had witnessed time and time again. There was a slight pause as Iris brought her gaze back up to Vilmar. "Would you care to play a game with me, Vilmar? Perhaps we might learn to play together. With your experiences and mine, I'm sure that we could put together the rules and the strategy, hm?"
A smile graced her lips, her green eyes bright at the prospect of doing something, anything, that wasn't what she did all day, every day. She enjoyed caring for her father's barony. She loved the work. But even ladies needed a moment to breathe. A moment to think about nothing but a silly game that the people of the temple played whenever they had a chance.
"If you have nowhere else to be, that is," Iris tested softly, lifting her head to glance about the temple. She wasn't a hunter here. There was nothing to fear and no reason to kill her own food. But old habits often died hard. She missed the barks of the hunting hounds and the sounds of the forest. At times, the city was simply overwhelming, and the little piece of quiet here was all that she wanted.
Iris didn't play, but she wanted to. Part of her hoped the man would linger long enough to see if they might figure it out together. Yet, the way his gaze lingered on the ground the moment he spotted her sigil... it didn't sit well with her for some reason. On a normal day, it was a normal occurrence. A normal course of action for someone of lower status to keep their eyes down and their tongues reined in. But the next few days would not be normal...
And the fact that this Vilmar deigned to keep his eyes on the ground instead of on her was enough to set her on edge.
Slipping to the other side of the board, she lowered herself to the ground, still holding one of the pieces in her hand. If he looked any lower, he wouldn't see anything but the stone of the temple. Human nature was to look up. Was to meet the gaze of the individual speaking to you.
"My name is Iris," the lady offered softly, reaching forward to place the piece back onto the board with a sort of slow grace. "I do not play, but I have seen others play many times since I was a girl coming here to pray," she continued. Instead of staring him down, her green gaze landed on the board. It always seemed as if people grew tense when their opponent grazed too close to the larger pieces on the board.
If anything, Iris might have thought it a war game with the way that players seemed so intent and focused. As if they were generals moving their pieces in the most efficient way. The way that would keep everyone, or mostly everyone, alive.
"Players always seem so intent on the board," she hummed, testing the movement of a piece in a way that she had witnessed time and time again. There was a slight pause as Iris brought her gaze back up to Vilmar. "Would you care to play a game with me, Vilmar? Perhaps we might learn to play together. With your experiences and mine, I'm sure that we could put together the rules and the strategy, hm?"
A smile graced her lips, her green eyes bright at the prospect of doing something, anything, that wasn't what she did all day, every day. She enjoyed caring for her father's barony. She loved the work. But even ladies needed a moment to breathe. A moment to think about nothing but a silly game that the people of the temple played whenever they had a chance.
"If you have nowhere else to be, that is," Iris tested softly, lifting her head to glance about the temple. She wasn't a hunter here. There was nothing to fear and no reason to kill her own food. But old habits often died hard. She missed the barks of the hunting hounds and the sounds of the forest. At times, the city was simply overwhelming, and the little piece of quiet here was all that she wanted.
Vilmar broke his gaze treading the floor as he grew more familiar with the setting. Vilmar was not a verbose individual, and social graces were not his skill set. He did begin to feel more comfortable in her presence as they conversed. The shields he usually raised slowly shedding with each word. A cascade of walls opening one by one. He nodded at her introduction. The mention of her as a child softened the image of the woman before him. He had never entered the Temple as a boy, Vilmar's parents always had him pray in the quiet of the home. Each morning before the day began a few words of reverence between Athena and himself.
His blue eyes eventually met her gaze, once more lingering on her body a bit longer than intended. The ocean blue tides of color were swirling behind his eyes as he watched her eyes. Vilmar kept his tone rather flat, without much emotion behind his words. It was not because of disinterest, or exhaustion, he did not usually inflect much passion behind his words. Vilmar often chose simple words to express his thoughts.
"I saw two men play in the morning."
There was not much more to say in comparison. Vilmar had witnessed the game a few times, but he did not know much about it beyond her own words. Her comment about the board struck him as a strange statement. The board seemed the object to focus upon unless she was implying a player should focus on the pieces. Perhaps she had some other strategic thought or approach to the game. Vilmar nodded at her request.
"Yes, I would enjoy a game."
After the words had left his lips, he felt a bit of hesitation. Perhaps he should have shown more patience in her invitation. His eagerness to spend time learning the game was evident. Vilmar hoped his desire to spend time with Iris was not as blatant. His life as a bodyguard was often rather dull. He did not spend much time in the social graces of women outside of his duty. He decided to add to his words,
"Perhaps if we each start with a single piece and learn slowly."
The method seemed more natural than trying to learn the game all at once, but he also hoped it would grant him more time with the woman he had just met. He thought he saw her smile at him, but perhaps it was his imagination. It did have a way of running off into its own at times. He recalled starring out in the waters as a boy and dreaming of the possibilities. Vilmar found himself lingering in the memory longer than he intended. It took him a moment to realize she had graced him with another comment.
"No milady, I am not scheduled for duty until the evening."
He followed her gaze as she scanned the room. Was she expecting an attack? In the temple? Vilmar did not stay as alert when he was by himself. He always relied on the warrior inside him to rise when the need arose. Vilmar did not fear such in the Temple; the Gods were watching. He always trusted Athena, even as a boy. There was no one he would rather have on his side. Now she had introduced him to someone new. It seemed Athena was still listening to his prayers.
Vilmar took his position on the other side of the board. He picked up the small piece towards the front and moved it one space forward, on to a black square.
"I think I saw the game this morning begin, like this."
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Vilmar broke his gaze treading the floor as he grew more familiar with the setting. Vilmar was not a verbose individual, and social graces were not his skill set. He did begin to feel more comfortable in her presence as they conversed. The shields he usually raised slowly shedding with each word. A cascade of walls opening one by one. He nodded at her introduction. The mention of her as a child softened the image of the woman before him. He had never entered the Temple as a boy, Vilmar's parents always had him pray in the quiet of the home. Each morning before the day began a few words of reverence between Athena and himself.
His blue eyes eventually met her gaze, once more lingering on her body a bit longer than intended. The ocean blue tides of color were swirling behind his eyes as he watched her eyes. Vilmar kept his tone rather flat, without much emotion behind his words. It was not because of disinterest, or exhaustion, he did not usually inflect much passion behind his words. Vilmar often chose simple words to express his thoughts.
"I saw two men play in the morning."
There was not much more to say in comparison. Vilmar had witnessed the game a few times, but he did not know much about it beyond her own words. Her comment about the board struck him as a strange statement. The board seemed the object to focus upon unless she was implying a player should focus on the pieces. Perhaps she had some other strategic thought or approach to the game. Vilmar nodded at her request.
"Yes, I would enjoy a game."
After the words had left his lips, he felt a bit of hesitation. Perhaps he should have shown more patience in her invitation. His eagerness to spend time learning the game was evident. Vilmar hoped his desire to spend time with Iris was not as blatant. His life as a bodyguard was often rather dull. He did not spend much time in the social graces of women outside of his duty. He decided to add to his words,
"Perhaps if we each start with a single piece and learn slowly."
The method seemed more natural than trying to learn the game all at once, but he also hoped it would grant him more time with the woman he had just met. He thought he saw her smile at him, but perhaps it was his imagination. It did have a way of running off into its own at times. He recalled starring out in the waters as a boy and dreaming of the possibilities. Vilmar found himself lingering in the memory longer than he intended. It took him a moment to realize she had graced him with another comment.
"No milady, I am not scheduled for duty until the evening."
He followed her gaze as she scanned the room. Was she expecting an attack? In the temple? Vilmar did not stay as alert when he was by himself. He always relied on the warrior inside him to rise when the need arose. Vilmar did not fear such in the Temple; the Gods were watching. He always trusted Athena, even as a boy. There was no one he would rather have on his side. Now she had introduced him to someone new. It seemed Athena was still listening to his prayers.
Vilmar took his position on the other side of the board. He picked up the small piece towards the front and moved it one space forward, on to a black square.
"I think I saw the game this morning begin, like this."
Vilmar broke his gaze treading the floor as he grew more familiar with the setting. Vilmar was not a verbose individual, and social graces were not his skill set. He did begin to feel more comfortable in her presence as they conversed. The shields he usually raised slowly shedding with each word. A cascade of walls opening one by one. He nodded at her introduction. The mention of her as a child softened the image of the woman before him. He had never entered the Temple as a boy, Vilmar's parents always had him pray in the quiet of the home. Each morning before the day began a few words of reverence between Athena and himself.
His blue eyes eventually met her gaze, once more lingering on her body a bit longer than intended. The ocean blue tides of color were swirling behind his eyes as he watched her eyes. Vilmar kept his tone rather flat, without much emotion behind his words. It was not because of disinterest, or exhaustion, he did not usually inflect much passion behind his words. Vilmar often chose simple words to express his thoughts.
"I saw two men play in the morning."
There was not much more to say in comparison. Vilmar had witnessed the game a few times, but he did not know much about it beyond her own words. Her comment about the board struck him as a strange statement. The board seemed the object to focus upon unless she was implying a player should focus on the pieces. Perhaps she had some other strategic thought or approach to the game. Vilmar nodded at her request.
"Yes, I would enjoy a game."
After the words had left his lips, he felt a bit of hesitation. Perhaps he should have shown more patience in her invitation. His eagerness to spend time learning the game was evident. Vilmar hoped his desire to spend time with Iris was not as blatant. His life as a bodyguard was often rather dull. He did not spend much time in the social graces of women outside of his duty. He decided to add to his words,
"Perhaps if we each start with a single piece and learn slowly."
The method seemed more natural than trying to learn the game all at once, but he also hoped it would grant him more time with the woman he had just met. He thought he saw her smile at him, but perhaps it was his imagination. It did have a way of running off into its own at times. He recalled starring out in the waters as a boy and dreaming of the possibilities. Vilmar found himself lingering in the memory longer than he intended. It took him a moment to realize she had graced him with another comment.
"No milady, I am not scheduled for duty until the evening."
He followed her gaze as she scanned the room. Was she expecting an attack? In the temple? Vilmar did not stay as alert when he was by himself. He always relied on the warrior inside him to rise when the need arose. Vilmar did not fear such in the Temple; the Gods were watching. He always trusted Athena, even as a boy. There was no one he would rather have on his side. Now she had introduced him to someone new. It seemed Athena was still listening to his prayers.
Vilmar took his position on the other side of the board. He picked up the small piece towards the front and moved it one space forward, on to a black square.
"I think I saw the game this morning begin, like this."
Whenever Vilmar dropped his gaze away from her, Iris found herself focusing on his form. She silently admired the rugged muscle, evidence that he was not like many of the noble cowards she found herself conversating with at court. Iris didn't want a man that was going to belittle her in the eyes of the gods, or ignore her when she spoke. Iris didn't want someone who was going to let his gaze and his hands wander onto the bodies of others. A feat in which seemed difficult for many nobles to manage. Not that she could outwardly blame them.
Being of any noble or royal blood meant that there was this innate sense of duty toward ones family. There was pressure to marry well, to gain more money and power for the family. There was pressure from every angle, no matter which way one looked.
Yet.
Maybe she had been looking in all the wrong places. Maybe the type of man she needed, that she wanted, wasn't a noble. But someone who found themselves consistently standing on that mortal plane of Earth. The one who didn't have grandiose claims to a crown or to land. Someone who worked harder than most, but had less to show for their effort. Iris' own mother had been low born, but she had had a sharp mind, a humble spirit, and a fire that Takis had been unable to look past.
He had passed up numerous noble ladies for one chance at love.
And he had gotten her.
A splitting image of the woman he had loved deeply enough to never move on from.
When Vilmar's gaze rose once more, she found herself watching the board once more, hanging onto his words and mulling them over in silence before she opened her mouth to speak. "Slow and steady. I rather like your thinking," Iris said softly, watching the way that he moved the first piece on the board. Green eyes observed her pieces and her options. Reaching forward, she moved one of the smallest pieces forward one square, seemingly playing it safe.
"The hardest part is recalling which way the pieces are allowed to move..." she murmured softly, tilting her head and bringing her gaze back up to him. That hint of a smile on her lips never faded, even when her mind started to focus more on the game between them. She was quiet for a few moments, but only a few moments.
"I'd like to know a little more about you, Vilmar," Iris said lightly, pressing a lock of loose hair behind her ear and shifting slightly in her sitting position. "Where do you come from? Who do you serve? Anything you like, really," her voice was soft, her green eyes bright with interest. Not just interest in the game, but in him. She was absolutely sure she had seen him before, but it was sometimes difficult to place where and when. The amount of people she often met in a day wasn't ideal for trying to recall names and faces.
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Whenever Vilmar dropped his gaze away from her, Iris found herself focusing on his form. She silently admired the rugged muscle, evidence that he was not like many of the noble cowards she found herself conversating with at court. Iris didn't want a man that was going to belittle her in the eyes of the gods, or ignore her when she spoke. Iris didn't want someone who was going to let his gaze and his hands wander onto the bodies of others. A feat in which seemed difficult for many nobles to manage. Not that she could outwardly blame them.
Being of any noble or royal blood meant that there was this innate sense of duty toward ones family. There was pressure to marry well, to gain more money and power for the family. There was pressure from every angle, no matter which way one looked.
Yet.
Maybe she had been looking in all the wrong places. Maybe the type of man she needed, that she wanted, wasn't a noble. But someone who found themselves consistently standing on that mortal plane of Earth. The one who didn't have grandiose claims to a crown or to land. Someone who worked harder than most, but had less to show for their effort. Iris' own mother had been low born, but she had had a sharp mind, a humble spirit, and a fire that Takis had been unable to look past.
He had passed up numerous noble ladies for one chance at love.
And he had gotten her.
A splitting image of the woman he had loved deeply enough to never move on from.
When Vilmar's gaze rose once more, she found herself watching the board once more, hanging onto his words and mulling them over in silence before she opened her mouth to speak. "Slow and steady. I rather like your thinking," Iris said softly, watching the way that he moved the first piece on the board. Green eyes observed her pieces and her options. Reaching forward, she moved one of the smallest pieces forward one square, seemingly playing it safe.
"The hardest part is recalling which way the pieces are allowed to move..." she murmured softly, tilting her head and bringing her gaze back up to him. That hint of a smile on her lips never faded, even when her mind started to focus more on the game between them. She was quiet for a few moments, but only a few moments.
"I'd like to know a little more about you, Vilmar," Iris said lightly, pressing a lock of loose hair behind her ear and shifting slightly in her sitting position. "Where do you come from? Who do you serve? Anything you like, really," her voice was soft, her green eyes bright with interest. Not just interest in the game, but in him. She was absolutely sure she had seen him before, but it was sometimes difficult to place where and when. The amount of people she often met in a day wasn't ideal for trying to recall names and faces.
Whenever Vilmar dropped his gaze away from her, Iris found herself focusing on his form. She silently admired the rugged muscle, evidence that he was not like many of the noble cowards she found herself conversating with at court. Iris didn't want a man that was going to belittle her in the eyes of the gods, or ignore her when she spoke. Iris didn't want someone who was going to let his gaze and his hands wander onto the bodies of others. A feat in which seemed difficult for many nobles to manage. Not that she could outwardly blame them.
Being of any noble or royal blood meant that there was this innate sense of duty toward ones family. There was pressure to marry well, to gain more money and power for the family. There was pressure from every angle, no matter which way one looked.
Yet.
Maybe she had been looking in all the wrong places. Maybe the type of man she needed, that she wanted, wasn't a noble. But someone who found themselves consistently standing on that mortal plane of Earth. The one who didn't have grandiose claims to a crown or to land. Someone who worked harder than most, but had less to show for their effort. Iris' own mother had been low born, but she had had a sharp mind, a humble spirit, and a fire that Takis had been unable to look past.
He had passed up numerous noble ladies for one chance at love.
And he had gotten her.
A splitting image of the woman he had loved deeply enough to never move on from.
When Vilmar's gaze rose once more, she found herself watching the board once more, hanging onto his words and mulling them over in silence before she opened her mouth to speak. "Slow and steady. I rather like your thinking," Iris said softly, watching the way that he moved the first piece on the board. Green eyes observed her pieces and her options. Reaching forward, she moved one of the smallest pieces forward one square, seemingly playing it safe.
"The hardest part is recalling which way the pieces are allowed to move..." she murmured softly, tilting her head and bringing her gaze back up to him. That hint of a smile on her lips never faded, even when her mind started to focus more on the game between them. She was quiet for a few moments, but only a few moments.
"I'd like to know a little more about you, Vilmar," Iris said lightly, pressing a lock of loose hair behind her ear and shifting slightly in her sitting position. "Where do you come from? Who do you serve? Anything you like, really," her voice was soft, her green eyes bright with interest. Not just interest in the game, but in him. She was absolutely sure she had seen him before, but it was sometimes difficult to place where and when. The amount of people she often met in a day wasn't ideal for trying to recall names and faces.
Sparks began to wake Vilmar as his senses opened to new sensations. His emotions stirred with new feelings that wove a maze through his body of desire and curiosity. New energy began to awaken his eyes as they opened a bit more, his pupils wrapping around her form. His mind drifting upon the sound of her voice. He could not place the sensation, but Vilmar found himself enjoying sharing conversation with her. Each word seemed to awaken him further in the halls of the gods and goddesses. Vilmar tried to bring his mind to the focus of the present, but he could feel the edges pulled into the daydreams of the future. Thoughts of spending more time with the beautiful woman before him.
Vilmar offered her a small smile at her compliment on his thinking. The young soldier had rarely been admired for his reasoning. His strength and stamina were usually the things others considered his assets. In a flash of steel, those were the talents relied upon most. It was a pleasant compliment that remained in his mind as he moved one of the medium-sized pieces forward a single space.
He was not sure he had a strategy, other than moving pieces forward one at a time. Iris discussed the difficulty of recalling moves and Vilmar nodded silently after her comment as he also recognized the challenge of memorizing so many pieces. Perhaps if he could remember half, and her the other they could use the combined knowledge to finish the game. Vilmar found himself a bit surprised by the series of questions. Not by the nature of the problems, but by the fact that so few people asked about him.
His eyes watched the pieces as his hand rested just above the board. His fingers fluttered above as he watched the board. Sapphire eyes darted from section to piece as he thought about the move. He paused to answer her question as he let the thoughts of the game ramble through his mind.
"I am from Arcana milady. Have you ventured there on your travels? I grew up near the shore."
Vilmar settled on moving the piece he had before in a single move forward. Arcana was not a small settlement, but the fishing community was close-knit. Most of the families knew each other, and meals often shared during festivals and holidays. It had been hard work as a boy, but Vilmar was grateful for his lot in it. Days spent laughing and smiling with friends and family after a hard day were some of his fondest memories. He leaned back in the stone chair as he considered the next question.
"Who did he serve?" He supposed that was a somewhat lengthy answer. In faith, he served the gods and goddesses, Athena more than most. Partially because she was a Patron of the city, but also because of the kinship, he had always felt towards her. In his daily occupation, Vilmar served the Princess and soon to be Queen Persephone. In that same service, he helped the city at large. Any of those would have been sufficient answers, but he decided to answer it with those who had trained him, raised him, and made him into the man he was today.
"I like to think each day I serve my mother and my father, and my family."
He continued as he watched her make a move on her side of the board. He began to speak of his family it had been a time since he had seen them. Vilmar would have to make the journey again soon. There was less time of late as his duties to the Royal Family had recently become more active. He began to reminisce about his family and decided to vocalize the thought.
"My father is a fisherman, and my mother helps with the cooking and cleaning. I have two older brothers, Julian and Magus. Magus still helps father on the ship, Julian moved north last summer to start a farm. I have one younger brother Aeson. He also assists on the ship."
He smiled as he imagined his father rustling Aeson up early in the morning. Vilmar continued to discuss as he lost his mind in the thoughts of his family.
"My younger sisters Astraea and Daphne help around the house. Astraea will soon be of the age to marry. Daphne is fond of carvings."
His fingers dug into a fold of his attire and pulled out a small carved wooden animal. It seemed to be in the shape of a wolf, and it was a simple design. He held it out for Iris to inspect, and hold if she chose. His ocean colored eyes glanced back to the board, as he moved the piece farthest to the right. Vilmar shifted it a place forward across a black square. He finished thought.
"It is not much of a house, but it is and always has been home."
He looked across the board at Iris and found himself at ease in her presence. He looked into her eyes as he began to wonder the same question.
"and what of your home milady?"
JD
Staff Team
JD
Staff Team
This post was created by our staff team.
Please contact us with your queries and questions.
Sparks began to wake Vilmar as his senses opened to new sensations. His emotions stirred with new feelings that wove a maze through his body of desire and curiosity. New energy began to awaken his eyes as they opened a bit more, his pupils wrapping around her form. His mind drifting upon the sound of her voice. He could not place the sensation, but Vilmar found himself enjoying sharing conversation with her. Each word seemed to awaken him further in the halls of the gods and goddesses. Vilmar tried to bring his mind to the focus of the present, but he could feel the edges pulled into the daydreams of the future. Thoughts of spending more time with the beautiful woman before him.
Vilmar offered her a small smile at her compliment on his thinking. The young soldier had rarely been admired for his reasoning. His strength and stamina were usually the things others considered his assets. In a flash of steel, those were the talents relied upon most. It was a pleasant compliment that remained in his mind as he moved one of the medium-sized pieces forward a single space.
He was not sure he had a strategy, other than moving pieces forward one at a time. Iris discussed the difficulty of recalling moves and Vilmar nodded silently after her comment as he also recognized the challenge of memorizing so many pieces. Perhaps if he could remember half, and her the other they could use the combined knowledge to finish the game. Vilmar found himself a bit surprised by the series of questions. Not by the nature of the problems, but by the fact that so few people asked about him.
His eyes watched the pieces as his hand rested just above the board. His fingers fluttered above as he watched the board. Sapphire eyes darted from section to piece as he thought about the move. He paused to answer her question as he let the thoughts of the game ramble through his mind.
"I am from Arcana milady. Have you ventured there on your travels? I grew up near the shore."
Vilmar settled on moving the piece he had before in a single move forward. Arcana was not a small settlement, but the fishing community was close-knit. Most of the families knew each other, and meals often shared during festivals and holidays. It had been hard work as a boy, but Vilmar was grateful for his lot in it. Days spent laughing and smiling with friends and family after a hard day were some of his fondest memories. He leaned back in the stone chair as he considered the next question.
"Who did he serve?" He supposed that was a somewhat lengthy answer. In faith, he served the gods and goddesses, Athena more than most. Partially because she was a Patron of the city, but also because of the kinship, he had always felt towards her. In his daily occupation, Vilmar served the Princess and soon to be Queen Persephone. In that same service, he helped the city at large. Any of those would have been sufficient answers, but he decided to answer it with those who had trained him, raised him, and made him into the man he was today.
"I like to think each day I serve my mother and my father, and my family."
He continued as he watched her make a move on her side of the board. He began to speak of his family it had been a time since he had seen them. Vilmar would have to make the journey again soon. There was less time of late as his duties to the Royal Family had recently become more active. He began to reminisce about his family and decided to vocalize the thought.
"My father is a fisherman, and my mother helps with the cooking and cleaning. I have two older brothers, Julian and Magus. Magus still helps father on the ship, Julian moved north last summer to start a farm. I have one younger brother Aeson. He also assists on the ship."
He smiled as he imagined his father rustling Aeson up early in the morning. Vilmar continued to discuss as he lost his mind in the thoughts of his family.
"My younger sisters Astraea and Daphne help around the house. Astraea will soon be of the age to marry. Daphne is fond of carvings."
His fingers dug into a fold of his attire and pulled out a small carved wooden animal. It seemed to be in the shape of a wolf, and it was a simple design. He held it out for Iris to inspect, and hold if she chose. His ocean colored eyes glanced back to the board, as he moved the piece farthest to the right. Vilmar shifted it a place forward across a black square. He finished thought.
"It is not much of a house, but it is and always has been home."
He looked across the board at Iris and found himself at ease in her presence. He looked into her eyes as he began to wonder the same question.
"and what of your home milady?"
Sparks began to wake Vilmar as his senses opened to new sensations. His emotions stirred with new feelings that wove a maze through his body of desire and curiosity. New energy began to awaken his eyes as they opened a bit more, his pupils wrapping around her form. His mind drifting upon the sound of her voice. He could not place the sensation, but Vilmar found himself enjoying sharing conversation with her. Each word seemed to awaken him further in the halls of the gods and goddesses. Vilmar tried to bring his mind to the focus of the present, but he could feel the edges pulled into the daydreams of the future. Thoughts of spending more time with the beautiful woman before him.
Vilmar offered her a small smile at her compliment on his thinking. The young soldier had rarely been admired for his reasoning. His strength and stamina were usually the things others considered his assets. In a flash of steel, those were the talents relied upon most. It was a pleasant compliment that remained in his mind as he moved one of the medium-sized pieces forward a single space.
He was not sure he had a strategy, other than moving pieces forward one at a time. Iris discussed the difficulty of recalling moves and Vilmar nodded silently after her comment as he also recognized the challenge of memorizing so many pieces. Perhaps if he could remember half, and her the other they could use the combined knowledge to finish the game. Vilmar found himself a bit surprised by the series of questions. Not by the nature of the problems, but by the fact that so few people asked about him.
His eyes watched the pieces as his hand rested just above the board. His fingers fluttered above as he watched the board. Sapphire eyes darted from section to piece as he thought about the move. He paused to answer her question as he let the thoughts of the game ramble through his mind.
"I am from Arcana milady. Have you ventured there on your travels? I grew up near the shore."
Vilmar settled on moving the piece he had before in a single move forward. Arcana was not a small settlement, but the fishing community was close-knit. Most of the families knew each other, and meals often shared during festivals and holidays. It had been hard work as a boy, but Vilmar was grateful for his lot in it. Days spent laughing and smiling with friends and family after a hard day were some of his fondest memories. He leaned back in the stone chair as he considered the next question.
"Who did he serve?" He supposed that was a somewhat lengthy answer. In faith, he served the gods and goddesses, Athena more than most. Partially because she was a Patron of the city, but also because of the kinship, he had always felt towards her. In his daily occupation, Vilmar served the Princess and soon to be Queen Persephone. In that same service, he helped the city at large. Any of those would have been sufficient answers, but he decided to answer it with those who had trained him, raised him, and made him into the man he was today.
"I like to think each day I serve my mother and my father, and my family."
He continued as he watched her make a move on her side of the board. He began to speak of his family it had been a time since he had seen them. Vilmar would have to make the journey again soon. There was less time of late as his duties to the Royal Family had recently become more active. He began to reminisce about his family and decided to vocalize the thought.
"My father is a fisherman, and my mother helps with the cooking and cleaning. I have two older brothers, Julian and Magus. Magus still helps father on the ship, Julian moved north last summer to start a farm. I have one younger brother Aeson. He also assists on the ship."
He smiled as he imagined his father rustling Aeson up early in the morning. Vilmar continued to discuss as he lost his mind in the thoughts of his family.
"My younger sisters Astraea and Daphne help around the house. Astraea will soon be of the age to marry. Daphne is fond of carvings."
His fingers dug into a fold of his attire and pulled out a small carved wooden animal. It seemed to be in the shape of a wolf, and it was a simple design. He held it out for Iris to inspect, and hold if she chose. His ocean colored eyes glanced back to the board, as he moved the piece farthest to the right. Vilmar shifted it a place forward across a black square. He finished thought.
"It is not much of a house, but it is and always has been home."
He looked across the board at Iris and found himself at ease in her presence. He looked into her eyes as he began to wonder the same question.
"and what of your home milady?"
"I like to think each day I serve my mother and my father, and my family."
As if those words couldn't be any truer to Iris. She found herself pausing before she could even take her next move, bringing her green gaze up to Vilmar's face once more. That sounded like something she would say. Her family was important to her. Even though her family consisted only of her and her father, Iris knew more than anything that she served her family first. Everything she did was for them. Their standing. Their reputation. And for the love of the people that they served.
Smiling quietly to herself, Iris shook her head just slightly. "I have not been to Arcana," she admitted gently. "I have heard stories. I imagine it is beautiful, being so close to the ocean," she hummed, falling quiet when he continued to speak. Just as she had grown up in the forests, he's grown up on the seas. The thought made her smile. To grow and learn on such wild and non-domestic mediums... it often did much to differentiate people from one another.
Iris had forever found solace in the forest. She had found calm and serenity and a silent dislike for the bustle of the city on most days. When the streets quieted for the night and one could hear the sounds of the wilds beyond, those were the only times that Iris could truly love the city. But it was hard to attend court or work with her father if she had placed herself solely in Aetaea. The sacrifice of her beloved forest was necessary.
Iris couldn't truly relate. She had had no siblings. No mother to hug her or scold her. Just Takis. He was warm and loving toward her, so Iris had never felt as if she had missed out. Sometimes she found herself wishing that she had at least one sibling. That may had made it just a little less lonely over the years.
Carefully taking her next move, Iris finally pulled her attention fully away from the board when he moved to show her the wooden animal. Delicate fingers slowly touched the wood, a smile on her features. She loved wolves. Dogs. Any canines she found herself coming across. The wild nature of the creatures was something she felt a sort of kinship to.
His question was like a balm. Iris never got the chance to tell people of her home. Most weren't interested about her most beloved place.
"My father is the Baron of Aetaea. I was born among the forests and flowers," Iris admitted after a few moments, watching him with a soft smile. "It is just the two of us. As it has always been. I came into the world and my mother faded from it. My father refused to remarry, so there were no chances of having any siblings," Iris hummed quietly, her hands settled in her lap. "I grew up hunting and running with the Foxlights. They seemed happy enough to have me underfoot until I came of courting age," Iris continued, waiting for him to make the next move.
She was quiet after that, thinking through the game. Moving piece after piece on the board. The slightest of smiles kept the corners of her lips turned upward.
She was at ease here. With him.
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"I like to think each day I serve my mother and my father, and my family."
As if those words couldn't be any truer to Iris. She found herself pausing before she could even take her next move, bringing her green gaze up to Vilmar's face once more. That sounded like something she would say. Her family was important to her. Even though her family consisted only of her and her father, Iris knew more than anything that she served her family first. Everything she did was for them. Their standing. Their reputation. And for the love of the people that they served.
Smiling quietly to herself, Iris shook her head just slightly. "I have not been to Arcana," she admitted gently. "I have heard stories. I imagine it is beautiful, being so close to the ocean," she hummed, falling quiet when he continued to speak. Just as she had grown up in the forests, he's grown up on the seas. The thought made her smile. To grow and learn on such wild and non-domestic mediums... it often did much to differentiate people from one another.
Iris had forever found solace in the forest. She had found calm and serenity and a silent dislike for the bustle of the city on most days. When the streets quieted for the night and one could hear the sounds of the wilds beyond, those were the only times that Iris could truly love the city. But it was hard to attend court or work with her father if she had placed herself solely in Aetaea. The sacrifice of her beloved forest was necessary.
Iris couldn't truly relate. She had had no siblings. No mother to hug her or scold her. Just Takis. He was warm and loving toward her, so Iris had never felt as if she had missed out. Sometimes she found herself wishing that she had at least one sibling. That may had made it just a little less lonely over the years.
Carefully taking her next move, Iris finally pulled her attention fully away from the board when he moved to show her the wooden animal. Delicate fingers slowly touched the wood, a smile on her features. She loved wolves. Dogs. Any canines she found herself coming across. The wild nature of the creatures was something she felt a sort of kinship to.
His question was like a balm. Iris never got the chance to tell people of her home. Most weren't interested about her most beloved place.
"My father is the Baron of Aetaea. I was born among the forests and flowers," Iris admitted after a few moments, watching him with a soft smile. "It is just the two of us. As it has always been. I came into the world and my mother faded from it. My father refused to remarry, so there were no chances of having any siblings," Iris hummed quietly, her hands settled in her lap. "I grew up hunting and running with the Foxlights. They seemed happy enough to have me underfoot until I came of courting age," Iris continued, waiting for him to make the next move.
She was quiet after that, thinking through the game. Moving piece after piece on the board. The slightest of smiles kept the corners of her lips turned upward.
She was at ease here. With him.
"I like to think each day I serve my mother and my father, and my family."
As if those words couldn't be any truer to Iris. She found herself pausing before she could even take her next move, bringing her green gaze up to Vilmar's face once more. That sounded like something she would say. Her family was important to her. Even though her family consisted only of her and her father, Iris knew more than anything that she served her family first. Everything she did was for them. Their standing. Their reputation. And for the love of the people that they served.
Smiling quietly to herself, Iris shook her head just slightly. "I have not been to Arcana," she admitted gently. "I have heard stories. I imagine it is beautiful, being so close to the ocean," she hummed, falling quiet when he continued to speak. Just as she had grown up in the forests, he's grown up on the seas. The thought made her smile. To grow and learn on such wild and non-domestic mediums... it often did much to differentiate people from one another.
Iris had forever found solace in the forest. She had found calm and serenity and a silent dislike for the bustle of the city on most days. When the streets quieted for the night and one could hear the sounds of the wilds beyond, those were the only times that Iris could truly love the city. But it was hard to attend court or work with her father if she had placed herself solely in Aetaea. The sacrifice of her beloved forest was necessary.
Iris couldn't truly relate. She had had no siblings. No mother to hug her or scold her. Just Takis. He was warm and loving toward her, so Iris had never felt as if she had missed out. Sometimes she found herself wishing that she had at least one sibling. That may had made it just a little less lonely over the years.
Carefully taking her next move, Iris finally pulled her attention fully away from the board when he moved to show her the wooden animal. Delicate fingers slowly touched the wood, a smile on her features. She loved wolves. Dogs. Any canines she found herself coming across. The wild nature of the creatures was something she felt a sort of kinship to.
His question was like a balm. Iris never got the chance to tell people of her home. Most weren't interested about her most beloved place.
"My father is the Baron of Aetaea. I was born among the forests and flowers," Iris admitted after a few moments, watching him with a soft smile. "It is just the two of us. As it has always been. I came into the world and my mother faded from it. My father refused to remarry, so there were no chances of having any siblings," Iris hummed quietly, her hands settled in her lap. "I grew up hunting and running with the Foxlights. They seemed happy enough to have me underfoot until I came of courting age," Iris continued, waiting for him to make the next move.
She was quiet after that, thinking through the game. Moving piece after piece on the board. The slightest of smiles kept the corners of her lips turned upward.
She was at ease here. With him.
His eyes washed over the vivid green of her own eyes. His eyes held a mixture of emotions. He was curious as to who she was, beyond station and title. Vilmar wanted to know the woman before him. His eyes sparked with mixtures of lust and desire of a young man. The wanton glances at times were hinting at wanting to know her on a more intimate level. There was also a bit of comfort hidden his eyes. She made him feel at ease.
He nodded at her comment, and Arcana was not a central destination of the Kingdom. Vilmar felt his heart smile a bit as she spoke of the ocean. He did have fond memories of his times spent upon it. Arcana was a beautiful city, but his family was the people who made it home. They were the center of his world, and the center of the Arcana he conjured for in the recent memories of his youth.
Vilmar nodded as she mentioned her home. He had seen her crest but did not recognize it as the symbol of Actaea. His knowledge of politics still lacked when it came to specific names. It sounded like a splendid place to call home. He listened intently as she spoke of her home. Hunting and running seemed like a very active way to spend one's younger years. Different from his time hauling in fish at any rate, probably more enjoyable of activity as well.
He glanced at the board as he tried to figure out how to move a large singular piece that seemed to have no shape to it beyond being a pillar.
"So is that what brings you to the city then, courting?
Political marriages often arranged at an early age allowed noble families a more comprehensive selection of possibilities. Daughters permitted nobles families to lure in promising sons with the chance of a long line. Sons sought daughters with dowries that would strengthen the house. Vilmar assumed given Iris's beauty and her station that she had her selection of suitors. He tried to hide a tinge of disappointment ins his voice. Not that she was within his station, but he had hoped to know her a bit more.
She spoke affectionately of her father. She seemed to hold the man in high regard, which was something Vilmar understood. He adored his father and had always looked up to the man. Vilmar remembered the piece moved vertically. He slid it forward a single space. He continued the conversation if she was inclined to further the dialogue.
"What is your father like?"
Vilmar's father was a rather heavy set, jovial man. They had a similar appearance but the time in service to the city had led Vilmar to become a different man in personality. Others often spoke of him being more similar to his father in his younger years. He wondered if Iris was like her father. Had he taught his daughter the skills she now possessed? Vilmar could not imagine growing up in a royal household; it must have held a great deal of responsibility. Vilmar had always just focused on himself and his family.
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His eyes washed over the vivid green of her own eyes. His eyes held a mixture of emotions. He was curious as to who she was, beyond station and title. Vilmar wanted to know the woman before him. His eyes sparked with mixtures of lust and desire of a young man. The wanton glances at times were hinting at wanting to know her on a more intimate level. There was also a bit of comfort hidden his eyes. She made him feel at ease.
He nodded at her comment, and Arcana was not a central destination of the Kingdom. Vilmar felt his heart smile a bit as she spoke of the ocean. He did have fond memories of his times spent upon it. Arcana was a beautiful city, but his family was the people who made it home. They were the center of his world, and the center of the Arcana he conjured for in the recent memories of his youth.
Vilmar nodded as she mentioned her home. He had seen her crest but did not recognize it as the symbol of Actaea. His knowledge of politics still lacked when it came to specific names. It sounded like a splendid place to call home. He listened intently as she spoke of her home. Hunting and running seemed like a very active way to spend one's younger years. Different from his time hauling in fish at any rate, probably more enjoyable of activity as well.
He glanced at the board as he tried to figure out how to move a large singular piece that seemed to have no shape to it beyond being a pillar.
"So is that what brings you to the city then, courting?
Political marriages often arranged at an early age allowed noble families a more comprehensive selection of possibilities. Daughters permitted nobles families to lure in promising sons with the chance of a long line. Sons sought daughters with dowries that would strengthen the house. Vilmar assumed given Iris's beauty and her station that she had her selection of suitors. He tried to hide a tinge of disappointment ins his voice. Not that she was within his station, but he had hoped to know her a bit more.
She spoke affectionately of her father. She seemed to hold the man in high regard, which was something Vilmar understood. He adored his father and had always looked up to the man. Vilmar remembered the piece moved vertically. He slid it forward a single space. He continued the conversation if she was inclined to further the dialogue.
"What is your father like?"
Vilmar's father was a rather heavy set, jovial man. They had a similar appearance but the time in service to the city had led Vilmar to become a different man in personality. Others often spoke of him being more similar to his father in his younger years. He wondered if Iris was like her father. Had he taught his daughter the skills she now possessed? Vilmar could not imagine growing up in a royal household; it must have held a great deal of responsibility. Vilmar had always just focused on himself and his family.
His eyes washed over the vivid green of her own eyes. His eyes held a mixture of emotions. He was curious as to who she was, beyond station and title. Vilmar wanted to know the woman before him. His eyes sparked with mixtures of lust and desire of a young man. The wanton glances at times were hinting at wanting to know her on a more intimate level. There was also a bit of comfort hidden his eyes. She made him feel at ease.
He nodded at her comment, and Arcana was not a central destination of the Kingdom. Vilmar felt his heart smile a bit as she spoke of the ocean. He did have fond memories of his times spent upon it. Arcana was a beautiful city, but his family was the people who made it home. They were the center of his world, and the center of the Arcana he conjured for in the recent memories of his youth.
Vilmar nodded as she mentioned her home. He had seen her crest but did not recognize it as the symbol of Actaea. His knowledge of politics still lacked when it came to specific names. It sounded like a splendid place to call home. He listened intently as she spoke of her home. Hunting and running seemed like a very active way to spend one's younger years. Different from his time hauling in fish at any rate, probably more enjoyable of activity as well.
He glanced at the board as he tried to figure out how to move a large singular piece that seemed to have no shape to it beyond being a pillar.
"So is that what brings you to the city then, courting?
Political marriages often arranged at an early age allowed noble families a more comprehensive selection of possibilities. Daughters permitted nobles families to lure in promising sons with the chance of a long line. Sons sought daughters with dowries that would strengthen the house. Vilmar assumed given Iris's beauty and her station that she had her selection of suitors. He tried to hide a tinge of disappointment ins his voice. Not that she was within his station, but he had hoped to know her a bit more.
She spoke affectionately of her father. She seemed to hold the man in high regard, which was something Vilmar understood. He adored his father and had always looked up to the man. Vilmar remembered the piece moved vertically. He slid it forward a single space. He continued the conversation if she was inclined to further the dialogue.
"What is your father like?"
Vilmar's father was a rather heavy set, jovial man. They had a similar appearance but the time in service to the city had led Vilmar to become a different man in personality. Others often spoke of him being more similar to his father in his younger years. He wondered if Iris was like her father. Had he taught his daughter the skills she now possessed? Vilmar could not imagine growing up in a royal household; it must have held a great deal of responsibility. Vilmar had always just focused on himself and his family.
Iris was entirely aware of how the man before her was watching her. She noted the flecks of lust; the desire that he tried to hide behind an interested gaze. Iris could tell that all of his questions were true and sincere, so the feelings of roiling desire and curiosity weren't at all unwelcomed in response to something so simple and yet so complicated as a look. Green eyes remained locked to his for the longest of moments before her attention was dragged back to the board before them.
The noble lady had a clear type, she had noticed. Usually the men she took to bed were hardened soldiers. Men who could set her blood boiling with immediate desire the moment calloused hands grazed her skin. Men who understood that Iris didn't desire the gentle carress of a soft noble who had only ever did their required service tenure. Men who knew without asking that she was looking for something with more fire, a firmness, and not at all sweet.
Iris' tastes were devious, rough, and for a moment, she could almost feel the pleasure and relief a man like Vilmar could give her.
She was thankful that her gaze was fixed on the board, on the piece she was to move, and not on him.
It would have done no good to seduce a man under sight of the gods. In their temple. In their domain.
Besides, his question of her courting ripped her from thoughts of rough hands on her skin and lips on her neck that were enough to set her heart racing. Drawing her gaze back up, Iris lifted an eyebrow. "Such a bold question, Vilmar," she commented, though her wicked smile illustrated that she was anything but insulted.
"The answer is no. No courting. If I'm honest, noble men are... soft and I abhore soft," Iris said firmly, a small shake of her head accompanying her words. "I don't want a soft man in my bed," she finished, moving her piece suddenly, taking the first of Vilmar's pieces off the board.
For a moment, his expression of lust sheer curiosity was mirrored in her own gaze.
She pulled her gaze from him again, not at all trusting herself to hold the look for long. Instead, she was more than happy to speak of her father. "Getting old and sickly, but still as loving and supportive as he has ever been," Iris admitted very gently, her expression shifting to one of sorrow. "He's been ill for a very long time and its only a matter of time. For now, I perform his duties and help him with the barony," Iris said quietly. "When he's gone, it'll be taken from me because I am a woman," she sounded entirely bitter, watching him move his next piece and following suit.
"What brought you into the military, Vilmar?" she suddenly changed the topic, not wanting to fall into the heavy conversation that would ensue if they continued to discuss her father and the barony.
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Iris was entirely aware of how the man before her was watching her. She noted the flecks of lust; the desire that he tried to hide behind an interested gaze. Iris could tell that all of his questions were true and sincere, so the feelings of roiling desire and curiosity weren't at all unwelcomed in response to something so simple and yet so complicated as a look. Green eyes remained locked to his for the longest of moments before her attention was dragged back to the board before them.
The noble lady had a clear type, she had noticed. Usually the men she took to bed were hardened soldiers. Men who could set her blood boiling with immediate desire the moment calloused hands grazed her skin. Men who understood that Iris didn't desire the gentle carress of a soft noble who had only ever did their required service tenure. Men who knew without asking that she was looking for something with more fire, a firmness, and not at all sweet.
Iris' tastes were devious, rough, and for a moment, she could almost feel the pleasure and relief a man like Vilmar could give her.
She was thankful that her gaze was fixed on the board, on the piece she was to move, and not on him.
It would have done no good to seduce a man under sight of the gods. In their temple. In their domain.
Besides, his question of her courting ripped her from thoughts of rough hands on her skin and lips on her neck that were enough to set her heart racing. Drawing her gaze back up, Iris lifted an eyebrow. "Such a bold question, Vilmar," she commented, though her wicked smile illustrated that she was anything but insulted.
"The answer is no. No courting. If I'm honest, noble men are... soft and I abhore soft," Iris said firmly, a small shake of her head accompanying her words. "I don't want a soft man in my bed," she finished, moving her piece suddenly, taking the first of Vilmar's pieces off the board.
For a moment, his expression of lust sheer curiosity was mirrored in her own gaze.
She pulled her gaze from him again, not at all trusting herself to hold the look for long. Instead, she was more than happy to speak of her father. "Getting old and sickly, but still as loving and supportive as he has ever been," Iris admitted very gently, her expression shifting to one of sorrow. "He's been ill for a very long time and its only a matter of time. For now, I perform his duties and help him with the barony," Iris said quietly. "When he's gone, it'll be taken from me because I am a woman," she sounded entirely bitter, watching him move his next piece and following suit.
"What brought you into the military, Vilmar?" she suddenly changed the topic, not wanting to fall into the heavy conversation that would ensue if they continued to discuss her father and the barony.
Iris was entirely aware of how the man before her was watching her. She noted the flecks of lust; the desire that he tried to hide behind an interested gaze. Iris could tell that all of his questions were true and sincere, so the feelings of roiling desire and curiosity weren't at all unwelcomed in response to something so simple and yet so complicated as a look. Green eyes remained locked to his for the longest of moments before her attention was dragged back to the board before them.
The noble lady had a clear type, she had noticed. Usually the men she took to bed were hardened soldiers. Men who could set her blood boiling with immediate desire the moment calloused hands grazed her skin. Men who understood that Iris didn't desire the gentle carress of a soft noble who had only ever did their required service tenure. Men who knew without asking that she was looking for something with more fire, a firmness, and not at all sweet.
Iris' tastes were devious, rough, and for a moment, she could almost feel the pleasure and relief a man like Vilmar could give her.
She was thankful that her gaze was fixed on the board, on the piece she was to move, and not on him.
It would have done no good to seduce a man under sight of the gods. In their temple. In their domain.
Besides, his question of her courting ripped her from thoughts of rough hands on her skin and lips on her neck that were enough to set her heart racing. Drawing her gaze back up, Iris lifted an eyebrow. "Such a bold question, Vilmar," she commented, though her wicked smile illustrated that she was anything but insulted.
"The answer is no. No courting. If I'm honest, noble men are... soft and I abhore soft," Iris said firmly, a small shake of her head accompanying her words. "I don't want a soft man in my bed," she finished, moving her piece suddenly, taking the first of Vilmar's pieces off the board.
For a moment, his expression of lust sheer curiosity was mirrored in her own gaze.
She pulled her gaze from him again, not at all trusting herself to hold the look for long. Instead, she was more than happy to speak of her father. "Getting old and sickly, but still as loving and supportive as he has ever been," Iris admitted very gently, her expression shifting to one of sorrow. "He's been ill for a very long time and its only a matter of time. For now, I perform his duties and help him with the barony," Iris said quietly. "When he's gone, it'll be taken from me because I am a woman," she sounded entirely bitter, watching him move his next piece and following suit.
"What brought you into the military, Vilmar?" she suddenly changed the topic, not wanting to fall into the heavy conversation that would ensue if they continued to discuss her father and the barony.
Vilmar felt a lump build in his throat as she commented on his question. For a moment he feared he had overstepped his bounds. They had only recently met after all. He had to know the answer though, perhaps she was outside his station. Her beauty was beyond compare to any he had ever encountered. Still, he wanted to hold a glimmer of hope in his heart. If only a sliver of a chance were all he was offered, perhaps the gods would grant him that chance. Her smile eased his body and his mind as the game continued between the two of them.
He could feel a small smile form on his lips when she answered no to his question. He tried to conceal his, but there was no point. Even if he could hide some small facial gestures, he could not hide the way his eyes wandered her form. The desire that burned hotly behind him whenever he looked upon her. He was not sure the gods would approve, but perhaps Aphrodite would at least smile at the looks between them. Vilmar commented simply.
"I see, well I must say I am pleased to hear it."
His bold words were soon halted though as she made a mention of her bedroom. Vilmar could feel heat upon his face as his cheeks reddened a bit at the comment. He had never been with a woman. There had been women in his past, but it had never gone to that stage. Vilmar perhaps was to traditional in his ways. When he had a woman entirely, he wanted it to be someone that he loved. He wanted to share moments of lust with someone who he shared his whole world with, and everything that was part of that world. His mind lost in thought he glanced back at the board as Iris took the lead. A small smile on his lips.
"It seems you are quite skilled at strategy."
He began to look at the board. Vilmar noted on the left side where he could take one of her pieces now. He also noticed though that if she overtook his piece there, he would be able to make her piece and place himself in a more favorable position to win the game. He decided to wait and see if she would take the move instead. Azure blue eyes watched her as she spoke of her family. His heart yearned to offer her some comfort. He loved his own family much, and could only imagine his anguish if one of them were to become sick. He delivered what support he could, though he knew words did little to change the situation.
"I am sorry to hear of his illness."
Vilmar was a bit taken back by the anger in her voice at the title taken from her. He had not heard that side of her before. He did not completely understand how she felt, but he did share her desire to see her not lose her home. His own home had been something special to him, though he had never held it in a title of any sense. He tried to offer her some positive thoughts to alleviate the dour turn of conversation.
"Perhaps you will find a way to keep it."
He paused and sat back a bit as he thought about her question. It was one he was often asked but did not always know to answer. There were simple reasons he had joined, to have a profession, to see more of the world. There were also deeper reasons such as his desire to find himself. He had noble thoughts such as defending his home, and less honorable desires such as being remembered. Vilmar remained as open with her as he could.
"I have a very loving family, but Arcana was all I ever knew, all they ever knew. It has been that way for generations. I wanted something more, and I wanted to become something greater. "
When he heard the tales of great heroes his blood still excited as if he was a boy all over again. His mind rushed with the desire to share a part in an epic saga.
"So what does bring you to the city then?"
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Vilmar felt a lump build in his throat as she commented on his question. For a moment he feared he had overstepped his bounds. They had only recently met after all. He had to know the answer though, perhaps she was outside his station. Her beauty was beyond compare to any he had ever encountered. Still, he wanted to hold a glimmer of hope in his heart. If only a sliver of a chance were all he was offered, perhaps the gods would grant him that chance. Her smile eased his body and his mind as the game continued between the two of them.
He could feel a small smile form on his lips when she answered no to his question. He tried to conceal his, but there was no point. Even if he could hide some small facial gestures, he could not hide the way his eyes wandered her form. The desire that burned hotly behind him whenever he looked upon her. He was not sure the gods would approve, but perhaps Aphrodite would at least smile at the looks between them. Vilmar commented simply.
"I see, well I must say I am pleased to hear it."
His bold words were soon halted though as she made a mention of her bedroom. Vilmar could feel heat upon his face as his cheeks reddened a bit at the comment. He had never been with a woman. There had been women in his past, but it had never gone to that stage. Vilmar perhaps was to traditional in his ways. When he had a woman entirely, he wanted it to be someone that he loved. He wanted to share moments of lust with someone who he shared his whole world with, and everything that was part of that world. His mind lost in thought he glanced back at the board as Iris took the lead. A small smile on his lips.
"It seems you are quite skilled at strategy."
He began to look at the board. Vilmar noted on the left side where he could take one of her pieces now. He also noticed though that if she overtook his piece there, he would be able to make her piece and place himself in a more favorable position to win the game. He decided to wait and see if she would take the move instead. Azure blue eyes watched her as she spoke of her family. His heart yearned to offer her some comfort. He loved his own family much, and could only imagine his anguish if one of them were to become sick. He delivered what support he could, though he knew words did little to change the situation.
"I am sorry to hear of his illness."
Vilmar was a bit taken back by the anger in her voice at the title taken from her. He had not heard that side of her before. He did not completely understand how she felt, but he did share her desire to see her not lose her home. His own home had been something special to him, though he had never held it in a title of any sense. He tried to offer her some positive thoughts to alleviate the dour turn of conversation.
"Perhaps you will find a way to keep it."
He paused and sat back a bit as he thought about her question. It was one he was often asked but did not always know to answer. There were simple reasons he had joined, to have a profession, to see more of the world. There were also deeper reasons such as his desire to find himself. He had noble thoughts such as defending his home, and less honorable desires such as being remembered. Vilmar remained as open with her as he could.
"I have a very loving family, but Arcana was all I ever knew, all they ever knew. It has been that way for generations. I wanted something more, and I wanted to become something greater. "
When he heard the tales of great heroes his blood still excited as if he was a boy all over again. His mind rushed with the desire to share a part in an epic saga.
"So what does bring you to the city then?"
Vilmar felt a lump build in his throat as she commented on his question. For a moment he feared he had overstepped his bounds. They had only recently met after all. He had to know the answer though, perhaps she was outside his station. Her beauty was beyond compare to any he had ever encountered. Still, he wanted to hold a glimmer of hope in his heart. If only a sliver of a chance were all he was offered, perhaps the gods would grant him that chance. Her smile eased his body and his mind as the game continued between the two of them.
He could feel a small smile form on his lips when she answered no to his question. He tried to conceal his, but there was no point. Even if he could hide some small facial gestures, he could not hide the way his eyes wandered her form. The desire that burned hotly behind him whenever he looked upon her. He was not sure the gods would approve, but perhaps Aphrodite would at least smile at the looks between them. Vilmar commented simply.
"I see, well I must say I am pleased to hear it."
His bold words were soon halted though as she made a mention of her bedroom. Vilmar could feel heat upon his face as his cheeks reddened a bit at the comment. He had never been with a woman. There had been women in his past, but it had never gone to that stage. Vilmar perhaps was to traditional in his ways. When he had a woman entirely, he wanted it to be someone that he loved. He wanted to share moments of lust with someone who he shared his whole world with, and everything that was part of that world. His mind lost in thought he glanced back at the board as Iris took the lead. A small smile on his lips.
"It seems you are quite skilled at strategy."
He began to look at the board. Vilmar noted on the left side where he could take one of her pieces now. He also noticed though that if she overtook his piece there, he would be able to make her piece and place himself in a more favorable position to win the game. He decided to wait and see if she would take the move instead. Azure blue eyes watched her as she spoke of her family. His heart yearned to offer her some comfort. He loved his own family much, and could only imagine his anguish if one of them were to become sick. He delivered what support he could, though he knew words did little to change the situation.
"I am sorry to hear of his illness."
Vilmar was a bit taken back by the anger in her voice at the title taken from her. He had not heard that side of her before. He did not completely understand how she felt, but he did share her desire to see her not lose her home. His own home had been something special to him, though he had never held it in a title of any sense. He tried to offer her some positive thoughts to alleviate the dour turn of conversation.
"Perhaps you will find a way to keep it."
He paused and sat back a bit as he thought about her question. It was one he was often asked but did not always know to answer. There were simple reasons he had joined, to have a profession, to see more of the world. There were also deeper reasons such as his desire to find himself. He had noble thoughts such as defending his home, and less honorable desires such as being remembered. Vilmar remained as open with her as he could.
"I have a very loving family, but Arcana was all I ever knew, all they ever knew. It has been that way for generations. I wanted something more, and I wanted to become something greater. "
When he heard the tales of great heroes his blood still excited as if he was a boy all over again. His mind rushed with the desire to share a part in an epic saga.
"So what does bring you to the city then?"
The lady's mind had returned to the game, that glimmer of desire still settled at the pit of her stomach. It would not do to become so quickly involved with someone she had just met. What her heart wanted and what propriety demanded were two completely different things. Iris had always wanted a man to look at her the way that Vilmar just had, but there were still other facts to consider in this moment.
That expression was not one of love. It was of lust, and while Iris never had any problem sating her own desires in the past, her position was already precarious. Long gone were the thoughts of simply sating needs and desires. There were new needs at the forefront of her mind.
Needs like the need to marry. The pleading of her father hadn't gone unheard. Iris wasn't going to rush, but the careful consideration she was now required to give these moments, these potential courtships, was much greater than they had been in the past. This Vilmar, this soldier, was obviously kind and considerate. Interested in her, but they had only just met, and she had to remind herself that she could not let her desires run away with her.
"Pleased to hear that I am not courting any noble men, Vilmar?" Iris questioned, bringing her gaze up from the game and lifting an eyebrow. "I'm quite pleased by my own decision as well," her voice held the smallest of humor, her green eyes still alight with a long-hidden playful nature. Vilmar's further comment of her being skilled in strategy made her gaze drop back to the board, observing the pieces in front of her. It took her a moment to calculate all of the ways that her pieces would be allowed to move.
Feeling as if keeping her piece in place was the better idea, her hand hovered the board, choosing a different piece to move forward. It was in hope of distracting him from the fact that he could overtake her in one spot. Iris was no soldier, but if she were to really play this game, she would play it to win.
"My father has been sick for a long time," Iris commented lightly, a very slight shrug of her shoulders being the only emotion that she could muster. "For now, we simply move through the motions and await the next day. Its simply all we can do," she continued, settling her hands in her lap and watching Vilmar with an interested gaze. "I'm sure that I shall," she nodded mostly to herself. "It's very noble of you to step away from your home to serve something greater than yourself, Vilmar," Iris mentioned when he spoke about why he joined the military. "I meet with the soldiers in Aetaea quite often and many of them feel the same," she murmured, pressing a lock of hair behind her ear.
What had brought her to the city? Mostly her father's request that she really start trying to win the favor of a man. He'd said a few times recently that he could feel it coming. His death. And he was fearful that she would be alone once he was gone. Thus, it was her duty to start attending court once more. Though, the presence of Rafail of Marikas would likely make court much less exciting for the woman.
For a moment, she hoped that maybe he'd be out of town once more and bothering some other baron's daughter in her own home.
"If I'm honest," Iris started softly, "I'm here to find courtship," she murmured, "At the behest of my father. You can already tell that I find myself... wholly against the idea," she smiled and shook her head again. "It's been so long since I returned to court, I honestly came out here to ask Artemis for strength," she hummed, "To help me get through this session and maybe the next."
It was then that Iris glanced toward the sun, debating the time and how much time she had left before she was to attend to court. It would take some time to ready, though she did find herself enjoying their game immensely. So she stayed for a time longer. A few more turns between the two of them saw it completed. She thought she won, but she knew so little of the game that she wasn't entirely sure if the game was truly finished.
Brushing her fingers against her knees, Iris pushed herself to her feet, taking the lull in the conversation, Vilmar's quiet contemplation of their game, as her out for the time being. "I thank you for the game, Vilmar," Iris noted softly, dipping her head, "I would be pleased to play again sometime, though for now I must return home."
After the quiet goodbye, Iris gathered herself, giving her potential new friend a soft smile, and then slipped out of the temple with the next events of the day already on her mind. A return to court was not a simple affair.
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The lady's mind had returned to the game, that glimmer of desire still settled at the pit of her stomach. It would not do to become so quickly involved with someone she had just met. What her heart wanted and what propriety demanded were two completely different things. Iris had always wanted a man to look at her the way that Vilmar just had, but there were still other facts to consider in this moment.
That expression was not one of love. It was of lust, and while Iris never had any problem sating her own desires in the past, her position was already precarious. Long gone were the thoughts of simply sating needs and desires. There were new needs at the forefront of her mind.
Needs like the need to marry. The pleading of her father hadn't gone unheard. Iris wasn't going to rush, but the careful consideration she was now required to give these moments, these potential courtships, was much greater than they had been in the past. This Vilmar, this soldier, was obviously kind and considerate. Interested in her, but they had only just met, and she had to remind herself that she could not let her desires run away with her.
"Pleased to hear that I am not courting any noble men, Vilmar?" Iris questioned, bringing her gaze up from the game and lifting an eyebrow. "I'm quite pleased by my own decision as well," her voice held the smallest of humor, her green eyes still alight with a long-hidden playful nature. Vilmar's further comment of her being skilled in strategy made her gaze drop back to the board, observing the pieces in front of her. It took her a moment to calculate all of the ways that her pieces would be allowed to move.
Feeling as if keeping her piece in place was the better idea, her hand hovered the board, choosing a different piece to move forward. It was in hope of distracting him from the fact that he could overtake her in one spot. Iris was no soldier, but if she were to really play this game, she would play it to win.
"My father has been sick for a long time," Iris commented lightly, a very slight shrug of her shoulders being the only emotion that she could muster. "For now, we simply move through the motions and await the next day. Its simply all we can do," she continued, settling her hands in her lap and watching Vilmar with an interested gaze. "I'm sure that I shall," she nodded mostly to herself. "It's very noble of you to step away from your home to serve something greater than yourself, Vilmar," Iris mentioned when he spoke about why he joined the military. "I meet with the soldiers in Aetaea quite often and many of them feel the same," she murmured, pressing a lock of hair behind her ear.
What had brought her to the city? Mostly her father's request that she really start trying to win the favor of a man. He'd said a few times recently that he could feel it coming. His death. And he was fearful that she would be alone once he was gone. Thus, it was her duty to start attending court once more. Though, the presence of Rafail of Marikas would likely make court much less exciting for the woman.
For a moment, she hoped that maybe he'd be out of town once more and bothering some other baron's daughter in her own home.
"If I'm honest," Iris started softly, "I'm here to find courtship," she murmured, "At the behest of my father. You can already tell that I find myself... wholly against the idea," she smiled and shook her head again. "It's been so long since I returned to court, I honestly came out here to ask Artemis for strength," she hummed, "To help me get through this session and maybe the next."
It was then that Iris glanced toward the sun, debating the time and how much time she had left before she was to attend to court. It would take some time to ready, though she did find herself enjoying their game immensely. So she stayed for a time longer. A few more turns between the two of them saw it completed. She thought she won, but she knew so little of the game that she wasn't entirely sure if the game was truly finished.
Brushing her fingers against her knees, Iris pushed herself to her feet, taking the lull in the conversation, Vilmar's quiet contemplation of their game, as her out for the time being. "I thank you for the game, Vilmar," Iris noted softly, dipping her head, "I would be pleased to play again sometime, though for now I must return home."
After the quiet goodbye, Iris gathered herself, giving her potential new friend a soft smile, and then slipped out of the temple with the next events of the day already on her mind. A return to court was not a simple affair.
The lady's mind had returned to the game, that glimmer of desire still settled at the pit of her stomach. It would not do to become so quickly involved with someone she had just met. What her heart wanted and what propriety demanded were two completely different things. Iris had always wanted a man to look at her the way that Vilmar just had, but there were still other facts to consider in this moment.
That expression was not one of love. It was of lust, and while Iris never had any problem sating her own desires in the past, her position was already precarious. Long gone were the thoughts of simply sating needs and desires. There were new needs at the forefront of her mind.
Needs like the need to marry. The pleading of her father hadn't gone unheard. Iris wasn't going to rush, but the careful consideration she was now required to give these moments, these potential courtships, was much greater than they had been in the past. This Vilmar, this soldier, was obviously kind and considerate. Interested in her, but they had only just met, and she had to remind herself that she could not let her desires run away with her.
"Pleased to hear that I am not courting any noble men, Vilmar?" Iris questioned, bringing her gaze up from the game and lifting an eyebrow. "I'm quite pleased by my own decision as well," her voice held the smallest of humor, her green eyes still alight with a long-hidden playful nature. Vilmar's further comment of her being skilled in strategy made her gaze drop back to the board, observing the pieces in front of her. It took her a moment to calculate all of the ways that her pieces would be allowed to move.
Feeling as if keeping her piece in place was the better idea, her hand hovered the board, choosing a different piece to move forward. It was in hope of distracting him from the fact that he could overtake her in one spot. Iris was no soldier, but if she were to really play this game, she would play it to win.
"My father has been sick for a long time," Iris commented lightly, a very slight shrug of her shoulders being the only emotion that she could muster. "For now, we simply move through the motions and await the next day. Its simply all we can do," she continued, settling her hands in her lap and watching Vilmar with an interested gaze. "I'm sure that I shall," she nodded mostly to herself. "It's very noble of you to step away from your home to serve something greater than yourself, Vilmar," Iris mentioned when he spoke about why he joined the military. "I meet with the soldiers in Aetaea quite often and many of them feel the same," she murmured, pressing a lock of hair behind her ear.
What had brought her to the city? Mostly her father's request that she really start trying to win the favor of a man. He'd said a few times recently that he could feel it coming. His death. And he was fearful that she would be alone once he was gone. Thus, it was her duty to start attending court once more. Though, the presence of Rafail of Marikas would likely make court much less exciting for the woman.
For a moment, she hoped that maybe he'd be out of town once more and bothering some other baron's daughter in her own home.
"If I'm honest," Iris started softly, "I'm here to find courtship," she murmured, "At the behest of my father. You can already tell that I find myself... wholly against the idea," she smiled and shook her head again. "It's been so long since I returned to court, I honestly came out here to ask Artemis for strength," she hummed, "To help me get through this session and maybe the next."
It was then that Iris glanced toward the sun, debating the time and how much time she had left before she was to attend to court. It would take some time to ready, though she did find herself enjoying their game immensely. So she stayed for a time longer. A few more turns between the two of them saw it completed. She thought she won, but she knew so little of the game that she wasn't entirely sure if the game was truly finished.
Brushing her fingers against her knees, Iris pushed herself to her feet, taking the lull in the conversation, Vilmar's quiet contemplation of their game, as her out for the time being. "I thank you for the game, Vilmar," Iris noted softly, dipping her head, "I would be pleased to play again sometime, though for now I must return home."
After the quiet goodbye, Iris gathered herself, giving her potential new friend a soft smile, and then slipped out of the temple with the next events of the day already on her mind. A return to court was not a simple affair.
